National Timber Group is the largest independent added-value timber distribution and processing group in the UK and parent of Arnold Laver.

The group announced today it has acquired the trade and assets of Teesside-based Cotswold Manufacturing Limited to “accelerate its growth and consolidate its position as the industry leader in the UK timber interior door-set market”.

Established in 2005, Cotswold Manufacturing is a specialist manufacturer of timber fire and acoustic doors, doorsets, door kits and screens for the commercial, residential, education and leisure markets.

Operating nationally from an 80,000 square foot facility in Thornaby, near Stockton-on-Tees, the business has a strong reputation for manufacturing products that meet the most rigorous quality and certification standards.

Rob Barclay, chief executive of National Timber Group, said: “I am delighted to welcome Cotswold Manufacturing into the Group. We have many values in common and share an ambition to be the leading manufacturer of high-quality timber doorsets in the UK.

“Cotswold Manufacturing is an innovative, well-invested company so this transaction is highly complementary and allows us to expand our business to the benefit of our customers, as well as creating more employment opportunities in Teesside.”

Ken Napper, founding owner of Cotswold Manufacturing, added: “The coming together of Cotswold Manufacturing and National Timber Group is the logical progression for the strong business that I have developed over many years. The alignment of our goals, values and vision, offers significant benefits for both companies.

“I am delighted that we have been able to secure jobs and career development opportunities for 45 people at Thornaby and look forward to growing this business with the support of the National Timber Group.”

Ken Napper will continue to lead the business reporting to Rob Barclay. The business will continue to operate from the Thornaby site.

Cairngorm Capital acquired Scottish timber merchant Thornbridge in November 2017. It then bought North Yorkshire Timber and Rembrand. After a fourth acquisition, Arnold Laver in November 2018, National Timber Group was created as a new umbrella brand for the group.