German timber exporter Kullik & Rullmann says acquisition of UK softwood lumber agent Gill & Robinson will improve distribution network for its sawmills; new owner prioritizes development of US sales program for major Swedish suppliers

Wendy Lisney

LOS ANGELES , November 15, 2012 (Industry Intelligence Inc.) – German timber exporter Kullik & Rullmann AG says the acquisition of British timber import and trading agency Gill & Robinson Ltd. will improve the the distribution network in the UK for its German suppliers, according to a report by European timber network Fordaq.

Managing director Carsten Kullik said the acquisition, which was completed on Nov. 1, would also develop the American and Asian markets for Swedish suppliers. The first project the new owners will undertake, added Kullik, is to to develop a sales program in the US for its major Swedish suppliers.

A report on the transaction by UK timber industry magazine TTJ said was expected to help the Newcastle-based softwood timber agent become a one-stop-shop for all its customers.

Gill & Robinson owner Ian Robinson said Kullik & Rullmann's German mills offered completely different products from those that his company currently sources from major German softwood exporter Van Roje. He said Gill & Robinson would now be able to add new products, including decking blanks, CLS and grading rejects to its range. It would also be able to source laminated products and oak flooring from China and American and European hardwoods, Robinson added.

The primary sources of this article are Fordaq, Brussels on Nov. 12 and TTJ, Sidcup, UK, on Nov. 15.

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