The Ryan & McNulty sawmill in Benalla has received about $100,000 from the State Government to complete a $900,000 expansion project. Source: ABC News
The project, which includes new steam boilers and docking lines, will create seven new jobs and increase production capacity by about 20%.
Staff at Benalla’s sawmill say an upgrade worth nearly $1 million will help secure jobs in north-east Victoria.
The mill was established in 1942 and remains a key employer in Benalla, currently hiring 45 employees.
Company director Greg McNulty said the expansion would make the business more efficient and competitive.
“A lot extra work in the dry mill where we’re running timber flooring, so with the moulders and also with the kiln drying, there’s a lot more work expansion on the kilns and a lot more handling of the timber to upgrade to higher value added products,” he said.
He said the expansion had boosted confidence in the industry, despite many manufacturing departments closing recently in north-east Victoria.
“I think it’s very positive,” he said. “We’ve been positive all the way through and you’ve got to want to do the job but we are passionate with what we do in the timber industry and we employ about 45 people.
“Got a great staff here and they all work in very well. Got a range from some young guys to some older guys on the moulders. It’s a good balance.”
