A funding boost will create more productivity and secure jobs at a local timber manufacturer.
Job security for D&R Henderson employees has been improved following a $150000 boost from the Victorian Government.
Member for Benalla Bill Sykes announced yesterday the Benalla timber manufacturer would receive $150000 to assist with the purchase of a HewSaw log rotator, increasing the company’s productivity and competitiveness.
‘‘The new HewSaw log rotator will increase the amount of timber generated, thereby maximising the return on the saw logs and adding significant value to the sawmill operation,’’ Dr Sykes said.
‘‘Yielding more timber from the same logs is essential to remaining competitive, particularly in the current tough market conditions.’’
D&R Henderson owner David Henderson said the HewSaw green mill would help improve yield and productivity.
‘‘Improving yield and productivity will help keep costs low, which in turn improves the long-term outlook for the business and job security for Henderson employees,’’ he said.
Mr Henderson said the machinery was used to process pine logs into a range of timber products, and the remainder of the logs were turned into lower value woodchips for use in the business’ particle-board plant.
Representing Deputy Premier Peter Ryan at yesterday’s announcement at the Yarrawonga Rd factory, Dr Sykes said support for the $327000 D&R Henderson Log Rotator Project was another example of the Victorian Government’s $1billion Regional Growth Fund helping local businesses grow.
‘‘This project will help secure this employment in the region and position the company for longer-term growth which will benefit the 250 Victorian-based businesses that supply the company each month,’’ Dr Sykes said.
‘‘The investment … will improve the yield of timber from logs processed and reduce the amount of timber being turned into woodchips.’’
Mr Ryan said the Victorian Government’s $1billion Regional Growth Fund would continue to invest in worthwhile projects that would benefit Benalla and the surrounding region.
‘‘The Regional Growth Fund has so far invested in excess of $300million into more than 1000 projects across regional and rural Victoria, worth almost $1.3billion,’’ Mr Ryan said.
‘‘This includes $300000 for the Benalla Town Hall restoration, $1million for Benalla Library/Civic Centre conversion and $300000 for infrastructure development at Winton Motor Raceway.’’