timber firm M&M Timber has bucked the trend and reported a 40 per cent increase in its December sales.

The company from Clow Tops, near Kidderminster, claimed an industry first a few months ago with the introduction of its new Micronized preserved timber range.

The range features advanced corrosion protection technology developed by wood preservatives specialist firm Osmose. The cutting-edge technique is already having a significant impact on the company’s sales.

Contracts were drawn up with major distributors of agricultural and fencing supplies within hours of a launch presentation to showcase the benefits of the state-of-the-art technology.

M&M Timber’s managing director, Nigel Poyner said: “There is no doubt the current economic climate will present us all with challenges but we have to be prepared for the future and despite the uncertainties we have continued with our long-term investment programme.

“Judging by the December sales success, the recently launched MicroPro treated products are without doubt going to prove a major influence on our future market gains.”

The company recently invested more than £200,000 in a new timber drying kiln and associated sanding equipment at its Clows Top sawmills in readiness for the new treatment process. M&M Timber is also investing in its people, with announcements last month of further appointments to its growing sales and new business development team.

When final figures are released, annual turnover is expected to peak at about £6 million, an all-time high for the company.

M&M was founded 30 years ago and has grown into one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of machined round timber, and a leading supplier of timber products for fencing, landscaping, garden furniture, playground surrounds and play area equipment.