Business Central September 2021

62 | Health and safety a big focus Gillion Logging Known as experts at steep hill winch assist cable harvesting, this sees Gillion Logging work for Port Blakely all over the region, moving machinery into forests to harvest. FORESTRY I t’s a business that has built its reputation by flying under the radar. Otago company Gillion Logging has been quietly helping its customers to harvest mature pine tree for log exports in south Canterbury and north Otago for over 30 years. The company was started by Bill Winmill in 1989. Originally a hen farmer, the 80s meant tough times for the farming sector, which saw Bill look at other options. He cut firewood, which led to working in logging and eventu- ally for a local sawmill. When the opportunity came to take on the logging contract Bill grabbed it with both hands. Son Matt was brought up in the family business so logging is in his blood. In 2016 he took over the company and now runs a team of long standing highly skilled staff, which are considered the backbone of the operation. Port Blakely is the main customer and Gillion Logging has worked for it since 2000. It’s another family owned company like Gillion Logging so there are many synergies, says Matt, who calls Port Blakely “exceptionally good” to work for. “We feel really lucky to be working for them. They look after people really well and support us all the way,” he says. Known as experts at steep hill winch assist cable harvesting, this sees Gillion Logging work for Port Blakely all over the region, mov- ing machinery into forests to harvest. Matt says that health and safety is a priority for T T Karen Phelps the business and heavy investment has been made in that area to make the job not only safer but easier for staff. “It’s such a big part of our industry now. We al- ways have to be thinking ahead of the game,” he says. Matt says that Gillion Logging is renowned for being able to complete the tricky jobs. Coming up with innovative solutions is a mindset he inherited from his father: “Bill has always tried new things and I’ve picked that up. We’re always driving to be the best at what we do and be as competitive as we possibly can.” For example Bill designed and built his own tether system still used by the company today. It enables Gillion Logging to tackled steeper country and difficult terrain. Methodologies have also been developed to support the equipment and successfully complete tough jobs. The company’s innovative approach has seen it win a couple of awards at the annual Southern Wood Council Awards including one for environmental excellence a few years ago. Matt sits on the FICA board. He put his hand up seeing that he could be a voice for smaller operators. At present Gillion Logging is working in Waimate Forest on steep terrain. “Port Blakely called us in because they knew we could do the job. We consider ourselves at the top of the game in our sector. Our key to building success is by building up good rela- tionships, respecting our staff and embracing innovation.” Proud to be associated with Gillion Logging 0800 800 908 • 03 433 1022 sales@mckeown.co.nz • www.mckeown.co.nz South Canterbury’s Leading Forest Company Sustainably Managing 31,000 hectares in the South Island Port Blakely Ltd are proud to support Gillion Logging Ltd. Specialists in Forest Harves�ng PO Box 139, Timaru | Phone: (03) 688 2173 | Fax: (03) 688 2176 | www.portblakely.com