The Timberlink Board has approved plans to enter the growing mass timber market enabled through building a state-of-the-art Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) & Glue Laminated Timber (GLT) manufacturing facility that will service this growing market segment. Source: Timberbiz
“CLT and GLT products are used as the structural elements for building residential housing, medium density and high-rise timber buildings,” Timberlink Chief Executive Officer Ian Tyson said.
“With around half of all CLT currently used in Australia being imported and strong growth in demand expected over the next decade, this investment in local production is great news for Australian manufacturing, the forestry sector and Timberlink.”
This significant investment will see the construction of Australia’s second major softwood CLT plant and first combined CLT & GLT manufacturing facility.
Mr Tyson said this would place Timberlink at “the forefront of integrated forestry and softwood processing in Australia”.
Timberlink with its integrated forestry, production and market position is very well suited to play a significant part in this growing and dynamic market, Mr Tyson said.
A total of 27 full-time permanent jobs will be created when the facility opens in 2023 rising to 50 at full output. A significant number of additional jobs will be created during the construction phase.
Engineered timber products are increasingly being used in Australia and globally, particularly in midrise buildings due to a combination of factors, including cost-effectiveness, liveability, ease and efficiency of construction.
This is especially important as population growth is driving greater urbanisation, with society creating a rise in demand for building with energy efficient, sustainable and carbon positive materials.
Timber is the ultimate renewable offering the environmental benefits of a sustainable, carbon positive building material. Timberlink will commence discussions with both state and federal Governments, to secure a location for the world-class manufacturing facility to be built in either South Australia or Victoria.
“This is a major and exciting next step for Timberlink. In the last seven years the company has heavily invested into its three softwood processing mills and expanded our market position. I am confident that now is the right time for the company to build on its strong foundations with this move into engineered timber, the building material of the 21st century and the ultimate renewable,” Mr Tyson said.
