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Timberlab plans to construct state-of-the-art CLT facility

Australian timber industry news - Wed, 27/03/2024 - 00:27
Timberlab, a subsidiary of Swinerton Incorporated and a leading US provider of mass timber systems, unveiled its plans to construct and operate a state-of-the-art cross-laminated timber (CLT) manufacturing facility in Oregon’s mid-Willamette region. Source: Timberbiz This strategic initiative represents a significant milestone in the firm’s mission to accelerate the mainstream adoption of mass timber construction across the United States, providing a low-carbon and renewable material for the construction industry. “Timberlab’s objective has been to remove pinch points in the mass timber industry so that timber structures are affordable and widely usable in the US construction market,” said Timberlab President Chris Evans. “Over the last four years, we have added two CNC facilities in Portland, OR, and Greenville, SC, focused on expanding the supply chain for mass timber. The increase in mass timber demand, coupled with our successes over the last seven years, is driving us to continue to expand the supply chain by adding our new CLT manufacturing facility in Oregon.” Supported by an investment from Swinerton, plans for the 250,000-square-foot CLT manufacturing facility is poised to support the growing demand for sustainable construction alternatives nationwide. With an anticipated annual output of 100,000 cubic meters of finished CLT products, the facility will integrate automated processes and is expected to create 100 manufacturing jobs at full capacity becoming one of the largest facilities in the US. This endeavour and its employment opportunities will contribute to the region’s economic development while fostering a skilled workforce dedicated to advancing sustainable construction practices. As mass timber construction continued to grow across the US in 2023, Timberlab expanded its operations by opening an East Coast mass timber fabrication facility in Greenville, SC. The progression into manufacturing aligns seamlessly with both firms’ strategic visions and missions. The mid-Willamette Valley is the heart of the Pacific Northwest Mass Timber Tech Hub designated by the US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) in 2023. Timberlab has ongoing collaboration with leading academic research programs at Oregon State University, the University of Oregon, and the Tall Wood Design Institute. Building this state-of-the-art manufacturing facility near these resources will drive innovation and position Timberlab, Swinerton, and the State of Oregon as catalysts in mass timber construction. “As early adopters of mass timber construction, we swiftly recognized the importance of managing the entire supply chain to ensure timely delivery, exceptional quality, and competitive pricing for our clients. Our new CLT manufacturing facility and two existing fabrication facilities bring us significantly closer to our vision,” said Swinerton Chief Executive Officer David Callis. “These facilities and our turnkey in-house design, procurement, and detailing services have positioned Timberlab, Swinerton, and the industry to make significant strides toward a sustainable built environment. I am thrilled about what this move means for sustainable construction in the US.”  

Field testing a new approach to forest management

Australian timber industry news - Wed, 27/03/2024 - 00:26
New research initiative aims to bolster the social acceptability and resilience of forest management. A team from the University of Quebec in Outaouais (UQO) in Canada, led by Dr Christian Messier, is field-testing a new approach to forest management that leverages the natural strengths of forest ecosystems to positively shift the public’s perception of forestry while improving the resilience and adaptability of our forests. Source: Timberbiz Along with the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI) and some 40 Canadian partners, Resolute is contributing Can$35,000 to the five-year (2023-2027), Can$6 million initiative that combines the expertise of the research team with experience from companies, universities, provinces, First Nations and NGOs, such as Ducks Unlimited Canada and Nature Conservancy of Canada. The project is focused on leveraging tree species diversity to improve long-term forest resilience, maximize recovery rates from environmental stressors such as climate change, and optimize the adaptability of forests without affecting harvesting levels. The initiative also aims to foster the social acceptability of this new approach to forest management. Over the years, Resolute has provided substantial financial support to universities to drive innovation in the forest products sector. Projects like this one will highlight all the benefits that flow from a well-managed forest.

The dismantling of the US timber industry mill by mill

Australian timber industry news - Wed, 27/03/2024 - 00:26
It seems like every time a forest product mill or plant shuts down in the US (monthly if not weekly) it’s viewed as a singular isolated incident. But viewed collectively, the cumulative impacts and magnitude become more focused and apparent. Source: Timberbiz The American Loggers’ Council warns of the consequences saying that these individual incidents are all symptoms of a larger serious condition that diagnosed properly reveals and represents an unhealthy state of the US timber and forest products industries. Forest products mill/plant shutdowns directly impact the mill workers and community, but they also impact the logging sector that sustained that facility, although it is typically not addressed in these announcements. Tracking these shutdowns can serve as a barometer revealing the impacts and losses to logging companies. When mills close, logging companies close, and forest health suffers. While there has been some new mill construction and expansion, this cannot be assumed to be an equal offset. A mill opening 150 miles from where a mill closed, or that uses different species and wood specifications, does not equate to a net zero exchange. So, to merely compare lost production volume to new or expanding production outputs and ignore the geographic displacements or different timber specifications is not reflective of the direct losses and impacts. The brief summary of US forest products mill closures may not be all-inclusive, but it does document nearly 50 closures, reductions or curtailments, and it clearly represents an alarming trend during a short period of time (15 months), directly (mill workers) and indirectly (loggers) resulting in ten thousand or more jobs lost. While US forest products mills and facilities close, the US is now the leading global importer of softwood lumber as depicted by these pine products from New Zealand in a US big box store. According to the World Bank, the US imports more than US$40 billion in wood products from Canada, China and Brazil. In economic development it is easier to maintain your economic base rather than replace it. Supporting the existing forest products markets should be the first objective. However, many contributing factors leading to the decline of the US timber and forest products industries are government policy, regulations, restrictions, unfair trade practices, federal timber supply constraints, and incessant litigation. Many current government practices are harming the forests, environment, and economy. The good news is that there is a prescription and treatment to cure the disease. The US needs to be willing to take the medicine, follow the treatment (literally forest management treatment) and promote the utilization of all wood fibre removed from the forests. With forest treatments and wood utilization the health of the economy will be better, the health of the environment will be better, the health of the timber and forest products industries will be better, and the health of the forests will be better. But Congress and the Administration must write the prescription (policies and legislation) to cure the situation, or they can practice “skilful neglect” (the “professional” term for doing nothing) and perpetuate the continued decline of rural jobs and forest health, signing the death certificate. The forest-based bioeconomy can help replace the lost legacy markets and transition to renewable fuels, renewable energy, renewable chemicals, renewable industrial wood pellets, renewable building products, all produced from renewable timber. The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) was developed to support much of this transition, yet the EPA has failed to fully implement many aspects of the RFS. The EPA misinterpretations, delayed processing, and self-imposed restrictions have impeded full implementation and leveraging of this opportunity. The US needs to administer the Renewable Fuel Standard as intended by Congress in order to facilitate the renewable energy transition. Forest-based biomass feedstock can provide the input material for renewable natural gas, hydrogen, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, electricity, coal conversion, and steel/concrete production. The US has not followed the rest of the developed nations with recognizing the carbon neutrality aspects and reduced greenhouse gas emissions of renewable biomass feedstock when replacing fossil fuels. The rest of the world has. The US is out of step with the accepted global science of biomass feedstock for energy production to address climate change. The US needs to develop a domestic bioeconomy market and policy just as the rest of the developed world has. Support of the timber, forest products, and bioeconomy sector’s growth will demonstrate a commitment to revitalizing America’s rural economy, communities, and ailing forest health, while developing and transitioning into renewable forest-based bioproducts. Forest health and the timber industry share a symbiotic relationship that is interdependent and mutually beneficial. Jan 2023: West Fraser Announces Indefinite Curtailment of Perry Sawmill in Florida, 126 jobs lost. Feb 2023: Georgia-Pacific closing facility in Texas, 166 jobs lost Feb 2023: Canton N.C,’s Evergreen Packaging scales back production Mar 2023: Pactiv Evergreen closing mill in Canton, North Carolina, 1000 jobs lost Mar 2023: Sonoco Hutchinson, Kansas Paper Mill closes, 116 employees laid off Mar 2023: Clearwater Paper closing Georgia facility, 150 jobs lost Mar 2023: Jay Pixelle paper mill stops making paper, 230 jobs lost Mar 2023: R.R. Donnelley closing Plainfield, Indiana facility, eliminating 79 jobs Mar 2023: ND Paper Old Town mill shutting down for extended period Apr 2023: Billerud temporarily idles Escanaba, Michigan mill Apr 2023: ReEnergy BioMass, Fort Hood, N.Y., 28 jobs lost Apr 2023: Nine Dragons Paper (ND), Extended downtime announced, Old Town, Maine and Fairmont W.Virginia. (recycled feedstock) May 2023: Cascades to Close Underperforming U.S. Tissue Plants, S.C., OR, 350 jobs lost May 2023: WestRock to Close Paper Mill in North Charleston, South Carolina, 500 jobs lost May 2023: Cascades: Permanent closure of a paper machine at the Niagara Falls mill, 40 jobs lost May 2023: PCA idling Wallula, Washington mill, 300 laid off. May 2023: Canton paper mill bell sounds for final time, signaling an end after 115 years Jun 2023: Graphic Packaging to close Auburn, Indiana site, 70 jobs lost Jun 2023: Western Forest Products to Temporarily Reduce Lumber Production Due to Weak Market Conditions Jun 2023: Roseburg […]

OFO invests to reduce wood waste

Australian timber industry news - Wed, 27/03/2024 - 00:25
Even though wood is a renewable product, essential to the modern way of life, generally the market dictates what is valued, and for forestry this means big logs. The remaining slash (branches, stumps and offcuts) is then considered a waste product. Source: Timberbiz Forestry company OneFortyOne believes that this wood waste is both a design and a market flaw and is putting its collective minds towards finding useful applications for this wood fibre previously only viewed as a problem. Mark Coghill, OneFortyOne Operations Manager, says the company has invested close to a million dollars into the biofuel project since late 2021. “The majority of the investment made has gone towards collecting, measuring, and storing the wood fibre. Over the next five years we hope to reduce the amount of wood waste (or slash) in our forests by at least 75,000 tonnes. That’s enough wood to fill 2,000 logging trucks or cover 10 rugby pitches piled three metres high,” he explains. In a recent breakthrough, the company has signed a new five-year agreement with Canterbury Woodchip Supplies which will see wood fibre previously left in the forest now turned into biofuel, a renewable resource which can displace environmentally damaging coal. The timing of this coincides with local company JS Ewers new biomass boiler upgrade, and some of the wood will be used in their new boiler. With New Zealand committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, this development gives the Nelson Tasman area, where OneFortyOne manages its extensive forests, a path towards reducing its environmental footprint by choosing clean renewable fuel over environmentally damaging coal. There’s plenty of headroom for this product, as OneFortyOne’s forests cover some 80,000 hectares in Nelson Tasman and Marlborough, with a harvest of more than 1.2 million cubic metres each year. Removing such a massive quantity of otherwise unvalued material from the forests and turning it into biofuel in the form of woodchips could help local businesses avoid burning more than 22 thousand tonnes of coal over five years, says Mr Coghill, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by a whopping 50,000 tonnes. With a good deal of New Zealand’s coal being imported, there is a multiplier effect achieved, by using a locally developed product as an effective coal substitute. Furthermore, as the forests from which the wood is removed are renewable resources – currently, OneFortyOne’s plantations are in their fourth rotation, being replanted with new seedlings after every harvest – the wood itself is a regenerating asset. Mr Coghill says slash is often regarded as a problem for the forestry industry generally, but notes that OneFortyOne decided to look at it as an opportunity instead. That led to talks with Canterbury Woodchips, a seasoned operator producing various processed wood products for use in parks, playgrounds, as animal bedding and industrial boilers and other heating sources. Mr Coghill notes ‘huge potential’ for the project if scaled up, adding that ‘it could be a game-changer for New Zealand in creating a sustainable source of bioenergy.’ Even as the ink dries on the contract with Canterbury Woodchips, Mr Coghill says other avenues for turning trash into treasure are being explored. “We continually look for ways to improve slash management. Replacing fossil fuels with bioenergy alternatives can help meet emission targets and create new opportunities for the local economy,” he said. As a result of that continued work and investment, another promising emerging use for slash is as feedstock for the production of biochar. This carbon-rich solid product is produced from the pyrolysis (heating in the absence of oxygen) of biomass residues. Biochar is agriculturally useful, as a supplement added into feedstock it can reduce the methane produced from cows, it can improve soil properties, while offering further potential by sequestering carbon and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. “As we look to the future and further innovation to help the environment, there is more wood fibre available and we are ready to work with other organisations to reduce the impact of slash, prevent climate damage, and create economic opportunities for the Top of the South region,” Mr Coghill said.  

Women in Wood Fibre

Australian timber industry news - Wed, 27/03/2024 - 00:24
Australian Bluegum Plantation’s inaugural Women in Wood Fibre celebration has been branded a stand-out success with plans to make the gathering an annual industry-wide event. Source: Timberbiz More than 40 ABP staff, Glenelg Shire Council Mayor Karen Stephens, Food and Fibre Great South Coast chair Oonagh Kilpatrick and key industry stakeholders joined for the celebratory lunch as part of International Women’s Day festivities at the iconic Cape Bridgewater Surf Life Saving Club. ABP’s Career Pathway participants Hannah Aldridge and Georgina Malkin coordinated the festivities securing headline keynote speaker, ABC News personality, Kirsten Diprose. Mrs Diprose, who is a regular contributor on ABC Radio Melbourne’s Conversation Hour and former ABC TV News Breakfast weather presenter, spoke of the challenges of achieving a high-flying journalism career whilst balancing family obligations at her Caramut farm. The rural advocate promoted the importance of the food and fibre sector collaborating to generate broader social license to attract the next generation of female leaders. The former Sydneysider, who grew up in Penrith before finding rural roots, highlighted the mental and social challenges faced by rural women attempting to find their place in a historically male dominated agricultural field. Mrs Diprose created the Rural Podcasting Co, a podcast coaching and agency service, specifically for people in rural areas. She also founded and co-hosts the podcast ‘Ducks on the Pond’ specifically targeted at rural women. ABP HR Manager Sheri Tarr applauded the coordinating efforts of emerging leader’s Ms Aldridge and Ms Malkin who were gaining more self-confidence and building new skills as a result of the organisations dynamic three-year Career Pathway training. The development program has supported Ms Malkin to transition from being ABP’s first female bulldozer operator to a harvest supervisor role, completing a Certificate 4 in Forestry while Ms Aldridge, the Portland Chip Terminal administrator, is completing a Certificate 4 in Business. “ABP is proud to invest time and resources empowering our next generation of leaders, building career pathways and supporting innovative workplaces to inspire the best outcomes for our people,” Ms Tarr said. “This Women in Wood Fibre event celebrates the valuable role women play right across our organisation, from operating machinery and silviculture management to speaking in the boardroom. About a quarter of our workforce is female with many women fulfilling key leadership roles in what have been historically male dominated fields. “This event is an important time to reflect on how we can all work together to inspire further inclusion for all in our workplaces and broader communities, pausing to celebrate and recognise all of the wonderful women in our lives.” ABP CEO Russ Hughes presented Ms Aldridge with Melinda Gates’ book The Moment of Lift: Empowering Women Changes the World, which highlights the importance of investing in women. Mrs Aldridge is due to shortly take maternity leave to welcome her first child.

NZ Forest Owners elect Matt Wakelin as its new president

Australian timber industry news - Wed, 27/03/2024 - 00:19
The New Zealand Forest Owners Association has elected Matt Wakelin as its new president. Mr Wakelin was elected during FOA’s Annual General Meeting replacing retiring president Grant Dodson. Source: Timberbiz Portfolio manager for New Forests, Mr Wakelin has extensive experience stemming from a lifelong career in forestry managing forest estates, port services operations, log supply and residues sales for log processing facilities and offering his sector expertise in an executive and corporate capacity. He said New Zealand’s plantation forests, and the forest owners that supported them, would be critical for achieving a greener future. “Our plantation forests sequester more than half the country’s annual carbon dioxide emissions and are the only real tool we have available right now to counter rising emissions and meet the 2050 targets,” he said. Mr Wakelin said that the sector also holds the largest role in supporting New Zealand’s emerging bioeconomy. “Wood chip, pellets and other forms of wood fibre are progressively replacing coal as an alternative, eco-friendly source of fuel. Carbon intensive materials such as steel and concrete are being subbed out for quality, carbon-locking timber too. “The innovative use of wood residues such as pine pollen in the likes of pharmaceutical and skin care products is also changing the way we see and use wood and has real potential to grow the sector,” he said. “It’s an exciting time to be stepping in as FOA President and supporting the sector on that growth trajectory.” Forest Owners Association chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg acknowledges the leadership and support of outgoing president Grant Dodson, during his two-year term. “Grant’s keen observations, industry practicality and deep knowledge of matters outside forestry have become a valuable legacy for our industry as it meets the challenges and opportunities ahead,” she said. Kate Rankin (Wenita Forest Products Ltd) and Darren Man (Earnslaw One) were also elected to the executive council, replacing Steve Chandler and Rowan Struthers respectively. Dean Witehira (Timberlands) will replace Tim Sandall as Vice President for the coming term. “Steve and Rowan have been a real asset to the executive council. Their commitment to representing forest owner interests, particularly their contributions to the sector’s training, careers and labour space, will have a lasting impact,” Dr Heeg said. “We are excited to welcome our new executive members and look forward to seeing their skills, knowledge and fresh perspectives in action.”

George Prothero honoured by FTMA with service award

Australian timber industry news - Wed, 27/03/2024 - 00:19
George Prothero, a respected and admired person within in the timber frame and truss sector, has been honoured with the prestigious 2024 Clive Martella Service to Industry Award in a ceremony surrounded by industry stalwarts at the 2024 FTMA National Conference. Source: Timberbiz This award celebrates Mr Prothero’s monumental near half-century career, beginning when he was just 15 years old and culminating in his own business at Alpine Truss, which has become a beacon of innovation and excellence in the industry. Under his guidance, Alpine Truss became known not just for its exceptional products and safety protocols, but also for its employee-centric culture and significant contributions to the local economy, establishing Mr Prothero as a community figure in Wangaratta. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr Prothero is recognised for his commitment to the well-being of his employees, fostering a familial atmosphere within his company, and his significant contributions to the local economy as one of the largest employers in Wangaratta. The Clive Martella Service to Industry Award is presented to individuals who demonstrate outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to the timber frame and truss sector. Mr Prothero’s receipt of this year’s award underscores his role not only as a visionary leader but as a driving force for industry collaboration and advancement. Upon receiving this distinguished honour, Mr Prothero shared his appreciation for the collective spirit of the industry and the crucial support of his team at Alpine Truss. “I am deeply humbled by this recognition, which truly belongs to the entire Alpine Truss family and our collaborators across the industry,” he said, reinforcing his belief in unity and teamwork as the foundation of his and the industry’s achievements. The award ceremony also saw the unveiling of a symbolic timber slab trophy, engraved with Mr Prothero’s name and decorated with the FTMA logo, signifying the strength and unity of the timber and truss community. Mr Prothero’s legacy will no doubt inspire current and future generations in the timber frame and truss industry, embodying the spirit of innovation, leadership, and community service that the Clive Martella Service to Industry Award celebrates.

Dahlsens Steel Truss and Frame receives grant to employ 16 native timber workers

Australian timber industry news - Wed, 27/03/2024 - 00:18
Newmerella-based businesses Dahlsens Steel Truss and Frame and partners Built QA have received a $500,000 Forestry Transition Fund grant to expand their operations and directly employ up to 16 East Gippsland native timber workers. Source: Timberbiz The business has begun employing former sawmill workers, with the grant supporting new roles in steel truss and frame manufacturing, fabrication, labouring and administration. Over the next 12 months the grant will help expand the business’ operations on a former sawmill site located at Newmerella. The site has potential to become Newmerella’s industrial hub, further boosting job opportunities. Dahlsens Steel Truss and Frame director Lachlan Heather is an Orbost local from a multi-generational family of native hardwood timber workers. He recently moved back to Orbost to establish the steel truss and frame business after seeing a market for steel products and access to a local workforce with a suitable skillset. The Forestry Transition Fund provides grants up to $1 million for businesses and industry groups to expand, diversify or start new businesses. Applicants that provide direct and ongoing employment to former native timber workers will receive a $20,000 wage subsidy per worker in addition to their grant. A new Forestry Information Coordinator, Cory Lindfield, is now located in Orbost, to provide support to East Gippsland communities impacted by the native timber harvesting transition. Native timber workers, businesses and community members can contact Mr Lindfield for advice and help to navigate the support services and programs available, including information about grant opportunities. “The Dahlsen family has been servicing Orbost and surrounding area for over 100 years, and we are optimistic that the venture will be very successful and great for Orbost by offering local employment to support the retention of families in the area,” JC Dahlsen Pty Ltd chairman John Dahlsen said. Gippsland East MP Tim Bull said the business had more capacity to grow and called on the State Government to commit even more following its decision to end native timber harvesting. “This kneejerk decision by a premier on his way out the door has ripped hundreds of jobs out of our community with no solid plan to keep these families in the region,” Mr Bull told the Weekly Times. “It would be good if the new Premier ensured these workers were all being looked after individually, as I know that is not the case.”

Opinion: Dr Michelle Freeman – standing up for forestry scientists

Australian timber industry news - Wed, 27/03/2024 - 00:18
Having a high profile should not provide anyone a free pass to speak disrespectfully and unfairly about others. Forestry Australia is appalled by the misinformation about forest scientists and professionals that has been perpetuated by lobbyists and anti-forestry campaigners in recent media articles. It is hard not to think that such narratives have been constructed to suit certain agendas. Statements made are not universally supported by forest scientists, and do not recognise the knowledge, expertise and credibility of Australia’s world-leading forest scientists. It is also disappointing that recent coverage has not included these other voices. Forestry Australia is a not-for-profit, independent professional association with 1,200 members. Our members are individuals who have high levels of scientific expertise and extensive operational experience. They operate across all aspects of forest, fire and land management, farm forestry and tree growing throughout Australia. Some of our members are current or past employees of State forest agencies responsible for timber harvesting. These forest scientists and professionals are among the most dedicated and passionate individuals, who make significant and under-acknowledged contributions to forest management, forest conservation and provision of renewable, sustainable and responsibly sourced timber for the Australian public. This contribution furthers our understanding of forest ecology and forest fire management. It also includes operational expertise in active and adaptive management options that are crucial for building climate resilience and mitigating wildfires. These forest scientists make significant contributions to managing and conserving our forests for the benefit of society. They provide elite and specialised firefighting capacity to all major wildfire events, collect and apply seed to revegetate forests severely degraded by bushfires, and are at the forefront of technological advancement such as drones and sophisticated apps to record and monitor forest values. In addition, they conduct the most comprehensive threatened species monitoring programs that exist in this country, and oversee comprehensive management plans that provide high quality, sustainable local hardwood timbers. It is time to move on from these tiresome, divisive and outmoded forest wars. Australia needs forest management decisions to be informed by pragmatic, open minded, evidence-based and credible voices who engaged in positive dialogue regarding future forest management. In doing so, it is only right that we recognise the immense positive contributions of the forest scientists and forestry professionals who have dedicated their careers to evidence-based care for our forests. Dr Michelle Freeman is Forestry Australia president and has a double degree in Forestry and Science (Ecology), and a PhD from the University of Melbourne.

Hyne Group expands acquiring Rodpak pallets

Australian timber industry news - Wed, 27/03/2024 - 00:17
The Hyne Group is moving into pallet manufacturing following the acquisition of Melbourne-based pallet and packaging manufacturer Rodpak. Source: Timberbiz This announcement comes just over two years since the Hyne Group partnership with UK based company, James Jones and Sons Ltd, and the combined Group’s focus on achieving growth and expansion. Hyne Group CEO, Jim Bindon said the acquisition is an exciting addition for the company: “Rodpak is a highly regarded business with a long history in the manufacture of softwood timber pallets, with quality equipment and technology, and great customer relationships. All these factors are very consistent with the core position of the Hyne Group, which has operated in Australia for over 140 years,” he said. “While it will be business as usual for Rodpak’s brand, staff, suppliers and customers, being a part of the Hyne Group brings the strengths of the international connections with James Jones and Sons Ltd, who are a leading pallet manufacturer in Europe with several sites throughout the United Kingdom. “The broader security of being a part of a large timber manufacturing business, also brings further certainty for the Rodpak business and its customer base,” Mr Bindon said. The Hyne Group has been a long-term supplier of timber to the pallet industry, and this remains a core focus for the sawmilling operations. Mr Bindon said the Hyne strategy was not to add new capacity to the pallet market, but rather work with customers and industry participants who were ready to exit the industry or explore strategic partnerships as part of their own succession process. “Continuing to supply these long-term Hyne pallet customers remains an essential part of the broader Group strategy,” he said. “This acquisition has no impact to our high-quality, structural framing product range for the construction sector, which continues to be a critical focus for the Hyne Timber business. “I am very pleased the current owner, Dean Roderick, will be staying on with the business, as he is well respected in the market and indeed internationally within the pallet sector. Dean has been known to the James Jones & Sons pallet business for some years, and he is most highly regarded by them also,” Mr Bindon said. Mr Roderick said the new ownership model was a welcome move to take the company forward. “Becoming part of a national and global ownership model is a significant milestone for us as a business, for our team members, customers and suppliers and we have been pleased with the process to get to this point,” he said. “Rodpak is a great business with strong partnerships, built over many years. With the local strength and global reach of the Hyne Group, I am very confident the company is moving in a great direction, and I personally look forward to working with the broader Hyne Group team.” The full acquisition of Rodpak will finalise on 1 May 2024 subject to all Completion Precedents being met.

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by Dr. Radut