Timber firm marks milestone with major investment

A family-owned timber importer is celebrating 60 years in business with a series of major investments.

As well as unveiling a complete refurbishment of its timber showroom, earlier this year, Duffield Timber’s re-investment programme saw the merchant complete a £1m renovation of its sawmill facility.

Last year, the company unveiled its joinery and woodworking centre – thought to be the largest of its kind in the UK.

The business was founded in 1957 by Robert Duffield, and through three generations, has grown to become a leading player in the UK timber industry. In addition to its own mill facilities, the business serves both trade and the public.

Duffield started out as a small wood yard on the bank of the River Ure in Ripon, selling fencing, posts and rails. Now celebrating its diamond anniversary year, Duffield employs over 40 staff at its state-of-the-art seven-acre site in the village of Melmerby, near Ripon.

Howard Duffield, managing director of Duffield Timber, said: “I’d like to say a massive thank you to all our staff and customers – past and present – for their commitment through an incredible 60 years.

“Duffield’s history thus far is quite magnificent – from starting out selling posts and rails through to being the largest supplier of mining timber for the North East and Yorkshire collieries in the 1970s and 80s, Duffield has always evolved with the times. As I hope our refurbished showroom shows we haven’t stopped innovating and investing in our services.”