CBH Group complete first network storage project for 2019/20 harvest

The CBH Group has completed the first of the permanent storage expansion projects for this year’s harvest, with works at the Gairdner receival site today unveiled to growers and industry stakeholders.

Expansion works at Gairdner, located 150 kilometres north-east of Albany, included the construction of two open bulkheads that have a combined storage capacity of 46,800 tonnes.

It takes the total storage capacity at the site to over 293,000 tonnes.

Throughput enhancements installed at Gairdner include a conveyor loading system with two stackers positioned at the new open bulkheads, which will increase the rate that grain can be received from trucks.

In addition, an existing conveyor system at the site is currently being upgraded to receive grain at an increased 500 tonnes per hour.

The expansion is part of CBH’s ongoing investment into the network, with more than $150 million budgeted for capital works this year which will add over 800,000 tonnes of new permanent storage to the network and associated inloading and outloading equipment.

CBH General Manager Project Delivery Pieter Vermeulen said practical completion of the storage expansion at Gairdner was achieved at the end of July 2019.

“We’re very pleased to be able to complete the expansion at Gairdner on schedule,” Mr Vermeulen said.

“The Project Delivery team is currently working closely with Operations to ensure a safe and smooth handover process that will pave the foundation for a good start to this year’s harvest.”

CBH General Manager Operations Ben Macnamara said investment into the network will continue to evolve to meet the requirements of growers.

“With the new storage and increased throughput capacity at Gairdner, we will be able to offer growers improved services and the option to offer additional segregations. This is especially important in this region which continues to see steady growth in grain production every year.”

“By continuing to invest into the network, the co-operative can keep its network fees competitive, increase throughput capacity and efficiency, and meet export demand at the right time to capture value for our growers’ grain.”

Perth-headquartered WCP Civil was the lead contractor at Gairdner.