The supply of quality native hardwood timbers may be diminishing, but one small regional business has achieved its founder's vision of creating a fully integrated timber processing and manufacturing facility
At a time when timber mills, particularly those processing native timbers, are struggling to stay viable, Manjimup-based Appadene Forest Products has been recognised for its commitment to innovation with top prize at this year's WA Timber Awards.
Located on a 20-hectare property in the southern forests region, Appadene is a fully integrated native timber processor and manufacturer using native jarrah, marri and blackbutt.
The business manufactures high-quality value-added timber products, including fine furniture and flooring, with its service extending through to household timber fit-outs and flooring installation.
Former tree feller Colin Campbell, who founded Appadene in 1995, believes his business' ability to stay innovative and keep control over the entire process has made it successful.
"We quality control all the way through, back down to the logs, the machining, through to the installation," he said.
Employing a dozen staff, Appadene processes about 1,400 tonnes of saw logs each year, supplying furniture and flooring, mostly to the state's domestic residential market.
Mr Campbell has plans to grow his business even further, submitting plans to council for the development of a 1,200 square metre gallery and restaurant.
But he remains cautious in committing himself to a costly expansion while supply issues remain a concern.
During the past few years, the quality of native timbers being supplied has been deteriorating, with the young plantation timbers, such as blue gums, not yet providing a quality substitute.
"Its been quite difficult for a lot of mills. Since the industry has been cut back, a lot of timber has been very small diameter, and the quality has been a lot less as well," Mr Campbell said.
"We really need to have reasonably mature logs. If we continue to get small diameter logs as we have before, it won't be viable at all."
Other award winners included Balcatta-based International Cabinets, Collie's Pinetec Pallet Mill, and The Palcon Group.
