Australian wood products firm Millari Group has acquired Juken New Zealand\u2019s (JNL) Gisborne sawmill, strengthening its supply of engineered wood products and timber to the Australian market, the company said in a statement on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The acquisition, set to be finalised later this month, includes JNL\u2019s laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and plywood manufacturing lines, as well as its sawmill. The facility will be rebranded as Millari NZ and is expected to restart operations in the coming months, after closing in March 2024.<\/p>\n
Millari Group, which operates True Blue Timber, True Blue LVL, and True Blue Plywood, aims to reduce Australia\u2019s dependence on imported wood products by expanding local production. The Gisborne site will supply LVL, plywood, and structural radiata pine products, with over 90% of materials sourced locally and sustainably.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis acquisition represents a significant step in securing Australia\u2019s timber supply,\u201d Millari Group CEO Ryan Yari said. \u201cOur investment in new machinery and technology will boost production capacity at the 35,000-square-metre facility, ensuring a stable and high-quality supply of engineered wood products.\u201d<\/p>\n
Millari NZ plans to produce LVL grades E14, E13, E10, and LVL formwork, as well as structural and non-structural plywood panels and treated pine products, including H2, H3, and H4. The company expects to increase output over the next three years, with direct shipments to Australia\u2019s eastern coast.<\/p>\n
The acquisition also marks Millari Group\u2019s first sawmill purchase and is part of its broader strategy to expand manufacturing capabilities. The company has recently increased its factory space in New South Wales from 4,000 to 25,000 square metres.<\/p>\n
JNL\u2019s Gisborne mill has been a key employer in the region, and its reopening is expected to create jobs and economic opportunities for the local community of 38,000 people.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Gisborne facility has long played a vital role in the local economy, and we are committed to restoring its operations to full capacity,\u201d Yari said.<\/p>\n
Millari Group did not disclose the financial terms of the transaction.<\/p>\n
The Gisborne facility has an annual production capacity of 130,000 cubic metres, including 60,000 cubic metres of timber, 55,000 cubic metres of LVL, and 15,000 cubic metres of plywood. Future expansion plans include investments in automation and efficiency improvements to further boost production.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Australian wood products firm Millari Group has acquired Juken New Zealand\u2019s (JNL) Gisborne sawmill, strengthening its supply of engineered wood products and timber to the Australian market, the company said in a statement on Wednesday. The acquisition, set to be … Continue reading