NEX Building Group farewelled business founder Bill McDonald on 21 April 2021, after more than 34 years with the business Bill has chosen to hang up his hammer.
Bill’s passion for building has seen McDonald Jones Homes grow from humble beginnings in 1987 with a handful of people, into the NEX Building Group spanning across four states and the ACT, employing 900 employees and more than 2500 contractors.
Andrew Helmers remains a shareholder in the business and will continue in the role of Managing Director.
Speaking at Bill’s farewell Andrew said "we wish Bill all the best in retirement and sincerely thank him for decades of service to the business and we hope Jude has plenty for him to do".
“Bill’s departure is an historic event for the business, and he will be missed. He cast a large shadow across the Hunter building industry and played a key role in the development of the HIA regional office in Newcastle.”
NEX Building Group’s Japanese partner Asahi Kasei Homes (AKH) has acquired Mr McDonalds share of the business and as such now becomes the majority shareholder.
“The acquisition by Asahi Kasei is an exciting opportunity and provides new opportunities for growth in the business. The ownership restructure will have no impact on the day-to-day operations of our customer facing brands,” Andrew said.
The NEX Building Group is the third largest detached house builder in Australia and operates, McDonald Jones Homes in NSW and ACT, MOJO Homes in NSW, Brighton Homes in QLD, Weeks Homes in South Australia, Wilson Homes in Tasmania, MJH Multi in NSW, Complete by McDonald Jones in NSW and Allsteel Homes in South Australia.
For Bill McDonald it’s a bittersweet departure, “I am looking forward to the benefits of retirement and spending more time with my wife Jude, But I’ll miss the day-to-day contact with the staff,” Bill said.
“I have had a chance to look back on my career in recent days and I’m humbled by what the company has achieved in its 34 years, and it is good testament that if you have the right people, business becomes a lot easier.”
“I leave knowing the business is in good hands with Andrew at the helm.” Bill said.
Bill has developed a new passion, breeding black angus cattle on his farm in the Lostock area and is looking forward to walking a few sale yards in the future. His last day will be Friday 23 April.
