Established in 1975 as the timber frame arm of the Stewart Milne Group, Donaldson Timber Systems is a pioneer in timber frame technology and manufacturing, operating throughout the UK from three manufacturing plants in Aberdeen, Witney and Falkirk.

Since its acquisition in December 2021, all staff and operations have moved over to the Donaldson Group, with managing director, Rod Allan and the former SMTS board of directors continuing to drive the business.

Alex Goodfellow, formerly Stewart Milne Group managing director – strategic development, has a new role in the Donaldson Group, as CEO of Donaldson Off-site. Comprising Donaldson Timber Engineering, Donaldson Timber Systems, and Rowan Manufacturing, this new division services the UK housebuilding and construction markets with an unparalleled breadth and depth of products and services.

The Donaldson Group has over 160 years of expertise in timber importing and distribution, as well as decades of experience in timber engineering and merchanting. The acquisition strategically and operationally complements the Donaldson Group portfolio and marks the group’s entry into the timber frame market.

Rod Allan, managing director, Donaldson Timber Systems, said: “The rebrand to Donaldson Timber Systems is a major milestone in our company history. While the business is moving forward with the same people and operations as before, incorporating the Donaldson name highlights the step-change in our approach. We’re very proud to have joined this long-standing family business, with both timber and people at its heart. The quality of our products and service remains unchanged, but we have many exciting plans and we’re confident that this new venture will prove of great benefit for our customers.”

Andrew Donaldson, CEO of the Donaldson Group, added: “It’s been a fantastic few months integrating the new members of the team into the Donaldson Group, and the response from all involved has been hugely positive. This change of name fully aligns the business with the Group and has included a full rebrand including new logo, new branding and new website.

“Now the rebrand exercise is well underway, we’re looking forward to seeing Donaldson Timber Systems develop and grow, building on the excellent foundations that were created in its almost 50 years of operation.”

Currently led by the sixth generation of Donaldson, the Donaldson Group comprises 11 specialist timber and building product businesses, operating throughout the UK from 45 locations employing over 1,500 people.