Gloucester’s Griggs Timber Company to Close After Over a Century, Employees Face Job Loss Ahead of Christmas

Griggs Timber Company, a historic timber merchant based in Gloucester, has announced it will close just days before Christmas, putting around 24 employees at risk of losing their jobs after more than 100 years in operation.

Parent company Kellaway Group revealed on December 23 that the firm, located on Bristol Road, will shut down following a sustained period of financial underperformance. The business has reported losses for three consecutive financial years, exacerbated by a downturn in the housing market.

Julian Milligan, managing director of Kellaway Group, described the closure decision as “extremely difficult” and emphasized that extensive employee consultations preceded this outcome. The company’s immediate priority is to support affected staff by assisting with job applications and providing upskilling, refresher training, and competency-based courses to help secure future employment.

“Despite ongoing efforts to stabilize operations, continued financial challenges and a weak housing sector leave no feasible recovery path during 2026,” Milligan explained. He extended sincere gratitude to the company’s employees, customers, and suppliers for their long-standing dedication.

The company’s roots trace back to the 1870s when Joseph Griggs, first mayor of Loughborough, established it in the Leicestershire market town. The Gloucester site opened in 1917, remaining operational there ever since until the site’s acquisition by Kellaway Group in 2013.

The closure has saddened the local community, particularly in Loughborough, where Griggs’ legacy endures. David Northage, mayor of Charnwood Borough Council, expressed his regret over the company’s demise, highlighting Joseph Griggs’ historical significance as a benefactor and first mayor who donated the town’s gold mayoral chain.

“This marks the end of an era for a company deeply intertwined with Loughborough’s heritage,” Northage remarked.