| 39 Richard Loader Glulam timber used to stunning effect at the Hornby Club in Christchurch. Horowhenua: Techlam NZ REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Located in the small rural township of Levin, Techlam is a high-tech business producing beautiful engineered timber products that reduce the carbon footprint of large-scale new buildings and engineering projects. Techlam’s beautiful and award winning glulam structures are showcased in Wellington International Airport, the Hutt Valley Health Club and the CCCS Jubilee Church in Western Samoa, to name just a tiny snapshot of the company’s diverse portfolio. From a one-man joinery and laminating business operating from a home garage Techlam has evolved over 30 years to become New Zealand’s largest glulam facility. Designing, manufacturing and supplying engineered timber products throughout New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific, Techlam is now a multi-million dollar enterprise employing a team of over 50 skilled and highly motivated staff. Techlam continues as a family run operation with the founder’s son, Brett Hamilton, now carrying the mantle of Managing Director and retaining the same drive and passion for timber products that have been the essence of Techlam’s success. Brett says Techlam’s Levin factory is perfectly located for shipping product north and south and close to port for its export markets. “Forty percent of our engineered timber products are exported. Domestic and international demand is growing rapidly as the world shifts toward low carbon and sustainable construction. “We’re seeing exponential demand for our products both domestically and globally. That is partly driven by the transition to low-emission buildings. With the Government’s Building for Climate Change legislation that is currently being debated, many people are starting to incorporate timber into the commercial and industrial projects. That has increased the demand for engineered timber products right across New Zealand.” While Techlam is currently balancing its projects to meet its delivery deadlines, it has a significant expansion project underway to upgrade its grading and finger jointing line, along with a significant increase is CNC machining capacity to meet the increase in demand well into the future. Brett says the project is in the final stages of implementation planning and will be commissioned within 18 months. Earlier this year Techlam added an acoustic grading line to its operation, enabling it to have greater control over feedstock. “We effectively buy lower grade/non-structural timber and regrade it through our own processes, to achieve higher grades. Rather than rely on the supply chain delivering it to us, we can manage the process and put a lot more volume through. The ongoing investment in these projects will build more resilience into the business and ensure that it is able to retain and expand our workforce. It will also enable us to reduce our wastage significantly, provide higher quality products to our markets, and enable us to utilise a waste stream from our production that currently goes to landfill, turning this into useable products. This all works towards our objective to remain a sustainable local business with good governance that enables the wider community to benefit from employment, personnel development, and a liveable income.” With a proud history of innovation and continuous improvement since its establishment, Techlam continues to look at ways it can respond to the rapidly changing demands of the engineering and construction sectors. “We also have a very loyal team with a high level of engagement. If you don’t have a good team, you don’t have a business. “We keep everyone involved and understand that there is strength in the different ideas that people bring to the table. “There are always ideas that can’t be implemented but that’s about explaining why they can’t be implemented, so that people feel listened to. Regular communication and transparency is key. The business has been on an ongoing journey with challenges along the way, but the future looks very bright for Techlam and the engineered timber industry.” Demand for engineered timber grows • Air Compressors • Pneumatics • Airline Installation • Airtools • Construction Equipment —Proud to support Techlam NZ Ltd— 12 Taonui St, Palmerston North | 06 952 0686 | kevin.buckley@aircompressors.co.nz www.aircompressors.co.nz 14 Hokio Beach Rd, Levin | 06 368 9029 | bryant.simpson@xtra.co.nz SUPPLIERS OF: • Power Steering Hose • Brass Fittings • Earls Hose & Fittings • Enzed Hose & Fittings • Bearings • Nuts & Bolts • Hose Clips • Rod Ends • Trailer Parts YOUR TOTAL ELECTRICAL SPECIALISTS Accredited Heat Pump suppliers and installers for Daikin - Fujitsu - Panasonic - Gree P: 06 367 9086 (24hrs) | M: 0274 544 069 | PROUD TO BE SUPPORTING TECHLAMNZ LTD PLC Programming - Variable Speed Drives - Design - Maintenance - Pumps & Motors - Controls & Automation - Inspections - Town & Rural - Generators - EV Charging - Switchboards - Home Ventilation Systems - Commercial Refrigeration Proud to be a supplier to Techlam NZ Ltd NZ LIMITED INDEPENDENT TIMBER WHOLESALER & SPECIALIST CUSTOM TREATER OF TIMBER PRODUCTS
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