110 YEARS MEMBERSHIP
A highlight at the awards ceremony was the recognition of one of its longest standing members Federated Timbers (trading as Builders Trade Depot) celebrating its 110th anniversary as a member of the MBA.
Way back then WF Johnston was active as a building contractor, timber merchant and joinery manufacturer from 1883 onwards. He became a member of the Association in 1901 and, in 1905 was elected the third President of the Durban Master Builders Association. The organisation merged with A Blaikie Builders Timber Merchants and Joinery and participated in the Association for many years. After a few other name changes the company eventually became known as Federated Timbers.
Brian Smith, General Manager of Builders Trade Depot proudly accepted the certificate. He said the MBA was like a massive family which annually comes together to celebrate excellence.
“I see my customers here, my suppliers, construction companies large and small, friends and colleagues. In fact a lot of the people here who used to buy from us 50 or 60 years ago are now grandparents, but they still use this occasion as the annual family gathering.”
He said that with a combined experience of 1031 years, the company's workforce continues to be service orientated, a characteristic that is particular to KwaZulu-Natal where loyalty comes first.
