Russwood turns 30
This year, Russwood is proud to celebrate three decades as one of Scotland’s leading suppliers of high-quality timber products.
From humble beginnings on the site of a former coal yard at Newtonmore, our first sawmill was constructed by a small team of six. Among them were John Russell, PJ Mackintosh and Lorna Crombie, who still lead the company to this day, as Managing Director, Operations Director and Commercial Director respectively.
Russwood started small scale timber processing from its Newtonmore home in 1990, producing UK grown hardwoods including Scottish Oak, Elm and Birch for kiln drying, which provided a durable and beautiful material for everything from furniture and doors to sheds and picnic tables.
New markets
Over the years, Russwood developed in expertise and experience, always embracing the latest innovations whilst maintaining a solid commitment to quality and service. In the year 2000, John Russell took the first steps into the cladding and decking market, travelling all across Europe in search of timber specialists. He found one in the form of Dutch exporter Bert Huijsman – described by PJ Mackintosh as an “encyclopedia of timber knowledge” – and a trusted partner to this day.
By 2001, Russwood was producing Siberian Larch and Western Red Cedar cladding, and Siberian Larch Decking. In 2001 Russwood also started working with our production specialists in high-quality European flooring, in a relationship that has endured for 19 years and counting.
A personal touch
These are not the only enduring relationships at Russwood, which has always enjoyed a special team spirit and camaraderie. Over the years we have marked many special occasions together – our cake rota system is loved by all, and thanks to our growing team there is never a week without cake!
Russwood also prides itself on our support for the community. Today, we are a major employer for Badenoch and Strathspey, employing over 50 local staff at our Newtonmore headquarters as well as four people at our office in Glasgow. We have sponsored numerous community events and clubs including the Newtonmore Highland Games, Camanachd Association, Aviemore 100, Wolfpax Riders and golf competitions, as well as architect award ceremonies and many diverse charities over our three decades in business.
Moving with the times
By 2015 Russwood had outgrown its old offices, and in September 2015 we moved into our stunning new premises, designed by HRI Architects and built by CR Construction. Our production facility now includes a modern sawmill, planing mill and in-house factory coating facility, as well as open plan offices, a flooring showroom and architect designed cladding and decking display areas. As you would expect, our premises showcase the very highest standards of product design, installation and fixings, and provide us with a living test facility as research and development become ever more important to meeting and surpassing client expectations.
Throughout our 30 years we have taken pride in our reputation for quality products and excellent technical expertise, which enable us to provide timber and fixing systems that last for generations.
