TREATMENT AWARD SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON JAMES DAVIES SAWMILLS
A quality-driven treatment process is integral to the performance of treated timber. Recognising this, the Wood Protection Association operates the WPA Benchmark Quality Approval Scheme.
One member of the Benchmark scheme that has shone brightly this year is James Davies Sawmills, having been awarded the WPA’s Treatment Quality accolade for 2023.
Supplying a wide range of treated timber products, including fencing, across the UK, James Davies Sawmills is an approved treater under the WPA Benchmark scheme. This means that they are subject to an annual audit that looks at the quality management schemes in place, the skills of plant operatives and treatment system processes and records. With the Treatment Quality Award, the WPA recognise those companies that go above and beyond and whose quality processes stand out.
Being picked as an exemplar of excellence for treatment has been celebrated by the Abercych business but is viewed as “all in a day’s work” by Managing Director Quinton Davies. Speaking of the award, Quinton said:
“The manufacture of quality timber products is deeply rooted in the history of the business. In the late 1800s, my family opened a workshop in Abercych which used water-power to produce wood products. Fast forward 130 years, the business has significantly grown by taking advantage of evolving manufacturing processes, including a dedicated on-site treatment facility. We never outsource timber treatment because it’s so fundamental to the quality of our products.
We are fastidious in our approach, selecting specific timber species and drying appropriately to ensure the preservative penetrates sufficiently during the pressurised treatment process. We use Tanalith E, one of the leading wood preservative products, because we have full confidence in its performance and work well with Arxada who manufacture it. This relationship with Arxada extends further than just product supply as they provide in-depth training to all of treatment plant operators through their Treat-Right programme.”
Looking to the future, Quinton and his team are looking at ways to keep driving quality, product development and environmental performance. For more information on the James Davies Sawmills product range visit
