Australian Panels has secured a new medium-density fiberboard (MDF) line, known for its record length, to augment its operations in Mount Gambier. This acquisition, announced by the Siempelkamp, marks a notable expansion in the company's manufacturing prowess, introducing the longest MDF press in the industry at 8' x 78.6 m.
This initiative represents the sixth collaboration between Australian Panels and Siempelkamp. The latest MDF line joins an array of Siempelkamp-installed plants, including four for MDF and two for particleboard, across Australian Panels' sites in Oberon and Mount Gambier.
Previously, in August 2023, Australian Panels announced a particleboard plant poised to be the largest in Australia, with a capacity exceeding 650,000 m3 annually.
The new MDF line encompasses a comprehensive suite of components, from a forming and press line featuring the advanced ContiRoll technology to systems for gluing, cooling, and stacking. The project also leverages the expertise of Siempelkamp's subsidiaries, with contributions including a drum chipper from Pallmann, a wood chip screening system from CMC Texpan, and a drying system from Büttner.
Engineered for heavy-duty applications, the plant's design prioritizes longevity and performance, especially under the rigorous conditions typical of MDF production. The selection of light Radiata pine as the primary raw material aligns with the company's commitment to quality, utilizing this specific type of wood for its optimal characteristics for fiberboard and particleboard production.
Scheduled for delivery in May 2025, with production commencement targeted for the beginning of 2026.
