John Grimes Sawmills host Pat McFadden MP for showcase in best practice

A local MP was given an insight into UK industry best practice when he paid a visit to Wolverhampton-based John Grimes Sawmills (JGS).

Pat McFadden, MP for Wolverhampton South East, was welcomed to the site by Arvid Nielsen, JGS’ operations director and John Dibble, managing director of its parent company, Building & Plumbing Supplies Group.

The visit was part and parcel of support for the Confederation of Timber Industries’ (CTI) campaign to showcase best practice within the UK timber industry.

Nielsen gave the MP a tour of the site, which employs 20 staff and manufactures in excess of 10,000 panels per week, with yard stock capacity of over 70,000 panels. JGS also provides work experience to a number of apprentices and is keen to encourage more young people to start a career in timber manufacturing.

Furthermore, McFadden heard from Nielsen how he is keen to grow and stay in Wolverhampton area thereby offering further opportunities for employment and training.

“I was impressed with the manufacturing capability of the sawmill,” McFadden said. “It was good to hear that the company has plans to expand, helping the local economy to grow and creating more jobs.

“I am aware that timber businesses like Grimes Sawmills Ltd make a great contribution to Wolverhampton economy and I will be happy to support them locally as well as in Westminster.”

McFadden has also agreed to join the new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Timber Industries aiming to promote the use of timber UK wide but also support local timber related companies. The new APPG has cross-party support with more than 40 parliamentarians including MPs representing Labour, Conservatives, SNP, Liberal Democrats and Northern Irish parties.