Premier Forest Products salvaged the National Timber Systems (NTS) business from National Timber Group’s administration, securing one of the UK’s most critical engineered‑timber suppliers after months of turmoil across the network.
The Newport‑based distributor confirmed the acquisition just before Christmas, bringing NTS’s operations in Bristol, Newcastle and Catterick under its control. The move follows the dramatic collapse of the National Timber Group (NTG) in November — a failure that sent shockwaves through the UK timber supply chain and triggered a wave of site closures across England and Scotland.
NTS, a key supplier to national and regional housebuilders, modular manufacturers and construction firms, will now continue trading under Premier Forest ownership. The business specialises in panelised roof systems, trusses, joists, and roof and floor cassette solutions — making it a critical link in the UK’s offsite and timber‑frame ecosystem.
Premier Forest co‑founder and chief executive Terry Edgell said the acquisition strengthens the group’s engineered‑timber capabilities and complements its existing Mon Timber Engineering division. He said the deal “broadens our engineered timber solutions for customers across the UK” and will support faster, more efficient housebuilding and modular construction through continued product innovation and potential future manufacturing expansion.
The acquisition builds on Premier Forest’s earlier purchase of NTG’s Arnold Laver sites in Manchester and Reading, secured from administrators in late 2025. Founded in 1993, the company reported £97 million in turnover and £2.7 million in pre‑tax profit in its most recent financial results for the period to April 2024.
Under Premier Forest ownership, NTS plans to expand its workforce from 160 to around 250 — a rare growth trajectory in a sector battered by insolvencies. Managing director Nick Kershaw described Premier Forest as a strong cultural and strategic match, adding that the deal gives NTS “the platform to grow and develop through 2026 and beyond.”
The rescue comes amid significant turmoil across the UK’s building and construction industry. According to data from Shakespeare Martineau, 79 construction companies entered administration in the first half of 2025 — representing 10% of all UK insolvencies and a 3% rise on 2023.
- To learn more about “the utterly brutal” conditions that led to one of the UK’s largest timber distributors entering administration, click here for Wood Central’s special feature from November.
