Premier Forest Products
Premier Forest Products is a vertically integrated UK timber group that imports, sawmills, processes, fabricates, and distributes timber, panel products, engineered timber, fire doors, and bespoke joinery to builders, merchants, timber frame manufacturers, contractors, and OEMs through a nationwide delivery fleet and multiple sub-brands.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1993
- HeadquartersNewport, United Kingdom
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Premier Forest Products does
Premier Forest Products Ltd is a privately held, vertically integrated UK timber group founded in 1993 and headquartered in Newport, Wales. The company imports, sawmills, processes, fabricates, and distributes a broad range of timber and panel products — including hardwood and softwood plywood, OSB, MDF, chipboard, cladding, structural softwood, hardwoods, fire-retardant panels, fencing and landscaping timber — and operates engineered-timber, bespoke joinery, staircase, mouldings, and fire door divisions. Technology investment centres on state-of-the-art processing equipment (Weinig Powermat moulders, CNC machining, MiTek-designed metal web joists and roof trusses, the SUPER-SPAN panelised roof system) and proprietary branded products including DryGuard water-repellent plywood, Superva lightweight decorative plywood, Premier ProSite hoarding and PremierFloor plywood.
The group operates through a portfolio of sub-brands and acquired businesses — Premier Forest Products, Premier Goldberg (South East & London), Merlwood Timber (West Wales), Duchy Timber (Cornwall), Mill Timber Direct, Mon Timber, Decorpanel, PWIDF Fire Door Solutions, Stairway Joinery, and National Timber Systems — and runs a trade-account, field-sales-led go-to-market supported by a nationwide FORS Silver/CLOCS-certified delivery fleet, trade counters, and an online customer portal. Revenue is generated principally through one-time wholesale sales of timber and panel products, supplemented by value-added processing, fabrication, and bespoke joinery services. Certifications include FSC and PEFC chain-of-custody, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and FORS Silver.
Customers span builders and construction firms, timber frame and modular manufacturers (e.g., Celtic Offsite), merchants, joinery workshops, fencing and cladding contractors, formwork and civil engineering contractors, shop fitters, furniture manufacturers, campervan and caravan converters, and self-build/renovation end-users. The group is led by co-founder and CEO Terry Edgell, with co-founders Dilwyn Howells and Nigel Williams; Neil Davies serves as CFOO, Huw Morgan as Chairman, and Anthony Hopps as Group Processing Director. Revenue is projected at £125M for FY2026 with annualised turnover guided to £200M post-acquisition, supported by ~800 employees across 16+ UK sites.
Premier Forest Products firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Premier Forest Products
- Legal name
- Premier Forest Products Ltd
- Website
- https://premierforest.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1993
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Premier Forest Products is a vertically integrated UK timber group that imports, sawmills, processes, fabricates, and distributes timber, panel products, engineered timber, fire doors, and bespoke joinery to builders, merchants, timber frame manufacturers, contractors, and OEMs through a nationwide delivery fleet and multiple sub-brands.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Premier Forest Products industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Timber and Panel Products Distribution
- NAICS
- Lumber, Plywood, Millwork, and Wood Panel Merchant Wholesalers (42331), Lumber, Plywood, Millwork, and Wood Panel Merchant Wholesalers (423310), Forestry and Logging (113)
- SIC
- Wholesale-Lumber, Plywood, Millwork & Wood Panels (5031), Wholesale-Lumber & Other Construction Materials (5030), Lumber & Wood Products (No Furniture) (2400), Millwood, Veneer, Plywood, & Structural Wood Members (2430), Sawmills & Planting Mills, General (2421)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Forest Products Import/Export & Commodity Merchants (IMAMAIAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Plywood & Panel Products Distribution (Plywood, OSB, MDF, Particleboard) (IMAMAIAC), Engineered Wood Products Distribution (LVL, I-joists, Glulam, CLT) (IMAMAIAD), Sawmilling & Lumber Production (IMADADAA), Softwood Lumber Distribution & Trading (IMAMAIAA)
Keywords
Where Premier Forest Products is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Newport
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices12 records
Markets served
Premier Forest Products business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Timber and Panel Product Sales: Core revenue from importation, distribution, sawmilling, and wholesale processing of timber and timber products including panel products (plywood, OSB, MDF, chipboard), softwood, hardwood, engineered timber, and processed/machined timber.
- Processing and Fabrication Services: Value-added processing services including CNC machining, custom mouldings, staircase solutions, fire door solutions, and specialist joinery manufactured to customer specifications.
- Bespoke Joinery: Custom handcrafted joinery products including bespoke staircases, windows, doors, frames, and conservation work produced using state-of-the-art milling and machining facilities with spray booth finishing capabilities.
- Fencing and Landscaping Products: Sale of fencing panels, posts, rails, sleepers, decking, and landscaping timber products manufactured in-house at sawmills and processing facilities.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Premier Forest Products product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Premier Forest Products is a vertically integrated timber company involved in the importation, sawmilling, processing, machining, and wholesale distribution of timber and timber products across the UK. The company supplies panel products (plywood, OSB, MDF, chipboard), softwood, hardwood, engineered timber (metal web joists, roof trusses, floor cassettes), bespoke joinery, fire doors, fencing and landscaping products, and specialised branded lines such as DryGuard, Superva, and Premier ProSite hoarding. It sells primarily to builders, merchants, contractors, timber frame manufacturers, and specialist converters through a trade account model backed by a nationwide delivery fleet.
Product overview
Premier Forest Products is a vertically integrated timber company offering a comprehensive portfolio of timber and panel products across multiple divisions. The product range spans panel products (hardwood plywood, softwood plywood, OSB, MDF, chipboard, decorative surfaces), softwood (cladding, batten, mouldings, sawn timber), hardwood (European, African, American species), timber engineering (metal web joists, roof trusses, I-beam joists, SUPER-SPAN panelised roof systems), joinery (bespoke, commercial, staircase), fire doors, fencing & landscaping, and specialized products like DryGuard water-repellent plywood and Superva lightweight plywood for van conversions. The group operates through multiple sub-brands including Premier Forest Products (core), Premier Goldberg (South East & London), Merlwood Timber (West Wales), Mill Timber Direct, Duchy Timber, Mon Timber, and acquired brands including National Timber Systems, Decorpanel, PWIDF Fire Door Solutions, and Stairway Joinery. Services include timber supply & distribution, processing & fabrication, mouldings design & manufacture, staircase solutions, fire door solutions, specialist joinery, and trade account services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Decorpanel: Panel processing and sheets & panels business; formerly North-East Sheets & Panels Ltd. (NESP). Also serves the kitchen and bathroom market through Decorpanel KBB.
- Mon Timber
- National Timber Systems (NTS)
- Stairway Joinery
- PWIDF Fire Door Solutions
- Superva
- DryGuard
- Premier ProSite
Products and services
- Panel Products Comprehensive range of panel products including hardwood plywood, softwood plywood, OSB, MDF, chipboard, fire retardant panels, fibre boards, and decorative surfaces for construction, manufacturing, and joinery applications.
- Softwood Products Comprehensive softwood product range including timber batten, cladding, CLS studwork, mouldings and planed timber, sawn timber, scaffold boards, and joinery grade softwoods for the UK construction trade.
- Hardwood Products Full hardwood portfolio including European Oak, Steamed Beech, African hardwoods (Idigbo, Iroko, Sapele, Utile), American hardwoods (Black Walnut, Hard Maple, Tulipwood, White Ash, White Oak), and machined hardwoods for joinery and specialist applications.
- Timber Engineering Solutions Engineered timber solutions including I-Beam joists, roof trusses, gable and party panels, metal web joists, and the SUPER-SPAN panelised roof system, designed and manufactured using MiTek 3D modelling software.
- Bespoke Joinery Custom handcrafted joinery products including staircases, handrails, windows (box, sash, casement), doors, frames, and listed building restoration work produced using state-of-the-art milling, CNC machining, and spray booth finishing facilities.
- Fire Doors Fire door solutions including fire doors, architectural ironmongery, and mental health doorsets for specialised compliant construction applications, produced by PWIDF Fire Door Solutions in Newport.
- Fencing and Landscaping Products Complete fencing and landscaping range including decking, gates, fencing panels, featheredge boards, acoustic fence panels, sleepers, and garden furniture, manufactured in-house at Premier Forest sawmills and processing facilities.
- DryGuard Water-Repellent Plywood Self-protecting, water-repellent plywood suitable for use in roofs, floors, and walls without requiring covering; the water-repelling treatment slows water absorption and reduces drying time.
- Superva Lightweight Plywood Laminated lightweight plywood with decorative finishes designed for van conversions, campervans, motorhomes, and caravans, featuring High-Pressure Laminate bonded to an exterior-grade lightweight plywood core.
- Premier ProSite Site Hoarding Site hoarding panels made from medium density overlay (MDO) board with low emission resin-impregnated exterior paper face and phenolic film reverse, supplied factory-painted and sealed ready-to-fit for construction site perimeter security.
- Timber Supply and Distribution Comprehensive timber supply and distribution services across the UK from multiple strategic sites using a nationwide FORS Silver and CLOCS certified delivery fleet with timed on-site deliveries and mechanical off-loading.
- Processing and Fabrication Custom processing and fabrication services for timber and panel products to customer specifications, including CNC machining, cut-to-size, and bespoke profile production.
- Mouldings Design and Manufacture Custom mouldings design and manufacturing service using state-of-the-art Weinig Powermat machinery, capable of producing profiles up to 300mm width in hardwood and softwood.
- Staircase Solutions Complete staircase solutions including design, manufacturing, and components for residential and commercial applications, offered via the Stairway Joinery Ltd subsidiary acquired in October 2024.
- Fire Door Solutions Specialist fire door solutions including design service, manufacturing, and installation support for compliance with fire safety regulations, delivered via the PWIDF subsidiary.
- National Timber Systems (NTS) Engineered Timber Engineered timber solutions including the NTSROOF system, roof trusses, and floor cassettes, produced at operations in Bristol, Catterick, Newcastle, and Sheffield following acquisition in late 2025.
Quantifiable outcome
- Turnover increased by £31M to £170M over 12 months ending April 2020 with combined EBITDA profit of £16M, up £7M on previous best year
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Premier Forest Products
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments15 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Premier Forest Products technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Premier Forest Products partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- SDL Sawmills LtdcorePremier Forest sold the assets of its sawmill at Croespenmaen near Crumlin, South Wales to SDL Sawmills Ltd. SDL took on the site and existing staff and continues full-scale milling activities. Premier Forest entered an offtake agreement to continue supplying finished sawn products from the mill to its existing customer base. SDL utilises mill residues for biomass pellet production, enabling 100% utilisation of the standing tree.
- Celtic OffsitecoreCaerphilly-based social enterprise Celtic Offsite (part of United Welsh Group) partnered with Premier Forest as part of its plan to develop a Welsh supply chain for low carbon timber frame homes. Premier initially supplied OSB, plywood, and chipboard and has since expanded to supply roof trusses, engineered floor joists, and LVL structural beams. Celtic Offsite aims to build up to 250 low carbon homes per year and holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001, PEFC certification, and Structural Timber Association Gold accreditation.
- VanworxminorSpecialist campervan converter Vanworx used Premier Forest's Superva lightweight plywood for a campervan conversion featured on ITV's The Masked Singer viewer competition. Vanworx sourced bespoke grey wood-grain finish Superva panels with yellow accents for the high-profile giveaway.
- EcowagonminorRedruth-based Ecowagon specialises in VW T6 and T6.1 van conversions using sustainable materials. They used Premier Forest's Superva lightweight plywood with White Gloss finish for a family motorhome conversion featured on Channel 5's 'Million Pound Motorhomes' programme.
- Littlewood FencingminorOne of the UK's largest fencing contractors, Littlewood Fencing installed 500m of Premier ProSite hoarding at a major construction project in Wokingham for one of the UK's biggest construction companies. The product saved on labour time and costs with pre-sealed, pre-painted panels ready to install.
- Walters EnvironmentalminorWalters Environmental used Premier ProSite hoarding for the Newport Centre demolition and rebuild project. Premier supplied 300 boards along with posts, rails and ancillary timbers for the highly visible central location.
- Montrose GroupminorMoreton-in-Marsh based Montrose Group used Premier Forest's DryGuard water-repelling plywood on the roof of a luxury free-standing entertainment complex in Lydney. The product performed well through a wet and windy winter with no swelling or leaks reported.
- RGB Building SuppliesminorRGB Building Supplies in Torquay sourced Douglas Fir cladding from Premier Forest for the renovation of Bishops Court Hotel into four luxury homes. Premier recommended Premium Grade Douglas Fir with a horizontal Shadow Gap profile for its strength, durability, and longevity.
- J&E WoodworksminorLampeter-based J&E Woodworks worked with Premier Forest to source Douglas Fir and Larch for a pagoda structure, planters, and benches at the University of Wales Trinity St David's Lampeter campus bicentenary celebrations.
- Woodsy Tiny HomesminorPembrokeshire-based Woodsy Tiny Homes used Premier Forest's Homegrown Larch cladding with shadow gap profile for a bespoke disabled-access shepherd's hut in mid Wales.
- Nationwide FencingcoreNationwide Fencing partnered with Premier Forest to supply acoustic fencing solutions across multiple projects in the south of England, including Woodbridge School (4m acoustic barrier) and Bedford landfill sites (up to 5m barriers). Premier's panels achieved 26dB noise reduction and were tested to meet regulatory standards.
- PagedcorePremier Forest distributes Paged's DryGuard water-repelling plywood and other specialist plywood products manufactured at the Paged Mill in Poland from Scots Pine or Birch.
- MiTekcoreMon Timber Engineering division uses MiTek software suite for the design of metal web joists, roof trusses, and engineered timber. MiTek's 3D modelling software enables the engineering team to accurately design and estimate bespoke flooring solutions.
- WeinigcorePremier Forest invested over £1M in Weinig state-of-the-art machinery including Powermat 1500 and 700 moulding machines, a Rondamat 960 grinder/profiling machine, Opticontrol measuring stand, and Unicut P3 crosscut saw. Weinig is a global specialist in timber processing machinery.
- Dragons RFCminorMon Timber (subsidiary of Premier Forest) sponsors Dragons RFC for the 2022/23 season, with logo featured on the Dragons' new shirt and advertising boards throughout Rodney Parade. The sponsorship reflects Mon Timber's roots in south east Wales.
Scale indicators16 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Premier Forest Products competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- James Latham plc: One of the UK's largest independent timber and panel products distributors, importing and distributing hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, and engineered timber to trade and merchant customers. Directly comparable to Premier Forest on product mix (panels, hardwoods, engineered timber), distribution model, and UK customer base.
- International Timber: UK-based specialist timber distributor (part of the Marford Group) importing and distributing softwoods, hardwoods, panel products, and engineered timber. Directly comparable to Premier Forest on import-led distribution model and panel/sawn timber product mix.
- Meyer Timber: UK-based timber importer and distributor supplying panels, hardwoods, softwoods, and engineered wood products to merchants and trade customers. Highly comparable to Premier Forest on wholesale timber distribution and panel product focus.
- BSW Timber: UK's largest integrated sawmiller and timber supplier, producing sawn timber, fencing, landscaping, and engineered timber products. Comparable to Premier Forest on sawmilling, fencing/landscaping, and softwood distribution, though BSW is more upstream (own forests/ sawmills) while Premier Forest is more downstream (distribution/ processing).
Broad incumbents
- Travis Perkins plc: Largest UK builders' merchant with a significant timber and sheet materials division serving tradespeople and contractors. Wider portfolio than Premier Forest but directly competes on general timber, panel products, and engineered timber to overlapping construction customers.
- Howden Joinery Group plc: UK market leader in supplying kitchens and joinery products to trade customers, with significant timber and panel sourcing. Comparable to Premier Forest on trade-channel go-to-market, joinery customer overlap, and panel products procurement, though at much larger scale and with end-product manufacturing.
- West Fraser (formerly Norbord): Global OSB and engineered wood panel manufacturer with UK production serving construction and industrial markets. Comparable to Premier Forest on OSB, panel products, and engineered timber, though as an upstream producer; key supplier competitor for some lines.
- Kronospan: Global panel products manufacturer (chipboard, MDF, OSB, decorative panels) with UK manufacturing operations. Comparable to Premier Forest on panel product range and merchant customer base, but as a large-scale manufacturer-distributor.
Emerging players
- Egger UK (Fritz Egger GmbH & Co. OG): European panel products manufacturer with UK operations producing chipboard, MDF, OSB, and decorative surfaces. Comparable on panel products overlap and engineered timber, but as a manufacturer rather than a distributor; competes for some of Premier Forest's panel procurement and merchant customers.
Regional players
- Murdock Builders Merchants: Irish builders' merchant group that acquired Premier Forest's former Irish subsidiary (Brooks Timber and Dublin Plywood & Veneer) in 2021. Comparable as a regional timber and building materials distributor with prior operational overlap with Premier Forest in Ireland and the UK.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Premier Forest Products social profiles
Digital presencePremier Forest Products compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance7 records
Premier Forest Products financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Premier Forest Products leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Premier Forest Products subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries11 records
Premier Forest Products funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Premier Forest Products M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A4 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Premier Forest Products
What does Premier Forest Products do?
Premier Forest Products is a vertically integrated timber company involved in the importation, sawmilling, processing, machining, and wholesale distribution of timber and timber products across the UK. The company supplies panel products (plywood, OSB, MDF, chipboard), softwood, hardwood, engineered timber (metal web joists, roof trusses, floor cassettes), bespoke joinery, fire doors, fencing and landscaping products, and specialised branded lines such as DryGuard, Superva, and Premier ProSite hoarding. It sells primarily to builders, merchants, contractors, timber frame manufacturers, and specialist converters through a trade account model backed by a nationwide delivery fleet.
Is Premier Forest Products a public or private company?
Premier Forest Products is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Premier Forest Products founded?
Premier Forest Products was founded in 1993. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Premier Forest Products based?
Premier Forest Products is headquartered in Newport, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Premier Forest Products make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Timber and Panel Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are processing and Fabrication Services, bespoke Joinery and fencing and Landscaping Products.
Who are Premier Forest Products's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are James Latham plc, International Timber, Meyer Timber and BSW Timber. Broad incumbents are Travis Perkins plc, Howden Joinery Group plc, West Fraser (formerly Norbord) and Kronospan. Egger UK (Fritz Egger GmbH & Co. OG) is listed as an emerging player. Murdock Builders Merchants is listed as a regional player.
Does Premier Forest Products have an API?
No public API is recorded for Premier Forest Products.
What industry is Premier Forest Products in?
Premier Forest Products's product category is Timber and Panel Products Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAMAIAM, Forest Products Import/Export & Commodity Merchants, with a secondary code of IMAMAIAC, Plywood & Panel Products Distribution (Plywood, OSB, MDF, Particleboard). Its NAICS code is 42331 and its SIC code is 5031.