Hyne Timber and Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions (RNM) have generated hundreds of jobs in Maryborough for both shorter term construction as well as ongoing manufacturing capability well into the future.
As Hyne Timber was finalising construction of a new glue laminated timber plant in Maryborough’s Industrial Estate, Maryborough born and bred Robert Nioa, chief executive of NIOA and deputy chair of RNM, was finalising the location for a new munitions factory.
Backed by both the Federal and State Governments, the RNM facility was constructed around the corner from Hyne Timber, with Hyne Group’s engineered timber products including glue laminated timber and cross laminated timber specified for its construction.
The two companies are investing in the growth of manufacturing capability in Maryborough and are also committed to sourcing locally wherever possible.
James Hyne, executive director of Hyne Timber said it was not only great to see a commercial scale construction project in Maryborough prioritising local timber supply, but it also marks the first mass timber structure for the region ahead of the new Maryborough Fire Station construction getting underway.
“The best way to showcase innovative use of mass timber in construction is a building and we are thankful for the opportunity by RNM to have our products specified to build their new facility around the corner from where much of it is made right here in Maryborough,” Hyne said.
“Further, we not only engineer the timber in Maryborough, but it is also locally grown and manufactured in the Tuan forest; therefore it’s confidently supplied by a local and renewable supply chain.
“The growth of manufacturing in Maryborough will benefit us all, attracting people, developing people, transferring skills for career development and keeping those skills and knowledge right here.
“The more we can grow Maryborough as a manufacturing hub, the more the whole region will benefit.”
The new RNM forging facility will produce munitions for the Australian Defence Force and for export to allied nations around the world via Rheinmetall’s global supply chain. When fully operational, it will create up to 100 new advanced manufacturing jobs for the region.
NIOA’s Robert Nioa said the work to flow to the local region was an important consideration throughout the planning for the project.
“RNM underlined the importance of local input for this work when we appointed a local in Jeff Crabtree as our project manager. We wanted to create as many local opportunities as possible because the region means a lot to our company,” Nioa said.
“With a longstanding engineered timber plant on the doorstep, why wouldn’t we look to use these products first for our own construction?
“We have had a very positive experience in constructing this new plant, so much so that we have also just topped out our NIOA headquarters extension near Brisbane Airport,” Nioa added.
Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O'Brien welcomed the significant investment from Hyne Timber and Rheinmetall Nioa Munitions in their Maryborough projects.
“Hyne is one of the biggest employers in the Maryborough region, and the Coalition Government recognises the significant economic value and the jobs that the timber industry brings to Wide Bay,” O’Brien said.
“It’s great to see the pine trees that grew locally in the Toolara plantation are now further growing Maryborough’s economy, through its use in the construction of the Rheinmetall Nioa Munitions factory.
“The Coalition Government is also committed to expanding the Australian defence industry, and our $28.5 million contribution towards the $60 million RNM facility will put Maryborough on the international defence industry map as well as creating more than 100 jobs and career paths for local people.
“I’m pleased to see these companies backing Maryborough’s workforce and industry, and investing in the region’s future with these landmark projects.”
Image: Llew O’Brien MP, Federal Member for the Wide Bay, James Hyne and Robert Nioa.
