Tangiwai mill expansion to bring new jobs

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 573, 14 February 1995, Page 1

Tangiwai mill expansion to bring new jobs

Expansion plans for Tangiwai Sawmill worth millions of dollars were announced yesterday by Winstone Pulp International Limited. The expansion will see the creation of 23 new jobs, with a second shift operating from May. The plan comes on the heels of a $1.2 million upgrade of the present mill over Christmas (see story page 11). At present Tangiwai produces only green sawn timber but with the purchase of plant to treat and dry wood, Tangiwai will be able to produce a finished product on site to sell direct to the manufacturer or retailer, said Alex Christensen, divisional manager processing for WPI. He said the expansion would greatly increase Tangiwai 's options both in New Zealand and on the export market. Mr Christensen said WPI had bought a small log processing line which would enable Tangiwai to convert small logs, which are currently pulped, into sawn timber. "This line has a very high throughput and will be

operating in late May," he said. In addition two medium temperature kilns to dry timber will be commissioned in early August. "When lumber comes out of the sawmill it can contain up to 130 per cent moisture," explained Mr Christensen. "The kilns reduce the moisture content to 10 per cent — also important if the timber is to be exported." A new treatment plant has also been bought, and this will be in operation from late May. Mr Christensen said this would enable Tangiwai to preserve wood to varying degrees depending on the intended use of the timber. He said it was important to note that the plant bought by WPI has been manufactured to meet the highest environmental standards. Mr Christensen said WPI is very pleased to be in a position to be able to take on more staff. Recruitment would take place through the New Zealand Employment Service, he said.