Two French sawmills have joined forces and are targeting the UK and Irish markets with maritime pine.
Somoma Sciage and Bedora Cie, both located in south-west France, have created a common brand “Timber of Landes” to focus on the UK and Irish outdoor timber products and mouldings markets.
The companies have targeted UK firms, especially those with treatment facilities, with direct marketing methods and the first orders have already been delivered.
Spokesperson Christelle Le Goff said: “The outdoor timber market is important in the UK and Ireland, in comparison to other countries. The decking market has grown a lot in the last few years.”
She said maritime pine, which is used for railway sleepers, is a species that is easily treated, as the treatment goes right into the wood.
The mills, which have a combined annual production of 50,000m3, began co-ordinating their marketing efforts at the start of 2004 and exhibited together at the 8th Carrefour International du Bois in Nantes.
