A $5.5 million upgrade of Colli Timber & Hardware’s manufacturing facility in Cardup is set to quadruple the number of framing systems the company can craft each year, helping to fast-track WA’s housing supply.

Colli will match the $2.734 million recently awarded to its parent company, Cardoso Pty Ltd, through the WA Government’s Housing Innovation Fund to help fund the installation of advanced automated and computerised manufacturing systems at its truss and framing production centre.

The $5.5 million is in addition to the more than $3 million already invested into the facility over the past 24 months.

Colli Timber & Hardware managing director Cesare Colli said his group was focused on building smarter and faster to support more efficient home construction.

“This investment represents a major step forward not only for Colli, but for the future of housing construction and local manufacturing in Western Australia,” he stated.

“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.

“This enhanced production model will see an up to 400 percent increase in our production capacity over three years, allowing Colli to supply framing and truss systems for up to 960 homes annually.”

Mr Colli said the group was excited to be delivering substantial benefits to the local economy, builders, developers and home buyers.

“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 stated.

“Through this, we’ll play a part in improving housing affordability and make scalability easier for large residential developments and builders.

“We also estimate we’ll see an approximate 25 percent increase in direct and indirect employment in the local truss and framing sector on the back of this investment.”

The $5.5 million investment will fund the installation of advanced automated and computerised manufacturing systems including:

*Automated timber picking systems
• Computerised saw and cutting systems
• Automated timber delivery and material handling systems
• Automated wall frame manufacturing lines
• Roof truss automation upgrades
• Finished product stacking and handling systems

“We’re thrilled to be retaining our first-rate craftsmanship by embracing automation to enhance quality, safety, precision and scalability,” said Mr Colli.

The Cardup facility’s expansion and upgrade is tipped to be fully operational within 24 months.

The Western Australian Government’s Housing Innovation Fund is delivering $49 million to 15 local housing manufacturers to deliver more homes for Western Australians.

The funding will support the adoption of modern methods of construction while assisting the building and construction industry to build homes faster and more efficiently.