Rowlinson Timber has announced that, due to large/sustained and successful growth over the last few years, it is opening a main distribution hub in the South East and that, from 1 January 2019, its main operations will be based in the Port of Sheerness.

Darren Hill, Sales Director at Rowlinson Timber, said: “Due to the continued growth we have been experiencing nationally, the decision to open a distribution port in the South East was a natural progression for the company.

“Having our main distribution port in Sheerness will help to enhance the already excellent service to our southern-based customers, while providing a quicker response for local merchants. With the help and professionalism of Peel Ports to manage our operations, we feel that a solid long-term partnership will develop, and can then only benefit all of our existing and future customer base."

Managing Director Richard Smith added: “Sheerness is the perfect location to service our southern-based customers, with the site comprising more than 400 acres and a constant 11m of water on all its berths. The potential for further growth with existing and new customers makes for a very exciting new chapter in the continued expansion of Rowlinson Timber."

Andrew Hunter, Sales Manager – London Medway at Sheerness operator Peel Ports – Medway, welcomed Rowlinson Timber to Sheerness and added: "The new facility will enable Rowlinson Timber to reach its customers from a strategic location in the South East and deliver its aspirations for business growth."

Alongside the new port operation in Sheerness, it will operate a high-pressure timber treatment facility.

The plant, supported by Lonza Wood Protection, is equipped with technology to ensure all of Rowlinson's timber products comply with the use class specifications defined in EN335:2013 and the requirements of BS 8417.

Rowlinson is confident that the plant will attract services for third party customers as well as maintaining its own landed stock requirements across its product range.

Rowlinson will continue to manage its northern hub from PD Ports, Groveport in North East Lincolnshire.

Geoff Lippitt, Business Development Director at PD Ports, said: “We are pleased to be continuing our long term and much-valued relationship with Rowlinson Timber as port of choice to serve their northern markets from our operations at Groveport. This latest move to provide better geographical coverage for Rowlinson’s southern customers will undoubtedly further strengthen and enhance the existing first-class services provided.”