By TOM GANNON HEYFIELD’S Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) has received a funding boost as it prepares to become the first company in Australia to manufacture engineered plantation floorboards. State Agriculture and Regional Development Minister Mary-Anne Thomas was on the ground at ASH last week to make the $2.3 million grant announcement which will see 22 new jobs at the mill. The funding will be split between ASH and three other businesses across Gippsland, Radial Timber in Yarram, Longwarry Sawmill and Brunt’s Harvesting in Orbost. ASH has received $1.6 million to install a new manufacturing line to produce engineered flooring made from plantation shining gum and radiate pine.