The history of Howarth
Celebrating over 170 years of quality and value.
When a young man, John Howarth, came from Lancashire with his family to work for his uncle’s small but thriving timber business in Leeds in the latter half of the nineteenth century, the idea that, today, the firm he joined would not only bear his name but still be owned, managed and controlled by his descendants must surely have never entered his head.
Under the imaginative direction of successive generations of the wider Howarth family, the group has developed into the clear leader it is today – a business with character, strength and values, and a company that enjoys the loyalty of those it employs.
Such qualities are reflected in the service we offer our customers today – those on the front line and those who work behind the scenes share a passion for putting the customer first, imparting detailed knowledge and supplying products and services that are recognised throughout the industry as class leaders.
A determination to be the best has been the hallmark of the Howarth Timber Group since its formation 170 years ago. Then and now, this marks us out as more than different – it makes us unique.