Hyne Timber CEO Jon Kleinschmidt, MP Bruce Saunders and Fraser Coast Mayor, George Seymour with softwood beams
Hyne Timber has announced a significant expansion to its Glue Laminated Timber (GLT) manufacturing capability in Maryborough, Queensland. Source: Timberbiz
Already a significant manufacturer of GLT in addition to softwood timber products, this expansion investment with the support of a Queensland Government Jobs and Regional Growth Fund will launch the company into a globally competitive product offer.
The new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant will accompany the existing plant in Maryborough’s Industrial Estate which is now in its 40th year of production.
This announcement comes as engineered timber manufactured from plantation softwood is increasingly preferred for larger scale commercial and residential construction projects due to its superior sustainability and environmental credentials.
During the 12 October announcement with local MP, Bruce Saunders, Hyne Timber’s CEO, Jon Kleinschmidt said investment to increase manufacturing capability has never been more timely.
“Increased GLT manufacturing capability has been on our horizon for a number of years and a Queensland Government grant has accelerated this investment.
“We have been experiencing an increase in demand for GLT products so this new capability can increase volumes, improve speed of delivery while broadening our product capability to capitalise on new growth opportunities for the timber industry.
“GLT is the talk of the design and construction industry, but a lack of competitive Australian supply options has prevented many projects from using it.
“Increased capability here in Australia will be a game changer for the construction sector and a very positive area of growth for Maryborough.” Mr Kleinschmidt said.
Construction of the new plant is expected to commence within a matter of weeks.
This is one of the most significant milestones in the history of Hyne Timber, which itself dates back to 1882.
Recruitment of a range of specialist roles will commence well ahead of plant commissioning, with more operational and specialist jobs created as production scales up.
The announcement also presents research and development opportunities for new, innovative products and solutions which wouldn’t have otherwise been commercially viable. A comprehensive research and development initiative is also underway with the support of research partner, the University of Queensland Centre for Future Timber Structures.
The Centre’s Director, Professor Kitipornchai welcomed the announcement stating that the Centre prides itself in supporting industry by ensuring the engineers and architects of our future are educated, skilled and qualified in timber designs, innovation and solutions.
“Timber brings a wealth of creative options to deliver naturally built environments and we welcome any announcements and news that industry and government are working together to improve the supply and capability of the future.
“Hyne Timber is one of the leading timber manufacturers, including engineered timber, in Australia and is well placed to strategically drive change within the design and construction industry provided there is confidence in supply.” Professor Kitipornchai concluded.
Businesses in the region have also thrown their support behind the announcement including Managing Director of iconic freight supplier, Graham Richers of Richers Transport.
In a statement of support, Mr Richers said having been Hyne Timber’s principle freight supplier for over 30 years, any opportunities to accelerate the required growth for a sustainable future is critical, not just for Hyne Timber, but for its suppliers,
“Accelerating growth and creating jobs is exactly what the Queensland Government Jobs and Regional Growth Fund is trying to achieve and I’m delighted to hear Hyne Timber have been successful in securing support to do exactly that.
“Business security, sustainability and growth is a priority for our region. If Hyne Timber grows, the entire local supply chain grows too.
“This is excellent news and a major confidence boost to the Maryborough economy.” Mr Richers concluded.
Hyne Timber will be releasing progress updates throughout the next few months as the new plant nears commissioning around mid-2019.
The Queensland timber industry has welcomed the announcement with Timber Queensland (TQ) Chief Executive Officer Mick Stephens said that this investment was a positive endorsement of the future of the timber industry and potential for growth given rising market demand.
“This investment by Hyne Timber will create 42 new jobs and greatly enhance the capacity of the industry to meet the growing demand and interest for engineered timber products in the building and construction sector,” Mr Stephens said.
“It was only yesterday (11 October) that I participated in a Wood Solutions event in Brisbane with over 120 architects, engineers and building professionals, eager to learn more about the growing opportunities for timber-rich structures and buildings in the future.
“This reflects the many benefits of using timber products such as GLT compared to materials such as steel and concrete. The advantages of timber products include their inherent renewability, low carbon footprint, natural aesthetics, strength, lighter weight and versatility for innovative design.
“It is certainly an exciting time to be in the timber industry,” Mr Stephens said.
Timber Queensland also acknowledged the support of the Queensland Government in supporting this project through the Jobs and Regional Growth Fund.
“This project is a tangible example of the benefits from collaboration with industry, particularly in the regional timber industry hub of Maryborough in the Wide Bay-Burnett region.”
“The Queensland Government has publicly committed to creating greater value, jobs and innovation in the timber industry, and we look forward to working with the Government to promote these opportunities in the key industry hubs within the State.”
The Queensland timber industry generates more than $3 billion in value each year and directly supports more than 10,000 jobs, mostly in regional areas.
The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) also welcomed the announcement.
“Not only is this significant $20 million investment, which will create up to 42 new jobs, a sign of a thriving timber industry, but it’s also another example of how Hyne Timber is always willing to innovate and seek to compete in growing markets,” Chief Executive Officer of AFPA, Mr Ross Hampton said.
“As an environmentally friendly and more versatile option, GLT is a renewable rival for steel and concrete and we’re certainly seeing a trend towards increased GLT use in large-scale construction developments.
This investment will make Hyne Timber one of the largest GLT manufacturers in the Southern Hemisphere.
“Hyne Timber will use the opportunities off the back of this investment to target national construction projects, thereby promoting the use of renewable timber production solutions where traditionally they have not been considered an option,” Mr Hampton said.
The Queensland Government’s Jobs and Regional Growth Fund will help support Hyne Timber’s innovative investment.
