Build Center, Wolseley UK’s construction materials distributor, has been awarded ‘Chain of Custody’ certification, guaranteeing the supply of legal and sustainable timber, for its 100th branch – a milestone in the development of its unrivalled national stock of FSC hardwood plywood, and its drive to encourage builders to play their part in ending the trade in illegal timber.  

The latest award has been made by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and follows the certification of other branches in the chain, also all endorsed by the PEFC Council (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) scheme.

The news comes as Build Center is responding to an ever increasing demand for wood from legal and sustainable sources.  The growth in the market was illustrated by a report at the end of January, commissioned by the Timber Trade Federation, which revealed that well over 50 per cent of timber coming into the UK is now certified as legal and sustainable - from next to nothing ten years ago.

Jermain Cheetham, Wolseley UK’s National Chain of Custody Manager, said: “We are working hard to raise our customers’ awareness of sustainable timber products, and thanks to our growing network of certified branches, we also have an unrivalled national stock of FSC hardwood plywood. 

“Customers can now buy the timber straight off the shelf, from more locations than ever before, and safe in the knowledge that it is from a legal and sustainable source.”

Build Center’s comprehensive range of certified products include; sawn and machined timber, joinery products, and panel products.  Build Center holds stock for immediate purchase by builders for all types of construction projects, with compliance guaranteed by central and branch monitoring.

Build Center is rolling out FSC and PEFC certification across its 280-strong branch network, with completion expected in 2008.