A DEVON-BASED native timber company has just acquired the UK’s largest Thermo Vacuum System machine.

UK Hardwoods' TVS is piece of modern equipment which carries out a process, used globally, of subjecting wood to very high temperatures (170° C-230° C) to change its chemical structure, altering colour, increasing hardness and durability and protecting the wood from attacks by mould and parasites.

The company, which has been working with British timber for 45 years, already offers its customers hardwood for use in cladding decking, flooring and furniture, so is excited to diversify its product portfolio. The chemical-free process enhances the timbers’ durability and stability so that the timber can last for up to 60 years even when exposed to the elements. During the process the wood darkens in colour producing a product that needs no oiling or further treatment.

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The big, new machine has been imported from Italian company WDE Maspell – a pioneer in the use of a vacuum to subject woods to high temperatures - and UK Hardwoods managing director Tom Bedford says the process is 100 per cent eco-friendly.

He added: "At UK Hardwoods we have the UK's largest and most energy-efficient thermally modified Ash plant.

"Our hardwood timber is fully traceable, locally sourced and is carefully transformed from tree to board in our family-run yard in Devon. All UK Hardwoods products are certified ‘Grown in Britain’, which means our customers can support British forestry and local industries with pride”.