Irish builders merchant the Heiton Group plc sold about €70m worth of timber in the year to April 30, a 4% increase on the previous year.
The sales represent about a third of total sales for Heiton’s merchanting business. Its Panelling Centre arm and hardwoods division had sales of €29.4m, a 6.8% increase on 2000/01.
The company’s purchase last month of Wright Windows Systems, which includes one UK outlet, gives it an ability to sell hardwood and laminated pine windows, and some timber doors.
Leo Martin, group chief executive, said: “We see timber as a very significant product in our portfolio and one we will continue to develop.”
Overall, pre-tax profit for the group was down 10% to €19.9m, mainly due to a slowdown in the Irish economy and construction sector, plus rising costs. A restructuring programme has been launched with the aim of yielding annual savings of €2.9m.
