One feature of hardwood timber supply to the MENA region is the wide collection of suppliers and traders who approach the market in a variety of different ways, with varying amounts of knowledge and professionalism! This can leave buyers confused and not knowing who they can really trust. One dynamic, U.K. based supplier, NHG Timber has been constantly involved with selling to the region since 1996, and during that time has been the source of good service and straight dealing that all their clients have come to rely on.

NHG Timber was founded in 1981 by Nick Goodwin, a name that many readers may be familiar with. The family business was strengthened by the addition of his two sons, Ben and Guy, who now run the business following their father’s retirement, along with long term associate Stuart McBride. The company specializes in tropical and temperate timber sourcing worldwide with a special focus on West Africa. Many readers will be familiar with NHG logos adorning packs of Sapele, Iroko, Dabema, Kossipo and many other timbers in various markets in the Gulf. This success has been built up not only on a deep and practical product knowledge, but also on forging long-term relationships with clients based on mutual respect and trust.

Products

Hardwood Lumber: NHG Timber specializes in the supply of hardwood lumber from West Africa, North America and Europe. These are available in fixed dimensions as well as standard sizes, and Ben, Guy and Stuart have the in-depth knowledge and experience of their supply areas to be able to source practically any desired hardwood product that clients require, along with providing advice and support. New ideas for grades, species and specifications are suggested on a regular basis.

Softwood Lumber: Echoing the company’s European sales, species such as Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir and Southern Yellow Pine are sourced from NHG’s North American network of suppliers.

Finished and Semi-finished products: NHG can supply a variety of products such as hardwood decking, machined profiles, moulding blanks and finished sections to give clients a fully bespoke hardwood service from expert and experienced producers.

Logs: Market trends are progressively realizing the importance of added value, but NHG still has a good business in log supply, and sources African and American logs for those buyers who wish to control their own yields.

MENA Region

Ben Goodwin heads up sales of African timber to the region and is obviously passionate about the product judging by the frequency of his bimonthly sourcing trips to several West African countries to check the quality and regularity of supply on behalf of a wide customer base.

“As a company we have enjoyed working with our clients in the MENA region, where we have been able to gain the loyalty of our clients by consistently offering a good service and good timber. We visit our supply sources in Africa at least once every two months, which means we can secure supply of well-known and not so well-known species,” said Ben Goodwin.

It is always a challenge finding new timbers for a competitive market, but their buyers are interested. “One thing I admire about our clients is that they are not afraid to try something new, and there are several new species initially introduced by NHG, that are now being used with great success in the market. Widening the number of species being used is much better for the sawmill in using the precious forest resource in a more effective and environmentally friendly manner,” added Ben.

Guy Goodwin works with Ben in securing African supply and heads up sales to Lebanon, Jordan and North Africa. The full complement of species traded is rounded off by Stuart McBride, who supplies American hardwoods from several well established, quality minded suppliers as well as Beech from Europe. He, as well as Ben, has been traveling to the Gulf region several times a year for many years and knows the markets intimately.

Stuart comments: “The reason for the regular visits to clients is mainly because we do not employ a local agent, unlike many of our competitors. Everyone in the company is both specialized in their source area and has a good understanding of all the products we sell. We find that one of the main problems in the market is the lack of detailed knowledge of issues such as grade, measure and technical properties of species, so by visiting regularly we can be on hand to assist directly and support clients with timely, accurate information. We believe that this sets us apart from the competition, some of whom we have noted over the years, can be fair weather friends.”

NHG have established a strong brand name and reputation in the market. The company is always looking to expand and find new customers to serve, who will in turn benefit from their professionalism, product knowledge, and often, a new and surprising timber to consider!