The Precinct Unveils A$200 Million Engineered Wood Plant
The Precinct will outline plans for its 35-hectare engineered wood facility in Victoria, with Finnish machinery maker Raute discussing technology for scaling laminated veneer lumber.
A$200 Million Engineered Wood Project in Victoria
The Precinct will present its A$200 million timber manufacturing initiative for Portland, Victoria, during an online industry briefing on October 15. This project aims to establish a significant engineered wood production facility on a 35-hectare site near the Port of Portland, in south-west Victoria.
The plans include the production of glue-laminated timber (glulam) and laminated veneer lumber (LVL). Finnish machinery manufacturer Raute will participate in the briefing, providing insights into the technology required for scaling engineered wood product manufacturing.
The session follows an investor symposium held in Melbourne on October 14, where the project was pitched to institutional investors.
Glulam, LVL Production to Utilize 300,000 Tonnes Annually
Initial development for The Precinct's facility involves constructing a glue-laminated timber plant, a sawmill, and a log merchandising facility. Subsequent stages will expand to include laminated veneer lumber production and prefabricated building components.
IndustryEdge models indicate the Portland site will process 300,000 tonnes of logs annually, sourced from bluegum plantations managed by Australian Bluegum Plantations and pulp logs from OneFortyOne. This resource has historically been directed towards pulp, packaging, and agricultural markets.
The project is projected to create 74 permanent jobs and has secured $1.75 million in funding from the Victorian Government, with a full feasibility study due in 2027.
Raute to Advise on LVL Scaling Technology
Roumiana Vassileva, Raute's international engineered wood products specialist, will close the industry briefing on October 15. Her presentation will focus on the technology and automation necessary for scaling LVL and other engineered wood products.
Raute previously inspected veneer peeled from Australian Bluegum Plantations and OneFortyOne pulp logs in August, with the results expected to inform the commercial strategy beyond glulam. Russ Hughes, who chairs The Precinct and has managed Australian Bluegum Plantations since 2015, will host the webinar.
Tim Woods, lead for the IndustryEdge-led development, will discuss the project's progress and its linkages between plantations, engineered wood products, and prefabrication.
New Engineered Wood Source for Asia-Pacific
This A$200 million investment in engineered wood production in Australia represents a potential new source of glulam and LVL for construction and interiors projects across the Asia-Pacific region.
As the project progresses towards its 2027 feasibility completion and subsequent operational phases, procurement teams and specifiers in Asia may find new options for sourcing these structural and finishing materials.
The focus on converting local plantation timber into higher-value products also signals a shift in regional supply chains, potentially affecting existing trade flows from other engineered wood product manufacturers in Asia or Europe. Buyers should monitor The Precinct's progress for future supply opportunities.
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