UK’s James Jones Buys GT Timber

UK’s James Jones & Sons Ltd. has acquired GT Timber Ltd., the parent company of Taylormade Timber Products Ltd. and Kerr Timber Products Ltd., which operate sawmills at Sherburn Hill, Durham and Annan.

The acquisition will increase James Jones & Sons annual sawn output to 800,000 m3 (339MMBF), consolidating its position as the UK’s largest privately owned sawmill, timber engineering and pallet manufacturing company.

“We are delighted to have concluded this transaction and are really pleased that the existing management team are staying on within the enlarged group to provide continuity, facilitate the integration and to help realize our long-term strategic plans,” comments Tom Bruce-Jones, Chairman of James Jones & Sons Ltd. “The sawn output from these mills will complement our portfolio and will allow us to offer increased product opportunities for our existing, and newly expanded, customer base.”

“On behalf of our shareholders and employees, I am very pleased that GT Timber Ltd. will become part of the James Jones Group,” says Jilly Wentworth, Managing Director of GT Timber Ltd. “Their extensive timber industry experience and financial strength will allow the investment program that we have already started to reach a successful conclusion. The sale process was completed quickly and smoothly, reinforcing our long-held views that James Jones & Sons is a family company who shares the same values, ethos and philosophy. We are very excited about the future.”

The combined group will now operate eight sawlines, and employ 1,225. The Group’s Timber Systems Div. manufactures JJI-Joists from its operation at Forres and has the capacity to supply engineered floors for 200,000 new house builds per year. The Pallet and Packaging Div. has 16 sites located across the UK.