National Timber Group: 169 jobs axed and six Scotland branches shut as firm goes into administration
Six company sites have closed with immediate redundancies after National Timber Group went into administration
Almost 170 jobs in Scotland have been axed just weeks out from Christmas after a major timber company collapsed into administration.
Six National Timber Group sites north of the Border will close after administrators Alvarez & Marsal were appointed on Wednesday.
A total of 561 immediate redundancies have been confirmed across the UK, with 169 of the jobs lost in Scotland.
Thirteen branches are being closed across the UK overall.
The Thornbridge Timber site in Hawkhill in Edinburgh are among those to close. Branches in Stirling, Dumbarton, Newton Stewart, Forfar and Anniesland will also shut.
Staff were reportedly told in a short online meeting at 1pm on Wednesday across the affected sites they were being made redundant with immediate effect.
The business employs 1,200 staff across the UK.
National Timber Group - the largest independent timber distribution and processing group in the UK - had been experiencing trading difficulties, with administrators having launched a sale process for both the business and its assets.
A notice of intention to appoint administrators had been filed by the firm two weeks ago.
The business runs companies including Scotia Roofing, as well as Forfar-based Orchard Timber Products.
Orchard Timber Products Ltd said in a post on social media: “Sadly, yesterday the company entered administration, and ultimately ended up in redundancies across the group.
“Our heart goes out to all our colleagues across the network who have sadly lost their jobs. We are still open and trading.
“We can’t thank all our colleagues and customers enough for supporting us through this difficult time.”
Joint administrator Michael Magnay said: “National Timber Group is the UK’s leading timber supplier to joiners, housebuilders and contractors, operating under a number of widely recognised brands.
“As joint administrators, we have launched an accelerated sale process, and we encourage any interested parties to contact us as soon as possible.
“We are encouraged by the level of interest so far and we are hopeful of finding a buyer for all or parts of the group.
“Regrettably, the company’s liquidity challenges have led to a number of immediate redundancies. We are committed to supporting the affected employees through the redundancy process.
“We appreciate the support and patience of the highly skilled workforce in difficult circumstances, particularly at this time of year.”
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