New Tarpeena CLT, GLT plant on schedule

CONSTRUCTION and equipment installation is running to the original schedule at the NeXTimber manufacturing facility in Tarpeena in the Green Triangle and is expected to begin supply in October.

The site has been buzzing with activity and both CLT and GLT presses now moved into place as well as internal building construction commencing.

The first full-time NeXTimber Tarpeena team began work in April and it is expected the team will continue to grow and at full capacity will involve up to 50 positions.

Throughout June, the team continued to tick off equipment installation milestones, including two cranes, completion of the CNC line and installation of the weighbridge.

It will be Australia’s first combined Radiata Pine Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glue Laminated Timber (GLT) manufacturing facility.

These products provide the biophilic and environmental benefits of traditional timber but with the strength to sup- port taller and more complex structures.

The NeXTimber range offers timber building solutions for commercial, residential, and public projects; used on their own or in conjunction with traditional building materials.

The NeXTimber CLT range will include:

• Roof panels

• Floor panels

• Wall panels

• Lintels & other framing

The GLT range will include:

• Beams

• Columns

• Frame & truss members

The first pieces of Kallesoe Machinery A/S was lifted into place in August last year and construction of the steel structure began in October.

Timberlink is committed to product and service excellence and has partnered with world leading equipment and software providers as part of the project including Kallesoe Machinery A/S for plant design, manufacturing equipment and installation as well as Hans Hundegger AG who will supply the PBAIndustry panel processing machine with the latest CNC machining technology. This equipment will be supported by a fully integrated end-to end software platform provided by hsbcad.

“This world leading technology provides the latest ca- pabilities in CLT GLT production and will place Timberlink at the forefront of supply capability in the Australian and Oceania region” Timberlink

Australia Chief Executive Officer, Ian Tyson

Infeed stock for the NeXTimber range will come from local plantations in the Green Triangle region and is supported through Timberlink’s vertically integrated supply chain. The majority of log supply to Timberlink’s manufacturing facilities is dual certified to both FSC® and PEFC/ Responsible Wood.

Over the last three years, Timberlink has invested over $200M into upgrades at the Tarpeena Bell Bay sites, demonstrating their commitment to the forestry industry and regional communities. Upgrades include the construction of the NeXTimber facility created by a $63m investment by Timberlink, as well as a state of-the-art Light Organic Solvent Preservative (LOSP) treatment plant, a new green mill in Tarpeena and vision scanning system in Bell Bay.

Kiln Award

The Visy Pulp and Paper Tumut mill has won the National Energy Council’s best industrial energy management project for its lime kiln project.

The Tumut pulp mill team developed and implemented advanced process controls, which helped to significantly reduce natural gas consumption in the mill’s lime kilns.

The lime kilns consume natural gas and are always online. Implementing an automated process allowed the team to optimize the kiln’s energy use.

Wesbeam Appointments

Tom Rickerby has been appointed Wesbeam’s Technical Manager.

With 15 years’ experience as a qualified structural engineer, Tom has specialised in the design and specification of timber and engineered wood products.

As Technical Manager, Tom will lead Wesbeam’s highly skilled engineering and design teams and has responsibility for all product manufacturing specifications.

Visy Retirement

After 25 years with Visy Pulp and Paper, Kenneth Epp, who was with the Tumut mill from its establishment in 2001, has retired.

Mr Epp played a major role in the development of the plantation-based forestry industries and in particular the establishment of the Visy enterprise near Tumut.

Brisbane Olympics

Australia’s forest products sector has backed the Queensland Government’s plan for a climate positive Olympic Games in 2032, including through the use of climate friendly timber and wood products in Olympic venues and infrastructure.

Timber Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mick Stephens said the Government’s intentions were an excellent first step.

Mr Stephens said that the sector and the Government now need to work together early with relevant Olympic planning forums to deliver the best outcomes for effective timber supply and venue design, construction and jobs.