H.G. Timber in the UK and Pinetec Pty in Australia mark the latest James Jones & Sons pallet and packaging sector.
PERTH, Australia, and BUCKINGHAM, UK — James Jones & Sons Ltd, a leading UK-based timber and pallet manufacturer, continues to bolster its position in the global pallet and packaging market with strategic acquisitions on two continents. Its Australian subsidiary, Hyne Group, has acquired Pinetec Pty Ltd in Perth, Western Australia, while the parent company has expanded its UK operations by acquiring H.G. Timber Ltd.
Pinetec: Hyne Group’s Strategic Entry into Western Australia
The acquisition of Pinetec Pty Ltd marks the Hyne Group’s first manufacturing presence in Western Australia in its 142-year history. Pinetec, which has operated for over 30 years, specializes in pallets and packaging for key industries such as mining, industrial chemicals, and transport. The move follows Hyne Group’s earlier 2024 acquisitions of Rodpak Pallets & Packaging and Express Pallets & Crates, extending its reach within the Australian market.
Hyne Group CEO Jim Bindon emphasized the importance of integrating Pinetec into a broader network while maintaining its established customer relationships. “This expansion of our pallet division into the West is an exciting time for both the Hyne Group and Pinetec,” Bindon stated. “With the broader support of the Hyne and James Jones Groups, Pinetec’s capability and credentials as a business partner to their many customers will only be enhanced.” He also noted that the existing Pinetec management, including General Manager Ian Smith and shareholder Dean Roderick, would remain involved in the operations, ensuring continuity for the company’s customers and employees.
Dean Roderick, who also manages the Rodpak Pallets business, highlighted the benefits of joining a larger family-run business. “With Pinetec coming into the Hyne Group fold, it is no longer a “stand-alone business in the West but immediately part of a global family,” Roderick said. “Not only does this present excellent opportunities for our team members, customers, and suppliers, but it also diversifies Hyne Group’s geographic footprint, ensuring efficiency and growth into the future.” The acquisition of Pinetec is expected to be finalized on November 1, 2024, subject to the completion of all required conditions.
Growth Through Automation and Heritage in the UK
Simultaneously, James Jones & Sons Ltd has expanded its UK Pallets & Packaging Division by acquiring H.G. Timber Ltd, based in Buckingham, England. Founded in 1945, H.G. Timber is known for its modern facilities and high-speed automated production lines, capable of manufacturing over 1.8 million timber products annually. This acquisition enhances James Jones & Sons’ ability to serve local and national customers with a broader range of pallet and packaging solutions.
“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 between both families,” said Tom Bruce-Jones, Chairman of James Jones & Sons Ltd. “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’s recent investment in a Viking Turbo line aligns with James Jones & Sons’ emphasis on cutting-edge technology to ensure high-quality and efficient production. Peter McKenzie, Managing Director of the Pallets & Packaging Division at James Jones & Sons, emphasized the synergy between the two companies’ approaches. “The vision and investment in automated production at H.G. Timber closely align with the philosophy we’ve adopted at James Jones & Sons Ltd,” he said. “Together, we are poised to offer an unrivalled national service while maintaining the highest standards in pallet and packaging quality.”
Alistair Theodoulou, Managing Director of H.G. Timber Ltd, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition for his family’s business. “This has been a momentous decision for my family, but we are confident that the next chapter of our legacy will be in very safe hands within the James Jones family business,” he said. Theodoulou looks forward to working alongside James Jones & Sons’ leadership to explore growth opportunities and ensure job security for their employees.
The integration of H.G. Timber’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and Pinetec’s strong market position in Western Australia further solidifies James Jones & Sons’ leadership role in the timber and pallet industry. These strategic expansions, alongside a continued focus on innovation, demonstrate the company’s dedication to offering tailored solutions across diverse markets.
With the acquisition of H.G. Timber and Pinetec, James Jones & Sons is expanding its operations and creating a foundation for long-term growth and stability. As Peter McKenzie put it, “Together, we are poised to offer an unrivaled national service while maintaining the highest standards in pallet and packaging quality.”
Source: James Jones & Sons
Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.
