Minister sees future of advanced manufacturing in Portland [AU]Friday 3 Jul 2026
Our project team, led by Tim Woods, were pleased to share early findings from the Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub feasibility study with Victoria’s new Minister for Agriculture, Michaela Settle, during her regional visit alongside Jacinta Ermacora MP, Member for Western Victoria Region. This feasibility work represents the foundation stage of the Precinct, commencing with glue laminated timber (glulam) manufacturing and progressing toward broader investment in Laminated Veneer Lumber, with the third phase focussed on producing prefabricated building components. Now completed, the Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub feasibility study sets a clear pathway for the commercialisation of glue laminated timber made (for the first time) exclusively from locally grown Eucalyptus globulus. (Note the lectern produced from the new product.) WTIBeam’s Edwina Vulcz and her team provided the Minister with a hands-on demonstration of how the bluegum product was developed at their Warrnambool facility and is now being sold into the Australian market. The hardwood resource has played a pivotal role in replacing native product no longer harvested in the domestic market. After 18 months of collaboration, we look forward to soon sharing the outcomes of this work, made possible through the Victorian Government’s Portland Economic Diversification Fund. What is already clear is that the fund is delivering on its intent, with the Precinct emerging as a strong example of how Portland can optimise locally grown timber to support economic diversification, supplying housing components and playing a leading role in Australia’s sovereign, advanced manufacturing future. Stay tuned for further updates. Source & image credit: The Precinct | ||
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