World’s first Optimised Engineered Lumber plant opened

Stuart Nash, New Zealand’s Minister for Economic and Regional Development, and Minister of Forestry, on Thursday opened Wood Engineering Technology’s Optimised Engineered Lumber (OEL™) production line in Gisborne. The plant is the only one of its type in the world and Wood Engineering Technology’s breakthrough product, OEL™, is one of only seven engineered lumber products ever commercialised.

Speaking at the opening, Wood Engineering Technology Chair, Angus Fletcher said, “This is the biggest development in wood processing in over 30 years. But more importantly OEL™ is helping New Zealand address its biggest challenges – climate change, productivity, regional development, and the need for higher density housing.”

“For years New Zealand has been talking about moving up the value chain to improve our productivity in the primary industries. Our disruptive technology turns unprocessed logs, that would have otherwise been sent overseas, into an innovative high value product. And it does it in a fully automated, artificially intelligent, robotic factory in less than 12 hours while creating skilled, higher paid jobs in our regions. New Zealand innovation at its best.”

In Gisborne, Mr Nash also initiated the construction of Wood Engineering Technology’s second OEL™ production line. When complete the Gisborne location will have six production lines, producing up to 140,000 cubic meters of OEL™, and employing over 130 people.

Angus Fletcher said, “OEL™ is 40% stronger than structural lumber. This, and its guaranteed consistency, creates opportunities for wood-only, higher density, multi-storey residential buildings. OEL™ is an affordable zero carbon substitute for concrete and steel in building and construction. We are getting a lot of interest from those involved in providing social housing.

“The environmental credentials also stand out. Our research shows that one cubic metre of OEL™ has absorbed over 900kg of CO2 from the atmosphere, while the same volume of concrete releases over 400kg of CO2 into the atmosphere. OEL™ is produced in a Net Zero Energy plant and can play a leading role in helping to decarbonise our built environment.

“It also addresses the New Zealand productivity issue. OEL™ adds 300% to the value of an unprocessed log and has a productivity of greater than $500 per worked hour. The New Zealand average is only $68 per hour worked. Our little plant in Gisborne is certainly punching above its weight.“After 16 years in development, we would not be here today without the support of our partners and funders. Specifically, I must thank the Government’s Provincial Growth Fund, Technology NZ, Callaghan Innovation, Scion and Trust Tairawhiti.”