Scottish timber merchant stumps up 30m for pallet firm

Howie Forest Products employs 150 staff, the vast majority of whom will retain their jobs following the acquisition.

However, founder Robin Howie, who formed the company in 1976, will step down. The remaining executives, including Howie’s daughter – sales director Laura Smith – will join an enlarged BSW Group and continue in their roles.

BSW Timber supplies raw material for use by packaging and pallet manufacturers, as well as wood for the construction, fencing, garden and DIY retail sectors.

Howie Forest Products is based at a sawmill and 56-hectare site in Dalbeattie and has an annual turnover of about £30m.

“The Dalbeattie site is an impressive addition to the BSW group of companies,” said Tony Hackney, BSW’s chief executive.

“It’s benefited from significant and recent investment in the latest leading-edge technology in sawmilling, including the UK’ largest Linck and Springer primary production line and new kilning operations.”

Smith said: “We have developed a strong UK market position, one that will now be further strengthened by the merger with BSW.

“These are challenging times for our industry and this deal will have nothing but positive impacts for our workers, or customers and our supply chain.”

BSW’s purchase of Howie Forest Products is the latest in a run of business investments. Earlier this year the firm invested £10m in site infrastructure at its panned new sawmill at Corpach, Fort William.

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