The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) has welcomed timber manufacturing business Timberlink’s announcement that it will invest $100 million into its Australian sawmills, that will see its processing capacity increase by more than 15 per cent, Chief Executive Officer of AFPA, Mr Ross Hampton said today.
“This announcement from Timberlink is terrific news for Australia’s forest industries. It demonstrates confidence in the sector, will secure over 1350 direct and indirect jobs in regional Australia, as well nearly 300 jobs during the construction phase, and will support timber supply for Australia’s construction industry,” Mr Hampton said.
Major upgrades will commence at both of Timberlink’s timber manufacturing facilities; at Tarpeena in South-East South Australia and at Bell Bay in Tasmania.
At Tarpeena, the investment will mean the installation of a new saw line, stacker and edger as well as additional contraflow and batch kilns for drying timber. Upgrades to road and storage facilities will take place, improving safety onsite.
At Bell Bay, new planer mill equipment will be installed along with a new internal road system that will help with the increased traffic flow and improve safety conditions.
With previous capital upgrades, Timberlink has already increased its capacity by 50 per cent since it took over the sites in 2013.
“This $100 million investment shows just how much Timberlink takes innovation seriously and how committed the business is to the timber industry and the communities it operates in, in regional Australia,” Mr Hampton said.
“I look forward to this investment creating further opportunities for Timberlink, its employees and the communities that support the company,” Mr Hampton concluded.
AFPA_congratulates_Timberlink_on_investment_to_secure_timber_future