BMF membership hits 1,000 landmark

The BMF (Builders Merchants Federation) has welcomed Kronospan, a leading global manufacturer of wood-based panels, as its 1000^th member.

The landmark membership number – which underlines the BMF’s position as the only trade body with the breadth of membership required to represent the entire building materials sector – coincides with the launch of the BMF’s high profile Sector Awareness programme. Designed to develop public understanding of Building Materials as a vibrant and varied employment sector, the programme represents the BMF’s largest investment in a single initiative, with £225,000 invested to date.

The BMF’s merchant and supplier members, who together have combined sales of £50.2bn, employ just under 203,000 people.  The awareness programme will underline the scale of employment opportunities Building Materials affords.

It is the first time Building Materials has been defined as a distinct industry sector, comprising companies that develop, make, sell and distribute all the products and materials needed for the UK’s building and construction projects.

The BMF’s latest member, Kronospan is a great example of the vibrant and innovative businesses within the Building Materials sector.  They have been processing timber for more than 100 years and are experts in its efficient use.  Committed to sustainable production and reducing their carbon footprint, they use alternative energy sources and take recycled wood and residues from the sawmill industry to create technically advanced engineered panel products designed to improve building performance.

John Newcomb, BMF CEO said:

“I am delighted to welcome Kronospan to the BMF.  A forward-thinking company, they have pioneered many of their industry’s key advances and committed to producing carbon negative products. I look forward to working with them.

“We take enormous pride in providing genuine value to members through business support, people and skills development, supply chain collaboration and government influence – and this is evidenced by the continuous growth in membership which has more than tripled from 324 when I joined the organisation twelve years ago.

“With 1,000 companies now in membership, the BMF is the only trade body that can truly speak and act with authority for the entire Building Materials sector.”