Scottish roof truss and timber frame manufacturer James Walker (Leith) Ltd is the new owner of Cox Long.
The takeover means both parts of the former Cox Long/Hill Leigh timber products business are under new ownership. Palgrave Brown took over the latter’s operation in Avonmouth in February (TTJ February 24).
Merchant and importer Cox Long went into administrative receivership in January (TTJ January 27) with administrators BDO Stoy Hayward blaming shrinking margins in traditional divisions and slow growth in emerging products. Four months earlier the firm invested in a new timber frame plant at its main Stafford site.
Charles MacMillan, of BDO Stoy Hayward, said James Walker had taken on all Cox Long’s assets and will retain its name. ‘It’s a very good result. Bar about 12-15 people, everybody kept their job,’ he said.
