The Beginning: 1930s
FA Mitchell & Co P/L was founded in 1933 by Frank Alan Mitchell, who launched the business during the depths of the Great Depression with just 183 pounds in capital. Originally operating as a timber broker importing Oregon timber, Frank set up shop in the Upper Bond stores at Sydney’s Circular Quay.
In 1936, his son Len Bruce Mitchell joined the business. Following his service in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II, Len played a key role in expanding the company’s product range, introducing hardboard from Sweden and Eternit fibre cement panels from Belgium. These additions helped FA Mitchell meet the surging demand of Australia’s post-war housing and construction boom.
Progress in the 1950s
By 1950, growing demand made it necessary to find larger premises. FA Mitchell relocated to Aladdin’s industrial store in Camperdown to accommodate its expanding operations.
As the product range grew to include a wide selection of locally produced and imported interior plywoods, coloured spandrel panels from Eternit, and acoustic mineral fibre ceiling panels from Armstrong (USA), the company once again outgrew its space. In 1959, it moved into a larger, purpose-fitted premises on Adderley Street in Lidcombe.
Growth in the 1980s
In the 1980s, Len’s sons, Mark and Steve, came on board to help run the business. As FA Mitchell expanded into structural plywood, specialty wood panels, fire-retardant treatments, perforated plywood and cut-to-size services, demand continued to rise. The company soon relocated to a larger site at 41 East Street, Lidcombe—offering over 6,000 square metres of warehouse space to better serve its growing client base.
Expansion with Big River Group
In 2022, Mark Mitchell retired and our company joined the Big River Group, a major Australian building materials distributor.
Like FA Mitchell, the Big River Group began in the early 1900s as a family-owned business. Today, it supplies an extensive range of building materials and support services for the residential, commercial, industrial, building and construction industries throughout Australia and parts of New Zealand.
FA Mitchell brings its valuable network of suppliers and years of experience to the Big River family of companies. Mark and Steve Mitchell, together with all the original FA Mitchell staff, remain on board to provide you with the products and services you need.
With Big River’s extended capabilities and buying power, the FA Mitchell team now have direct access to a hugely increased range of high-quality plywood products and building supplies, all at the most competitive prices.
Present Day
FA Mitchell is now based at Unit 2, 39 Topham Rd, Smeaton Grange and is now trading as Timberwood Panels. We continue to service the whole of Australia.
Give us a call on (02) 9646 2777 for more information about our products and more:
Check out our Gallery for images of our products installed at some of our recent projects.
