62 | Feature: Hadleigh Timber Group
HADLEIGH GUNNING FOR GROWTH
The Hadleigh Timber Group is one of the leading timber product distributors in the UK. Stephen Powney met up with its CEO, Chris Rudd, to be updated on the Group’s developments and ambitions
The Hadleigh Timber Group has ambition – in fact, very big ambitions in the UK wood product industries.
The Hadleigh name has been synonymous with growth and expansion over recent years and operates some of the leading timber product distribution companies – Meyer and Panelco being the foremost with their panel products focus, with its Timbmet operation recently bolstered by the acquisition of CP Timber - creating Timbmet Trade for hardwoods and specialist softwood products. The Meyer and Timbmet operations have been significantly changed over the years, as a new, lean nationwide distribution model was implemented, and the recruitment of a number of experienced key executives has created the conditions for the Group’s next phase of growth.
It’s been more than eight years since
TTJ last sat down with Hadleigh – on that occasion it was chairman Martyn Meade. This time CEO Chris Rudd presented the company’s ambition, vision and desire to strengthen customer partnerships while improving efficiency and value across the UK wood products sector.
HADLEIGH PREDICTING LARGE GROWTH Mr Rudd told TTJ that the positioning of the business, its plans and a coming market recovery could see the Group reach a major growth milestone in the next 18 months – an organic target not considering acquisitions. The 18-month target would equate to annual sales of around 800,000m3
, he added. The 18-month growth aim for Meyer and
Panelco is for each to achieve approximately £200m turnover, with Timbmet reaching around £100m.
These figures would clearly position the business near the top of the UK timber distribution sector.
Above: The Hadleigh Timber Group
comprises leading brands Meyer Timber, Panelco and Timbmet Trade
The business’s turnover in 2024 was £237m, a figure which is expected to exceed £300m in 2025.
TTJ | November/December 2025 |
www.ttjonline.com
Group sales in 2025 to date are up 15%, with Hadleigh taking market share – due, Mr Rudd says, to its comprehensive customer service and consistent reliability. “Our growth is driven by customers,” he said. “They trust us to deliver – in service, product range and dependability. That consistency is what keeps us moving forward.”
Expectations are for a 20% sales increase in H2 2025.
Infrastructure and marketing are also being strengthened, with the new Swindon depot going operational in July and the Hadleigh name taking a more prominent position on vehicle livery. “All sites are now under the Hadleigh umbrella, with new branding being rolled out,” Mr Rudd explained. “You’ll see the Hadleigh name at sites and on delivery vehicles, alongside the individual company identity. It’s all about a joined-up experience for our customers.” Hadleigh Timber Group sites are now located in Scotland, Swindon, Stoke, Shellingford (timber division) and Tilbury. The scale of these facilities are compelling – Stoke covers 1 million ft2 200,000 ft2 250,000 ft2
, Scotland 300,000 ft2 and Swindon 300,000 ft2
, Shellingford , Tilbury –
all strategically positioned for nationwide service.
The growth ambition extends beyond the core panels business to encompass solid wood, particularly hardwoods and modified wood. Panelco has grown market share through service excellence and, in part, following the exit of International Decorative Surfaces (IDS), with new additional products added to its portfolio. Mr Rudd sees a real advantage here because of Hadleigh’s work in creating a fast and efficient nationwide distribution operation.
“I think things are on the up,” he said. “Over the next 6–10 months, things will
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