Timberlink is investing in its Tarpeena sawmill as it transforms into an internationally competitive radiata pine business. The company is investing $90 million over the next three years to secure local jobs in the region, this is in addition to the significant spend that has already taken place at the mill since Timberlink’s takeover in 2013. Source: Timberbiz
Key to the early stages of the project is the construction of a new electrical substation for the town of Tarpeena. This is expected to improve the reliability of electricity supply for the township with all new hardware, modern design features and more reliable components.
The mill upgrade, to be completed in 2021, will increase both the volume of renewable plantation pine logs that can be processed and the yield per log.
This will transform the mill into a workplace of the future, with high tech machinery improving accuracy, safety and job security. Timberlink is will train and upskill staff to run the new machinery and says there will be no job losses as a result of the upgrade.
Around 20% of Australia’s softwood timber is imported, so to ensure Timberlink remains internationally competitive, the business is expanding and investing in new technologies to improve efficiency and create more structural timber for the domestic market.
The investment includes a completely new saw line, the installation of a new stacker and edger, coupled with addition of a contraflow kiln and a new batch kiln for drying timber. A new drying shed will also be built as part of the project.
The Timberlink Tarpeena mill supports 680 direct and indirect jobs in the area and contributes more than $180m to the local economy. This generational investment will create 200 jobs in the construction phase and secure the 210 permanent full-time jobs at the mill for the next generation.
The $90m Tarpeena upgrade project will source the best technology from around Australia and the globe to ensure that Timberlink remains an essential supplier to the construction industry in Australia, while securing jobs and futures for many families in the Mt Gambier region.
