JAMES Jones & Sons Ltd has announced the expansion of its UK pallets and packaging division through the acquisition of Buckingham-based H.G. Timber.
H.G. Timber started trading in 1945 and is currently under the third generation management of the Theodoulou family.
James Jones & Sons said the business is one of the most modern and well respected operators in the pallet and packaging and racking sectors, and has benefited from a progressive investment philosophy over the last few years.
Tom Bruce-Jones, chairman of James Jones & Sons Ltd, said, “We are absolutely delighted to welcome H.G. Timber and its employees into the James Jones & Sons Ltd Group, and this acquisition represents the conclusion of many years of dialogue and discussion between both families. Their reputation, expertise and geographical location add a further dimension to our national network, and we believe this will greatly enhance our ability to service both our local and national customer base.”
H.G. Timber operates eight high-speed automated and robotic production lines producing 2-way and 4-way pallets, with the capacity to manufacture in excess of 1.8 million timber products every year on a single shift basis. The company recently commissioned its latest Viking Turbo line, which will further enhance production capabilities.
Peter McKenzie, MD of James Jones & Sons pallets and packaging division, added, “The vision and investment in cutting-edge automated production lines at H.G. Timber closely align with the philosophy we’ve adopted at James Jones & Sons Ltd. Together, we are poised to offer an unrivalled national service while maintaining the highest standards in pallet and packaging quality.
“This acquisition will also enable us to broaden our product offering in both pallets and racking systems. I have known Alistair and his team for many years, and their experience and drive will be invaluable as we move forward.”
Alistair Theodoulou, MD of HG Timber Ltd, added, “This has been a momentous decision for my family and Laurence Pyle, sales director of HG Timber Ltd, but we are confident that the next chapter of our family’s legacy will be in very safe hands within the James Jones family business. I look forward too to working alongside Peter and his management team and to identifying further growth opportunities.
“This move will help to safeguard our jobs and will guarantee security of raw material supply within a vertically integrated forestry and sawmill business in order to benefit our enlarged customer base.”
In parallel, James Jones & Sons’ Australian subsidiary, Hyne Group, announced the acquisition of Pinetec Pty Ltd last week, a pallet and packaging business based in Perth, Western Australia.
