1860
The company starts life as a timber merchant in Tayport and is run by James Donaldson along with his two sons, James and George.
About Us
James Donaldson Timber is one of the largest importers and distributors of timber in the UK and as part of James Donaldson & Sons, we have over 160 years of experience and expertise in the timber industry.
We handle approximately 200,000m3 of timber per annum and focus primarily on the sawmilling, processing, and distribution of timber.
We only source quality timber from long established, quality suppliers with exemplary environmental credentials which ensures we are able to build and maintain excellent relationships with both our suppliers and customers.
We specialise in a variety of Softwoods including clear, joinery and construction softwoods, as well as our ‘Silktrim’ MDF Mouldings range of which we can provide specialised profiles, alongside our full range of standard profiles.
Our extensive product range also includes Structural Timber, Hardwoods, Sawn Redwoods and more.
We also continue to invest heavily in our processes and people and constantly innovate to meet the demands of our customers. Our company's manufacturing capabilities are among the best in the UK and this, coupled with our emphasis on quality, makes us a trusted and valued supplier.
Our Values and Vision
As part of James Donaldson & Sons, we pride ourselves on the core values shared across the wider group of companies.
This means that providing exceptional customer service is at the heart of everything we do. By delivering a fully tailored service to our customers, such as offering mixed product loads, a bespoke machining service and unrivalled delivery services, we reinforce our commitment to our customer service, all while guaranteeing high service and quality standards through our sales, manufacturing and distribution processes, which are closely monitored by our management system.
We pride ourselves on our integrity, our people, delivering sustainable financial and environmental performance, and embracing the future through our proud family heritage of over 160 years.
We also operate a “green conscience” in the sourcing and processing of our timber, using 99% sustainably sourced timber and offering the latest in environmental sensitive treatments throughout our three treatment plants.
Being part of a family business, we hold ourselves to these values to behave ethically, morally and responsibly at all times. Our people, customers and suppliers recognise this, understanding the value this adds to their business and therefore, differentiates us from our competitors.
See below to find out more about James Donaldson Timber throughout the years
Our Story So Far
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1860
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1889
The company acquire a second timber yard based in Leven and the growth of the company begins.
1889
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1919
Following the war, the company achieve record sales and profits, and George Donaldson converted the partnership into a limited liability company and so James Donaldson & Sons Ltd was officially born.
1919
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1955
Donaldson's acquire Elm Park, an eleven acre site in Leven, which provided additional space for stacking timber.
1955
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1957
James Donaldson & Sons become the first Scottish timber company to buy a fork lift truck, used to handle timber at the Elm Park site. The business saw an immediate and striking improvement in productivity.
1957
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1975
5th Generation Neil Donaldson joins the family business and following growth and success, turnover exceeds £3 million.
1975
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1998
James Donaldson Timber (JDT) Ltd is formed.
1998
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2002
JDT became the first timber business in Scotland and the second in the UK to achieve accreditation for the Forest Stewardship Council, following this in 2003 with accreditation from the Pan European Forestry Council.
2002
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2006
Iain Torrance succeeds Scott Cairns as managing director of JDT.
2006
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2007
A new Protim treatment tank was installed – at the time, this was the biggest treatment tank in Europe.
2007
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2008
JDT acquires its first English base by acquiring Alfred Hulme in Chorley, Lancashire, allowing JDT access to MDF moulding manufacturing for the first time.
2008
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2016
New MDF line was installed at Elm Park and became operational during February 2016 – at the time a capitol spend in the region of £2.5m represented the largest single investment in manufacturing kit that JDS had ever made.
2016