| 69 T T Russell Fredric High standards reap rewards for logging firm Murray Logging’s commitment to excellence is reflected in winning the 2021 Southern Wood Council Forestry Awards Forestry Environmental Excellence Award. FORESTRY Murray Logging Following some challenging times, especially in the wake of the Covid pandemic, Murray Logging has added another crew to handle an upswing in its workload. The South Otago-based business was established 19 years ago by Andrew Murray, growing incrementally to operate a comprehensive fleet of machinery, and recently increasing to three crews, comprising 12 staff in total. Murray Logging’s commitment to excellence is reflected in winning the 2021 Southern Wood Council Forestry Awards Forestry Environmental Excellence Award. “We work to high-level Health & Safety and environmental standards. We pride ourselves on tidy logging sites and provide the option of land prepping for planting after harvest,” Andrew says. Murray Logging has the capability for mechanised cable logging with winch-assist options for the steepest of blocks, while mechanised ground-based skidder and forwarder options are available to suit site-specific requirements. It has also embraced mechanised log processing for greater efficiency and safety. Andrew describes the years since the Covid pandemic as “diabolical,” with around 50% of the harvesting capacity in the private sector having folded. “I’ve been stubborn and done whatever I’ve had to, to try and find trees to cut down to keep the guys employed so that I’ve got the staff there to respond; it takes time to build staff back up.” The current upswing in Murray Logging’s workload is two-fold: following last year’s October windstorm, Andrew’s phone started running red hot, plus he subsequently secured a contract to harvest for export a 130-hectare block north of Dunedin on a fixed-price basis. Murray Logging transitioned to offering fixed prices that are higher than current ‘at wharf gate’ export prices based on a daily harvest volume. This offers the security of stable pricing and eliminates mid-harvest price drops while also having domestic sale points to complement export pricing. Additionally, direct marketing to log customers cuts out management fees and attains the highest possible return for clients. “I’ve made a shift in the 12 months. I’ve been working for myself and finding my own work and selling it direct to the mills and the export company instead of working for a management company. “It leaves a wee bit more in the system for the tree owners and Murray Logging,” he says. “It just gives the owners consistency – they know what sort of price they’re going to get for a grade. “The only unknown is what grade mix comes out of the forest as to their return; they know their costs, they know the returns, it takes that risk factor out of it.” Securing the contract to harvest the export block is a positive factor going forward, Andrew says. “We’ve got enough work probably for the rest of the year, just about, for three crews. It’s a relief to have some certainty.” As a result of the windstorm, Murray LoggiAndrew acknowledges the dedication of his skilled staff and their commitment to the business over the years. “For a long time, being prepared to pick up a chainsaw and do whatever was asked of them is what’s kept us going – having that diverse skill level. “It gives us that option of doing alternate work rather than just machinery operating.” WORKSMARTER, NOTHARDER Authorised sales and service agents for HIRE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT — GET THE JOB DONE FAST! PARTS, SALESANDSERVICE Ponsse Forestry Equipment Satco Logging Attachments Phone 03 418 3395 | Mobile 027 265 2846 | Email admin@duffyengineering.co.nz 14 Francis Street Balclutha 9230 Duffy Engineering South Otago Cranes CNC Profile Cutting service now available to go with our 250-ton Press Brake & Guillotine • Forestry Guarding • Buckets & Root Rakes • Machine-shop Work • Jetboat Fitouts & Maintenance • Hydraulic Hose Repairs Log Cartage PROUDLY SUPPORTING MURRAY LOGGING 03 215 9460 Invercargill & Dunedin
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