James Jones & Sons Ltd has announced the acquisition of GT Timber Ltd, the holding company of Taylormade Timber Products Ltd and Kerr Timber Products Ltd which operate sawmills at Sherburn Hill, Durham and Annan respectively.

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

The combined group will operate eight sawlines, supplying the most technologically advanced secondary processing facilities in the UK, and employing 1,225 people. The Group’s Timber Systems Division manufactures JJI-Joists from its operation at Forres and has the capacity to supply engineered floors for 200,000 new house builds per annum. The Pallet and Packaging Division has 16 sites located across the UK and manufactures pallets and packaging as well as inspection and repair sites for each of the major pallet pools in the UK.

“We are delighted to have concluded this transaction,” commented Tom Bruce-Jones, Chairman of James Jones & Sons Ltd, “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 realise our long term strategic plans.  The sawn output from both 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.” said Jilly Wentworth, Managing Director of GT Timber Ltd, “Their extensive timber industry experience and financial strength will allow the investment programme 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 Ltd is a family company, who shares the same values, ethos and philosophy.  We are very excited about the future.”