The Grafton timber factory, operated by Big River Group, has inaugurated a significant upgrade poised to enhance the production of top-tier timber products for the construction industry statewide.
Backed by a joint investment of $10 million from the Australian and NSW Governments through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, matched by an additional $10 million from Big River Group, the factory revamp aims to bolster the timber supply chain.
With the upgraded facility now operational, Big River Group is positioned to deliver an 8000 cubic metres of timber products annually throughout NSW, the government said in a media release.
This initiative comes as a strategic move following the impact of the 2019/2020 bushfires, enabling Big River Group to fortify its business model for a sustained market supply of specialty and technical timber products.
The project not only aims to increase timber output but also translates into a surge in employment opportunities for the region, with 20 new positions added to the workforce.
Moreover, existing employees will benefit from upskilling opportunities, facilitated by the integration of new equipment including lathes, chippers, a dryer, and cutting and finishing machinery for timber products.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt emphasised the significance of the investment, stating, “This major milestone to modernise and expand operations will enable workers to access valuable trade skills and support the timber industry’s economic recovery in the region.”
Similarly, Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty hailed the project as a boon for the state’s construction sector, expressing optimism about the factory’s enhanced capacity to address the ongoing shortage of building supplies.
John Lorente, CEO of Big River Group, underscored the factory’s role in both the company’s operations and the Grafton community.
He pledged the company’s commitment to sustainability and diversification, stating, “We understand just how important the factory is to our workforce and the Grafton community and will remain future-focused on continuing to create opportunities to diversify with new value-added niche products and remain sustainable into the future.”
Lorente extended gratitude to the Australian and NSW Governments for their support through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, acknowledging their instrumental role in enabling the modernisation of operations and expansion of the workforce.
