UCM Timber plc has joined forces with Brazilian co-investors to form a new company – United Lumber Company Importacaco E Exportacao S/A – which will focus on supplying South American timbers to the UK, North American and Asian markets.
UCM Timber already imports parana pine from Brazil and this business will operate independently of the joint venture for which the Brazilian co-investors will provide local sourcing knowledge and expertise.
UCM Timber managing director Mark Plews said the company had seen increasing demand for hardwoods and panel products from the UK and Europe.
He added: “Within the group we have operations in North America and Asia which have access to timber buyers who are also seeking more South American species.
“The new company will give us the resources and local expertise to find the right supply sources, looking at quality, price and environmental concerns, so we can satisfy customer demand in all three regions.”
Mr Plews said that although he expected the UK to be the biggest market initially, he would not be surprised to see sales from Brazil to North America and to Asia, especially China, to overtake UK sales within three years.
He went on: “This is another piece in the network of agencies we are building, capable of offering a truly global sourcing and sales service.”
United Lumber Company will be based in Curitiba although UK buyers should contact UCM Timber’s London office initially.
