AWISA
No 11: WINTER 2012
THE MAGAZINE
FOR THE CABINET, JOINERY, FURNITURE, TIMBER AND PANEL INDUSTRIES
Published by the Australian Woodworking Industry Suppliers Association Limited
See you at the show
11-14 July 2012, SYDNEY
11-14 July
AWISA
THE MAGAZINE
Read THE MAGAZINE at www.awisa.com
Published by the Australian Woodworking Industry Suppliers
Dear Reader,
CONTENTS
Editor and publisher
If you look at the contents column to the right of this
4. AWISA 2012: The exhibitors.
Geoff Holland
editorial you will see that the first few pages of this edition
5. AWISA 2012: Welcome.
General Manager, AWISA Ltd
are dedicated to informing you about AWISA 2012. Also,
6. AWISA 2012: Information.
Phone 02 9918 3661
we have mailed with this edition, a separate 36 page
8. eurocucina: In review.
magazine that features just some of the machinery, tooling
12. windows: Business model that works.
Contributing Editors
and manufacturing software that’s being exhibited at AWISA
15. awards: Wagga Wagga nomination.
John Halkett, Simon Hodgson,
2012. With the previous edition we mailed a magazine about
16. machinery: 5 axis technology.
Anton Gerner, Geoff Bills,
the products displayed within the AWISA-Design area of the
20. FURNITURE: A unique business.
Association Limited ABN 44 134 548 253
Email: info@awisa.com
Jim Bowden and Eric Lytton.
show. If you have mislaid either show magazine they can be
23. PANELS: High gloss for interiors.
Design
read online at www.awisa.com or you can email us at info@
Felicity Carruthers
24. HOUSING: The outlook.
awisa.com and we will mail you a copy of both publications.
26: TOOLING: Special coated tools.
To put it quite simply, if you are reading this magazine you
29. PRINTING: High speed digital.
must be active in some part of the woodworking industry
31: SHOWROOM: Helps drive business.
and that means you should also be allocating the time to
32. MACHINERY: Automation delivers.
visit AWISA 2102 in July. It is the best opportunity you have
36. COMMENT: Good government.
Printer Major Graphics Printers Pty Ltd Post all correspondence to: AWISA Ltd P.O. Box 925
had for some time to be brought right up to date about
Avalon NSW 2107
developments in the industry. Copyright AWISA.
38. TIMBER: A specialty supplier. 40. MACHINERY: A bright future.
All rights reserved.
You will see over 100 companies representing many times
42. ASSOCIATIONS: Unity.
Magazine or part thereof may not be
that number of brands. Whether you are looking for basic
49. MACHINERY: Why 5 axis.
machinery or for the most sophisticated and automated CNC
53. MACHINERY: Fast turnaround.
copied or reproduced without written permission by the publisher.
Contained
specifications and claims are those of the manufacturer. Disclaimer:
Advertising statements and
editorial opinion are not necessarily those of AWISA Ltd unless expressly stated. The publisher and editor assume
machinery, you will find it at the show. Also, if you are wanting to learn about the latest in hardware, decorative products and software you will find these at AWISA 2012. The best thing to do before visiting AWISA 2012 is to first visit www.awisa.com. If you haven’t already done so, go
no responsibility for errors or omissions
on-line now and pre-register as a visitor, and if you are
or any consequence of reliance on this
travelling from interstate you can also book travel
publication.
and accommodation on-line.
54. COMMENT: Help fight the flood. 57. SOFTWARE: Sell on line. 58. STORAGE: Tried and tested. 59. VEHICLES: New programme. 61. MACHINERY: One of the best. 63. EXHIBITION: Top ten trends. 64. GRANTS: For clean technology. 66. EDGEBANDER: Compact pre-milling.
The Australian Woodworking Industry Suppliers Association Ltd is a trade
71. SEMINARS: Building business.
association that represents the interests of
72. AUTOMATION: Meets tradition.
suppliers to the cabinet, kitchen, joinery,
77. AIR: Expertise on display.
furniture, fit-out, and other wood, timber, aluminium,
plastic,
stone
and
panel
processing industries. Members include
78. MACHINERY: Cash in pocket. GEOFF HOLLAND
suppliers of machinery, materials, fittings,
General manager
software and services. Membership and
Australian Woodworking Industry
advertising enquiries are welcome.
Suppliers Association Limited
80. MACHINERY: Comprehensive solution. 83. CONFERENCE: KBDi.
Plus other industry news and product news.
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WINTER 2012 Page 3
THE AWISA MAGAZINE exhibitors
exhibitors
Admonter Natural Flooring Advanced Timber Systems Airtight Solutions Ltd Altendorf Asia Pacific Pty Ltd Arturo Salice S.p.A. ASOFIA Austedan Fabrications Pty Ltd Australian Furniture Association Australian Window Association Beyond Tools Biesse Group Australia Blum Australia Pty Ltd Breton S.p.A. Cabinet Makers Association Inc. Cabinet Makers Insurance Brokers Cabmaster Software Camco Cutting Tools International Carb-i-tool (Aust) Pty Ltd CDK Stone Pty Ltd Complete Software Solutions Designer Training Pty Ltd Diamond Tooling Australia Pty Ltd Dimar Tools (Australia) Pty Ltd DKSH Australia Pty Ltd EGR Elumatec Australia Empower Marketing Ltd Epac Productions Ltd EQ Software Pty Ltd Eurofit Hardwares Pty Ltd Ezi-Duct Pty Ltd FCJ Alliance Fein Power Tools Pty Ltd Felder NSW Pty Ltd Finishing Brands Australia Finlease (Aust) Pty Ltd First Super Flecknoe Pty Ltd Forestry Tasmania Form-tek Products Pty Ltd Furniture Hardware Supplies Furnishing Industry Association of Australia GNG Sales Greg Steele Trading Pty Ltd Gregory Machinery Pty Ltd Hafele Australia Pty Ltd Harn Pty Ltd Halifax Vogel Group Pty Ltd Hasemer Materials Handling Hawley’s Pty Ltd Hettich Australia Homag Australia Pty Ltd Hordern & Company Pty Ltd Housing Industry Association Hunter Plastics (Australasia) Pty Ltd Idacs Pty Ltd Intermic Group Pty Ltd Joiners Magazine NZ Joinerysoft Ltd Just Stone Pty Ltd
List correct as at 18 May 2012
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Kaeser Compressors Aust Pty Ltd Kitchen Bathroom Designers Institute Kitchen King Limited Kleiberit Adhesives Australia Kockums Bulk Systems Pty Ltd Kory Dubay Manufacturing Lamicolor Laser & Sign Technology Leda Machinery Pty Ltd Leitz Tooling System Pty Ltd Leuco Australia Linbide Tools Lincoln Group Link Plastics Luna Machinery Magnum Engineering Pty Ltd Major Woodworking Equipment Masterwood Australia Materials Handling Pty Ltd Melbourne Machine Tools Michael Weinig Australia Pty Ltd Micronair Microvellum Millsom Hoists Pty Ltd MPB Engineering Pty Ltd Multicam Systems Nessco Group New Age Veneers Pty Ltd Planit (Solspec) Polytec Popular Machinery & Tools Position Partners Pytha Pty Ltd QuickCAM Rhino Panel Equipment Pty Ltd Ron Mack Machinery Schelling Anlagenbau GmbH Seradex Pty Ltd Sullair Australia Pty Ltd Supplier Magazine Surteco Australia TABMA TAFE Tesrol Thatcher Engineering Thermwood The Wood Tech Group Thingamejig Precision Tools Timberman Magazine Tooltechnic Systems Trademaster Joiner & Building Services Ville-Tec Engineering & Repairs Weldline Engineering Wilson & Bradley Pty Ltd Window & Door Industry Council Wood Machinery Maintenance Woodbond Adhesives Pty Ltd Woodcraft Supplies Woodtron
THE AWISA MAGAZINE welcome
by Rick Lee Chairman Australian Woodworking Industry Suppliers Association Limited
An invitation and welcome to AWISA 2012 It seems an eternity since our last AWISA exhibition in July 2008 and many have commented enthusiastically that its return is long overdue. What makes AWISA such an anticipated event is that the exhibition is the only truly national event to bring our industry together as one. As one of the largest exhibitions of any kind in Australia, AWISA has become an internationally renowned success.
The show has evolved and grown since its inception and the 2012 exhibition continues this trend. Visitors will discover a new format where they can focus on important segments of the industry within convenient locales such as the AWISA-Design hall. The search for hardware, machinery, software and related products is a much easier process when everything resides under one roof. In my view however, the most important reason for attending trade shows like AWISA is the chance to gather information and to stay in touch with important industry
developments. There are many ways to improve our operations but we cannot take part in this process if we stay within the confines of our workshops and offices, ignorant of the advances around us. Day-today commitments of business make it difficult to remain aware of how and why our industry is changing. Nevertheless, in the modern world of business, information is paramount. To thrive we must be aware of the world around us, we must know what our competitors are doing and we must be knowledgeable about developments if we are to compete. AWISA is the largest woodworking exhibition in the southern hemisphere and as such is a great source of help, information and inspiration. As chairman of the Association and on behalf of the board of AWISA Limited, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to attend the 2012 exhibition and urge you to take advantage of this truly great experience. â–
11-14 July
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE exhibition
The latest technology for the future The AWISA exhibition, taking place at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre from 11-14 July, once again occupies four of the halls at the Centre and features an extraordinary range of machinery, tooling, hardware, decorative products and software for the cabinet, joinery, furniture, timber and panel industries.
Accommodation and travel bookings
It’s the ‘must-see’ event for everyone in woodworking and associated industries and professions. Furniture manufacturers, cabinetmakers, kitchen manufacturers, joinery manufacturers, architects, interior designers, shop and office fitters, and other wood, timber and panel processing industries are welcome to attend.
1800 817 339 or 02 8585 0888.
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Exhibition Centre there are over 4000 hotel rooms. Special rates have been negotiated at a number of these and other hotels. Bookings for hotels and travel can be made through www.awisa.com or by phoning the Lido Group on
Airport shuttle buses A fleet of 48 seat coaches will provide a complimentary shuttle service between the two domestic terminals and AWISA 2012, with the service running every half hour from
Admission and registration
8.00am each show day, with the last service leaving the
AWISA 2012 is a trade-only exhibition and all visitors are asked to register. Visitors can register on arrival at the exhibition, but it is preferred that they pre-register. Preregistrations can only be done through the AWISA website, www.awisa.com.
exhibition one hour after the close of the show each day.
As in the past, children over 6 months of age and under 15 years of age are not admitted, but AWISA provides a professionally run children’s hospitality suite with activities and entertainment to suit the various age groups.
Qantas passengers should exit the Qantas terminal ground
Car parking
park to the Qantas terminal, then head right to the Qantas
Parking is available under the venue, access off Darling Drive. Full day rate is $32.00. Other car parks in the area include the Entertainment Centre car park, the Harbourside car park, access from Murray Street, and the Harris Street car park, access from Allen Street. All are within walking distance of the venue, some by overbridges that shorten the route.
Page 6 WINTER 2012
In the Darling Harbour area adjacent to the Sydney
On arrival at Sydney airport go to the baggage claim area in either domestic terminal and look for the bus company representative with the AWISA sign, or go to the Qantas group coach bays to the east of the Qantas terminal, T3. floor and turn left. Virgin, Jetstar and other T2 passengers should exit the T2 terminal ground floor, walk along the pedestrian footpath through the ground floor of the car group coach bays. Look for the bus with the AWISA sign. International visitors can connect to the AWISA shuttle by taking the airport shuttle to the domestic terminals. Luggage room Luggage can be stored during the day in the luggage room in the venue foyer. Items are stored at owners risk.
THE AWISA MAGAZINE exhibition
Show hours
What else is on in Sydney?
Wednesday 11 July 2012
9.00a.m. – 6.00p.m.
Thursday
12 July 2012
9.00a.m. – 6.00p.m.
Friday
13 July 2012
9.00a.m. – 6.00p.m.
Saturday
14 July 2012
9.00a.m. – 4.00p.m.
“Breakfast with Sam Kekovich” The AWISA 2012 celebrity breakfast will take place on Friday 13 July in the Parkside Ballroom at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. “Breakfast with Sam Kekovich” will be an entertaining start to what is always AWISA’s busiest day. Sam Kekovich is one of the real personalities of AFL football and since his playing days has become a media identity, most recognised as the Australian Ambassador for Meat and Livestock and is seen on multi-award winning advertisements for Australian lamb as “Sam the Lamb Man.” Tickets cost $60.00 and can only be booked online at www.awisa.com through the registration page.
If visitors are looking for additional things to do while visiting Sydney and the Darling Harbour area, they should visit www.sydney.com or www.darlingharbour. com. The following attractions are all within walking distance of the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre: Powerhouse Museum, Chinese Gardens, Chinatown, Sydney Aquarium, Harbourside shopping centre, National Maritime Museum, Imax Theatre, The Star Casino, Cockle Bay Wharf and King Street Wharf. Websites for sporting codes with information on their fixtures are as follows: AFL: www.afl.com.au Football Federation: www.footballaustralia.com.au Rugby Union: www.rugby.com.au Rugby League: www.nrl.com For more information on all aspects of AWISA 2012, including the list of exhibitors, and to pre-register, book breakfast tickets, and book accommodation visit www.awisa.com ■
Book accommodation now There are many other events on in Sydney during AWISA 2012.
Australian Woodworking Industry Suppliers Association Limited Phone 02 9918 3661
AWISA recommends that show visitors
info@awisa.com
book their accommodation now, at
www.awisa.com
www.awisa.com.
11-14 July
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design
THE AWISA MAGAZINE design
by Simon Hodgson
EuroCucina 2012 – the show in review
Eurocucina, well technically “Salone Internazionale del Mobile” is outrageously large, engaging, inspiring and utterly addictive.
to them. What one designer sees as inspiring and worthy of comment, another has passed it by without so much as a cursory glance.
Only twenty years ago, some 60,000 people turned up to wander around some 18,500 square metres of exhibitors’ displays, with a mere 250 journalists reporting on it. In April this year, over 330,000 including over 5000 journalists spent six days and walked millions of kilometres, trying to digest a myriad of product in an area thirty six times the size of the Melbourne Cricket Ground!
Visitors to EuroCucina are made up of a wide variety of professional designers, manufacturers, suppliers, and sometimes a mix. Three tour members this time exemplify this mix.
Eurocucina is the Mecca for us all. Everyone involved in the kitchen and bathroom industry deserves to experience this show at least once, the show that is held every two years in the centre of the world’s greatest design region. Prada, Versace, Smeg, Ducati and countless other world renowned brands are all created within a few hundred kilometres of Milano. Many of the exhibitors display their newest and most extravagant designs for the first time at EuroCucina and outlay a large proportion of their marketing budget on this one event. The thing about EuroCucina is that everyone sees what’s happening from a different perspective. As part of the 2012 KBDi International Designers Tour, the third one to take place, one of the most interesting parts of a trip like this is listening to designers comment on the day’s events. Each one sees something the other hasn’t and processes the mental and physical images in ways unique
Garrett Hebden has owned Better Bathrooms and Kitchens in Melbourne for thirteen years and has been involved in the industry for over 28 years. As a new member of KBDi and a designer and manufacturer, this was Garrett’s first trip to Milan, and he wasn’t disappointed. “I had expectations that this was an exhibition with emphasis on style, new products and finishes, I wasn’t let down. I remember the first morning clearly, a blimp overhead advertising just one of the company’s I was about to see and a sea of people talking in every possible language indicating that we were amongst a worldwide group of colleagues, all about to experience something special” Belinda Worden is the specification representative for Austaron, the solid surface supplier and a KBDi sponsor from day one. It was her second trip to EuroCucina, and her third KBDi tour. Knowing what to expect in regards to the enormity of the show, didn’t dampen her anticipation one bit. “Having experienced EuroCucina back in 2010 and then Interzum last year, I was very interested to see how the growth in solid surface would once again be incorporated into the displays. I was immediately impressed with the attention to detail, the curves, and yet again the enormity of the suppliers displays.” To complete the full circle of industry types to the show, I spoke to Allan Aitken of Let’s Talk Kitchens in Victoria. Starting as a cabinet maker in 1973, Allan earned his accreditation as a Certified Kitchen Designer in 1995 and has focused on excellence in design ever since. In 2011, Allan visited Interzum for the first time, so the progression to EuroCucina was an absolute must. “I wanted to see how the trending in finishes and hardware we saw in 2011 would be reflected in the displays in
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Milano. As this was my first trip to EuroCucina, my anticipation and expectations were reliant on those I had spoken to previously. But even their full descriptions of what I was about to encounter didn’t prepare me for the sheer extent and vastness that is EuroCucina – it certainly makes you realise the minute you turn up what’s in store.” The difference between a designer and a
craftsperson or artist is that designers usually develop things that have requirements set by others and will ultimately be produced by others. Having the mix of kitchen and bathroom professionals in the group clearly was going to produce a difference of opinions. With expectations strangely similar, the interest naturally focused on what each of them saw as outstanding and memorable and now having had time to digest, some interesting observations arise from our three visitors. Garrett says he’s excited on the one hand but slightly disappointed with one aspect of the show! “On our return from EuroCucina I’m still excited about utilising some of the ideas found at the event, like Alucobond style wrapped veneer doors, Staron solid surface seamless created benchtops, movable kitchen splash backs creating more easy access storage space at the back of bench top areas; the introduction of curves in cabinetry and bench tops actually softening the feel of kitchens and cabinetry components. On reflection, my only real disappointment was
THE AWISA MAGAZINE design
in relation to the bathroom areas, as the major emphasis was on the actual products themselves rather that complete bathroom concepts, the companies exhibiting their products may have had more impact by joining forces with each other rather than just displaying their individual product ranges, toilet, taps, tiles, etc. In the main it’s a phenomenon that you see the world over, bathroom companies show product mainly, not completed rooms.” Belinda and Allan also had some very definite feelings on things they remember from Milano. Says Belinda, “I love the detail behind the cupboard and inside the drawer the attention to detail in these areas is amazing and looks awesome, I also love the lighting, the obvious light you see and the light you feel. My only disappointment is that whilst there is an ever increasing number of my customers who make the pilgrimage to Italy every two years, there aren’t more Australian designers that have the opportunity to visit the show” Allan Aitken makes an excellent point, primarily about finding that one stand that really assists and delivers but also puts out an opposing view to some others on the tour. “I found there was a lot to see over the four kitchen halls, ranging from the absolutely fabulous to the downright ugly. One of the things you first notice is that some companies displaying their wares were very happy to talk to you also to allow you to photograph at will, while others thought they were above us and wouldn’t talk to you or wouldn’t allow photography. One of the stands we really enjoyed being shown over was “Team 7”, they were really informative about their designers and we were actually introduced to one of the furniture designers. They appeared to be massive users of solid timber both in their kitchen and furniture production. Another thing regarding trends, we had been told about. I thought we might see more solid surface benchtops, but there seemed to be a lot of laminate, granite and marble, even to the point some displays contained fully carved sinks from solid stone. When the bench material was thicker than the
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE design
appearance wanted they machined down the edge to appear thin both as an undercut and a top bevel.” And that’s what’s good about being with other like minded individuals – the alternative view, but often an agreeing set of eyes and ears. To walk around EuroCucina on your own in one hell of an experience and heading for top rung, but being around other designers and professionals, lifts your own game, makes you think more and provides that other opinion, even if its unorthodox! The highlights for the three are also different; Garrett’s are very specific and obviously caught his attention. “The use of induction cook tops and their integration as stand-alone components into bench tops. Something we have not yet seen here in Australia. The enormous use of Staron solid surface bench top material over reconstituted stone bench tops, I think the world knows more than what we do in the longevity and performance of such a product. A product which allows us to introduce curves into the design and when used in a more traditional square design, brings a softness to it and the use of Pendant style range hoods to help create the kitchen
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area as a living space rather than ridged, static work area. For Belinda “It is difficult to narrow down to an actual piece but I was impressed by the curves both horizontal and vertical also the layering of materials and the integration in the work tops.” And for Allan, Team 7’s’ extending table, it was a very well crafted piece of furniture in European walnut. They also had a kitchen finished in the same timber, absolutely beautiful workmanship. The wine and cigar room finished all in European oak, a wine lover’s dream, I could have stayed there all day with a glass of red and Polyform for sheer class, again beautifully made timber cabinetry.” In 2010, many designers were stranded in Italy due to the unexpected activity of a certain Icelandic volcano. I wrote before about some small disappointments on this trip and should put on the record that the major regret most had, was that there was no volcanic eruption this year. The best example was Allan’s partner Carol, who each night could be seen praying to the volcanic Gods, glass of red in hand, whilst perched on her balcony overlooking Lake Como. Her
frustrations were clearly seen each morning, the look at breakfast of “I tried, but no one answered” was all too apparent, and with her prayers ignored, the final morning saw a total look of despair (and perhaps the prospect of sitting next to Allan for the next 36 hours) clearly visible. It has to be said at this point that most shop owners in Bellagio, Lake Como and Milano had spent the previous week on their knees, hands clasped, looking skywards! All three designers will go again, with all of them stressing the need for the design community to embrace exhibitions like EuroCucina. In the coming months you will have ample opportunity to see and listen to various presentations about EuroCucina, KBDi will conduct a national tour featuring designers and commentators, Smeg will hold nearly twenty lunches for designers in five states, with comprehensive reviews and exclusive images – my advice, see them all, you will experience a wide variety of opinions and images that will demonstrate not only what happened at EuroCucina and where trends, colours and designs are heading, but why in 2014, you need to be there! ■
NEW
EVOLUTION doors & panels NEW and exclusive to polytec, the EVOLUTION range is a collection of polytec’s leading and most innovative finishes, LEGATO, RAVINE and CREATEC. With over 50 colours and made from premium 18mm MR MDF E0 substrate the EVOLUTION range enables you to offer your customers the latest in European design trends. RAVINE doors in Drifted Oak. LAMINATE bench top in Grigio Marble Gloss. ALUMINIUM 55/5mm Brushed Stainless frame with Starphire White glass.
p 1300 300 547 f 1300 320 547 www.polytec.com.au
THE AWISA MAGAZINE WINDOWS
by John Halkett
Window and door business model that works Expansion plans, a clear market segment, strong shop-front presence and a solid reputation all add up to a business model for window and door manufacturing practiced by Scar Top Joinery that really works.
bow is their expansion plans and forward looking strategy related to greater deployment of design and manufacturing technology and associated improved control of labour, plus tighter price competitiveness.
Established in 1993, Scar Top Joinery is a moderate-sized window and door design and manufacturing company at Fountaindale on NSW’s Central Coast. Its core business is making customdesigned, one-off windows and doors from Australia hardwood and imported timber, using traditional section sizes along with mortice and tenon joints.
“Our expansion plans are centred around an additional 2000 square metre building that is now under construction adjacent to our existing factory.”
According to Scar Top Joinery’s director of manufacturing Mark McInerney, the company has a particular geographic focus in the northern beaches area of Sydney, but also a strong presence in Sydney’s suburbs, across greater Sydney and parts of regional NSW. Mark says despite the tough business conditions currently being experienced across manufacturing and building industries, Scar Top Joinery has had a good past twelve months trading. He adds that the company is established on solid roots. “We have built the business from the-ground-up on the principles of quality, service and price.”
An important characteristic of quality timber windows and doors is their thermal efficiency, with glass selection being critical to the maintenance of thermal performance.
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Perhaps the company’s secret weapon is their slick, upmarket showroom in Mona Vale on Sydney’s northern beaches. The showroom is staffed by experienced salespeople, some of whom have worked at the manufacturing end of the business and can talk-the-talk in the showroom or out on the building site. “The company has a tight focus on the top-end of Sydney’s home and commercial renovations market,” says Mark. “We have been able to insulate ourselves from the need to compete against imports or operate at the depressed first home-owner end of the housing construction market.” Another string to Scar Top Joinery’s
“The new facility will be about lifting the quality and affordability of the window and door products we design and manufacture. Yes – we certainly will be ramping up our speciality machining and technology capability.” Mark says all their windows and doors are manufactured to order. “As well as having the capacity of producing conventional windows and doors, we are able to produce to meet architectural heritage specifications, other speciality designs right through to contemporary styles.” He asserts that an important characteristic of quality timber windows and doors is their thermal efficiency, with glass selection being critical to the maintenance of thermal performance. “Glazing selections can minimise heat loss or heat gain. Additionally, strategic window positioning allows natural light and minimises use of artificial lighting.” Mark believes that present and likely future challenges to the wooden window and door manufacturing industry include the ability to compete against imports and understanding, and being compliant with building standards and codes, notably bushfire regulations, thermal efficiency and green star rating requirements. “Timber window and door manufacturing is our life blood. Timber is a sound environmental choice for most building needs - it’s renewable, recyclable and versatile. Lifecycle assessments of construction materials consistently rate timber and timber
products as the best building material of choice.” Presently Scar Top Joinery’s window and door manufacturing activity utilises significant quantities of Western red cedar, imported hardwood species, such as merbau and New Guinea rosewood and Australian native hardwoods. Mark raises concerns for future Australian hardwood supplies. “Currently we use reasonable volumes of Australian species such as blackbutt, tallowwood and spotted gum. It is becoming increasingly difficult to source these species in the specifications and quality we need.” ■
THE AWISA MAGAZINE Windows
Scar Top Joinery’s director of manufacturing Mark McInerney with foreman David Alderton – at the centre of a window and door design and manufacturing business model that works.
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The future is here...
Think smoothness, stability and design flexibility Visit Hettich at stand 2203 - 2214
hettich.com.au
THE AWISA MAGAZINE awards
Wagga Wagga kitchen and joinery company nominated for national Housing Industry Award Hettich is delighted to announce that one of its endorsed showrooms, Interior Constructions, has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious national Housing Industry Awards (HIA) for 2012. The nomination follows Interior Constructions’ triumphs at the Riverina and ACT/Southern NSW Housing Awards in 2011. Wagga Wagga-based Interior Constructions is a leading Riverina joinery company and has been in business since 2001. Kitchen designer Jo Eggleton expects some stiff competition in this year’s awards, however is quietly confident of the team’s ability. “The kitchens have to be something special, it’s not your everyday kitchen that’s winning, some of the kitchens we’re up against are $80,000. The awards are judged on the quality of product and quality of design, but they are also judged on workmanship, which
is what puts us over the line each time.” Interior Constructions‘ team of dedicated professionals has been extremely busy, and fits out on average one kitchen a day. This also includes tackling some big jobs that go beyond the kitchen. “It’s not just a kitchen – there is a whole lot of house fit outs as well. In some of the bigger ones, it’s entertainment units and studies and theatre rooms - so they are pretty big jobs and we do quite a few of those a year.” “With those sorts of jobs, the clients want all the bells and whistles, which means all the Hettich products.” The team’s strong design focus and passion has won them a variety of national and regional awards over the years, including the HIA Riverina, which the company has entered and won every year for the past six years, and the HIA ACT and Southern NSW title in 2011.
“We had been to Canberra before in the finals, but last year we actually won which is good because there is a lot of money in Canberra. Most people know we stock Hettich products, and they know the brand, so stocking them gives us a bit of an advantage. We’ve got all the wiz bang Hettich stuff in our showroom.” Jo credits the success of Interior Constructions to a number of factors including strong workmanship and high design quality, not to mention the high quality of Hettich products. “The kitchen we’ve got in the finals is pretty impressive; everything in there is Hettich.”
HETTICH AUSTRALIA Phone 1800 HETTICH www.hettich.com.au
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE MACHINERY
Ahead of the game with five-axis technology Twelve years on from the inception of the company, Damien Hunter is continuing the Staircom success story and recently invested in a five-axis machining centre to boost productivity. For many woodworking businesses, the design and quality requirements that customers routinely expect today would have been considered extreme only a few years ago. Melbourne-based staircase manufacturer Staircom is trying to stay ahead of these manufacturing trends. They see their customers needing reduced lead times with sophisticated designs and fully expect pressure to continue in these areas. Implementing five-axis machining is one answer they’ve found to keep ahead of the trend.
left behind. The scenario for investing in five-axis machining technology is similar. With any business, investing in the latest technology is a requirement to stay on top and compete effectively.
“The market is very competitive,” says Staircom manager Damien Hunter. “Many staircase manufacturers are small companies who are not even utilising CNC machinery, so to have advanced five-axis technology will definitely give us an edge on our competitors. There is no doubt moving ahead with five-axis technology is the way of the future.”
“The five-axis machine will help us to improve our efficiency and reduce the amount of manual labour,” Mr Hunter explains. “People who will survive the next five years are going to be those who improve efficiency and their systems, reduce manual labour input, simply doing things smarter. Hiring additional labour is only a short term solution.”
Advanced design
Highest manufacturing standards
“If we can introduce some more advanced styles we can justify price increases for products that can’t be done by hand or standard machines,” he adds. “That’s the idea and one of the reasons we decided to invest in a five-axis machining centre.”
Founded in 2000, Staircom is still a family-owned and operated business delivering quality staircases for all applications. The company has built its reputation on exceptional customer service and the ability to supply its clients’ needs with staircases that are manufactured to the highest standards using the best materials available.
About 20 or even 10 years ago, woodworking businesses were wondering why they should switch from manual work to CNC, but many companies with ambitious plans to grow and remain competitive have meanwhile installed CNC machinery. Those who didn’t switch to CNC eventually got
“The five-axis machine will help us to improve our efficiency and reduce the amount of manual labour.” Staircom manager, Damien Hunter.
The business began in a small factory near the current premises in Mount Waverley, Victoria, and the family decided to move to the current premises about six years ago with the intention to expand and improve the structure of the business with new technology, better processes, and systems that set them apart from competitors. While the company has continually broadened its customer base and switched to CNC technology, Mr Hunter realised it was time to speed up production and even increase the shop’s efficiency by reducing the amount of manual labour involved in manufacturing modern staircases, and introduce a process which sets them apart from others in the market place. Five-axis technology to meet customer demand “We are able to offer solutions for all designs using many different materials including timber, stainless steel, wrought iron and glass,” Mr Hunter says, and adds that “due to changes in styles of stairs and what customers expect, we decided to upgrade to five-axis, which is not that common in the woodworking industry in Australia.” “We also purchased a European staircase software a several years ago which allows us to manufacture all types
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Page 16 WINTER 2012
THE AWISA MAGAZINE machinery
of stairs, but with the three-axis machine you can only manufacture about 80% of the staircase components,” he continues. “So the idea of the five-axis machine is to allow us to machine 100% of the stair components. Our threeaxis machine allows only vertical machining, not horizontal or interpolating five-axis work. The 4th axis will allow us to machine 95% of our work and the 5th axis delivers the last 5%.” “Five-axis technology is essential for the future.” Staircom will get its five-axis capability this year, making it one of the few in the nation to incorporate five-axis machining centres. “Often, there seems to be confusion due to the term ‘fiveaxis’ machining centre,” Homag Australia product manager Antonio DiConza says. “Many woodworking businesses think they don’t have five-axis work. But every shop has work that would benefit from a five-axis machine because a five-axis machining centre facilitates 5-sided machining. So, even if you don’t have simultaneous five-axis work, the
parts you are producing on your 3-axis machines will be more profitable when you use a five-axis machining centre.” Efficiency up, manual labour down Moreover, there seems to be a solid line dividing businesses that do five-axis machining and those that do not. But recent developments in machines and controls have begun to blur these lines because five-axis machining increasingly falls within the financial and technological reach of more companies. Prices for five-axis machines have come down and continue to drop. Programming for these machines has benefited from computer advances in both processing speed and ease of use.
Five-axis machining increasingly falls within the financial and technological reach of more companies:
The new Homag Venture 316, which Staircom decided to purchase, falls into that category. A heavy-duty machine frame, stable moving gantry and five-axis technology with the Drive5C spindle make it a premium quality yet truly affordable CNC processing centre. Mr DiConza explains, “The 316 is an extremely versatile
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WINTER 2012 Page 17
THE AWISA MAGAZINE MACHINERY
Top: Unique: A flush trimming unit simultaneaously rounds the top and bottom of a staircase tread. Right: The new Homag Venture 316 features a heavy-duty machine frame, stable moving gantry and five-axis technology with Homag’s Drive5C spindle, that make it a premium quality yet truly affordable CNC processing unit.
CNC router that is perfect for general joinery, the door and stair market and for companies looking to get into five-axis machining. It can be freely configured to suit individual requirements and has a good choice of table lengths from 3,300mm to 6,000mm for different applications.”
a glance,” Mr DiConza explains. In addition, a 14 or 18slot plate changer increases the number of tools and units that can be directly accessed, thus reducing set-up times further. A saw blade with a diameter of up to 350mm can also be accommodated.
Homag Venture 316 – versatile and flexible
Service and support
The new Drive5C five-axis routing spindle means that one spindle now does the job of a whole array of traditional units including routing, profiling, drilling, sawing and horizontal trimming units to name but a few. This modular design makes the machine particularly versatile and flexible.
But the technology itself doesn’t sell a machine yet; local service is what sets Homag apart from its competitors and is what tipped the scale for Mr Hunter, who initially had no intention of buying a Homag machine. “I knew Homag products are better, but much more expensive,” he says. “But in the end I decided for the Homag machine based on advice from people in our industry. I thought Homag was a better product for our business going forward; and it wasn’t as expensive as I thought.”
“Five-axis machining centres provide ideal solutions for the professional and cost-efficient machining of any kind of 3D workpiece contours through to detailed sculptures,” Mr DiConza explains. “The major benefit of five-axis machining is the ability to machine complex shapes in a single set-up. This gives greater machining productivity compared to performing the job in a series of set ups, as well as significantly reducing the time and cost of manual re-work of finished parts.” Five-axis machining can also generate huge time savings in the drilling of holes. While this may seem trivial in comparison to the difficulty of machining a complex core or cavity, drilling a series of holes with different compound angles is extremely time consuming. If a three-axis machine is used, a different set-up must be used for each hole. With a five-axis machine, the head can be oriented along the correct axis for each hole automatically, allowing drilling to be completed much quicker. Tailored to fit specific requirements The Homag Venture 316 comes with a choice of highspeed drilling heads with up to 17 vertical spindles, leading to fewer drilling cycles. For consistent drilling depth even on hard materials, the 316 has a drilling head with spindle locking mechanism. This patented system provides precision drilling depth every time. Spindle speeds range from 1,500 – 7,500rpm for high feed rates and short drilling cycles of approximately 1.5 seconds. To improve set up time, users can choose the optional LED displays which make the positioning of vacuum cups and consoles fast and simple. “This option can save up to 70% of preparation time as it allows correct cup placing at
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Page 18 WINTER 2012
“They offered me a solution with the correct service and additional support for add-on products such as a projection system. Moreover, from day one I felt as if I’ve had an honest face-to-face relationship with the sales team. Their service was second to none.” In the future Mr Hunter would like to see his industry progressing in the right way, people investing in highend technology to produce high-quality products at a competitive but realistic price. He plans to expand his business at a consistent rate as he has done over the past years. “The new machine will allow us to machine a higher volume of work, but also a higher percentage of each job.” “With the five-axis processing centre we will set ourselves apart from our competitors,” he concludes. “With the purchase of this machine we will have one of the most efficient, advanced manufacturing systems in the industry.”
HOMAG AUSTRALIA Phone 02 8865 2700 www.homag.com.au STAIRCOM PTY LTD www.staircom.com.au
Securing success through partnership and strategy
Your Investment in the Future – DRIVE5 High-end 5-axis technology at an affordable price 3 Windows 3 Doors 3 Stairs 3 Furniture parts 5-axis processing = maximum flexibility Limited only by your imagination……
HOMAG Australia 6 - 8 Tasha Place Kings Park, NSW 2148 Phone: +02 8865 2700 sales@homag-australia.com
www.homag-australia.com
THE AWISA MAGAZINE furniture
A unique central western NSW furniture business Furniture for a Lifetime is a business that markets itself on its signage as a “Furniture design, manufacturing and restoration business”. However there is so much more to this unique business than currently meets the name and the central western NSW location. The business is nestled comfortably within the beautiful city of Dubbo surrounded by agriculture, plenty of beautiful Australian hardwood timbers for inspiration and a rapidly expanding and encroaching mining industry. The current owner and co-founder of the business Robert “Bob” Doick has been described by many people, including his customers, as being a
very talented, highly experienced and dedicated furniture cabinetmaker, who also happens to be a genuinely nice bloke. Bob’s passion for timber and quality with an Australian focus drew him into a cabinet making apprenticeship while working for a local antique furniture dealer, restoration and French polishing business. Pursuing his dreams to not only repair, polish and restore quality timber antique furniture but to actually make the “new Australian antiques of the future” motivated him to commit to a 4 year apprenticeship. This commitment saw him endure the personal sacrifice of travelling over 400km by car from
Dubbo to Sydney to attend TAFE Lidcombe at least seven times a year for week long stays over a 3 year period on a minimum wage of around $150 per week. Today, 18 years later his own apprentice, Emma, is now also found travelling along the same road and interestingly is learning under one of Bob’s former teachers. Bob says it has taken many years of hard work but he is proud to be able to both support and be supported by young apprentices and other qualified professionals on an ongoing basis found both on-site and off-site. “Our factory assists various skills to come together as and when needed for an artisan expertise focus for complex production processes, training purposes or just for the shared need, passion and love of timber, enabling the growth of innovative qualityfocussed products. I love working with, teaching, assisting and learning from so many different talented and passionate people. I am motivated to do what I do because I have a strong understanding of the personal sacrifices needed, skills, support and mutual respect often required to be able to achieve a dream, share a passion or get a job done well from any given location. Each entity has their own unique set of challenges, advantages and disadvantages. The willingness to share, learn and achieve a goal, an incentive or an identified end value always requires more than an individual effort even when it comes to just being able to press a button to achieve something”. Bob describes his business as a unique one, relatively small in physical size, yet packing a mighty punch when it comes to the convenient availability of multi-skilled labour, specialised equipment, product output and good old fashioned friendly and convenient customer service. “Our business manufactures timber and
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Page 20 WINTER 2012
THE AWISA MAGAZINE furniture
I love working with, teaching, assisting and learning from so many different talented and passionate people other combination material products. We design and manufacture a wide scope of unique furnishing goods and provide other quality linked services for both domestic and commercial clients. “ Furniture for a Lifetime has manufactured and serviced thousands of unique quality items from complex hand crafted curved timber reception counters, custom made display cabinets right down to custom made chairs, timber dining and board room tables,” says Bob. “We are committed to ensuring the continual Australian supply of quality-focussed Australian made hardwood timber goods, maintenance, conservation and other service required supply. We have both an efficient and flexible product output catering to a wide range of furnishing and other industry related customer demands”. When asked what their most dominant piece of equipment on their factory floor was, Bob’s partner, Peta says it is their Altendorf Elmo 3 panel saw, “the clear stand out hub of connectivity to our furnishing, remodelling, restoration and other ever expanding scope of quality goods and services.”
“Alty”, as the team at Furniture for a Lifetime have affectionately named their Altendorf panel saw, recently took centre stage in the production of a 1950’s NSW public school room themed fit-out for the Western Plains Cultural Centre.
has never failed to support, impress and inspire the various dedicated professionals with whom we work with daily right on down to the next generation of young woodworkers contemplating their choice of HSC projects or future careers,” adds Peta.
“This room proudly showcases for many future generations to enjoy our magnificent Australian Queensland silky oak, spotted gum and Tassie blackwood hardwood timber endproduct capabilities. The reproduction furniture, made on-site in our factory, allows for a trip back down memory lane for many senior members and visitors to the local community to enjoy whilst also delivering a multipurpose educational resource facility allowing a physical connection for the younger generation to the NSW school class room days of the past”.
Following the very successful investment in their workhorse machine at the last AWISA exhibition and the next show just around the corner this year, both Bob and Peta look eagerly towards the July event for even more connected technologies to enhance their workshop environment. “We can’t wait to attend the next AWISA show in July to see what other developments, materials and ideas can feed into this small but creative Australian factory”.
Working daily with a diverse range of professionals including designers, project managers, builders, joiners, glaziers, wood turners, handymen, teachers and their students, Furniture for a Lifetime focuses on the collaborative effort between different members of the woodworking ecosystem. “Alty [Altendorf Elmo 3]
ALTENDORF ASIA PACIFIC PTY LTD Phone 1800 558 258 www.altendorf.com.au
The 1950’s NSW public school themed room built for the Western Plains Cultural Centre.
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WINTER 2012 Page 21
To find us, call 1300 GABBETT
(1300 422 2388)
tough HIGH SPEED AUTOMATED PRODUCTION FOR NESTED BASED APPLICATIONS The Morbidelli Universal – designed for your production. An integrated nesting system that allows you to optimize both your time and materials. Morbidelli’s engineering is famous throughout the world. Genuine European components combined with over 50 years manufacturing experience gives you the highest reliability. The unique gantry construction gives maximum rigidity and balance at the spindle, giving faster machining, longer tool life and a perfect finish.
accuracy. Your nested panels are held securely with the best system available on the market. At Gabbett, we give you the best in precision integrated systems, backed by exceptional local experience and service. We are here to support your business. Designed to be bullet-proof. Now that’s tough. To find out more, call your local office
An aluminium worktable gives perfect vacuum hold down, along with perfect machining
GABBETT MACHINERY PTY LTD Melbourne 03 8761 4500 www.gabbett.com melbournesales@gabbett.com
Adelaide 08 8445 5700 adelaidesales@gabbett.com
Auckland 09 828 4530 aucklandsales@gabbett.com
Sydney 02 8886 1500 sydneysales@gabbett.com
Perth 08 6250 5400 perthsales@gabbett.com
Christchurch 03 377 3795 christchurchsales@gabbett.com
Brisbane 07 3900 2500 brisbanesales@gabbett.com
THE AWISA MAGAZINE panels
High gloss interior sheet products from EGR Many people know the EGR Group as an award winning Australian manufacturing company that historically has supplied the specialty extruded sheet and global automotive markets for almost 40 years.
EGR decorative products are distributed to a broad consumer demographic ranging from custom architectural specification for commercial projects through to single packed DIY retail programs.
In late 2005 EGR started creating a range of high gloss interior sheet products to fill the ever-growing building and decorative materials sector. The product range has been progressively expanded since that time and will now be offered under the collective banner of EGR Décor.
Zenolite is an advanced engineered sheet product for architectural wall cladding and residential applications.
EGR has developed several internationally acclaimed products including Zenolite (commercial wall panels) and Lustrolite (residential wall panels) both of which have won prestigious awards for innovation in Europe and North America. The wall products are complimented by the increasingly popular StyleLite high gloss lamination sheet range – which is rapidly gaining market share in Australia, Asia, Europe and the USA “As EGR is a proud Australian owned business, we are extremely happy with industry recognition to date. This is a very exciting time for EGR going forward” said Trevor Bell, international sales and marketing manager for the EGR Decorative business. “We have invested heavily in R&D and new infrastructure to deliver to the Australian and global markets innovative and high quality products that set the benchmark for high gloss.”
Zenolite is used extensively by many residential kitchen installers as splashbacks, feature panels and cabinet door fascias. StyleLite is a high gloss acrylic capped ABS sheet designed for volume lamination. StyleLite is rapidly replacing costly high gloss 2-pack paint and high gloss laminates in kitchen cabinets and shop fit outs. StyleLite panels are very easy to fabricate and even easier to maintain. Leading kitchen makers and joiners agree that StyleLite finished panels deliver the ultimate ripple free finish with short lead times and are very cost competitive to other high gloss options. Lustrolite wall panels are designed for residential bathroom applications particularly, and feature a slick hard coated surface that offers high chemical and scratch resistance along with a non-stick surface that is effortless to keep clean. Lustrolite retains all the installer friendly features of Zenolite and has sheet sizes and colour range tuned to suit bathroom and heavy use wet area applications. EGR www.zenolite.com www.stylelite-aca.com www.lustrolite.com www.egrdecor.com
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WINTER 2012 Page 23
outlook
THE AWISA MAGAZINE housing
Housing
Recent trends
Work done on housing in Australia has been declining. As Chart 1 shows, work on new housing fell in each of the last three quarters of 2011 and work on housing renovations in each of the last two. In recent quarters, work on new houses has fallen more than work on multi-unit dwellings such as flats and apartments. Treasury forecasts
Geoff Bills Geoff Bills is an independent economist with long experience analysing and forecasting economic activity in Australia.
In the forecasts that accompany this year’s Commonwealth budget, Treasury expects the Australian economy to grow by 3¼ per cent in 2012/13 and by 3 per cent in 2013/14. That growth will be driven mainly by surging investment in resources and strong growth in mineral exports, supported by moderate growth in household spending on consumer goods and services. But there will be little contribution to growth from either dwelling investment or public spending. Real dwelling investment – the sum of spending on new housing and housing renovations in constant 2009/10 prices – is expected to remain subdued ‘with households reluctant to take on more debt and some investors hesitant because of the prospect of continued subdued house price growth.’ (Statement 2: Economic Outlook, p. 2-10.) Dwelling investment, which increased by 3 per cent in 2010/11, is expected to fall by 1 per cent this financial year, to remain flat in 2012/13, and to rise by 2½ per cent in 2013/14. One of the reasons for this forecast is that over the past three years new housing construction has been especially strong in Victoria, but that the Victorian
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Page 24 WINTER 2012
market is now returning to more normal levels of activity, while demand in other states is expected to remain weak. Another is that outside Victoria, restrictive state and local government planning and approval processes are likely to restrain growth. Recent declines in activity and weak dwelling approvals and commencements, led by Victoria, are Treasury’s reasons for expecting the slight downturn in activity in 2011/12. As Chart 2 shows, Victorian approvals have indeed been trending lower for more than a year. Reserve Bank views In its latest Statement on Monetary Policy, May 2012, the Reserve Bank (RBA) expresses much the same views as Treasury: falling house prices and lengthy planning processes that cause delays and add to costs, are again cited as reasons for recent weakness in the housing market. The RBA does not make specific forecasts of various sectors of the economy, but it concludes: ‘Despite recent decreases in housing prices relative to income and increased rental yields, forward-looking indicators suggest that there is little prospect of an imminent recovery in housing construction.’ (p. 36) Economic overview These forecasts are made against a background of a spectacularly large mining boom. The latest ABS survey of private new capital expenditure, conducted in January and February, reported record highs in both actual and expected expenditure in mining, with expected investment rising by 26 per cent from $95 billion in 2011/12 to $120 billion in 2012/13.
THE AWISA MAGAZINE housing
These expectations may not be realised. But as Treasury points out, despite continuing global uncertainties, the resources sector has either committed to, or commenced construction on, over half of an estimated $456 billion pipeline of planned projects. Building these projects has driven private sector engineering construction activity rapidly higher: over the year to the December quarter of 2011, the trend value of work done increased by 50 per cent. And Treasury forecasts that activity will continue to grow rapidly over the next two years: by about 21 per cent in 2012/13 and by a further 9 per cent in 2013/14. If such growth is to be achieved, without causing inflation, there is little room for growth in other sectors. During the past year, the mechanisms for slowing the rest of the economy have been a high Australian dollar and relatively high interest rates, which have certainly cooled retail and wholesale trade, manufacturing, tourism, housing and non-residential building. Chart 3 is a good illustration of our multi-speed economy. Over the year to the February quarter of 2012, total employment in Australia increased very little: by around 22,000 or 0.2 per cent. Employment in mining, however, rose by 44,600 or 22 per cent, while the number employed in accommodation, restaurants and cafes fell by 59,300 or 7 per cent. Managing such large structural change is not easy. Mining is a relatively small industry, producing less than 10 per cent of national output and employing only about 2 per cent of the national workforce. And, as Table 1 shows, the size and importance of mining varies greatly from state to state: contributing more than a third of total production in Western Australia but only about 3 per cent in New South Wales and Victoria. The developing mining boom, however, is huge. As the RBA has pointed out, mining investment is expected to rise to around 12 per cent of GDP in 2012/13, compared with a 50-year average of only 2 per cent.
The high export prices that have driven the mining boom have contributed to a big rise in out terms of trade: the ratio of export prices to import prices. Past evidence shows that the boost that the high terms of trade gives to incomes and economic activity, enjoyed initially by the resource-rich states, fairly quickly flows through to most other states. So far, however, it has not flowed through much at all; and a troubled world economy and toxic local politics have so damaged confidence that consumers have been slow to spend and businesses slow to invest outside of mining. As a result, interest rates have been cut; and if present uncertainties continue, they are likely
Outlook There are several reasons – shortages of skills, rising costs and environmental concerns – for thinking that the mining boom, huge as it is, will not proceed as quickly as Treasury has forecast. That will leave room for further interest rate cuts: a big help to housing. In any case, there are already signs, in approvals and in house prices, of a strengthening of the housing market. In our view, dwelling investment will have fallen in 2011/12, not by the 1 per cent forecast by Treasury, but by 2½ per cent. But instead of stagnating in the year ahead, activity is likely to increase by 2 per cent and, in 2013/14, by a further 5.4 per cent. ■
to be cut further in the year ahead.
Industry Contributions to State Output, 2010/11 percent
NSW
Tas
NT
2.1
2.8
3.2
6.1
1.7
8.6
3.7
0.1
2.8
20.0
20.5
29.4
25.1
54.0
22.5
39.8
13.5
27.8
Mining
3.1
2.6
9.7
4.7
34.2
1.5
21.3
0.1
9.5
Manufacturing
8.8
9.7
8.3
10.1
5.6
9.8
7.0
1.6
8.3
Utilities
2.6
2.0
2.4
3.1
1.9
4.6
1.2
2.0
2.4
Construction
5.4
6.3
9.0
7.2
12.2
6.7
10.3
9.8
7.7
14.2
16.0
17.4
15.5
11.7
15.5
9.4
7.4
14.7
Wholesale trade
4.5
4.7
5.2
4.7
3.1
3.0
1.5
1.6
4.3
Retail trade
4.2
5.7
5.5
5.3
3.2
5.8
3.6
3.2
4.7
Transport & storage
5.4
5.6
6.7
5.4
5.4
6.7
4.3
2.7
5.7
32.4
30.5
19.5
21.1
14.2
17.8
13.7
19.9
25.1
4.5
3.7
2.1
3.0
1.4
2.5
1.3
2.3
3.1
14.9
13.7
6.9
9.2
4.3
8.7
3.5
4.4
10.6
Agriculture Goods production
Goods distribution
Business services Communications Finance & insurance Property & business services
Vic
Qld
SA
WA
ACT
Aust
13.0
13.1
10.5
9.0
8.6
6.6
8.9
13.1
11.4
17.3
17.7
15.8
17.7
9.7
21.2
14.8
18.8
16.0
Accommodation & restaurants
2.9
2.4
2.5
2.5
1.2
2.8
2.1
2.7
2.4
Education
4.9
5.7
4.3
5.2
2.9
6.7
3.8
6.4
4.7
Health
6.5
6.6
6.5
7.3
3.7
8.8
6.0
5.6
6.2
Cultural & recreation
1.0
1.1
0.6
0.9
0.5
0.8
1.1
1.7
0.9
Personal & other services
2.0
1.9
1.8
1.9
1.3
2.2
1.7
2.3
1.8
4.8
4.0
5.7
5.9
2.9
6.6
9.0
32.8
5.2
Household services
Government Source: ABS 5220.0
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WINTER 2012 Page 25
THE AWISA MAGAZINE tooling
Special coated cutting tools Leitz will have on display, at the AWISA exhibition, the latest design nesting compression router manufactured in Germany and coated with the new Leitz Marathon coating. Leitz took the decision several years ago that with raw material shortages and the increased material costs, especially in Tungsten Carbide, tooling manufacturers must look to the future and develop new and improved cutting tools. Reducing the use of expensive raw materials is the first step to controlling costs. Leitz has focused heavily on the development of tools and tooling solutions that can be sharpened many times while retaining their original constant diameter and profile. This type of tooling when compared to the traditional throwaway systems offers savings in purchase price and reduces the customer’s overall production costs. The old saying “you get what you pay for” is clearly evident when purchasing cutting tools. In selecting the most cost effective tool manufacturers need to consider what influences the total cost of the tool over the tool life - it is the sharpening costs, the tool change time, setup time and production downtime or the number of times the tool can be sharpened. Key to improving the tool efficiency or the production process is the run time performance of the cutting edges.
“The profit is made at the cutting edge” and by increasing the run time performance the costs per running metre can be reduced significantly. To increase the run time performance of a tool requires innovative cutting material independent of the type of tipping. High speed steel (HSS) becomes increasingly wear resistance by adding more alloying elements but unfortunately raw material and production costs have increased. Tungsten with a smaller grain size and a greater binder percentage also improves the wear resistance. Leitz has focused on increasing the wear resistance where it is necessary at the cutting edge and not throughout the cutting material with special coatings to solving this problem. The coating process combines opposing material characteristics such as hardness and toughness. This knowledge has been successfully employed for decades in the metal processing industries and is now indispensable. However, the knowledge already gained in metal processing cannot simply be transferred to wood production as the demands on the cutting edges cause different wear mechanism and geometry. In wood cutting tools the thermal stresses and cutting forces are lower which requires the cutting edges to be much sharper than in metal cutting tools. In the past the importance of maintaining a sharpen edge over a long time period has excluded the use of coated tools in wood production. Leitz took this information from the metal work industries and developed a new special coating suitable for woodwork cutting tools. Initially these coatings were applied to HSS mini finger joint cutters and planer knives, Leitz then started to develop special coatings for the complete tool product range with great success. These are coated with a special layer developed by the Leitz coating plant. The coating of tools involves additional costs and so this must yield an improved performance to be economically viable. Coating systems used in metal production give only a very low if any improvement in wood production. This was confirmed again by a study by Prof. Uwe Heisel of the Institute for Machine Tools, University Stuttgart into ‘The potential for the application of hard material coatings by cutting tools in the wood production’. The conclusion of his research is that standard coatings for wood working tools do not achieve a technological advantage. This finding was not news to Leitz as they already were aware that wood processing requires the development of special coatings suitable for wood production. Leitz has invested in a special coating centre of competence at the headquarters in Oberkochen to drive this development forward to offer customers the best production solution.
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Page 26 WINTER 2012
THE AWISA MAGAZINE tooling
coating layer is significantly harder than the base substrate. A coated HSS blade has hardness in the range of tungsten. This procedure generates not only a sharp cutting edge but also improves the wear resistance. More base material is removed than the thin coating layer, with the effect that the cutting edge will not be rounded but it is worn out “sharp-edged”. The result is a long lasting high cut quality, leading to an increased tool life of 3 to 5 times compared to uncoated tools. Leitz has commenced on a large scale the coating of hard metal tools. This new innovative nanostructured coating layer reaches a hardness of over 4000HV and is now ideally suitable for woodwork cutting tools. Cutting test results vary but overall the tool life with coated cutting edges has only a fourth of wear-out compared to uncoated hard metal cutting edges. What effect it has on service life depends on the specific application and the quality requirements of the customer.
The principal of coating creates round edges with the layer forming a film on the sharp ground cutting edge. Even if the layer thickness is only few microns thick, a coated ground
Coated tools for solid wood production are efficient for many reasons. Because of the increased tool life compared to uncoated tools the additional investment is quickly recovered; the costs per running metre are significantly reduced.
cutting edge when cutting wood has the same effect as a blunt tip, wood-cells are deformed by the high cutting pressure. This disadvantage is avoided by sharpening the cutting face after the coating process. The exact procedure depends on the tooling system and if the rake face is coated
LEITZ TOOLING SYSTEMS Phone 03 9760 4000 www.leitz.com.au
(knives) or the clearance side (profile cutter) is coated. The 50
Wear of the cutting edge SV [µm]
HSS uncoated
40
30
“round”
Leitz Marathon Leitz Marathon
20
HSS 10 „sharp“ 0 0
500
1.000
1.500
2.000
2.500
3.000
3.500
4.000
4.500
5.000
Feed distance lf [m]
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WINTER 2012 Page 27
�
THE AWISA MAGAZINE printing
High speed, high quality digital printing machine from Anderson The Wood Tech Group represents the Anderson Group in Australia. Anderson’s printing and graphics division offers two lines of UV printers, hybrid and flatbed. The flatbed type of printer is suitable for thick and heavy material like stone, wood, and glass. The hybrid type of printer with roll-to-roll design is suitable for coiled material like PET, PVC, canvas, and leather. To satisfy various demands, Anderson combines industrial experience and UV printing technology to satisfy customers’ requirements, such as 3D parquet for furniture application and transparent films for sign applications. Anderson’s flatbed printer, the CoJet Plus2612, is its newest digital printing machine. It takes full advantage of large-sized true flatbed and CNC flatbed technology. It is capable of printing high resolution graphics (up to 1440dpi) in colour, white and translucent patterns. Vivid photographic images are easily printed on many materials and final clear coating can be applied to achieve flat or high gloss protective coating. On-board RIP software supports all major graphic formats. Because of the flatbed type, accurate printing on one big heavy piece or many small pieces for volume production is possible. The model will be used for not only sign and graphics but also for various industries to support ondemand production, such as the furniture industry, building materials industry, interior decoration, stationary and gifts, and the electronics industry. The CoJet Plus-2612 can print in different ways depending on customer needs and has the advantage of high print speed, high printing quality, and perfect after-care service.
The Wood Tech Group Phone 1300 738 663
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WINTER 2012 Page 29
THE AWISA MAGAZINE showroom
Success of new showroom drives kitchen maker’s strong outlook Complete Kitchens credits the opening of a stunning new showroom for their strong start to the new year. Purchasing manager for Complete Kitchens Min Jiang says the team has been overwhelmed by the fantastic response to the new showroom, which opened on January 15, and plans to roll out an additional four or five new cabinetry units throughout the year. “The new showroom has gotten off to an amazing start. We have had a really strong response from customers about our designs – they love them. Our designs are different to normal cabinetmakers and this is something we are really proud of. Some people come to the new showroom and say ‘I want this exactly!’ - it’s crazy, as designs need to be tailored to fit the space and size of the individual room, but that is what they want!” Min believes Complete Kitchens has a special “wow factor” that sets it apart from other kitchen designers. Additional touches such as portable kitchen tables, that can hide in cabinetry and be pulled out when needed, are an example of the extra mile that Complete Kitchen is prepared to go for its customers. With its new showroom, Complete Kitchens has been able to turn casual browsers into solid sales. “No one walks in and walks straight out again,” says Min. “This is because we do designs in every variety – ranging from simple designs to extremely intricate and technical details. We really can provide a kitchen for anyone.” Complete Kitchens is part of the Hettich Endorsed Showroom programme, making it one of a carefully handpicked number of exceptional showrooms across Australia that display Hettich products. Min says being part of the programme is excellent for business, as it brings in customers who place high importance on quality. “The partnership with Hettich has been perfect for us. People know Hettich is a German brand and that it is associated with quality. Hardware is such an important aspect and it has been great to deal with Hettich. A lot of customers now come in asking for Hettich products, with consistent favourites being lighting products for cupboards, doors and benches, as well as Hettich’s famous soft close doors and drawers. Customers are really interested in getting these features into their kitchens and are very impressed when they learn about Hettich’s lifetime warranty on all its drawer and hinge products,” explains Min. HETTICH AUSTRALIA Phone 1800 HETTICH www.hettich.com.au
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE MACHINERY
Automation guarantees next day delivery Whether the customer is a furniture manufacturer, shop fitter, joiner or cabinet maker, they can count on Nikpol to go the extra mile to make sure their order is delivered the next day. The Melbourne-based supplier of cabinet materials and hardware has recently invested in an intelligent storage system from Homag Australia to further improve its customer service and at the same time create a happy work environment for its team. When Nick Nikolakakis and his wife Poly launched their new company in 1978, it was a small business with a unique vision, selling timber kitchen doors as the first supplier in Australia to stock doors in multiple sizes. The innovative approach then was to drastically reduce customers’ delivery times – and this approach has never changed. In 1990 the company pioneered vinyl wrap doors in Australia, once again leading the way in cabinetry door production. The Nikpol name has become synonymous with the best in European design and innovation. What’s their secret?
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“Nick’s vision was to have a great quality product that he could push into the market, and he would always ensure that his customers were well looked after,” brand manager Anastasia Parlamentas explains. “Service has always been a priority and we continue to follow that philosophy. He always serviced with a smile and made sure the customer is happy. That’s what we strive for here. As a team we are all well-bonded and have a great atmosphere in our organisation and we can portray that to our customers. We are a happy, well-motivated team.” Nick knew from the beginning that businesses can only survive when its team is able to come together and produce something great. And the best way to create a good, happy and productive team is to have the right environment for this team to be productive in. And productivity is key for Nikpol, who offer a 24-hour turnaround for their customers. If a customer needs a particular board tomorrow,
Nikpol delivers tomorrow. Obviously, handling single-board orders or custom orders of mixed products manually can be a tedious task; and it was, Mrs Parlamentas remembers. “Before we decided to automate our warehouse, everything was done manually, and we had problems with staff in the warehouse. Our sheets are quite large (2800mm x 2070mm), weighing 60kg, so you can imagine having a manual process in place where someone has to physically go and take a sheet, pack it and send it to the customer the next day puts a lot of pressure on our staff in the warehouse - and we like to have a happy team and a safe work environment.” Safe and efficient material handling As a result, Mrs Parlamentas and company directors John and Spiro Nikolakakis decided to look for an automated solution to increase efficiency and to provide a safe work environment which meets and indeed exceeds the OHS standards. As Homag supporters from the beginning, the team installed a Bargstedt TLF420
THE AWISA MAGAZINE machinery
We decreased the workload and eliminated manual handling of the heavy board
storage and retrieval system in January 2012, making them the only board distributor in Australia using an intelligent warehousing system to control inventory and prepare custom orders of rainbow packs or loose sheets. The Bargstedt storage and retrieval system handles stock panels in a fast, fully automatic and extremely precise way, commissions them for delivery and can feed them to a saw or nesting cell; an option Nikpol is currently considering as well. Only one operator is required to control the storage system while the stock is automatically and permanently controlled and updated depending on the requirements. With a length of 42m and a span width of 12m and the universal suction cup traverse developed for the TLF420, the machine speeds up to 120m/min in both directions and is configured for 40 stacks of Egger panels and 20 stacks of Egger 5.6m length benchtop material. Each stack can be up to 2,500mm high so the system has capacity for thousands of panels, each one could be different and unique. The storage control registers the complete material stock and on this basis it calculates the optimal material flow. All material movements are permanently registered in the background and the storage capacity is maximised and optimised through a best flexible allocation and arrangement of panels and storage places.
“The machine enables us to pick orders for our customers for one or two sheets at a time,” Mrs Parlamentas says. “It picks up a packing sheet, picks up the customer’s order, puts another packing sheet on top, stacks it right up, and when our warehouse people come in, the order is already done for them, all they have to do is strap it, put it on the truck and deliver to our customer.”
Intelligent software
The automated storage control and handling solution saves Nikpol a lot of time, Mrs Parlamentas emphasises and says that while it used to take around an hour to manually pick up an order and ship the sheet to the customer, it now takes just minutes. Additionally, an intelligent barcode system ensures human errors are eliminated.
Each board type has its own ID number and once this is entered into the system, no manual intervention is required from there on. Orders are transferred from the office directly to the Bargstedt system and it automatically picks the required products in the chosen sequence and feeds them to the warehouse staff at exactly the right time for shipping.
“We needed to find a solution for the loose sheets we are selling, and we are all happy now, the return on investment is huge!” Moreover, Nikpol has also improved its inventory stocktake, which is important to a business based around coloured board – and trends and customer demands constantly change. The machine software recognises those trends and not only feeds the information back to the operator, but moves board around according to the latest top sellers. If red was not a popular colour anymore for instance, the machine would move the most popular colour on top of the pile to ensure most efficient material handling.
The heart of the system is Bargstedt’s IntelliStore software. This unique but easy to use software controls the whole system and is used to manage stock control and to replenish and optimise the stock levels. The IntelliStore control registers the complete material stock and calculates the optimal material flow according to daily production requirements.
Spiro Nikolakakis in front of the Bargstedt storage and retrieval system. The heart of the system is Bargstedt’s IntelliStore software. This unique but easy to use software controls the whole system and is used to manage stock control and to replenish and optimise the stock levels.
“The IntelliStore system is perfect for warehouse and production companies who work under the constraints of variable batch runs using many different board colours,” Homag Australia’s managing director Ross Campbell explains. “All the sorting of board materials to optimise the daily work schedule is performed automatically in a much condensed floor space, and no forklift trucks or operators are required for moving panels around the factory.” At Nikpol, the team is extremely pleased with the space the system saves in the warehouse. The company has to stock a huge variety of coloured panels, which can take up a lot of storage space if the panels are stored in a typical colour racking system.
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE MACHINERY
Space saver: While the Bargstedt allows for the panels to be stored with less that 50mm space between each stack. A forklift needs around 1.5m of space between the products as shown here.
The automated rainbow stacking system enables Nikpol to handle a high variety of panels using minimum storage space. While in a typical colour racking system each colour sheet tends to be segregated, the machine places the sheet where it is most suitable and picks it up when needed. All products are stacked and stored in one zone which is controlled by the robot. Since the need for forklifts is eliminated, the panels are now stored with less than 50mm space between each stack, while a forklift needs around 1.5m of space between the products. “It is amazing how much space is freed up,” Mrs Parlamentas comments. “We can actually introduce new product lines because we have the space available to us.”
Bargstedt TLF420 storage and retrieval system Advantages at a glance • No manual handling – OHS benefits • Huge capacity • Tight control of material stock levels • Ease of picking orders • No damage to the product being picked • 24-hour turnaround • 100% increased efficiency • Much reduced floor space requirements for board storage • Reduced manpower levels • Extreme flexibility • Efficient, automatic selection of loose sheets • Automatic off cut management • Simple handling of a high variety of panels
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Lights-out processing IntelliStore can even operate under ‘lights out’ conditions, meaning the system can earn Nikpol money while staff enjoy free time. “The really smart thing about IntelliStore is that it drives the machine output, not the operator – significantly increasing productivity and efficiency,” says Mr Campbell. “Running ghost shifts is a tremendous advantage for us,” adds Mrs Parlamentas. “Before we go home at night, we feed the Bargstedt with our order lists and the machine works over night, puts it in a stacking order according to the order list. When we come in the next day, all our orders are picked and ready to be strapped up and be delivered to customers.” “Just in time and a 24-hour turnaround is very important,” she continues. “We are more efficient now to pick orders, and our staff are happy because they are not put under pressure to do things manually - happy staff mean a happy workplace. Obviously, our customers are a big concern for us because we offer a 24-hour turnaround and we know we can provide that with the Bargstedt. It does every job on time and organises everything, taking the pressure off our warehouse team.”
human error,” Mrs Parlamentas says. “The machine doesn’t forget. We also know when we are running low in stock and can re-order in time.” Stored material is memorised with storage position, quantity, characteristics, etc. Every operator and employee who is connected to the company’s network has access to the material database and stock levels. “We are 100% more efficient at the moment!” Mrs Parlamentas laughs. “Everyone is happy, we decreased the workload and eliminated manual handling of the heavy board. It’s also a lot easier now to serve our customers in time.” Nikpol is proud to be a market leader rather than a follower, and if they find an opportunity in the market, they grab it as they have recently done with the sustainable part of the business. “We are committed to managing our business in a responsible manner including environmentally responsible procurement of woodbased products,” Mrs Parlamentas concludes. “However, even if you have the best product in the world, it is no good if you cannot deliver it to your customer. With our Bargstedt storage system we can guarantee 100% customer service and delivery.”
Eliminating waste Furthermore, with the Bargstedt storage system, the search for the right material has an end at Nikpol, and the system’s ability to manage off-cuts has decreased all of the company’s waste, because it retrieves the off-cuts and maintains it in stock. “We eliminate waste and
Homag Australia Pty Ltd www.homag.com.au Nikpol Pty Ltd www.nikpol.com.au
THE AWISA MAGAZINE comment
by Martin Lewis CEO of FIAA Ltd
What a difference good government could make As I write this article it is the morning before the federal government’s annual budget - to be announced in Parliament by Treasurer Wayne Swan on Tuesday 8 May 2012. Much has already been leaked to the press, including the possible handout of free money to the unemployed and also some cynical type of cash compensation for the cartoon carbon tax.
Where I am really going with this story, and the imminent federal budget has brought this on, is that our current political system just doesn’t work properly. First of all we have three different levels of government – local, state and then federal. All of them compete for funding from taxpayers, with each creating their own “taxes” in order to sustain their existence. I don’t think there is any real doubt, perhaps except from state government employees, that we really need to dump all state governments. They exist for no purpose other than their own existence. So what are some of the things that Australian citizens get from the various state governments: • Payroll tax. State governments like to penalise any hope companies have of growing their business, their productivity, their efficiency and their employment levels. Payroll tax is a direct subsidy to all imported goods – including furniture and flat pack kitchens. • Land tax. State governments also like to tax the first tier of capital – the means of production. This again is a free ride to those overseas businesses that sell over the internet directly to Australian citizens, because local manufacturers and local retailers are built on land in Australia and because it is here, they can tax it. • Environmental levy. As much as anything else, this levy, a.k.a. tax, is really just about raising revenue. It particularly impacts manufacturers, so again it represents another freebie for overseas businesses that sell directly over the internet to Australian citizens. We know from Hoyle’s rules that in a game of cards, a state government beats a local government every time. Whether this is in relation to development/construction of property, road, rail, bridge, dam, power station, waste facility, sea port, airport, or any other type of infrastructure, the state government will always beat any local government decision.
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Which brings me back to the federal budget. We know that the federal government’s tax income expectations have been disappointing, and it is my argument that this is largely caused by the high value of the Australian dollar. The high dollar is caused by a large number of variables including the huge volumes of mining exports (which everyone should note are GST-free), straight out gambling on currencies by the financial industry worldwide, reduced manufacturing and construction activity - and therefore tax revenue from those industries, and by government issued bonds providing unnecessarily high returns to overseas investors.
Anyway, here is my shopping list: 1. The Treasurer wants a surplus. Let’s start applying GST fairly – probably to all goods and services delivered in Australia and let’s not give special exemptions to overseas businesses selling goods over the internet into Australia. Now that’s a huge increase in tax income. 2. Implement the mining tax immediately. If that means the mines generate a little less profit or that state government’s have a little less income, then so be it – it may teach the state government to be a bit more frugal with their finances. And I won’t feel sorry for the billionaires who lose a small percentage of their wealth only to find themselves still obscenely rich. And yes I am capitalist – but I also believe in fairness. 3. Let’s reduce some spending on welfare programs, particularly such poor policy initiatives as the baby bonus. I still don’t understand why we pay welfare recipients more money to bonk more often to produce more welfare recipients, particularly when we don’t really need to increase our population. Perhaps we would be better to charge an entry fee to all those overseas people who are desirous of settling in Australia.
Accordingly there’s no point in looking at removal of the local government tier.
4. Let’s do a root and branch review of all federal government departments. This would involve reducing their budgets, getting them to become accountable for real outcomes, insisting on real and measurable productivity improvements and rooting out the antiAustralian attitude that some seem to have. More details on that below.
The first question then is do we get fair value from federal government, and secondly, how can we get better value.
So what are some of the government departments in my sights ?
THE AWISA MAGAZINE comment
MARTIN LEWIS, CEO of Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Ltd
012
2 11 – 14 July
a) The Productivity Commission. In my opinion, the Productivity Commission has been an absolute underperformer. This is the same Productivity Commission that says dumping of overseas goods in Australia is good for competition, and that says it is too hard to apply GST to goods imported into Australia over the internet. Root and branch clean out needed. Candidate also for a name change to the “Unproductive Commission”. b) Customs. Desperately in need of a major change in attitude and management capacity. Says it is unable to work out how to collect GST efficiently from goods imported from overseas. We still have major major problems with way too many firearms and other weapons being imported into Australia for use by criminals and their associates. Way too many narcotics and other drugs are still finding their way into Australia. If Customs have been doing their job well, how do these things happen? The answer is that Customs needs a major performance improvement. If their argument is that it is too costly to check all containers imported into Australia, why on God’s earth aren’t we charging more for compulsory inspection fees on containers? Money for jam. c) ACCC. To be fair, this is one government instrumentality that could benefit from much better legislation to allow it to enforce what I would have thought it is supposed to do – consumer and competition protection. Its current focus is to ensure business does not advertise increased prices because of the carbon tax that has increased its costs. Totally unable to help with dumping of goods into Australia from overseas as far as I can tell. d) Defence. We are currently prosecuting a “war” which has carried on longer than World War 1, World War 2, the Korean War or the Vietnam War. The name of the enemy has even changed – the war on terror, the war on Al-Qaeda, now to the war on Taliban. Has cost the lives of way too many of Australia’s finest. Also at a huge financial cost. What is the point? On a final note, let’s re-allocate some of our money that the bureaucrats, through the politicians, have allocated to the vehicle manufacturing industry and the textile, clothing and footwear industry, to other manufacturing industries. The furniture, cabinetmaking and joinery industries could do with some support in the way of fair dinkum capacity building financial support. Remember to see us on our stand at AWISA – we will be at the Furniture Cabinet Joinery Alliance stand just inside the Hall 4 entrance. You will not be displeased! ■
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04.05.12 16:23
timber
THE AWISA MAGAZINE timber
by Eric Lytton
Specialty suppliers of Tasmanian timber species Corinna Timbers is a small, family owned timber company originally located at Cooee on the beautiful NW coast of Tasmania. David Cumming started the business in 1970 and began trading as David Cumming Timbers Pty Ltd. In 1972 David purchased a saw mill at Corinna on the west coast’s Pieman River, which was the start of Corinna Sawmill Pty Ltd. Blackwood, myrtle, celery top pine, Huon pine and sassafras were the main timbers milled on site. Until 1976, when the current kiln drying and processing complex was built at Camdale, the milled timber was carted back to the Cooee site for further processing and sale. In 1990 the company purchased its current saw mill at Wynyard and the Corinna mill was closed. Terry Groves took over as manager of the mill in 1980 and when he retired some three years ago his son, Dean, took on the role.
Walking into Corinna Timbers’ sawmill at Wynyard is like stepping back in time. Not back to the days of pit sawing of timber, but back rather to the earlier days of the mechanisation of timber production. A log loader lifts the logs on to the log carriage, a large table mounted on converted railway tracks. The logs are then cut into flitches on a twin circular saw, with the pieces being pushed on to a roller set up which brings them through to the semi automatic saw bench and ‘roundabout’, where the flitches are cut down to various sized boards. After docking the timber is sorted and packed for cartage. Whilst the technology may be somewhat dated (the mill is over 50 years old), the manual handling and selection means that end product is of exceptional standard and the recovery rate from each log is very high. The mill has a staff of four and has a capacity to cut about 25 cubic metres of log per day.
About four times a week the timber is trucked to the business’ drying kilns and storage site at Camdale about 20 kilometres away. The sawn timber is racked at Camdale and is either air dried for a period, or kiln dried from green in the 35 cubic metre capacity, gas fired kiln. Depending on its thickness the timber is dried in between 14 to 30 days. There is also a de-humidifier on site at Camdale to dry the more sensitive timbers such as Huon pine and sassafras. Myrtle is air dried for up to 2 years before kiln drying. Corinna Timbers mill select or feature grade (containing solid knots) timber and most of their output (nearly 90%) is blackwood, most of which goes to wholesalers and large furniture and flooring manufacturers in Tasmania and the mainland. Virtually all other Tasmanian timber species, except Tasmanian oak, including huon pine, sassafras (black heart and clear), leatherwood, wattle, celery top pine and myrtle, are milled by Corinna Timbers. Corinna Timbers can also cut slabs of either green Huon pine or green blackwood (both usually cut to two inch maximum thickness), dried Huon pine slabs are also available. Corinna Timbers has just taken delivery of this year’s consignment of Huon pine. These logs are scheduled to be cut in the next few weeks. Corinna Timbers also has a limited supply of dried Huon pine and from time to time obtains some birdseye Huon pine. The timber packs supplied by Corinna Timbers are produced for the furniture manufacturing industry and vary between 0.8 and 1.5 cubic metres in volume, with mixed sizes and lengths. The timber in the packs generally varies from 900mm to a maximum of 4.8 metres in length. If provided with a suitable lead time, packs can be tailored to individual requirements. Any split ends in the timber are docked, so all the timber in a pack is useable. At Corinna Timbers very little of the timber goes to waste, with the pieces that don’t make the grade being used to make pallets for a number of local businesses. Other byproducts are all put to good use with off cuts either being chipped or used as firewood. Sawdust is sold to be used as boiler fuel. Corinna Timbers receives its timber through its allocation from Forestry Tasmania and are fully certified under the Fine Timber Tasmania Chain of Custody System. Corinna Timbers is happy to supply timber for cabinet and furniture makers directly or to supply wholesalers in mainland states. For more information about Corinna Timbers’ range of timbers call Dean Groves on 03 6435 1422 or email corinnatimbers@bigpond.com ■
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE timber
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE MACHINERY
A bright future with Woodtron Janper Pty Ltd was established by Theo Janssen in 1969, manufacturing kitchens initially for builders as well as some private work, using very basic machinery. The first minor upgrade was in the mid 70’s with the purchase of a sliding table saw and later an edgebander, continuing to service builders and the private sector. In 1997, under the guidance of son Peter Janssen, the decision was made
to stop manufacturing kitchens and concentrate on supplying the cabinet making industry with vinyl wrapped kitchen doors under the name of Duraform Doors. As the need was growing within the industry for more and more componentry, Janper started supplying fairly regimented flatpack kitchens directly to cabinetmakers. But soon it was noted that this was a slightly limited offer as the industry
needed far more flexibility. So next came the purchase of the first Woodtron W3618 AutoNest with fully automatic loading and unloading and labelling. Janper then found itself capable of making flatpack cabinets to any size and shape to suit a wide range of cabinetmakers’ needs. Janper then purchased the unique Woodtron combination pod and rail/ flatbed machine that gives them the ability to do anything a conventional pod and rail CNC router can do as well as a fully automatic loading and unloading flatbed CNC machine. Janper has recently installed their third Woodtron machine, a Woodtron W6212 flatbed nesting machine with 40 rotary toolchange on board for producing its full range of Duraform doors. Future plans are being drawn up for a centralised work cell by Woodtron. This station will have three CNC machines and automatic loading and unloading by an overhead gantry to again automate the manufacture of doors to meet the lead times and maintain a quality product. With their Duraform doors, flatpack kitchens, cut and edge doors and also selling the Ultraglaze range of doors, with the support of Woodtron, Janper’s future looks very bright.
WOODTRON PTY LTD Phone 03 9775 4100 www.woodtron.com.au
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE association
by Richard Brooks
unity
Executive Officer Cabinet Makers Association Inc
One national body – one unified mission The Australian cabinet making industry is ready to embark on a journey like no other. For the Cabinet Makers Association in Victoria, this iconic group is set on a path that will reinvigorate and rejuvenate the association and its members.
The cabinet making industry needs to become more relevant and innovative and there is an intrinsic desire to push the boundaries and set a higher benchmark for this area of expertise. With that, a new national body has been formed called the Cabinet Makers and Designers Association. The beauty of this organisation is that this new group will celebrate the designers who play a fundamental role in joinery process. Having the brains and brawn behind this unified body will cement the partnership. It is this partnership that will help us lift the bar even higher in this very competitive and often, cut-throat industry. Unity is the key and it is with great confidence that we look forward to an even brighter future with the Cabinet Makers and Designers Association. Currently, the cabinet making industry in Victoria is working at two speeds. There are members who are struggling to meet the deadlines imposed by clients trying to manage their own volume of work and deadlines; and other members who are calling the association for assistance in coping with a significant downturn in work and the need to review their operations. The CMA committee is conscious of the challenges being faced. Over the past year, the committee has initiated the development of a number of programmes that will be released over the coming months and part of that process is to create the Cabinet Makers and Designers Association. As daunting as it may seem, change is a necessity and with change comes growth. As a group, CMA needs to expand and foster relationships nationwide and with that, CMA Victoria will continue to work with other state cabinet making bodies and industry representatives to create an association that is vibrant, innovative and proactive. The official launch of the Cabinet Makers and Designers Association will occur at the AWISA exhibition in July; with a significant number of benefits for members of both the national body and CMA in Victoria. All members of CMA will automatically be entitled to the membership benefits of CMDA and will be encouraged to use the enhanced programs that will be available through the combined resources of CMDA and CMA.
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The day to day challenges will never diminish but with a national body, with additional resources on hand to its members, the challenges will become less overwhelming. However, the level of personal service and customer care will not change – in fact, it will be raised to a higher level and will generate positive and consistent results. Members deserve that. That never will be compromised. Current members need to spread the word on this new exciting chapter and encourage others to become members. This is the only way we can continue to grow, thrive and commit to the economic and technological issues of our industry. The manufacture of kitchens, bathrooms and fitments in both the domestic and commercial market has undergone significant change in the past 15 years. The technology used whether it is in design or manufacture has progressed at a rapid rate creating opportunities for many but at the same time placing significant stress on many small operators in the industry. Likewise the materials and accessories have changed enormously with many small operators struggling to keep up to date with the range of options that are now available. Recent years have also seen introduction of both locally manufactured and imported flat pack kitchens and cabinetry into the marketplace sold primarily by non-traditional outlets. The introduction of these options have created significant competition in particular at the economical end of the marketplace and caused significant stress for those businesses that had traditionally serviced this marketplace. That is why, through this new national body, we can tap into these challenges and create creative, yet achievable strategies to counter attack these assembly line offerings. Quality, workmanship and superior service is synonymous with the CMA and this will not change. The Cabinet Makers Association is committed to assisting its members and in many cases the wider industry to adopt to this changing marketplace and to that end is introducing a number of initiatives in coming months. A number of announcements will be made at the forthcoming AWISA exhibition in July and the CMA management committee and CMDA directors will be in attendance on the CMA stand throughout the exhibition and welcome your feedback on any industry issues. Review of AS 4386.1 & 2 – Domestic Kitchen Assemblies CMA with the support of a number of industry bodies was successful in 2011 in having the review of the principal Australian standard for the industry prioritised. An initial meeting of industry representatives has been held to
THE AWISA MAGAZINE association
RICHARD BROOKS Executive Officer Cabinet Makers Association Inc
discuss the priorities and these have been submitted to Standards Australia to form part of the brief for the review. It is understood that Standards Australia are currently forming a technical committee and the review will then formally commence. CMA is very keen to see all sectors of the industry have an opportunity to have input into the review and to that end encourages your input via e-mail to richardb@cmavic. com.au - in particular CMA would like to see input from manufacturers of materials that are currently not recognised in the standard such as engineered stone, thermo laminated products and acrylic and polyester surfaces. Australian Cabinetmaker of the Year Awards The Cabinet Makers Association has conducted an annual awards program for its members since the late 1980s. This program has been well received by both industry and consumers alike – many businesses have used their success as a winner or finalist in their marketing campaigns with great results. CMA’s annual awards program will be launched in early July with entry forms to be completed and submitted to the Association by September, 2012. This year the presentation of awards will be made at an industry event in October/ November. AWISA 2012 will see the launch of a national programme including the introduction of the Australian Cabinet Maker of the Year awards. This programme will be conducted on a similar basis to that which has been operating in Victoria and will include state-based awards leading to the final presentation of the national award. According to Debbie de Wacht, managing director, de Wacht Cabinets, Pty Ltd, the awards are a significant business drawcard. “Our small business first entered the Victorian Awards in 2004 and in 2007 we won ‘Cabinet Maker of the Year’. For our small business this was an overwhelming award giving recognition to us and our staff and having a huge impact on our business,” she said. “The opportunity to now go nationally means far more recognition for cabinetmakers, raising the profile of our industry, state awards mean cabinetmakers are recognised - imagine the impact for an Australian Cabinetmaker of the Year.” Members and those interested in joining the CDMA are encouraged to identify the projects that you have completed in the past year that you would like to enter the 2012 awards. Start collating information and ensure that you have a number of good quality photos of the project.
The Australian Cabinet Maker of the Year awards will be launched at the AWISA exhibition to be held in Sydney during the period 11–14 July 2012 Finalists in the Victorian Cabinet Maker of the Year awards will have an opportunity to participate in the national program. The national awards will be held in March 2013. This initiative driven by CMA members reflects the success of the Victorian awards program over the past 13 years, and the belief that a national program will further enhance the Industries reputation. Full details will be available at the AWISA exhibition and via the CMA website in late June. C IV Design of Kitchens, Bathrooms and interior Spaces CMA is pleased to announce that the Wiseman Institute is now delivering the Certificate IV Design of Kitchens, Bathrooms and Interior Spaces nationally. This qualification has been nationally accredited following the development of an initial design qualification in Victoria and delivered by RMIT School of Design TAFE. Further information about this qualification can be obtained from CMA and all businesses are encouraged to consider undertaking the training to further enhance your businesses point of difference in the competitive marketplace. User-friendly training CMA is very conscious of the constraints placed on small business operators in particular with regard to their availability to attend industry meetings, training and professional development opportunities. Commencing in June, CMA will be conducting a range of webinars on topical issues for its members. These webinars will be conducted at times suggested by members/participants and will normally run for about one hour. Topics to be covered will range from updates on industrial relations, design, contracts and business marketing as well as the requirements for registration as a building practitioner. For further information with regard to any of the above please contact CMA on 1300 767 738 or by e-mail to info@ cmavic.com.au. Provision of Training Advice to Government The Victorian Government has recently advised that funding for the industry training advisory bodies that have provided advice to government in the past, will cease at the end of this financial year.
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE association
CMA is your association—just as the union represents your employees.
CMA has been actively involved in the Furnishing Industry Training Advisory Committee (FurnITAC) (which replaced the Victorian Furnishing Industry Training Board). I have been the chair of this Committee since its inception in 2006. ForestWorks, the National Skills Council for the Forest industry has provided the management and support services to FurnITAC since inception. They have agreed to provide support for the furnishing industry in the coming months to ensure that the training needs of our sector continue to be represented. Furniture Cabinets and Joinery Alliance (FCJ) A number of associations have joined forces to make representation to government (primarily at a national level) to promote the furniture, cabinet and joinery industries. Although some of the organisations involved are competitors, the objectives of FCJ have been agreed upon MATERIALS and theHANDLING parties are working cooperatively to improve the
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recognition of our industries by government, and to seek support for these industries in the future. Industrial relations advice and support Membership of CMA includes the provision of industrial relations advice and support for your business. This is a service widely used by many members; however, sometimes it is almost too late. There have been a number of instances recently where members have advised us that they were making employees redundant prior to seeking our advice. After seeking our advice, they have on some occasions found it necessary to review their earlier decision to avoid potentially adverse impacts on their business. Likewise, some members signed agreements with union representatives so that they could complete projects without seeking advice from the Association. In one case recently, a member wrote thanking Emma Watt and the association for the support provided in negotiations with a
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE association
union. The member advised that it could have resulted in the closure of their business if advice had not been sought. CMA is your association—just as the union represents your employees. Wage rate review and changes to terms and conditions Fair Work Australia is currently conducting final consultations regarding the annual review of wage rates that is expected to commence as of 1 July, 2012. As soon as the decision is made, the association will prepare a new terms and conditions guide for distribution to members in June. At the same time, calculations will be made with regard to the transitional provisions required as a result of the 2010 introduction of modern awards. An example of a transitional provision that will change this year is the casual loading that will increase to 23% as a result of the phasing in of the 25% rate over the five-year implementation period. It is important to note that the rates of pay appearing in the Federal Awards do not include the adjustment for the transitional provisions. This can result in an under or over payment occurring. It is most important that you refer to CMA’s ‘Terms and Conditions of Employment Guide’ for the latest information. Review of Domestic Building Consumer Protection announced The Victorian Minister for Finance has recently announced that there will be a review of the current framework of consumer protection in the building industry. CMA will be making a submission to this review and encourage any member to provide feedback to the Association on their experience with the current registration and warranty scheme. Website upgrade The existing CMA website will be upgraded during May/ June and will be linked to the National CMDA website. As part of this upgrade, members will have an opportunity to significantly enhance their listing on the website with the inclusion of images and additional information about their business and the services provided.
The future According to Theo Sismanellis, member of CMA and manager of Design Kitchens and Bathrooms, the move for a national body is a natural progression for the CMA. “It will further enhance the professional nature of the CMA and also attract more designers and cabinet makers,” he said. “To incorporate designers in the mix, will add diversity and creativity in the group – giving it more credibility.” “I also think that the level of service will just become better and even more professional. According to Debbie de Wacht, managing director, de Wacht Cabinets, Pty Ltd, the announcement of a national body is simply exciting news for the cabinet making industry. “This can only make the association stronger, more nationally recognised giving it the ability to assist more members within the core of their own businesses and having strength to address government based issues in our industry,” she said. “This year is my first year as a committee member and I now have a better understanding of the enormous role that the CMA undertakes to keep the best interests for its members of our industry in check. “There is an extensive amount of tireless work that the members don’t see but reap the benefits from. “I can only encourage all cabinetmakers within Australia to look at joining our association and seeing how much it can do for you. “Every aspect of running your day to day business can be assisted by being a member of your association Cabinetmakers assisting other cabinetmakers .” ■ For any further information on the above please contact Richard Brooks 1300 767 738 or by e-mail to richardb@cmavic.com.au.
Members are encouraged to promptly return the member survey form which has recently been distributed, so your business can gain maximum benefit from the enhanced website. The new website address will be www.cmda.org.au.
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE training
Training improves both skills and confidence
Exciting new LED lighting range
From a self-titled bored stay at home dad, Alan Kelly moved into becoming a showroom kitchen sales consultant with Kitchen Connection and continued this for around 11 years. His preference was definitely in the area of service rather than sales. This motivated him to pursue the Certificate IV in Design of Kitchens, Bathrooms and Interior Spaces with Designer Training Pty Ltd, graduating in 2011.
Wilson and Bradley has just introduced an exciting array of new products into its already extensive LED lighting range. The innovative range now includes more light housing options, including triangle and rectangle corner housing, new lighting products with a sleek tempered glass surface as well as internal cabinet lighting in multiple lengths and several other lighting accessories.
When asked what was the highlight of the course, he was quick to admit that “finishing it” was a triumph. “It was a hard slog to add it to my already busy life, but it was only when I did finish, I realised how much I benefited from participating.” Alan said. His workplace initially insisted he do the training and he is now aware of how it opened his eyes to the design side, which had a domino effect of being able to pursue other career avenues such as becoming a designer. When Alan first commenced his training, he wasn’t aware just how much there was to learn, not realising what was actually taught in the course. As he progressed he was able to use his newly acquired knowledge straight away in his job. The training covers everything from building and services, colours and furnishing, right through to detailed documentation to present to clients. The course gave him a new confidence that allowed him to stand out in his sales role. Prior to doing the course, he did what was needed to be done, now he puts in the detail and is able to drill down deeper into his clients’ expectations which in turn adds so much value to his and their partnership. On completing the course Alan’s newfound confidence and skills opened up new opportunities and he is now working for a building firm designing kitchens in brand new homes. The builder approached Alan as he identified a need for a specialist to be involved at the outset of the projects. This newly appointed role within the firm is a win win. Alan’s input is tremendous for the builder who absorbs the value of having a kitchen designer in-house. “My advice to others is to take advantage of the unique opportunity for ongoing development, not only for your job, but for yourself! You are so much more than the company you work for and Designer Training gives you skills you can take with you wherever you go. If I thought I was doing my job 100% prior to the course, then I must be working at 200% now!” Designer Training Pty Ltd provides accredited training for the kitchen and bathroom industry throughout Australia. DESIGNER TRAINING Phone 07 3505 7100 www.designertraining.edu.au
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This range is exclusive to Wilson and Bradley and is compiled of products of the utmost quality and reliability. The LED lighting range offers both warm and cool contrast lighting options in both round and square shapes in polished chrome and stainless steel looks. The lighting comes in switch, sensor and touch options, meaning that there is a lighting solution for every individual. The comprehensive nature of the range is definitely a strong point, with everything that could possibly be needed to set up personalised and affordable lighting solutions for kitchen, bathroom or office. Wilson and Bradley provides not only the lighting, but the accessories as well, which can make a simple light into an extraordinary feature. Accessories include drill bits, driver units, channels and sensor switches.
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE machinery
Why 5 axis machining…. Around 20 years ago the solid timber industry saw a massive leap forward with CNC technology becoming an affordable proposition for all manufacturers. Now the industry is ready to take the next step, with 5 axis machining now a viable proposition. Many people in the industry make a common mistake of assuming they don’t need a 5 axis machine, in some cases this is correct, however it does lead to greater tooling expense. When offsetting the machine purchase cost against the ongoing tooling costs, the 5 axis machine becomes a viable proposition. In today’s manufacturing versatility is the key, having the ability for the spindle head to rotate through 360 degrees using all of the tooling opens up a range of options.
spindle drive. This gives a higher quality finish, with extended tool life. Less tooling is required as each tool can be utilised at every angle, so no need for aggregate heads. This provides a significant long term saving. However, the main advantage is the versatility and flexibility of the machine. All components, all designs, all specials can be done – in a timeframe and method that makes them practical and profitable. Furniture designs utilising 5 axis machines virtually have no limitations. Accurate mitre joints, dowel holes on angled faces, shaping and profiling on a 5 axis machine can allow for some amazingly unique furniture.
In the joinery market, solid timber windows, door componentry, and stair manufacturers, all have a variety of cut angles and profiles that can be done on both 3 and 5 axis machines. However, as a practical example, what advantages would the 5 axis machine have?
The SCM group has been at the forefront of 5 axis technology for many years, with three European factories specialising in the research, development and manufacture of 5 axis technology. The group’s latest release has seen worldwide acclaim. It’s a versatile, 5 axis CNC with a great value price tag – making this technology available to everyone.
Firstly, is speed of setup time. Relocating, or complex jig adjustments are not required. The product is loaded and the machine takes care of the rest – all faces can be machined, including intermediate angles. Multiple setups are eliminated.
In addition to being great value, the SCM machine also incorporates some simple to use operator features. Items such as the new ‘Play & Motion’ portable console, which won the International product design award for 2011, make complex machinings simple.
Secondly, production times and tool costs are reduced due to the direct nature of the
A good product must be easy to use and program, even on complex technological
processes. The new operating software ‘Maestro’ achieves this. Maestro takes an innovative approach to machining programs, with a focus strongly on the process. This means the user no longer has to think about ‘how to do something’ but about ‘what to do’. SCM’s approach allows the user to concentrate on programming the workpiece, leaving the software to handle the complexities of generating tool paths and optimising the machining programs. The new range is soon to be released in Australia with the Accord30FX a main focal point. 5 axis machine demonstrations on the Accord 30FX will be at Gabbett Machinery’s Sydney demonstration facility throughout the month of July. These demonstrations will give all visitors the opportunity to see what they can achieve with a 5 axis machine. So what can a 5 axis SCM machine do – for a sneak preview, take a look at www.gabbett. com. The homepage shows an amazing video demonstrating a curved staircase balustrade machined including profiling and dowel drilling for mounting - all in under 3 minutes. To see this amazing machine running at its Australian launch, contact your local Gabbett Machinery office. GABBETT MACHINERY PTY LTD Phone 1300 GABBETT (1300 422 2388) www.gabbett.com
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE handling
Vacuum handling in wood processing Vacuum handling systems play a major role in woodworking and wood processing. The use of vacuum lifting equipment allows for handling and material flow tasks to be performed more efficiently than ever. In timber processing and finishing plants, vacuum tube lifters and vacuum lifting devices are indispensable when handling panels, sawn timber, construction timber, furniture components, entire furniture bodies and more. Because unmilled wooden boards, pre-cut parts, work pieces, components and furniture bodies can be extremely varied in format, weight and consistency, Schmalz has two series of vacuum handling systems in its product range: Jumbo vacuum tube lifters and VacuMaster vacuum lifting devices. Both series offer a large selection of differing suction pads and gripper systems as well as combined grip/ swivel units. But that’s not all: Schmalz also offers complete material flow and handling solutions, including aluminium or steel low friction track systems and slewing cranes to hold the vacuum handling systems. Furthermore, for woodworking and wood processing companies, Schmalz offers practical workshop equipment such as vacuum workbenches and vacuum turning benches. Jumbo vacuum tube lifters feed CNC machining centres and more... The Jumbo vacuum tube lifters are particularly suited to the frequent and rapid lifting and moving of wood products of all types, up to a size of 4,000 x 2,000 mm and a weight of 300 kg. The compact device can be adapted for crane systems, wall-mounted and column-mounted slewing cranes and can be used practically everywhere. Jumbo vacuum tube lifters are especially designed for loading boards and removing processed work pieces by one operator. The tube lifter can be equipped with a variety of suction pads, making them flexible, economical and custom built to suit almost any application. MILLSOM MATERIALS HANDLING Phone 1800 992 211 www.millsom.com.au
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Diamond tools that answer special demands Big changes have taken place in the furniture and flat panel world in recent times. New materials that are very hard and abrasive for the tools are now more and more employed by the industry. The solution for this was to start to use diamond to manufacture cutters. Today Diamond Tooling Australia (DTA) offers a complete range of diamond tools to answer special demands, such as saw blades, edge bander tools, soft and post forming cutters, laminating flooring cutters, router cutters for CNC routers and moulding machines. Diamond tooling suppliers require both technical know-how and most of all an affordable reliable support centre for this. DTA has established a new PCD sharpening centre in Sydney using the latest advanced German electrical erosion grinding machinery with other advanced technical equipment. Now with the use of new generation composite flat panel materials DTA offers a first-hand tested experience to assist its customers in the machining of these materials, followed by an affordable sharpening service.
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE machinery
It’s all about fast turn-around and high quality About Kitchens Pty Ltd, a family owned business with over 20 years experience in the kitchen and detail joinery industry, clearly appreciate the value of investing in a high quality, advanced Woodtron CNC nesting machine. It has increased the company’s competitive position in the market by offering faster turn-around times, while meeting the changing demands of customers without compromising on quality. About Kitchens Pty Ltd is a leading kitchen manufacturer in ACT, supplying high quality kitchens in the region. Directors Dave Swane and John Toms knew it was time to invest in a new model CNC machine that would cut cycle times and costs and broaden the scope of their manufacturing capability and increase the quality of production. The Woodtron Auto Nest 3618 Series (3600 x 1800 table size), with touch screen label printing was chosen, with its large number of vertical spindle drilling heads, that would dynamically reduce cycle times, on-board tool changer and fast “One Sweep” auto loading and unloading of board. The heavy duty frame along with endless high end features means that this machine has been built for performance. With that, the Woodtron is capable of machining up to 90 sheets of 3600 x 1800mm per shift. Dave Swane said, “In doing so, it has given us an increase of production and efficiency of 75% on how we were producing kitchens before the installation of the Woodtron. Backed up with professional specialised CNC support, the Woodtron
technical team ensured a seamless and fast installation was achieved with little disruption to production.” “When we purchased our Woodtron we evaluated a number of other brands. Apart from the fact that Woodtron technology and build is state of the art and world class, a major reason why we chose Woodtron was that we were looking for a company who will partner with us in the long term. Woodtron’s dedicated CNC team meant that we would be well looked after and supported. The commitment from Woodtron to our long term relationship is exceptional. At About Kitchens, the growth and efficiency in our factory has been exceptional and the Woodtron experience has been a positive one. In the end, the decision was made by using one simple business philosophy - the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of the low price is forgotten.”
WOODTRON PTY LTD Phone 03 9775 4100 www.woodtron.com.au
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE comment
by Dean Brakell General manager, FIAA Ltd
Best quality and design will help fight the flood of imports The Department of Fair Trading (NSW) recently sent out a media release with the 2011 complaints to the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT). Interesting stuff if you have time to read it. Some 62,497 applications were received. The CTTT chairperson, Kay Ransome went onto say, “Furniture, electrical products, whitegoods and travel complaints topped the list of disputes involving goods and services in the General Division”. (The General division had 6,294 complaints www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au)
DEAN BARKELL, General manager of Furnishing Industry Association of Australia Ltd
Furniture/furnishings/manchester topped the list with 502 complaints. When a product fails or a service doesn’t meet the standard promised, the first step is to talk to the trader and try and sort out the problem. Then try Fair Trading for help. If the problem remains unresolved, the CTTT provides an accessible, cost effective and informal dispute resolution service. Go figure. These only highlight the issues with flat pack and imported furnishings flooding into the country. When is the Australian consumer going to wake up and realise the benefits of proper warranty, customer service and quality provided by most Australian manufacturers? I said most manufacturers as there is a small percentage of ‘cowboys’ out there not only doing a disservice to their own business, but tarnishing the rest of the industry with their bogus work practices. If this applies to you, get out of the industry or comply like the rest of us. FIAA Ltd has no problems with imported goods; as long as they comply with Australian Standards, are fit for purpose, are safe, have been legally sourced (if it is a timber based product) and have not been ‘dumped’ onto the Australian market. It is obvious that the high Australian dollar has made cheap imports more attractive to the Australian consumer. Hence the increase in consumer complaints due to products failing to meet expectations. Failure here lies not only with the Australian Customs, but with the current and previous federal governments. Australian Customs only screen a very small percentage of containers coming into Australia. To state the bleeding obvious, ALL containers coming into Australia should be screened. Australian Customs should be resourced in such a way that the screening all containers coming
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into Australia is mandatory. Any furniture, bedding, kitchen cabinets, furnishings, fabrics, leather, windows, timber and the like needs to be accompanied by relevant documentation outlining compliance to Australian, industry and environmental standards, if it has been legally sourced and passes anti-dumping legislation. This may be contrary to the Free Trade Agreement, but as our mate in South Australia Nick Xenophon has suggested, it should be a Free Trade Agreement, not a Free For All Trade agreement. FIAA Ltd has had independent testing conducted on imported flat pack kitchens purchased from a well-known national hardware retail chain. You know the one……. The tests came back confirming our suspicion that they didn’t comply with Australian Standards for moisture. These units were purchased at different locations in the Sydney metropolitan area and regional areas. So when these kitchens fail in a few years’ time, it will be up to the Australian manufacturer with the correct licensing, home owners warranty insurance, meets WHS legislation etc etc to pick up the pieces. That’s if there is still a viable industry to pick up the pieces. What about manufacturing jobs here in Australia? Do governments really give a toss? Once manufacturing jobs leave Australia, it will be near impossible to replace. Figures show that 50,000 manufacturing jobs were lost in the 6 months to September 2011. Stark contrast, 21,000 mining jobs were added in the same period an Australian Bureau of Statistics show (SMH September 17, 2011). FIAA Ltd knows of a housing project that was to stimulate the local economy with work; instead, the builder got quotes from the local manufacturers, went overseas and imported the entire job. Unlucky for the builder as the material didn’t meet specifications or relevant Australian Standards. This job in turn had to be ripped out and totally replaced (at the builders expense) with cabinets and joinery that met with Australian standards. What a waste. A suggestion from a regular contributor to this magazine, Martin Lewis, suggested that all government departments federal, state and local, major companies and corporations
THE AWISA MAGAZINE comment
(such as the banks) sign up to procurement programmes to promote Australian products and manufacturers where possible. This wouldn’t be that hard to do. Our industry is part of the problem and part of the solution. The furnishing, cabinetmaking and joinery industries can’t expect to receive the handouts from governments such as with the car industry. We do however want a level playing field and be able to compete. We hear in the media daily of factory closures in other industries and not a whimper when a cabinetmaker or joiner is forced to close. The industry needs to train more not only at the trade level, but at a management and business management level. Education is an adornment in times of success and a refuge in days of misfortune.
You need quality mechanisms in place to ensure not only that the customer gets what they pay for, deliver the job in full on time, but the whole experience makes the customer refer you to another person or purchases off you again! Repeat business and referrals; a free gift from the gods! When was the last time you took a close look at your company’s health? We all go the doctor for a check-up, when was the last time you looked at your own company’s health? Have you checked the profit and loss statement and balance sheet recently? Have you got your pricing correct? Is your overhead recovery rate correct? How much are you spending a year on waste? The industry cannot compete on price alone; except that Chinese imports are here to stay; a race to the bottom will doom you to failure.
The next time a customer comes to you and says ‘I can get it cheaper from…..you know who’, explain to them about the warranty you offer on the product. Explain the benefits of buying local (local jobs, taxes stay in Australia) deliver what you promised. Back your product against inferior imports with better customer service, design and choice of product. ‘What people buy remains long after they have forgotten what they paid for it - so never sell rubbish.’ ■ Comments welcome. Dean Brakell dbrakell@fiaa.com.au See you at AWISA 2012 at the FCJ Alliance Stand in Hall 4.
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Wilson and Bradley have some exciting new inclusions to their already comprehensive and exclusive range of lighting. New products include: • Round glass lights – with a sleek tempered glass surface • Internal cabinet lighting in multiple lengths • Stand-alone sensor switch • Rectangle Corner Housing • Triangle Corner Housing • Plastic channel in multiple lengths • Driver unit for an Infrared Sensor Switch
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These fantastic and reliable products enhance the current range of Led lighting and accessories which includes: • Round and square lights in both warm and cool contrast lighting • A range of finishes including Polished Chrome looks and Stainless Steel looks • Touch lights • Sensor lights • Lighting accessories
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE software
The right tools for selling kitchens online EQ Software is the only web development company specialising in e-commerce sites for kitchen, bathroom and bedroom companies. Its portfolio of live sites is extensive. EQ has its own business management software taking care of managing the products, the content of the site, and the processing of orders and deliveries. The number of kitchen, bathroom and bedroom products sold online over the past few years has been simply staggering. In countries like the USA and the UK where this method of marketing and selling was adopted early on, online sales valued in the billions continue to grow year on year. A number of reports readily available on the internet put Australia’s relatively late arrival to the internet party down to the availability of internet services and broadband speeds. With these issues addressed and rapid growth already being widely reported, it is forecast that Australia will see the same online shopping explosion as experienced by its overseas cousins over the last 5 years.
configurable items (in this case cabinets and doors), manage the customer payments and process the orders when they are received. After all, when the shop’s open 24 hours a day, the retailer needs all of the processes to run smoothly and efficiently.
In Australia over 60% of consumers already research products and services online before making a purchase.
EQ Australia Phone 03 9015 7876 www.eqaustralia.com.au
Selling kitchens online is not only easier than one might think, it is probably the most profitable area of the market, and being relatively untapped in Australia, selling kitchens online presents a unique ground floor opportunity for anyone with the right products and e-commerce website, selling to the trade or retail. These websites need a level of sophistication that is not required when selling other products: the ability to handle
Thinking of selling Kitchens online? Trading 24 hrs a day requires specialized web and business management applications to ensure your operation runs smoothly and efficiently.
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E-Store links to our EQ professional business management system making the management of products, and the handling of sales, payments, orders and deliveries easy
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For more information and links for our extensive portfolio of live sites call EQ Australia on 03 9015 7876
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE storage
The Bargstedt TLF 210 storage system for tried and tested logistics, on display at AWISA 2012
Easier to operate and impressive in terms of price, performance, quality and functionality. With its TLF 210, Bargstedt will be at AWISA 2012 with a storage system that automatically supplies two processing machines with material at once. This multi-talented machine is equally efficient as a panel cutting centre with Holzma panel sizing saw from the HPP series and as a pure material buffer storage system. This area storage system also makes a big impression in combination with a CNC machine from Weeke. The machines networked with the TLF 210 are integrated into the control system via the storage area software and are fully automatically supplied with material. An area storage system to this technical standard has never been so affordable. A wide number of improvements have been integrated as standard. For instance, following extensive tests Bargstedt now uses measurement sensors capable of reliably detecting almost any surface type. The patented storage software WoodStore, the nerve centre of every Bargstedt storage system, now has new key features for even more effective use of the available storage area. Because with WoodStore 5.0, the
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storage systems now benefit from intelligent control software and new functions. Included as a standard feature is Easy2Work, which presents new and familiar functions in a userfriendly 3D view and makes for significantly simplified operation. Even untrained personnel will have no problem controlling the storage system correctly. Bargstedt technologies speak for themselves: • Easy2Work – the revolutionary control centre with ultramodern 3D graphics. • View – the integrated picture database for automatic assignment of the right décor. • Input – automatic completion with smart data template for panel handling. • FlexSort – intelligent buffering of material for the next work step without wasting storage space. • OffCut Assist for optimum material yield from new parts to waste pieces. • IntelliStore for dynamic storage organization in compliance with production conditions. • Optimization of the production sequence to reduce restacking processes by up to 90 %.
• Database system SQL Server with unlimited report possibilities and seamless integration for the customer. • DTP 3.0 with automatic weight measurement and intelligent sensor technology for maximum panel handling safety. With the TLF 210, what Bargstedt is offering is a new-format storage system which customers have awarded top marks for technology, project management and servicing.
HOMAG AUSTRALIA Phone 02 8865 2700 www.homag.com.au
THE AWISA MAGAZINE vehicles
HIA launches vehicle programme Earlier this year, the Housing Industry Association and National Fleet Australia (NFA) launched HIA Vehicles at a function at the MCG in Melbourne. Attending the function was an audience of more than 200 HIA and motor industry VIPs, including motor vehicle manufacturers and finance company representatives. The event was supported by the Renault and Nissan motor companies, Shell Australia, New Holland and Toyota. Also launched at the event was the HIA Vehicles Shell fuel card – designed to offer better discounts for HIA members. Following the ceremonial ribbon cutting by HIA’s national president, Stuart Wilson, and NFA chairman, Ivan Backman, the partner manufacturers unveiled a range of Renault, Nissan and New Holland vehicles - including the
Renault Red Bull Megane rally car – and the yet-to-be-released Nissan Leaf electric vehicle. HIA managing director Shane Goodwin, in his speech to the assembled guests, said that when the HIA board decided to establish a comprehensive motor vehicle brokerage, a joint venture was not on the radar. “But as fate would have it, we hooked up with the NFA and I am particularly glad we did,” he said. “NFA brings an impressive range of expertise and experience to HIA Vehicles. Importantly, they understand and embrace HIA’s need to provide value to the residential building industry. Since formalising the joint venture last November, it has been ‘all systems go’ to design and construct a service I believe is unique in the residential building industry, a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all members’ vehicle needs.”
Shane de Gelder, CEO of NFA, applauded the joint venture. “HIA members, employees and direct family members have access to fleet pricing on more than 30 vehicle brands. And the number of manufacturers supporting the HIA is growing each day. The very existence of HIA Vehicles is making vehicles cheaper to members, and supporting HIA Vehicles in the future will increase the savings,” he said. “The next months will see the total rollout of HIA Vehicles’ product line which will include special finance for tradespeople, special auto insurance for work vehicles, smash repair networks and special vehicle servicing offers and much more.” HIA www.hiavehicles.com.au
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egrdecor.com
The next big thing in decor is... Come and see our award winning international high gloss brands such as Zenolite速, Lustrolite速 and StyleLite速 - plus talk to the experts.
After 4 decades of design and manufacturing excellence, EGR is releasing more exciting and innovative Decors and offering world class PUR lamination capability at AWISA 2012.
New products such as metallic foils, PUR lamination, high performance hardcoatings, are just some of the exciting additions to the EGR Decor range. EGR continues to deliver great Australian product to the world, and we look forward to sharing these great EGR Decor products with you.
See us at stand 13123 AWISA 2012 11-14 July Sydney Exhibition Centre Commercial panelling
Lamination foils
Residential panelling
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE machinery
A chance to own one of the best Traditionally, automated simple nesting systems were the realm of big business. Large scale workshops could afford the perks of nesting machine solutions. Smaller providers had to make-do with machines in a tighter budget. Their staff had to work that little bit harder, production times had to stretch just that little bit further. Not any more. The Morbidelli Pratix S is now available in Australia. A compact and affordable nesting machine, it will launch in Sydney this July. The machine is a highly anticipated release. It will completely change the way many small joineries work and will be especially appealing to workshop owners who are tempted by the benefits of nesting cells, but daunted by the cost. For many years, small providers have demanded the versatility of automatic production. They need to work hard in a competitive market, and need a machine that can add value to their products by not only nesting, but machining benchtops, stairs, solid timber components, plastics, signwriting and even machining for pre-hung doors. Paul Edmunds, CNC product manager for Gabbett Machinery says the new generation Morbidelli Pratix S is the answer to the small joinery’s prayers, ‘It’s not a nesting machine, it’s a machining centre.’ Pratix S is the most compact nesting machine available. It is perfect for workshops with limited space and requires less than 17 square metres to operate. Paul says the machine can operate in half the space currently required for a nesting cell. The machine can be accessed from three sides. This makes it perfect for small workshops and narrow areas. SCM have a series of machines dedicated to bespoke interior manufacturers and joineries, so they know all about finding the right fit. The machine is flexible and can be set up in a number of configurations. It includes both routing and drilling units and high efficiency aluminium table with a single working area.
Throughout industry, joineries are becoming increasingly passionate about the safety of their teams. Often much of the workshop space is taken up with health and safety equipment and protections. Safety is included in the Pratix S with a unique patented system mounted directly on the machine itself. There is no need for extra light cells or safety mats. There are no peripheral protections and no extra cables and cable units. The machine is simple and extremely safe. The Pratix S is suited to businesses just starting out with automatic machining. Paul Edmunds states “this is the solution for everyone. The technology is so easy to use”. Normally the CNC operator is forced to master programming - but not with the Pratix S. It has a simple control unit with a touch screen. The nesting software takes care of the rest. The launch of the Morbidelli Pratix S will happen at Gabbett Machinery in July this year. “It’s the first time a machine with this capability is well within reach of budgetconscious smaller manufacturers” says Paul Edmunds. “It is priced for the tighter budget and made as compact as a machine with such capability could be. It’s the perfect nesting cell, and it really is great value for a genuine European machining centre.” For a limited time, this Pratix S is also available with cashback on the cost. As a sign of support for the Australian manufacturing industry, Gabbett Machinery, in conjunction with the SCM group, is offering purchasers money in their pocket to help stimulate their business. All purchases from the selected range of machines are subject to a one off cashback offer. Customers apply for the cashback offer and the money is deposited directly into their account. This special offer only applies to orders placed in July 2012. The Morbidelli Pratix S will be demonstrated at Gabbett Machinery throughout July. Stop by and see why this machine will revolutionise the market in Australia.
GABBETT MACHINERY PTY LTD Phone 1300 GABBETT (1300 422 2388) www.gabbett.com
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fenestration australia2012 Strengthen Your Foundations
Knowledge
Communication
Compliance
Technical
The Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle | 13 -15 August 2012 Fenestration Australia 2012 is set to be the largest gathering of local and international organisations associated with the window industry, bringing together more than 300 delegates from right across the value chain: manufacturers and product designers, as well as retailers and associated service industries. Business Sessions AWA Update - Tracey Gramlick, AWA Compliance - Ehab Melek, SAI Global | Compliance - Adam Stingemore, Standards Australia Economic Update - Harley Dale, HIA | Glass Market Update - Steve Choat, Viridian The Dale Alcock Story - Dale Alcock | BULLSH!fT - Andrew Horabin Breakouts Efficient Glazing - Richard Hamber, WERS | AS4055 Tool Release - Neil Cunningham, AWA “The Elephant in the Room� - Family Business Association AWA Technical Update - Neil Cunningham, AWA | AWA Marketing Update - Gary Smith, AWA Women in Windows Field Trips Viridian - Glass Factory | Capral - Extrusion Plant | Doric - Testing Facility Social Events AWA Annual Golf Tournament | Welcome Reception at AWA Trade Exhibition Casual dinner at the Historical World Heritage Fremantle Prison | Conference Gala Dinner
www.awa.org.au/Fenestration-Aus-2012 Australian Window Association @: info@awa.org.au | syd: 02 9498 2768 | mel: 03 9808 0069
THE AWISA MAGAZINE tradeshow
EuroCucina 2012: Top ten trends from Blum Europe’s only major trade show for the international kitchen furniture industry, EuroCucina, was held at the Saloni in Milan, Italy from 17 to 22 April 2012. EuroCucina saw 331,649 visitors from all over the world embark upon 27,000m2 of ideas and resolutions for functional domestic spaces. Kitchens have now become one of the most multifaceted, well thought out and technology-rich parts of homes. Kitchen design caters for far more functionality than any other part of the house, able to endure an assault of liquids, cleaners, red hot pans, sharp knives, tenderisers and cleavers. So it is not a surprise that kitchen manufacturers and designers are challenged with decisions on materials, finishes, hinges and the rationalisation of movement and workflow. “EuroCucina was very inspirational. I was pleased to see Australian designers and manufacturers are very current and aligned to the world’s most influential designers and kitchen manufacturers,” said David Noakes, Blum director – sales and marketing. “There weren’t many differences in function. However softer lines and curves complimented the natural visual impact of wood grains and neutrals.” ”The ‘Top Ten’ EuroCucina trends were: ► Curves and soft lines seem to be reappearing ► The majority of fronts and panels were painted, closely followed by wood grains and natural timbers ► Acrylic solid surfaces ► Lift systems like Aventos in overhead cabinets most with an electrical opening support system such as Servo-Drive ► Wide range of internal lighting in cabinets ► Stainless steel, either as 12mm benchtops or subtly incorporated into the kitchen design ► Individualisation to products to personalise kitchen designs such as Tandembox Intivo for personalised drawer sides ► Distressed kitchen materials with a vintage effect, in particular knotted oak ► Internal storage solutions ► Environmentally-friendly materials such as Giuseppe Bavuso’s “Icon” for Ernesto Meda, in which surfaces are covered with ‘iconconcrete’, a material which looks like cement.” BLUM AUSTRALIA Phone 1800 179 186 www.blum.com Photos by Annalisa Cimmino – Courtesy Cosmit spa
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE grants
by Michael Ryan Finlease (Aust) Pty Ltd
Grants for manufacturing companies that invest in clean technology Like it or hate it but the federal government’s Carbon Tax is about to hit the manufacturing sector from July 2012. Interestingly, as part of the government’s Clean Energy Future plan, a grant is available to assist manufacturers with the transition of this cost to business.
The grant to assist manufacturers is known as the Clean Technology Investment Program. The Program has $800,000,000 available for businesses that invest in new energy-efficient capital equipment and low pollution technologies, processes and products. The grant is a merit-based program (see later comments) so the applicant needs to meet certain criteria to be allocated the funding. The program funding is over a 7-year period commencing 2011-2012 or until funds are allocated (whichever comes first). The following information has been obtained from the Ausindustry Fact sheet dated February 2012. What grants are available for manufacturers? Grant ratios:
To be eligible to apply, you must be undertaking manufacturing activities in Australia and be a non tax exempt corporation incorporated in Australia. Applicants for the Clean Technology Investment Program must also meet one
Applicant to grant funding ratio
$25,000 -< $500,000
< $100 million
Up to 1:1
$25,000 -< $500,000
> $100 million
Up to 2:1
$500,000-<$10 million
N/A
Up to 2:1
> $10 million
N/A
Up to 3:1*
*Unless otherwise recommended by Cabinet of Australian government.
ii) Use at least five terajoules of natural gas; or iii) Use a mix of fuels and/or electricity that results in the emissions of at least 0.27 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent OR can be directly liable under the carbon pricing mechanism. What projects and activities are eligible for funding • The maximum project duration is two years from the project commencement date. • Projects can include activities at multiple sites within Australia. • Eligible activities are capital investment and associated activities that generate carbon and energy savings:
- Modifications to existing equipment and processes;
Who can apply
Annual turnover of applicant
i) Use at least 300 megawatt hours of electricity (simply refer to your electricity bill over 12 months)
- Replacement of existing manufacturing plant, equipment and processes;
• Minimum $25,000 • No maximum
Grant Amount*
or more of the prescribed energy or emissions thresholds in the 12 months before submitting an application.
manufacturing
plant,
- Changes to energy sources for the existing or replacement manufacturing plant or processes; and - Replacing or modifying existing manufacturing facilities to enable production of new low emissions products. The process to apply for funding is outlined in the Ausindustry website - www.ausindustry.gov.au To be eligible for the program it is worth noting some of the following points: - The Merit criteria is scored out of 100 points for amounts under $1.5m and 120 points for amounts over $1.5m. - The main criteria in both categories is the extent of the reduction in carbon emissions intensity through improvements in energy efficiency arising from the proposed project – this equates to a score of 70/100 & 70/120 respectively. This could be as simple as here is our current energy consumption and here is the proposed new level of energy consumption based on the new technology investment (pre-project information and is evidenced based). - If successful the applicant needs to provide evidence of the ability to complete the project (accountant letter/ finance budget-approval) as payment is made in arrears based on the nominated milestones being achieved as
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE hardware
TriomaxT3/T6 suits cabinets to a “T” set out in the applicant’s project plan e.g. order and pay deposit, installation, commissioning, etc. - There are three components in the project application ie: • Pre-project:- energy audit, bench test, budgets, etc. • Project:- order, delivery of plant equipment & commissioning. • Post-project:- final audit/verify energy or carbon savings: - 20% of the funding (post project) is held until the expected energy savings/reduced carbon emissions have been verified after the technology has been installed (this could be 12 months) In the case of a business with a turnover less than $100m, the grant is dollar for dollar so for every $100,000 spent, the program will contribute $50,000 to successful applicants. It is also interesting to note the tax benefit that flows from the investment in terms of the depreciation allowance i.e. using a rate of 10% prime cost, a deduction of $10,000 is claimable for every $100,000 in value. The 50% contribution plus the depreciation deduction (on full value) makes this opportunity attractive.
Convenience and practicality have been the concept of Harn for many years as Harn has continued to develop drawer systems for all cabinets in the home through to commercial applications. The cabinetmaker has never been overlooked as Harn designs have always been focused on ease of application thus making Harn one of the first choices to recommend to customers. At the forefront of the Harn programme is the Triomax soft close drawer system. With elegance and superior performance, Triomax will compliment the cabinet designs that manufacturers offer. The spotlight again shines on Harn as they introduce the new T3 and T6 Series. Triomax’s attractive designs and colours have not changed but the choice of load capacity has changed to the choice of 35kg and 60kg.
The T3 at 35kg will be the popular and more affordable choice for the lighter load drawers and the T6 at 60kg is the practical choice when it comes to the high load drawer such as the popular wide and deep storage drawers. No matter what choice, the superior sliding action is standard. Triomax would not be complete without the Sylent integrated cushioning system that assures a quiet non-abrupt closing that adapts automatically to different weights and closing speeds. Needless to say whatever series is used, Triomax is built with refined elegance, durability and diversity in mind. Harn www.harn.com
Finlease recognises that not all businesses may have the available cash to contribute the remaining funds required to complete the project and can assist applicants with finance packages structured around this opportunity with terms of up to five years. Under the ability to complete criteria, proof is required that the business has the funds available to complete the project. Finlease recommends that the finance for the technology or equipment be preapproved prior to lodging the application to ensure the application process goes smoothly. Finance is available for up to 100% of the asset value or part thereof leaving you with the grant money to apply to other areas of the business. There are consultants available who specialise in preparing these types of applications for the grant on behalf of the business, if the applicant feels they require an experienced consultant to handle the application. For a copy of the FAQ sheet please contact Michael Ryan at Finlease, phone 0417 279 891, email: michael@finlease.com.au or visit the Ausindustry website: www.ausindustry.gov.au ■
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE edgebander
Pre-milling on a compact edgebander The new Felder G 460 edgebander is the perfect professional solution for small workshops with a small budget. The pre-milling unit is a real achievement for the Felder Group. In spite of being extremely compact, the G 460 has outstanding equipment. On an effective working length of only 2.4m, the Felder G 460 has a pre-milling unit with diamond-tipped cutters. It is exactly the same pre-milling unit as used in the premium Format-4 Perfect edgebander series and guarantees the highest precision. The depth of cut of the pre-milling unit is continuously adjustable from 0 to 2 mm and can thus be optimally adapted to different edge thicknesses. Time-tested units from the Felder modular construction system, such as the glue pot and the large pressure rollers, ensure optimal edgebanding results. The end trimming unit gives precise trimming - the trimming saw moves precisely along linear guides and ensures a perfect final cut of the edging.
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Multifunction trimming unit with Quick Set - the multifunction trimming unit carries out radius trimming, bevel cuts and flush trimming. Two powerful high-frequency motors operating at 12,000 rpm ensure perfect trimming results. A newly developed 2-axis adjustment system, the so-called Quick Set, allows an even faster conversion, that gives a time saving of about 50% compared to some premilling units from other manufacturers. In the Felder Quick Set system, a small sample of edging is clamped to measure the edging thickness, which makes it possible to set the multifunction trimming unit to the optimal trimming position. When it comes to precision and setup time, the advantages of the Felder Quick Set system are obvious. While, for traditional machines, unit settings are based on empirically established figures (for example, a 1.2 mm setting would be used for 0.8 mm edging), the Quick Set system guarantees the highest setting repeatability and enables compensation for thickness tolerances
in the edge material (up to 0.3 mm, depending on the manufacturer). An incorrect setting with the Felder Quick Set system is absolutely impossible. Radius trimming and glue scraping unit - In order to meet increasing demands for quality on the compact class, Felder has developed a highly precise combination radius trimming and glue scraping unit. This unit offers a perfect finish for edging and workpieces at the industry standard. In summary, the Felder G 460 edgebander offers 50% time savings thanks to quick setup with the Felder Quick Set system, minimal footprint, pre-milling unit for perfect glue joints, and perfect finish with radius trimming and glue scraping unit or buffing unit.
FELDER GROUP AUSTRALIA NSW 02 4735 1011 QLD 07 5543 5599 VIC 03 9018 8346 WA 08 9209 3055 www.felder-australia.com
Unique, slim & streamline design The latest in flat LED under cabinet lighting Unique, slim, streamline design LED lighting, specifically designed for the cabinetmaking industry. The Hera Q-Pad is the ultimate in elegant understatement; this square-shaped luminaire is a real eye-catcher, engineered from sophisticated materials and available in a high-gloss black, high-gloss white or stainless steel look with glass optics. Available in either Warm White or Cool White light, this 90mm x 100mm flat light fixture, with a slim design only 10.75mm is stylish and timeless and fits perfectly into any kitchen, bathroom or commercial application. Available from Lincoln Sentry the exclusive Hera distribution partner in Australia.
Lincoln Sentry | Leading supplier & distributor to the cabinet and furniture making industry
p. 1300 551 919 | f. 1300 739 656 | w. lincolnsentry.com.au
THE AWISA MAGAZINE tools
Fein’s dry wall screw gun performance and low weight
Software for make-toorder manufacturing companies
The new battery-powered Fein screw gun has outstanding quality and unique performance making this the ideal tool for all professionals that undertake interior work. The gun comes complete with depth stop and hex head driver. This combo unit can be used for both single and repeated screw fitting thanks to the tool-free slip-on magazine.
Seradex offers a range of software suitable for woodworking companies and other companies that make-to-order. Included in the range are Seradex’s ERP systems and software for estimating, managing on-line sales and managing workflow.
The performance and quality of the dry wall screw gun was tested under the toughest conditions both on construction sites and in the lab. This German-made cordless screw gun can perform up to 1,800 screw fittings with just one battery charge – thanks to its state of the art lithium-ion battery technology. FEIN Phone 1300 798 688 www.fein.com.au
Seradex Online Store With the internet fast becoming a favourite for shoppers in every industry, a manufacturer has to ensure that customers can quickly and simply pick, not only off the shelf items, but also create custom items from a range of options on its web site. With Seradex in place, implementing an online store gives potential customers direct access to a manufacturer’s product range, options and pricing. Peace of Mind More than anything, a properly implemented Seradex ERP system is peace of mind. It’s the confidence that estimates generated by any employee will be subject to the same rules as if the owner or manager was doing it themselves, knowing that purchase orders will go out for materials and services ontime without having to memorise supplier lead times and job due-dates. All of which leaves management more time to focus on the things that really matter.
Seradex Pty Ltd Phone 02 8072 3393
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE product
Design journeys start with Borg Decorative Borg Decorative makes it even easier to start design journeys. Emerging as a superior supplier, Borg Decorative, incorporating Polytec and Parbury, will remain a market leader supplying the building industry with dependable residential and commercial decorative building surfaces. With the combined strength of Polytec and Parbury, Borg Decorative will continue to nationally distribute a diverse range of premium products for all residential and commercial joinery applications. Stylish modern, adaptable and innovative designs are core to Borg Decorative. The range has been refreshed and the company has continued its investment in world leading technology to ensure the production of high performance quality products.
A new development delivers an exciting light weight laminated moisture resistant E Zero (E0) LDF substrate for all Polytec Tight Form bench tops. They are up to 20% lighter than particle board, have superior surface finish, and give ultra low emissions. Manufactured in Australia from managed and renewable plantation pine. Also just released are new colours in the laminate and melamine ranges plus new products in the Evolution range which includes Createc, Legato and Ravine finishes. Borg Decorative Phone 1300 300 547 www.polytec.com.au
Spread the word! FIAA Membership Your insurance policy against all IR and HR issues Established in 1948, FIAA, unlike other associations, exists exclusively for the Kitchen, Furniture and Furnishing industries. For a busy owner of a kitchen, furniture or joinery shop, FIAA membership will not only give you the right advice, but also access to the necessary tools, service and resources to run a compliant business. This is because FIAA gives members advice and solutions to their business problems, not just information. Having
FIAA membership is your insurance policy against all IR and HR issues. Our mission is to provide services to assist members in areas such as◆ HR Advice ◆ Award interpretation ◆ Hiring staff ◆ Firing staff ◆ Work Health & Safety ◆ Unfair dismissal ◆ Never confined to the aboveanywhere we can help FIAA will!
FIAA is the voice of the industry and is recognised by the industry, federal and state governments, the media and general public. FIAA continually takes up the fight to both state and federal governments to ensure business redtape is reduced for businesses. Why don’t you check out our website at www.fiaa.com.au
Interested in becoming a member or want to know more about our membership services then please contact Monique on 02 4340 2000 or email mpenton@fiaa.com.au and Monique will be happy to answer all your queries.
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE seminars
Building business at AWISA This year, for this first time, the KBDi and registered training organisation, Designer Training Pty Ltd, will team up to provide one hour seminars designed to help AWISA visitors build their businesses. With a focus on business, design and environmental topics, these seminars are presented by key industry people with vast practical expertise in their field. Alex Milne, KBDi executive director, and Julie Shaw, Designer Training executive officer are delighted to contribute these ‘business savvy’ presentations to kitchen and furniture manufacturers, shop fitters and renovation specialists at AWISA. “This is a real opportunity for licensed builders. There’s an added advantage that most of our seminars will attract professional development points for those who either hold a builders license or have a requirement for professional membership of an association”, said Alex. Julie Shaw added, “It’s always a challenge to find time away from the business to do professional development, so these seminars are ideally located within the AWISA show, to allow visitors to get the most out of their visit.” Two of the presenters for the seminars are Kevin Holden, Certified Kitchen Designer and Certified Bathroom Designer, of Woodwork Solutions, who will present the ‘Effective Project Management’ seminars, and Melanie Gardener, former managing editor of Kitchen & Bathroom Quarterly and eMag, who will present the ‘European Design Trends’ seminars. Effective project management can help avoid unnecessary trials, increase work efficiency and lower any incidental costs. An effective project manager shares a vision and the path to achieve the set outcome or goal. Learn to become a skilful visionary, combining integrity and enthusiasm with good communication, team-building and problem solving skills, with Kevin Holden of Woodwork Solutions. With extensive experience in the design, manufacture and installation of cabinetry/
joinery, in both the residential and commercial sectors, locally and internationally, Kevin is an effective project manager and visionary in undertaking projects from a single kitchen to a complete fit out to a skyscraper. Fact: On-trend designs and products sell. For a designer, supplier, cabinetmaker, joiner or shopfitter, it’s important to be up-to-date with the latest design trends. Join the European Design Trends seminar to discover the latest kitchen and bathroom trends and furnishings. Hot off the plane from Italy and inspired by Eurocucina 2012, Melanie Gardener, previous managing editor for Kitchen & Bathroom Quarterly and eMag, will provide a factual and inspirational insights into emerging European design trends including; materials, finishes, colour and vertical and horizontal surfaces, product designs, cutting-edge textures, forms and shapes. Don’t miss this opportunity. Space is limited so sign up to attend these seminars today at www.kbdi.org.au. For more information phone the KBDi on 07 3505 9249.
KBDi Phone 07 3505 9249 www.kbdi.org.au
KBDi The KBDi is a national organisation with local chapters located around Australia, providing members with kitchen and bathroom industry technical and business information, conference and award programs, networking opportunities and designer certification (CKD Au and CBD Au). KBDi membership is open to the wider industry from students just starting out to highly experienced industry professionals. More information about KBDi is available at www.kbdi.org.au
Designer Training Pty Ltd Designer Training Pty Ltd is a registered training organisation that specialises in training for the kitchen and bathroom industry. It delivers nationally accredited training throughout Australia in areas such as business management, design and professional development. More information about Designer Training is available at www.designertraining.edu.au
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE automation
Tradition meets automation The recent installation of a Weeke ABD 250 Optimat CNC-drilling, glue and dowel inserting machine and a Ligmatech case clamp MDE 110 from Homag Australia is helping successful Melbourne-based kitchen manufacturer Kitchen Innovations reach its lean manufacturing goals by being more efficient and competitive. It also completes another round of the company’s automation and expansion commitment. There are many reasons why Australian cabinetmakers and kitchen manufacturers are now considering automation. For some, increased pressure from low-cost regions is forcing them to reduce their direct-labour costs. For others, a lack of skilled labour encourages the use of automated processes and machinery. It may be that the reasons to automate are not related to labour at all. A quality problem, for example, may make the inherent repeatability of automation equipment attractive. Whether starting from scratch or transitioning from traditional manufacturing, many manufacturers can benefit from automation. Kitchen Innovations is one of those, and the kitchen cabinet maker’s recent installation of a Weeke ABD 250 Optimat CNC-drilling and dowel inserting machine and a Ligmatech case clamp MDE 110 from Homag Australia is a result of the company’s decision to adopt the traditional European glue and dowel construction method, as well as their commitment to reduce the amount of manual labour and waste on the shopfloor.
Norm Warton, project manager, Kitchen Innovations.
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Kitchen Innovations is considered to be the fastest growing kitchen cabinet manufacturer in Victoria, and are proud suppliers to major domestic home builders, as well as private builders and renovators. From humble beginnings in a small factory in Reservoir in 1993, with a limited amount
of equipment and working capital, the company is today located in Campbellfield with a manufacturing area of 11,000m². The shopfloor boasts modern machinery to produce high quality products at competitive prices. More with less – lean manufacturing Even with that success, the company realised there was still room to improve. As a result, it embarked on a lean journey and is seeing immediate results. “The essence of lean manufacturing is doing more with less,” project manager Norm Warton explains. “Going to lean manufacturing is more of a lifestyle shift than a quickie fad diet. It doesn’t happen overnight, but we have already reduced the amount of our re-works and the general waste factor. The decision to work with Homag and install their quality machinery is part of that lifestyle shift – and the investment is paying off.” The CNC-drilling, glue and dowel inserting machine together with the automated case clamp enables accelerated and less labour-intensive manufacture of furniture carcasses using traditional dowel and glue joints. “Glue and dowel construction is the ultimate process for manufacturing cabinets,” Mr Warton says. “It is a more precise technique that is used by all the larger mass producing kitchen cabinet manufacturers throughout Europe, which we were able to visit during our trips to Germany with Homag.” Dowel joints have been woodworking mainstays for hundreds of years. Dowels may not be as fashionable as pocket screws these days, but they’re still the best choice for situations where a joint must be both strong and fastener-free. Dowels are also helpful to reduce issues with carcass boxes getting to site and being racked out
THE AWISA MAGAZINE automation
many Australian cabinetmakers and kitchen manufacturers are now considering automation of square through transport because the doweled box is stronger, the structural integrity of a glued doweled box is significantly greater than any other method. “With the glue and dowel construction, a sturdier cabinet unit is achieved as there is no movement of joints by screws moving loose,” Mr Warton continues to explain. “A major advantage is that there are no visible fixings on the outside of the carcasses unless larger more unmanageable units are required. All in all a much better construction technique than the cam constructed carcasses, which are simply flat-pack carcasses built up and made to look rigid. Moreover, dowel joints considerably reduce the amount of manual labour involved and enable the use of an automatic carcass clamp.” Intelligent assembly With the investment in an automated dowel and glue construction process, including the drilling of the holes, injecting of the glue and insertion of the dowel, followed by a carcass clamping line that squeezes it all together, Kitchen Innovations can deliver a square and rigid box in seconds, ready for adding the finishing bits like drawer runners or doors. Moreover, the process saves labour and floorspace, because the biggest problem with using pocket screws is that as volume increases, the assembly area required and the number of persons required increases exponentially. The Weeke ABD 250 combines drilling, gluing and dowelling in one machine. It offers CNC control at the y- and z-axis, and is equipped with Windows-based WoodWOP software for easy operation. Once the CNC program for a specific job has been created, the machine can bore and insert a dowel every second with high accuracy.
generated both in the horizontal and vertical direction and they can be varied separately. The clamping is done in a centred way and at a zero line at the operator‘s side with the clamping forces being imposed vertically by a pressure plate and horizontally by three clamping plates each. This way, the carcass is positioned at the outer edge of the machine and thus is completely accessible. The main dimensions length and height are scanned during the loading of the carcass and permit the automatic positioning of the upper pressure element as well as of the lateral pressure elements. The clamp can produce about a box per minute, and together the machines ramp up Kitchen Innovation’s production without employing a lot more labour. “It is an extremely efficient method of manufacture,” Mr Warton says. “The investment will definitely pay off. While it looks like a simple process, it is actually quite a complex one, engineering in woodworking. With this level of processing, we manufacture a higher quality product and set ourselves apart from the competition.” Moreover, the kitchen manufacturer felt that Homag is the right partner for such projects, “because Homag listens,” Mr Warton concludes. “We chose Homag because of their service and we felt their products are of high quality – and we don’t stop here, as we have already ordered another machine to further improve our production process.” HOMAG AUSTRALIA Phone 02 8865 2700 www.homag.com.au
After the pre-doweling process, the carcass is pressed in the MDE 110 carcass clamp. The clamping forces are
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE MACHINERY
WADIC hosts shadow minister WADIC was delighted to be able to host Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Richard Colbeck for a day in Sydney. According to general manager Bronwyn Foord, Senator Colbeck has proved himself to be a vigorous, hardworking advocate for the timber industry nationwide. “It was an honour to be able to spend the day giving him an insight in the diversity of the timber and related manufacturing business around Sydney and have him attend and speak at a Sydney Timber Industry Institute dinner in the evening.”
legislation currently before the Federal Parliament as being: “balanced at a delicate stage.”
Senator Colbeck’s Sydney tour took in window and door manufacturer Stockwells Joinery where he was shown around the manufacturing operation and had a discussion with WADIC chairman and Stockwells managing director Glenn Johnston. “He also inspected well regarded and long established traditional timber importer and wholesaler Swan Le Messurier and was treated to an insight into the complexities of the veneer industry by visiting Briggs Veneers,” says Bronwyn.
“Also the fact that five of Australia’s major timber trading partners have now written to the government raising concerns about the bill and indicating they are not satisfied with the level of consultation with the government over the bill is cause for further concern.”
Speaking at the Sydney Timber Industry Institute dinner Senator Colbeck referred to the illegal logging
“I have been in discussions with the minister Senator Ludwig and raised with him the need to see more of the detail of possible regulations before feeling comfortable with the bill and also the need to provide a reasonable timeframe in the legislation for the industry to fully understand what it is they are required to do when the bill is passed,” says Senator Colbeck.
Senator Colbeck advised that following two enquiries by the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee, the bill had now been referred from the House of Representatives to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade. ■
Bronwyn Foord, General Manager, Senator Richard Colbeck and WADIC Chairman Glenn Johnston get together after dinner in Sydney.
New technical bulletin from TVAA The Timber Veneer Association of Australia (TVAA) has released a technical bulletin titled White Flecks in Veneers, explaining the cause of the white flecks which sometimes appear on veneered surfaces. The problem only shows up after the veneer has been coated. There are two primary causes according to TVAA chairman Rod Sharp. “It’s generally an issue with reconstructed veneers”, Rod said. “However, it can also occur in open-grained and dark coloured veneers. That is because small particles of sanding dust become trapped in the grain of the veneer, and then show up as white specks when the coating dries”. “The other main cause is bubbles that sometimes form if the coating starts to dry while air is still escaping from the grain of the veneer”, Rod added. The TVAA technical bulletin explains how to prevent these two problems. Copies can be downloaded free from the Association’s website at www.timberveneer.asn.au. Other technical bulletins are available on the TVAA website, to help industry and specifiers ensure that their use of veneers is trouble-free. Architects and designers will also find it worthwhile to visit the Association’s Uniquely Veneer website at www.uniquelyveneer.com.au which showcases some of the many innovative and exciting ways to use timber veneers. For issues requiring personal advice, the Association provides a free technical information service on 1300 303 982, or questions can be sent by email to info@timberveneer.asn.au.
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10 years HOMAG Australia Securing success through partnership and strategy
Secure your Future – Tomorrows Technology Today
Efficient Accurate Fast Quiet Reliable
HOMAG Australia 6 - 8 Tasha Place Kings Park • NSW 2148 Ph 02 8865 2700 sales@homag-australia.com
www.homag-australia.com
THE AWISA MAGAZINE hardware
www.leitz.com.au Now even more convenience - Blum’s Combox with Servo-Drive Blum’s Combox prevents front collisions occurring in corner situations with Servo-Drive when another drawer is open. Combox communicates with Servo-Drive drive units to eliminate simultaneous opening, thus preventing a collision of drawers or high fronted pullouts in corner applications. A cable connecting the Servo-Drive units to Combox ensures that when a drawer is opened all the drawers in opposing cabinets are locked. The units in the same cabinet can continue to be opened as normal. Once the drawer has been closed completely, drawers in linked cabinets can be opened once more.
New for AWISA
leitz marathon Coated nesting Compression router
Certain applications may require more than one Combox depending on the combination of cabinets. Blum’s Combox can only be used with the optimised Servo-Drive unit: Z10A3000.02. BLUM AUSTRALIA Phone 1800 179 186 www.blum.com
See us at AWISA on
Stand 1111
for Special Pricing
Part Number
WeB-60-126lt Free Freight
ALL INTERNET oRdERS ovER $50
SALES 1300 135 127
Blum’s Combox communicates with Servo-Drive units to eliminate simultaneous opening, thus preventing a collision of drawers or high fronted pullouts in corner applications.
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Order online: www.leitz.com.au
THE AWISA MAGAZINE hardware
Sullair airs its expertise at AWISA 2012 Leading Australian compressed air specialist, Sullair Australia, continues to show its support to the woodworking industry through its attendance at this year’s AWISA show. The company will be demonstrating a number of compressed air solutions and services at the show, including the new AirOne series of electrically powered compressors, plus a cutaway model of the Champion brand CSE45. According to Sullair Australia national marketing coordinator, Kellie Smith, the AirOne range comprises small stationary reciprocating compressors, with outputs ranging from 3 to 11kW, delivering from 4.8 to 28.3 litres per second free air delivery at 850kPa. “This range is designed primarily for workshop use and presents an ideal solution for woodworking applications,” she said. “This is the kind of compressor that would be equally valuable across the cabinet, joinery, furniture, timber and panel industries.” The AirOne compressors are made from high quality materials and feature MEPS2-compliant totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) IP55 drive motors. These compressors are slow running and robust in design to ensure a longer life-cycle operation and reduced service requirements. Benefitting from a small footprint, the AirOne range has been designed for simple installation, and can be specified with a choice of specifically sized receivers for optimum operation.
Also on show is a cutaway model of the Champion brand CSE45. This quiet, efficient and powerful beltdriven rotary screw range is available from 15 to 55kW, with a maximum of 141 l/s free air delivery for the largest model in the line-up, the CSE50. The CSE compressors boast fully MEPS2 compliant IP55-rated motors, and feature a TEFC design for low temperature rise. IP54-rated electrical cabinets are standard, along with ‘deluxe control’ to provide multiple compressor sequencing, scheduled on/ off switching, and remote monitoring. “Our CSE compressors benefit from a commonality of components and spares and have proved enormously popular with end users over the years due to their efficiency, performance and reliability,” said Smith. “These compressors are designed to be robust and are suitable for duty in any production or manufacturing environment, from single-shift to 24/7 operations. They offer an ideal solution for the demanding requirements of the woodworking industry.”
To see first hand the range of compressed air solutions and service on offer from Sullair Australia, and learn how these can benefit woodworking businesses, visit the company at stand 4407-4408 at the show. The team of Sullair Australia specialists will be available to provide advice on compressed air and aftermarket-care requirements.
SULLAIR AUSTRALIA Phone 1300 COMPRESSOR (1300 266 773)
www.sullair.com.au.
“The AirOne compressors are also designed with energy savings in mind,” said Smith. “They are pressureswitch controlled to ensure efficient operation at all times to minimise wasted energy. These units are ideal for applications where fluctuating demand is common—as is often the case across the woodworking industry - while still providing uncompromising performance.”
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE MACHINERY
More cash in the pocket? As a sign of support for the Australian manufacturing industry, Gabbett Machinery, in conjunction with the SCM group, is offering purchasers money in the pocket to help stimulate business. How does it work? All purchases from the selected range of machines are subject to a one off cashback offer. Machines include some of the popular SCM edgebander range, CNC machines and panel saws. After delivery and installation has been finalised, the purchaser applies for their cashback and the money will be deposited into their account – it’s that easy. Some of the most popular machines in the range from Gabbett Machinery now have amazing cashback deals. This includes the newly released SCM K130 range of
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edgebanders. To be unveiled in July at Gabbett Machinery’s Sydney demonstration facilities, these machines will have up to $2500 cashback each. Traditional machines and CNC machines are also included, with cashback amounts varying from model to model. All orders must be placed in July 2012. As would be expected, stocks are limited and terms and conditions do apply. For more information contact the nearest Gabbett Machinery office.
GABBETT MACHINERY PTY LTD Phone 1300 GABBETT (1300 422 2388) www.gabbett.com
To find us, call 1300 GABBETT
(1300 422 2388)
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GABBETT MACHINERY PTY LTD Melbourne 03 8761 4500 www.gabbett.com melbournesales@gabbett.com
Adelaide 08 8445 5700 adelaidesales@gabbett.com
Auckland 09 828 4530 aucklandsales@gabbett.com
Sydney 02 8886 1500 sydneysales@gabbett.com
Perth 08 6250 5400 perthsales@gabbett.com
Christchurch 03 377 3795 christchurchsales@gabbett.com
Brisbane 07 3900 2500 brisbanesales@gabbett.com
THE AWISA MAGAZINE MACHINERY
Gregory Machinery – the comprehensive solution
Original brochure for the Sawmaster radial arm saw, circa 1954.
Right from the beginning there was something different about Gregory Machinery. The year was 1954, a young Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia for the first time and Keith Gregory left his job as a carpenter to sell Sawmaster radial arm saws to Queensland builders. House frames were still being cut and assembled on site with the aid of hand held saws and basic carpentry tools. The post war building boom was dwindling and credit was tight. Keith had his work cut out for him to convince builders that this new and quite expensive power saw would revolutionise their work and actually make them money. However with persistence and hard work this small business enterprise survived and has gone on through the years to become what it is today, a respected company supplying and servicing its manufacturing client base all over the Australian mainland. Keith could have hardly foreseen this future success, however he did realise a fundamental insight; what the needs of his customers was and
what equipment was required to assist them in reaching their goals. Right from the start this insight, matched with thorough knowledge of their products, has been the backbone of Gregory Machinery for over fifty years. Today this approach to servicing their clients individual needs still persists. Current directors Alan and Maria Gregory have taken the business forward to the point where they now operate from a five thousand square metre purpose built facility at Richlands in Brisbane’s southern suburbs. This facility reflects the diversity of the company’s operations including; showroom area, electrical and mechanical workshop, conference rooms and live machinery demonstration workshop. Gregory Machinery’s clients include government agencies, councils, public contracts and both industrial and small manufacturers. The company supplies a range of core products and services including industrial woodworking machinery, dust extraction design and supply, CNC technology, metal working equipment, spare parts and onsite machinery servicing. Gregory Machinery employs its own electricians, engineers and logistics team, their fleet of company vehicles includes pan-tech trucks, vans and service utilities. With this wealth of resources Gregory Machinery is able to provide a custom and comprehensive solution to their client’s needs. Lotus Glen Correctional Centre installation Recently Gregory Machinery completed a major machinery installation at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre based 25 km from the township of Mareeba in North Queensland. This state of the art prison development includes a wood machining factory where products are produced for government departments. This facility provides meaningful work
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for inmates and also allows them to complete a level 3 and 4 trade certificate during their incarceration. Equipment supplied included a CNC machine, panel saws, edgebanders and industrial dust extraction with a total project value in excess of eight hundred thousand dollars. Every aspect of the installation was managed by Gregory Machinery including project management services, logistics, installation and the supply of the machines themselves. An installation team was flown to North Queensland to complete the works and manage the commissioning of the plant. Being a prison facility security and OH&S requirements were extremely tight. Add to this equation the isolated nature of the site and related logistical complexities, this project is beyond the resources of the average machinery supplier. Gregory Machinery with its vast industry knowledge and in house resources was able to complete the project to specification and on schedule. River City Cabinets At the other end of the scale Gregory Machinery supplies related services to medium and small manufacturers. River City Cabinets is a medium sized manufacturer based in Brisbane Queensland. Established in 2001, River City Cabinets produces a range of furniture and fittings for the residential and commercial interior fit out markets. From start-up all cutting of materials was being completed by the use of a sliding panel saw. Business was good, however company director Christian Simkins was struggling to find reliable staff and realised the need to make his operations more efficient. Christian appreciated the advantages of CNC machinery and so approached Mitchell Gregory, grandson of Keith and current sales manager of the family company. In 2007 River City Cabinets purchased a Masterwood CNC and
THE AWISA MAGAZINE machinery
successfully increased their production four fold. This was a straightforward solution, however Mitchell recognised a further issue Christian had not appreciated - the CNC would definitely outpace the production capabilities of their existing edgebander. As result a Cehisa edgebanding machine was also supplied thus completing the production line up. Without this additional machine the CNC would not meet its potential and could potentially undermine the businesses profitability in the long term. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manufacturing marketplace is a tough environment. Unrelenting competition from cheap imported products means the domestic manufacturer needs to be more competitive than ever. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the old story once again, to prosper businesses need to reduce costs and improve productivity. In 1954 Keith Gregory recognised that fact and the solution at the time was the Sawmaster. In 2007 Mitchell Gregory recognised that same situation and so the modern solution was a Masterwood CNC coupled with a Cehisa edgebander. Manufacturers need to be able to rely on their suppliers to give them the best advice, understand their individual needs and supply the right product. Now and as it was then, this is the mission of Gregory Machinery.
Team member commissioning a saw for Bunnings. Team member assembling machinery.
GREGORY MACHINERY Phone 07 3375 5100 www.gregmach.com
Loaded truck leaving with Lotus Glen Correctional Facility delivery.
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Revolutionary silent soft close drawers, hinges and lighting Superior inner-drawer accessories and modules
High quality wireware Premium sliding/folding doors and flap stays
See you at AWISA! www.nessco.com.au call 1300 798 800
11th - 14th July 2012 Stand 1418 - 1419
Nessco has been importing and supplying furniture hardware products to the cabinet making industry for over 20 years. Our range includes premium brands sourced from Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading manufacturers. Quality European brands, now available in Australia.
THE AWISA MAGAZINE conference
Kitchen & Bathroom Designers Institute DESIGN2012 Conference to be held at AWISA KBDi is holding their annual conference in Sydney, alongside AWISA 2012. To be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre on the 12th, 13th and 14th of July, the KBDi Conference will again provide designers, and other furnishing professionals with a quality program which is inspiring and relevant, with practical tools to grow their skills and business. In addition the KBDi Designers Awards Gala will be held at the Sydney Opera House on Saturday night July 14. An outstanding keynote address is anticipated from Brandon Gien, managing director, Good Design Australia; Chair, Australian International Design Awards, and presidentelect, International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID). ICSID protects and promotes the interests of the profession of Industrial Design. It has members in over 50 countries and represents the interests of some 200,000 designers worldwide. With a background in management and industrial design, Brandon has transformed the Australian International Design Awards program over the past decade into Australia’s peak design assessment and promotion body. He plays a key role in collaborating with design and creative experts from around the world and has affiliations with leading universities and design organisations globally. Brandon is a Fellow of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and a professional member of the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA). He sits on the Advisory Board of the Design Research Institute of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) where he chairs the Design Challenge program. Design in all forms has been a growing theme for progressive organisations in the 21st century. Brandon’s key note address will excite, inform and expand delegates’ horizons to design thinking – not just in the design of products and spaces, but in all other dimensions of life and business. In addition, four informative conference sessions will be on offer at the conference: Networking your way to success; The international design experience; e-business tools that work; and The magic of lighting. KBDi members should not miss this outstanding opportunity to network with peers, enhance design expertise and grow their business knowledge base. A limited early bird offer is available for KBDi members. Head to www.kbdi.org.au to book now. KBDi Phone 07 3505 9249 www.kbdi.org.au
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE MACHINERY
The Wood Tech Group turns 20 On the first of May this year, The Wood Tech Group celebrated its 20 anniversary. The group was founded in Queensland in 1992 by the directors Derek Van Der Kley and John Van Gilst of D & J Woodworking Machinery. The Wood Tech Group directors include Neil Foley of Austwood Machinery in New South Wales, Sam and Max Shatkhin of S & L Woodwork Machinery in Victoria, and Geoff Bails of G B Machinery in South Australia. The Wood Tech Group includes an association with Ian Patterson of I & J Machinery in Western Australia and Richard Van Der Vegte of Prowood Machinery in New Zealand. The Wood Tech Group provides machinery sales and service throughout Australia. Customers have the advantage of dealing with a group of motivated and independent partners with a vast knowledge in the machinery processing of wood, plastic, stone and associated products. The group represents quality production machinery from respected leading machine manufacturing companies throughout the world. These brands include Hebrock, Paul Ott, Orma, Breton, Griggio, Anderson, IMA, Heesemann, Proform and Vector Systems. The Wood Tech Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longstanding partnerships with these specialised suppliers ensure a variety of brands with machinery that is tailored specifically for the Australian market.
The Wood Tech Group Phone 1300 738 663
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Visit us at the AWISA Expo, Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour Stand 4407 - 4408, July 11 – 14, 2012
// VSD The Energy Efficient Champion
SIMPLE “ ONE PhONEcaLL
SavEd uS thOuSaNdS ” That’s what our customers say. Sullair experts can come to your site, provide a professional audit of your needs and make scientifically backed recommendations for the most energy efficient solution. In Australia up to 10% of all industrial electricity is consumed by compressed air and in its life a compressor’s power bills will exceed its initial purchase price by more than five times. Sullair have an extensive range of air-compressor solutions to meet your needs. Like our new Champion Variable Speed Drive (VSD) compressors – with Optimal Flux technology providing up to 86% turndown and eliminating forced ventilation and cooling. Our VSD range slashes variable load energy bills and in many applications will pay for itself.
Call Sullair on 1300COMPRESSOR (1300 266 773) or visit sullair.com.au Find us - www.facebook.com/SullairAustralia
MINIPRESS P
As a drilling and fitting insertion specialist, Blum’s MINIPRESS P takes on the routine jobs in the workshop producing precise assembly results for cabinets, doors and fronts. The new version of Blum’s MINIPRESS P now comes fitted with a variety of options as a standard. These incude: • • • • • •
Quick connect chucks - that facilitate fast and simple drill changes. Digital display - ensures accurate and precise drilling depth settings. Hold down clamps - provides users complete assurance that the workpiece won’t move whilst drilling or insertion is taking place. Blum MINISTICKS - Blum’s colour coded system of MINISTICKS makes the MINIPRESS extremely easy to use and ensure accuracy. MINISTICK chart holder - all MINISTICK charts are now mounted on a fixed chart holder for ease of use and referal. Tool holder - fixed to the control box, the tool holder provides the ideal location for storage of MINIPRESS drills and tools.
Optional drilling heads The MINIPRESS P’s versatility for easy drilling capability on cabinets, door and frontal assembly saves time and provides flexibility in the workshop. The new 8 & 9 spindle heads with Fast Clamp Chucks for quick and easy drill bit changes are available for various applications such as front drilling, carcass drilling and system drilling.
MINIPRESS P
Your workshop specialist
MINIPRESS P
The new MINIPRESS P now includes Quick Release Chucks, Digital Display, Hold Down Clamps, 16mm side Adjustment, Tool Holder, MINISTICKS and MINISTICK Chart Holder as a standard.
See us at AWISA 2012 Blum Australia 1800 179 186 www.blum.com
THE AWISA MAGAZINE software
Turnkey software solutions from Microvellum Microvellum offers turnkey solutions for all manufacturers in the woodworking industry including manufacturers of kitchens, shop and office fittings, wardrobes and staircases. The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solutions for the wardrobe industry are tailored to meet the needs of the custom built-in wardrobe manufacturer. Aluminium profiles for sliding wardrobes can be loaded to ensure accurate cut lists and high quality detailed drawings. Even the most complex layouts with integrated bedroom furniture and sloping ceilings, can be designed and manufactured. Imagine the advantages of showing clients photo realistic renders of what their wardrobe would look like, generate an accurate quote, make any necessary changes and close the deal all in one visit. The system will calculate material
requirements, generate cut lists for doors, aluminium, glass and internals. Then generate cutting patterns for saws or CNC routers. With Microvellumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turnkey solutions for the staircase manufacturer, all staircase components are loaded to ensure accurate cut lists and high quality detailed drawings. Whatever the style of staircase being built, Microvellum has a solution available. Even the most complex designs can be manufactured. Imagine the advantages of photo-realistic renders or just having professional 2D shop drawings produced with ease. Then, generate an accurate quote, make any necessary changes and begin production immediately. The system will calculate material requirements and generate cutting patterns for saws or CNC routers.
COMPLETE SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS Phone 02 9680 8777 www.completesoftwaresolutions.com.au
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE MACHINERY
CNC solutions to meet all requirements Beyond Tools is big on tools, big on machinery and big on service. With over 25 years in the industry the company will present innovative and inspiring solutions to meet a range of CNC requirements at AWISA 2012. Beyond Tools will launch CAD+T AutoCAD® inventor based interior design and manufacturing software that provides fast, flexible and powerful planning on AutoCAD® based system (which is a standard software for millions of architects, planners and engineers). CAD+T has been producing software for the furniture production business since 1990 with a major focus on cabinetmakers, object fitters, shop creators and furniture industries. CAD+T automated process covers planning (including high quality renders), construction and production with one data model for all parts. Featuring integrated furniture construction, business like data structure as core materials, veneering and edge banding CAD+T configuration controls material structure, automatic or manual drilling, pockets, rabbet grooves, shop floor drawings, flat patterns, exploded views, animations, link BOM / ERP and link to CNC. Beyond Tools has a range of large CNC machines with quality specifications at affordable prices. At AWISA 2012 Beyond Tools will be equipped with a Boarke 1200x2400mm table which provides a 1220 x 2420mm working area and 200mm maximum working height. Demonstrations of CAD+T software and its nesting capabilities will be a highlight at AWISA 2012. Beyond Tools Mini CNC engraver and carver – the iCarver is a highly sought after CNC machine, ideal for technology focussed individuals allowing for automatic carving and simplified routing in an economical package. iCarver easily converts image files into carving projects with 3 axis simultaneously controlled. Two models (13x18” and 15x20”) will be demonstrated at AWISA 2012.
DIAMOND SAW BLADES
BEYOND TOOLS Phone 08 9209 7400 www.beyondtools.com
PHONE: 02 9602 5999 DTA CUTTING TOOLS THE PRODUCT OF INNOVATION AND DEDICATION
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE bins
New LVL for furniture use to be launched at AWISA 2012 A reduction in the area of native forest available for commercial timber production in Australia has meant a decrease in the volume of large-diameter high-quality sawlogs used traditionally to produce sawn timber and veneer. As a result there is growing interest in the development and application of engineered wood products (EWPs) as a practical and, in some cases, superior alternative. Forestry Tasmania along with a number of industry partners have been working together to develop a new range of structural and appearance grade hardwood products based on one such EWP; laminated veneer lumber (LVL). The LVL is manufactured from small-diameter and/or poor-quality logs that would otherwise be converted to woodchips, and represents a significant value-adding opportunity. Re-sawn from the LVL billet, the product range currently includes large-end-section pieces along with both tongue-and-groove and overlay flooring, furniture and framing. The resulting products compare well with their solid-wood counterparts in terms of strength, durability and beauty. To find out more, join Forestry Tasmania for their official launch at AWISA 2012. When: Wed 11 July, 1230-1330 (lunch provided). Where: Exhibitor Lounge, Hall 3.
Hideaway Bins launch the largest double bin capacity available Hideaway Bins is proud to announce the launch of its 40 litre bucket range, which provides the largest double bin capacity available for all hidden bin requirements. The introduction of three new features combines to bring six new models to the existing Hideaway Bin range. The three new key features in this latest product release include.....
air vents, so trapped air can escape as the bag begins to fill.
40 litre bucket range
New additional side mount support
The new 40 litre bucket range brings to the market both single and double hidden bin solutions. The double bin solution provides a whopping 80 litres of storage. The 40 litre bucket range has been designed for the Australian lifestyle fitting the bags available from well known supermarket chains.
All Hideaway Bins are designed to be mounted at bench height and pull out towards the user, allowing easy disposal of waste without having to bend low inside cupboards. The introduction and use of the additional side mount supports will ensure the unit holds up to the challenge of a busy kitchen.
A patented air vent system to maximise bag volume. Four U-Shaped air vents have been designed into the lip of the bucket, which allows trapped air to escape, as the bag is pushed into the bucket cavity. This unique, patented design will eliminate the frustration of trapped air restricting the liner, maximising the bag volume. The 40 litre buckets come complete with a liner holder designed to hold the bag in place, without covering the
The 40 litre bucket range from Hideaway Bins offers solutions for all hidden bin requirements. Waste and recycling, laundry and storage, commercial or domestic. Distributed by Hettich, Nover, Galvins, Furnware and Dorset. Hideaway Bins Phone 1800 042 642 www.hideawaybins.com.au
Show visitors should register their interest between 9.00am-12.00 noon on Wednesday 11 July at the Forestry Tasmania stand 2408 in AWISA-Design, Hall 2 (numbers strictly limited).
FORESTRY TASMANIA Phone 03 6235 8237
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THE AWISA MAGAZINE association
Australian Woodworking Industry Suppliers Association Limited AWISA
ADVERTISERS INDEX Altendorf Asia Pacific Pty Ltd
The Association
AWISA was formed in 1986 by the principal suppliers to the Australian woodworking industry. The main aims of the association are to present industry exhibitions, publish industry magazines, co-operate with other organisations, and to uphold the highest ethical standards and encourage members to do the same. Membership applications are welcome from Australian based companies, and from overseas companies with Australian agents or distributors that are also members of AWISA. Membership of AWISA includes suppliers of woodworking machinery, cabinet and furniture hardware, panel products and surface materials, portable tools, computer software, materials handling equipment, dust extraction equipment, components, and general plant and safety equipment.
AWISA
The Exhibition
The exhibition has been held regularly since 1988, and attracts furniture manufacturers, cabinet makers, kitchen manufacturers, joiners, shop and office fitters, saw millers, and other wood, timber and panel processing industries. Architects and interior designers also attend. The next event, which will be the twelfth organised by the association, will take place at the Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, from 11-14 July 2012. With panel, solidwood and design areas, AWISA has created three shows within the event.
AWISA
The Magazine
AWISA
THE MAGAZINE
AWISA’s new magazine is published quarterly and is distributed free to a database of over 14,000 end users in the industry. AWISA’s editorial policy is to produce quality editorial about business and technical issues that affect the woodworking industry, and to provide members with a means of disseminating information about their products. The association welcomes input from both members and end users about subjects that should be written about in the magazine.
AWISA
The Board
2
Australian Window Association
62
Beyond Tools
47
Blum Australia Pty Ltd
86
CDK Stone
59
Complete Software Solutions
48
Designer Training
84
Diamond Tooling Australia
88
EGR
60
EQ Software
57
Felder Group Australia
56
FIAA
69
Gabbett Machinery Pty Ltd
22, 79
Gregory Machinery
30
Hafele Australia
41
Harn
87
Hettich Australia
14
HIA
52
Hideaway Bins
88
Homag Australia
19, 35, 75, 92
KBDi
70
Leitz Tooling Systems
76
Lincoln Sentry
67
Magnum Engineering
51
Millsom Materials Handling
44
Nessco
82
Polytec
11
Sullair
85
TABMA
84
The Wood Tech Group
28
Weinig Australia Pty Ltd
37
Wilson & Bradley Pty Ltd
55
Woodtron Pty Ltd
91
Chairman Rick Lee Altendorf Australia Pty Ltd Board members Richard Abela, Hettich Australia Brett Ambrose, Blum Australia Pty Ltd Ross Broad, Infurnax Australia Pty Ltd Ross Campbell, Homag Australia Pty Ltd Neil Foley, The Wood Tech Group Ron Smyth, Biesse Group Australia Trevor Wilson, Wilson & Bradley Pty Ltd
DISTRIBUTION AWISA – The Magazine is distributed free to a list made up of companies that attended AWISA 2006 and AWISA 2008, plus the client databases of some major AWISA Ltd members. To be added to the distribution list send an email to info@awisa.com or send a fax to 02 9918 7764. (AWISA Ltd may at some time in the future charge a subscription for personally
General Manager: Geoff Holland Phone: 02 9918 3661 Email: info@awisa.com
I
Page 90 WINTER 2012
addressed magazines)
Woodtron designs and builds the highest quality, state of the art, CNC machinery using the best components from all over the world guaranteeing long life and reliability. We have highly trained
Head Office (Vic)
NSW Branch
Contact Geoff Sellman Phone 03 9775 4100
Contact Steve Hoareau Phone 0418 248 952
service technicians and a full range of spare parts ensuring the best after sales service in Australia. See our new Woodtron StartAuto and One Series machines at AWISA.
www.woodtron.com.au â&#x20AC;˘ info@woodtron.com.au