AN HISTORIC Devon company has recently announced a programme of investment and expansion to meet a growing demand for its timber products. The 121-year-old Victoria Sawmills, based at Merton in West Devon and at Colaton Ridge, near Sidmouth, is investing £250,000 in new machinery and a computerised wood treatment facility. The company produces a range of timber products for the domestic and agricultural markets including fencing, panels, trellis, decking, gates and garden furniture. Will Laws, manager of Victoria Sawmills, said: 'This is a significant milestone in the history of the business. 'The company was founded in 1887 and remains a family business. We have grown to become one of the largest independent timber merchants in the South West and this investment is evidence of our confidence in the future. 'We pride ourselves on being a long-term Devon success story and it's really great to be able to invest in technology which will help the business grow even further.' In recent years the company has seen a substantial rise in demand, particularly for its fencing supplies. A new wood treatment facility is planned and will allow the sawmill to double its wood treatment capacity. this will be controlled by a computer management system that will ensure the finished timber is treated to the optimum level. Mr Laws added: 'This is an important development for us as it allows us to satisfy the requirements of customers who can specify the exact treatment standard they require for their order. 'This new facility will give us the capacity to treat our own timber and also offer a treatment service to others. It should be a real boost for the timber industry within Devon.'
