After establishing a company in Estonia to develop joinery products it has seen increased growth and development, mainly in softwood in laminated and finger-jointed sections, and it is now extending the range to include similar products in a range of hardwoods.
"While the overall move and acceptance of these products has been slow in the UK, forward-thinking specifiers and end users who have experienced the benefits are now looking at what the next step will be in improving cost efficiencies and enhancing performance," said managing director Michael Stubbs.
"To satisfy this demand we’ve been successful in providing solutions with more specific added-value items such as facelaminated sections and mixed laminations, including thermal barriers.
"The benefits of using engineered timber can be seen immediately in terms of wastage, stock sizes carried, quality and technical performance," he continued.
Composite decking, well established within Europe, is also finding a place in the UK market.
"For most importers and distributors it is not seen to be replacing the traditional hardwood and softwood items but to complement their range and be sold where either environmental, durability, low maintenance or cost criteria are required," said Mr Stubbs.
The company’s Megawood brand is a 75% softwood-based PEFC-certified board, produced
in Germany.
NFP Europe is also working with Italian company Albertani Corporates, distributing its glulam in straight and curved beams and for special projects. Mr Stubbs believes this is a market with huge growth potential.
"While this market is a relatively new venture for Albertani, we’ve seen genuine interest and a strong optimism for the products. We feel that this market sector is going to enjoy considerable growth as engineered timber gains more presence and acceptance," said Mr Stubbs.
He added that, even with the current difficult trading conditions, demand for engineered timber products was encouraging.
"Customers are embracing change and actively seeking new and more demanding products that can put them one step ahead of the competition and more in line with their European counterparts," he said.
