HISTORY OF MACDIRECT
In 1993, Murray Grant, in partnership, imported a horizontal Bandmill with the objective of suppyling wholesale R/S green pine to the finger jointing and other markets in Whangarei. Shortly after starting operation these markets crashed forcing them to look elsewhere.
He processed and marketed some macrocarpa logs from a local forest and saw the potential for developing a reputation as supplying well graded and cut macrocarpa - it worked, and they never cut pine again. Changing the company name to MacDirect Ltd, the mills output increased dramatically every year to eventually became the main wholesaler of Macrocarpa into Auckland.
In 1999 Murray became the sole owner of MacDirect, and he determined to continue to take advantage of the growing awareness of the special benefits and sustainability of Macrocarpa/Cypress timbers.
In 2003 with the business out-growing its site and production ability, a decision was made to purchase an existing macrocarpa mill (P&D Sawmill) in Franklin, South Auckland at Patumahoe. This allowed MacDirect Ltd to grow the customer base, source trees from Central North Island Plantations, and move into finishing/dressing timber themselves.
Although there have been many difficulties to face, e.g: Building Code turmoil, consistent log procurement, and the building recession, MacDirect has continued to grow every year. Today we are well placed to meet the increasing demand for high quality macrocarpa/cypress.
With a good reputation in the forestry industry MacDirect have a plentiful supply of quality plantation logs. We consistently strive for improvement in quality control, installing a modern Wenig Foursider/Moulder in 2008 and a Horizontal Bandmill Resaw in 2010. Recent Upgrades include a Stirling Foursider and Mebor Breakdown saw (2020).
The mainstay of a small sawmill is the team who work there. Most of the team have worked several years at MacDirect and have become experts in the specialist cutting and grading needed in a macrocarpa/cypress sawmill. Today MacDirect has a kitset manufacturing division, 3 bandsaws and a Foursider.
MacDirect strongly believe macrocarpa/cypress has the potential to be a major player in the NZ Building industry with the added potential of a large known market for cypress in Asia. We aim to be in a position to meet this demand while always being determined to satisfy each and every customers needs locally.
OUR BRANDS
MACDIRECT
MacDirect is our sawmill and timber brand. MacDirect Brand promotes #1 building mac/cypress timbers, including weatherboard, sarking, beams, framing and finishing clears. MacDirect also operates the sawmill that takes raw product and creates stunning end user products and kitsets for Urbanmac shop.
MacDirect supplies all major timber merchants in New Zealand and direct to customers.
Urbanmac
Urbanmac is a brand that has become synonymous with quality, high grade, durable garden and lifestyle products. From Raised Gardens, to Chunky Outdoor Tables, Compost Bins, Sandpits and stunning kitchen and indoor timber products. Urbanmac is where we drive kitset products to you direct and provide a a fast online system that allows you to purchase products that 1000s of kiwis already own and enjoy. So check out our shop right here
OUR TEAM
Murray Grant
Murray is the Director/Owner and general dogs body around the Mill. He started MacDirect and has built the company into the leader in mac/cypress timbers. Murray handles all development at the mill and works with the leadership team to ensure we are supplying high quality products to our customers. Murray also leads our "PureWood" initiative, which seeks to work with cypress farmers to protect New Zealand's local supply of high quality cypress timber products. He is also our resident mac/cypress expert.
Cindy Hickmott
Cindy is our office manager and looks after administration and customer services. She's also, 9 times out of 10, the first contact person on the phone. She assists the operations team ensuring lead times for products are kept and communicating the needs of our customers to our operational staff. She's also great at cracking the whip and getting things done.
Scott Kelso
Scott is our General Manager. Scott has been working at MacDirect since 2016 and has been working mainly advising customers on our products. Scott comes from a marketing/sales/operations back ground and now takes care of oversight of Mill operations. Scott works with the MacDirect team to deliver stunning products to our customers.
We have amazing people who come to work each day ready to ensure your products are delivered to you on time and to your expectations.
WORK HERE
We are always looking for great people to work at our mill. If you are looking for work please get in touch.
Skills that come in handy
1. Experience in Sawmill operation
2. Experience in Forestry or similar industries
3. Experience working in timber yards or with timber trade services.
4. Operation of machinery e.g, Chainsaws, forklifts, loaders etc
Yard hand positions are always available and not always require experience. A keen attitude, punctual and willingness to learn go along way! All staff must be physically fit.
Send CV to - admin@macdirect.co.nz
CURRENT POSITIONS
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Timber Machinist - Full Time, Permanent - 10/09/2024
TRADE TERMS
Title of goods is retained by the vendor until payment in full is received. No claims recognised nor returns accepted unless we are notified within 14 days.
Unless otherwise arranged, all orders are to be paid for before delivery. Customised orders require payment in advance.
All orders that require freight/delivery will incur freight charges on a cubic metre basis (per m3).
