Timber importer and merchant North Yorkshire Timber (NYT) has made a “significant investment” in the acquisition of a site at Whessoe Road, Darlington.

The site will open as the company’s sixth sales centre early in 2006, making it one of the largest independent timber suppliers in the north-east. NYT’s other sales centres are at Northallerton, Ripon, Richmond, Middlesbrough and Sunderland.

The latest acquisition will have a 9,000ft2 sales centre with a door and floor showroom, a large timber storage yard and a parking area. Four jobs will be created.

NYT managing director Peter Kershaw said: “The Darlington sales centre will offer the full range of NYT products, from construction timber through to hardwood floors and doors and associated products.

“This new site is part of a concentrated programme of growth across the whole company which we embarked on some 18 months ago. As well as great products and value for money, NYT customers can get loads of advice from our friendly and knowledgeable staff.”

NYT, which was established in Northallerton in 1979, currently has a turnover of around £11m and employs more than 100 people.