After 41 years guiding Nelson Pine Industries (NPIL) to become a significant global exporter and one of the region’s largest employers, Murray Sturgeon is retiring.
Until recently, Murray has chaired NPIL, Tasman Pine Industries, and Sumitomo Forestry NZ. Until 2020 he was managing director of NPIL, a position he had held since 1984 that followed extensive experience gained from his time with Fletcher Group and Canterbury Timber Products.
Now in his mid-80s, Murray is stepping back from his role as chairman and in a statement said he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife Jocelyn, their children, and grandchildren.
At NPIL’s helm, Murray commissioned the world’s first continuous medium density fibreboard (MDF) production line, then a second and third, to make the company the largest single-site MDF producer globally at the time. Under his watch, the company then expanded into veneer and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) production, that enabled broader utilisation of regional log and forest resources that would otherwise have been exported.
Sumitomo Forestry Co became the company’s sole shareholder in 1993 which has supported growth in key markets such as Japan and Southeast Asia. Along the way, the purchase of the Hancock Forest estate strengthened the company’s fibre supply and long-term resource security.
Under Murray’s leadership the company adopted advanced manufacturing technologies for the development of MDF and LVL products that are recognised for their quality and performance in furniture and construction applications. He has also been involved with the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association and the Japan New Zealand Business Council.
His contributions were acknowledged with his appointment as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2003. He was inducted into the Washington State University Hall of Fame, the Nelson Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame and was named an Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand. He is also a life member of the Tasman Rugby Union and the Nelson A&P Association.
NPIL chief executive, Kai Kruse, says he first met Murray 30 years ago in the United States and his reputation as a leader for quality and innovation was well known.
“We will all dearly miss him – he has been here for such a long time. I will still seek his advice from time to time.
“He has been relevant and important, not only for the company, but the region.”
Kai says the team at NPIL extends its sincere thanks to Murray for his leadership and contributions over the years.
“We are grateful to have worked alongside him and wish Murray and Jocelyn all the best in this next chapter.”
