TIMBER INTRODUCING LATHAM J
ames Latham has announced the rebrand of its Rochdale-based timber mouldings and cladding specialist, Dresser Mouldings, which will now operate under the name Latham Timber Manufacturing (LTM). This rebrand marks an important milestone in the James Latham Group’s strategy to align all its subsidiaries with the overarching family of brands, creating a unified package that spans the entire distribution services supply chain James Latham acquired Dresser Mouldings in 2019 to meet the growing market demand for machined mouldings and cladding, a trend that has only intensified in recent years. James Latham’s timber director, Andy Duffin said: “The new visualiser is the perfect calling card for LTM, and the services it has to offer. Crucially, it shows how we’re constantly listening to our audience’s requirements and looking for ways to give them exactly what they need to make the most informed choice possible, regardless of time or location. As we continue to grow our share in the facades market, the new identity and cutting-edge visualiser platform positions us to compete for more business, ethically and sustainably.” As LTM, the business will also be benefitting from significant investment from the James
TIMBER MANUFACTURING Dresser Mouldings rebrands to Latham Timber Manufacturing with a refreshed proposition, an upgraded plant, and a new, cutting-edge cladding visualiser.
Latham Group. This investment includes major upgrades to plant equipment, which now includes the latest state-of-the-art machinery, enhancing both capability and efficiency, while maintaining the high standards of craftsmanship that the business is known for. David Johnson, general manager at LTM, said: “Since James Latham acquired Dresser, they’ve provided support in helping to enhance the business and expandbour scope and ambitions. Simply put, they are experts deeply rooted in the timber trade, with a clear understanding of the challenges we face and the ability to recognise opportunities as they
arise. They continue to support us, evolving our offering, maintaining our appeal.” James Latham has long been at the forefront of digital innovation, and to mark the rebrand, the company has introduced a cutting-edge online tool: the James Latham Cladding Visualiser. This new platform builds on the success of the distributor’s award-winning Digital Showroom, providing architects, designers, and contractors with the ability to visualise how cladding products will look in real- world applications before specifying them. Developed in collaboration with long-time design partner Cyon Agency, the platform allows users to see a variety of materials, colours, and tones in different lighting conditions on various building types. Featuring leading brands such as Accoya, Shou Sugi Ban, and James Latham’s own multi-award-winning Finish Line collection, the visualiser gives users unparalleled freedom to explore the exterior finishes of their developments. James Latham uses high-definition photographic renders of the actual materials, providing a true-to-life representation of how each product will look on a building façade. Another key advantage is the authenticity of the in-person specification journey. The platform ensures a showroom-like feel, allowing users to explore various materials, colourways, and lighting conditions with ease. BMJ
WOOD IMPORT FLUCTUATIONS STABILISE IN 2024
Timber imports to the UK have continued to stabilise during 2024, following very similar patterns to those seen in 2023 for the first eight months of the year.
T 24
he latest figures for August 2024 show imports of the main timber and panel products fell below the levels seen in August 2023 by nearly 4%. Lower hardwood plywood imports contributed to this lower volume, down 19% in the month. However, hardwood plywood volumes were untypically high in August 2023, exaggerating this year’s monthly decline.
Despite the fall seen in August, overall import volumes of the main timber and panel products remain just 2.8% lower in the first eight
months of 2024 than during the same period in 2023 – with the overall deficit remaining the same as last month. This shows timber and
panel imports have largely steadied over the last 18 months, following a period of great volatility post-pandemic.
TDUK head of technical and trade, Nick Boulton, said: “The CPA has predicted a rise in overall construction output of 2.5% in 2025. The industry remains challenging, but there are signs that things are beginning to improve, and early indicators suggest the two largest construction sectors – private housing and private repair, maintenance and improvement – will pick up next year. BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net December 2024
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