OneFortyOne has further strengthened its commitment to the Green Triangle region with a $16m capital investment at its Jubilee Sawmill site. The first of two new Continuous Drying Kilns (CDK) was launched last week, replacing old batch kilns with more efficient and environmentally conscious biomass fuelled system.

OneFortyOne Jubilee Sawmill General Manager Paul Hartung said the kilns would produce higher-grade timber, with less energy and less downtime. “As the name suggests, the Continuous Drying Kilns operate nonstop, moving product through continuously and maintaining an ideal temperature,” he said.

“The efficient design is powered by biomass, using sawdust and wood waste and shares heat between two chambers with no need to turn the kiln off. “There’s no cooling down and reheating like in the old batch kilns – meaning more product processed with less energy.

“Timber is a renewable resource and when combined with efficient manufacturing, we’re producing sustainable, planet friendly wood products.” The launch of the new CDK coincided with a massive milestone for Kilns Manager Roger Davis, who celebrated 50 years of service at the Jubilee site.

Starting out as a timber stacker back in 1971, Mr Davis has held several positions since, from machinist and forklift driver, through to shift leader and drymill supervisor and wanted to see the first CDK completed and online before retiring.

Mr Hartung said the old batch kilns on site are regarded as some of the highest performing batch kilns that Windsor Engineering have installed around the world, which is a credit to Mr Davis’s leadership. “I’m thrilled that Roger was able to do the honours of launching the new CDK,” Mr Hartung said.

“Roger’s commitment and dedication is unparalleled, and I wish to thank him for all he has contributed to this mill and to his colleagues.” The second continuous drying kiln is currently under construction and on track for completion by Christmas 2021.