Sawmill closing after 100 years, Teesdale Mercury

Sawmill closing after 100 years

Jul 10, 2002

RABY Estates is closing its sawmill at Winston Road, Staindrop, "with regret" after more than 100 years.





Head forester, Hamish Jeffrey, told the Mercury: "The situation for small mills has become more difficult over the years with most estates in the region having closed their mills many years ago.

"As a result of the strong pound, and the emergence of the Baltic States from communist domination, the price of timber has dropped considerably over the last three or four years. In UK forestry in general this has had a serious effect with timber from plantations receiving a much lower price.

"Foot and Mouth did not help, with last year being a difficult trading situation. The mill is completing existing orders, but not taking any new business, and it is anticipated that it will be fully closed within two to three weeks."

He said that in its heyday there was a large team working at the mill, but for the last 20 years there have normally been three men employed.

Mr Jeffrey said negotiations were underway between the estate and the employees, foreman Brian Teasdale, who has worked there for 20 years, Brian Kirby, who has been there for 40 years, and Graham Smith, who has been there 10 years.

Mr Jeffrey said the building department, estate maintenance workers, and the plantation employees will continue to use the site as their base.

A mill has been on this site for more than 100 years serving the estate and producing timber for local customers. Initially timber was hauled directly from the woods of the estate using horses. Some of the buildings still existing were the stables for their use.