David Oliver, Premier Jeremy Rockliff MP, Nick Duigan MP, Scott Freeman
The $63 million upgrade of Timberlink’s Bell Bay manufacturing facility is in the final stages of planning and will be underway and expected to be commissioned by the end of 2026. Source: Timberbiz
This will result in an increase of more than 50% in on-island sovereign timber manufactured from sustainably managed pine plantations.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff inspected a number of developments at the Timberlink facility recently including construction of Australia’s only finger-jointed and primed outdoor timber products line, which has been partially supported by a $1,063,304 grant from the Tasmanian Government’s Department of State Growth On-Island Processing Program.
The On-Island Processing Program aims to obtain greater value from Tasmania’s forest resources, including forest residues, reduce the risk from exposure to volatility in international commodity markets for woodchips and logs, reduce the need for imported forest-based products and create jobs in regional areas. The finger-jointing line is expected to be completed in late 2023.
“This new finger-jointed and primed outdoor timber products line will be the only one of its kind in Australia, and Timberlink is excited to be able to offer a locally produced product for the Australian market and reduce the need for imported timber,” Timberlink’s EGM Sales Marketing & Corporate Affairs, David Oliver, said.
Mr Rockliff said he was impressed by the level of technology, innovation and safety throughout the entire Bell Bay facility and as a significant employer in Tasmania he praised Timberlink’s commitment to Tasmania’s people and the growth of our economy.
He also said he supported the recent and ongoing upgrades to the Bell Bay facility which reflected Timberlink’s ongoing commitment to innovation in timber.
The Premier’s visit also included a tour of Timberlink’s wood-plastic composites plant, which is expected to be in full production in late 2023. This plant will produce wood-plastic composites products that will upcycle plastic waste and plantation timber mill residues, producing decking and screening for commercial and residential applications.
“This project significantly enhances Australia’s Sovereign capability to manufacture decking and screening products from upcycled materials,” Mr Oliver said.
The wood-plastic composites plant will create new jobs and flow-on benefits for the economy. The energy to power the plant will be sourced from Tasmanian hydro power and a solar farm located on the roof of the new facility.
Rainwater tanks will be installed to harvest rainwater which will be used for cooling in the manufacturing process.
