Kaituna Sawmill opened its doors to the New Zealand Minister for Climate Change, the Hon James Shaw, and 50 guests as part of a Cawthron Marlborough Environment Awards field day on 17 August. The sawmill’s 46 percent reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions over the past 10 years and its reduction of its carbon footprint by 934 tonnes of carbon …
Timberlink announces new LOSP treatment plant
Timberlink has announced the next stage in the evolution of their Tarpeena manufacturing facility with the installation of a new state-of-the-art treatment plant. The treatment plant will produce LOSP treated timber, including Timberlink Green low odour outdoor structural, a key part of Timberlink’s timber product range. This exciting expansion in capability for Tarpeena follows the significant upgrade of the site …
Production cutbacks at B.C. sawmills
Production will be cut back to approximately 80% at all of Canfor’s mills across B.C., starting last week, impacting over 200 workers in the East Kootenay. According to Canfor, the reduction in hours is in response to an unstable lumber market. “Due to challenging market conditions, we are implementing reduced operating schedules at our B.C. sawmills that will remain in …
Mt Gambier sawmill to be sold
The AAM Investment Group has agreed to terms for the purchase of the Mount Gambier based N.F. McDonnell & Sons softwood timber processing business, with finalisation of the sale scheduled to be completed before the end of November 2021. Established in 1944 by Newman McDonnell, the company has been owned by the McDonnell family for four generations. The business employs …
The world’s most sustainable building panels?
The Durra Panel has been used in some of Australia’s largest commercial undertakings and the company behind the ultra-sustainable product says the residential construction industry is rapidly catching on too. On its website, Ortech Industries labels itself “manufacturer of the world’s most sustainable building material.” It’s a lofty claim but also not easy to dispute. Featuring a core made entirely …
Parkside Group devastated by Government decision
Parkside Group entered the Western Australian timber industry in late 2019 by purchasing the sawmilling assets from Brickworks. If Parkside Group did not proceed with the purchase, then Brickworks were going to make all remaining employees redundant and close the businesses. Since acquiring the business, Parkside Group have invested AU$54.4 million to date and employed over 160 employees to re-establish …
Stephen Macaulay appointed new WPMA CEO
The Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association is delighted to announce the appointment of Stephen Macaulay as WPMA’s new Chief Executive, replacing Dr Jon Tanner who has taken up a new role as Chief Executive of a larger entity. Stephen joins WPMA having been the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Institute of Primary Industry Management (NZIPIM) – the peak industry …
Extra sawlogs in NSW for domestic processing
The domestic softwood timber industry in NSW has received a significant boost with the government directing Forestry Corporation to divert selected softwood log exports impacted by the China trade embargo, to domestic markets. Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Forestry John Barilaro said this will see at least an additional 270,000 tonnes of logs enter the domestic supply chain over …
Wood-fed hydrogen plant to be built in NSW
Emerging renewables energy business, Sweetman Renewables Limited, has inked a lucrative, multi-million dollar joint venture agreement with CAC-H2 Private Limited of Singapore to establish a hydrogen production centre of excellence in Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia. The AUS$15 million deal aims to establish Australia’s first wood fed hydrogen production plant, and the country’s largest green bio-hydrogen production eco-hub. CAC-H2 …