Timberlink is investing $100m in jobs and Australian timber supply.
As the only major Australasian sawmilling company managing full chain of custody from forest to warehouse, Timberlink holds a unique place in the industry. Now it is set to expand with a $100 million upgrade program to its Australian sawmills. This generational investment will see the total processing capacity of the company increase by over 15%. The investment will secure over 1350 direct and indirect jobs in regional Australia and support the residential housing sector with increased timber supply.
A total of 290 additional jobs are anticipated during the construction phase of the $100 million program.
Timberlink relies on its own plantations, managed under New Forests administered investment trusts. It is the only major Australian sawmilling business with dual certification (Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and Australian Forestry Standard (AFS)/Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC)), ensuring unparalleled Chain of Custody certification and environmental standards.
Timberlink’s Chairman and CEO of investment management firm New Forests, David Brand, expressed his support for the mill upgrade program: “This is a substantial re-investment in the Timberlink mill facilities and continues to demonstrate the strong recovery of the Australian forestry sector under institutional investor ownership. Timberlink has become a leading wood products business, and I expect it will continue to innovate and grow, creating new manufacturing jobs in regional areas, while increasing the supply of timber in Australia.”
Growth plans
In Tarpeena, South Australia, the investment will lead to the installation of a completely new saw line, stacker and edger, all with the latest leading-edge technology, coupled with additional contraflow and batch kilns for drying timber. Major infrastructure changes will include upgrades to roads and storage facilities.
At Timberlink’s Bell Bay site in Tasmania, new planer mill equipment will be installed along with a state-of-the-art contraflow kiln. Site infrastructure will be improved, including a new internal road system designed to improve safety outcomes and support the increase in site activity.
The $100 million investment program will take place in stages over the next three years.
Timberlink will continue discussions with the Tasmanian, South Australian and Federal Governments, seeking their funding support for further enhancements related to these business expansion programs
“This is a great day for Australian manufacturing,” said Timberlink CEO, Ian Tyson. “We are ensuring that all aspects of the business are internationally competitive to secure our long-term future, and this significant investment will secure Timberlink’s position as one of Australasia’s leading softwood sawmillers.
“Our integrated business model allows us to optimise and guarantee our supply from the forest all the way to our customer’s door, and at its core, this program is about increasing and securing that supply of timber.”
The new capital also enables the ongoing investment in training and upskilling of Timberlink’s employees. With 87% of their workforce living in regional areas, these investments build stronger local economies that can support our regional communities.
The sawmills will continue to operate normally during the building process. This will ensure that the supply of timber to Timberlink customers will continue as usual.
For more, visit www.timberlinkaustralia.com.au
