Our History
Major Timber has a rich history that spans more than seven decades, beginning in 1952 when founders Leo Zloczower and John Surkis purchased a site on North Road and established Major Timber Supplies Pty Ltd.
Their vision was to provide high-quality timber products to the growing Melbourne construction market.
By the mid-1950s, Leo’s son, Fred Lawrence, took over the day-to-day operations of the business as Leo retired. Fred’s leadership played a key role in Major Timber’s early growth. In 1974, Fred’s son, Paul Lawrence, joined the company full-time at the age of 18, marking the beginning of the next generation’s involvement in the business.
As demand for their products grew, Major Timber outgrew its original North Road location. In 1990, the business relocated to 64-74 Carroll Road, Oakleigh South, where it continues to operate today. This move was a significant milestone in the company’s development and expansion, solidifying its position as a leading timber supplier in Melbourne.
Paul and Fred worked side by side for many years, building the business into a trusted name in the industry. In 2018, after more than 60 years of family ownership and leadership, Major Timber was sold and became part of the Hallett Group. Despite this change in ownership, the company continues to maintain the same commitment to quality, customer service, and innovation that has been at the core of its success since its founding.
