With support from the Queensland Government, Hyne Timber has turned the sod on its advanced manufacturing glue-laminated timber (GLT) plant and is now a step closer to taking on the global market.
The new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant is set to accompany the company’s existing plant in Maryborough’s Industrial Estate, now in its 40th year of production, and will produce GLT – a 100 per cent renewable product with zero waste in its manufacturing process.
Acting Premier and Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick, said Hyne Timber is on track to become one of the largest GLT manufacturers in the southern hemisphere.
“Our government sees the global potential of Hyne Timber, which is why we’re supporting the development of their new $20 million facility through our $150 million Jobs and Regional Growth Fund,” Mr Dick said.
The Minister further said that Maryborough and district residents will reap the benefits of the GLT plant, which is expected to generate up to 80 construction jobs and 42 long-term jobs, once operational.
Hyne Timber CEO, Jon Kleinschmidt, also said that GLT is the talk of the design and construction industry, but the lack of competitive Australian supply options has prevented many projects from using it.
“Increased capability here in Australia will be a game changer for the construction sector and a very positive area of growth for Maryborough,” Mr Kleinschmidt said.
“And as a show of trust in our product, the internal columns, purlins, girts and rafters of the new plant will be constructed on site utilising Hyne’s own glue laminated beams,” he added.
Construction of the plant is expected to commence in February and is anticipated to be finalised by the end of 2019.