Hyne founder Richard Matthews Hyne
Hyne Timber was inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame in recognition of the company’s 133 years of operation. Sources: Timberbiz, Manufacturers Monthly, Sunshine Coast Daily
The Fraser Coast-based business started out as a sawmill on the banks of the Mary River in Maryborough in 1882.
It ships up to 250 containers each month to international customers and is considered Australia’s largest exporter of Aussie-grown plantation softwoods.
In his acceptance speech at a black-tie event held in Brisbane, Hyne Timber Director Peter Hyne, 5th generation Hyne family to have worked within the company, said this recognition was an honour for all those past and present who represent Hyne Timber.
“Since the company’s beginnings in 1882, my family have always acknowledged that our employees are the most valuable asset. Not mills or machinery, but the people of Hyne Timber,” Mr Hyne said.
“Hyne Timber has survived through wars, floods, recessions and most recently, the global financial crisis.
“We have evolved, innovated, grown and condensed.
“Product range and production has changed considerably over the years but our family values have remained the same throughout. According to my grandfather, Lambert Hyne, there were even dark periods in our history which saw Hyne Timber paying employees to ensure they could put food on their family’s tables despite us having absolutely no orders.”
QUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Little said Hyne Timber had made a significant contribution to developing the timber industry in Queensland.
“It is a fantastic example of how hard work and innovation can transform a small family business into a flourishing industry leader,” Mr Little said.
The Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame was established by the QUT Business School, State Library of Queensland and the Queensland Library Foundation in 2009 to recognise the public contribution made by leaders of business to the reputation of Queensland and its economic and social development.
