In a significant move for the UK's timber industry, Newport-based Premier Forest Products has expanded its operations by acquiring the engineered timber specialist National Timber Systems (NTS). The deal, completed out of administration, strengthens the group's engineering capabilities nationwide.
Strategic Expansion and Job Security
The acquisition, finalised in early January 2026, has immediately safeguarded 160 jobs at NTS. Premier Forest Products has announced ambitious plans to grow the workforce to approximately 250 employees in the future. The financial terms of the transaction have not been publicly disclosed.
This strategic purchase follows Premier Forest's recent acquisition of two Arnold Laver sites in Manchester and Reading, also from the administrators of the National Timber Group UK. NTS had been a part of this group before it entered administration in late November.
Enhanced Capabilities for UK Construction
Premier Forest has taken over NTS operations located in Bristol, Newcastle, and Catterick. NTS is a key supplier to national and regional housebuilders, as well as the broader construction and modular sectors, providing a range of engineered timber products and services.
Terry Edgell, co-founder and chief executive of Premier Forest Products, stated that NTS was an excellent fit for the group. "With our strategic experience in timber and long-term financial stability, we see National Timber Systems as an excellent fit for Premier Forest," he said.
Edgell emphasised that the deal aligns with and enhances the group's existing Mon Timber Engineering division. "This acquisition will help support faster, more efficient housebuilding and modular construction through continued product innovation and the potential for additional manufacturing capacity in the future," he added.
Leadership and Future Growth
Nick Kershaw, managing director of NTS, expressed his delight at joining the Premier Forest group. "Premier Forest has a strong reputation for quality and service, and we see them as an excellent cultural fit, enabling NTS to continue to grow and develop," Kershaw commented.
He also thanked Premier Forest for the trust shown in the NTS team, stating they look forward to "achieving further growth in 2026 and beyond."
The acquisition is seen as a direct support to the UK Government's housebuilding strategy. By increasing capacity and capability in modern methods of construction, the enhanced group aims to help the industry deliver new homes more quickly, efficiently, and sustainably.
Premier Forest Products, headquartered in Newport, is now further solidified as one of the UK's leading independent timber distribution and manufacturing groups following this major expansion.
