The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) extends its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Tasmanian timber stalwart Glenn Britton, Managing Director of Tasmanian timber company, Britton Timbers, who passed away last week aged 76. Mr Britton died at the Royal Hobart Hospital last Thursday night, following a stroke.
"I knew Glenn for more than 30 years and have always found him to be a direct and passionate advocate for the Tasmanian forest industry. He provided strong leadership and advocacy through incredibly trying times in an era of significant state and federal government forest policy change. His passing marks the end of a great life dedicated to furthering forest industries," AFPA Chair, Mr Greg McCormack said today.
The Britton story is one of true ingenuity. Glenn's forebears, Elijah and Mark Britton were pioneers who set up camp in Tasmania's North West in 1907, before establishing a small bush mill. For more than half a century Glenn, along with his brothers Ross, Donald and Michael and more recently his nephew Shawn, have led the North West Smithton-based family business Britton Timbers, first born in the early 20th century. When Glenn commenced in the business in the mid 1960s total employment was 25 people, under Glenn's leadership the total employment by the Britton Timbers group has grown to almost 200.
Glenn believed fervently in the collaborative power of strong industry associations to assist in furthering the opportunities for forest industries. Glenn was a Director of the Forest Industries Association of Tasmania (FIAT) for over 40 years and was the elected Chairman for 20 years. He was also a Board Member of Brand Tasmania, a Director of the Gottstein Trust, a Director of the Forest Education Foundation, Chair of the Tasmanian Timber Promotion Board and Tasmanian Sawmillers Industrial Association, and a Director of the Burnie Port Authority.
"We have lost a true icon not only of Tasmania's, but also Australia's forest industries. The passion and commitment of Glenn Britton will be missed by all, including family, friends, colleagues and employees, as well as the wider forest industry and Tasmanian community. Vale Glenn Britton," Mr McCormack concluded.
