On new products, conference & supply

It’s amazing how quickly this year has raced by. Despite the challenges we all experienced, there’s been nothing more rewarding than being back in business doing what we all do best, partnering with customers, and planning for the future.

It’s been an exciting time, last month Laminex launched the ‘Alucci™ collection’–the next generation of surface materials with superior scratch resistance. The Alucci Apex range has six decors, used predominantly for horizontal benchtop application. Abrasions can be repaired with a melamine sponge; the inclusion of Alucci is a perfect addition to our Laminex product range. Check out our website at www.laminex.co.nz for more information and for samples!

We are also thrilled to share we are the Host sponsor for the 2021 Master Joiners Inspired Conference, to be held in Hamilton. The NZ Joinery Manufacturer’s Federation has long played a pivotal role in supporting joiners in New Zealand to foster interaction, training and education in the pursuit of excellence for all members. The upcoming conference has a strong focus on education and wellbeing which we fully support and endorse; we are opening the doors to our Melteca plant so you can see how we manufacture one of our most popular products. My team and I are looking forward to conference and hope to see you there!

Our industry has been busy with a high workload owing to a strong market for residential new build and residential alterations and additions. Laminex and the wider industry has experienced strong demand and have been affected by disruption to our global and local supply chain resulting in extended lead times to source some products. Thank you for your patience, we are very conscious of the impact on our customers and have been working hard to minimise any disruption.

Thank you for your business and for partnering with us. We wish all our customers and your families a safe and happy holiday and look forward to a fresh start in 2021!

Take care and stay safe

Mike Arthur and the team at Laminex NZ

New National Sales Manager at Laminex

Jeff Tutt is the new Laminex National Sales Manager. He was appointed to the role in October, but before this he was the Commercial Manager at Laminex, where he developed a deep understanding for the business, our customers and our market segments. Prior to joining Laminex, Jeff had worked as Divisional Commercial Manager for Fletcher Building for three years moving between the Distribution, Steel and Building Products divisions where he has built up a wealth of knowledge of the industry.

During Jeff’s time as Commercial Manager at Laminex he has worked with the Sales Team to identify value add opportunities for our customers; it’s fitting for Jeff to step into this role and build on his customer relationships.

“One of my top priorities for the first few months in this role is meeting as many customers as I can to understand your business. Every business operates a little bit differently so I want to understand how we can improve things to make it easier for all our customers and continuously improve our service to you.”

In his spare time Jeff likes to play golf, is a keen fisherman and enjoys diving.

End of an Era at Jacks

Jacks would like to congratulate Peter Cook on his upcoming retirement, concluding a 34 year career with Jacks supplying equipment to the timber processing sector. Peter has led projects resulting in some of the most advanced manufacturing lines in New Zealand, mostly with the Weinig group of machinery, including moulders, scan and dock lines, and finger-jointing.

In Peter’s time at Jacks the timber industry has changed significantly, and he has been at the cutting edge of high speed, high quality drymill operations as it has grown into the technology driven sector it is today. While he won’t be disappearing entirely, the day to day business for our timber processing customers will be handled by Neil Dodunksi, who has been working alongside Peter for the past year.

Ligna postponed

In view of the current developments in the global incidence of infections from the corona pandemic, Deutsche Messe and the German association VDMA have decided to postpone LIGNA by around five months next year to now run from 27 September to 1 October 2021. "Due to the ongoing pandemic, increasing restrictions and the renewed lockdown, there is great uncertainty in the market," says Dr. Andreas Gruchow, Deutsche Messe Managing Board member. "The decision to postpone LIGNA was a very difficult one for us, but it is the only consistent measure to give all those involved planning security and the necessary lead time for preparations.”

BCITO Announces New CEO

Biesse launch Innovation Lab

Biesse

Group has announced the launch of the Biesse Innovation Lab, a major new project in the field of research, development and innovation, which is set to serve as an accelerator for new ideas and start-ups, cultivating links with the world of academia, research and capital with a view to further enhancing the Group's innovation ecosystem.

“To open our company boundaries in order to broaden the horizons of our minds: this is the two-way principle according to which Biesse Group seeks to lead the Biesse Innovation Lab. The process of digital transformation we are currently experiencing involves change at all levels, and it is only by seizing every opportunity that this revolution offers that we can continue to be innovators” explained Roberto Selci, CEO of Biesse Group.

The new organisation will integrate technological, business and organisational themes via a team consisting of staff from both inside and outside the organisation, with the participation of managers, analysts, creatives, engineers and experts in marketing and sales.

Biesse wins Deloitte award

For the third consecutive year Biesse Group is among the winners of the 'Best Managed Companies' award, the Deloitte initiative to support Italian companies that are excellent in terms of organisational capacity, strategy, and performance. "Congratulations to Biesse", said Andrea Restelli, Deloitte Partner and BMC manager. "The companies receiving awards in this third edition have demonstrated not only excellence but also great ability and resilience in dealing with the crisis caused by the continuing Covid-19 pandemic.”

Auckland Joiners meet at Leitz

The Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) is pleased to announce Mr Toby Beaglehole as its new Chief Executive. Beaglehole joins BCITO from his previous role as Chief Executive of Connexis, which he has led since 2018. In that role, amongst other things, Beaglehole has been managing the Reform of Vocational Education (RoVE) for the organisation.

“We are delighted to have a new Chief Executive on board who is already across the transition and is familiar with the process and parties involved. He is also closely aligned with the direction of the BCITO through the BCITO –Connexis Heads of Agreement,” says BCITO Chairman Mike King. “We are committed to ensuring that during this transition period we continue to do what is best for our apprentices, employers, staff, and the wider sector. Having a leader who has an existing and deep understanding of what we do and the issues our sector faces will ensure we manage the next 12 months or so as smoothly as possible,” continues King.

Beaglehole also brings with him a wealth of experience in change management through previous complex roles with NZ Oil Services (JV between Z Energy and BP) and NZ Post, especially following the Canterbury earthquakes. He is expected to commence a transition from Connexis to BCITO in early December, with a view to being fully immersed in BCITO by the new year and as we move towards the new RoVE model.

Beaglehole replaces Warwick Quinn who left BCITO earlier this month, to take up a role at Te Pūkenga as Deputy Chief Executive Employer Journey and Experience.