Harlow Timber Systems
Harlow Timber Systems (Harlow Bros Ltd) designs, fabricates, and supplies bespoke engineered timber roof trusses, Posi-Joists, and feature timber structures for UK builders, architects, and self-builders via a multi-branch sales-led model.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1984
- HeadquartersCoalville, United Kingdom
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Harlow Timber Systems does
Harlow Timber Systems, operating legally as Harlow Bros Ltd and branded as part of the Harlow Timber Group, is a UK-based engineered timber manufacturer founded in 1984 and headquartered in Coalville, United Kingdom. The company designs, fabricates, and supplies precision-engineered timber components for the construction industry, with a core product line spanning roof trusses, Posi-Joists (engineered floor and roof joists), oak feature trusses, porches and canopies, and fully bespoke timber structures. Products are made-to-measure for each project and supported by MiTek 3D visualization technology, which allows customers to review full 3D truss and joist layouts via QR code before production. The business also delivers training services to builders, architects, and self-builders on engineered timber best practices.
Harlow operates a sales-led, quote-based go-to-market model. Pricing is project-specific rather than catalog-based, with VAT-inclusive/exclusive options and a 5% online account-holder discount referenced on the site. Distribution is handled through a UK branch network with in-house transport, complemented by inside-sales channels (online quote requests, contact forms) and a trade account program for repeat professional buyers. The customer base is horizontally segmented across self-builders, professional builders and contractors, architects/specifiers, and trade customers, with no concentration in any single large account.
The company is structured as an Employee Owned Trust and operates without disclosed external funding, parent ownership, or M&A activity in the available data. Its strategic posture is defined by a long operating heritage, an emphasis on bespoke engineering, digital visualization for design verification, and content/training initiatives that build specification pull-through with the UK construction trade.
Harlow Timber Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Harlow Timber Systems
- Legal name
- Harlow Bros Ltd
- Website
- https://harlowts.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1984
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Harlow Timber Systems (Harlow Bros Ltd) designs, fabricates, and supplies bespoke engineered timber roof trusses, Posi-Joists, and feature timber structures for UK builders, architects, and self-builders via a multi-branch sales-led model.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Harlow Timber Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Engineered Timber Products
- NAICS
- Prefabricated Wood Building Manufacturing (321992)
- SIC
- Millwood, Veneer, Plywood, & Structural Wood Members (2430), Prefabricated Wood Bldgs & Components (2452)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Wood Trusses, I-Joists & Framing Components (IMADADAD)
Keywords
Where Harlow Timber Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Coalville
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Markets served
Harlow Timber Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Engineered Timber Product Sales: Sale of precision-engineered timber products including roof trusses, joists (Posi-joists), and bespoke structural timber solutions. Products are custom-designed and manufactured to measure for each project, with pricing handled through quote-based engagement rather than standardized catalog pricing.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Custom quotation for bespoke engineered timber solutions |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Harlow Timber Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Harlow Timber Systems designs, manufactures and supplies precision-engineered timber components for the UK construction industry. Its core offerings are custom-made roof trusses, posi-joists, oak feature trusses, porches/canopies and bespoke timber structures, each prefabricated off-site to project specification and delivered via a UK branch network with a sales-led, quote-based engagement model.
Product overview
Harlow Bros operates as a timber engineering specialist offering a unified portfolio of precision-engineered timber solutions. The core product line centers on Roof Trusses and Posi-Joists, supplemented by Feature Work offerings including Oak Feature Trusses, Porches/Canopies, and Bespoke Structures. These products are designed as prefabricated systems that save time, reduce costs, and simplify the construction process. The company also provides Training Services and supports customers through MiTek 3D visualization technology for project design review.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Roof Trusses Precision-engineered roof trusses designed and manufactured to project specification for residential and commercial construction projects, delivered as prefabricated systems.
- Posi-Joists Engineered joist solutions providing efficient floor and roof structural support with reduced build time and material efficiency, for builders, contractors and self-builders.
- Oak Feature Trusses Decorative structural oak trusses designed for feature applications in residential properties, combining structural integrity with aesthetic appeal.
- Porches and Canopies Custom-designed porch and canopy structures manufactured to specification for residential entrance enhancements.
- Bespoke Structures Custom-engineered timber structures designed and manufactured to meet specific project requirements beyond standard roof trusses, joists and feature work.
- Training Services Expert training services provided to builders, architects and self-builders on timber engineering solutions and best practices.
Quantifiable outcome
- Reduced build time through prefabricated systems
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Harlow Timber Systems
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Harlow Timber Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature3 records
Harlow Timber Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- MiTekcoreTechnology partnership providing MiTek 3D visualization software integration. This allows Harlow Timber Systems customers to view their roof truss or joist designs in full 3D detail before construction, scanning QR codes on production layouts to open models and explore builds from every angle. The partnership enhances the company's digital customer experience and design verification capabilities.
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Harlow Timber Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Frame Technologies: UK supplier of timber frame and engineered timber solutions including roof trusses and joists. Comparable as a UK-based timber engineering specialist serving residential and commercial construction.
- Pasquill: One of the UK's largest roof truss and engineered timber manufacturers, offering prefabricated roof trusses, floor joists, and wall panels to builders and developers. Directly comparable to Harlow Timber Systems in product mix, customer base, and bespoke design-and-manufacture model.
- Wolf Systems: UK supplier of truss design software (PAMIR), connector plates, and engineering services to truss and joist manufacturers. Comparable as a technology-and-engineering partner to the same MiTek ecosystem and serves the same UK roof-truss fabricator base as Harlow.
- Taylor Lane Timber Frame: UK manufacturer of timber frame structures and engineered roof trusses for self-build and developer projects. Comparable to Harlow in prefabricated timber systems targeting self-builders and builders across the UK.
- ITW Industry: UK manufacturer of truss connector plates and engineered timber solutions. Comparable to Harlow through its role in the roof truss value chain and its bespoke truss engineering capability.
Regional players
- Steico: European manufacturer of engineered timber products including I-joists and LVL beams for residential and commercial construction. Comparable in engineered timber systems serving European builders, but Continental European rather than UK-focused.
- Boise Cascade EWP: US-based manufacturer of engineered wood products (I-joists, LVL) used in roof and floor systems. Comparable to Harlow in product category (engineered joists and structural timber components) but operates in North America rather than the UK.
Broad incumbents
- James Jones & Sons: Long-established UK timber products group producing sawn timber, engineered timber products, and pallet systems. Overlaps with Harlow in engineered timber and serves similar UK construction and trade customers, but on a broader product portfolio.
- Arnold Laver: UK national timber merchant and engineered timber supplier serving trade and contractor customers across multiple branches. Comparable as a UK building-products distributor with overlapping engineered timber and roof truss capability, but operating a broader-line merchant model.
- BSW Timber: UK's largest integrated sawmilling and timber products business, supplying structural and treated timber to builders' merchants. Comparable as a large UK supplier to the same construction customer base, but at upstream scale rather than specialist truss fabrication.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Harlow Timber Systems social profiles
Digital presenceHarlow Timber Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Harlow Timber Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Harlow Timber Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Harlow Timber Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Harlow Timber Systems
What does Harlow Timber Systems do?
Harlow Timber Systems designs, manufactures and supplies precision-engineered timber components for the UK construction industry. Its core offerings are custom-made roof trusses, posi-joists, oak feature trusses, porches/canopies and bespoke timber structures, each prefabricated off-site to project specification and delivered via a UK branch network with a sales-led, quote-based engagement model.
Is Harlow Timber Systems a public or private company?
Harlow Timber Systems is a private company. It is classified as management employee owned and is currently operating.
When was Harlow Timber Systems founded?
Harlow Timber Systems was founded in 1984. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Harlow Timber Systems based?
Harlow Timber Systems is headquartered in Coalville, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Harlow Timber Systems make money?
One revenue line is on record: engineered Timber Product Sales.
Who are Harlow Timber Systems's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Frame Technologies, Pasquill, Wolf Systems, Taylor Lane Timber Frame and ITW Industry. Regional players are Steico and Boise Cascade EWP. Broad incumbents are James Jones & Sons, Arnold Laver and BSW Timber.
Does Harlow Timber Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for Harlow Timber Systems.
What industry is Harlow Timber Systems in?
Harlow Timber Systems's product category is Engineered Timber Products. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMADADAD, Wood Trusses, I-Joists & Framing Components. Its NAICS code is 321992 and its SIC code is 2430.