A Surrey sawmill is to close with the loss of seven jobs after its owner Surrey Wildlife Trust said it could no longer support the company’s losses.
Dorking-based Norbury Park Wood Products (NPWP), established in the late 1970s, will close on March 31.
The trust said it had taken the decision with “great sadness”, but it could no longer underwrite the company’s losses.
“Trading losses at NPWP have accumulated over past years,” the trust said. “Surrey Wildlife Trust supported this situation while efforts continued to make the business profitable.
“However, despite the best endeavours and hard work of staff, this year will show another loss and the forecast for next year, in the face of predicted reduced orders from local authorities, indicates further losses.”
The trust said it could not legally support a loss-making trading subsidiary.
It said the decision to withdraw funding would not be reversed but hinted that an alternative to total closure may be possible.
“Existing orders will be fulfilled, The trust is also actively investigating alternative uses for the site, alternative business models and approaching other organisations who may wish to take over some, or all, of the operation.”
Surrey Wildlife Trust acquired the sawmill from Surrey County Council in 2002 and made considerable investments in machinery and widened the product portfolio.
The FSC-certified mill supplies sawn timber, garden furniture, notice boards, gates and other wood products from Scots pine, oak and other species harvested from the 520ha Norbury Park.
