Timber group thrives in recovering market

Pre-tax profit soared 81% at Fife-based timber specialist James Donaldson & Sons Ltd last year.

Turnover for the 12 months to March increased by 13% to £133 million.

Efficiency improvements and strong selling throughout the group helped post a near doubling of profit before tax at £4.52m.

Executive chairman of the Donaldson Group, Neil Donaldson, said: “Our reputation remains strong and prospects for continued growth are positive.”

Group managing director Scott Cairns said: “Whilst our market sector is still not back to pre-downturn levels, all of our group businesses have successfully grown market share to business in recent years but 2015 will see significant projects completing that will further enhance our productivity and market penetration.

“It is an exciting time for the business and our employees alike.”

James Donaldson & Sons Ltd is a wholly owned family business, with control passing down five generations.

The company began when James Donaldson started selling timber from Tayport in Fife, and now the Markinchbased UK-wide company has 23 branches.

The firm has grown to become one of the UK’s leading independent processors, manufacturers and distributors of timber and engineered timber products.

Scott Cairns said group businesses have grown market share.