An important period has come to an end in the timber industry with the closure of Griggs Timber Company, which has ceased trading after 109 years of continuous operation. The decision brings to a close one of the longest-running timber businesses in the region and reflects the profound structural and economic changes reshaping the wood products sector.
Founded in the early 20th century, Griggs Timber Company grew from a traditional family-run enterprise into a well-known name within the timber supply chain. Over more than a century, the company supplied sawn timber and wood products to builders, manufacturers, and merchants, supporting local construction activity and regional economies through periods of growth, recession, and transformation in forestry and manufacturing practices.
The closure highlights the mounting pressures faced by long-established timber businesses. Rising operational costs, fluctuating raw material availability, tightening environmental and regulatory requirements, and increasing global competition have all contributed to a challenging trading environment. For smaller and mid-sized operators in particular, adapting to rapid changes in market dynamics and investment requirements has become increasingly difficult.
Industry observers note that the timber sector has undergone fundamental shifts in recent decades. Advances in engineered wood products, automation, and digital supply chains have raised efficiency standards, while sustainability expectations now require significant investment in certification, traceability, and low-carbon operations. While these developments strengthen the industry overall, they can place strain on heritage companies built around traditional operating models.
Griggs Timber Company’s long history made it a familiar presence within the timber community. Across generations, the business weathered world wars, economic downturns, and evolving construction trends, adapting its operations to meet customer needs. Its longevity stands as a testament to the role that independent timber companies have played in developing local supply networks and maintaining skills within the forestry and wood processing workforce.
The closure also serves as a reminder of the human dimension behind industry change. Employees, suppliers, customers, and surrounding communities are all affected when a business with deep local roots shuts its doors. For many in the sector, Griggs Timber Company represented more than a supplier—it was part of the industrial fabric that supported regional construction and manufacturing.
Despite the challenges highlighted by the closure, demand for timber and wood-based products remains strong, driven by housing needs, infrastructure investment, and the transition toward low-carbon building materials. However, the industry continues to consolidate, with scale, capital investment, and technological capability playing a growing role in long-term competitiveness.
As the timber sector looks to the future, the story of Griggs Timber Company underscores the importance of supporting succession planning, innovation, and collaboration across the supply chain. Preserving skills, knowledge, and local expertise will be critical as the industry balances sustainability goals with economic resilience.
The end of Griggs Timber Company’s 109-year journey closes a notable chapter in timber industry history. While its operations have ceased, the legacy of craftsmanship, enterprise, and contribution to the wood products sector will be remembered as part of the foundation on which today’s modern timber industry continues to build.
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