Colli Timber & Hardware says a $5.5 million upgrade of its manufacturing facility in Cardup will significantly expand its production capacity, with the investment aimed at helping accelerate housing construction in Western Australia.
According to Colli, the project combines a $2.734 million grant awarded to its parent company, Cardoso Pty Ltd, through the Western Australian Government’s Housing Innovation Fund with matching company funding. The investment is in addition to more than $3 million the business has invested in the facility over the past two years.
Colli Timber & Hardware managing director Cesare Colli said the company was investing in advanced manufacturing technology to improve production efficiency while supporting the state’s housing sector.
“This investment represents a major step forward not only for Colli, but for the future of housing construction and local manufacturing in Western Australia,” Colli said.
He said the upgraded Cardup production centre would incorporate automated and computerised manufacturing systems for timber wall frames and roof trusses.
“Once fully commissioned, our Cardup centre will be one of WA’s most advanced timber wall frame and roof truss manufacturing facilities, potentially able to manufacture and deliver 20 standard 4×2 home framing systems each week, up from five a week,” he said.
According to Colli, the upgrade is expected to increase production capacity by up to 400 per cent over three years, enabling the company to supply framing and truss systems for up to 960 homes annually.
The investment will fund automated timber picking systems, computerised saw and cutting equipment, automated material handling systems, wall frame manufacturing lines, roof truss automation upgrades, and finished product stacking and handling systems.
Colli said the project was intended to support local manufacturing while improving housing construction outcomes.
“As well as supporting local manufacturing growth in Western Australia, our FrameForward WA project will contribute to faster, more efficient housing construction, improved product supply, quality and consistency, reduce waste, improve timber utilisation and lower production costs,” he said.
He added that the company expected the investment to contribute to improved housing affordability, greater scalability for residential developments, and an estimated 25 per cent increase in direct and indirect employment across the local truss and framing sector.
“We’re thrilled to be retaining our first-rate craftsmanship by embracing automation to enhance quality, safety, precision and scalability,” Colli said.
Colli said the expanded Cardup facility is expected to be fully operational within 24 months.
The Western Australian Government’s Housing Innovation Fund is providing $49 million to 15 local housing manufacturers to support the adoption of modern construction methods intended to help the building industry deliver homes more quickly and efficiently.
