Log harvesting and extraction systems utilised are among the most advanced in the industry. From the first thinnings to clearfell, AUSPINE forest professionals ensure optimum efficiencies are achieved in sawlog, roundwood and woodchip operations.

Processor head Nightime logging

AUSPINE harvesting programs support an established wood processing and manufacturing industry by producing predictable and consistent volumes of raw materials while ensuring that the full site potential and productivity is realised. Harvesting plans cover all AUSPINE plantation operations over a running ten year period, with projections including production and product mix estimates from thinning and final clearfelling.

AUSPINE forestry professionals closely monitor all harvesting operations to ensure product quality is scrupulously maintained, supplies to AUSPINE manufacturing plants uninterrupted, and the requirements of end users met.

Harvesting operations are undertaken across the life of plantations, with thinnings conducted at intervals designed to optimise tree form, vigour and production per hectare, maximising the quality, quantity and the value of the growing stock prior to clearfall while producing a commercial yield.

The vast majority of clearfell resource is quality sawlog destined for AUSPINE manufacturing plants and AUSPINE quality products. However, further maximising site productivity, value-adding is conducted at forest level, with in-forest chipping, spot milling , and the use of mobile machinery to convert small diameter resource into various configurations, ready for preservation. Forwarders sort and extract timber ready for transportation to AUSPINE manufacturing plants. The entire operation is co-ordinated by AUSPINE forestry personnel.

Plantation clearfell (Tasmania) In-forest value adding Sky-line logging "B" double log truck

AUSPINE harvesting operations are currently undertaken in three states – Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania and include AUSPINE plantations, government, semi-governmental and privately owned plantations. From the gently rolling slopes of South Australia to the steeper inclines of Tasmania, the expertise of company trained professional is well recognised ; their supervision and co-ordination of harvesting operations highly valued.

Variations in terrain demand differing harvesting techniques. The more gentle slopes of South Australia and Victorian plantations allow the use of conventional harvesting equipment, and also conventional thinning at intervals before clearfell.

The more demanding Tasmanian terrain may dictate the necessity to grow to clearfell without thinning; and the adoption of specialists "skyline" logging where trees are felled, with the resulting log forwarded by cable to points more accessible to transport.

The skills of the company personnel are continually updated. Flexibility, skilled management practices and the ability to tailor resources to demand, while maintaining the AUSPINE reputation for quality is crucial to success.

TIMBERSALES

AUSPINE TIMBERSALES, Australia’s only truly national timber wholesaler with distribution centres operating in all States is responsible for the distribution of the extensive AUSPINE quality Timber Product range and a complementary selection of international timbers.

It is estimated that one in four Australians will come into contact with the AUSPINE range of products, due to the diversity, availability and ever-increasing market acceptance of high quality AUSPINE products manufactured from sustainable Radiata pine plantation resources. AUSPINE TIMBERSALES distribution centres across Australia stock a full range of products to suit a wide variety of applications: Structural timbers and furniture componentry; the premium Treated range for various exterior and agricultural applications; moulded and laminated products for visible and non-visible applications. Easily identifiable in white, green and gold protective covering, structural products are processed to stringent building industry specifications, and are available in various dimensions and grades to suit particular applications. The premium Treated range of ‘wet’ and ‘dry after’ products includes posts, poles, structural timbers, pickets, decking and palings, and is among the most attractive treated timbers in the world.

AUSPINE TIMBERSALES also stock a vast range of international timbers, procured from reliable and environmentally supportive sources, and other associated timber products, such as Australian hardwoods, plywoods, and medium density fibreboards. All must pass strict quality controls before being available for distribution. The centres are being linked nationally and internationally by computer tracking involving all processing and preservative treatment plants to ensure immediate access to accurate information on freight transit.

Further enhancing customer service, a strong emphasis is placed on staff-training. AUSPINE TIMBERSALES, as a primary customer contact point, also plays an important role as an information conduit from end users to the Company’s manufacturing and plantation forestry base, helping ensure that products more than meet end users expectations and demands. Quality performances in all areas is recognised as a key to client satisfaction.