Expansion project delivers new jobs
Expansion of an innovative building system developed by Drouin West Timber and Truss is expected to create 26 new jobs for the company.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull delivered news of a $2 million boost to the company’s $7 million expansion project when he was in Traralgon on Thursday.
The funds are being delivered through the federal government’s Regional Jobs and Investment Packages program.
Drouin West Timber and Truss launched its FutureFit panelised building system five years ago when it attracted a $700,000 state government grant.
The next stage of the project will see the company consolidate its operations onto one site, with a new purpose built “mega-factory.”
DWTT supervisor Nick Ward said they were now at the second stage of their business plan, which will see a major expansion of the FutureFit system.
The $7 million project will see the company’s Drouin factory site expanded, creating about 40 jobs in the construction phase.
Mr Ward said expanding the business would create 26 new jobs.
“It is taking our panelisation to the next level by expanding our facilities and creating jobs.
Mr Ward said DWTT had traditionally built and provided timber trusses and frames to the building industry in a pre-fabricated format.
He said the panelisation system took their products a step further.
He said the panelisation system allowed them to install windows and external cladding into the frames and in some cases further expand the process to plaster and some electrical and plumping work.
“These works are done in the factory and then the panels are craned into position.
“It takes more of the process away from onsite works.
“Europe and America have been doing it for decades now but it has been slow to get into the Australian market.
“We were one of the first to bring it to the Australian market,” Mr Ward said.
DWTT general manager Dean Urwin said they hoped to have works underway in the next 12 months.
He said planning processes were well underway with Baw Baw Shire and the federal government grant was the news they were waiting for.
Mr Urwin said DWTT currently operated on two sites with the original truss and frame site at Old Sale Rd and the FutureFit operation in Weerong Rd.
He said the company aimed to purchase land and develop a purpose built mega-factory that would consolidate all operations onto the one site.
He described the panel system as world class technology for the building and construction industry.
Since the launch of FutureFit, Mr Urwin said DWTT had more than doubled its staff from 18 to 40 full time employees.
He said this project would see further expansion of its workforce to about 60 full time staff plus 24 full time direct sub-contractors involved with on-site installations.
Mr Urwin said the expansion would enable them to also purchase additional state of the art machinery to expand productivity and competitiveness.
of an already market leading advanced manufacturer of Panelised Building Systems.
“FutureFit is the culmination of significant investment and diligent market research into the emerging trends in residential and light commercial construction methods.
“The market research confirmed that builders and developers need faster and on-time construction methods and reduced costs of construction, safer site construction methods and improved resource utilization,” Mr Urwin said.
Member for McMillan Russell Broadbent said the total RJIP commitment in McMillan was about $4 million.
“This commitment will drive local jobs and help stimulate economic growth and deliver sustainable employment,” he said.