THE first phase of the $90m Timberlink Australia sawmill redevelopment is under way as it begins the transformation into one of the world’s most efficient and cutting edge timber processing plants.
The construction of a new electrical substation at Tarpeena has now started on land adjacent the Riddoch Highway, which is expected to boost power supply to the township and the mill.
Considered a “generational investment”, the overall project is expected to create 200 jobs during the construction phase and secure the 210 permanent full-time jobs at the processing facility.
The sawmill – which underpins 680 direct/indirect jobs and contributes more than $180m to the regional economy – is likely to begin its major redevelopment in October when the new substation comes on line.
The investment, which will put the mill on the timber processing map global map, is among one of the largest ever seen in the nation’s sawmilling sector.
Timberlink Australia chief executive officer Ian Tyson said the project would source the best technology from around Australia and the globe to ensure the company remained an “essential supplier” to the Australian construction industry.
Importantly, he said the project would secure jobs and futures for many families in the Mount Gambier region.
“The mill upgrade – expected to be completed in 2021 – will increase both the volume of renewable plantation pine logs that can be processed and the yield per log,” Mr Tyson said.
“This will transforme the mill into a workplace of the future, with high tech machinery improving accuracy, safety and job security.”
The leading timber company will invest $90m over the next three years, which follows significant spend that has already taken place at the mill since Timberlink’s takeover in 2013.
“Timberlink is also committed to training and upskilling our staff to run the new machinery and there will be no job losses as a result of the upgrade,” Mr Tyson said.
With around 20pc of Australia’s softwood timber imported, the company chief said it was vital Timberlink remained internationally competitive.
“The business is expanding and investing in new technologies to improve efficiency and create more structural timber for the domestic market,” Mr Tyson said.
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.
Mr Tyson said a key part of the project was the construction of a new electrical substation, which will include all new hardware, modern design features and more reliable components.
The new substation – which is being constructed by SA Power Networks – is set to boost power supply by 20pc and will replace the ageing substation within the mill site.
The new substation is key infrastructure to facilitate the mill’s redevelopment given the high-tech equipment that will be installed.
