NEWSROUND Metsä Wood to streamline UK operations


Around 140 jobs may be at risk after Finnish wood products corporation Metsä Wood announced it is to scale back its UK operations.


In a statement, the company said the move its due to “significant changes in the competitive landscape and evolving customer requirements”.


It also said that the


developments mean beginning a “collective consultation with employees”, likely to affect roles, responsibilities, and reporting


lines, with an estimated impact on around 140 positions, out of the 275 employees at its two sites.


The Boston-based company made a statement on February 10, in which it said that it remains “committed in the UK to delivering high-quality Nordic Wood products and services to its customers and to maintaining strong, sustainable partnerships aligned with its long-term strategy”.


Wavin and Milwaukee gear up for


Plumb Centre roadshow Plumbing and drainage manufacturer Wavin is partnering with tool manufacturer Milwaukee to launch a nationwide roadshow across branches at national merchant Wolseley Plumb Centre.


The tour kicked off in February, with Wavin’s custom mobile display vehicle, the ‘WaVan’, arriving on site for a day of practical product demonstrations and expert advice.


Across the 29-stop tour, installers will get to see the latest innovations from Wavin


and Milwaukee. The last stop is Aberdeen on May 21.


Visitors will get the chance to pick up exclusive giveaways and free product packs, while anyone purchasing a Milwaukee product on the day will be entered into a prize draw to win a Milwaukee branded radio. Attendees will also have the chance to discover Wavin’s new Hep2O keyless range with free sample packs. Director of regional operations at Wolseley Plumb Centre. Graeme Etherington, said: “Partnering with Wavin and Milwaukee allows us to bring even more value to our installer


customers. And because both Wavin and Milwaukee are part of our PlumbPro loyalty programme, this tour gives customers even more opportunities to engage with the brands they already rely on while unlocking extra value through PlumbPro benefits. We’re helping installers get hands-on with new products, ask questions, and find practical ways to make their everyday work easier.”


Bullard to front Jewson landscaping campaign


Former Fulham FC, Hull City and Ipswich Town player and TV personality Jimmy Bullard is set to front a new landscaping campaign by Jewson. Bullard will portray a high- energy landscaping ‘coach’, set out to show employees, trade customers and aspiring DIY landscapers that with Jewson products and services, landscaping is made easier, ‘because the job’s ‘ard enough”.


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Throughout the spring and summer, Jewson will offer customers a variety of promotions on its landscaping range, and new own-brand product lines including


top soil, bark, mulch, compost and grade wood chippings. There will also be landscaping themed activities in branch in line with key sporting events including The Masters and the World Cup. Marketing director for STARK UK, Jewson’s parent company, Tessa Viller, said: “Jimmy’s energy, credibility and down-to-earth approach make him the perfect fit as our landscaping ambassador. It’s great to have him on board.”


Metsä Wood UK operates from manufacturing and distribution sites in Boston and King’s Lynn. Metsä Wood UK made a


pre-tax profit of £8.7m (2023: £3.7m) and sales of £173.3m (2023: £191m) in the year to December 31 2024.


International Plywood (Importers), C & W Berry and Isover Saint Gobain’s Andy Fletcher were the overall winners at the Fortis Building and Timber Conference Supplier Awards on March 3. The gala awards night was held in the middle of the buying group’s two-day event, which saw over 4,000 meetings held between merchants and suppliers. There were nine category


award winners, with International Plywood, C & W Berry and Fletcher crowned Overall Supplier of the Year, Most Engaged Member, and Account Manager of the Year respectively. The category winners were: Bricks & Blocks: wienerberger UK, Civils & groundworks: Brett Martin


Timber & Sheet Materials: International Plywood (Importers) Insulation & Plasterboard: Siniat by Etex, Tools, Clothing & Ironmongery: Toolbank, Roofing: Flex-R, Joinery & Doors: LPD Doors, Decorating & Chemicals: Tembe, Soudal, Sika, Azpects Cement: Heidelberg Materials


Member engagement (voted by suppliers): CW Berry


Overall Supplier of the Year: International Plywood (Importers)


Fortis Account Manager of the Year Andy Fletcher Isover UK,


The awards were hosted by TV and radio comedian Josh Widdicombe.


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net March 2026


Fortis celebrates suppliers with awards


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