New substation brings timber project step closer

Unison Networks' new Waipa zone substation is now live, marking a significant milestone in a large-scale project that will enable local timber company, Red Stag Timber, to double its annual production.

Red Stag Timber Group chief executive officer Marty Verry said the company's latest expansion programme had been driven by a need to remain at the forefront of a highly competitive industry.

"Realising our vision for growth in production relies heavily on this new infrastructure, it wouldn't have been possible without Unison's involvement, and their ability to deliver on this project in such a timely and professional manner.

"The upgrade to Red Stag Timber's operations include a new sawmill, kiln, wood residue boiler, treatment plant and planer-mill - all using state of the art technology."

Unison Group chief executive Ken Sutherland said a significant amount of time and energy had been invested to ensure the delivery of a network solution that met Red Stag's needs and expectations.

"Red Stag is a major contributor to the Rotorua economy, and we are thrilled to have played an integral role in enabling their vision for growth, by increasing their electrical capacity."

The increase in network capacity supplied by the new substation will also support future growth for other industrial businesses and tour operators in the Waipa Valley.

As part of the seven-month long project, Unison also constructed a six kilometre 33kV feed, including cable and overhead lines, out of the Rotorua grid exit point.