Our History

KDM’s Corporate History and major events

2013		KDM buys its first plot of residential land to further develop the Svenskhomes business
2012		In October, shareholders were invited to vote on a Cash and Share Offer for the issued shares in KDM by KDM Timber Limited, a recently incorporated company established by the Directors and employees. Over 87% of shareholders accepted the Offer and in November, 2012, 100% of the company returned into the ownership of the directors and employees of the company.
2011		The first of Svenskhomes new pre-manufactured Swedish A-Rated energy efficient homes is delivered to the UK and constructed at Fairway Lakes in Norfolk.
2009		During the year, long-standing director of 16 years, Mr John Grave, stood down after a total of almost 25 years’ service.
2008		KDM takes early action to implement steps to mitigate the effects of the banking crisis and worldwide economic downturn. KDM opens its second distribution depot in Bury St Edmunds to facilitate the growing Manufactured Garden Products business.
2007		In July, shareholders, with a majority of over 86%, approved proposals to re-register KDM as a private limited company offering greater flexibility brought about by the changes proposed by the Companies Act 2006. KDM sells its Latvian subsidiary, CA Timber SIA.
2005		Founder and Chairman Keith Richmond retires and Andrew Walshe is appointed Chairman of KDM. The official opening of KDM’s new office was attended by a number of customers, suppliers and local businessmen. One of KDM’s largest Russian timber suppliers led the toasts in Russian with a goodwill message to everyone. He was joined by other visitors who had travelled from Sweden, Latvia, Poland, Ireland and all parts of the UK. Official KDM Office Opening
2004		KDM commences trading in pre-manufactured energy efficient houses from Sweden under the trading style of Svenskhomes. KDM strengthens its Latvian and Russian supply links by appointing local procurement consultants. In October KDM moves to a new state of the art, custom designed building on the outskirts of Ipswich. The Havens, Ransomes Europark, Ipswich
2003		Directors Andrew Walshe and John Grave are appointed as Joint CEO’s of KDM. Ivan Walshe, Neville Greenwood and Steve Henry become Directors of KDM. KDM starts trading in Manufactured Garden Products and opens a distribution depot in Wakefield, Yorkshire. KDM sells its Snowgreen Christmas Tree operation.
2002		The company redeemed its Preference Shares 5 years early at a cost of £846,375.
1999		KDM demerges its COUNTYWeb Internet Services Division and, after raising £5.6milion in new capital and listing the business on AIM, its new management team moved to offices in Ipswich headed by CEO William Catchpole. The business formally known as COUNTYWeb.COM PLC continues to operate successfully and is now known as IPPLUS PLC (sedol no. 0973715)
1996		KDM makes a one for five, bonus issue of 7.25% Cumulative Redeemable Preference Shares to shareholders. The Company became involved with the Internet and successfully developed an Internet Services Division called COUNTYWeb
1995		The Company moved into the first hi-tech timber trading room of its kind in the UK at Kesgrave Hall (shown below) Kesgrave Hall


1988 to 1996		Between 1988 to 1996 KDM raises £4.7 million from BES and EIS investors.
1987		KDM registered as a PLC and raises £212,000 from BES investment. Moved to well-appointed offices in the Town Centre of Felixstowe.
1981		In July KDM commenced trading in Timber and Forest Products in the Port of Felixstowe.
1975		KDM was founded on 2nd May as a small private company.