Member Article

Sunderland timber merchant doubles in size

Nordstrom Timber, which has operated in Sunderland for almost 65 years, has invested in new premises in the heart of the city.

Developing a new HQ, the family-owned timber merchant says the new site will better service its customers, creating a larger timber yard, joiner shop and showroom as well as creating new jobs in the process.

Nordstrom was originally founded on Sunderland’s Nile Street by Herman Nordstrom in 1953 and today remains the largest independent timber merchant in the city.

Alan Nordstrom, Herman’s son, continues to work in the business alongside his own son David Nordstrom and daughter, Lynne Nellis.

Opening a four-bedroom showhome inside the showroom, the firm will showcase many of its products including kitchens and bedrooms, as well as the company’s trademark handmade timber staircases and windows.

The joinery shop has been substantially expanded to produce an array of products from stairs and windows to porches and frames. Several new pieces of state-of-the-art equipment have also been installed at the site, with more to follow this year, to support Nordstrom’s bespoke timber machining service.

The expansive timber yard, with its dedicated car park, enables a wider product range and improved stock levels, from skirtings and dado rails, fencing and decking to sheet materials and graded timbers.

Alan Nordstrom said: “The move was essential to the business and its customers’ needs, with the new showhome playing a vital role its ongoing success.

“Everything displayed in the house is either made here on site or can be purchased from our timber yard and sales counter.”

“Customers can now see all our products in one place, be inspired and see how versatile timber can be. Our staff have a wealth of knowledge and I think people still like the idea of coming in and actually speaking with someone, unlike shopping online.

“Trade customers also appreciate the fact that all our timber products are under cover and they can drive in and load up.”

Cllr Harry Trueman, deputy leader of Sunderland City Council, who visited the company recently, added: “Nordstrom is a fantastic business, manufacturing high quality products and committed to its future in Sunderland after 65 years of doing business in the city. It’s a great vote of confidence from a thriving business.”

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