The product, aimed at high end uses, consists of hardwood veneers which are compressed into a solid block. It is designed to look like the original species used, but with “improved stability and no defects”.

Designwood is currently being tested by several UK companies, while orders for samples were taken at W6.

The UK represents Willy Carpentier’s fastest-growing market. The last five years have seen annual sales growth of 20-30%.

Stefan Vander Stichele, general manager and export manager for European species, said he thought there were fewer timber suppliers than at the last Woodmex, but described visitors as good quality.