It may be under new ownership, and be operating under a new name, but for staff at the former J Notaras and Sons Sawmill, now known as Marshall Notaras Timbers, it’s business as usual.

Its admirable legacy and steadfast commitment to the Clarence Valley community as a prominent local employer, remains unchanged, as does its reputation for delivering outstanding customer service while upholding the values of being a family owned and operated business.

Founded in Grafton in 1952 by brothers Lambrinos (Brinos) and Spiro Notaras, J Notaras and Sons Sawmill was recently purchased by Marshall’s Timbers, Newcastle’s largest supplier of timber and timber products, whose own professional strategies and operations as a family-owned business aligned with the work ethic and integrity of the Notaras family.

As she spoke with her team during their final day of working together under the J Notaras and Sons Sawmill title on March 29, General Manager Donna Layton said it was an emotional day as she fought back tears and appreciatively acknowledged staff for their continuous support, dedication, and ongoing contributions to the business.

“We’ve got a pretty big history here at the sawmill,” she said.
“All together, all our group here (current employees), we’ve got 519 combined years of service, and that’s pretty good for one business over the years.

“Working for and with J Notaras and Sons, it’s been a privilege. 

“Even though it’s the last day of trading for us today, tomorrow we will be Marshall Notaras Timbers.

“It (the sale) was a really great result that everyone here wanted because nothing changes, it just means we continue on in the same vein, just under new ownership.”

When news of the purchase was first made official earlier this year, Ms Layton revealed her excitement when she announced the Marshall family will continue to keep the business operating with the existing staff and the same commitment that family-owned businesses are renowned for.

Paul Marshall, representative for the Marshall Group, thanked Ms Layton for her kind words last week and said they felt honoured to continue the impressive legacy and business principals established by the Notaras brothers by incorporating their surname into the new title.

“Our family has been in the timber industry for over 60 years, and we’re very proud to be given the opportunity to come to the area and carry on the great work of the Notaras family,” he said.

“We believe with the support of all the staff and management here, along with the support from local industries, we can continue to move forward with the business and allow a great resource to continue.”

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 5 April 2023.

Related stories: Celebrating 45 years with local business; Announcement of agreement to sell J Notaras & Sons business and assets