24 | Mitchpine turns 50 The most significant development under the current management is the recent opening of a new roundwood mill. T T from page 22 Mitchpine REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT “So, any outdoor timber Mitchpine can now supply – fencing, house piles, structural timber, poles and more,” says Lee. Perhaps the most significant development under the current management is the recent opening of a new roundwood mill, which Lee says is the most advanced in New Zealand. The project has been over five years in the making, with progress temporarily halted during the Covid lockdowns. “It will be able to produce five times the roundwood that the company currently can,” explains Lee. “Also better working conditions for staff and no manual handling of the product inside. It’s been about upskilling staff regarding the new automation and technology, including using 3D scanning technology to grade timber for great consistency and better-quality product.” Another important change taking the company into a new era is that the Mitchells have focused intensely on developing a positive company culture centred round health, safety and collaboration. “At Mitchpine it’s about being all part of one team. No matter what department people work in they all have an important job,” says Lee. The company has also demonstrated environmental consciousness through its biomass initiative. In partnership with EECA and Deta Consulting, Mitchpine has conducted a feasibility study on producing biomass fuels, aiming to reduce forestry residues and maximise resource utilisation. “We see potential for the industry to use forestry slash in a more sustainable way, and we want to invest in equipment that will utilise the whole tree, therefore reducing forestry slash left in the forest and maximise the return for the forestry owner,” says Lee. Community engagement has also been important for the company over the years with Mitchpine supporting various local initiatives through sponsorships and fundraising projects, including the Cyclone Relief Fund. “Our aim is to make a difference for this generation and for generations to come,” says Lee, emphasising their commitment to the region that has supported the business for five decades. As it celebrates its golden anniversary, Mitchpine appears well-positioned for continued growth under its third-generation leadership. “It’s nice to acknowledge what my father did for the company. Family has always been a big part of the business. It’s about taking the time to reflect on the past and celebrate the success with past and present staff,” says Lee. “We are really proud to be part of this industry, and one of our goals is to make timber the first choice. “It’s an important part of New Zealand’s history and we aim to support it as being a strong sector.” Complete Design & Build by Foxpac @ DIVISION OF ROACHES Manufacturers of... Feed Pads • Silage Bins • Precast Stock Ramps • Septic Tanks •Precast Vehicle Ramps • Precast Cattle Stops • Precast Stock Under Passes • Effluent Pump Sumps • Mega Tanks Cow Shed Specialists • Complete Design and Build Rotary & Herringbone Designed & built by Roache’s Concrete Products Limited History Competitive Pricing Experience Quality Workmanship Durable Building Quality Building P: 06 363 8363 | E: roachesconcrete@xtra.co.nz | W: www.roachesconcrete.co.nz | PO Box 108, Foxton 4848 46 Johnston Street, Foxton 4814 Congratulations to Mitchpine on their 50 years of operation & their recent expansion plans. It has been a pleasure to work with Mitchpine Proudly supporting Mitchpine 0800 477 762 sales@pmlnz.com www.sprocketsnz.com Proud to have maintained a successful partnership with Mitchpine Products Ltd. for over ten years. Plasma Cutting | Folding | Machining Certified Welding | Transport Engineering General Engineering | 3D CAD Design Contact Us 06 210 2276 euan@kegroup.co.nz kegroup.co.nz
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