James Jones & Sons Ltd is pleased to announce the further expansion of its pallet manufacturing division in Australia, with the acquisition of Express Pallets and Crates (“Express”) by its Australian subsidiary, Hyne Timber Pty Ltd. The news follows the announcement on 26th March 2024 of the Group’s acquisition of Rodpak in Melbourne.
Express, based at Narangba near Brisbane, has been in operation for 35 years, under the ownership and leadership of Geoff Walton. Express has a very broad and extensive client base, with significant long-term relationships across a range of market segments.
Tom Bruce-Jones, Chairman of James Jones & Sons Ltd commented “This acquisition forms part of our expansion and diversification strategy and will be a very complementary and strategic addition to the platform that has been established through the purchase of Rodpak last month. This will allow us to establish a strong East Coast position that will allow us to value add our sawn timber product portfolio.”
Hyne Group CEO, Jim Bindon, said it is pleasing to be able to continue to expand the Pallet Division by acquiring excellent quality businesses with their own legacies and strong market positions.
“Being part of the Hyne Group and the broader James Jones & Sons global business, only enhances Express Pallets’ capability and credentials as a business partner to their many clients.
“The existing general manager, Tim Hoatson, will continue to lead the business, and together with the rest of the management team and indeed all the Express staff, we look forward to all their future contributions, and welcome them into the Hyne Group.” Mr Bindon concluded.
Geoff Walton said the sale of his company to a fellow long standing Queensland family business was a pleasing outcome after many years of growing and expanding the business:
“With the national and global position that the broader Hyne Group now has, this presents really good opportunities for all my team members, customers and suppliers, and I am confident the business will continue to succeed.”
The acquisition of Express Pallets & Crates will finalise on 1 July 2024, subject to all Completion Precedents being met.