Celebrating 100 Years - A Legacy of Innovation and Dedication | Red Stag TimberLab
Prologue: A Vision for Excellence
In 1923, a visionary named Ian McIntosh founded I.R. McIntosh, a furniture manufacturing company that would lay the cornerstone for what we know today as Red Stag TimberLab. With a deep passion for woodworking and an unwavering commitment to excellence, the company took its first steps toward a legacy that would span a century.
Chapter 1: Expanding and Evolving (1925-1945)
From its humble beginnings in a small shed on Garfield St, Parnell, to the expansive Newmarket factory, the company’s growth was guided by the principles of craftsmanship and innovation. With each passing year, they honed their skills, crafting fine furniture and laying the groundwork for a prosperous future. Continued growth saw several new and larger manufacturing facilities being built over these decades, ending up in a 2-storey factory on Auburn St.
Chapter 2: A New Era of leadership (1950s)
As the 1950s ushered in a new era, the second generation of the McIntosh family (Ken McIntosh) joined to company. Ken introduces forward-thinking production techniques and with a keen eye for modern furniture designs and a determination to propel the company further, they forged a path of innovation that would set them apart in the industry.
Chapter 3: A Glulam Revolution (1958-1972)
In 1958, the company embraced a transformative moment when Ian embarked on the journey of Glulam development. Ian’s involvement in laminated timber production was prompted by an invitation from the Ministry of Works. They were about to commence a building program of new High Schools, which were designed to have laminated timber beams. However, the Ministry was concerned that there was no company to manufacture them, and asked if Ian would be interested. Ken volunteered to look after the furniture manufacturing business; hence Ian set off on another entrepreneurial journey: glue-laminated timber manufacturing. This pioneering product proved to be a game-changer, revolutionizing the timber industry, and showcasing the company’s commitment to pushing boundaries. In 1964, the company moved away from furniture making and focused fully on Glulam manufacturing; and in 1972, international Glulam exporting commenced.
Chapter 4: New Involvement, New Facility, New Offering
In 1982, the third generation of the McIntosh family joins the business, Grant McIntosh. The company moves to a purpose-built 3500m2 facility in East Tamaki, Auckland in 1997. Fabrication of LVL components was added to the company’s offerings in the early 2000’s introducing greater options for designers.
Chapter 5: A Revolution of Modern Manufacturing
With continuous investment in innovative technologies and advanced capabilities, modern manufacturing techniques were incorporated. The company started CAD/CAM 3D Modelling to increase efficiency and refine accuracy in our shop drawings and production. In 2013, the company took another big leap forward by commissioning the first large format 5-axis gantry CNC machine in NZ, which helped to streamline the manufacturing process; and multiple other CNC machines were added through this period. Full integration of BIM protocols was also implemented for better collaboration between partners and stakeholders. These technological advancements have helped the company to stay ahead of the competition and deliver high-quality products to its clients.
Chapter 6: Honouring a Visionary Leader
In 2020, the Red Stag TimberLab family mourned the unexpected passing of their CEO, Grant McIntosh. A true visionary, Grant’s relentless pursuit of efficiency and cutting-edge technology earned him admiration and respect. His legacy, etched into the company’s DNA, continues to inspire and drive their passion for excellence. His son Joel (the fourth generation) took over as chairman that same year to continue his family’s legacy.
Epilogue: A Proud Milestone - A Century of Excellence
A lot has happened in the last 3 years, the company was purchased by Red Stag, NZ’s largest sawmiller and CLT manufacturer based in Rotorua, and renaming the company to what we are known now, as, Red Stag TimberLab. With continuous investments in technology, and an ever-growing team of talent, we continue taking Red Stag TimberLab to new heights, cementing our position as leaders in the timber engineering industry.
As Red Stag TimberLab celebrates a century of history in 2023, they stand as a testament to the power of innovation, dedication, and resilience. Their journey is marked by a commitment to superior craftsmanship, sustainability, and embracing technological progress. The company’s past is steeped in the wisdom of generations, while its future shines bright with promise, ensuring Red Stag TimberLab’s continued leadership in the timber industry for years to come.
See History Timeline below:
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Email: auckland@redstag.co.nz
Phone: 09 253 9349
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