Builders’ merchant group provides £1.2m upgrade for Widnes timber milling operation

Liverpool-based builders’ merchant group, Beesley & Fildes, has invested £1.2m in its timber milling facility in Widnes in response to increase demand for both timber stock items across the company’s branch network, and bespoke orders.

The timber mill, acquired in 2004, produces the skirting, architraves, flooring, planed timber, door casings and certified fire door casing kits sold across the company’s 11-branch network and online.

It also fulfils bespoke orders for both the branches and customers, including matching legacy timber features and providing like-for-like timber details for heritage projects.

The investment programme is designed to increase efficiency and throughput.

The upgrade means that Beesley & Fildes’ experienced timber engineering and processing team will be able to load CAD drawings straight to the new machines and all machines will operate on an integrated digital system that will ensure high levels of accuracy, real-time management information and prioritised workflows.

James Beelsey, commercial director, said: “The timber mill at our Widnes branch is an important part of our offer, both in enabling us to stock all our branches and in our ability to produce bespoke items for customers – if it can be made from timber, we can make it.

“This investment programme is all about enhancing our capabilities to prepare for continuing growth and ensure we deliver consistently efficient and accurate timber processing.

“In addition to the new equipment, we are also recruiting a timber machinist apprentice, investing in the future of our business and our community with an opportunity for a young person to develop skills in the sector.”