© Copyright 2011 Julianne Dodds
Timber, Veneer and Plywood
1901 - 1969
The story of
John ‘Mac’ McGinnis Williams
the pioneer
of the Queensland plywood industry
In 1915 Mac Williams designed and constructed the first Australian made lathe to cut rotary veneers
in Brisbane. He established several plywood manufacturing mills and by 1922 owned the largest
plywood producing mill in Australia.
Through two world wars and a great financial depression Mac made his fortune and attained recognition
as one of Australia’s plywood industry pioneers.
In 1999, with a few newspaper clippings and a handful of my father’s photos, I began the long task
of compiling an accurate history of his plywood and veneer activities. Along the way I have received
assistance from many people and organisations including:
State Library of Queensland
Queensland State Archives
Brisbane City Council
John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland
Mareeba Historical Society
A very special thanks and acknowledgement to the National Library of Australia and the dedication
of their staff for the online digitised newspapers and images on Trove. Through this resource I found
many articles that helped me to build my story and fit all the pieces together.
To my mother, Marjorie Williams, and all those too numerous to mention who provided information to
complete this story, “Thank you.”
Apart from any fair dealings for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the
Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the publisher.
Timber, Veneer and Plywood
1901 - 1969
The story of
John ‘Mac’ McGinnis Williams
the pioneer
of the Queensland plywood industry
In 1915 Mac Williams designed and constructed the first Australian made lathe to cut rotary veneers
in Brisbane. He established several plywood manufacturing mills and by 1922 owned the largest
plywood producing mill in Australia.
Through two world wars and a great financial depression Mac made his fortune and attained recognition
as one of Australia’s plywood industry pioneers.
In 1999, with a few newspaper clippings and a handful of my father’s photos, I began the long task
of compiling an accurate history of his plywood and veneer activities. Along the way I have received
assistance from many people and organisations including:
State Library of Queensland
Queensland State Archives
Brisbane City Council
John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland
Mareeba Historical Society
A very special thanks and acknowledgement to the National Library of Australia and the dedication
of their staff for the online digitised newspapers and images on Trove. Through this resource I found
many articles that helped me to build my story and fit all the pieces together.
To my mother, Marjorie Williams, and all those too numerous to mention who provided information to
complete this story, “Thank you.”
Apart from any fair dealings for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the
Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission from the publisher.