JAMES Jones and Sons has continued its recent buying spree with the acquisition of another company. 

The timber processor has purchased Buckinghamshire-based HG Timber, which supplies a range of standard and bespoke pallets and products to packaging, food, pharmaceutical and manufacturing companies in the UK and Europe. 

The firm boasts eight high-speed automated and robotic production lines that can produce two-way and four-way pallets.  

HG Timber’s production lines are capable of producing more than 1.8 million timber products annually on a single shift basis. 

Tom Bruce-Jones, chairman of James Jones, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome HG Timber and its employees into the James Jones and Sons Group, and this acquisition represents the conclusion of many years of dialogue and discussion between both families.

“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.”

Financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed. 

Peter McKenzie, managing director of James Jones and Sons pallets and packaging division, added: "The vision and investment in cutting-edge automated production lines at HG Timber closely align with the philosophy we've adopted at James Jones and Sons." 

HG Timber, with a trading history dating back to 1945, is currently managed by the third generation of the Theodoulou family.  

Alistair Theodoulou, managing director of HG Timber, said: "This move will help to safeguard our jobs and will guarantee security of raw material supply within a vertically integrated forestry and sawmill business in order to benefit our enlarged customer base.”

In a related development, Hyne Group, the Australian subsidiary of James Jones and Sons, has also expanded its footprint by acquiring Pinetec, a Perth-based pallet and packaging business.  

This marks Hyne Group’s first manufacturing presence in Western Australia in its 142-year history, complementing earlier acquisitions of Rodpak Pallets & Packaging and Express Pallets & Crates 

Hyne Group CEO Jim Bindon said: “With the broader support of Hyne and James Jones Group, Pinetec’s capability and credentials as a business partner to their many customers will be enhanced.”  

In recent years, James Jones and Sons has purchased a number of firms around the world, including  Lancashire Saws, a bandsaw blade manufacturer and saw servicing provider. Its Australian subsidiary has also gone on a recent buying spree.