Jan 21 2005

By Karen Allen, The Vale Advertiser

A RUTHIN company is building firm foundations to create an environmentally-friendly option other than fossil fuels.

Ruthin-based Clifford Jones Timber has opened up a profitable new German market for its wooden briquettes - an innovative and environmentally-sustainable by-product of timber processing.

The briquettes, made from wood shavings harvested from mass production of fencing posts, are suitable for open fires and wood-burning stoves, and a range has been developed for barbecues.

The company has been working with the Wales Trade International's (WTI) Objective One-funded Programme Export Assist to introduce its ecologically-sound products to overseas markets.

"The decline of fossil fuels and reduced revenue from the chip board and paper mills, along with Government initiatives to consider sustainable forms of energy, prompted us to investigate widespread outlets for our by-products," explained Clifford Jones Timber managing director Alan Jones.

"Following extensive market re-search, an exciting opportunity for export was identified in Germany."

The burgeoning overseas market for environmentally-friendly fuel has resulted in this family-run rural enterprise investing in new buildings, specialist machinery and expertise.

"Investing in new technology and contemporary production methods is essential for growth and job creation," said Mr Jones.

"We are confident that this development, along with our existing programme of investment, will secure the company's future.

"Expanding into overseas trade has been a steep learning curve for us, however Export Assist has provided invaluable support in identifying key markets and providing practical support along the way," he added.

"As a result we were able to pre-sell all our 2005 briquette production."

Eduardo Phillips, WTI's export development counsellor for Denbigh-shire, has worked closely with the company in establishing the successful trade with Germany.

"Over recent years, the emphasis within the timber trade has moved towards sustainable and renewable sources of raw materials. Clifford Jones Timber has been proactive in implementing a system of sustainable and accountable sourcing of its raw materials," he explained.