Essex importer and merchant FW Aylott Ltd has cited dodgy dealers and increasing costs as major reasons for winding down its business.
The Canvey Island based company will wind down from October 31, with staff made redundant and assets and stock then being sold off.
Managing director Frank Aylott, who started the com-pany 25 years ago, said it was very difficult to be profitable these days and he ‘certainly would not be re-entering the timber trade’.
He said the decision was influenced by the continuing problem of timber traders cheating, such as selling mis-marked plywood and wet timber as dry graded.
He applauded the Timber Trade Federation’s Code of Practice but feared non-members would carry on cheating.
‘I realise change has to take place but that does not mean change for the better. If we were all members that would be great, but we’re not all members. There are those out there who think the best way is to cheat’, he said.
Increasing government legislation, new emissions standards and stakeholder pensions were also adding to costs.
A major fire at the Canvey Island site in July last year was also a setback. He added: ‘To turn up each day, really not to make any money does not make sense.’
An attempt to find a buyer for the company, which has an annual turnover of £15m, was unsuccessful.
Customers and suppliers, Mr Aylott said, were in a ‘state of shock’ but all commitments would be honoured.
Normal trading will continue until October 31, when most of the 35 employees will become redundant.
