ABOUT US



Australian Panels is Australia’s leading manufacturer of board products for all joinery and structural flooring applications. Manufactured products include a range of raw and decorative products, from shelving, components, doors, flooring and prefinished panels.

The business has grown over the years on the back of significant capital investments in automated technologies and a commitment to product innovation and development. This commitment has seen the company rise to the top as best demonstrated by the world class technologies in place in its major manufacturing facilities.

Australian Panels manufactures medium density fibreboard (MDF) in the Oberon MDF facility. The current range of CUSTOMwood MDF products include standard MDF, Moisture Resistant MDF and E0 MDF. The Oberon facility also manufactures ULTRAprime MDF Mouldings and now produces STRUCTAflor flooring with the acquisition of Carter Holt Harvey’s STRUCTAflor facilities.

Alongside the MDF line, Australia’s newest $110m continuous particleboard line was installed in Oberon in 2018 to enhance manufacturing capabilities to support the supply chain. Australian Panels acquisitioned Carter Holt Harvey’s Mount Gambier facilities and the COLOURpyne brand, now manufacturing particleboard in two locations. In 2019, Australian Panels upgraded the Oberon MDF forming and press line including the ContiRoll by Siempelkamp, improving capacity and quality. The inclusion of a new Wemhöner press further strengthens manufacturing capabilities as of November 2020.





Australian Panels is committed to an environmentally sound footprint. Sustainability ensures the company utilises timber from Responsible Wood and PEFC certified forests backed by Chain of Custody and Green Tag Level Certifications. In addition, the company deploys sustainable practices like water recycling and full product life cycle waste minimisation programs to ensure the company can stand behind its sustainability claims. Significantly, Australian Panels have been investing in solar power since 2018. Over the last 2 years the company has installed over 53,000 solar panels across its network of factories, thereby becoming more energy efficient and reducing carbon emissions.





MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

The values and ethics of a “hands on”, tenacious, entrepreneurial private Australian business are at the core of our organisation. Founded 30 years ago, Michael and John Borg remain the driving force within the business – their energy and enthusiasm are as important today as they were when they commenced operations in the humble family garage.

Australian Panels is making a difference in our sector. As a growing vertically integrated company we see significant value in innovation and new product development which, in turn, fuels the investment in automated technologies and efficient manufacturing processes. It is a formula that requires vision and long term commitment – the build is as important as the outcome.

The company will continue to strive to be the leading participant in the sector, providing all stakeholders with the confidence that they are part of a successful, growing Australian business enterprise.

Jim Snelson, CEO of Australian Panels
Jim Snelson, CEO


THE 6 CRITIAL PILLARS

Australian Panels' Growth Agenda is underpinned by a commitment to 6 critical pillars, namely:


Investment in Leading Edge Technologies & Optimised Manufacturing Practices

Continuous improvement of Business Systems & Processes

Development of leading brands through market research, product innovation & development

Excellence in Customer Service

Workplace Safety & Protection of the Environment

Consistent & Contemporary Values, Ethics & Behaviours



HISTORY


  • 2020 - 2024
    Sep, 2022

    Aqcuisition of easyCRAFT.

    Jul, 2022

    Production of first MDF board from the new Thin Board Line in Oberon.

    Mar, 2022

    Commissioning of the second Wemhöner line in Oberon.

    May, 2021

    Started Group Energy.

    Mar, 2021

    Commissioning of first Wemhöner line in Oberon.

    Dec, 2020

    Borg Manufacturing rebranded to Australian Panels.

    Sep, 2020

    Officially Australian-Made certified on all board products.

    Sep, 2020

    Started Space Urban.

    Jul, 2020

    Acquisition of Bettergrow.

    Started Greenspot.

    Feb, 2020

    Acquisition of Direct Pallets.

    Started reDirect Recycling.

  • 2010 - 2019
    Sep, 2019

    Australian Panel Products became EPA approved to recycling engineered timber products.

    Mar, 2019

    Acquisition Carter Holt Harvey Tumut facilities and the COLOURpyne brand.

    Dec, 2018

    Commissioning of Australia’s newest particle board line at the Oberon facility. With the most advanced machinery and technology the Oberon particle board line is the youngest and most efficient in the Southern Hemisphere.

    Jan, 2018

    Acquisition of Carter Holt Harvey Mount Gambier particleboard facility, and Carter Holt Harvey Structaflor plant in Oberon.

    Sep, 2017

    Australian Panel Products replaced an old multi-opening line with an MDF forming and press line including ContiRoll by Siempelkamp, improving capacity and quality. 

    Apr, 2017

    Expansion of melamine decorating plant and addition of 2nd benchtop line at Somersby.

    Apr, 2016

    Expansion of melamine decorating plant and addition of 6th & 7th pressing lines as well as automated Packstore at Somersby.

    Apr, 2015

    Acquisition of Form-Tek and introduction of an acrylic laminating line.

    Apr, 2013

    Introduction of new operating system - AX.

    Apr, 2012

    The acquisition of Parbury brand.

    Mar, 2010

    Acquires the Oberon MDF facility from Carter Holt Harvey. Borg Panels now manufacture medium density fibreboard (MDF) and employ an additional 150 people.

  • 2000 - 2009
    Oct, 2009

    Further expansion of the melamine decorating plant in Somersby, NSW, with the addition of a 5th low pressure melamine production line.

    Apr, 2009

    Addition of a laminate postforming and benchtop manufacturing plant in Somersby.

    Jan, 2009

    Further expansion of the melamine decorating plant in Somersby, with the addition of a 4th low pressure melamine production line.

    Apr, 2008

    Integration of component manufacturing into Somersby.

    Jan, 2008

    Addition of a paint line at Somersby, which manufactures Createc, an ultra high gloss, UV cured melamine product.

    Jan, 2006

    Further expansion of the melamine decorating plant in Somersby, with the addition of a 3rd low pressure melamine production line.

    Jul, 2004

    Addition of an aluminium frame door plant at Charmhaven, NSW, which produces aluminium framed doors with glass inserts.

    addition of a melamine profiling plant at Charmhaven, to produce melamine edged and profiled doors.

    Mar, 2003

    Further expansion of the melamine decorating plant in Somersby, with the addition of a second low pressure melamine production line.

    Jul, 2000

    Commissioned first melamine decorating press in Somersby.

  • 1990 - 1999
    Jul, 1991

    Commenced manufacturing of thermolaminated vinyl doors in Charmhaven.