Vastern Timber, which operates a sawmill at Studley, near Chippenham, has promoted Tom Barnes from director to managing director as the family-owned firm adopts a more formal management structure ready for anticipated growth.
Established in in 1904, Vastern Timber is owned and run by three members of the Barnes family – Peter, Jon and Tom – representing the third and fourth generations of the family. 
The Royal Wootton Bassett-based firm is one of the UK’s largest hardwood sawmills, specialising in cutting and manufacturing native grown timbers including English oak, sweet chestnut, ash, sycamore and larch.
Last year it supplied wood for two restoration projects at the Tower of London – the reinstatement of the historic building’s drawbridge and furniture for the restoration of its iconic Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula.
Tom Barnes, pictured, is the great-grandson of founder Leonard Barnes, said: “These are exciting times for Vastern Timber and the UK timber industry.
“We had a very positive year as a business and we are confident that we have a strong strategy in place for 2015 and beyond.”
He said the company was benefiting from the recovery in the UK construction industry while there was an ever-increasing interest in domestically grown timber products on the back of campaigns such as ‘Wood for Good’ and ‘Grown In Britain’.”
The business has instigated a more formal management structure which will allow Tom Barnes to concentrate on developing the business both through attracting new customers as well as developing its product range.
