22 | Mitchpine T T Karen Phelps Mitchpine celebrates half century Lee Mitchell has transformed the Levin-based company through significant investments in technology, staff development and production capabilities. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Mitchpine is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, marking half a century of growth and adaptation in New Zealand’s competitive timber industry. Since taking over the reins in 2019, managing director Lee Mitchell has transformed the Levin-based company through significant investments in technology, staff development and production capabilities. The company’s history stretches back to 1975, when Lee’s grandfather Keith established Mitchpine as a modest side business to supplement the family farm’s income after his three sons Ron, Alan and Grant (Butch), left secondary school. As they grew up the sons took over, with Butch later becoming the sole owner of the business as his brothers moved on to other things in 2001. Lee bought the company in 2019, continuing the transformation of the business that began as a small fence-batten operation and has now evolved into a major player in New Zealand’s wood industry. The timber industry has been tough and a lot of mills have closed over the years. We are very hands-on owner-managers, and for a tough industry that is critical. We’ve made the changes we’ve needed to in order to adapt. Some have worked and some haven’t, but we’ve stuck to our strengths,” explains Lee. Under Lee’s leadership, Mitchpine has expanded its workforce from approximately 50 to 75 staff members, and has invested heavily in technology and implemented a new sawmill, which has allowed Mitchpine into the wood industry as opposed to primarily supplying fence posts. T T to page 24 We focus on providing business advice and accounting solutions, so our clients can focus on what they do best!
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