Key figure in history of BSW dies

Chris Burd CBE passed away aged 83 on the 7^th June 2018 after a very short illness. The gathering at St Michael's Church, Michaelston-­y-Fedw, Cardiff for a Service of Celebration of his life bore testimony to his remarkable career. 

Chris graduated from Bangor University with a degree in forestry and after his National Service in the Royal Navy joined the Welsh Forestry Commission. Chris was tasked with South Wales forest management together with sourcing outlets for increasing volumes of mature softwood timber. 

In 1964 Chris left the Forestry Commission to join E.C. Cases in South Wales. Shortly after, construction of the Senghenydd Sawmill on the site of the Universal Colliery commenced, led by Chris. In 1971 Western Softwood was formed with Chris leading the new business development and the sale of the company to St. Anne’s Board Mill, a part of the Imperial Tobacco Group. 

With support from Imperial Tobacco, Western Softwood expanded and the sawmill at Newbridge on Wye, Mid Wales constructed. Chris was instrumental in the design of the Sawmill which incorporated pioneering Scandinavian technology new to the UK. Shortly after construction, the most advanced sawmill in the UK was commissioned. 

In 1980, during the construction phase of the Newbridge Sawmill, Imperial Tobacco sold Western Softwood to A & R Brownlie. Eight years later A&R Brownlie acquired a third sawmilling company, Thomas Smiths & Sons, and BSW Timber was formed. Chris was the company’s first Chief Executive and one of the founding leaders that laid the foundations for the modern company recognised as BSW Timber Ltd today. 

Chris held the CEO position for seven years during which he oversaw the integration, development and expansion of the harvesting and sawmilling business that secured not just the future of BSW but the on going sustainable future of the forestry industry in the UK. 

Chris retired in 1995 and in recognition of his efforts and services to the forestry industry was awarded the CBE. 

David Burd.

July 2018.