Ian McDonnell
The timber industry has paid tribute to Mount Gambier’s McDonnell family which recently sold its softwood timber processing business to AAM Investment Group. Source: Timberbiz
Australian Forests Products Association Ross Hampton said Ian McDonnell had been a stalwart of the industry and had driven not just the growth of his business but also the broader industry through his role as Chair of the Green Triangle Forest Industry Hub and on the inaugural Governing Council of the South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA).
“The sale of NF McDonnell & Sons Mount Gambier business to AAM marks the end of an era for the McDonnell family and heralds a new start for the operation under AAM Investment Group,” he said.
“NF McDonnell & Sons is a Mount Gambier institution and an important cog in the chain of Australia’s forest industries, milling much needed softwood timber to build Australia’s new homes.
“Personally, I have always valued Ian McDonnell’s input and efforts to policy making and representation of Australia’s broader forest industries to governments.”
The company was established in 1944 by Newman McDonnell and his two sons Don and Les and has been in the family for four generations – currently employing more than 100 people and processing 400,000 tonnes of softwood log annually.
SAFPA CEO Nathan Paine recognised the indelible legacy that Ian McDonnell has left on the industry.
“Ian’s contribution has been broad and deep, and the industry has very much benefited from his passion and his dedication,” Mr Paine said.
“Moving forward, SAFPA is looking forward to continuing to work with NF McDonnell operations under AAM and will partner with them to ensure this business continues to thrive, providing critical building products and employment in south-east South Australia.”
AAM is a leading Australian provider of strategic investment, asset management and operational management services specialising in Australia’s primary industries.
