8 | Family mill offers specialist skills Tauriko Sawmill’s versatility sets it apart in an industry increasingly dominated by large-scale operations. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Tauriko Sawmill T T Karen Phelps Three decades of expertise positions Tauriko Sawmill as Bay of Plenty’s go-to source for timber. The family-owned sawmill based in Tauranga has successfully carved out a unique niche in the industry, combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge, sustainable solutions to serve customers ranging from weekend gardeners to high-end construction, says company owner Michael Moores. “We are small enough to be able to service the needs of the public for small quantities of products, and large enough to service the needs of customers who want larger quantities for full architectural new builds,” Michael says. Tauriko Sawmill, established by Rob Moores in the early 1990s, continues to thrive under the leadership of his son Michael and general manager Stephen Lee. The business represents more than three decades of timber expertise, and five generations of the Moores family involvement in New Zealand’s timber industry. The sawmill’s versatility sets it apart in an industry increasingly dominated by large-scale operations. It specialises in both common and bespoke timber profiles, manufacturing everything from interior sarking, shiplap panelling, flooring and trim, to exterior weatherboards, fascia and decking. Stephen says this flexibility proves invaluable for restoration projects requiring period-accurate materials/profiles. “For example, where a customer requires a replacement profile board or two we can provide a custom set-up to match,” he says. The sawmill employs 12 staff, and prides itself on maintaining a family-oriented culture – increasingly rare in the industry. The business sources timber both locally and internationally, with timber coming from across New Zealand alongside imported species from Japan and North America. The operation encompasses the entire production chain, from raw logs to finished products. Logs are initially cut to size before being processed through the manufacturing plant via moulders and planers to create finished products. The mill’s experienced staff members, including specialist timber machinists, ensure precise profiles for specific manufacturing requirements. Nothing goes to waste, with off-cuts transformed into firewood, chip, and shavings for animal bedding, demonstrating the circular economy principles increasingly important to modern consumers. Tauriko Sawmill stocks an impressive range of hardwood and softwood timber varieties, and Stephen says it can source any required timber type customers might require. The product range spans the entire construction spectrum, from structural timber for major builds to specialised cladding for architectural projects. Its ability to provide both standard profiles and custom solutions positions it uniquely within the supply chain. “No job is too big or too small,” says Michael. “We can give people advice and provide exactly what they need.” Innovation remains central to the business strategy, with significant investment planned for the manufacturing plant over the next 12 to18 months. The sawmill is also introducing new environmentally friendly products, including thermally modified timber that offers superior durability without chemical treatments. “It gives longevity to pine so it can be used for outdoor applications without being chemically treated,” explains Stephen. “The thermally modified process of heat and steam removes sugars from the fibre, dramatically increasing stability and durability of the timber. It’s a more environmentally friendly option.” Hurford’s are a third generation family operated business with over a century of experience in our field of timber, decking and engineered flooring products. We are a leading wholesale distributor with an innovative approach offering an extensive range across a number of species. Contact us and let us know how we can help you with your next project. 0800 HURFORD (487 3673) 07 575 7685 tgasales@hurfordwholesale.co.nz www.hurfordwholesale.co.nz Hurford’s are proud to support Tauriko Sawmill STRUCTURES RETAINING & FENCING CONTRACTORS
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