Timberlink unveils new technology at Bell Bay

MEDIA RELEASE

16 May 2022

Timberlink’s EGM Sales, Marketing & Corporate Affairs David Oliver was pleased to welcome Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer to the Timberlink manufacturing facility at Bell Bay today for the unveiling of a new world-class Green Mill Vision Scanning System.

The $5.5m co-investment in the continuing upgrade and modernisation of Tasmania’s largest softwood timber manufacturing plant is supported by $3.5 million from the Federal Government’s Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development Community Development Grants Programme. The Vision Scanning System will optimise every piece of timber to maximise the production of outdoor treated timber for the construction of decks and pergolas.

“The Bell Bay Softwood Mill employs 200 people and provides a value-add of $150 million to the George Town economy” Timberlink’s David Oliver said.

“The upgrade will increase the volume of high-grade timber sourced from renewable pine plantation and creating a workplace of the future, with high tech machinery improved accuracy, safety, and job security.

“Timberlink’s manufacturing operations are environmentally sustainable, provide vital local jobs and economic expenditure, and produce timber locally for use in the housing and construction industry in Tasmania and throughout Australia”.

Federal Liberal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said that growing manufacturing capability and securing jobs in the region was all part of her plan for northern Tasmania.

“When you have a strong economy and sound economic management like the Federal Government have delivered, you can make investments to grow our economy and build a stronger future for the community,” Ms Archer said.

“I was a strong advocate for this investment, and it is great to join with Timberlink today to celebrate the delivery of a word-class facility and the jobs it has secured for northern Tasmania.”

This investment supports the major upgrade that were recently announced by Timberlink of a $63M investment to increase timber manufacturing in Tasmania by 2025 by 50 per cent, increasing Australia’s sovereign capacity to manufacture timber and build Australian homes.

Image: Timberlink’s Site Manufacturing Manager at Bell Bay, Scott Freeman and David Oliver, EGM Sales, Marketing & Corporate Affairs with Bridget Archer MP