Howarth Timber has left its East Street in Leeds after trading there for more than 130 years.

The company said the decision to close the 2.3 acre site and relocate to purpose-built premises across the city had been difficult but was necessary due to continued business growth. About £1m has been spent on remodelling the new Pontefract Lane building in Cross Green to make customer collection easier.

Nick Howarth, group managing director, described the East Street location as “the original” Howarth site. It had been bought by his ancestor John Howarth in 1870 when the company was called Hudson & Co.

&#8220Our original site was opened when we used to do a lot of work for the big housebuilders but now we have changed our customer mix and are more focused on small and medium-sized builders ”

Nick Howarth, Howarth group managing director,

He said: “It was opened when we used to do a lot of work for the big housebuilders but now we have changed our customer mix and are more focused on small and medium-sized builders.”

The new premises are bigger and feature an undercover drive for dry collection and improved product selection, including the incorporation of more building supplies. It also has a kitchen showroom and a large trade counter.