At 21, Northpine grows stronger

B R EAM BAY

Northpine was founded 21 years ago by forestry consultant Keith Reay, who bought the run-down assets of the Waipu Timber Company. Recruiting Richard Wilson and myself as business partners, Keith set about developing his vision of a sawmill based on technical ability and strong core values.

Keith was convinced there was “money in sawmilling”. Our first team meeting was around the kitchen table at Richard and Gaylene Wilson’s place. Keith scored the new company’s strengths and weaknesses, outlined his aspirations and expectations of what we could do for the staff. Overall, he set the tone. And he still believed there was money in sawmilling!

My first visit to the Waipu mill (about 2000/01) was a real eye opener. It was in a shocking state! Somehow in those early days

At 21, Northpine grows stronger

General manager Bruce Larsen on the ups and downs of sawmilling.

each Christmas our small team had made enough money to do an upgrade, with a bit of help from a finance company or bank. And we still believed there was money in sawmilling!

Through 2003/04 we were planning the process of installing a timber drying facility, an expansion which required Resource Consent and agreement from the community at large. It’s fair to say we were not universally popular with the locals. But Keith knew the best way to handle concerns was to ‘front foot’ everything and be open and honest in our communication. We saw ourselves as part of the community, not careless exploiters of local resources. We demonstrated this by beginning a programme of local sponsorship, from sport and heritage to arts and education. It is still an important part of the Northpine culture today.

Richard on the headrig

Around 2008 things got hectic. We rebranded, including a new logo; we started constructing the drystore and the kiln complex. And then came the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). The subsequent recession was total carnage for Northpine. As demand plummeted prices crashed, and the bank wanted the money we had borrowed for the construction project repaid. We were in deep doo-doo.

Another truckload leaves the Waipu mill

Somehow we survived those dark days – thanks to our staff, many suppliers (who became creditors), customers, family and friends. Collectively they saved Northpine from the chopping block.

It has taken years of hard work to get back to some equilibrium and be in a position to carry on with capital developments. We upgraded the planer and did some work at the treatment plant. This year we plan to install a steamer and other activities that will allow us to produce specialist solid timber products more efficiently.

The Northpine journey has been full of ups and downs. We have managed to win some awards along the way. Timber manufacturing is always very challenging but we have really good people and take pride in our products and the contribution we make to the district and region. We have a new Shareholding group now and will need to develop a new management team with Richard and Gaylene Wilson easing into retirement. Their contribution to Northpine for 21 years has been enormous; they are both much-loved and widely respected for their work ethic, skills and personal values.

In 2020, the year of Covid-19, Northpine ended the year in great heart. Demand for our timber is strong. Production is generally efficient, though we will always look for ways to improve. We have an energetic management team and Board with a wide range of skills and experience. We have a strong work ethic, great team culture, plus excellent relationships with customers, suppliers and the wider community.

We look forward to meeting head-on the challenges of 2021 and beyond.

Reach higher, grow stronger

Last year Northpine launched a $20,000 funding programme called Stronger Communities to help the people of Bream Bay.

Grants are made once every three months from applications received each quarter. Applications for the next round of grants close on 16 February and will be announced in early March.

Go to our website to find out more and to download an Application Form.

2020 recipients: Waipu Lions Club, Waipu Centennial Trust Board, Northland Masters Golf, Bream Bay Combined Arts Group, Waipu Caledonian Society, Bream Bay Swim Club.