Brickworks Limited (ASX:BKW) Improves Competitive Edge And Environmental Performance In Victoria With New Plant
Sydney, Feb 22, 2010 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Brickworks Limited (
ASX:BKW) today announced plans to expand its Wollert-based brick factory, increasing the capacity to 170 million standard brick equivalents (SBE) up from its design capacity of 85 million SBE. The expanded factory will set new productivity and energy efficiency benchmarks in Australia.
The expansion of the highly efficient Wollert plant will cost A$65 million and will commence once the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Works Approval is issued. The expansion will significantly reduce emissions, in particular Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and is expected to be completed by mid-2011, with commissioning to take place thereafter.
Once completed, Austral Bricks(TM) will be the first brick company in Melbourne to meet the stringent State Environmental Protection Policy requirements.
The expansion of Wollert will result in the eventual closure and subsequent redevelopment of the Craigieburn brickworks (Est. 1964) and the closure of the Summerhill factory (Est. 1973). The timing of the closure and eventual redevelopment will be dependent upon the progress of construction and commissioning, the state of the market and the approval process for the redevelopment.
Mr. Lindsay Partridge, Managing Director of Brickworks said: "The expansion will complete the rapid renewal of the company's Victorian assets, reflecting the Board's confidence in the Victorian economy and the long term brick market in that state and will cement Austral Bricks(TM) market leading position in Victoria".
About Brickworks Limited
Brickworks Limited (ASX:BKW) is one of the world's largest and most diverse building material manufacturers. Our company has built an enduring reputation with our customers – we are loved for our innovation, professionalism and ever-dependable products and services.
As Brickworks Building Products expands globally, we continually foster and advance our products and our brands. We continue to lead the way through design, style, innovation, sustainability, and collaboration.
Our commitment is to inspire, support, create and build better environments and places for our customers and communities; all integral to our clear vision to become the best building products company.
With a broad product portfolio and manufacturing and sales facilities across Australia & North America, Brickworks is uniquely placed to service the demands of the building industry.
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