Gordon Timber celebrates 160th anniversary

Scotland’s 15th oldest family-run business, the Nairn sawmilling and timber company is headed up by brothers Rod and Scott Gordon. The siblings are the fourth generation of the family to have run the company since their ancestors, John and James Gordon, joined founder Hugh Mackintosh in the 1870s, going on to take over stewardship of the company under their own name in 1908.

Today, Gordon Timber (John Gordon & Son) is one of the UK’s most progressive timber companies, embracing innovations such as 3D log scanners and roboticised production lines. With a strong commitment to sustainability, the company’s core business is converting locally grown roundwood into a range of high quality products for the construction, fencing and packaging markets.

“Gordon Timber has come a long way since Hugh Mackintosh announced 160 years ago, from The Steamboat Office, Nairn, that ‘By keeping a good article and strict attention to detail, he will merit a share of public patronage’,” said Scott Gordon, joint managing director.

“People, quality and service – nothing’s really changed, the fundamentals remain the same. And yet everything’s changed – through an ongoing intensive programme of investment, we have progressed from our fleet of schooners and Burrell steam traction engine of the 1800s to the excitement of our first foray into 21st century robotics in our 160th year.”

“We are thrilled at reaching the milestone of our 160th birthday,” added Rod Gordon, fellow joint managing director. “Throughout the long history of our company we have been very fortunate to have had many fantastic people working with us, like John Cruickshank. John recently marked 40 years with the company typifying the loyalty and experience we have been lucky to benefit from.

“As we continue looking to the future, we are keen to identify the next group of people who will share our enthusiasm for working in this family business and want to make a difference.”