Oak frames firm to aid building trade
A NEW company has been launched in Shropshire with the aim of meeting growing demand for oak-framed homes.
Based in Wem, Forest Oak Products will provide oak frames to the construction industry, plus self-builders and renovators.
Director Charles Bevan-Jones and Jamie Doran are aiming to grow turnover in the first year to around £300,000, as the business makes the most of growing demand for pre-made oak frames for homes and outbuildings.
As well as frames for porches, extensions, garden rooms and entire buildings, the company will produce different oak products for markets such as horticulture, agriculture, equine, landscaping, parks, town planning, highways and schools & colleges.
"We work closely with our sister company, Border Hardwood Ltd, and are based next door to their expanding site on the Wem Industrial Estate," Mr Doran said.
Europe.
"By working alongside Border, we are able to take advantage of the relationships grown over four generations with some of the largest oak saw mills across Europe. This means we buy, cut and deliver our products at the most competitive prices.
"We work to strict guidelines that all of our timber is sourced only from saw mills that produce leading sustainability accreditations. Our oak also goes through a rigorous grading system, on-site, in Europe – so if the quality is not up to our standards, we will not use it."
Mr Bevan-Jones added: "I have worked in the timber trade since 1996 and in the last couple of years have seen a significant increase in demand for finished oak products.
"This is partly due to the speed in which manufacturing processes allow us to turn around projects, but I believe mostly down to the material itself.
"We specialise in oak as it denotes strength, reliability and an aesthetic like no other timber. It is a wonderful thought that something Forest Oak supplies today will still be used or lived in 400 years from now."
