Price hikes put timber firm on course for £100m turnover

The dramatic rise in timber prices over the last year coupled with strong sales on timber trussed rafters has set James Donaldson & Sons on course to turnover £100m in the year to April.

The family run company has reported record turnover of £52.3m in the six months from last April, a 35% increase on the previous year.

Led by chairman and chief executive Neil Donaldson - the 5th generation of the family to head up the business - the Fife-based firm posted a half year profit before tax of £1.7m, up 40% on 2006.

The only area to report reduced activity was Ireland, where a recession in the housing market has affected sales.

Donaldson said: “With all operating divisions trading successfully we have never been in stronger shape.

“There is no doubt we are going to be tested over the next six months through a combination of factors including an uncertain housing market and the volatility of global financial markets. Despite these challenges I am confident we will be able to make real progress this year.”