TO MEET demand stemming from the building industry, Wespine Industries is under-taking a $10 million expansion of its Dardanup Mill.
TO MEET demand stemming from the building industry, Wespine Industries is under-taking a $10 million expansion of its Dardanup Mill.
Wespine marketing manager, Gary Kiddle said, since July last year, production had increased substantially.
“In real terms that means from 220,000 cubic metres of logs processed to 330,000 cubic metres, with a potential for up to 400,000 by the last quarter of 2000,” Mr Kiddle.
“GST is just a blip in demand but in the longer term pine will replace hardwood.
“The investment in expansion is aimed at satisfying domestic demand first and then looking to the export market.
“We are here for the long haul,” he said.
“CALM is encouraging farmers to plant pine as a long term option and the pinaster species has been identified as one that will survive in salt affected areas.
“This throws a bit of balance back into the equation and Wespine’s mill expansion will provide a marketplace for the timber in the future.”
Dardanup Mill recently became the first softwood mill to receive certification under the Pine Australia quality certification scheme for its treated timber products.
Pine Australia quality manager David Syme said that the quality scheme was the culmination of a unique co-operative effort between Pine Australia, Wespine Industries and Koppers Timber Preservation.
“We are delighted because the certification represents Wespine’s commitment to leadership in providing quality, reliable products for the marketplace,” Wespine CEO Bob Style said.
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