After nearly 50 years, Milton company Bruce Sawmilling is under new ownership.
Former Clutha mayor Juno Hayes began the mill with his father and had owned the family company for more than 48 years.
Great Southern Group officially took the mill over at the beginning of this month, becoming the Milton branch of the nationwide timber retailer.
Milton branch manager Gary Lockhart said talks began before Christmas and he and the other two employees began at the mill on April 1.
"I'm enjoying it so far - it's been a nice change," he said.
The mill's two treatment plants would be used by Great Southern for processing posts, not cutting timber, with retail the branch's only other role.
Bruce Sawmilling fought through tough times in 2009 when staff hours were cut from 47.5 hours weekly to 40, but Mr Hayes said they made it through.
The company's seven staff were not given jobs at Great Southern, but all were employed in different jobs in the district, with some staying in forestry and others taking jobs in other trades.
Mr Hayes owns forestry blocks around the Clutha district and will keep logging, exporting logs and materials for posts.
"I've got a bit more time for fishing and hunting," he said.
