W.L. West & Sons Ltd.
Timber Talks - January 2005

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Retail recession or just a trading blip?

After a good first three financial quarters, the new year has started off very slowly. It appears that retail spending is down and the public are not spending on top end hardwood projects, something all in our industry requires. This was highlighted by the downturn of spending in the high streets over Christmas. Could this be related to property prices? Is it that the loan thresholds are at melt down? Only time will tell.  We have three months to finish our financial year, and have all our new budgets in place ready for 2004/5. Over the last three years we have commented on changes in the industry, legislation, and other external macro factors but when it come down to it, it is providing the best we can, at the right price package, to enable repeat business that counts.

Stock News

American Red Cherry T/T kiln dried, coming forward, the sales of this have been increasing and the feed back has been positive more to place on a forward basis.
American Black Walnut is such a fickle product, but the good news is that we are placing more contracts on the back of the first consignment from a new mill which has restored our and our customers' faith back in this product where quality is so important to the smaller end users.

Oak through and through is currently being milled, we have again recently visited France to purchase more Oak logs to convert. It is worth a note that there is very fierce competition by the Chinese to buy European Oak. The way it looks they will move into buying more and more logs. To export a 40' container  Hong Kong on a 'back load' is costing approx the sum of $300 which is even cheaper than Ryan Air! Or Flybee! The export trade from China is now so big that the containers movement at the moment is largely one way. They want logs and not T/T kiln dried lumber, as labour rates are cheap in comparison to the rest of Europe. They can use lower grades which we as a country seem to be frightened of, remember trees do have branches!

We have available some very special grade and quality of square edged K/D euro Beech. We will be fading out the T/T. This stock is lightly steamed and factory sanded one face, the spec is 125mm+, approx 3.3m but the quality is superb and stick mark free. Stock arriving shortly.

Some very good quality Sycamore logs have been sourced and are in our yard being converted, they will be promptly kiln dried in our Cigomak kilns, ideal for this species. The logs have a good spec and have been felled to order to coincide with the drying program to ensure 'White' sycamore is produced.

In the exotic range we have recently received some 26mm and 52mm Wenge originally from Zaire. This has been selling well and we are in the process of placing a contract for Zebrano. 

Ash logs are the subject of a purchasing debate, due to the current poor selling price, but high purchase price being demanded by landowners. Our decision will depend on commercial viability, more news soon. 

Elm logs are also arriving and we recently cut some 54mm and 27mm. Feedback is that the colour and character is up to the mark, and the diameters are OK. In the old days these would have been considered to have been small. They are approx 40cm+
Following improvements to our shed 3 (new floor and racking), visitors will immediately see the benefits for selection, tallying and speed of turn round in selecting orders for species such as Idigbo, Sapele, Ash, Beech etc. This follows the success of racking our Oak storage shed.

Super Prime Oak - some are saying it's too good

We have sourced a square edged European Oak that is 'Super Prime', and is kiln dried to approx 12%+ - 2%, absolute minimum sap, if any. Parallel cut after kiln drying, we think this is the top grade currently imported into the UK. Customers who have used it say it is very difficult to beat. Give the sales team a call to book a visit to inspect it.

Listen to your garden - it needs a fence

Our Supply & Fix fencing department has capacity for more work. With spring around the corner, now is the time to consider replacing fences and installing the deck system, balustrade and hand rails that you put off last year. Call Chris or Diego for a site survey.
Component cutting is still increasing which is great news, with a noticeable increase in Sapele and Idigbo, which is a little surprising, but considering time, waste, and a definite two decimal price it seems to be giving more customers what they need to offer a faster turn round to their customers. The feed back we have had is the saving in space. Remember the storage areas most joinery firms had for stock!! Now they are production areas creating income.

Its Show Time at West's  -  6 & 7 May

Always wishing to move forward with new things, this year we are holding the inaugural ‘Wests Wood Show’ on Fri 6 & Sat 7th May. Located in our yard, we will also be able to have limited number tours around the business. Primarily designed around the retail shop, it will have something of interest to all. Demonstrations by three members of the Register of Professional wood turners, as well as many visiting wood oriented clubs. Many of our suppliers have also agreed to come and support us and will be here to assist with your queries. Watch our web site for more details.

This news letter is stock biased, but it has been ages since we have updated you with what we are doing on the home front!

Thanks again for the business

W.L. WEST & SONS LTD
Selham, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0PJ
United Kingdom

Tel: 01798 861611   
Fax: 01798 861633   
E-mail: sales@wlwest.co.uk

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