10 | Laminex NZ - Taupo REGIONAL PROUD PARTNER OF LAMINEX NZ – TAUPO 2026-2027 AT KITCHENS BY HEALEY LTD P: 06 355 4646 E: info@kitchensbyhealey.co.nz 127 Keith Street, Palmerston North mastercraft.co.nz We are also manufacturers of custom made cabinets or shelving for bathrooms, laundries & wardrobes • Quality assured with a 10 year guarantee ˊ˛˘˥˘ ˗˘˦˜˚ˡ ˕˘˖ˢˠ˘˦ ˥˘˔˟˜˧ˬ ˱ ˃˥ˢ˨˗ ˧ˢ ˦˨ˣˣˢ˥˧ ʿ˔ˠ˜ˡ˘˫ ˁˍ ˱ ˆˠ˔˥˧ ˆˢ˟˨˧˜ˢˡ˦ ʷ˥˜˩˘ˡ ˕ˬ ˤ˨˔˟˜˧ˬ ˖˔˕˧˘˖ʡ˖ˢʡˡ˭ ˯ ˦˔˟˘˦ʳ˖˔˕˧˘˖ʡ˖ˢʡˡ˭ T T Karen Phelps Boost for wood processing industry The investment sends a strong signal about the company’s long-term commitment to New Zealand manufacturing and the forestry sector. At a time when many parts of New Zealand’s wood processing sector are facing significant challenges, Laminex is making one of the largest manufacturing investments in the industry’s recent history with a world-class wood panel manufacturing facility in Tauō. General manager at Laminex, Rachel Silcock, says the investment sends a strong signal about the company’s long-term commitment to New Zealand manufacturing and the forestry sector. “This is a significant investment in local manufacturing capability, and demonstrates our confidence in the future of wood processing in New Zealand,” she says. “We’re backing New Zealand timber, New Zealand manufacturing, and New Zealand jobs. The benefits of this project will extend well beyond our business, supporting local communities, regional employment, and the wider forestry value chain.” Fletcher Wood Products has been leading the construction of the new facility, working alongside specialist contractors and international equipment suppliers to bring the project to life. With construction now largely complete, commissioning activities are well underway, with operational knowledge and capability progressively being transferred to the Laminex team ahead of the plant’s formal handover later this year. Located alongside Laminex’s existing Taupō manufacturing site, the new facility represents the next chapter for an operation that has supported the New Zealand wood processing industry for more than 50 years, Rachel says. Construction commenced in 2023 and the plant is expected to be fully operational later this year, replacing infrastructure that is nearing the end of its serviceable life. The facility will feature a highly advanced production line supplied by German engineering company, Dieffenbacher, with Rachel saying the technology is regarded as among the best in the world. Purpose-built for New Zealand conditions and customers, the plant will replace the site’s existing particleboard operation and significantly expand manufacturing capability. “The new facility will increase our production capacity to around four times our current capability, and also provide the flexibility to develop new products specifically for New Zealand applications,” says Rachel. The investment represents more than increased volume. It introduces a new generation of Fine Surface Strand Board (FSB) technology, enabling Laminex to manufacture panels with enhanced performance characteristics for both decorative and structural applications. Unlike traditional particleboard, which is produced from small wood particles, FSB is manufactured from precision-cut wood strands combined with advanced resin and wax technologies. The result is a stronger, more durable panel with exceptional consistency and performance. Rachel says the new process will also provide greater flexibility to develop innovative products tailored to New Zealand’s construction and interior markets. She says sustainability has been a key consideration in the plant’s design. Biomass energy generated from bark and other wood residues will be used to fuel the site’s energy plant, producing the heat, steam and hot water required throughout the manufacturing process. “From raw log through to finished panel, the facility has been designed to maximise the value extracted from New Zealand-grown timber while reducing waste and improving resource efficiency,” she says. The project is already creating employment opportunities and supporting local businesses throughout the region. Laminex currently employs more than 50 people at its Taupō site, and expects to recruit additional staff as production ramps up following commissioning. “This investment is about much more than replacing an ageing asset,” says Rachel. “It’s about creating a modern manufacturing platform that will support our customers, our people and the New Zealand wood processing industry for decades to come.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=