It was tools down at Hyne Timber’s Glue Laminated Timber plant development for a progress update with local member, Bruce Saunders MP and Mayor, George Seymour.
Following the sod turn in January this year, construction of the 4000m2 plant is almost complete, showcasing 1374 of Hyne’s own timber beams in the structure.
World class equipment has been arriving concurrently and the shiny new plant is nearing commissioning later this year.
The company’s General Manager for Engineering, Innovation and Technology, Simon Prebble hosted the progress update which focused on the great work of local businesses.
“The development is complex and the design, construction and equipment installation work is a story of Queensland jobs and growth.
“We have always maintained that every part of this development will celebrate and showcase Queensland businesses and skills as so many businesses and people have supported us over our 137 years of operations
“I am pleased to confirm that to date, over 40 local businesses within the Wide Bay region have successfully won the contracts for over $5million worth of work.
“Contracts vary from design, demolition and earthworks, through to floor coverings, roller doors, painting, mechanical works and everything in-between.
“It is estimated approximately 80 people have been employed in construction alone with 42 Hyne Timber positions created once the plant scales up production,” Mr Prebble said.
News of Hyne Timber’s massive capability expansion in Maryborough broke last October after the company secured a grant through the Queensland Government’s Jobs and Regional Growth Fund.
Member for Maryborough, Bruce Saunders said it is great the construction of the facility is progressing well with such a high level of local industry involvement and local jobs being supported.
“Hyne Timber’s Glue Laminated Timber facility is exactly the sort of project the Jobs and Regional Growth Fund is designed to support – private sector expansions creating new jobs and encouraging sustainable economic development in regional communities,” Mr Saunders said.
One of the local businesses contracted for civil stormwater and hydraulic works was Sam’s Plumbing and Gas in Maryborough.
Business owner, Sam McGarvie said this was a particularly large contract which created jobs,
“It is great to see these types of large contracts awarded to local businesses.
“I was able to take on two extra plumbers and a labourer, all local residents who were otherwise unemployed.
“It isn’t every day we are able to work on a brand new, large scale manufacturing plant and it helps us moving forward to be able to list this as an example of a successfully delivered, large scale contract,” Mr McGarvie said.
Where supply couldn’t be secured within the Wide Bay, a focus on Queensland was the next priority with Stirling Machinery supplying the new production equipment which is made up of 14 different machines.
Brisbane based project management company, MCD are overseeing the site development, working with the Sunshine Coast branch of BADGE Construction and Hervey Bay Architects, Bloc Design.
A number of other Queensland-based specialist consultants have been engaged as part of this $20+million expansion.
Feedstock to meet the increase in capacity is secured from Hyne Timber’s own sawmill, also located near Maryborough, employing over 200 people. The timber is all sourced from Queensland grown, certified softwood plantations.
In conclusion at today’s progress update, Mr Prebble thanked the efforts of the many Queensland businesses who have been working collaboratively on the development,
“Having over 40 local businesses able to share our journey of expansion and keep our investment here in the Wide Bay is essential for our collective regional progression.
“I hear nothing but praise for the work which has been completed and this development stands as testament to local capability and collaborative efforts. I thank all those who have provided their services and expertise.
“This development also stands as testament to Hyne Timber’s commitment to investing in growth and jobs for the future here in Maryborough,” Mr Prebble concluded.
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Image 1 & 2: Bruce Saunders - Local Member for Wide Bay, Jennifer Morrice - Department of State Development, Louise Knol - Department of State Development, Simon Prebble - Hyne General Manager Engineering, Innovation & Technology, and George Seymour - Fraser Coast Mayor
Image 3: Simon Prebble, Hyne General Manager Engineering, Innovation & Technology, and Sam McGarvie, Sam’s Plumbing & Gas