40 | Premises a game changer The new, 4500sqm clear-span warehouse is a remarkable showcase of sustainable LVL and mass timber engineering. bbi Wood Products T T Kim Newth REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT A new, purpose-built warehouse at Hastings’ Irongate industrial business park has changed the game on efficiency for bbi Wood Products Ltd, which has been operating out of the new distribution hub since November 2022. “Previously, we were pretty constrained with what we could put through day to day,” says Martin Wallace, general manager sales and operations. “Now that we can devan containers and trucks at the same time, it’s working far better for us. Having bigger premises also means we can hold more stock and arrange it better, so we can move products in and out more quickly and deliver faster customer service.” Having more space has enabled bbi to set up a treated-timber team, which works closely with the Tumu kiln next door. De-filleting and grading of treated plywood is now all done in-house. Founded in 2008, bbi is a valued supplier of quality plywood and timber products, distributed nationwide through leading building supply merchants. The bbi team also supplies large industrial users, such as those in the packaging sector. Their new, 4500sqm clearspan warehouse, surrounded by extensive canopies, is a remarkable showcase of sustainable laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and mass timber engineering. Making an impact throughout are bbi’s beautiful wood products, evident in the office interior, exterior cladding, feature walls, decking and other finishing touches. “This lovely timber building is truly ‘biophilic’ [meaning that it responds to our affinity for nature],” says company founder Brendan O’Sullivan. “The plywood walls contribute to the welcoming feel inside the office. The LVL beams dampen sound too in the industrial shed. It’s just really warm and inviting, with all that wood also providing a nice contrast to the industrial elements of concrete, steel and corrugated iron. Our staff and customers love the great feel of this building.” He notes that TimberSpan excelled at providing advice, early-stage design, and sourcing LVL to get a great result on the LVL structure. A scaled-down version of the warehouse was added last year to provide a modern training centre to house the Building Futures programme in collaboration with MSD. Brendan and James Truman (Tumu Timbers) spearheaded this project after recognising untapped potential in the region’s youth. “This is just another way to try and offer some practical support for our youth and to link them with jobs,” says Brendan. “Our location at Irongate is ideal, where there are new businesses all around, and with Flaxmere and Hastings on the doorstep. “There are a lot of good young candidates out there; they just need a bit of support and coaching to give them confidence and skills for the workforce. Kirsten Newton has done a great job of running the programme over the past three years.” Young people learn practical skills, such as carpentry and forklift operation, as well as life skills. Work experience opportunities are also paving the way to permanent employment, including at bbi, where two young people from the programme are now valued members of the warehouse team. OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: • CERTIFIED WELDING • GENERAL ENGINEERING • STAINLESS / ALLOY • ASME PIPING • TRANSPORT & STRUCTURAL • SITE MAINTENANCE • HYDRAULIC HOSES YOUR ENGINEERING SPECIALIST 027 381 2076 entireenginering@xtra.co.nz Otanga Street, Dannevirke ph. e. Harvey 021 401 175 harvey@build100.co.nz ph. e. Andrew 021 076 1202 andrew@build100.co.nz For all your foundation requirements COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL CIVIL RETAINING WALLS DINGO HIRE SAW CUTTING www.build100.co.nz 0800 224 759 | sales@bbi.net.nz | www.bbi.net.nz Plywood Timber
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