A Nelson timber firm has recognised the achievements of its staff in gaining trade qualifications, with one cluster of staff in particular showing the fruits of hard work and an opportunity taken. Source: Stuff NZ
XLam was founded in Nelson by brothers Robin and Ian Jack in 2010 and has since gained a strong international reputation for producing cross laminated timber (CLT), a high tech structural alternative to concrete.
Of the 25 staff that work at the Beatty St factory, almost a third are members of the Myanmar refugee community six of them have just completed their level 2 national certificates in solid timber manufacturing, while another has just begun a three year machinist apprenticeship.
The awards were presented to the Myanmar workers as well as three other employees at a function held on 10 August at the Tasman Bay Cruising Club.
As well as demonstrating their competency in skills like finger jointing and lamination, the qualifications have paved the way for them to pursue managerial-level training in the future.
According to general manager Neil Dodunski, the need for good staff in the company’s early years saw them approach Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology for a prospective recruit.
“There was a discussion between Robin (Jack) and I about finding some good staff that were going to be reliable and fit in with what we were trying to do here – at that stage we had seven staff on the floor.”
Thirty-two year old Plyar Reh was recommended to them, and began working for XLam after completing his carpentry course.
Plyar’s value as a worker led to another Myanmar worker being employed by the company, which has grown to eight in the two years since.
Dodunski said while some struggled with the language barrier initially, a supportive workforce and having fellow countrymen alongside them has helped with their integration.
“These guys have had a tough start to life in refugee communities or in camps – some of them have been here for four of five years but get limited opportunities, generally ending up in low skill jobs or seasonal work,” he said.
“Basically they’ve been given them an opportunity, they’ve taken it and they will do anything for you.”
Mr Dodunski was impressed with how all staff applied themselves to a range of often challenging tasks, including sole charge of a Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machine worth NZ$1.6 million.
“That’s the level of confidence of we have in them, we know they can run anything without a problem,” he said.
Machine shop supervisor La Aung has lived in New Zealand for six years and was recently granted citizenship.
After more than 20 of his 30 years lived in the confines of a refugee camp, he is enjoying his life in Nelson and the chance to be a valued member of the workforce.
“I’m proud to be a Kiwi – I am very pleased and at peace,” he said.
“The best part of being at XLam is working as part of a team.”
In 2015 XLam established a formal connection with Australia, with Hyne Timber Interests securing a substantial stakeholding in the company.
The connection has already paid dividends with Australia’s first CLT manufacturing plant set to be operational in the Albury Wodonga region by 2017, capable of producing 60,000m3 of CLT annually.
