Introducing Latham Timber Manufacturing
Today, James Latham, the UK’s leading independent distributor of timber, panels and decors, announces the rebrand of their Rochdale-based timber mouldings and cladding specialist, Dresser Mouldings (Dresser) to Latham Timber Manufacturing (LTM).
This move is a key milestone in the James Latham Group’s strategic objective to bring all its subsidiaries in line with the overall family of brands, creating a holistic package that will straddle the distribution services supply chain.
James Latham acquired Dresser in 2019 to meet the rising market demand for machined mouldings and cladding, a trend that has only continued to grow since. Over the past five years, the business has built on its unrivalled reputation for quality, creativity, and consistency, working with high-profile clients to develop decorative and finishing solutions across a wide variety of sectors. This ranges from intricate bespoke carving and cornicing to Award Winning cladding products and through to high-performance, ultra-sustainable curtain wall systems.
As LTM, the business will continue to deliver the same best-in-class services customers have come to expect, whilst benefitting from significant investment provided by the James Latham Group. This has been seen in the major upgrades made to plant equipment, which now possesses the very latest state-of-the-art machinery, increasing capability and efficiency without compromising on finesse.
David Johnson, General Manager at LTM says, “Since James Latham acquired Dresser, they’ve provided incredible support to help enhance the business and broaden both our scope and ambition. Put simply, these experts are deeply rooted in the timber trade, fully understanding the challenges we face and recognising opportunities as they arise. They continue to help us, whether physically or digitally, to evolve our proposition, maintain our appeal, and make serious in-roads into existing and emerging markets.”
Visualising success
James Latham has long been a leader in digital innovation, and to mark its new brand identity, they have introduced a cutting-edge online tool: the James Latham Cladding Visualiser. A powerful new platform, it builds on the success of the distributor’s award-winning Digital Showroom, providing architects, designers and contractors with an opportunity to see how its cladding portfolio looks in application, ahead of specification.
Developed with long-time design partner, Cyon Agency, the site empowers James Latham’s influencers and purchasers to see a wide array of materials, tones and colours under a variety of lighting conditions on different building types.
Featuring leading brands, including Accoya, Shou Sugi Ban, and James Latham’s own multi-award-winning Finish Line collection, users have a near unrivalled scope and freedom to see what the exterior finish of their development will actually look like.
Taking it up a notch
Whilst other cladding visualisers exist, what sets James Latham apart is its use of high-definition photographic renders of the actual materials, resulting in a true-to-life replica of what each product will look like on a building façade.
The authenticity of the in-person specification journey is another advantage. Many visualisers already on the market have poor functionality and, as customer experience is at the heart of the James Latham proposition, ensuring that showroom feel, was at the heart of the project. That’s why users have wide-ranging freedom to explore different materials, colourways, and lighting conditions. By creating a user profile, visitors can save their concepts, arrange sample deliveries, and even schedule a video meeting with a LTM cladding expert to discuss their selections.
As James Latham’s Timber Director, Andy Duffin says, “The new visualiser is the perfect calling card for LTM, and the services it has to offer. Crucially, it shows how we’re constantly listening to our audience’s requirements and looking for ways to give them exactly what they need to make the most informed choice possible, regardless of time or location. As we continue to grow our share in the facades market, the new identity and cutting-edge visualiser platform positions us to compete for more business, ethically and sustainably.”
As of 00:01 on Monday 4th November 2024, Dresser Mouldings assumes the name Latham Timber Manufacturing. The division will continue to be headed up by David Johnson reporting to Andy Duffin at James Latham Group. There have been no personnel or day-to-day operational changes.
Keen to find out more? The check out James Latham’s visual introduction to this exciting new chapter in the company’s story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DBYE043Zbo
For more information on the new look, visit the new LTM website: https://tm.lathams.co.uk/
To experience the James Latham Cladding Visualiser visit: https://cladding.lathamtimber.co.uk/