New direction
A $2 million federal government grant helped secure a new direction for Drouin West Timber and Truss when it embarked on an $8.6 million expansion project.
The project has allowed DWTT to expand its two manufacturing facilities into a 10,000 square metre combined factory and office complex on a three hectare site in Drouin’s industrial precinct.
Incorporating world class technology adapted to Australian needs, DWTT managing director manager Peter Ward said the new facility was a mega manufacturing facility for its panelised building system.
The system allows for off site manufacturing of construction components enabling faster construction, higher productivity and reduced workplace risks.
Mr Ward said the facility positioned DWTT for significant growth in worldwide markets.
Currently employing 42 full time staff and more than 20 sub-contractors in carpentry and transport, Mr Ward said they aimed to grow production to more than 1000 homes a year, resulting in increased job opportunities.
He said the Drouin West group had operated for more than 60 years as sawmillers and then truss and frames.
“We are very proud of what we have achieved.”
“In more recent times we looked at expanding the business. There are 70 truss plants in Victoria so we knew we had to do something different.
“Adding value was the way to go so we developed FutureFit.
“We took baby steps…pioneering it, testing it, developing it. We jumped in at the deep end and worked out how we could adapt the European systems to suit Australia,” he said.
Mr Ward said the new facility was the culmination of significant investment and diligent market research into emerging trends in residential and light commercial methods.
With leading technology, Mr Ward said the FutureFit system significantly increased production capacity for building sites.
“We are looking forward to the future…as long as we can get some timber,” Mr Ward said.
The federal government funding was through its Regional Jobs and Investment Package including $1.6 million in 2018-19 and a further $400,000 in 2019-20. The company provided the remaining $6.6 million.
After touring the site, Member for Monash Russell Broadbent said the official opening of the new facility was an example of a company that had adapted to meet market demands.
He said he remembered the original company Drouin sawmills, that over the years had grown and still had a presence because it continued to focus on the future.
“And there are still great opportunities to serve in your niche market.
“It is great that someone decided we are going to stay and we are going to compete,” he said.
Mr Broadbent said DWTT was an example of a company that threw all its resources into an idea and made enormous sacrifices.
“The project has successfully created skilled job opportunities for people in the region with the opportunity to employ more skilled people in the future.
“The government should invest in things that make money for other people,” he said.
Mayor Danny Goss said DWTT had led the way in this area of construction.
“I can’t do anything but praise them for this facility, its investment and the employment opportunities for Baw Baw Shire.
“One of the fundamental issues for a regional area is investing in jobs and construction it’s the biggest industry in Baw Baw Shire, valued at $840 million per year,” he said.