Founded in 1862 – at a time when Queen Victoria reigned and the American Civil War raged – Gordon Timber is celebrating its 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.
Speaking about marking the milestone Joint Managing Director, Scott Gordon, commented: “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’.
“People, Quality and Service – nothing’s really changed, the fundamentals remain the same. And yet everything’s changed – through an ongoing intensive program 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 21stcentury robotics in our 160th year.”
Fellow Joint Managing Director, Rod Gordon, added: “We are thrilled at reaching the milestone of our 160th birthday. 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.”
Founder, Hugh Mackintosh’s, grand-daughter Eileen, who retains a keen interest in the firm’s progress commented: “Since my grandfather founded a very small coal and timber business in 1862, the Mackintosh/Gordon partnership has flourished both in business and friendship. How thrilled my grandfather would have been to see the outstanding and expanding firm that John Gordon & Son has now become.”
