Bombala district’s new $74 million Dongwha Timbers softwood sawmill is nearing completion. Source: Timberbiz
The project to construct a new green mill, planer and timber plant at the existing mill site in Bombala was undertaken by Dongwha Timbers to meet a dramatic increase in production.
Construction began in late 2011, with the overall development, known as Project Namu, representing considerable investment in the future of the softwood industry in the region.
As more sections of the mill have been completed and become operational, the site has transformed into an impressive state-of-the-art facility.
The new dry mill has been producing decking timber for months now, while the hot water boiler and kilns are also complete and the new treatment plant has been operational since Christmas.
Construction of the green mill building also progressed to schedule, with all of the sawline machinery in place, and hydraulic lines and electrics installed.
With all building works basically complete, the commissioning phase of Project Namu is the focus.
Dry commissioning of the sawline machinery, that is motors checked and conveyors run without logs, began in December and is currently running to schedule.
The debarker and the sawline will shortly be commissioned with logs.
In the materials handling area all sorting bin chains are installed and are being trialled, while the dimension sorter and trim saws will be next to be commissioned.
“This is always the trickiest time of any project deliverable, where you actually turn things on and see what happens. I’m happy to report that the commissioning activity is tracking very well to date,” Craig Lamont, Project Namu Construction Manager said.
“We’re now on the home stretch and I am looking forward to handing over the keys to operations staff for them to take over.”
And when they do, they’ll have the latest in equipment to use, with the large scale upgrade encompassing even the sawmill’s everyday machinery.
Managing Director of Dongwha Timbers, Bart Crawley, said preparations have already started for the official opening.
“Completion of construction is now close on the horizon, and so we have started planning for the launch of the mill,” Crawley said.
Estimates suggest that this important milestone for the region’s timber industry will take place in May.
