3 May 2006

Premier Boosts Sales by Trading with Sweden Through Newport's Docks

Leading independent timber importer, Premier Forest Products, is set to boost its sales and bolster Newport Docks' economy thanks to its launch of new shipments from Sweden.

Scandinavian vessel Stina arrived in Newport's Docks two days ago laden with a range of the finest European white wood sourced in Sweden.  It was the first of several regular shipments of higher grade, higher specification timber products from Sweden into Newport. The vessel, which can accommodate 2,500 cubic metres of timber, contained a combination of regularised and treated carcassing timber, kite-marked batten and CLS framing timber. The carcassing timber has been Kiln dried, graded to C16/C24 and planed. The packs are well presented and look clean and bright.

Premier is the only company in South Wales importing this type of product from Sweden into Newport, and the shipment has already attracted a lot of interest in the building trade. The company's sales team had sales confirmed for a third of the timber onboard the vessel before the vessel had even left Sweden.

Much of the shipping to and from Newport's Docks has ceased in recent years, however Premier Forest Products feel it is important to keep utilising local opportunities whenever possible. Paul Ford, Softwoods Director at the company, said:

“This is an exciting initiative for us and for Newport. Shipping via Newport's Docks is a great way for us to import large quantities of quality timber practically to our front door, helping us to efficiently supply the quality timbers to the South West and Wales.  This is a great way for us to support the local economy and ensure we can bolster our stocks while keeping our road mileage lower.

“I will be going out to Sweden shortly to organise the second cargo  into Newport, and the sentiment of our customers and our sales team is that this type of cargo will continue to be in high demand for the foreseeable future.”

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