Timber frame home company Benfield ATT Ltd has criticised Wales-based timber supply companies and the Welsh Assembly for “not delivering” on commitments towards sustainable timber construction.

Managing director Dr Michael Benfield said the firm had tried unsuccessfully to source a quality, locally-made product for its timber frame homes.

He said: “Being a Welsh company, we truly want to deliver an all-Welsh product. However, as hard as we have tried, we just cannot source quality materials, at good value to our customers.”

Mr Benfield said very few companies had the UKAS ISO 9001:2000 management standard and FSC was “almost non-existent”.

&#8220Being a Welsh company, we truly want to deliver an all-Welsh product. However, we just cannot source quality materials, at good value to our customers”

Managing director Dr Michael Benfield

He said: “Prices are too high, deliveries are unreliable and quality joinery has a lead time of between 18 and 24 weeks. We want, and need, stronger Wales suppliers who can deliver the absolute best to our suppliers.”

The company believes a lack of knowledge and promotion of certification issues is a barrier to development in Wales, saying suppliers have misconceptions about Benfield’s status as FSC certified designers, suppliers, manufacturers and erectors of timber frame homes.

Caldicot-based Benfield says TRADA, the Trussed Rafter Association and UK Timber Frame Association, plus clients and suppliers, are all helping it meets its target of creating an-all Welsh sustainably engineered timber frame product.