New Zealand manufacturer XLam has developed a locally produced cross-laminated timber (CLT), which could cut construction cost that will be available by the end of 2017, according to the AFR.

The new CLT material and the way it is made, promises time, labour and wastage savings. Construction occurs offsite in the buildings with CLT. The timber is designed and shaped into panels, which can then be brought onsite and assembled.

The CLT will be produced at XLam plant in Albury Wodonga. It will be produced from local pine, which will be a boon for the local forestry industry.

The plant is expected to create 60,000 cubic metres of CLT annually and be built by April when manufacturing material is installed. It is anticipated to create 54 local jobs.

XLam chief executive Gary Caufield said that the new plant would have a direct jobs impact and also an economic multiplier for the Albury-Wodonga region.

|  A Manufacturers'Monthly release  |  February 21, 2017  ||

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