Widnes timber supplier strikes deal on South American hardwood

A North West supplier of timber products has signed off on a deal that makes it the UK’s sole provider of mandioqueira, a tropical hardwood from South America that is commonly used for decking.

The owners of Widnes-based Silva Timber Products, Simon Hutton and Nick Taylor, are confident that forthcoming mandioqueira sales will push the firm’s full-year revenues to a new high of £5.5m. In the 12 months to December 31 2014, the company had revenues of £4.6m and increased its staff base to 28.

Nick said Silva plans on targeting landscapers, architects, shop fitters, house builders and designers as it aims to boost mandioqueira sales.

He said: “We are committed to providing the highest quality and sustainably-sourced speciality timbers for both private and commercial projects, and mandioqueira fits the bill perfectly.

“In addition, mandioqueira is extremely economical and hard-wearing. We are constantly looking for ways to develop our product range and we are delighted to be able to offer mandioqueira throughout the UK.”

While Silva’s head office is located in Widnes, the company has a second showroom in London. Founded 15 years ago, some of Silva Timber Products’ recent projects include work for Center Parcs, Durham University and Marks & Spencer.

Simon and Nick struck the latest deal after meeting a number of potential suppliers of the tropical timber during a trade mission to Bolivia in 2014.The move represents the latest in a string of new product lines for the firm. Ongoing expansion has seen it introduce 14 new products in the past year.