Held to ransom : Timber saga prompts panic buying, backlogs and housing fears
10 Apr, 2021 08:00 PM
7 minutes to read
Some people have been panic buying timber as the shortage continues. Photo / File
The boss of one of the Bay s largest building companies says the industry is being held to ransom amid a deepening shortage of timber products. The shortage has sparked panic buying of materials and a warning from a national hardware retailer, PlaceMakers, that customers should plan well in advance as demand for steel, timber and cladding soars.
In March, the Commerce Commission sought a please explain from timber giant Carter Holt Harvey after it abruptly cut supplies to a number of building retail chains, prompting concerns that costs will rise and construction could slow.
Building materials scarce while logs sit in the forest
8 Apr, 2021 12:58 AM
5 minutes to read
Bunnings Mount Maunganui on the first day of Level 3. 28 April 2020 Bay of Plenty Times- Photograph by George Novak
Bunnings Mount Maunganui on the first day of Level 3. 28 April 2020 Bay of Plenty Times- Photograph by George Novak
Merchants are reporting panic buying of timber supplies - even as independent logging crews say they have logs piled up in the forest. What s happening now is similar to what happened with the toilet paper in supermarkets. The behaviour becomes a little bit erratic, says Jeff Tanner, GM and owner of Puke Pine Sawmill in Te Puke.
Forestry sector humming as $40m processing plant for Rotorua nears opening
8 Mar, 2021 05:00 PM
6 minutes to read
Red Stag Group s $40 million large-scale timber processing plant in Rotorua is just waiting for European technicians to give it the all clear. Photo / Supplied
A $40 million large-scale timber processing plant in Rotorua tantalisingly close to completion will help create upwards of 100 jobs. However, the company behind the project has job opportunities available now across its platforms - as the industry struggles to keep up with demand.
Business leaders welcomed the jobs and said the forestry industry had significant opportunities for growth.
Red Stag Group chief executive Marty Verry. Photo / Supplied
Tanner named to MVC fall 2020 Dean s List | News buffaloreflex.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from buffaloreflex.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.