TEN YEARS AND COUNTING ELLPRO TIMBER LTD

“What a year it promises to be!” said Lee Proctor, Ellpro’s Director. “Regardless of uncertainty we are consolidating our position as a premier fencing importer and distributor. We will be introducinglots of new products to fit in with ourgarden range, including brand new panel designs, garden furniture and modern, contemporary planters. Our product range has increased enormously over the last 10 years to well over 400 products, sourcedfrom 9 different countries. All instock for a just in time service. In general, this has been led by our customers, who frequently tell us they would like to see us stock a particular item. Or as in a lot of cases, we are discovering new products by visiting our suppliers and encouraging them to show us their ideas and innovative new products. Our core range of products remains bulk sales of timber fencing components. Year on year we have increased the volumes we import of machine rounds, peeled stakes and sawn fencing material. Quality has always been the most important factor with all of our products. Right from the start, we have supplied our Pro-Post range of UC4 treated timber. Our early customers were keen to have a product they could rely on and we are happy to say they are still buying that product with confidence today and in growing volumes, making us one of the UK’s biggest importers of UC4 treated fencing products. In recent years our Pro-Post branded range has earned the Treat-Right Quality award and Ellpro Timber were finalists in the Wood Preservation Awards. We have earned these accolades from Lonza, the European market leader by insisting on strict control and monitoring by our Latvian partners of the whole UC4 treatment process. From selection of the Redwood Pine and carefully calculated kiln drying times, to ensuring the correct treatment solution. We know every part of the procedure is undertaken to our requirement. This gives us the certainty to literally put our stamp of approval on each individual piece and it gives our customers the assurance that they are buying a product that lasts. Another sign of our commitment to quality has been the welcome addition of the Dastra brand in our line-up of suppliers. Dastra have many years of experience in manufacturing first-class fencing panels, trellis and garden products. Their European designs are massively popular with the British public, leading to increased demand from our stockists.”

Lee goes on to explain, “In early 2017 we made the decision to move our port operation to Wisbech. The team at Wisbech have the flexible attitude that is required to offer our just in time service and they have welcomed our plans for expansion with development of additional undercover storage for our growing volumes of stock. The Port of Wisbech is situated in an ideal location for us to supply our growing network of customers throughout the UK with regular, fast deliveries. Having our wide range of stock available in a single location allows our customers to choose any mix of products they wish. This flexible service is invaluable to merchants in today’s market, where their customers have come to expect speedy delivery.”

To serve their growing number of customers, the Ellpro Timber team has also grown over the last 10 years. “As well as James and I, we now have a dedicated team of 6 staff members. All working hard to ensure we meet the standards of service our customers need. It has been great to see many of our customers welcome the next generation of family members into the business and I am delighted that both my sons have joined Ellpro Timber. I think it shows we have a long-term commitment to both our customers and suppliers. This new generation, beginning their careers in the timber trade, bring with them fresh new ideas. One of the ways I have seen this, is in how we reach our customers. 2019 will see us use social media more to introduce and promote new products. Our website is constantly updated and is a great source of information for anyone wishing to find out more about our products and services. Having said that, we have seen the benefit to using traditional marketing methods. We produced our first product brochure last year and it has given us a massive boost in our manufactured product sales.”

Who knows what the next 10 years will bring? One thing is for sure, Ellpro Timber will continue to meet their customers’ high expectations by developing new products that inspire and striving to find ways to take their service to even higher levels.

www.ellprotimber.co.uk