Top 10 Best Raw Material Suppliers in Adur

Adur as a Raw Materials Gateway

Raw materials are the foundation of every manufacturing and construction project, and Adur enjoys a significant advantage thanks to Shoreham Port. The port handles large volumes of timber, aggregates, steel and other bulk cargoes, creating a local supply chain that benefits builders, manufacturers and fabricators across Sussex. Combined with national distributors of metals, chemicals and polymers, Adur businesses have access to a broad range of materials.

The ten suppliers below have been selected for their importance to the local economy, reliability and quality of materials.

1. Shoreham Port

Shoreham Port is the heart of Adur's raw materials economy. Its terminals handle timber, aggregates, steel and other bulk cargoes, providing extensive storage and distribution facilities. The port's investment in infrastructure and sustainability, including renewable energy generation, makes it a forward-thinking hub for regional supply chains.

2. Tarmac

Tarmac operates a marine aggregate wharf at Shoreham Port, landing sand and gravel dredged from licensed areas offshore. These aggregates are essential for concrete and construction across Sussex, and their marine origin reduces pressure on land-based quarries.

3. Heidelberg Materials

Heidelberg Materials also operates aggregate facilities at Shoreham Port, supplying sand, gravel and other materials. The company is a global leader in cement and aggregates and is investing heavily in carbon reduction technologies across its operations.

4. MDM Timber

MDM Timber runs a major timber terminal at Shoreham Port, importing softwood and panel products for distribution throughout the UK. Its expertise in timber species, grading and certification ensures customers receive materials suitable for structural, joinery and packaging applications.

5. James Latham

James Latham is one of the UK's leading independent distributors of timber, panels and decorative surfaces. Joinery workshops and furniture makers across Adur use Latham for hardwoods, sheet materials and solid surfaces, supported by technical advice on specification and sustainability.

6. Aalco

Aalco is a major stockholder of aluminium, stainless steel, copper, brass and bronze. Its cut-to-size services and broad stock range enable engineering firms on Lancing Business Park to source metals efficiently, reducing waste and processing time.

7. Kloeckner Metals UK

Kloeckner Metals UK supplies steel sections, plate, tube and processed products. Structural fabricators in Shoreham and Lancing rely on its processing capabilities, including cutting and drilling, to streamline production and meet tight construction schedules.

8. Brenntag UK and Ireland

Brenntag is the world's largest chemical distributor, supplying industrial and specialty chemicals used as raw materials in manufacturing, food production, water treatment and personal care. Its regulatory expertise and safe logistics are valuable for manufacturers of every size.

9. Distrupol

Distrupol is a specialist distributor of engineering polymers and plastic raw materials. Plastic moulders across Sussex use Distrupol to source granules and compounds, supported by technical guidance on material selection and processing.

10. Saint-Gobain

Saint-Gobain manufactures and distributes building materials including glass, plasterboard, insulation and mortars. Its brands are widely used in construction projects across Adur, and its focus on lightweight, sustainable materials supports energy-efficient building.

Trends in Raw Material Supply

Supply chain resilience has become a top priority following recent global disruptions. Businesses are increasingly valuing local and regional supply sources, which strengthens the role of Shoreham Port as a strategic hub. Stockholding, multiple sourcing and long-term supplier relationships are now viewed as essential risk management tools.

Sustainability is also reshaping raw materials. Recycled aggregates, low-carbon cement, certified timber, recycled metals and bio-based chemicals are increasingly specified as businesses work towards net zero. Digital traceability tools are helping suppliers provide evidence of origin and carbon footprint to customers.

How to Choose a Raw Material Supplier

Quality and consistency are paramount. Request material certifications, test reports and traceability documentation, particularly for structural and regulated applications. Consider lead times, stock availability and processing services, which can save significant time in your own operation.

Evaluate the supplier's sustainability credentials and logistics capabilities. Proximity matters for bulky materials, where transport costs can be significant, making suppliers operating from Shoreham Port especially attractive for Adur projects.

The Environmental Case for Port-Based Supply

Bringing raw materials into Shoreham Port by sea and distributing them over short road distances offers clear environmental benefits. A single cargo vessel can carry the equivalent of many lorry loads, significantly reducing road congestion and emissions on routes such as the A27 and A259. Marine aggregates landed locally also reduce the need to transport sand and gravel long distances from inland quarries.

Shoreham Port has embraced this role by investing in solar generation, energy-efficient infrastructure and habitat improvements around the harbour. For Adur businesses with ambitious sustainability targets, sourcing materials through port-based suppliers can contribute directly to lower scope three emissions, while also supporting skilled jobs within the local community. As carbon reporting becomes more common in procurement, this local supply advantage is likely to become increasingly valuable.

Conclusion

Adur's location and port infrastructure make it one of the best-connected districts on the south coast for raw materials. From aggregates and timber landed at Shoreham Port to metals, polymers and chemicals supplied by national distributors, the companies listed here underpin local manufacturing and construction. Choosing reliable, sustainable suppliers will help your business build resilience and compete effectively.