James Latham plc (Lathams Ltd)

Established in 1757, James Latham plc has been importing and distributing timber and panel products to the UK for more than two and a half centuries.
Under the continuing direction of the Latham family, the business – whose current management team includes a number of eighth generation family members - has developed into an industry leader in panel products, hardwood, hardwood flooring and joinery quality softwood and now offers probably the most comprehensive and varied product range available in the market today.

Latham’s wide-ranging portfolio includes an extensive choice of innovative surface solutions such as LG HI-MACS®, its highly popular solid surface material, for which it is now the exclusive distributor for the UK and Ireland.  HI-MACS® can be thermoformed to almost any 3D shape and allows for perfectly imperceptible joints, so even large-area installations have the appearance of one seamless application.  Its versatility allows users to mould and transform their ideas into reality with possibilities far beyond those offered by materials traditionally used in the world of architecture and design.

A number of exciting new surface products have been added to the portfolio this year which are already having a big impact within Architects and Designers including Allure Stoneform - another product for which James Latham is the exclusive UK distributor – which offers six different types of real stone laminate. It’s the perfect solution where a real stone finish is required but the use, and expense, of heavy, solid stone is impractical. Plus, it’s flexible too, offering limitless design possibilities to create an interior environment which is highly distinctive.

Another new addition generating plenty of interest is Valchromat, a coloured Engineered Fibreboard in which the colour runs throughout the entire board.  With eleven vibrant colours in the range, Valchromat is already proving to be popular within the UK shop fitting and furniture manufacturing sectors where bold and impactful colours are part of the specification.  Plus, it has been approved by the British Standards Association as safe to use in the manufacture of children’s toys.
Also new this year is Nevamar, a high pressure laminate suitable for use in hotels, restaurants and bars, airports, hospitals, retail shops and other commercial environments.   Nevamar incorporates a unique, patented Armoured Protection (ARP) technology which stands up to more abuse than similar products.  The result is an extremely hard-wearing decorative material that looks newer for longer which also makes it ideal for residential installations.
James Latham also offers an extensive range of high performance door blanks, veneered and melamine panels, lightweight MFC boards, Birch plywood, plus hardwood and softwood plywood.  In addition, as one of the largest distributors of MDF in the UK, stocks are held of standard, light, moisture resistant, F.R and Exterior panels.

Plus, as well as a comprehensive stock of the main temperate and tropical hardwoods from Europe, Africa, North America, and the Far East, Lathams also source high quality joinery softwoods from North America and Scandinavia.
Bausen, Latham’s own brand Solid Hardwood and Engineered flooring, offers an affordable range of quality flooring and the company has developed a dedicated website www.bausenhardwoodflooring.co.uk to provide information to customers.
In addition, the group has a specialist custom-built panel division, Advanced Technical Panels (ATP), which is the UK's leading supplier of pre-finished and overlaid panels as well as certified Birch plywood for commercial vehicles, loading bays, van-linings and walkways.

Through 10 strategically based depots, Lathams has nationwide coverage including Scotland, and is able to offer its products for prompt collection or delivery within 24-72 hours, depending on location.

James Latham is a member and supporter of the Timber Trade Federation and was the first signatory to the Federation’s Responsible Purchasing Policy.  The company has a strong environmental policy with all depots being Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) certified.  James Latham is also fully compliant with  EUTR (European Timber Trade Regulation) guidelines and continues to work closely with all of its suppliers to ensure they meet the requirements for demonstrating legality.

James Latham also currently supports a number of key trade associations and its membership includes; the Timber Trade Federation (TTF), Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA), Wood Window Alliance (WWA), British Laminate Fabricators Association (BLFA), British Furniture Manufacturers Association (BFM), Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA), as well as the National Association of Shopfitters (NAS).