Supplier Sept-Oct 2013

SEPT/OCT 2013

AVAILABLE NOW

HÄFELE CONSUMABLES AND TOOLS BROUGHT TO YOU BY HÄFELE

All the basics are covered from work wear, power tools, hand tools, packaging and adhesives to the innovative HOSPA multi-purpose screw and AIRCO staples and brads in the fasteners range.

Add these to our existing stable of known brands and we have a complete offer which is available to view in our Consumables and Tools catalogue available now.

For more information on the Consumables and Tools range from Häfele, contact your nearest sales office or visit www.hafele.com.au info@hafele.com.au

www.hafele.com.au

1300 659 728

Solutions to excellence.

>> 2 Year Warranty! >> Second Glue Pot! >> Glue Pot Exchange Centre!

THE AKRON 400 EDGEBANDING RANGE

Akron 400 is a highly versatile range of edgebanders suitable for many applications.

Innovative technological solutions, solid operating units and heavy duty construction are combined to ensure a high quality finish and great reliability under a wide range of working conditions. The entire range of edgebanders from Biesse now come with a 2 year warranty and a complimentary second glue pot. Biesse Australia also has a dedicated glue pot service centre and exchange system to ensure you get the fastest service and keep your edgebander running at its optimum performance level.

Biesse Group Australia Pty Ltd Head Office: 3 Widemere Road, Wetherill Park NSW 2164 info@biesseaustralia.com.au - www.biesse.com.au

CALL 1300 BIESSE We have a Biesse Showroom near you!

Contents MEET THE TEAM

Contents

SEPT/OCT 2013 vol. 29 no.5

Vicky Cammiade Publisher

☞News

05 Weinig celebrates 35,000th moulder off Montage1 assembly line 08 Industry icon retires 12 Australian made matters more Jennifer Curtis Group Managing Editor

☞Design & Trends

18 Versatile drawer range for maximum comfort 19 Plug and play for LED lights 20 Everything you need Ashley Cooper Group National Sales & Marketing Manager

☞Manufacturing 38 Time is money

41 A kiss for the environment

☞Features Sean O’Sullivan Advisory Panel Member

16 Australian Furniture of the Year Awards 24 CMDA Association news update 26 Profile: Bringing you the future, today 28 Software 30 Windows and Doors

Phil Ashley Advisory Panel Member

☞Front Cover Nover & Co Pty Ltd

www.nover.com.au

The only specialist business publication servicing the Furniture, Kitchen, Shop/ Office Fittings, Cabinetmaking, Joinery and the related timber and panel product industries in Australasia for over 26 years!

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Member of the International Woodworking and Furniture Supplier Magazine Association

News Specialist timber units at UTAS extended nationally

Weinig celebrates 35,000th moulder off the Montage 1 assembly line WHEN Weinig commenced line assembly in 1970, it was a first in the sector and drew much attention.

The Powermat 1200 that rolled off the assembly line to mark the 35,000 milestone is equipped with the patented PowerLock tool system and is the epitome of modern production technology with low set-up times and perfect results in surface quality. The Powermat 1200 also features state-of-the-art control technology and can be integrated seamlessly into highperformance industrial production lines.

The customer who received the milestone machine perfectly complements the history of the assembly line, said the Weinig CEO. Traditional company Sörnsen Holzleisten GmbH, based in northern Germany, is a longstanding Weinig customer that has fully embraced

the company's technological advances from the outset.

Sörnsen now runs its entire, highly efficient and economic production process using Weinig systems technology. This comprises a number of moulders as well as the tool, tool grinding system, measuring system and automation – all from a single source, all from Weinig.

The celebration of the 35,000th moulder was also an opportunity for the board to thank the employees whose commitment has made possible the success of the Montage 1 assembly line.

Some 700 employees and guest of honor Georg Sörnsen looked on as the milestone machine was presented to the celebrating crowd on a forklift to rapturous applause. ●

THE University of Tasmania’s Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood (CSAW) is now offering specialist units in Timber in Building and Design to students from universities around Australia.

The units are fully flexibly-delivered online and available through crossinstitutional enrolment.

“Students are increasingly interested in using timber in building and other areas of design,” said CSAW Director Associate Professor Gregory Nolan.

“Until now, they had limited opportunities to specialise and learn more about the benefits of timber and wood in the built environment, but our specialist Timber in Building and Design units now provide that opportunity.

“Through flexible delivery and crossinstitutional enrolment, they can enrol in the UTAS units as electives and gain credit for them within their current course.

“Because they are online units, they are available to students all over Australia and they will also interest students from very different backgrounds, such as architecture, engineering, forestry and teaching.” ●

WorkCover turns focus on manual handling safety in local wood industry WORKCOVER NSW is urging workers in one of the state’s highest risk industries to make safe manual handling a priority after more than 700 injuries over three years.

The wood products manufacturing industry includes businesses involved in the manufacture of wooden doors and windows, roof trusses and wall frames, kitchen cabinets and joineries. The industry has been identified by WorkCover as one of the state’s highest risk industries after 1,965 workers compensation claims in the three years to 2010 at a cost of $19.5 million to the NSW workers compensation scheme.

WorkCover has identified manual tasks in the workshop as one of the top safety issues businesses need to address after it accounted for more than a third of all injuries.

General Manager of WorkCover’s Work Health and Safety Division, John Watson said WorkCover was working with local businesses to make their workplaces more productive, healthy and safe.

“The manufacture of wooden doors and windows, roof trusses and wall frames, kitchen cabinets and joineries involves a lot of manual handling, increasing the likelihood of workers getting injured,” Mr Watson said. www.suppliermagazine.com.au

“A number of manual handling risks have been identified in these workplaces, including poorly designed delivery and despatch areas, working at the wrong height while manufacturing and assembling products, and manually moving timber and products through the workshop.

“Despite these risks, we believe manual handling injuries are preventable and businesses can do more to create safer workplaces.

“To help local businesses, we have developed a Wood Safety CD which features practical tools and tips to avoid injuries.

“Every worker should return home safely and WorkCover Inspectors are working with wood manufacturing businesses to help them reduce workplace injuries and illnesses and improve injury management.”

For a limited time a rebate of up to $1,000 is also available to all small businesses in the wood products manufacturing industry who implement a safety solution to improve work health and safety, return to work or injury management such as a hydraulic pallet truck forklift lifter, scissor lift air tables or adjustable work-benches.

A Safety Kit for the wood industry is available at www. workcover.nsw.gov.au as well as further information on small business rebates. ● SupplierSept/Oct 2013 | 5

News Industry icon retires AFTER 29 years supplying leading edge CAD/ CAM solutions to the joinery industry, Theo Poulos, Managing Director of Pytha Pty Ltd, has announced his retirement at the age of 66.

“I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and pursuing my other interests,” said Theo. “During my career, I have seen many changes since I first started supplying automation technology to the joinery industry in 1984. I am proud of the contribution I have made to the industry and am pleased to have been able to build strong and loyal working relationships with clients and suppliers as well as making some good friends along the way.”

Theo started distributing software in 1984, forming the company now known as Planit. In 1997 Theo became interested in commercial joinery and the challenges it brought and as a result he formed Pytha Pty Ltd and took on the distributorship for Pytha 3D CAD in 1997 and 3D Analyzer in 2000.

“Over the past 16 years, I have grown Pytha Pty Ltd into a successful operation distributing a range of quality software solutions as well as supporting services such as technical assistance, setout, training and customisation.

The business has grown to a team of nine employees with

a range of expertise from qualified cabinet makers to programming expert,” he said.

With Theo’s retirement, the team is committed to continuing in Theo’s footsteps and serving the automation needs of the joinery industry through a new company, Integrated Joinery Solutions Pty Ltd, which will continue to provide all of the services available through Pytha Pty Ltd including: • technical support for PYTHA 3D CAD, 3D Analyzer, Enroute/Ezynest and HOPS; • setout services for workoverflow and staff shortages; • training, library building and customisations for the above products.●

Crack down on non-compliant steel storage materials

• • • • • •

Training specifically designed for the home improvement and building industry Australia wide, accredited training Certificate IV in Small Business Management Certificate IV in Design of Kitchens, Bathrooms and Interior Spaces Professional Development short courses (CPD points) Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

8 | SupplierSept/Oct DT-QuarterPg-Ad-0313.indd 1

Enquiries 1300 850 725

info@designertraining.edu.au www.designertraining.edu.au

2013

THE Australian Steel Storage Manufacturers Group (the Group) has issued a warning to the Australian industry that they could face legal action or exposure to health and safety risks by purchasing imported steel storage products that fail to observe Australia’s established design and manufacturing standards.

An initiative of the Australian Steel Institute (the ASI), the group was formed in 2010 by leading manufacturers Dexion, Dematic, Macrack, Commando and APC through concern that Australia’s move towards a global market in steel supply was leading to an unacceptable degree of non-compliant, uncertified and untested steel storage products.

21/03/13 5:00 PM

The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS) places significant shared responsibility on all stakeholders in operating in construction steelwork, specifically naming managers, designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers and installers.

The Act and its linkage to compliance of steel storage products have been firmly established through a “Questions answered” document prepared by the ASI in collaboration with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland. The document, which is freely downloadable from the ASI website at http://steel.org. au/key-issues/compliance/ whs- 2011/, also provides further resources on the compliance initiatives undertaken by the ASI. ●

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

KITCHEN DESIGN SOFTWARE Master Agents ↓

DESIGN COSTING PRODUCTION CNC NESTING

Tony Adwan NSW SA VIC TAS 0417-453-735

Karl May QLD NT WA 0414-869-736

YOUR CHOICE.

YOU KNOW WHAT WE DO AND… WE DO IT BETTER.

Call today and start making progress.

BUY RIGHT… JOB DONE!

e: sales@dkitchen.com w: www.dkitchen.com

d KITCHEN LEADING YOU TO HIGHER PROFITS

dkitchen  SOFTWARE

News TopSolid’Wood enters the Australian and NZ market IN an exciting move for the local joinery industry, Integrated Joinery Solutions Pty Ltd has been appointed the exclusive distributor for TopSolid’Wood in Australia and New Zealand.

Integrated Joinery Solutions is the new company formed by the team at Pytha Pty Ltd following Theo Poulos’ retirement.

“TopSolid’Wood is an innovative and integrated CAD/CAM solution with a ‘Design to Build’ philosophy,” said Anne Charlton, Marketing Manager for Integrated Joinery Solutions.

“It has been developed specifically for the joinery industry and is an established

market leader throughout the joinery industry in Europe. With the one solution able to cater for all joinery from kitchens through to shopfitting, it is perfect for companies currently working across different markets or who are looking to move into new markets.

“We understand that the joinery industry is under increasing pressure from low cost manufacturing economies and reduced lead times and we believe that TopSolid’Wood is the solution to support the industry in best practice processes to remain competitive and profitable in the new market conditions.”

Top Solid’Wood is a dedicated joinery software solution. It has a

comprehensive range of specialised joinery functions and allows for many different construction methods. It is a fully integrated design and production solution that will provide all joinery manufacturers with increased efficiency and productivity.

“With over 50 years combined industry experience the team at Integrated Joinery Solutions are very excited to be able to bring this leading global CAD/CAM solution to Australia & New Zealand. We look forward to showing the industry how TopSolid’Wood can positively impact their processes and productivity,” said Anne. ●

Australian Made calls on businesses to buy Australian THE Australian Made Campaign is calling on businesses to revisit their procurement policies after research revealed just 20% of Australian companies have a firm policy of buying Australian-made goods wherever possible.

The Roy Morgan research also showed that 34% of companies had neither a policy nor a preference for buying Australian-made goods.

“It is worrying to discover that the portion of companies with ‘buy local’ policies in place is so low,” Australian Made Chief Executive, Ian Harrison

said.

“Perhaps even more concerning is the percentage of businesses with no apparent inclination to reinvest back into the local business community they operate in.”

“At a time when it is clear that consumers, even Government, are placing more importance on buying Australian-made, it is disappointing that businesses are not leading the way,” Mr Harrison said.

The top three reasons given by businesses for not having a clear policy or preference were Price (21%), Lack of

availability (20%) and Value (14%).

Mr Harrison said the misconception that Australian products are always more expensive needs to be revisited and put into a broader context than just price.

“We recognise the pressure that many Aussie businesses are under in the marketplace from cheap imports and the need therefore to keep the ‘cost of doing business’ down, but we urge them to consider local sourcing wherever possible,” Mr Harrison said.

“Products made and grown in Australia to our high quality, health and safety standards offer genuine value.” ●

FMC China wraps up FMC China 2013 successfully concluded on 14 September, 2013 in Shanghai with 790 exhibitors from over 43 countries and regions as well as 33,834 trade buyers.

The Top 20 best represented countries/regions for international visitors were Malaysia, the United States, Taiwan, Korea, India, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, Japan, Russia, Mexico, Singapore, Brazil, Germany, Vietnam, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Canada and Spain.

Seven groups and associations shared their new technologies and products onsite including the States of North Carolina Pavilion, the American Hardwood Export Council, the Swedish Trade and Investment Council, the French Timber Industry Association, the Taiwan Woodworking Machinery Association (TWMA), the Yuhang Home Textile Pavilion, and the Asian International Furniture Material Trading Centre (AIFM).

The organiser held 40 professional conferences and showcases and invited more than 60 authorities in the 10 | SupplierSept/Oct 2013

furniture industry to speak onsite. Some of the conferences were the 2013 China Furniture Manufacturing Conference and the First Leading Brand Collection, Shanghai Timber Association Conference, The Application of Powder Coating in Furniture Artificial Board Area, 2nd Coordinated Innovation Forum on Furniture Manufacturing, Inspired by Change: the Mobility of Office Furniture Trend, How to Connect Product to the Present Trends and Green Furniture Coating Development Forum, which delivered the latest industry information to exhibitors and visitors.

In FMC China 2014 the organiser will launch new exhibit areas such as woodworking machinery and tools area, CNC machinery area, upholstered furniture machinery area, office furniture accessories and components area, international adhesives area, furniture coating area, furniture hardware and fittings area, wood and surface décor area, and furniture fabric and upholstery components area. ● www.suppliermagazine.com.au

16 INDUSTRY LEADERS SPEAK ON Go to www.youtube.com now and search empower time tracking software Greenmount Manufacturing “Substantial increases LQ IDFWRU\ SURGXFWLYLW\´ PLOOLRQ DQQXDO WXUQRYHU VWDII LQ FRPPHUFLDO ÂżW RXWV NLWFKHQV DQG FDPSHU YDQ ÂżW RXWV Âą XVLQJ (PSRZHU IRU PRQWKV $XFNODQG

Modulink Joinery “$6 million annual turnover, 30 staff, in KRWHO ÂżW RXWV NLWFKHQV DQG RIÂżFH IXUQLWXUH Âą EXVLQHVV DQG turnover has grown ten fold in 6 years and Empower has FRQWUROOHG WKDW JURZWK DQG SURÂżWDELOLW\ RYHU WKH \HDUV´ &KULVWFKXUFK

Comace Interior Fit Outs “We have achieved well in H[FHVV RI LQFUHDVH LQ IDFWRU\ SURGXFWLYLW\´ Âą VWDII EXVLQHVV XVLQJ (PSRZHU IRU \HDUV $GHODLGH

Barrett Joinery “30% increase in Factory Productivity�

IDFWRU\ VWDII XVLQJ (PSRZHU IRU \HDUV 7LPDUX

Rose and Heather Furniture “100% increase in factory and staff productivity using Empower Softwareâ€? Âą IDFWRU\ VWDII DQG XVLQJ (PSRZHU IRU \HDUV $XFNODQG

Phoenix Aluminium Windows “160% + increase in factory SURGXFWLYLW\ IDFWRU\ VWDII GRZQ WR VWDII DQG RXWSXW increased� - $13 million annual turnover, one of New Zealand’s most productive and progressive aluminium ZLQGRZ 0DQXIDFWXUHUV $XFNODQG

Central Joinery “Our goal is for Empower to increase RXU IDFWRU\ SURGXFWLYLW\ E\ ´ Âą PLOOLRQ DQQXDO WXUQRYHU VWDII XVLQJ (PSRZHU IRU \HDUV $XFNODQG

Vogue Kitchens Âł6LJQLÂżFDQW LQFUHDVHV LQ IDFWRU\

RH Page Shop Fitters International Shop Fitter seriously committed to lean manufacturing and Empower Software – 30 factory staff using Empower IRU \HDUV $XFNODQG

Peppertree Furniture 1 ³ LQFUHDVH LQ IDFWRU\ SURGXFWLYLW\ XVLQJ (PSRZHU IRU ZHHNV´ ¹ IDFWRU\ VWDII $GHODLGH

Peppertree Furniture 2 ³ LQFUHDVH LQ IDFWRU\ SURGXFWLYLW\ ¤ XVLQJ (PSRZHU IRU PRQWKV´ ¹ IDFWRU\ VWDII $GHODLGH

Montage Kitchens “17% increase in factory SURGXFWLYLW\ LQ \HDU ´ Âą PDQ NLWFKHQ VKRS XVLQJ (PSRZHU IRU \HDUV +DPLOWRQ

productivity ZLWKLQ ZHHNV RI (PSRZHU 6RIWZDUH LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ´ ¹ IDFWRU\ VWDII 1HZ 3O\PRXWK

Total Timba ³ IDFWRU\ SURGXFWLYLW\ LQFUHDVH DQG (PSRZHU 6RIWZDUH ZRUNHG IURP GD\ ´ IDFWRU\ VWDII XVLQJ (PSRZHU IRU \HDUV $XFNODQG

PJT Cabinets “We used to use time sheets that our staff ÂżOOHG LQ WKHLU WLPHV RQ MREV DW GD\ HQG (PSRZHU SURYHG WKH time manual sheet times were highly inaccurate. We have PDGH VLJQLÂżFDQW SURGXFWLYLW\ JDLQV LQ WKH IDFWRU\ DQG RIÂżFH on Empower and I highly recommend itâ€?

MARS Heavy Road Transport “Empower turned our factory productivity on its ear increasing it by an absolute PLQLPXP DQG WXUQHG P\ EXVLQHVV DURXQG´ PDQ HQJLQHHULQJ VKRS XVLQJ (PSRZHU IRU \HDUV 5LYHUODQG 6$

Home Plus Southland “160% increase in factory SURGXFWLYLW\ IDFWRU\ VWDII UHGXFHG GRZQ WR VWDII LQ \HDU Âą VDPH RXWSXW 7KHQ IDFWRU\ VWDII GRLQJ WZLFH WKH WXUQRYHU DQG ZRUN ORDG WKDW WKH VWDII KDG EHHQ FRPSOHWLQJ SUHYLRXVO\´ XVLQJ (PSRZHU IRU \HDUV ,QYHUFDUJLOO

16 Industry Leading Kitchen, Cabinet, Shop Fitting, Furniture, Window and Joinery Manufacturers throughout Australia and New Zealand talk about their productivity increases, KPIs, factory secrets and use of Empower Software – live on YouTube NOW. All are short videos a few PLQXWHV HDFK )DFWRU\ SURGXFWLYLW\ LQFUHDVHV SUR¿OHG RQ YouTube range from 17% to 160% - the average increase in factory productivity across 46 manufacturing clients using Empower Software is 47%.

Go to www.youtube.com now and search empower time tracking software.

Diary note to view YouTube again in 3 months time: an additional 16 leading manufacturers who use Empower Software will be on YouTube.

Empower Manufacturing Software Modules ‡ 7LPH 7UDFNLQJ /DERXU 0DQDJHPHQW 6RIWZDUH XVLQJ QG KDQG 3&V RQ WKH IDFWRU\ ÀRRU

‡ -RE 6FKHGXOLQJ 6RIWZDUH ‡ 4XRWLQJ 0DWHULDOV -RE 0DQDJHPHQW 6RIWZDUH Phone, e mail or go to our web site - and we will send you a FREE information package including a proposal to implement Empower Software in your business - manufacturing@xtra.co.nz or www.empowersoftware.biz

$XFNODQG 2IILFH 0DQDJLQJ 'LUHFWRU 6HDQ 2 6XOOLYDQ PE

News Anomaly launched AXOLOTL, in collaboration with Evostyle, is excited to announce the launch of Anomaly.

Anomaly is designed from concept to execution as a brand representing innovative Australian design in furniture, homewares and lighting conceived by some of the best contemporary Australian designers.

Anomaly really is what its name suggests – a deviation from the norm

– with its cutting edge manufacturing techniques a first for Australia and overseas.

Axolotl's skills and proven innovation in concrete, metal and glass, together with Evostyle's knowledge and expertise in fine furniture and product manufacturing, open up exciting new opportunities for designers to explore innovative manufacturing techniques and a broad palette of new materials and finishes.

Axolotl managing director, Kris Torma, said: "Anomaly represents an exciting development in Australian furniture and product design.

“Thanks to the close collaboration with Australia's top designers, inspired by a palette of new technologies, our aim is to create uniquely designed products, which express style and functionality, but also have a strong focus on utilising sustainable resources.

"Anomaly is committed to creating high quality, exclusive products for the hospitality, commercial and residential markets and to offer a new vision in furniture that will captivate audiences and complement the very best living and working environments."

“The ten, handpicked designers that will be designing for the Anomaly brand have all been inspired by the opportunity to utilise Anomaly's unique construction expertise and processes.”

Anomaly will launch at a pop up Studio in October. ●

Australian-made matters more NEW research reveals consumers care about buying local.

New research from Roy Morgan, commissioned by the Australian Made Campaign has revealed buying Australian made products has become more important to Australian consumers.

According to the findings, buying Australian-made matters more to us now than it did a year ago, and we regularly buy local, even if it comes at a cost.

• More than half of the respondents surveyed (55%) said that buying Australian-made had become more important to them in the last 12 months.

• Just one tenth of the respondents (12%) said that they would not buy Australian products if they were more expensive.

Australian Made Campaign Chief Executive, Ian Harrison, said that the results were encouraging.

“The research confirms that people are becoming more conscientious about buying local. They are aware of the benefits of buying Aussie products, and of the impact that their purchasing behaviour has on jobs, local business and future opportunities,” Mr Harrison said.

Australia’s unemployment rate rose from 5.3% in July 2012 to 5.7% in July 2013 and it is projected to rise further.

“Concern is mounting over job prospects in this country, but research like this indicates a proactive effort by consumers to turn things around,” Mr Harrison said. ●

Timber furniture manufacturer extends green credentials to the roof AN Australian made and owned timber furniture manufacturer has extended its green credentials to the roof with 75 solar panels powering its Bayswater-based factory.

Brooke Winter, general manager of Flamingo Furniture said the company had manufactured timber furniture sourced from sustainable Australian forests for three generations, so it was a natural progression to install a solar system.

“Installing the solar system to our roof space to power our factory and offices was in keeping with what we do,” she said.

“We are an environmentallyconscience business that only uses sustainable timbers. Our products are natural: made of Australian plantation timber that is produced sustainably, and so is our power source, which is generated from the Australian sun,” she said.

Ms. Winter said as one of only seven manufacturers of timber bedroom furniture

remaining in Australia that sustainable principles were important drivers for their business.

“Sustainability gives our business a competitive advantage," she continued.

“Switching our power to a renewable energy source, such as solar, was not just synergistic with our green principles but is something that the Australian market will eventually demand.”

Ms. Winter said while sustainable business practices were the impetus for Flamingo Furniture’s solar installation they also knew solar power would save the

company money in the long-term.

She reported that the company was already reaping financial benefits in a time when the price of energy was rising in Australia. “Historically our electricity bills were going up each year until we installed solar power,” she said.

Ms. Winter confirmed that the first summer quarter’s electricity bill with solar power was under $60. And while there is less sun in the non-summer months, she reported satisfaction in opening subsequent electricity bills “as the amounts on our power bills had shifted down to three figures not four”.

“The projected reduction in power bills also helps control manufacturing costs, which are great incentives for manufacturers. If we were to sell or lease our factory to another business it would have to be worth more,” she added.

In keeping with this, Ms Winter said the directors of Flamingo Furniture were intending to install solar power in its other properties. ●

Successful move for AJP QUEENSLAND company Australian Joinery Products Pty Ltd has moved to new 1200m2 premises with an official opening attended by the Hon John-Paul Langbroek, Minister for Education, Training and Employment.

Australian Joinery Products Pty Ltd is a family owned and operated business, committed to quality products and customer satisfaction.

“Our quality tradesmen use advanced technologies so Australian Joinery Products can offer a wide range of customised and architecturally designed products in a wide range of materials and finishes,” explained general manager/director Scott Euler.

“Australian Joinery Products has been building quality products since 2002. We supply a wide range of products to large and small companies with satisfied customers including Lend Lease, Laing O’Rourke, John Holland QLD Pty Ltd, Warner Bros., Greyburn Building Contractors, Rays Industrial Constructions and The Superior Group of Companies.

“In combination with these companies we have produced various products for Myer, Telstra, Queensland Government, National Bank and Commonwealth Banks to name a few.”

The official opening saw over 100 people in attendance, including staff, clients and suppliers. Following the speeches, former Australian cricketer, Rodney Hogg entertained the crowd. ●

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

SupplierSept/Oct 2013 | 13

News

ACCC review of guidelines THE ACCC is currently reviewing the guidelines for furniture manufacturing.

In a message to the industry, the Australian Furniture Association said it supports the position of its members in relation to what it believes constitutes furnishing industry: country of origin guidelines to the Trade Practices Act (2007).

“We will support and promote that the manufacturing processes – upholstered furniture (lounges and dining chairs) claiming to be Australian made should have the inclusion of all four processes – making the frame, cutting, sewing and upholstering – as essential to an Australian made claim,” said CEO Patrizia Torelli.

“Whilst we recognise that some materials and components may not be sourced from locally made suppliers (i.e. not made in Australia) we believe that the cutting of frames, assembly and polish of frames, cutting and sewing of the covers and the upholstering process are “considered to be the principal elements of substantial transformation for this category” and therefore should all be included in any reference to Australian Made.” ●

Amorini breaks new ground AMORINI is a small South Australian business that has broken new ground within the kitchen industry.

“Our aim is to remove the middle men who make the end price to the user excessive, and reduce the margin gains for those who make the effort,” explained Craig Wilson, Operations Manager for Amorini.

“Amorini establishes trade partnerships with retailers and small cabinet makers across Australia, supporting them and assisting them to be the best they can be using the Amorini system of design, order and supply.”

Amorini trade partners are set up with an electronic CAD design package allowing the user to design, cost and visualise the kitchen products on screen.

Once the deposit has been placed

the order is then emailed directly to the operating system at Amorini in South Australia. This file is then translated and the packing list and bar code labels produced for every part on the order. As the goods are held in stock the lead time is seven working days for dispatch of goods.

The bar coding ensures that Amorini dispatches 100% on time, every time.●

3d Kitchen promo winner Kos Cabinets Pty Ltd of Heidelberg West in Victoria was named the winner of the 3d Kitchen software promotion for July/August.

Socceroo captain to steer fitout conference Former Socceroo captain, Paul Wade’s extraordinary life story will form the keynote presentation at the Australian Shop and Office Fitting Industry Associations (ASOFIA) Conference on Hamilton Island, 25-28 October 2013.

He captained the Socceroos 84 times whilst living with epilepsy, had life changing brain surgery and dedicated his life to educating people about the illness.

Themed Opportunity Through Adversity, Paul Wade will kick off the conference with valuable insights into how to deal with challenging times, in life and business.

The ASOFIA conference will see members come together for three days of learning, sharing and celebrating 14 | SupplierSept/Oct 2013

Paul Wade

excellence in the shop and office fitout industry.

Gerard Ryan, CEO of ASOFIA, said this conference is an important avenue for busy business people working in the fitout industry to take the time to step back and gain fresh insights.

“Our conference theme this year 'Opportunity Through Adversity' will focus on providing ways for us all to look differently at our current environment to bring about opportunity through a change of approach, mindset and practice,” he said.

“We’ve chosen the destination to help us shape new ideas, open minded thinking and feel refreshed for the year ahead. Our keynote speakers are not to be missed,” said Mr Ryan.

The gala dinner, held during the Conference, will include presentations to the winners of the highly coveted 2012/2013 The Laminex Group/ ASOFIA Interior Fitout Awards and the National Apprentice of the Year Awards. ● www.suppliermagazine.com.au

DWD XP DRAWER SYSTEM

The versatile comprehensive drawer range offers maximum comfort and individual design options– including the slides and add-on system.

DWD XP – The tried and tested drawer system

by GRASS offers outstanding quality, maximum design freedom and innovative functional solutions for modern furniture construction.

DWD XP means variety of the finest quality.

Various colour options, different materials, design features, as well as numerous high-quality add-on and organizing systems – all harmoniously coordinated – the ingredients for individuality and comfort.

Sychronized full-extension drawer slides in a very rugged design and with an extremely smooth action.

Optionally with Tipmatic Plus or Sensomatic –two innovative opening systems. And the Soft-close damping slows the closing action of the drawer and silently pulls it to the fully closed position.

The modest, linear DWD XP drawer sides are available in the heights 95 mm and 127 mm.

Grass Australia/New Zealand Pty. Ltd. Australia: Phone +61 3 9421 3048 Email :Info-australia@grass.eu

New Zealand: Phone + 64 9 273 7491 Email :Info-newzealand@grass.eu

www.grass.eu

Awards

The pinnacle of achievement The Australian Furniture of the Year Awards are the pinnacle of recognition for best practice in the furnishing industry.

They play a pivotal role in encouraging furniture industry leaders to strive to fulfil their potential, grow the sector for all Australians and celebrate what is truly great about Australian furniture.

The 2013 furniture industry gala event took place in Perth, WA in August, and featured the best the industry has to offer – the best in design, the best in manufacturing, the best in production and the best in retail.

President of the Australian Furniture Association, Joe Mimmo said: “I am proud to continue leading an organisation, which exists to promote the profitable growth, competitiveness, innovation and export readiness of all furnishing and allied industry members.

We are part of a strong industry, one which is estimated to employ over 16 | SupplierSept/Oct 2013

240,000 Australians.

“This is our industry’s annual celebration of the achievements of our members and our desire to continue to grow the industry, stimulate jobs and expand Australia’s capacity to export Australian made products globally.

“The Awards provide a platform from which we can inform consumers and governments about the real reasons to support Australian Made Furniture.

From this stage we can make them aware that we not only provide jobs and dollars to our community but more importantly make a significant impact to Australia’s lifestyle and culture.

“We can show them that while we have stemmed from small family businesses, as a collective we make an important contribution

to Australia’s manufacturing base and our voice is getting stronger.”

The winners • Best of the Best – Neo by King Furniture Described as a revolution in sofa design, the Neo is King Furniture’s latest offering in sleek design, innovation, luxury, and ultimate personal comfort. Imagine being able to share a sofa with your family and friends, with each person being able to adjust the backrest and arm cushions to their own level

of comfort. The TouchGlide controls offers just this, providing personalised comfort that is exclusive to King Furniture.

Neo is available in a range of premium fabrics and luxurious leathers. and has been engineered for both comfort and longevity.

Seat cushions feature feather From top: Best of the Best – Neo by King Furniture The Twins by Renowned Furniture Vendome by Obelli Design Studio

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

From top: Branching Out Desk by Jahroc Furniture; Art Deco Dining Table by Grain Timber Furniture; Alana by Accolade Furniture; Retailer of the Year – Make Your House A Home Right: The Ultimate DJ Booth won Excellence in Student Design for Sharbel Nemer

overlay, providing a deeply comfortable, luxury seating experience.

• Excellence in Furniture using Australian Native Timber – The Twins by Renowned Furniture • Excellence inManufacturing Design – The Unity by Quedos Billiard Tables • Excellence in Interior Design with Australian Made Furniture as the Hero Piece – Hollywood Nights

by International Cabinets • Excellence in Lounge Furniture using Fabric (under $2000) – Oslo Chair by Design Furniture • Excellence in Lounge Furniture using Fabric (over $2000) – Uno by King Furniture • Excellence in Lounge Furniture using Leather (over $3000) – Neo by King Furniture • Excellence in Lounge Furniture using Leather (under $3000) – Vendome

by Obelli Design Studio • Excellence in Sleep Set (Mattress & Base) – Comfort DNA by Comfort Sleep Bedding • Excellence in Bedroom Furniture – Alana by Accolade Furniture • Excellence in Dining Furniture (Table & Chair Setting) – Oakley Dining Range by Carjo Furniture • Excellence in Dining Furniture (Occasional Dining Pieces) – Art Deco www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Dining Table by Grain Timber Furniture • Excellence in Occasional/ Lifestyle Furniture – Compass Wine Bar by Newton’s Furniture/Clu Living • Excellence in Furniture using Timber Panels veneered/overlayed or painted – Free Standing – Knights in Burlish Armour

by International Cabinets • Excellence in Commercial Furniture – (Interior Fit-outs) – City Square by Atelier Furniture • Excellence in Commercial Furniture (Seating, Desks and Storage) – Branching Out Desk by Jahroc Furniture • Excellence in Student Design – The Ultimate DJ Booth by Sharbel Nemer • Excellence in Manufacturing/Marketing – Molmic Furniture • Retailer of the Year – Make Your House A Home •Supplier of the Year (Component) – Profile Fabrics

Special Commendations Excellence in Furniture using Timber Panels which are veneered/overlayed or painted (Built-in) – GDA Furniture and International Cabinets Supplier of the Year (Finished Product) – Newton’s Furniture and Slumbercare WA SupplierSept/Oct 2013 | 17

Design & Trends

Using the DWD XP drawer system, furniture designers can let their imaginations run wild.

Versatile drawer range for maximum comfort Different colour options, materials, design lines and shapes, supplemented by a wide range of top-quality add-on and organising systems – all harmoniously coordinated – are the ingredients for individuality, comfort and stylish living.

Using the DWD XP drawer system, furniture designers can let their imaginations run wild. The extraordinary running properties of the DWD XP guide and the elegant design of the double-walled DWD XP drawer system merge beautifully to create a total drawer system for the most challenging demands.

To comply with the large, calm surface required by modern furniture without obtrusive handles, the DWD XP offers two innovative opening systems: Tipmatic Plus and Sensomatic.

Tipmatic Plus is a mechanical opening system, with which large, handle-free front panels open simply with a tap. In contrast, Sensomatic is based on an electromechanical variant and unites the benefits of handle-free opening and the elegance of cushioned closing.

Also available is the holistic soft-close cushioning concept, with which drawers softly brake upon closing and gently retract the drawer.

The DWD XP program comprises various frame colours, materials

and designs – each with the perfect complementary attachment and divider systems. DWD XP is available with a 95-cm and a 127cm frame height.

GRASS has recently expanded this variety to include a top-class add-on system for glass – part of the DWD XP full-range drawer programme – which can be used in countless applications. In other words, wherever the elegant aesthetics of glass is a design requirement. ●

Bright ideas for beautiful kitchens The true secret to creating a show-stopping kitchen is finding exquisitely designed products that make the best available use of space.

Displaying all the hallmarks you can expect from Häfele, Clever Storage Solutions by Kesseböhmer offer a complete range of brilliantly organised kitchen storage that will be the envy of anyone yet to discover this outstanding functionality.

Let yourself be seduced by some of the world’s most innovative solutions.

Perfectly engineered for today’s modern kitchen, this is storage as it should be – simple, stylish and effective. From the elegant 18 | SupplierSept/Oct 2013

CONVOY, to the luxurious LeMans II, no space is wasted. Everything is in place. Everything is within reach.

The result of over 50 years of constant innovation, Clever Storage Solutions are easy to assemble and easy to adjust. Each design comes with non-slip surfaces, transparent shelving and an ultra smooth action that responds to the lightest touches.

Whether you’re renovating a home or simply planning your next project, Häfele has the answer.● www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Plug and play for LED lights

Light in furniture is an international trend and therefore also an important topic. From a global perspective, light in furniture also represents a challenge. This is because the progress of the global trend has been hampered by large numbers of national standards and regulations, different voltage and power plugs etc.

This makes it more difficult to achieve rational production of furniture with light beyond national borders.

Loox, the new LED light system from Häfele, provides furniture makers with problem-free certifications and connections to the entire world.

The heart of this system is the Loox driver, which has been developed

by Häfele. It provides furniture manufacturers with four main advantages: • Loox drivers can be used worldwide for power systems with AC voltage of 100 to 240 Volts, and are therefore suitable for furniture in different markets. Plugs are available for any country. The

motto is “Just plug it in”.

• The switching function that is integrated in the driver makes it possible to make a direct connection to all of the most frequently used switches such as push switches, sensor switches, dimmer switches and motion detectors. It couldn’t be easier.

• To go with the driver of the Loox system, Häfele has a wide range of LED lights in stock that can be combined in many different ways due to the standardised plug-in connection.

• The standardised plug-in connections make it child’s play to install the lights in furniture, and they can also be retrofitted by the installer or even by the furniture buyer himself.

Future-proof with Loox from Häfele Loox from Häfele provides reliability in production and is also extremely future-proof.

At present there are different LED technologies for the different application areas on the market. On the one hand, there are LED’s that are operated at a constant current of 350/700 mA, also known as Power LED’s. Because of their outstanding light yield, they are mainly used as spotlights. On the other hand there are voltage-controlled systems for 12 or 24 Volt LED lights.

Häfele supplies all three systems with a clear and unambiguous identification system. The drivers and lights for the respective LED systems are equipped with distinctive plugs and are colour and text coded. Mixups are therefore impossible.

Loox with Häfele engineering Years of comprehensive development work took place in order to achieve this standardisation of the LED systems and efficiently integrate them in the manufacture of mass-produced furniture. The clear and simple modular system provides structure and achieves planning reliability.

The Loox product range is guaranteed to be globally deployable by complying with high testing standards with appropriate certification. ●

Design & Trends

Everything you need Nover has been in the industry since 1954, with origins as a distributor of quality leading manufacturers and products, and has now also added an impressive range of its own Noverexclusive products to its vast product assortment.

These new Nover-exclusive products include Quartzstone premium quality 7mm stone; Alta Forma high pressure laminates in over 70 colours and textures; Corelight light weight wood composite panels; Prolight waterproof foam composite panels; Krome handles, drawers and wireware as well as Platinum European designed appliances and Indaux – the exclusively distributed complete hardware offer from Spain.

20 | SupplierSept/Oct 2013

Nover also continues to be a distributor for high quality brands like Abey, Akril, Cleaf, Farmers, Festool, Formica, Frost, Hideaway, Rehau, Repon and Tansel, amongst many more.

This means Nover can literally supply you with everything you need for all of your jobs, big or small, from the one supplier, saving the time and costs associated with purchasing from multiple suppliers.

The Nover product mix includes cabinet hardware, hinges, drawers, runners, panels, handles, edging, sinks, tapware, kitchen accessories, decorative products, shopfitting products, sliding/folding hardware, adhesives, coatings, abrasives,

fasteners/assembly aids, tools, doors and appliances.

In addition to its broad range, Nover is also keen to reward its customers via its Star Partner program – the only program of its kind in our industry, which rewards you simply for consolidating your purchases. The program has already seen over 200 eligible participants enjoying breaks to Fiji, Bali and New Zealand in recent years.

Nover has an extensive branch network that covers 14 areas in NSW, Queensland and Victoria as well as a reseller network covering SA, WA and Tasmania.

One of the largest family owned and operated businesses supplying the kitchen and joinery industry in Australia, Nover has the ability to be flexible – working to offer personalised solutions that suit your business needs. ●

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Let’s take this outside

Made from thermally-

modified American ash, Designer Ben Percy’s benches are perfect for chic outdoor living.

Ben Percy launched his pair of outdoor benches, named ASH, at Sydney InDesign in August. Created as part of a collaboration with The American Hardwood Export Council in its program to support young Australian designers, this was Percy’s first experience with thermallymodified timber.

The thermal modification process the America ash underwent uses a high temperature in a controlled environment to bring the timber almost to the point of combustion.

This permanently alters the wood’s chemical and physical properties and limits the ability of the wood to absorb moisture, allowing it to be used in exterior applications.

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

The modified timber is more dimensionally stable and less prone to cup, warp and twist with changes in humidity. The thermal modification process also removes the nutrients in wood that would otherwise provide a food source for insects and wood destroying fungi. This increase in dimensional stability and decay resistance also significantly extends the service life and reduces the maintenance schedule of the benches.

The tone of the ash is also altered through this process, creating a rich, distinctive and almost walnut hue, which runs through the full thickness of the timber.

“The profile of the ASH benches came from playing around with the shapes and curves that are used in my Flex chairs,” said Ben. “The subtle curves and angles in the benches reflect my interest in modern clean lines and organic design. The surface of the benches is completely covered in ripples, whilst the end grain has been highly polished.

Images courtesy Muller-Maher photography.

Thermally modified American ash donated by Britton Timbers.

“Texture is something I feel is missing in contemporary furniture and I wanted to experiment with this throughout the design. It was great to see reactions people had to the texture as they sat down and rubbed their hands across the benches at Sydney InDesign. In many cases it was the light refracting off of the ripples that brought people over to investigate it further. The polished end grain not only shows off the amazing end grain of thermally modified American ash but acts as a stark contrast to emphasise the texture along the benches.”

Roderick Wiles, Director for AHEC Oceania commented: “These benches created a real buzz at Sydney InDesign. Apart from being able to collaborate with a talented young Australian designer such as Ben, added satisfaction comes from offering Australians a quality, environmentally honest and genuinely sustainable alternative to imported tropical hardwood species”. ●

SupplierSept/Oct 2013 | 21

Design & Trends

Making the most of small space

A simple artistic solution for a small space; Sian Gillanders’ award-winning kitchen receives a National Kitchen and Bathroom Award; Before(below) : Kitchen Designer Sian Gillanders was tasked with renovating a small kitchen into something functional, attractive and artistic.

Cabinets swept the board at the 2013 Regional HIA Awards for WA in August 2013.

have seen Queenstown kitchen designer Sian Gillanders take home a national award for kitchen design.

22 | SupplierSept/Oct 2013

WA based International

Kitchens and Bathroom

A stunning display of colour and ingenious use of space

Gillanders’ kitchen, a renovation in her own Queenstown apartment, won the National Kitchen and Bathroom (NKBA) award for Best Use of Small Space, and received a ‘first runner up’ accolade for use of colour.

Ms Gillanders, principle designer of SG Design, said she was “delighted” with the results.

“The award for use of small space effectively recognises this kitchen as the best apartment kitchen in the country in 2013, which is fantastic,” she said.

“I knew it was a little bit out there, so I’m really pleased to get that recognition.”

The kitchen is a melding of furniture and art, function and style, providing both the utilitarian features of a kitchen as well as the ‘wow’ factor in the open plan living area of the apartment.

The challenge for Ms Gillanders was the obvious constraint on space.

“It needed to provide adequate and efficient storage, while still being user-friendly for regular entertaining,” she said.

“But at the same time I couldn’t intrude into the smaller open plan living space.”

WA company sweeps the board

Her solution was to create three ‘blocks’ of ‘furniture’ pieces, the first being perhaps the most ingenious. A combined pantry/cooking cupboard on legs conceal the cooking and storage area behind symmetrical doors that slide away into a cavity.

This was placed against the wall in the centre of the kitchen.

At the point where kitchen meets the living room Gillanders installed a custom-built table with plinths that conceal hydraulic ‘lift’ hardware, so the table can rise from a formal dining table to an informal benchtop and breakfast bar. Tucked underneath is a moveable crockery and cutlery storage unit.

Feature LED lighting, round push-in cabinet handles, white ‘disappearing’ taps, and matching paua graffiti bench tops offsetting the white palette all work to create a dynamic, clean space with a retro feel.

Ms Gillanders said the design features were inspired by colours and textures she saw at the 2012 Eurocucina-International Kitchen Furniture Exhibition in Milan, Italy. ●

The company won: • New Bathroom Project • Regional Bathroom Project of the Year • Most Innovative Use of Laminate • Kitchen Design of the Year • New or Renovated Laundry Project • New Bathroom Project of the Year • Outdoor Kitchen Project International Cabinets was also a finalist in another three categories: Renovated Kitchen $50,001 and Over; Kitchen in a Display Home $50,000 and Over and Excellence in Showroom Display. ●

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

PICK.. MOVE.. FEED..

boards or benchtops or doors or ..

Highly efficient and rugged vacuum pumps are used for the connection and the grip.

The down-shop Gantry installation

Feeding on and off a Biesse

Move Benchtops

<Light>design trackarm systems for ease of move TAWI systems are the original and still the market leaders.

A very wide range of standard systems are available to 270kg.

Special adapted feet and systems are developed in Melbourne.

An example for doors...........

Be confident using our highly experienced team!

>

Request an on-site trailer demonstration, showing an erecting column and track arm!

Supplier1011E

Head Office VIC - Tel: (03) 9457 8260 Fax: (03) 9457 7695

www.kockumsbulk.com.au

For direct specialist contact, call....

In NSW Vince on 0417 132 313 In QLD Karl on 0435 433 974 Southern states Bryce on 0417 350 526

Associations

CMDA update October 2013 It is great to see that, after a most difficult couple of years for the industry, orders have increased significantly and, in many cases, the problem of lack of work has now become that of too much work.

Just as important is the fact that we now have a government with a clear majority and, hopefully, the ongoing distraction from our political masters will be reduced and consumer confidence increase.

The past 18 months has also seen some significant restructuring at the association culminating in the transfer of all members of the long established Cabinet Makers Association to the Cabinet Makers and Designers Association (CMDA) over recent months.

Following a meeting of CMA members in July, CMA has now been deregistered as an incorporated association and will cease to exist.

Now that the transfer is complete, it is great to see that CMDA is now fully functional including the appointment of new board members and the establishment of an industry reference group, which will meet regularly to provide guidance and identify priorities for the association. This reference group met recently with the CMDA Board and made some critical recommendations/ decisions regarding CMDA’s priorities and commitment to the industry.

During the transition there has been a significant increase in workload for the CMDA staff and I am pleased to advise that it has been decided to appoint additional staff to support the administration functions of the association. These appointments will improve significantly the response time for membership enquiries and assist greatly in the provision of updated information to members and response to phone enquiries.

CMDA membership now includes designers and installers of cabinetry The importance of design to the industry cannot be underestimated and, accordingly, I am pleased to advise that a design category has been included in CMDA’s membership. A particular 24 | SupplierSept/Oct 2013

focus of the association’s promotion in coming months will be the inclusion of marketing materials and information on our website aimed at the importance of good design and the particular skills that CMDA members can provide.

The importance of this decision cannot be underestimated and was highlighted recently by a colleague, who advised that she was about to travel 15 km to see a kitchen designer. When advised that there were several businesses within three kilometres that were highly recognised for their design and manufacturing skills the response was “don’t they just make the cabinets?” A key objective of the CMDA board is to focus on addressing this misconception held by many members of the public.

CMDA awards bigger and better in 2014 CMDA will be conducting its annual awards program again in 2014 culminating with the presentation of awards at a soon-to-be announced prestigious Melbourne venue in May 2014.

The 2014 awards will include two significant changes to those of prior years with the addition of the CMDA Designer of the Year Award and the opportunity for non-member entries in the awards program.

Entry forms for the awards are available on the CMDA website www. cmda.org.au with entries closing for the 2014 awards on 4 April 2014.

The CMA/CMDA has been conducting this awards program for over 15 years and it is most pleasing to hear of the benefits gained by those businesses that have been finalists or winners. The judging is undertaken by an independent panel with no identification of the entrant being allowed. The addition of non-members in 2014 will broaden the competition and assures us of a very competitive program.

Recent HR/IR information CMDA is committed to providing members with the most current information regarding their obligations as employers as well as advice and support from association staff that have in excess of 60 years experience in the industry and employment matters.

Recently information has been provided on: • changes to the right to request flexible work arrangements; • payment of undertaken personal/ carers leave; • paid parental leave; • how conduct a workplace investigation… and how to avoid common mistakes; • what does a Coalition government mean for workplace relations plus of course; • the 2013 – 14 CMDA Guide to Terms and Conditions of Employment Emma Watt, the association’s industrial relations consultant, and Richard Brooks have worked together for over 15 years with the objective of providing practical advice to businesses involved in the furniture and allied industries. When you consult either Richard or Emma you can be assured that they understand your industry and are committed to providing practical advice. Richard, having run a timber, joinery and building company for over 25 years, also understands how important it is to receive understanding and guidance when faced with employment and OHS issues.

CMDA releases revised Domestic Building Contract and commercial documentation.

All members of CMDA will receive information during November regarding the recent review of CMDA’s Domestic Building Contract. This review includes a number of legislative changes and will also encompass a simpler contract 49 www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Solutions to excellence.

>> 12 Position Tool Changer! >> Boring head with 10 Vertical Spindles! >> Drilling and Milling in the same sequence! >> Various table sizes available!

THE SKILL G FT CNC MACHINING CENTRE

A flexible machine for the modern company; the Skill G FT RANGE is a technology solution designed for nesting applications which allows great flexibility for the processing of panel and solid wood elements. The solid gantry structure of the Skill G FT provides high speed execution and maximum precision of the finished product. The composition of the machine is adaptable to your needs and also allows for the addition of automatic loading and unloading systems or panel labelling.

Biesse Group Australia Pty Ltd Head Office: 3 Widemere Road, Wetherill Park NSW 2164 info@biesseaustralia.com.au - www.biesse.com.au

CALL 1300 BIESSE We have a Biesse Showroom near you!

Profile

Bringing you the future, today With a lifetime of experience in new and used machinery sales, maintenance and repair, Woodworking Machinery Services (WMS) is a key provider to the Australian cabinet making, aluminium, glass and solid timber production industries.

Woodworking Machinery Services was founded in 1992 by Frank Saraceni, who has a lifetime’s experience in the industry.

Based in Perth, Western Australia, Woodworking Machinery Services supplies cabinet-making and woodworking businesses across the nation, delivering everything from stand alone saws and edgebanders to fully-automated CNC workstations. The company delivers an unequaled range of machinery from manufacturers such as Masterwood, Paoloni, Schelling, Framar, ACM, Maggi and Holzher.

“We are proud to announce that we are now the sole distributors for Holzher edgebanders in Western Australia,” said Frank Saraceni.

“These German quality edgebanders, with their unique patented gluing system, are suitable for small to large production manufacturers. With very fast start-up and ultimate control of programs, these machines complement nesting operations enabling the highest production possible.”

WMS is also now distributing Hasemer lifting equipment. “Hasemer’s important features and engineering knowledge allows us to offer the best 26 | SupplierSept/Oct 2013

solutions,” explained Frank.

As part of their commitment to superior after care, Woodworking Machinery Services has the largest team of experienced technicians in Western Australia on hand to service or repair your machinery.

“Our excellent after-care service means you get the most out of your equipment, ensuring it stays running for longer,” explained Frank.

A company is only worth it's human resources and Woodworking Machinery Services is proud to rely on a team of motivated and highly qualified professionals.

“We have a strong team that places the client at the centre and stands united behind the products we offer and maintain for you,” said Frank. “This is a team that focuses on the client’s needs with a level of service that does not stop with the sale of the machine.

“Our team believes the partnership with our customers takes it's full dimension during the long life of your machine, from its first hour of service.

Customer service with international standards “At Woodworking Machinery Services, we know that machines are valuable only if they are supported by a highly qualified dealer,” said Frank.

“Our spare parts and service departments work closely to make sure that we offer the best availability of spare parts to ensure that you can guarantee your machine’s profitability.

“We continually invest in the training of our technical teams and equip them with state of the art diagnostic and maintenance tools.

Our teams can carry out maintenance and repairs at your site or in our workshop, on request, or as part of our service contracts.

“Our level of service will ensure that your machine operates with maximum efficiency. We are in constant contact with you so that you always have quick and reliable information, brand new machines, spare parts and any service you need.

“The entire team of Woodworking Machinery

Services is daily involved in meeting your needs and those of your machine.”

The range of machinery and manufacturers WMS deals with includes: • LGF – a leading firm in manufacturing machines for working aluminium profiles, light alloys and PVC; • Schelling beamsaws – Austrian made with more than 90 years experience; • CNC Machinery – reliable, production machines from Masterwood; • edgebanders made

by Tecnoma, Holzher and others from starter machines through to full production; • Lifting equipment including board lifting (vacuum), portable aluminium gantry cranes and materials handling equipment • postformers, presses, dust extractors, parts, a wide range of mortising machines, Italian made, panel saws, sanding machinery, solid timber planers, thicknessers, and a range of tooling for CNC machines.●

From back, left to right: Ronald Calupig, Ian Wilkenson, Malcolm Brewer, Victor Vives and Roy Deering; centre row: Debbie Slowther, Frank Saraceni and Rebecca Saraceni; front: Luca Saraceni and Gianni Saraceni; absent Alex Sadovoy. www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Bringing you the Future - Today!

Celebrating 21 Years Machinery Service, Sales & Repairs We offer maintenance and regular service options for all equipment and with the largest technical back ground in Western Australia, we service many well-known and not so well known brands.

Products Aluminium & PVC Machinery

LGF is a leading firm in manufacturing machines for working aluminium profiles, light alloys and PVC.

Miscellaneous

Postformers, presses, dust extractors, parts, etc...

Mortising

Wide range of Mortising machines, Italian made!

Beamsaws

SCHELLING beamsaw. Austrian made with more than 90 years experience! Models for cutting

Panel Saws

CNC Machinery

Sanding

When you want reliable, production machines go no further!

Wide range of Sanding Machinery.

Solid Timber

Edgebanders

From starter machines through to full production, we can help you!

Lifting

European reliability!

Lifting equipment for Cabinetmakers, Timber Industry, Glass Industry, Steel and Aluminuim Sheet Industries

Planners, thicknesses, foursiders, etc...

Tooling

Range of tooling for your CNC: HSK63 - ISO30 tool holders, spanners, collets,etc...

Used Machinery

We have a wide range of quality used equipment.

Lifting Equipment WMS is proud to announce that we are distributing Hasemer quality lifting equipment.

Contact Us Contact: Woodworking Machinery Services Address: U3/66 Kent Way, Malaga, WA, 6090, Australia Phone: (08) 9209 2348 Fax: (08) 9248 1446 Email: frank@wms1992.com.au

www.woodworkingmachinerywa.com.au

Software

A seamless system from design to CNC James Smaling of JS Kitchens recently completed the installation of a new Biesse Klever CNC machine.

James has been in the joinery business for many years and has a well established business and has a very down-to-earth approach to kitchen design and manufacture. Although he is familiar with modern computer aided kitchen design, it was a big step to make the move to CNC nesting.

His approach was to discuss the various machinery options and also

28 | SupplierSept/Oct 2013

the software needed to effectively drive the machine with a variety of providers around the country. He was looking for a seamless system offering design to CNC, which would provide a smooth and accurate result.

As far as machinery was concerned James' choice of the Biesse Klever was based on the track record of Biesse, the supplier, together with the fantastic features the machine has to offer – all without breaking the bank.

James comments: "This

machine is awesome. It is producing a perfect result and has been simple to learn and operate".

James' choice of software was the 3D Kitchen Pro Toolpath software provided

by Chris Adams of 3D Kitchen. James likes the ability of the 3D Kitchen software to create all drilling, shaping and cutting data directly from the Design and Production software, and translate it automatically to his CNC. In particular, he likes its ability to manage changes in cabinet heights and depths, automatically creating and deleting drilling positions where required and also adjusting drawer drilling positions without any user intervention, regardless of changes made to individual drawer heights.

This was a non-negotiable requirement as far as James was concerned, and he has been extremely pleased with the accuracy of componentry and drilling details being feed out from 3D Kitchen "It is a dream to assemble".

As James discovered, there is a learning curve involved and some disruption to normal business activity. However, he was pleased to be able to cut his first kitchen produced by 3D Kitchen to his machine directly after completion of the machine installation.

This is a fantastic result.

This change delivers a twofold benefit for James.

Firstly, higher productivity with the ability to get correct production detail to the machine quickly and confidently.

Secondly, with the 3D Kitchen software also producing detailed and accurate job costings James delivers a quick turn around, providing timely customer quotes.

James is typical of many businesses who hesitate when contemplating the technology change he has made. Of course there are always reasons to put this off – you are either too busy or not busy enough, or you can't see how to justify the cost.

Like others before him, James now clearly understands the very significant benefit of these two critical factors – one, choose the right machine for your business, and two, couple it with software that will actually deliver what it promises.

Finally James commented: "3D Kitchen has provided a very versatile solution for us, enabling manufacture from any material. We typically build using 18mm board, but 3D Kitchen allows us to manufacture from any thickness material and even do construction with a mixture of material thicknesses and still provide perfect results".●

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Recruitment dilemma

By Anne Charlton, Marketing Manager, Integrated Joinery Solutions One of the key gripes amongst the joinery industry is finding skilled CAD/CAM operators. You have made a substantial investment in automation software and without trained staff you are not reaping the productivity rewards and securing the best return on your investment.

Education System In other parts of the world CAD/CAM software is a key part of training for the joinery industry. Unfortunately, the education system in Australia is a little behind and CAD skills are rarely taught as an integral part of the shopfitting and cabinetmaking trade courses. And whilst some individual TAFEs are trying hard to remedy this, they are up against tight budgets and bureaucracy.

CAD courses abound and graduates of these courses certainly know the ins and outs of CAD design, but they often lack the construction knowledge required to be effective in a production environment.

Finding an experienced user of any woodworking CAD program with solid construction knowledge is tough. Competition is fierce for these rare individuals, with higher salaries reflecting this.

An industry that continues to view training as an expense will perpetuate this cycle. The more trained operators in the marketplace

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

the more the balance swings in the favour of the employer, resulting in less competition and more realistic wages.

Staff retention Many a frustrated business owner has taken the leap and invested in training only to see the staff member leave for another job, taking the investment in training with them. The natural tendency then becomes not to train new employees so that they do not waste their investment.

But instead of asking: “What if we train them and they leave?” a better question is: “What if you don’t train them and they stay?” There will be a substantial ongoing cost to your business: • time taken for internal training that could be spent on income producing tasks; • reduced productivity in the short term whilst undergoing training; • reduced productivity in the long term if not trained by an expert in the software; • bad habits perpetuated throughout the team; • lack of knowledge of short cuts and best practice use of software.

Recruitment – cultural fit is vital We know that some skills are job essentials. In most commercial setout roles, construction knowledge trumps CAD skills because if they don’t know how to build it then they don’t know how to draw it for production

purposes. Incorrect or incomplete CAD files cost your business money in both time and wastage not to mention considerable frustration on the workshop floor.

But just as important is the right cultural fit. If you get this right then you will find someone who is worth investing in as they will stick around. It is worth taking the time to think about the following: • what are the traits that are common amongst your long term employees; • what type of person would fit with your team; • if you are unsure of your culture ask your employees – they will be able to tell you what sort of person has the best chance of sticking around.

If you can find a person who has construction skills and is a good cultural fit then CAD skills can be added and your investment has a better chance of paying dividends as you will have invested in someone who is a good fit to your business.

Training – an investment perspective It is a fact that many business owners underestimate the true cost of not training themselves or their employees. That's because training is not viewed as what it actually is – an investment. If you don’t look at the potential returns that proper training gives, you’ll only see it as an

expense. So how much does not training cost?

It’s been calculated that if you pay an employee $50,000 a year and that employee is wasting on average one hour per day, it’s costing you $6,250. If you have five employees, that’s over $30,000. And then you need to take into account the reduced productivity that comes with self trained staff, which can add hours to each job, eating directly into your profit margin.

An investment in formal training stands to reap your business substantial rewards. You do not lose your experienced staff to training, allowing them to focus on current production.

And you will see increased productivity from your new employee much more quickly. In fact the increased productivity will potentially recoup your training investment in a short time period.

Training staff – a competitive edge We know that manufacturing in Australia is undergoing a tough time. Successful companies are those who have been able to increase productivity and bring operating costs down.

Expertly trained CAD operators stand to work up to 50% more efficiently than untrained staff, allowing you to quote more competitively, win more business and increase profits..●

SupplierSept/Oct 2013 | 29

Windows & Doors

think

Choose any three Diamaster PRO Router Cutters from the range and receive a

ONLY

$

diamond

FREE LEITZ WATCH!

820

*

Free FreIGHt

SALES 1300 135 127 *Plus GST. Valid to 20/12/2013

ID Number

Description

91190

DP Z2, 18MM x NL25 x S16 RL

91264 91273 91280

DP Z1+1,10MM x NL22 x/S12 RL DP Z1+1, 10mm xNL22 x S12 RL DP Z1+1, 18mm x NL43 x S20 RL

91281

DP Z1+1, 18mm x NL43 x S20 LL

91288

DP Z1+1, 20MM x NL43 x S20 RL

Window components production There has been a great deal of innovation in recent years in terms of the both new machinery and new manufacturing processes for window production, with still more to come in the future.

In the past manufacturing of windows was a structured, clearly defined process with production being a series of steps from planing, slot and tenon, length profile, assembly, outside profile and sanding. After attaching the hinges the windows were then finished.

Window tooling was also clearly defined â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ­ the tooling

sets, which machined the full profile, were and still are mounted on stacked spindles operating on pre-set reference positions.

With the introduction of window machining centres the production of windows is now more accurate, flexible and faster for production of special designed windows. Leitz manufactures tools today with both aluminium and steel tool bodies. The aluminium has savings of up to 60 % of the tool weight over steel bodies, which in turn reduces machine spindle vibration. The use of aluminium tools is particularly

diamond

ALL INterNet OrDerS OVer $50

think

think diamond think diamond

EVERYDAY PRICING www.leitz.com.au

Order online: www.leitz.com.au

30 | SupplierSept/Oct 2013

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

EVERYDAY PRICING www.leitz.com.au

suited for CNC machining centres. The knife clamping position is behind the cutting edge and away from the dust, which is both user friendly and allows the knives to be changed in the tooling set.

On stationery machines multiple passes are required, which can limit productivity.

Leitz has addressed this challenge to productivity with high performance cutting (HPC) technology. The combination of light weight tool bodies together with HPC technology allows for the arrangement of several sets of tools on one spindle.

Many window manufacturers in Australia have already successfully equipped their window machines with these HCP tools showing that Leitzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knowledge goes far beyond just the manufacturing of tools.

The Leitz engineers are specialised on complex machine optimisation and have an excellent reputation worldwide. The planning of machine optimisation is critical in the production process and it is important to machine as many components as practical with as few tools as possible.

Developments in both machines and tooling are continuously developing therefore ongoing

improvements and developments will continue to evolve. The current trend in window design throughout Europe is for thicker window designs to accommodate the increasing demand for energy efficiency. This trend is expected to follow in Australia. By consulting engineers early in the window design process with the specifications of window types, the maximum machine optimisation and tool design will be achieved.â&#x2014;?

choose any 30 boxes of turnblade knives from the range and recieve a

FREE LEITz WATcH! ONLY

$

850

*

ID Number

Turnblade Knives & Spurs

5075

50x8x1.5MM

5083 5084 5086

20x12x1.5MM 30x12x1.5MM 50x12x1.5MM

5161

29.5x12x1.5MM

5099

14x14x2MM Spur

5115

19x19x2MM Spur

FREE FREIGHT ALL INTERNET ORDERS OVER $50 SALES 1300 135 127 Order online: www.leitz.com.au All items plus GST. Valid to 20/12/2013

Windows & Doors

A revelation in door technology Greg Letho is well known in the industry for his long established business Timbermatic Doors. A leader in contemporary door design, the business manufactures its range using wood veneer and solid timber as well as making veneer bench tops, veneer paneling and furniture to order.

A little over a year ago, Greg embarked on a whole new venture – marketing and selling FSC Certified reconstituted wood veneer to architects, project builders, cabinetmakers and the shop and office fitting industry under the name of Slice Veneers.

32 | SupplierSept/Oct 2013

This range of FSC Certified wood veneers in 24 colours has proved to be immensely popular with feedback from the industry exceeding all expectations.

“We are getting national acceptance with our veneer,” said Greg. ”Feedback from the industry has been overwhelming and very encouraging with comments such as: ‘this is the best range we have seen’, ‘so user friendly’ and ‘this is far superior to other veneers we have used’.

Greg is greatly encouraged by the increasing success of his veneers, which are now 34 being specified directly

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

REVELATION DOOR RANGE

“DUKE” design (flat inset panel)

“FLEMISH” design (raised inset panel)

“CROMWELL” (flat panel)

WHAT ARE THE NEW DOOR ADVANTAGES? u No more splitting, shrinking or cracking as in the past u Colour consistency---no more variation to worry about u Guaranteed for 7 years u Wood veneer is 100% FSC certified (Reg no. C 116514) u Substrate is EO MR MDF FSC Certified Mixed Species u 10 day turnaround from confirmation of order u Available in 24 different colours at no extra cost u Colour swatches, catalogues and samples available

5 Apsley Place, Seaford VIC 3198 PH 03 9776 9099 F 03 9785 3666 M 0418 331 438 E sales@sliceveneers.com.au www.sliceveneers.com.au

112 Salmon St, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207 PH 03 9647 9930 TOLL FREE 1800 136 714 F 03 9785 3666 E melbsales@gunnersens.com.au

Windows & Doors

32 into all types of projects.

He provides a 48 hour turnaround with orders on any thickness MDF substrate.

“We have found that the veneer can successfully wrap around tight radiuses and columns without the need for any additional treatment. Cabinetmakers love it’s flexibility and ease of use that cannot be achieved with other veneers,”said Greg.

This ongoing success has led Greg to develop and introduce his exciting new timber veneer door range, which he calls Revelation, using these same veneers.

There are three different designs available in any veneer colour in the range: (a) Duke (flat inset panel); (b) Flemish (raised inset panel); (c) Cromwell (straight flat panel).

This technological breakthrough in door design has occurred because he can successfully bend the veneer to a tight 2.5mm radius on all four corners both with the grain and against the grain. This is because the natural wood veneer is of such high quality and fine grain it provides marvellous flexibility.

“We have found that the veneer can successfully wrap around tight radiuses and columns without the need for any additional treatment.

Cabinetmakers love it’s flexibility and ease of use that cannot be achieved with other veneers.”

“This range is exclusive and has never before been offered to the industry,” said Greg.

The advantages of this new door range include: • designs are no longer just restricted to artificial finishes such as vinyl or laminates; • no more splitting, shrinking or cracking as in a solid wood door; • complete consistency of colour throughout your whole project; • select any colour and therefore no longer have

34 | SupplierSept/Oct 2013

any staining inconsistencies or problems; • guaranteed against any lifting, splitting or cracking for 15 years providing they have been sealed and polished to his recommended specifications; • all veneer is 100% FSC certified, Reg No C116514; • all MDF substrate is EO MR MDF mixed species FSC certified; • any other door designs are achievable and restricted only by your imagination; • you have the advantage of offering 24 different colours; • 10 day turnaround from the placement and confirmation of your official order; • all veneers and substrate are sourced from environmentally sustained and managed forests, which means they can be confidently used on any ‘green’ project.

Gunnersen Pty Ltd are the official national distributors of the full range of Slice Veneers, including the Revelation door range, with offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Townsville and in Auckland, New Zealand. ●

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Going to the next level As the world's resources are depleted, sustainability and the environment will become increasingly more important issues for everyone.

In 2007 Glenn and Cathy Hansson realised that manufacturing could play its part when customers of Hansson's Joinery started asking for more environmentally responsible windows and doors. What happened next is what Glenn calls a "rollercoaster ride" leading to the successful installation of a Weinig Unicontrol machine equipped with Leitz tooling.

Hansson's Joinery changed its name to Eurotrend and, while the rest is not quite history, the business's future as a leading supplier of quality, performance joinery is assured.

The Hansson's experience in the building trades goes

back several generations.

In fact, the family has been producing windows and doors at the current site since 1949. The business is well-known and respected throughout Tasmania as hard-working and focussing on quality. Passion for timber, tool technology and its processes has been a driving force throughout generations, as Glenn’s grandfather and uncle achieved the title of Double-handed Cross-Saw World Champions in the 1930’s. In 2012 Glenn and Cathy decided to lift the bar once again and invest in equipment capable of taking the company to the next level.

Cathy says the Weinig Unicontrol machine teamed with the new Leitz RipTec tools will insulate their production from technology shift for the next ten years.

Eurotrend is the only company in Tasmania capable of making the European standard IV68 window and one of only a very few in Australia. In addition to this, Eurotrend can also make the higherstandard IV78 ClimaTrend window. The difference?

IV68 has a Uw value of 1.33 European Standard (the lower the better) and IV78 has a value of 0.99.

What this means is that in winter the heat is kept in and in summer it's kept out.

With energy star ratings for new homes on the increase, these low transmittance

values mean big business.

And for the Hanssons, business is partly coming from an unlikely source.

Retired couples seeking their "sea-change" in Tasmania are increasingly demanding that their dream home meet ever-higher standards of energy saving. What used to be a three or four-star target is now seven or eight. Doors and windows, as the opening parts of any dwelling, are two of the most important issues architects consider when designing to the new standards. And Eurotrend can meet and 36 exceed those standards.

Our services. Your advantage.

The Unicontrol series The Unicontrol series from WEINIG stands for highly flexible window and door production – best quality combined with fast working speed. The processing centres can be used for producing a wide variety of different window types, without having to change the tools. The profile-splitting process enables a huge variety of profiles. Experience maximum performance, including the fully-automatic window line with integrated drilling system. For any use and any application.

Your WEINIG expert at www.weinig.com

WEINIG OFFERS MORE

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

SupplierSept/Oct 2013 | 35

Windows & Doors 35 Not stopping there, Glenn and Cathy have submitted their product for testing and accreditation for Australian Standard AS2047.

But why Unicontrol?

Making European design windows with basic machinery is costly and time consuming. Multiple set-ups each on a spindle moulder and tenoning machine are required for each section profile. This makes the windows expensive and subject to variation in manufacture leading to variation in performance.

Glenn considered the prospect of getting new tools to fit their existing static machines. After a meeting with Leitz, however, he realised that eventually they would have tools they could no longer use when they moved to CNC technology.

At that point the Hanssons committed to the big leap to Unicontrol manufacture and made a significant saving on cutting tools.

The only way to guarantee consistency and quality is in the manufacturing phase.

You cannot add quality at the end. It's well-known that leading manufacturers use CNC technology to guarantee consistency of product. It's also widely accepted in industry circles that even small business benefits from CNC technologies, cutting labour costs and simplifying what was once a skill-intensive and dangerous process.

Glenn and Cathy looked at several machine types before committing to the Weinig technology. In the end the Weinig Unicontrol machine was the perfect solution and guarantees repeatability of quality with every single piece produced. For small business this is music to the ears.

36 | SupplierSept/Oct 2013

The Hanssons say: "Why innovate yourself when there is already the technology to do the job properly?"

The Unicontrol is a proven solution that provides accuracy to 0.1mm every time it's switched on. Apart from an occasional tool change of the numbered cutter sets for special profiles, the machine requires no adjustments.

Production occurs as sets of window frames and sashes and these are arranged in logical machining sequence by the CNC control.

Running the machine is a one-person operation as the components are returned to the operator automatically while the machine rapidly moves the spindles for the new, different profile. After two passes the longitudinal profiles and the open tenons on the component ends have all been done and the frame or sash are ready to assemble. It looks complicated but it really isn't.

Of course, a machine does nothing without cutting tools.

After speaking with several suppliers Leitz provided a solution the Hanssons were very comfortable with. At the final reckoning, 20% of the project costs were spent on cutting tools, a cost that was better than their original expectations for such a highperformance tool set.

The Unicontrol 6 has six spindles, two of which are multi-stack and at any given time there are at least ten separate profiles available through the CNC control.

Quite an investment but Leitz

alleviated any concerns they had based on solid performance data sourced through existing users.

Once the profiles were decided, Glenn and Cathy looked at the performance of the tools and decided to adopt the new RipTec tools.

This new milling process prevents wood tears and splinters common with conventional woodworking processes. The secret of the RipTec milling process is the finely riffled profile it creates in the surface of the work-piece.

For Eurotrend this means a much greater gluing surface due to the rippled surface. It also allows them to work on lower-cost materials used in the core of the window profile without any tear-out of the wood fibres. An additional advantage of the new milling technique is a 25% cut in energy consumption.

Glenn and Cathy started with the heritage business matching existing windows.

One day a customer who had lived for a while in the extreme weather of the Falkland Islands came in and asked for tilt and turn windows, a more complex and higher performing window system.

The Hanssons responded with what is the best example of this machine type in Australia.

The machine was installed at the beginning of 2012 and in the last 18 months has proved to be a sound investment.

As a small business, Eurotrend needs to respond quickly to a fickle market and the Unicontrol allows

them the flexibility to produce complete sets of frames within a very short time. Even for two people, a house lot set of windows can easily be produced within a day. For a two-man show, they are at the top of their market.

For any small business, making this type of financial commitment is a big decision.

For the Hanssons the decision was made much easier because they had already done their research and realised the possibilities of an emerging market. Both Weinig and Leitz entered into what can best be described as a partnership with Eurotrend.

Refinements to the machine were made at no additional cost and the thought, effort and advice provided by both Weinig and Leitz were, as Glenn puts it, "first class".

And the final analysis?

Well, for a husband and wife couple where they are both involved in all aspects of the business including using the machine, dinner conversation could be quite industrial.

However, the Unicontrol and Leitz tooling both came under expectation on costs.

Their most recent power bills since installing the machine have dropped by a pleasing margin due to the soft start ups of the Unicontrol, the RipTec tools and not having to use their static equipment more frequently. The safety in the workshop has also improved â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a major concern for a two"man" show.

Glenn says he can't wipe the smile from his face. â&#x2014;? www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Manufacturing

SCM SI400 Nova now in stock The SCM group’s panel saw has always had a reputation for high quality, solid machinery designed with the operator in mind.

It is full of easy to use options and simple systems to make the operator’s job easier.

Now, the SCM panel saw range is even better.

“For a limited time you can own a genuine SCM sliding table dimension saw for under $10,000 (excl GST),” said Lee Gabbett. “Fitted with our standard industry options of 3200mm sliding table, massive 9.5hp motor and a blade capacity of up to 400mm, the new SCM SI400 Nova is perfect for

both solid timber joinery as well as cabinetmaking.”

So, what advantages do you get from SCM’s reputation?

They have just announced that this machine features an amazing 10 year warranty on the sliding table system, giving you peace of mind well into the future.

Priceless

“The first SI400 Nova shipment sold out in weeks and new stock has just arrived,” said Lee. ”So, if you want a high quality, reliable panel saw at an amazing price, contact your local Gabbett Machinery office.

“Specifications and videos are also available on our website.”

An SCM panel saw for under AUD10,000? Including 10 year warranty on the sliding table.

Now that’s priceless. (excl. GST)

The new SI400 Nova BR. The best value SCM panel saw ever.

View more information, including videos, product reviews and spec sheets at www.gabbett.com.

AU 1300 GABBETT (4222388) www.suppliermagazine.com.au

NZ (09) 828 4530

www.gabbett.com

SupplierSept/Oct 2013 | 37

Manufacturing

Time is money

By Philip Ashley The woodworking industries in Australia continue to face competition from countries with more favourable labour costs. This disadvantage is not going to change any time soon. To overcome this disadvantage it's vital for manufacturers to look at all of the costs of manufacturing to ensure his product is being produced at the most competitive price.

Somewhere in all of this there should also be a profit.

One of the major unseen costs of manufacturing is time.

The cost of machinery, raw materials, electricity, rent, labour and overheads can be manipulated slightly but the fact is that most companies are settled in a specific location; have existing equipment; produce a traditional product with a static workforce and buy materials from established suppliers at possibly the best prices they can negotiate already. Given this, the only real impact on the cost of manufacturing is the time it takes to process the raw materials into the finished product and get it on the

38 | SupplierSept/Oct 2013

back of a truck.

You probably think this is about time and motion and to some degree it probably is. However, time and motion as a principle is not popular with workers and unions and the principle itself lacks scientific substance. Time and motion is about what a worker actually does and how long it takes and, in a woodworking factory, this question is difficult to answer.

However, the principle of rationalising production is worthwhile and every effort should be made to ensure that the product passes through the factory in the most efficient way possible.

A production engineer would have the knowledge to organise the factory for the most efficient production but I am yet to see a fully paid production engineer in a woodworking factory in Australia. So, this article is really the layman's version of production engineering and how it can be made more efficient.

It doesn't matter what you make or what equipment you have – you could be

making pallets, kitchen cabinets or bedroom furniture – the principle of organising what you have for the most efficient production is the same. The goal is to save time. Time is money. The longer it takes to get the product through the factory, the more power you use, the more overheads you will pay, the more your labour costs will be and the more you will be carrying the cost of the raw material.

If it takes a week to get the product made you will get paid based on that. If it takes two weeks it will take twice as long to get your money back. Of course it's not as simplistic as that but the principle is sound. The longer the part is in your factory, the longer it will be before you get paid.

Most furniture factories evolve. What I mean by that is you start with a table saw, you add an edgebander and maybe a few static machines. You move the assembly around a bit to fit the machinery in and then you might add a CNC machine. All the time you think your production is getting better because you have more and better equipment.

It must be better, right?

But maybe it isn't. Maybe, the machines are all in the wrong place. Maybe they've been put where they are

because the space was available, or you couldn't afford to run too much extraction, or maybe you just wanted to put the new machine close to the office so you could keep an eye on the operator.

And you find yourself wondering why things take so long to do.

What you need to do is to stop! That's right, take the time to just stop and have a real look at what's going on. Spend a couple of hours standing in one place watching the ebb and flow of your employees and the work-pieces. You might see there is a lot of movement for very little result.

That's got to stop.

Every time a piece of wood is moved, something must happen to it. Some value must be added. It's why we use CNC machines – they have the ability to do multiple operations and reduce the amount of ‘sitting’ time (the time when a component is waiting to be processed). You will probably find a component sits around your factory far more than it should.

Every factory is different so we cannot provide a blueprint as to an ideal solution here. What we can do is to look at some simple concepts that may make the production in any factory more fluid and cost-effective. www.suppliermagazine.com.au

40

Manufacturing 38 The preferred model for modern manufacturing is the cell-based concept.

Cell-based manufacturing is part of lean manufacturing and takes advantage of the similarity of parts and common work processes. Put simply, common machines should be placed together to create functional layouts or work cells. This vastly improves work-flow; provides workers with access to common tools and jigs; reduces waste and improves your employees’ work balance. You might even find you need less people to do the same job or the same person can do two jobs at the same time.

As an example, your CNC machines should be close together. Sounds simple enough, but what you are trying to do is to centralise your tools, jigs, programs and CNC personnel so they all work together. The guys can bounce ideas off each other and work together as a team, growing all the time. The layout of your equipment has a direct cost on your material handling, the lead time of your product and the amount of work put through the cell. This affects your productivity and your profit margin. The cell layout is never specific but two solutions could be considered.

The first is a U-shaped cell where the start and end of the process is at the same place in the factory. If the cell is CNC manufacturing, the saw might be followed by the edge bander and then the CNC machine, configured in a U-shape. If the product is solid wood panels, the cell may have a crosscut and rip saw followed by a surface planer, panel planer and maybe a spindle moulder or CNC machine. If it's in a U-shape the person cutting 40 | SupplierSept/Oct 2013

the raw timber can get instant information from the shaping station as to how many extra need to be cut because of rejects, because they will be standing close to each other.

The second solution would be a single or double line cell. A kitchen manufacturer may find a single line cell the best option while a furniture manufacturer may find that a line for panel production and parallel line for solid wood components would be the better solution. You should find that the length of a single line cell for panel production may include a saw, edge bander and CNC machine.

The solid wood line cell would have crosscut and rip saws, planing machines, shaping and sanding machinery and will likely be as long as the panel line. If this is the case, both panel and solid wood products can be introduced to the assembly area in the same location. This would facilitate the matching of all parts to assembly diagrams. I have provided two very simple layouts as a starting point for ideas.

Whatever plan you develop, the work should flow through the factory with little, if any backtracking. Product that stops forms a queue. You've stood in a queue before and you know how much a waste of time it is. It's the same in your factory, queues increase delays. If product stands in a queue for several days, it may be several days before you discover it's not been machined correctly. If it goes onto the next machine or process within minutes, you can pick up any variations immediately. This could have a major impact on your minimising waste and re-work within your factory. Re-work is a direct cost to you because

no-one is going to pay for your mistakes.

How many manufacturers have bought a new machine, let's say it's a CNC machine, and just popped it in the corner because there's space, it's close to the office and there's extraction available? Well, it's more than you might think.

Another thing – how many manufacturers know how long it takes to machine something on their new CNC machine?

There's no point putting it into a production line if the product comes off a saw, straight onto an edgebander and then to the CNC machine if all three machines aren't working at the same speed or output.

If you're still using a beam saw you can cut four or more sheets at a time; the edge bander can do one piece at a time and the CNC machine (depending on the drilling pattern) may be faster or slower than both other machines. What you're going to get is a lot of waiting, stacks of panels sitting around and only a rough idea when it's all going to be finished.

A kitchen manufacturer, for example, will know that for a basic floor standing carcase there are four main components. The two sides are the same and are identical to almost all the other sides he makes except the overheads.

The sides are cut to size, edged on the front and drilled for the adjustable or fixed shelves and the door hinge.

They may also be drilled for the base, back and top rails.

The back is cut to size and may be drilled for the sides.

The base is cut to size, edged on the front and may be drilled for the sides. It may be that the base and back are not drilled at all and don't need to go anywhere near the CNC machine. Knowing the

production method, the time it takes to process each part and the speed of your equipment can bring some clarity to the cell and allow you to make informed decisions as to the best layout.

You can check on the ‘health’ of your factory by doing this simple task. First, get a scale drawing of your factory. Draw in all of your equipment and make several copies. Next, take a coloured marker, put it on the paper where the production starts and drag the marker around the drawing from machine to machine. Use other coloured markers for your different products. Pretty soon you'll be looking at something your four year old might bring back from kindergarten. We love it because of who did it, but under our breath we're asking "What is it?" You are actually looking at your livelihood and the more the drawing looks like spaghetti, the more you need to do to get it right.

This article may not apply to everyone. For instance, if you are a father and son operation and do job-lots of just about anything, you may not be concerned that the overhead router is out the back somewhere. Similarly if you're a nested-based kitchen manufacturer, your equipment may be minimal and your production a simple process.

For most manufacturers though, the factory is complex, it's where the profits are made and the more it costs to make, the less goes into your pocket (so to speak). Back to a point I made before – to get a handle on where you’re at, go into the factory and do nothing.

Do this for an hour and you may go back to the office with a new project because from now on, you're a production engineer. ● www.suppliermagazine.com.au

A kiss for the environment

By Philip Ashley Ecology; conservation; sustainability; environment.

Words used widely in advertising and promotion to create sales based partly on emotion.

Wikipedia describes sustainability advertising as: "communications geared towards promoting social, economic and environmental benefits of products, services or actions through paid advertising in media in order to encourage responsible behaviour of consumers".

This is fine when you're buying a loaf of bread or a litre of milk, but what if you're buying a CNC machine and spending several hundred thousand dollars. Would sustainability mean as much then?

The VDMA (Verband Deutscher Maschinen und Anlagenbau) or German Engineering Federation certainly thinks so and is counting on its members to come on board with policies and technological developments to support what they call Blue Competence or BLUecoMPETENCE. You can see they've drawn a link to ecology within their catch-cry. The Italian Biesse Company also draws a link to ecology within the word TecHNology on its website.

It's fair to say that the leading suppliers of woodworking equipment are on board with this important industry initiative.

The link to ecology is a little vague as ecology is the scientific study of interactions among organisms and their environment. It's more www.suppliermagazine.com.au

concerned with evolutionary biology and genetics (Wikipedia). However, if we look at the movement of materials and energy through living communities and the implications of waste on the environment in which organisms live, the links become clearer and more relevant. In this article we're going to take a look at some of the more recent innovations from our major suppliers and what these developments might mean to the woodworking industries.

We're still felling trees and using energy to make products, but humans need to live in a house and sit on furniture. Wood and wood products are an essential part of every day life. It's how those products are made that make a difference to the environment. Initiatives like the VDMA's BLUecoMPETENCE serve to bring the mindset of technical development to the environmental table.

Essentially we're not going to stop manufacturing but we are going to make manufacturing more environment-friendly.

The Blue Competence campaign is a broad-based initiative involving numerous companies on the basis of an agreement to implement sustainable production methods while striving to realise ecological, economic and social goals.

Suppliers can do this by saving energy while making the machine, cutter, saw or power tool. They can engage in recycling programs for their product. They can make

the product more efficient by lasting longer; using less energy; doing less damage to the environment (less waste) and being more efficient. In fact, many suppliers were doing this already and when BLUecoMPETENCE was launched all they had to do was document what they were doing. For others, the challenge was there to develop new technologies in keeping with current environmental thinking.

Let's start with the materials we use.

A fascinating display at the Ligna exhibition this year was a range of 200 new or innovative materials presented by the Materia Inspiration Centre in Amsterdam. Materia's goal is to inspire architects, designers and manufacturers to develop more innovative designs based on new, environmentally sustainable materials. In many cases these materials would have been discarded as waste. Imagine a cabinet door covered with clam shell veneer or fish leather or insulation material made out of mushrooms and construction panelling made from agricultural waste.

Tooling plays an important part in the production of wood products. Productivity can be increased with the right cutter or saw blade.

Down time can be eliminated and waste can be reduced.

Tungsten is becoming a rare material with most of this product locked up in China so tooling suppliers are forced to make more of the materials

they have access to.

Above: Holz-Her GluJet XL. Below: Leitz marathon cost.

The Leitz company now supplies ProfilCut knives with a Marathon coating. The Marathon coating improves the performance and the cut quality of the ProfilCut tooling system and decreases usersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; processing costs. The lower processing costs are due to the significantly higher performance times of the new Marathon ProfilCut knives.

The results achieved in trials with Leitz customers and in the company R&D centre in Oberkochen showed significantly longer running times compared to uncoated knives.

What this all means is that knives have to be changed less and this reduces downtime. The use of expensive tungsten carbide is reduced and users have less rework due to poor cutting performance. This all saves 42 energy and materials.

SupplierSept/Oct 2013 | 41

Manufacturing 41 Another initiative of the Leitz company is the development of saw blades with different tooth shapes. It's called VectorCut and the new blades have 30% higher performance times confirmed in trials at Leitz customers. They can be sharpened more often so there's a reduction of around 20% in the amount of saw blades you use. The increased performance of VectorCut saw-blades is the innovative tooth shape designed by Leitz engineers through intensive tests to reduce abrasion between the saw tooth and the material. Reduced abrasion also reduces the energy required for the machining process by 10%.

In addition, the revised geometry of the VectorCut panel sizing saw-blade gullet improves the chip extraction and as a result of this, reduces noise emissions. VectorCut saw-blades are reported to be 3 dB(A) quieter than conventional panel sizing sawblades.

So where does your preferred machinery supplier fit in?

The Biesse group is part of the Energy Reduction Oriented Design Project (EROD) with the aim of industrial innovation for energy efficiency. Since 2007 its manufacturing facilities follow lean manufacturing principles. Biesse machinery is designed to minimise pollution, energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Water based paints are now used on their machines. Biesse has or is developing technologies in intelligent energy management; automatic standby; energy recovery; dust extraction optimisation and the rationalising of vacuum systems.

The saw drive unit used in the Altendorf 2 model 42 | SupplierSept/Oct 2013

raised the bar in terms of performance and quiet operation and is now fitted to the new Altendorf panel saws.

The synchronous servo motors fitted are reported to be up to 15% more efficient than the electric motors previously used in panel saws. How much power the motor draws depends on how hard it is made to work, so no energy is wasted. The drive unit has power reserves of up to 120% and offers infinitely variable speed control between 1500 and 5000 rpm. With its minimal saw blade wear, optimum cut and high energy efficiency the new motor is ideal for a broad range of new applications.

Weinig achieve optimal timber yields by processing shorter pieces through automated cutting plants to ensure every centimetre of usable timber is recovered.

Weinig look to lower energy consumption through the optimisation of its processes and achieve material savings through angled and floating spindles and the integration of cutting edge scanning technology.

Holz-Her's new Glu-Jet technology saves 63% energy consumption in comparison to conventional edgebander gluing systems and reduces losses by 70% when changing to a different glue. Their edgebanders are also equipped with an energy control system that monitors and optimises power consumption.

SCM have adopted a 16step â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;save energyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; package towards a measurable reduction in energy consumption levels including incorporating the automatic cleaning of machine parts during the machining cycle. SCM machines

Weinig keeps waste to a minimum.

can be fitted with energy regeneration supplied from a regenerative inverter. Energy consumption monitoring; applying suction only where it's needed; improved yield from three-phase motors; using proportional valves for the supply of pneumatic functions and the use of their "eco" button to select a lowenergy standby mode are all significant advances towards equipment that actually saves energy and resources.

The Homag group's contribution comes in the form of its ecoPlus technology.

Again, the green button puts the machine into standby mode and returns to full power on pressing the button again, all within a few seconds. Their selective extraction system is capable of reducing the energy consumed during extraction of dust and chips by up to 40%. Homag either optimises or eliminates compressed air units to lower the cost of air to your machine by 40%. New machines are now fitted with IE2 motors that offer a high degree of efficiency; lower energy costs and thermal loads and lower CO2 emissions. The edgebanders can be fitted with technology to reduce the gap between panels to a minimum. This ensures that the maximum amount of panels

can be produced without lengthy gaps so the machine does more with the same power load.

The VDMA sustainability initiative Blue Competence was launched at the end of 2011. Since then, many German and European machine tool and plant manufacturers have committed themselves to demonstrating the innovative and economic potential of the wood working sector. The strength of this sector lies not only in its innovation and technological abilities, but also its economic impact and contribution to sustainability.

Many hundreds of companies are participating in either the Blue Competence initiative, or the many other industry environmental programs supported by leading countries. Innovations through these programs include optimizing energy efficiency, reducing emissions, efficient use of scarce resources, reducing lifecycle costs, reducing waste/ recycling, improving the quality of life, optimisation of energy generation and developments in mobility.

When you buy your next machine, chances are it will offer more savings for your company, and a little kiss for the environment. â&#x2014;? www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Pulse Kitchens: the turnaround

By Sean O'Sullivan Pulse Kitchens is based in Tamworth, NSW and markets its product through its own company owned retail outlet in the town. Business owners and managers Corey Ison, Simon Baker and Rodney Walker employ 11 staff on the factory floor and the business turns over $3.5 million a year.

Corey began as an apprentice cabinet maker 24 years ago and went out on his own as soon as he completed his apprenticeship. He started in a small shed with two staff, a panel saw, hot air edgebander and six battery drills. Eight years into the business, he had seven staff on the factory floor.

“I worked with the boys on the floor, knew where all jobs were at, and I physically pushed all jobs through the factory as quickly as I could,” said Corey. “From then on our sales continued to grow and, to cope with volume, I simply employed more staff, bought more machines and moved to bigger and bigger sheds.

“Two years ago we were turning over $4.2 million a year and we employed 21 staff on the factory floor.

However, our profit was far less than it was six years ago when our turnover was $3.2 million and I had 15 staff. In financial terms, as I grew the business, I turned what was a very profitable business into an unprofitable business.

“I searched for answers to solve my problems, talked to many cabinetmakers www.suppliermagazine.com.au

in the industry and many other managers in other manufacturing and production based businesses only to find that many had suffered the exact same fate.

We concluded that as we increased our business size the following symptoms and realities appeared: • our factory floor staff and office staff were much less accountable on jobs and in their roles; • substantially more unaccounted time, downtime, unproductive time and stolen time crept into the working day; • our management had significantly less idea of how jobs were progressing in the factory; • our management had significantly less idea of how long jobs were taking and whether reasonable profit or any profit existed in each job; • as a result of 3 and 4 above, management were not able to drive jobs through the factory; • mistakes from the office and factory floor crept in so rework levels grew and numbers of kitchens being completed late rose; • stress levels grew and so did hours required of owners working in the business; • our staff turnover grew.

“What became blatantly obvious to me was that over six years I had kept the same poor manual job tracking system and same series of production and scheduling spreadsheets, and these make-shift systems

quite simply did not cope with much higher production levels.”

Corey went searching for production software suited to cabinet making and joinery and considered Empower Time Tracking Software.

“The main benefit I saw was that the second hand PCs on the factory floor and live tracking of all jobs and staff actually gave me better tracking and better staff accountability than when I worked on the factory floor myself with only seven staff.

“This was precisely what I wanted for our business – the accountability, productivity and profitability of my business of six years ago.”

Pulse Kitchens was tracking jobs and staff and reporting job times and job status live and accurately within one week. From then on business started to change dramatically.

“Our factory staff now saw their assigned jobs, time allocated and achieved times at job end and this meant their attitudes to times on job 44

FACE AND EDGE SANDING SOLUTIONS FOR WOOD, PLASTIC AND STEEL.

BELT SANDING MACHINES

EDGE SANDING MACHINES

BRUSH SANDING

Available DIRECT from Kory Dubay Manufacturing Aust. P/L Ph. +61 (03) 9311-1113 www.korydubay.com info@korydubay.com

SupplierSept/Oct 2013 | 43

Manufacturing 43 changed. They were now fully aware of the budgeted times at job start and their achieved times at job end and staff were now fully accountable to themselves.

“Motivated staff used Empower to manage their own jobs and time much better. Staff strived to meet and beat the budgeted times they had allocated and they succeeded on most occasions. This single event meant we made greater profit on many more jobs and we lost profit on fewer jobs, resulting in a greater return on investment per labour hour.

“All budgeted times and actual times on jobs were also totally transparent to all staff and all management, so everyone lifted their game. Management could see where jobs were at and were able to make better management decisions.

We could also see the job types and customers we were making little or no profit on and discovered, in some cases, job types and customers we were consistently losing money on.

“Armed with accurate reporting of time and profit on each job, we got our labour times in our costings and quoting much more accurate.

“We decided to stop working for little or no profit and let particular types of jobs and particular customers go. This meant our revenue dropped back from $4.2 million per year to $3.5 million per year (a 17% drop in revenue only). However, as our factory staff became substantially more productive fewer staff were required.

Factory staff numbers over two years have slowly but consistently dropped from 21 staff down to 11 staff equivalent.

44 | SupplierSept/Oct 2013

The 13 fewer staff meant a $395,000 per year saving on wages. As the software cost us only $18,000, of which Enterprise Connect (ie the Australian Federal Government) contributed a substantial percent, in wage cost saving alone the software paid for itself fully in less than one month.

“The culture of our 11 factory staff is now very good.

We now have a very time focused and profit focused group of staff who work very efficiently as one unified team.

From a factory productivity point of view our existing 11 staff are now producing 58.11% more product than they were three years ago and our annual profit has almost doubled.

“We have finally got our labour and factory productivity sorted out, our factory is working quickly as a well oiled

machine, and our profit level is back where it should be.”

Pulse Kitchens then turned its attention to replacing its manual purchase order books for ordering materials.

“We recognised that with manual purchase order books we actually had no central system for recording our material codes and costs, no proper system for ordering materials, no system for reporting and managing the status of all orders and no system for reporting and managing our stock,” explained Corey.

“Fourteen months ago we opted to be a trial and development site for Empower Software's new Materials and Stock Software. We figured that there would be management time cost and risks for our business associated with being the "guinea pig", but

this would be offset by a number of advantages.

“We started using the system and within 12 months our required stock went from $132,000 down to $38,000 and our factory floor went from the appearance of chaos to one of real order.

“We will shortly commence trialling Empower Software's new software for Costing and Quoting jobs, including Client Relationship Management (CRM). Once this module is complete we will have one complete software system managing the entire job from enquiry, through costing and quoting, materials ordering and stock, labour tracking and job scheduling through to full labour and materials job cost and profit reporting.

One seamless package developed by joiners for joiners.” ● www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Win a free

3D Kitchen SOFTWARE package With EVERY ISSUE of Supplier magazine!!

Readers of Supplier Woodworking magazine are invited to apply to be in the draw to win a free copy of the industry leading software 3D KitchenTM. The offer is being made jointly by 3D KitchenTM and Supplier Woodworking magazine.

The offer includes…

There must be a catch??

3D Kitchen QT software producing… ⇒ ⇒ ⇒ ⇒

♦

♦

♦

Floor plans Elevations High quality 3D images Full real time motion 3D rendering (same as using gaming software) Easily create your own unique cabinets Complete customized system (cabinet library built to your own specifications) Full product support (12 months) - broadband internet required

Supplier



DESIGN + MATERIALS + TECHNOLOGY

1. You must be a reader of Supplier Woodworking Magazine 2. You must be a manufacturing cabinetmaker 3. You must want to give your business a competitive edge!

4. The offer does not include future software updates 5. Email applications to… vicky.cammiade@elitepublishing.com.au … subject “Free Software 2013” … supply full business name and contact details

dkitchen  SOFTWARE

Product Update

Hygienic waste solution for the kitchen KEEPING the waste bin hygienic is made easier with a Hideaway Bin. Not only do the bins include a friction-fitted lid that creates a seal across the buckets, assisting in odour control, they also have a Clinikill antibacterial powder-coat to fight harmful bacteria, yeast and fungi, keeping the bin solution hygienic.

Clinikill powder coating provides effective control of bacteria, yeast and fungi keeping waste bins hygienic in any environment. This makes a Hideaway Bin ideal for use in kitchens, education facilities, apartments, bathrooms, laundries and public places.

The Clinikill powder-coated lid is available as part of every Hideaway bin within the Soft Close and Deluxe ranges. With a variety of models

Axolotl Concrete kitchen and bucket configurations available, there is a hygienic bin solution for all hidden waste and storage requirements.

How does Clinikill work?

Clinikill utilises kinetic technology to boost its performance, which ensures the antimicrobial agent is presented at the surface of the Hideaway Bins’ friction-fitted lid where contact with harmful bacteria and fungi occurs, to maximise the antimicrobial effect.

The Kinetic technology also evenly distributes the antimicrobial agent throughout the powder coating on the friction-fitted lid so that its effectiveness will be maintained with normal wear and tear such as light scratches and abrasions.

Hideaway Bins are available Australia wide through distribution partners Hettich, Nover, Galvin Hardware and Dorset. ●

HARD lines and soft texture are the defining point for a new kitchen in Sydney's North.

Created using a combination of innovative Axolotl Concrete surfaces on the benchtop and splashback, the end result is original and simple in its execution, but exudes contemporary design in one of the most important rooms in the home.

The splashback has been created by taking a single CFC sheet and bonding it with Concrete Slate in a lunar texture. The same process is used to create the bench, with the vertical surface featuring an abstract design carved directly into the MDF before the Concrete Shale is bonded.

The simple execution portrays the versatility of the Axolotl Concrete range whilst retaining the beauty and integrity of solid concrete. ●

New colours and designs from Caesarstone FOLLOWING last year's successful introduction of its Classico Supernatural designs, Caesarstone has announced its 2013 introduction of seven new designs into the Classico collection.

This includes four additional Supernatural designs, which feature, for the first time, the exclusive wider veins made using Caesarstone's proprietary technology.

Vanilla Noir is a classic rich black base featuring wider delicate natural light veins.

Alpine Mist – a white cool grey background featuring wider delicate natural crisp white veins.

Bianco Drift, inspired by light natural granites, also incorporates

46 | SupplierSept/Oct 2013

delicate organic vein features.

Calacatta Classic will be launched in early 2014 and will feature stronger larger scale wider light grey veins on a white base that will enrich many interiors.

Arriving later in 2013, Raw Concrete is inspired by concrete colours and surfaces and enables the modern industrial look of concrete

but with the performance benefits of quartz surfaces.

Clamshell is a soft fusion of light grey and white features.

Summer Rye is a warm light brown structure with soft wisps of white throughout.

"The Supernatural designs have had an incredible response from consumers and professional designers alike. This combination of high quality nature inspired designs with the benefits of quartz is enabling great design freedom," said Andrew Dixon, GM Marketing for Caesarstone.

All the 2013 new designs are backed up by a 10 year limited warranty and after sales service. ●

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Makinex launches new powered hand truck PHT-140 MAKINEX has released the powered hand truck PHT-140, that enables safer and more efficient materials handling.

The PHT-140 is an innovative solution that not only increases productivity, but also addresses the impending safety issues when it comes to manual handling.

This universal materials handling solution enables one person operation to safely lift and load small equipment or bulky goods weighing up to 140kg (309lbs). It provides a quick and easy alternative to using a forklift or tailgate loader for small loads.

For many tradespeople and contractors, this means the elimination of awkward and dangerous one or two person lifts as well as significantly reduced risk of back injury which ultimately leads to decreased lost time injury.

The unique design enables one person operation to lift and load directly into vehicles (trucks, vans, utes and cars) or to place equipment and small loads on bench tops. It is both lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, and can be folded down for easy transport and storage, which is essential for high traffic work areas.

This new product launch is in step with Makinex’s recent company and brand name change from Work Smart Equipment. ●

Triomax drawer system for various storage solutions THE selection process of the correct drawer system can be an easy task – once you know the function you can decide on the right drawer system to suit your needs.

An effectively designed drawer system will enhance storage space and reduce the amount of wasted space. Harn Triomax soft close drawer system gives the option of choosing from a range of different drawer styles and sizes together with different loads that allows storage for a variety of items.

Harn Triomax drawers come in a number of popular systems such as S-drawer, 83mm high; T-drawer, 115mm high; and HS- drawer, 204mm high.

For small items, you may want to consider shallow drawers like S or T system while deeper drawers are more suitable for larger items such as pots and pans.

Harn Triomax enables full access to all items.

The Triomax drawer system provides useful and practical solutions for all storage needs. The super smooth sliding action offers effortless opening and closing every time regardless of load weights. Triomax drawers come in 35kg and 60kg, light to heavy load ratings together with four attractive finishing colours – white, grey, grey metallic and anthracite black metallic to suit the decor and finish of the cabinet set-up. ●

Empower launches time tracking software on the cloud EMPOWER Time Tracking Software is now operational on the cloud.

“This will make enormous benefits to joinery clients,” said Empower’s Sean O’Sullivan. “Your network and server can remain low spec because all the calculations are being carried out in the cloud and not on your server.

plasquip ad.pdf 1

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

“Empower can upgrade your latest version of software instantly and Empower HQ can now give far better training and advice on latest versions of new software as all clients are on the same upgrade.

“Empower HQ can also provide auditing support to ensure you are using Empower to full capacity, delivery staff and site staff can use iPhones, Andoids or iPads to log on and off wages and jobs on Empower, whilst on the road management can use these same devices to view Empower production and productivity screens and reports live.” ●

11/09/2013 2:49:27 PM

SupplierSept/Oct 2013 | 47

You can now have all the latest information about your industry in your pocket ...

Add www.suppliermagazine.com.au to your Home Screen in just 4 easy steps

i O S 6 i O S 7

1

2

Open the Supplier website Tap the icon labeled and tap the Share button â&#x20AC;&#x153;Add to Home Screen.â&#x20AC;? or at the bottom of the Safari screen.

3

4

Tap the Add button in the upper right corner.

Launch the website from your Home screen by tapping its icon.

Associations 24 for projects that involve cabinetry alone.

These contracts are available in electronic format from the association and a nominal fee per annum with the ability to print as many contracts as required.

The CMDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commercial documentation and Terms of Trade are also being reviewed by our lawyers and will be available at no cost on application.

Review of AS/NZS 4386.1 & 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kitchen Units The Standards Australia BD 089 technical committee has commenced the review of this most important but out of date standard for the industry. It is pleasing to note that the committee now has representatives from a diverse range of industry sectors thus ensuring that the revised standard will incorporate current practices and materials as well as being an authoritative document that can be referred to by industry, specifiers and consumers alike.

CMDA commitment to the Furniture Cabinet and Joinery Alliance CMDA is an active participant in the Furniture Cabinet and Joinery Alliance

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

(FCJA) and in each of the FCJA committees. A considerable amount of effort has been expended by the various association representatives and the consultant to FCJA to develop the strategic plan and promote the industry at Federal Government level.

It is pleasing to note that many of the priorities promoted to the current government when in opposition were included in their industry strategy.

FCJA representatives will now work with the government and, where necessary, continue to advocate on behalf of the industry to ensure that the FCJ industries significant contribution to the Australian economy is recognised.

A copy of the FCJA Strategic Industry Plan is available on the CMDA website and you are encouraged to review it and provide any feedback to the Association.

The CMDA philosophy Recently Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been queried about the possibility of CMDA aligning itself with a training provider or other service provider. As an industry association,

the CMA committee and now the CMDA board is strongly of the view that the association should represent your industry and hence your interests without fear or favour. This does mean that the association misses opportunities to generate revenue via training or other activities. However, on the positive side, it means that it can advocate on your behalf without any actual or perceived conflict of interest.

CMDA does, however, have a relationship with CMA Insurance, which is managed by Austbrokers Phillips with the objective of ensuring competition in the area of insurance and thus providing members a benefit that goes directly to the bottom line. CMDA does receive a small commission on insurance taken out with CMA insurance and these funds are used directly to fund other association initiatives.

CMDA welcomes queries or feedback on any industry issue and can be contacted on 1300 767738 or via info@cmda.org.au.

Richard Brooks

SupplierSept/Oct 2013 | 49

Events

OCTOBER 2013

Advertisers 3d Kitchen

9 & 45

8-12 HOLZ 2013

Swiss Fair for Woodworking

Basel, Switzerland www.holz.ch

Beyond Tools

Biesse Group Australia

3 & 25

10-12 Woodmach Philippines 2013

International Wood, Woodworking & Furniture-making Machinery, Furnishings & Furniture Accessories Exhibition

Manila, Pasay, Philippines

Empower Software

11 & 51

15-18 SICAM 2013

Exhibition of components, semi-finished parts and accessories for furniture industry

Pordenone, Italy www.exposicam.it/ 16-19 Woodex Siberia 2013

Exhibition of technologies, equipment and tools for woodworking industry

Novosibirsk, Russian Federation http://woodex-siberia.ru/en-GB/ 22-25 Wood-Tec 2013

International Fair of Machinery, Equipment and Materials for the Wood Industry

Brno, Czech Republic www.bvv.cz/wood-tec/ 24-26 WMS 2013

Woodworking Machinery & Supply Expo

Toronto, Canada www.woodworkingnetwork.com/wmsevent 24-27 WoodShow Cairo 2013. International Wood and Wood Machinery Show

Cairo, Egypt www.cairowoodshow.com NOVEMBER 2013 7-10

Domotex Middle East 2013 World trade fair for floorcoverings

Istanbul, Turkey www.domotex-middle-east.com/ 14-16 100% Design Shanghai 2013

Contemporary Interior Design Exhibition.

The exhibition showcases original designs of furniture, lighting, bathroom/ kitchen and floor/wall coverings

Shanghai, China 14-17 Index Kitchen & Appliances 2013

International trade fair on kitchen furniture and accessories

Mumbai, India www.ubmindexfairs.com

***For more information on the fairs or to confirm dates, please check the individual websites.

39

Contact Us Proudly produced and printed in Australia Published bi-monthly

ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD ABN: 27 006 876 419 PO BOX 800, Templestowe, Victoria, Australia 3106 Ph: + 61 3 9890 0815 Fax: + 61 3 9890 0087

EQ Software

28

Gabbett Machinery

37

Email: info@elitepublishing.com.au Website: www.suppliermagazine.com.au www.elitepublishing.com.au PUBLISHER Vicky Cammiade Email: vicky.cammiade@elitepublishing.com.au GROUP MANAGING EDITOR

Grass Australia

15

Hafele Australia

2 & Back Cover

Harn

19

Jennifer Curtis Email:jennifer.curtis@elitepublishing.com.au ADVISORY PANEL Philip Ashley, Sean O’Sullivan, Dave Kahle, Michael Buckley, Dr Greg Chapman NATIONAL SALES MANAGER Ashley Cooper

Kangan Institute

12

Kitchen King

13

Kockums Bulk Systems

23

ashley.cooper@elitepublishing.com.au CIRCULATION MANAGER Georgia Gilmour georgia.gilmour@elitepublishing.com.au PRODUCTION For artwork and production enquiries please email: production@elitepublishing.com.au

Kory Dubay Manufacturing Leitz Tooling Systems

43

Michael Weinig Australia

30 & 31

35

PRE-PRESS Prominent Digital PRINTED BY Prominent Press Pty Ltd OVERSEAS REPRESENTATIVES Representative Agent for Taiwan,

Multicam Systems

6, 7 & 49

Nover & Co

Front Cover

Plasquip Sales

47

Slice Veneers

33

China and Hong Kong, Robert Yu, Worldwide Services Co Ltd,11F-B, No. 540 Wen Hsin Road, Section 1,Taichung, 408, Taiwan Tel: +886 4 2325 1784 Fax: +886 4 2325 2967 Email: sales@wwstaiwan.com ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD PUBLISHERS OF:

Solu

21

Supplier Magazine, FB Magazine, Flooring Magazine, Member of the Australian Furniture Association South West

Woodworking Machinery Services

Officially supported by:

27 ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD (established 1985) All rights reserved - No part of this publication maybe reproduced, transmitted or copied in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without the express prior written consent of Elite Publishing Co Pty Ltd. Viewpoints, opinions, claims, etc

Member of the International Woodworking and Furniture Supplier Magazine Association

• Cabinetmakers Association • Australian Furniture Association (AFA) • Australian Wood Panels Association • Decorative Wood Veneers Association • The Furnisher’s Society of Victoria • National Association Furniture Agents

expressed in articles appearing in this publication are those of the authors. The Publishers accept no responsibility for the information supplied or for claims made by companies or their representatives regarding product performance, etc or for any errors, omissions, misplacement, alterations, or any subsequent changes, or for any consequences of reliance on this information or this publication.

Go in "the draw" to win $15,000 of manufacturer’s software!

You get to choose the Empower product that suits you!

You can select:1

Time Tracking Jobs & Staff Labour Management Software (using 2nd hand PCs on factory floor)

2

Job Scheduling

3

Quoting and Materials (incl: costing, bill of materials, CRM, ordering, stock control, job cost)

4

Manufacturers ERP / MRP system (can link to your finance / payroll software)

Vicky Cammiade states

“Now you can have the tools to help you measure, monitor and manage your daily business tasks in real time, simply by going into "the draw"..... because: Empower Software understands that the pressure for profitabilty is an ongoing and unrelenting task in today's climate, and bottom line efficency is a day-to-day, 365 days a year business essential!”

To Enter Email your applications to vicky.cammiade@elitepublishing.com.au or fax 61 3 9890 0087 In the subject line nominate Empower Product 1, 2, 3 or 4 ....and provide full business name and contact details.

Check out the November 2013 issue of Supplier Woodworking Magazine to see if you have won!

www.empowersoftware.biz

NEW FOR ANDROID DEVICES

HÄFELE APP BROUGHT TO YOU BY HÄFELE

Now you don’t have to own an iPad, you can access everything Häfele has to offer anytime, anywhere on any mobile device. You’ll be able to present the best design concepts and products to clients, and show them how they look in real-life installations, order products for your project in the office, on the job site or on the go. Suddenly turning your ideas into reality has never been easier.

Download the App FREE from the App Store® or Google Play® info@hafele.com.au

www.hafele.com.au

1300 659 728