Construction of Timberlink’s new CLT and glulam plant begins
14 February 2022
David Rowlinson
The first sod was officially turned at Timberlink’s NeXTimber manufacturing facility at Tarpeena in South Australia last week to mark the commencement of the $63 million construction project. Once completed, the CLT and GLT manufacturing plant will occupy 15,000 square metres.
It’s Australia’s first combined cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue laminated-timber (GLT) manufacturing plant.
The project is also a recipient of a South Australian Government decision to award Timberlink a grant of $2 million towards its construction under the Strategic Business Round 2020 of the Government of South Australia’s Regional Growth Fund.
Timberlink CEO Ian Tyson said; “Timberlink has recently completed a major multi dimensioned investment at the Tarpeena mill which largely has completed our timber manufacturing modernisation, creating a world class timber manufacturing facility. The co-location of a CLT & GLT Plant on the same site makes this facility unique in Australia. Timber is the Ultimate Renewable and NeXTimber products provide carbon negative mass timber solutions for building components, that enables a reduction in the embodied carbon in a range of building types. However, you use NeXTimber, you won’t just be building a building. You’ll be creating a better future.”
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said; “The combined manufacturing plant will boost local timber production and provide an alternative for steel and concrete in mid and high-rise construction. Timberlink’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant at Tarpeena will be a game-changer for South Australia’s timber industry and it’s very exciting to see construction now underway.”
Cr Shirley Little from the District Council of Grant said, “It is wonderful to see this investment of $63 million in our town of Tarpeena with a population of 414 people. Timberlink has created great confidence in the community and supporting ongoing employment.”
A total of 27 full-time permanent jobs will be created when the cross laminated-timber and glue laminated-timber manufacturing plant opens, rising to 50 at full output. A significant number of additional jobs are also being created during the construction phase.
More info available at nextimber.com.au
Article first appeared in Built Offsite
David Rowlinson
David hails from Lancashire, England and has lived in Australia since 1994. He studied Architecture at Sheffield University and also has an MBA from Macquarie University and a Master of Marketing from UNSW. Prior to joining Planet Ark in 2016 David was Marketing Manager then CEO of a major Sydney-based manufacturer of modular carpets used in all commercial building applications. His proudest achievement was the development of an industry-leading environmental sustainability agenda, including the unique Earthplus product reuse program.