Millari Group Australia to Acquire Juken New Zealand’s Gisborne Facilities

Millari Group Australia, known for its True Blue Timber, True Blue LVL, and True Blue Plywood brands, has entered into a sale and purchase agreement to acquire Juken New Zealand’s manufacturing facilities in Gisborne, New Zealand, Australian Rural & Regional News reported (2-12-25).

The deal includes LVL and plywood production lines as well as a sawmill. The sale is expected to be finalized later this month. Closed since March 2024, the facility is set to reopen in the coming months.

The 25-hectare (62-acre) site, to be rebranded as Millari NZ, is located on New Zealand’s North Island. Specializing in LVL, plywood, and structural radiata pine products, it will provide a mix of engineered and solid pine framing products.

With a three-year investment to expand production capacity, Millari NZ plans to establish direct LVL, plywood, and sawmill production for the Australian industry, including LVL E14, E13, E10, and LVL formwork; structural and nonstructural plywood panels; and MGP and F-graded radiata pine and H2, H3, and H4 treated pine.

Millari NZ will ship LVL, plywood, and sawmill products meeting AS/NZS standards directly to Australia’s eastern coast, easing the country’s dependence on timber imports from Europe and Asia.

In a statement, True Blue Timber owner and CEO Ryan Yari said:

“Our Millari NZ facility in Gisborne will be on track to increase the output capacity of LVL, plywood, and timber production over the next few years as we invest in new machinery and technology for the 35,000 m² factory.

With these exciting facilities alongside our True Blue Timber operations, we will continue to offer the Australian industry a reputable and reliable ongoing source of high-quality EWP (engineered wood products) and timber products and deliver them directly with quick turnarounds.”