James Latham plc is delighted to have been shortlisted yet again in the TTJ Awards 2006.

The company has had another very successful year and has recently announced a 6% increase on last year's turnover, with operating profits up 20.2%  Pre-tax profit is 43.2% higher than last year.

The James Latham group recently sold one of its subsidiaries, Nevill Long.  In Latham's new summer 2006 Product and Price Guide, Chairman Roger Latham commented: "The business specialised in suspended ceiling systems, drylining and partitioning.  We were offered a good price for it and we can use the proceeds to further our core business of distributing timber and panel products."

There has been a big concentration this year on the environmental aspects of working within the timber industry, and the company continues to make positive moves towards stocking products originating from sustainable and correctly managed forest, and in particular FSC and PEFC products, plus MTCC plywood and timber.

The company was the first signatory to the Timber Trade Federation's Responsible Purchasing Policy, and this year has been awarded the BM TRADA Forest Products Chain of Custody.  Key members of Lathams staff take part in a full programme of world-wide visits to countries which supply legally verified timber, or are aiming to work towards a legal source of supply.  Lathams has been actively promoting the sale of certified timber wherever possible.

Sales of the African hardwood, Sapele, have been encouraging.  The timber is certified by the Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS) and is ideal for furniture, shop fitting and general.

The sale of the exclusive solid surface products, LG HI-MACS Natural Acrylic Stone continues to go from strength to strength.  The company has a team of staff dedicated to the range, which is manufactured by chemical giant LG Chem, and they have had considerable success in the commercial and residential sectors.

James Latham director, Chris Sutton, commented: "This product is increasingly popular in healthcare and catering where LG HI-MACS has a special hygiene certificate.  It is ideal for use in areas where cleanliness is of the utmost importance."

The Bausen hardwood flooring range from James Latham has had a particularly successful year.  Part of the range recently obtained the Q Mark assurance of quality, indicating the exceptional standard of this popular range and is the first of its kind to hold a Q Mark, which is operated by BM TRADA Certification Ltd.  FSC Manor Oak has recently been added to the range and is actively being marketed.  A dedicated website has also been launched detailing latest product information and prices, and sales of the range are very positive.

Lathams has commissioned a series of new corporate press advertisements in the lead up to the business's 250-year anniversary, which falls next year.  The first of the suite of advertisements, which features a cross-cut of a log showing the annular rings, highlights key dates during James Latham's illustrious 250 year history, while the second showcases Lathams growing portfolio of environmental credentials.  The adverts have already begun appearing in trade magazines.

In line with its commitment to keeping customers fully up-to-date and informed about the latest products, Lathams have published several product guides throughout the year.  The latest 2006 Product and Price Guide includes information on the entire Lathams portfolio, while individual brochures were published earlier in the year for Kronospan, Birch plywood, Flexible panels, Door blanks and Decorative Veneered panels.  A guide to responsible timber purchasing and a guide to environmental certifications are also available.

Chris Sutton added: " We publish a wealth of product literature throughout the year to help our customers choose the right product for the job.  It is important to us that our clients are not only aware of the products we sell, but also of our environmental stance and the importance of sustainability."

A new website is currently under construction and will have separate sections for James Latham plc, Latham Limited and Advanced Technical Panels.

The James Latham staff would like to thank suppliers, customers and all those who voted for the company in this year's awards for their support.

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