Forico’s A$10m investment in Tasmania now in operation

27 August 2015

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A woodchip mill in northwest Tasmania formerly owned by bankrupt timber company Gunns, that had been lying dormant for five years, has swung into action.

The new owner, Forico, spent close to A$10m on refurbishing the mill, which now has the capacity to produce about 1.5 million green tonnes of woodchips per year.

The Surrey Hills Mill in Hampshire, about 30km southwest of Burnie, commenced limited production of 4000 tonne in late July, and quadrupled by the end of August.

Forico ceo, Bryan Hayes, said the investment would see huge efficiency gains.

"We've had to completely refurbish this mill," he said. "All the old equipment, all of the old electric drives and various pieces had to be refurbished."