Ian Tyson, the Chief Executive Officer of Timberlink, is pleased to announce that following an extensive evaluation of potential locations, the Timberlink Tarpeena sawmill site has been chosen as the site for Australia's inaugural state-of-the-art Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glue Laminated Timber (GLT) manufacturing facility using softwood. The facility is set to generate 27 full-time permanent positions initially, with an eventual increase to 50 jobs as the plant reaches maximum capacity.

Expected to commence operations in 2023, the facility will be co-located alongside the recently expanded and upgraded softwood sawmill in Tarpeena. This unique configuration of a state-of-the-art sawmill and a GLT-CLT plant on a single site is anticipated to garner global attention within the timber industry. This innovative facility will exhibit cutting-edge technology that underscores the potential of renewable timber resources.

Presently, the sawmill employs over 200 individuals and contributes $180 million to the local economy. The construction phase alone is projected to create a substantial number of additional jobs. The final decision to establish the $59 million project in Tarpeena, South Australia, is bolstered by the South Australian State Government's commitment of a $2 million grant from the Regional Growth Fund.

Minister David Basham emphasized, "These are high-quality, sustainable manufacturing jobs that will make a lasting contribution to the region. This initiative will showcase the timber industry's finest attributes, generating employment opportunities and industry value for generations to come."

Timberlink expresses its gratitude to the District Council of Grant for their unwavering support and enthusiasm for locating the new facility in Tarpeena. Mayor Richard Sage and the Council have exhibited strong endorsement for the project, collaborating with Timberlink's management to realize this development for Tarpeena.

Ian Tyson, CEO of Timberlink, underscored the significance of CLT and GLT as the building materials of the 21st century, noting their growing popularity among prominent architects, builders, and designers. These materials are gradually replacing concrete and steel in urban construction, offering the benefit of carbon storage and a renewable resource. While it would have been possible to establish the plant closer to major cities where most of the product would be utilized in large buildings, the decision to build in Tarpeena was influenced by the benefits of co-location with the existing sawmill, regional advantages, and the support from the South Australian Government and the District Council of Grant.

Mayor Richard Sage remarked, "Timberlink and the District Council of Grant share a positive collaborative relationship. We warmly welcome Timberlink's expansion in Tarpeena, which brings new employment opportunities and underscores the ongoing confidence in our local economy and timber industry."

Nick McBride MP added, "The government's regional growth fund was established to unlock economic activity in our region, and this project precisely aligns with that objective. These modern, secure, high-tech manufacturing jobs exemplify the backbone of our regional communities."

Source:timberlinkaustralia.com.au

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