Big River Group’s Grafton timber factory has unveiled a significant upgrade, bolstering the supply of high-quality timber products to the construction industry in New South Wales.
The $20 million project, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, marks a crucial step forward for the region’s timber industry.
Big River Group CEO John Lorente stated: “We understand just how important the factory is to our workforce and the Grafton community and will remain future-focused on continuing to create opportunities to diversify with new value-added niche products and remain sustainable into the future.”
The upgrade, which includes a $10 million contribution from Big River Group, has enabled the factory to increase its supply capacity to 8000 cubic metres of timber products annually.
This enhancement comes as a boon for the company, which was impacted by the 2019/2020 bushfires.
The modernisation project ensures the factory’s ability to provide specialty and technical timber products to the market for years to come.
One of the key benefits of the upgrade is the creation of 20 new jobs in the region, alongside opportunities for upskilling the existing workforce.
The installation of new equipment, including lathes, chippers, a dryer, and machinery for cutting and finishing timber products, will enable employees to gain valuable trade skills.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt stated: “This major milestone to modernise and expand operations will enable workers to access valuable trade skills and support the timber industry’s economic recovery in the region.”
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty emphasised the positive impact on the local economy, as she stated: “The opening of the upgraded factory is a big win for Grafton and the surrounding region as it’s bolstered the local economy by taking on additional employees with further plans to grow.”
The upgrade of Big River Group’s Grafton timber factory represents a significant investment in the region’s timber industry, ensuring its resilience and capacity to meet the growing demand for high-quality timber products in the construction sector.