material+technik möbel special 01/18: Quality Inside – Made in Europe by material + technik möbel

P R O F E S S I O N A L M A G A Z I N E F O R M A N U F A C T U R E R S O F K I T C H E N S , C A B I N E T, O F F I C E A N D S E AT I N G F U R N I T U R E A N D F O R I N T E R I O R F I T T E R S A N D D E S I G N E R S Âˇ W W W. M AT E R I A L -T E C H N I K . D E Âˇ 3 0 8 3 5

The magazine for furniture production and related fields

Quality Inside

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NEWSLETTER NEVER MISS IMPORTANT SECTOR NEWS AGAIN!

The most important news of the week â&#x20AC;&#x201C; compact, concise and to the point. Free of charge, delivered simply and conveniently by e-mail. Image: Fotolia.de/fotomek

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Quality Inside

Scoring with “premium choice” products

Richard Barth, Editor-in-chief

On the following pages, the special issue “quality inside” of the German technical magazine material+technik möbel provides brandnew and extensive information about the furnishing market in Europe. As this issue is published exclusively in English, it offers furnishing companies worldwide not only useful statistical data and forecasts on the economic development in Western Europe and the changes in the furnishing industry. “Quality inside” also reports on the latest material and colour trends that have emerged at the world’s leading furniture fairs imm cologne and Salone del Mobile earlier this year. Besides innovative supply products, the innovative machine technologies for smalland large-scale companies that made their debut at the trade fair Holz-Handwerk in Nuremberg (Germany) and Xylexpo in Milan (Italy) in the spring of this year are the focal point of this issue. Last but not least, our market report in this issue shows that Germany, despite major company failures, has remained the leading country of production and the largest sales market for furniture in Europe. In Italy, on the other hand, in 2018, domestic furniture consumption is being boosted by means of State support measures in order to

restore the lost ground on the domestic market. The growing number of European firms from the supply and woodworking machinery industry exhibiting at the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) in Atlanta also signals that European companies are increasingly operating worldwide. This is also documented by our news about the opening of subsidiaries of European companies on other continents. With their quality products, Western European suppliers and manufacturers of woodworking machines are more than ever the preferred partner of furniture manufacturers all over the world. They contribute to the upgrading of furnishings and their efficient production – because when it comes to authentic wood decors, functional fittings as well as linked and networked machine technologies, products “made in Europe” are internationally seen as the first choice.

Content Editorial Europe’s economy developing positively

4–7

Setback in Germany, growth in Italy

8–9

New European exibitors at IWF

Title: Perfect illusion: With the new “Compact-Style” edging from Ostermann (Germany), fronts with an extremely premium look can be created. Photo: Ostermann

10–12

News from European surface specialists

20–21

Europe’s trend surfaces

22–23

Holz-Handwerk and Xylexpo: Digitalisation continues to gain ground

24–26

Furniture panels – free from particles

Premiere at the IWF

Mobile helper for adjustment and installation

When 120 kilograms close softly

European furniture and supplier events 2018

Now it’s silkwood’s turn

Partners to the furniture industry

Entry into PUR technology simplified

Imprint

Finding the right connector quickly

Trend materials in European furniture For elegant fronts with a luxury look

News from European companies

28–30

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Europe’s economy developing positively At mid-year 2018, the economic development in Europe is in good shape. Most of the EU countries have been able to register a constant upward trend in the first months of the current year. However, there are dark clouds on the horizon because of Great Britain´s withdrawal from the European Union and the trade dispute with the USA. Their consequences for the economic development cannot be estimated yet.

The economy in the countries of the European Union (EU) is facing not just one but two problems in the summer of 2018: For one thing, Brexit, i.e. the withdrawal of the member country Great Britain from the EU, is coming closer and closer, and secondly, a customs dispute with the USA has begun in the past months. After the USA began imposing import duties on steel and aluminium imports from the EU in June, the European Community started levying duties for various imported products from the USA as

well. Up till now, the furnishing industry in Europe and its suppliers have only been slightly affected by the American import duties. For example, the import duties have caused costs for materials to rise for European companies that have production locations in the USA and work to some extent with steel from Europe. If the trade dispute grows, experts think effects on the economic development in both parts of the world can be expected. But the negotiations between the EU and the

USA to reduce trade barriers, which have just started at the time of our editorial deadline, awaken hope that an agreement in the EU-US trade conflict can still be reached in the coming months. According to experts, such a trade agreement would increase the economic performance of the EU and the USA by 2 per cent over the long term. Possible effects of Brexit With regard to Great Britain’s withdrawal from the EU, which is planned for March of 2019, there

are also different predictions. According to market researchers, the first negative effects on the British economy can already be detected: The British currency has lost about 15 per cent of its value in comparison to the euro since the Brexit vote in the summer of 2016. In 2017, the growth of the economy was weaker than expected at 1.7 per cent and also lower than the growth rate in the euro zone, which was about 2.6 per cent. In the years before, the country had stood out in Europe with above-average

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The trade dispute with the USA and Great Britain’s exit from the EU, which is due to take place in 2019, are changing the economic outlook in Europe for the worse. Photo: Fotolia.de/weyo

Positive economic development in the EU In 2018, the economy in the eurozone (EU countries with euro currency) has been able to continue its positive course. But after the economy grew by 2.6 per cent in 2017, it looks as if growth has been slower in the current year. For the countries in the eurozone, the experts at the IfW (Institute for the World Economy) are expecting economic growth of 2.1 per cent in the current year and 2.0 per cent in the coming year. Because of the undiminished positive economic development, the unemployment rate will decline further from 8.4 to 7.8 per cent. Private spending for consumption will remain correspondingly high: In 2017, it rose by 1.7 per cent. In the current year, it is expected to increase by 1.6 and in 2019 by 1.8 per cent. Consumer

Housing construction booms The development in construction and especially in housing construction plays an essential role in the economy and is a signal for the future development in the furnishing industry. That is because moving into a new home is often connected with buying new furniture. The European research and consulting network Euroconstruct is expecting further growth in completed new dwellings in the network´s 19 member countries (15 West European and 4 East European countries) for 2018. After new dwelling construction increased by about 9.7 per cent to 1.57 million units in 2017, 1.75 million units are expected for 2018. That would be an increase of 6.2 per cent. The experts at Euroconstruct, however, are expecting the number of finished new dwellings to stagnate in the coming years. So all in all, that would mean an increase of 21.5 per cent in completed new dwellings between 2016 and 2020.

France: The third most important national economy (15 per cent share) in Europe, following Germany and Great Britain, will probably not grow as strongly this year and next year as it did in 2017. After a growth of 2.3 per cent, the IfW is expecting an increase of only 1.7 per cent for the current year. And the GDP should also rise by the same percentage in 2019. This country is the leader in Europe as far as housing construction is concerned. In 2016, a total of 335,000 new dwellings were completed in France, and that number should rise further, according to a forecast by Euroconstruct. In 2018, almost 420,000 completions are expected, and in 2019, there should be 388,000. Despite a slight decline in the unemployment rate, it will remain higher than the average among EU countries. In 2017, the rate was 9.4 per cent. Therefore, economic experts are expecting

only a moderate increase of 1.8 per cent in consumer prices in 2018. In the year 2017, they rose by 1.2 per cent. Great Britain: In the EU, Great Britain contributes about 15.9 per cent to the economic output and is thus the second largest economic power in the union. Following an already disappointing previous year, the British economy started off the year 2018 badly: In the first three months, the gross domestic product rose by only 0.1 percent. According to expert estimates, the country will be able to achieve growth of about 1.3 to 1.4 per cent in 2018, which means it will have the weakest growth since the worldwide financial and economic crisis in the year 2008. In the past years, the country distinguished itself with above-average high growth rates, 2.8 per cent in 2014, for example, and 1.9 per cent in 2016. In the coming year, in which

main in the EU single market and the European customs union till the end of 2020.

growth rates, but in the past year it was one of the countries in Europe with the lowest growth. According to a study, the British economy could lose out on eight per cent of the growth previously expected for the next 15 years. If a bilateral trade agreement between Great Britain and the EU should be reached, experts think

that only 2 per cent of that growth would be lost. Many companies have already begun to change their supply chains because of the trade hurdles that are to be expected, and have built up storage capacity accordingly. Ultmimately, experts reckon that in March 2019, UK will only formally withdraw from the EU and will re-

In the following, we report on the current and expected economic development in selected countries of the European Union: Germany: With a share of 21.2 per cent, Germany continues to contribute the largest part of the economic output in the EU and was able to show positive development in 2017. For example, a total of 245,300 new dwellings were completed in the year under review, which was an increase of 2.6 per cent in comparison to the year before. For the first time, the number of permits for new dwellings was declining – by 7.3 per cent to 348,000 units in the entire year. So experts are expecting a declining number of new dwellings this year and next year. However, there was a change in the trend during the first months of 2018, as the number of new dwellings approved by the end of April this year increased by 0.7

per cent. For the most part, the growth was due to the construction of new flats in multi-family buildings; in single-family homes, on the other hand, there was a slight decline. According to economic experts, growth in the gross domestic product will be 2 per cent for the current year, and thus weaker than in 2017 (+ 2.5 %). In 2019, though, the economic output should increase again by 2.5 per cent. The IfW experts also see a positive development in the unemployment rate, which should decline from 3.8 per cent in 2017 to 3.2 per cent in 2019. However, the good employment situation will make consumer prices rise more, so after a 1.7 per cent rise in 2017, 2 per cent can be expected for this year and next year.

prices rose by 1.5 per cent in 2017, and the rate of increase for both this and the next year is now expected to be 1.7 per cent respectively.

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Quality Inside

For 2018, economic growth of 2.1 per cent is expected for the eurozone. Chart: European Commission

■ EU countries using the Euro, ■ EU countries not using the Euro the country wants to complete the Brexit, the increase in the gross domestic product will probably amount to only 0.9 per cent, according to IfW experts. In housing construction, however, no weakening can be detected so far: In 2016, just about 165,000 new homes were completed. In 2018, there will probably be 194,000. According to Euroconstruct, that number will even rise to 203,000 by 2020. Consumer prices rose by 2.8 per cent in 2017. In 2019, the increase should be about 2.2 per cent. The unemployment rate should remain unchanged at 4.4 per cent in the coming years. Italy: Italy is still one of the major worries of the EU countries because its economic situation is just not picking up. The fourth most important economic country in the European Community (11.3 per cent share) must anticipate lower economic growth this year than in 2017. In the past year, the gross domestic product still increased by

1.6 percent, but the IfW is forecasting a rise of only 1.1 per cent for 2018. Next year, growth should be even lower at 0.8 per cent. Due to the still high unemployment rate (expected to be 10.8 per cent in 2018) Italian consumers will probably not be in the mood to buy much. Correspondingly, the increase in consumer prices should remain at 1.3 per cent. Housing construction should also be weak, according to Euroconstruct. The experts are expecting only 83,000 new dwellings to be built in the current year, which is still an increase of just about 3 per cent in comparison to the previous year. With an estimated growth of overall 7.3 per cent, the development in construction of new dwellings in Italy will probably be one of the worst in Europe for the time period 2016-2020. Spain: In Spain, which for a long time has been one of the EU´s chief worries, the economy is becoming more stable from year to year. After the country was able to achieve

economic growth of 3.1 per cent in 2017, the IfW is expecting further growth of 2.7 per cent for the current year. In 2019, it is expected to be 2.1 per cent. The biggest problem in the country is and remains the high unemployment rate. Although it is supposed to decline from 17.2 per cent in 2017 to 15.8 per cent in the current year, it remains one of the highest in Europe. At least the country has been able to leave the years of crisis behind. In 2013, the unemployment rate was still 25 per cent and the country registered a decline of 2 per cent in the GDP. The increase in prices was 2 per cent in 2017 and should decline to 1.8 per cent this year and next. The positive development in the country is also reflected in the development in construction of new dwellings: In 2018, Euroconstruct is expecting about 75,000 new units, which would be 37 per cent more than in 2017 and almost twice as many as in 2016.The number of completed new dwellings

should rise to 95,000 by 2020, which would be an increase of 137 percent in the period under review. Benelux: Together with the other Benelux countries Belgium and Luxembourg, the Netherlands contributes 7.9 per cent of the total economic output in the EU countries. With a share of 4.7 per cent, though, Holland is the most important player. After an increase of 3.3 per cent in GDP, the country has to expect significantly lower growth this year and next year. According to the IfW, it will decline to 2.3 per cent in 2018 and 2 per cent in 2019. There will probably be a slight rise in consumer prices from 1.3 to 1.7 per cent. There is positive development in the unemployment rate, which was 4.9 per cent in 2017 and is expected to fall to 3.9 per cent in the current year and then to only 3.1 per cent in 2019. Due to the satisfactory economic development, there is expected to be some growth in construction of new dwellings in the Netherlands. In 2016, just about 55,000 units were completed and in 2017 about 62,000; now, that number is expected to continue to rise to 74,000 new dwellings by 2020. In the neighbouring country of Belgium, dwelling construction is expected to increase much less strongly. There, about 45,000 units were built in 2016. In 2017, there were 48,000. For 2020, a slightly lower number of completions is expected, so there will probably be a growth rate of only 5.3 per cent for the forecast period. In 2017, economic growth was 1.7 percent and, according to the IfW prognosis, it is going to sink to 1.5 or 1.6 per cent. As in the Netherlands, a decline in the unemployment rate is also expected in Belgium, but it is almost twice as high as that of the Netherlands. After being 7.2 per cent in 2017, the rate should decline to 6.4 per cent in the current year and to 6 per cent in 2019. Consumer prices are going to change only slightly; they rose by 2.2 per cent in 2017. In 2018, they are expected to rise by 2 per cent. With a contribution of 0.4 per cent to EU economic performance and only about 600,000 in-

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habitants, Luxembourg is comparatively insignificant. Austria: Just as in most of the other EU countries, the economic experts in Austria are also expecting low growth in the gross domestic product. In 2017, the growth rate was still 3.2 per cent, but for the current and the coming year growth rates of 3.0 and 2.0 per cent are expected. The unemployment rate is supposed to sink slightly in the report period. Following a rate of 5.5 per cent in 2017, a decline to 4.9 per cent is forecast by 2019. The increase in consumer prices, which was at 2.2 per cent in 2017, should settle at 2.3 per cent. Because of the generally positive economic development, Euroconstruct is expecting a further increase in completions of new dwellings. While a total of 48,300 units were built in 2016, about 56,500 new dwellings are expected to be completed in 2018. In 2020, more than 60,000 are expected, which would mean an increase of 24.6 per cent in the forecast period. Poland: Poland is not only one of the most important furniture-producing countries in Europe and the fourth largest furniture exporter in the world, but also way out front in Europe as far as housing construction is concerned. According to Euroconstruct, the country had a total of 163,400 new dwellings in 2016, and about 200,000 are expected for 2018. The experts say that the rate of increase during the report period will be 25.5 per cent. In contrast to its importance in the furniture industry, though, the country contributes only about 2.9 per cent to the economic output of the EU. Following growth of 4.5 per cent in GDP in 2017, the IfW is expecting a significantly weaker rate for this year and next year namely 3.4 and 2.9 per cent respectively. With a slightly declining unemployment rate (from 4.9 to 3.8 per cent in 2019), consumer prices will probably rise a little, with the rate increasing from 1.5 to 1.8 per cent. Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark: Among the four Nordic countries, only Finland uses the euro as currency, while Sweden and Denmark have kept the same currencies as before. Besides that, Norway – like Switzerland – is not a member of the European Union, but there are special trade agree-

ments with the country. With a share of 3.1 per cent, Sweden is the Nordic country that contributes the most to the GDP of the EU. However, economic experts are expecting a decline in economic development in Sweden. After an increase of 2.7 per cent in 2017, growth is predicted to decrease to 2.6 and 1.9 per cent in 2018 and 2019 respectively. While the unemployment rate is expected to sink slightly to 6.3 per cent by 2019, the increase in consumer prices will be about 2 per cent. However, positive development is expected in construction of new dwellings during the period under review: In 2016, 53,600 units were completed. During the current year, the number should be 72,500. By 2020, though, the number of completed new dwellings is expected to decline to about 58,500. With an increase of 9.1 per cent in the forecast period 2016 to 2020, the country will thus register the second weakest rate of growth among the Nordic countries. Only in Norway is the increase in construction of new dwellings expected to be less at 0.5 per cent. For Denmark, an increase of 45 per cent and for Finland an increase of 15.9 per cent are predicted. The number of completions should increase to 43,500 in Finland in 2018, but decline to

35,000 by 2020. The economic performance of the country grew by 2.7 per cent in 2017, and the increase should be 3 per cent in the current year. For 2019, a decrease to 2.1 per cent is expected. High unemployment is problematic; the rate in 2017 was 8.6 per cent and it is expected to sink only a little. With a rate of 0.8 per cent, the country registered one of the lowest increases in consumer prices in the EU for 2017. In the current year, prices are expected to rise by 1.3 per cent. The Danish economy will probably grow by only 1.8 and 1.5 per cent respectively in 2018 and 2019. In 2017, the GDP still rose by about 2 per cent. Consumer prices are expected to rise only slightly, and the unemployment rate should decline from 5.7 per cent to 4.5 per cent in 2019. Greece: For many years, the southern European country has been one of the biggest worries among the EU countries. Since the worldwide economic and financial crisis, Greece has lost over a quarter of its economic power. Currently, it contributes only 0.5 per cent to the economic output in Europe. In the meantime, following massive economic support measures from the EU, the country is back on course for recovery. At the end of August 2018, the European Union’s

rescue program for Greece will come to an end and the crisis-ridden country will have to finance itself again. According to the IfW, economic growth of 1.3 per cent was achieved in 2017, and the rate is expected to continue to rise in the current and coming year to 2.1 and 2.3 per cent. The country’s main problem continues to be the high unemployment rate, which was 21.5 per cent in 2017. For 2018 and 2019, the IfW predicts that it will decline to 19.8 and 18 per cent respectively. For comparison: At the peak of the economic crisis in the country, the unemployment rate was more than 27 per cent. Correspondingly, the increase in consumer prices is low and should be about 0.9 per cent in the current year. As far as housing is concerned, in 2005 building permits for about 195,000 new dwellings were granted, but the number for 2017 was only 10,335 according to the Greek statistics authority EL.STAT – that, however, was an increase of 11 per cent in comparison to 2016. Richard Barth

At the moment, there are 28 countries in the EU; after Great Britain’s exit in 2019, there will be only 27. Photo: European Commission

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Setback in Germany, growth in Italy In Europe, Germany and Italy continue to be the leading production countries for furnishing objects. Together, the two countries contribute about nine per cent of worldwide furniture production. However, in contrast to Italy, Germany was not able to increase its furniture production in 2017. On the other hand, 2018 started off successfully for both countries. According to the surveys carried out by the CSIL market research institute (Italy), the value of worldwide furniture production (price ex factory) in 2016 was about US$ 420 billion (ca. EUR 358 billion). According to the market experts, China is the biggest production country with a share of 39 per cent, followed by the USA with a share of 12 per cent. The countries in third and fourth place, according to CSIL, are Germany and Italy. While Germany has a share of 5 per cent, Italy contributes about 4 per cent of worldwide furniture production. CSIL identified Poland and Great Britain as further important furniture production countries in Europe with shares of 3 and 2 per cent respectively. Germany: slight setback Germany is not only the most important furniture producer in Western Europe, but also the biggest furniture market. In 2017, however, the market development in the furnishing sector was not as satisfying as in previous years. According to an analysis by the Institute for Business Research (Institut für Handelsforschung – Germany) and BBE Business Consulting (BBE Handelsberatung – Germany), sole

sales of furniture in shops sank by 2.3 per cent to EUR 20.18 billion at end consumer prices. Until 2016, sales had still risen annually – furniture sales in 2013 were only EUR 19.07 billion. If the electric built-in appliances, kitchen accessories and decoration articles that are sold by the furnishing trade are also taken into consideration, the ZGV (SME association) estimates the market volume for 2017 at EUR 34.04 billion at end consumer prices. A year earlier, it was EUR 33.73 billion. So more furniture was sold in Germany than in any other country in Europe. However, the market researchers are expecting the sales of furniture alone to stagnate or even to sink slightly in Germany in the coming years. In 2022, they expect a market volume of only about EUR 19.9 billion. Slight decline in production turnover The year 2017 was not as successful as the previous years for the German furniture producers either. According to statistics of VDM (association of the German Furniture Industry), there were 492 companies (≥ 50 employees) employing about 84,000 people. There was a turnover of EUR 17.83 billion, which

was 0.74 per cent lower than in 2016. In the years 2015 and 2016, the furniture producers had still been able to register increases of 6.2 and 3.2 per cent respectively. The reason for the lower production turnover in 2017 is above all the decline in domestic sales. They

were reduced by 1.08 per cent, and the foreign sales of the furniture factories also decreased slightly by 0.02 per cent. A look at the foreign trade figures, though, reveals that Germany was able to achieve an increase in exports of 0.14 per cent. Since imports sank by 0.27 per

The world’s most important furniture-producing countries in 2016 (percentage of worldwide production turnover)

China 39%

Other countries 25%

Great Britain 2% Canada 2% Vietnam 2% Japan 2% Poland 3% India 4% Italy 4%

USA 12% Germany 5% Source: CSIL

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Investment in the future: The kitchen producer Leicht (Germany) is now building a new highly efficient assembly plant for EUR 40 million. Photo: Leicht cent, the value of all furniture sold in Germany (production-exports+ imports) can be estimated at EUR 19.88 billion. That was a decrease of 0.41 per cent in comparison to the year before. Another reason for the worse performance in the furniture industry is the insolvency of one of the biggest company groups in the kitchen furniture industry (Alno Group), which completely ended its production in the late summer of 2017, leading to a decline in production turnover for kitchens. Kitchen furniture contribute about one quarter of total furniture production. Because of the insolvency of the Alno Group, the turnover in the segment sank for the first time – by 3.75 per cent to EUR 4.62 billion. Since 2010, the kitchen furniture producers had been able to consistently achieve increases in turnover; in 2015, the increase was even 7.25 per cent. In addition to kitchen furniture, mattresses (- 3.6 per cent) and office and upholstered furniture (- 2.8 and - 2.5 per cent) were on the losing side in 2017. In contrast, the “miscellaneous furniture” segment (living room, dining room, bedroom furniture as well as non-upholstered seating furniture and furniture parts) was able to achieve an sales increase of 1.6 per cent. Better start in 2018 The German furniture industry started off the year 2018 much more successfully. During the first five months of the year, the furniture producers were able to register an increase in production of 0.22 percent to EUR 7.46 billion. Although domestic sales decreased slightly again by 0.38 per cent, the factories were able to increase their foreign sales by 1.5 per cent. Once again, the kitchen furniture industry was also thriving: During the period under report, it achieved an increase of about 3 per cent in production and had a turnover of EUR 2.02 billion. With those gains, it could almost make up for the losses in other production branches, because in the areas of living room,

Furniture industry in Germany and Italy in 2017 (all figures in EUR billion/changes in comparison to 2016 in per cent)

17.83 (– 0.74 %)

19.88 (– 0.41 %) 16.86 (+ 2.7 %)

10.55 (+ 0.14 %)

12.60 (– 0.27 %) 9.58 (+ 3.4 %)

9.38 (+ 2.0 %)

2.09 (+ 2.7 %)

turnover

exports

imports

■■ Germany, ■■ Italy

dining room and bedroom furniture (including furniture parts, occasional furniture and non-upholstered seating furniture), sales declined by 2.38 per cent to EUR 3.08 billion. In the upholstered furniture industry, sales sank by 5.23 per cent to EUR 402 million. Italy: further recovery In contrast to the German furniture industry, the Italian furniture producers did better in 2017 than in the year before. They had to struggle with decreasing sales for years. According to data from the CSIL market research institute (Italy), production turnover rose by 2.7 per cent to EUR 16.86 in 2017. That means the sector was able to increase its turnover for the third year in a row. In 2016, it had already been able to achieve a rise of 1.5 per cent. For the kitchen furniture industry, though, the year 2017 was not so successful. With sales of EUR 2.2 billion, it was able to surpass the production turnover of the previous year by only 0.5 per cent. The export business was more positive for the companies: Exports could be increased by 3.3 per cent to EUR 779 million. The entire furniture industry was able to expand its foreign sales by 3.4 per cent to EUR 9.58 billion. The initiators for the recovery in domestic furniture sales were state support measures that were introduced for the first time under the name “Bonus mobili” in 2013. According to sector data, they have

domestic market Source: VDM, CSIL

led to a cumulated additional turnover of EUR 4.5 billion since they have started, which would not have been realised without the state measures. Because of the furniture bonus, Italian consumers were able to deduct purchases of furniture and electric appliances up to a sum of EUR 10,000 from their tax statements. According to calculations by the CSIL market research institute, domestic sales of Italian furniture factories thus rose by 1.8 per cent to EUR 7.28 billion in the year 2017. Furniture consumption, i. e. calculated domestic consumption (production-exports+imports) improved by 2 per cent to EUR 9.38 billion. According to information from the FederlegnoArredo sector association (Italy), the turnover in the entire furnishing industry was EUR 26.9 billion in 2017, which was an increase of 2.1 per cent in comparison to the year before. In addition to furniture, that includes bathroom furniture and fittings, lighting and furnishing accessories. With these products, the Italians were also successful outside of Italy. Exports increased in the period under report by 3.1 per cent to EUR 14.3 billion. The most important customers for furnishing objects “made in Italy” were France, Germany, the USA and Great Britain – together, they were responsible for about 44 per cent of the export sales. The entire wood and furniture industry in the country achieved a

turnover of EUR 41.5 billion in 2017, which was 2 per cent more than in the previous year. Of that, EUR 16.3 billion were earned with exports. However, that figure and the data mentioned before can only be conditionally compared with the data from Germany, because in Italy companies with fewer than 50 employees are also taken into consideration. So almost 77,000 companies with a total of 318,000 employees are included in the statistics. In Germany, on the other hand, only companies with 50 employees or more are included in the production statistics. In 2017, in the wood and furniture industry, there were 931 of those companies in all. They achieved a turnover of EUR 35.6 billion (+ 1.7 per cent). Moderate growth The CSIL market research institute forecasts continued growth of about 2 per cent for Italian furniture production in 2018, because the country’s furniture exports will continue to increase due to the economic recovery in important sales markets. The rise will probably be about 3 per cent, though. In domestic furniture consumption, an increase of about 1.3 per cent is expected. Market researchers are expecting consumer spending in Italy to be somewhat less in the years after that, so they don’t think domestic furniture sales will increase to the same extent as they have up till now. Richard Barth

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New European exibitors at IWF It’s the biggest trade fair for supply materials and woodworking machinery in North America: from 22 – 25 August 2018, the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) will take place again in the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Always in the even years, the WMMA (Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America) and the WMIA (Woodworking Machinery Industry Association) host one of the world’s leading trade fairs for furniture production, architectural

woodwork and the woodworking industry on 50,000 square meters. The IWF covers the complete range of products and services from raw materials to machines and automation technology to finished products: flooring, electric

tools, windows, wood, wooden construction elements, woodworking machinery, wooden components, wood products, material handling systems, furniture, upholstery, cabinets, doors and connecting elements.

Machines and accessories can be found in Building B, components and accessories are in Building C. For this year’s edition, about 1,100 exhibitors – of whom about a quarter from USA – are expected again from all over the world. All well-known producers are represented Practically all of the well-known producers or their American subsidiaries are represented at the trade fair again in 2018. Some companies have even increased their area significantly: Biesse has expanded its booth this year by about one-third to 27,000 square feet (about 2,500 square meters), the size of the Homag Group. From Europe are represented for example: manufacturers of fitting and damping systems: Blum (Austria), Grass (Austria), Häfele (Germany), Hettich (Germany), Titus Group (England), Salice (Italy), From 22 – 25 August, everything will revolve around woodworking machines and materials for the furniture industry in Atlanta.

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Quality Inside

Nearly 1,100 exhibitors will present their products on an area of about 50,000 square meters.

Samet (Turkey), Vauth-Sagel (Germany), Zimmer (Germany). Manufacturers of adhesives: AkzoNobel (Netherlands), Jowat (Germany), Kleiberit (Germany). Manufacturers of surfaces: Renolit (Germany),

Rehau (Germany), Surteco (Germany), Venjakob (Germany). Manufacturers of Tools: Leitz (Germany), Leuco (Germany) and the machine manufacturers Biesse (Italy), BĂźrkle (Germany), Dieffenbacher (Germa-

ny), Cefla (Italy), Felder Group (Austria), Hymmen (Germany), Ima (Germany), Robatech (Switzerland), SCM (Italy), Siempelkamp (Germany), Weinig/Holz-her (Germany) and Vits Technology (Germany). Homag

(Germany) is represented by Stiles (USA). The trade fair booth also includes the brands Heesemann (Germany), Venjakob (Germany) and Makor (Italy). 219 new exhibitors will be at the trade fair for the first time this year, according to the fair including companies such as Awuko Abrasives Wandmacher (Germany), manufacturer of abrasives, the manufacturer of fitting systems Kessebohmer USA (Germany), and the manufacturer of films, high-tech synthetics and artificial leather, Continental (formerly Konrad Hornschuch, Germany). Schattdecor (Germany) is also celebrating its premiere this year with a 110 square meter stand directly at the trade fair. Previously, the upper

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Quality Inside

Bavarians were only represented with a small information booth at the trade fair, refer to their exhibition in a hotel near the exhibition. Not on but close to the IWF: the decor specialist Interprint (Germany) presents its products on 22 and 23 August at Aloft Atlanta Downtown. Bigger again In 2016, the IWF was able to grow for the third time in a row. All together, the 1,079 exhibitors counted 17,125 visitors. Only 1,837 came from outside USA, of whom 259 from Europe. Slowly, the fair seems to be recovering. For comparison, before the crisis in 2008, there were still 1,324 exhibitors and an area of 75,500 square meters and 35,000 visitors. Many events Once again this year, there will be a comprehensive range of fringe events at the trade fair. An exhibition will show the finalists for the “IWF Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award”. The award,

Again this year, the “IWF Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award” will be presented. Photos: IWF

which is known all over the world, honours companies that have “distinguished themselves by developing innovative technology in products, services, or manufacturing techniques that will advance the industry”. Challengers Award A panel of 10 distinguished judges has tested and analysed each entry. The finalists will perform live demonstrations for the jury, which will then make the final decision about the most innovative product development. The finalists will be on exhibit in the Challengers Award Gallery for the entire duration of the

trade fair. The winners of the awards for 2018 will be announced on Wednesday, 22 August, at 11:00 in the overlook area on the second level in Building B. Among the winners of the last fair were: Bacci (CNC Router for Shaping & Sanding Cabinets Doors Outside Profile), Biesse (Viet Robotic sanding of cross grain scratching and Mdf, wood or painted doors), Holz-Her (L tronic) and Salice (Salice Air). “Product Showcase” The new Product Showcase is an area in which the visitors get an overview of the latest developments since the IWF 2016. It can

be found on the exhibition hall level in Building B. IWF will be offering two pavilions that are industry and technology specific to help centrally locate certain points of interest. These pavilions will be located in the Building C Exhibit Hall: Cabinetry, Closets & Storage and Decorative Surfaces: Digital Print, Countertops, Flooring. IWF Education Conference The IWF Education Conference offers a broad range of industry-related topics during the trade fair. Eleven full-day symposiums on various topics (Closets, Powder Coating Wood, CNC, Lean, Countertops & Architectural Surfaces, Leadership Forum, Digital Printing, Engineering Surfacing Products, Expanding Your Business to the U.S., Wood Flooring, Finishing) will already take place a day before the trade fair begins, on 21 August. leo

Premiere at the IWF At the IWF, Schattdecor will introduce its latest decors and products. The main point of focus will be the trends predicted for 2019. terials and furniture industry will present its decors and trends for 2019 in Atlanta. In order to provide the right setting for the new products at the trade fair, the design team has put in a great deal of work. The new trade fair stand has an area of 110 m² and is a unique opportunity for team members to give their creativity free rein. The main point of focus of the presentation is the trends predicted for 2019. The world is rapidly changing and we have to continue to de-

The surface specialist Schattdecor (Germany) is celebrating its premiere at the IWF: The producer of

printed decor paper, finished refined surfaces, and melamine films for the worldwide wood-based ma-

velop as well. New lifestyles are influencing the form and function of the rooms where we live and work – and how we furnish them. So visitors to the stand can experience directly how multidimensional lifestyles, changing living concepts and the mixing of leisure time and work are shaping the new trends and how they are reflected in the decors, colours and surfaces. leo

A view of the Schattdecor showroom at its headquarters in Germany: “Community Zone” is one of four trend areas. Photos: Schattdecor

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Quality Inside

Mobile helper for adjustment and installation The “Hettich Technical Assistant” helps with the adjustment and installation of products from the fittings producer Hettich (Germany) and offers other helpful tools as well. It can assist mobile at any time: by means of the Hettich app or as internet solution on the Hettich website. For the product lines hinges, drawer systems and folding and sliding door systems, the assistant provides support with information about installation, adjustment and removal. A highlight: the solutions are presented in a task-based way – as video sequence, PDF or in the FAQ section. According to the company, the users thus find answers to their questions quickly, without

having to work through extensive installation instructions. The assembly of a drawer, for example, is explained in simple steps. If fine adjustment is necessary afterwards, the user learns how to adjust the front panel in the various dimensions by watching short aniThe solutions are presented in a task-based way and step by step. Photos: Hettich

The “Hettich Technical Assistant” is a mobile solution for questions about using and adjusting Hettich fittings. mated films. The installer thus achieves a perfect result in only a short time. In addition, tools for calculating weights of components and loading capacities round out the range of the assistant. leo

Jowat | Your partner in bonding PRE

OPE UR

E MAD IN E

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High-performance adhesives for the wood and furniture industry Permanent bonding – with powerful adhesives. Innovative formulations – durable and sustainable. Adhesive competence from a single source – worldwide and innitely innovative. Jowat – First class bonding. 220x103mm-Jowat M+T-Anzeige M_sp0118_PK_Hettich.indd 13Special Quality Inside.indd 2

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Quality Inside

The 2-way damping of the “Silento Doppio”: Sliding doors with a weight of up to 120 kg can be softly closed in both directions with one unit. Photo: Zimmer Daempfungssysteme

When 120 kilograms close softly Two soft-close innovations are being presented by the damping technology specialist Zimmer Daempfungssysteme (Germany) at the IWF: “Silento Porta” and “Silento Doppio” are universally usable selfclosing devices for sliding doors.

They offer a variety of connection options and ensure soft opening and closing of sliding doors weighing up to 120 kg, according to the producer. “Silento Porta” is a complete fitting system that softly slows down

heavy sliding doors and pulls them noiselessly into their end position. With its compact design, the unit can be used in very different track systems. There are several connection options: invisible in an existing runner, installed in a variety of

mounting positions (flat, upright, closing to the right or the left) or adaptively mounted on the door slide mechanism. “Silento Porta” is available with a fluid damper with a stroke of 70 mm or 100 mm. The 2-way damping of the “Silento Doppio” is also suitable even for the smallest installation spaces and can be just as easily and invisibly integrated or flexibly mounted in existing track systems. The selfclosing system has recently been expanded to include a version for heavy sliding doors: doors with weights of up to 120 kg can be closed softly in both directions with the unit. The increased performance was achieved by means of a new case that now has two parts. The new development is available with a fluid damper with a stroke of 50 mm, 70 mm or 100 mm. leo

Now it’s “silkwood’s” turn Kröning (Germany), the specialist for melamine resin edge bands and wrapping foils in the Surteco Group (Germany), has spotted a new trend in the furniture and surface market: “silkwood”. It has a silky-shiny, black and silver surface that is iridescent. Controlled charring or singeing without burning the whole workpiece makes the wood durable by means of carbonisation. The method probably originated in Japan: there, the process is called “sho- sugi ban” or “yakisugi”. To go with the flat foils and melamine panels that are appearing more and more on the market, the producer is now also offering matching melamine resin edge bands and wrapping foils for profiles and mouldings. By using mother of pearl printing ink and iridescent coatings in combination with the “venatura” optical finish and haptic relief lacquers, Kröning matches its melamine edge bands and foils exactly to the surface decors and thus provides its customers with additional areas of use for the new design trend. as After rough-sawn, driftwood and the used look, “silkwood” – according to wrapping foil manufacturer Kröning – is now the latest trend on the surface materials market. Photo: Kröning 14 material+technik möbel – special 01|18

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Quality Inside

Entry into PUR technology simplified In the industry, PUR hot melt technology has already been successfully in use for a long time. Now craftsmen are also starting to use it, making top-level coating on surfaces possible. At the same time, a modern PUR adhesive portfolio enables maximum resistance to moisture and heat. By working closely with machine manufacturers who provide new systems, Jowat (Germany), by its own account one of the world’s leading suppliers of industrial adhesives that are used in woodworking companies and furniture production, among other areas, is making PUR adhesives

accessible for more and more users. The adhesive specialist has a complete PUR portfolio for premium edge banding. So users get the right adhesive solution in exceptional PUR technology for any need, according to the company. The Jowat “PUR hot melts” can be delivered in a variety of forms for all of the normal market processes. Using PUR technology is made easier with Jowat “PUR hot melts” in granular form. leo Jowat now offers PUR hot melt technology for craftsmen as well. Photo: Jowat SE

Finding the right connector quickly Lamello (Switzerland), by its own account the leading producer of precision connector systems, has developed a new online tool, the “P-System Configurator”. The electronic resource is meant to make the search for the ideal product easier by showing the specific connection situations and directly calculating the positions of the connectors for different angles. To find the right product for each case, the angles and the thickness of the material can be individually entered in the configurator. Whether in the office, in the workshop or at the construction site – the configurator can be easily accessed on the Lamello website and be used free of charge on any device with online capability. Users searching for the right Lamello

The “P-System Configurator” shows the right connectors as well as their positioning. Photo: Lamello connector for the construction of a piece of furniture will quickly find what they are looking for on the company website: In only a short time, the configurator for the “P-System” shows the appropriate connector including its positioning. All the user has to do is select the connection situation and enter the measurements. Immediately, the connection situation is displayed based on the information provided. Then the kind of machining and the connector type can be selected and the specifications for milling the grooves can be determined. leo

THE LOGICAL CONSEQUENCE Silento Doppio + Specially-developed damping system + Compact and versatile + Suitable for existing sliding systems + Easy retrofitting + Soft closing makes for quiet operation

THE KNOW-HOW FACTORY

Simply scan the QR-Code and get more information about the product!

Visit us at the IWF fair in Atlanta, USA, 22th - 25th August 2018 and at the Sicam fair in Pordenone, Italy,16th -19th October 2018

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Quality Inside

Trend materials in European furniture Year after year, the furnishing taste of the European consumers is reflected in the products offered at the three furniture fairs in Cologne and Milan. In January 2018, at the imm cologne, visitors were able to gain a convincing overview of furniture which is particularly in demand on the German market and in the Benelux countries. The Salone del Mobile and the EuroCucina presented residential and kitchen furniture, which are highly popular in Italy and Southern Europe. While domestic furniture is a focal point of the fair centres in Cologne (Germany) and Milan (Italy) every year, kitchen furniture makes its grand appearance at only one of the two venues annually. In April this year, in the context of the EuroCucina, the furniture industry in Milan was able to obtain an impression of what the European kitchen furniture segment has been developing for consumers. In January 2019, the leading kitchen furniture manufacturers will present themselves once again at the LivingKitchen in Cologne. Showcase of German taste in furniture In January 2018, 1,272 exhibitors met at the imm cologne, approx. 70 per cent of them coming from abroad. The foreign furniture manufacturers had mostly brought programs devised for the German market, because meanwhile about 65 per cent of the furniture trade turnover in Germany is accounted for by foreign furniture. In view of the fierce competition from imported products, German furniture manufacturers had relied upon sophisticated details and functional features: On the sideboard “jorel” by Interlübke (Germany), for example, part of the front consists of a wide-area TV screen. When the OLED TV set from LG is switched off, the screen, which is only 3.85 mm thick, looks like a furniture front made of black glass. It has the same material thickness as the black lacquered high-gloss coating of the door fronts of the furniture and ensures a seamless fusion of furniture and TV-set. A large proportion of the furniture

2 exhibited at the fair also had fittings with integrated damping. The doors and drawers could be opened with the help of a push-toopen fitting for the numerous handle-free residential furniture ranges. In the upper-market segment, thanks to sophisticated mechanisms, a gentle tapping was sufficient to close them again. The exhibitors also paid considerable attention to the question of light: In various systems, LED lighting in

1 + 2| Colourful marble varieties dominated the fair: here Berloni (1) and Euromobil (2). Photos: Barth furniture can be variably changed from cold to warm white, and dimmed. Natural and rustic Real wood and wood reproductions continue to be popular in the European furnishing industry. Oak in all price ranges dominated at the fair

and was to be seen in rustic style and, in the solid wood segment, as so-called beam oak or wild oak. Traces of ageing, cracks, knotholes and saw-marks were typical features. Wood tones were lighter and more natural than in previous years. Frequently, oak was also presented in a silver-grey stained or white oiled version. In the solid wood segment, the furniture was given a handcrafted touch by means of crossgrained or relief wood applications. Also popular: a mix of wood with up to two other materials such as chrome, coloured frosted glass or lacquer. The second most important species of wood shown at the fair was walnut, which was also found in different colour tones and was not as dark as in previous years. Occasionally, in the wood reproduction segment, visitors were able to see different woods with a touch of oak about them. Frequently, wood was also combined with uni-colour surfaces in the corpus, which in this case was mostly decorated in white or beige colours. Occasionally, the exhibitors set accents with bold colours. Colours with names like Papaya, Burgundy, Rose Quartz and Pistachio Green were also to be found. In many cases, coloured glass instead of wood adorned the fronts but sometimes also the sides of the new furniture programs. This was to be seen both in a glossy and a matt design. In addition, bronze and mirror glass were used on the fronts of the furniture. Marble – grand appearance Whereas in Cologne natural stones and especially marble were shown by only a few exhibitors, marble had its grand appearance in April at the Salone del Mobile and the EuroCucina in Milan. Here, the upper-market kitchen manufacturers often presented worktops and to some extent also fronts made of marble or other kinds of stone, for example lava stone or travertine. A special feature of the marbles and natural stones shown was the colourful look and the distinctive veins. These were characterised by an interplay of colour in the beigebrown spectrum or came with blue or yellow to orange veins. The offer was supplemented with quartz stones, sintered stones and

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many ceramics. In the consumer sector mostly, marble optics were to be found. One manufacturer demonstrated the creative possibilities of digitally printed glass and, under the name “XGlass”, presented complete furniture programs in natural stone optics. The new trend materials in furniture production were offered a huge stage in Milan, where 1,840 exhibitors were present, of whom 27 per cent were from abroad. As part of the EuroCucina, 117 suppliers exhibited their latest kitchen furniture programs. The importance of this trade fair event for the international furnishing world is reflected in the number of visitors: With a total of 435,000 visitors (including the end users, who were allowed to take a look at the offer on the last two days of the exhibition), the event attracted 17 per cent more trade visitors than the similar event in 2016. Compared to the previous year’s edition, at which no kitchen manufacturers were represented, as many as 26 per cent more visitors were recorded. At the beginning of the year, the imm cologne had attracted a total of 125,000 interested parties. Kitchen merges with residential area In Milan, visitors were able to experience how much the kitchen blends with the living area, and how the materials and colours used make it possible to harmoniously design the complete apartment. As a result, new fitting solutions concealing the working areas of the kitchen became very important. At the stands of almost all kitchen suppliers, visitors were able to see door fronts which can be retracted into the corpus at the side and then give access to the individual working areas of the kitchen. In the case of one supplier, a wide folding front can be electrically moved upwards simply by a movement of the hand: the upper part is folded back, enabling complete access to the contents of the cabinet. The kitchen itself was characterised by living room elements such as open shelves and glass display cases. New hinges with attachment to the bottom and top floor allow the construction of glass cupboards with metal structure so that they dispense with intermediate

3 + 4| Concealed kitchen work areas: sliding doors by Veneta Cucine (3) and a huge folding flap by Valcucine (4). Photos: Barth 5| In terms of colour, hinges are being better matched to the interior colour as seen here, by Poliform. Photo: Barth 6| Under the name “XGlass”, Lago presented digitally printed glass fronts in stone optics. Photo: Barth 7| In the residential furniture segment, there were numerous wooden fronts with a rippled look, for example Canaletto Walnut by Lema. Photo: Barth

8| In addition to oak, eucalyptus wood dominated the fair, as seen here, by Comprex. Photo: Barth material+technik möbel – special 01|18 17

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sides, which enhance the transparency of this furniture in the room. Even the furniture handles can no longer interfere with the ambiance, as many furniture items do without handles. The fronts are either designed as a rear side grip solution with backward beveled edges or have doors and drawers with pushto-open function. In the kitchen, the drawers were provided with both electrical and mechanical opening support. In the interior of the cupboards technology and hence the hinges can be relegated to the background as well, as they are becoming increasingly better adapted to the interior colour of the cabinet.

13 11 9| TV-screen as front: the LG television set is seamlessly integrated into the front. Photo: Interlübke 10 + 11| Emphasis on craftsmanship: Hartmann (11) and Wöstmann (10) are setting trends with crossgrained wood. Photos: Barth 12| Voglauer combines solid wood, coloured glass and metal. Photo: Barth 13 + 14| In Germany, wood tones are becoming lighter: white oiled oak from Team 7 (14) and Decker (13). Photos: Barth, Team 7

Oak and eucalyptus With oak and eucalyptus, the Italian furniture manufacturers had two real wood favourites. The colouring of the wood surface in the residential area depended on the market segment of the supplier: In the case of the upper-market manufacturers, both woods were found almost exclusively in dark colours. Oak was shown as a thermo- or smoked-oak. Eucalyptus wood has been processed almost exclusively in a dark thermo version. In the kitchen area, oak was usually seen in bright and natural colours. Here and there, fronts made of fossil or oxidized fir wood were shown, emphasising their unique character. Elm and walnut were also more frequently exhibited than in previous years and often in dark colours. In the consumer segment, the wood tones were consistently brighter than in previous years, especially in the case of wood reproductions, where in addition to oak, elm, ash and larch were to be found. Many wood decors had a very natural and authentic effect due to a synchronous pore structure, and in this way emphasised the rustic character of the wood. In addition, coloured surfaces in cement and filler optics were to be found with decorative haptic structures. New manufacturing processes in the surfaces segment enable super-matt surfaces incorporating antifinger print effect. These were mainly to be seen on kitchen fronts, partly also in residential furniture programmes. Richard Barth

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Quality Inside

For elegant fronts with a luxury look Genuine wood panels that are pressed on both sides with high-quality completely dyed laminates are especially complicated to produce. But in return, they have an extremely elegant look. With the new “Compact-Style” “edging” from Ostermann, that look can also be achieved with a classic ABS edging. The edging by Ostermann (Germany) called “Compact-Style” is supplied with the measurements 23 x 1.3 mm and is currently available in the colour combinations black/oak and white/oak. In combination with a white or black particle board, it creates the appearance of an extremely high-quality genuine wood front that has been pressed on both sides with homogeneously and completely dyed laminate. Colour outside – oak inside In order to achieve the special “laminate look”, the edging made out of the classic edging material ABS has three different stripes. On the sides, it is either black or white, in order to match the particle board perfectly in colour. In the middle, the edging has a wide stripe in oak look. For the perfect illusion In order to create the perfect illusion of a genuine wood panel, there are two versions, one with end grain wood decor and one with horizontal wood decor in the middle stripe. If the two edgings are alternated on a matching black or white particle board, the genuine wood look is perfect. Minimum order 1 metre For perfect implementation, two different edgings are needed for each front, so needs-based orders in the smallest quantities are the right solution. Therefore, the wholesaler for carpentry supplies delivers the furniture edgings with a minimum order requirement of only 1 metre. Goods in stock that are ordered by 4 pm are shipped on the same day. The edging is then delivered within 24 hours.

Perfect illusion: With the new “Compact-Style” edging from Ostermann, fronts with an extremely premium look can be created.

The new Polyrey collection Ostermann also has the matching edging for the new Polyrey (France) assortment already. The new collection consists of a total of 292 decors in the categories “Colours”, “Woods” and “Materials”. 93 of the decors are new. Among the 34 new plain colours, a particularly large number of new shades of blue,

green, red and grey can be found as well as many new pastel tones. And the palette of violet shades, which are especially popular right now, has been considerably expanded. In the “Woods” category, there are 36 new decors. Among them are wood decors in the trendy burnt or smoked looks. 21 new decors have been added to the “Ma-

At the Milan Design Week, Polyrey introduced its new collection for interiors. Ostermann already provides the matching edging for it. Photos: Ostermann terials” category (called “Fantasy” before). There are decors in stone, metal and textile looks as well as real metal surfaces. Special highlights are the new marble and concrete decors as well as the timelessly elegant terrazzo look. Following the trend towards increasingly realistic surfaces, Polyrey has added 8 versions to its variety of surfaces and now has 17 different shiny and embossed options. Polyrey especially emphasises the new super matt and silky-soft touch surfaces, which go well visually with the super matt edging from Ostermann. The wholesaler stocks the matching edging for the new Polyrey collection in the customary standard measurements (23, 33, 43 and 100 mm). In addition, the edging specialist cuts the edging to any width desired. leo

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Quality Inside

Schattdecor: Investment in locations

Schattdecor has rebuilt its impregnation facilities in Brazil. Photo: Schattdecor

The surface specialist Schattdecor (Germany) has installed a new printing press with the most modern technology at its US location Maryland Heights. According to the company, the system is the first in which a new generation of winders is used and the replacement of the glue spreader is no longer necessary. At the end of last year, the company also rebuilt its impregnation facilities in Brazil. The project included building, a warehouse with an area of 4,000 square metres, renovating various parts of the production and reception areas and the furnishings. The shipping and logistics departments were also redesigned.

The surface specialists are still expanding. The big companies are now targeting new markets. So South America, but also Asia, is currently in the spotlight. Especially in Brazil, European companies are “taking the paw in their hands”.

Lamigraf: New headquarters in Brazil The decor printer Lamigraf (Spain) has moved its activities in Brazil to a new headquarters in Sao Jose dos Pinhais. The acquisition of the new factory makes it possible for Lamigraf not only to expand and modernise its systems, but also to double its production capacities. In addition to a new showroom, two four-colour printing lines were installed in the new building complex, so the production ca-

pacity of Lamigraf do Brazil has doubled. By the end of 2018, the location is also supposed to be equipped with a cylinder engraving system, which should make Lamigraf the only printer in Latin America with its own engraving facility. Lamigraf will equipp its Brazilian location with a cylinder engraving system. Photo: Lamigraf

Continental: Integration of Benecke-Kaliko and Hornschuch The technology company Continental (Germany) is pressing ahead with the integration of the German surface specialists Benecke-Kaliko and Hornschuch: from now on, the corporate brand will be used. The business unit has thus been renamed in Benecke-Hornschuch Surface Group. The integration of Hornschuch began in March after the cartel authorities gave permission for the purchase and should be finished by the end of 2018. The product brands, such as “Acella”, “d-c-fix”, “laif” and “skai”, will continue to exist.

Senoplast: Expansion to China The plastic panel and foil producer Senoplast Klepsch (Austria) is building a new plant in the Shanghai metropolitan area. In a factory with an area of 4,000 square metres, the company wants to produce Senosan plastic panels for thermoform applications. In 2020, production should begin on the new premises in the Shanghai area. The high-quality plastic panels and foils are meant for the automotive and plumbing sectors. Following Mexico, China is the third production location. With a coextrusion production system, panels for bathtubs, internal and external automobile parts and other uses are to be produced. As a first step, Senoplast wants to invest EUR 13 million and hire about 40 mostly local employees.

Impress: Opens new design office in Istanbul At the beginning of the year, the surface specialist Impress (Germany) opened a design office in Istanbul together with its Turkish sales partner GIM. At the new location, customers can experience the latest decor worlds for the local and international market. In addition, they can design decors together with the design team on site and print them out directly on 2 digital printers in the design office. And paper can also be pressed directly on site with the laboratory press. 20 material+technik möbel – special 01|18

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Quality Inside

Pioneering wood joining

NEW

P -S y st e m r co n fi g u ra to

P-System Form-locking anchorage without tools Interprint: Production location expanded The decor printer Interprint (Germany) has added two multifunctional halls with a total area of ca. 2,500 square metres to its headquarters. They were built as extensions to the surface specialist’s existing production halls in Arnsberg. A new one-floor hall with 430 square metres serves as a refilling station for paints and chemicals as well as a reloading point and stor-

age area for pressure cylinder cases. The second hall with over 2,000 square metres and three floors contains the sample department and the archives. At the end of last year, 2017, Interprint already put a state-of-the-art, four-colour printing press with a printing width of 2.2 metres, into operation. It is the 25th printing press at the Interprint Group. Photo: Interprint

– High-quality aesthetic solution Differentiation to furniture standards – Time saving process benefits in manufacturing, transport and installation – Versatile and flexible application Fitting for all joining situations and angles

Clamex P-14 Renolit: Moving to Latin America The Renolit Group (Germany) has opened a new production location for foils in Valparaiso. With the new factory in Chile, the specialist for premium foils, panels and products made of plastic now operates its own production locations on four continents. The company with

Detachable

more than 30 branches in over 20 countries and a turnover of more than EUR 1 billion invested about EUR 8.5 million in the new factory between 2017 and 2018. With the new location in Chile, Renolit wants to provide its products to the Latin American market. In addition, the family-run company has acquired another building very close to its headquarters in Worms (Germany). As many as 30 employees from the foil service unit and parts of the application technology unit can be found in the building complex. The family-run company Renolit has bought another building very close to its headquarters in Worms (Germany). Photo: Renolit

connecting fitting

Tenso P-14 with preload clip Self-clamping fitting as glueing aid

Divario P-18 Self-clamping, invisible fitting for slide insertion

Lamello AG | Verbindungstechnik Tel. +41 61 935 36 36 | Fax +41 61 935 36 06 | info@lamello.com | www.lamello.com

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Europe’s trend surfaces Concrete is the trend – At the Impress Group (Germany), the producer of wood-based material surfaces for the furniture and flooring industries, concrete is the trend. The material itself or imitations of it can be found in shades of colour ranging from light grey to anthracite on furniture fronts, countertops, walls, doors or floors. “Cement” by Impress makes an authentic impression with its distinctive look and the feel of fine sand: mélanges of brown run through the different grey regions in a striking way, matt areas alternate with shiny ones in the surface structure, bubbles and scratches create a fine three-dimensionality. At Impress, the decor is part of the trend theme “I’M inspired by Urban Spirit”. Photo: Impress

Oak still dominant – As in the past, oak will continue to dominate in the decor world – of that the decor printer Schattdecor (Germany) is certain. In addition, other woods such as chestnut, hickory and elm are getting a chance. The focus is on the natural and authentic expression of the decors. Rustic decors that have big cracks, knotholes and extreme defects are still in demand. The “Catania Eiche” decor (Photo above) from Schattdecor is a natural-looking oak reproduction with rustic details. Photo: Schattdecor

Alpine larch – Wood, stone, concrete and steel: for its “Six Pack 2018” – six selected decors for furniture surfaces and interior decoration – the international decor printer Interprint (Germany) is focusing on a wide range of materials. They include “Artisan Oak” with the old wood character of oak, “Hansen”, a light wood in Nordic style, “Aurora”, a steel panel that is produced by means of a cold-roll method and shows traces of the sanding process, “Garbo”, a walnut interpretation of a fruitwood, “Grid”, a mix of materials with the look of concrete and stone as well as “Delios”, an old larch from the Alpine area that is shown here. Smoked, rough, cracked and planked. Treatment with white oil produces a special colour effect. The influences of nature and craftsmanship create a recognition factor. Photo: Interprint 22 material+technik möbel – special 01|18

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Metal and concrete – According to the surface specialist Surteco (Germany), two topics cannot be ignored: metal and stone. The decor printer has recently introduced the “Meton” surface – a creation made of metal and concrete, in which the nuances in colour and the corresponding feel determine the visual perception. “Meton” can present itself in different ways; as patinated metal or poured concrete, soft like velvet or puristically raw, plain matt or shimmering metallic, simply minimalistic or powerfully impressive. The “Meton” decor is very versatile, sometimes with the look of poured concrete and sometimes of shiny metal. Photo: Surteco

Inspired by limestone and textile surfaces – The producer of wooden composites, Swiss Krono (Switzerland), has created the “CamuStyle TX” surface structure. The rugged structure is inspired by limestone and textile surfaces and gives surfaces a vintage look. Photo: Swiss Krono

Focusing on the genuine – Homapal (Germany), one of the world’s leading producers of special laminates, is focusing on “the genuine”: aluminium, copper, stainless steel, brass. For this purpose, the producer uses thinly rolled-out foils and presses them on a core of HPL. Some of the decors are even refined by employees by hand. So they offer a unique feel and an extraordinary look with their range of colours and distinctive shine – a combination that creates unmistakable designs. Photo: Homapal

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Holz-Handwerk and Xylexpo: Digitalisation continues to gain ground In the even years, the Holz-Handwerk fair in Nuremberg (Germany) and the Xylexpo fair in Milan (Italy) always take place in Europe – in alternation with Ligna, the German machinery trade fair, and interzum, the supplier trade fair. Both events are counted among the most important trade fairs for the sector. This year it was that time again: Holz-Handwerk started in March, and in May it was Xylexpo’s turn. Holz-Handwerk is a European trade fair for machine technology and production supplies for craftsmen which process and work with wood. The complete range for the woodworking trade is presented there, including materials, surfaces, fittings and (woodworking) machines and tools. It takes place at the same time as the Fensterbau Frontale trade fair and is especially directed at the carpentry trade. Xylexpo is a trade fair for the wood processing industry with producers and visitors from all over the world.

It is a meeting place for the industry, but also for designers, product developers and architects. Over the course of 5 days, professional visitors can directly experience wood processing technologies, materials and components for the production of furniture. 111,000 visitors At this year’s Holz-Handwerk, which took place in conjunction with the Fensterbau Frontale, there were once again about 111,000 trade visitors from 123 countries. In the halls at Holz-Handwerk, not only the machines were buzzing: business was humming as well. On an area of 33,000 square metres, a total of 515 exhibitors (2016: 494) from 19 countries – and thus significantly more than originally expected – presented machine technology and production supplies for woodworking and wood processing. Together with the Fensterbau Frontale, there were even 1,329 exhibitors from 42 countries. According to the organiser, the trade fair was actually already booked up half a year in advance. This year’s Xylexpo, which took Robots played an important role at the Biesse stand – and not only there.

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place in Milan from 8th – 12th May, was able to continue on its course of recovery. About 426 exhibitors, 117 of which came from outside Italy, presented their products for the fair’s 50 year anniversary on an area of 35,000 m². So the 26th edition of the trade fair was bigger in area than the previous edition, but the number of exhibitors was somewhat lower. As far as the number of visitors is concerned, the results of the event were comparable to those of 2016: a total of 17,781 visitors came to the technology show, about 2 per cent more than to the previous event. Foreign interest, with 5,032 visitors from outside the country, was the same as in 2016, but more visitors from Italy could be counted this time, according to the organiser. 117 foreign participants This year, for the first time, the show was spread out over four halls, so some companies were able to increase the size of their stands, including Biesse (Italy) and Weinig (Germany). Internationally, the machine show made a good impression, since just about a third of the exhibitors came from outside Italy. Nearly all of the leading German woodworking machine producers were included among the 117 foreign trade fair participants. Since all of the big Italian providers had already appeared at the HolzHandwerk fair in Nuremberg with lots of new developments, only a Software trumped machine technology at SCM and Homag, among other companies. Photos: SCM, Homag

Barberan creates haptic effects with the aid of its “Jetmaster TXT” digital printing system. Photos: Barth few new products were left to be shown in Milan. But the Milan event was able to score points with more interest from South America as well as the Arab countries this year. And fewer of the Italian customers travelled to Nuremberg – instead, with a share of about 72 per cent, they were the largest visitor group at the Xylexpo. At both trade fairs, the main points of focus were the megatrends Industry 4.0, automation, batch-size 1 production and cloud solutions: the dominant topics there were digitalisation, paperless production, the Internet of Things (IoT) and automation and linked production. Cloud-based IoT Almost all of the big producers presented software solutions with which machines can be connected by means of the “cloud”. Weinig (Gemany), for example, showed the cloud-based IoT operating system “MindSphere”, which ensures the connection of machines and applications from the same producer or different producers with secure data communication. Biesse (Italy) presented the “Sophia” digital support system again, SCM (Italy) showed “Maestro Connect” and Homag (Germany) displayed “tapio”, the technology platform that is supposed to be an “open eco-system for the entire wood industry with well thought-out, digital services and solutions for customers of any size”. All providers of IoT systems

want to offer their members digital services and solutions. For example, apps are supposed to be developed that provide more transparency in production, that offer improvements in services for customers and that optimise the interplay of tools and materials. Autonomous production cell Homag also showed its “autonomous cell”, the first workshop concept that works autonomously. The workshop consisted of two cells that were each already fully automated and linked. They were connected by a driverless transport vehicle that took over the complete lo-

gistics for parts between the cells. A 6-axis robot was responsible for the automated part handling on a vertical CNC machining centre. New storage system Ima Schelling (Austria) also presented its new “area storage vs” in Nuremberg. The gantry trolley with patented scissor lift allows storerooms to be operated that are located a floor above the cutting system the full use of storage areas with widths of 4 to 20 metres and lengths of up to 120 metres. A significantly larger area was taken up by the surface segment in Milan. It was there that the new products

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could be seen that had not been shown at the previous technology events. For the first time, Superfici (Italy) and Giardina companies (Italy) appeared with excimers in order to take part in the booming market for super-matt furniture surfaces with an anti-fingerprint effect.

Monitoring optimal laser edging with the help of a thermal imaging camera at Ima.

Homag demonstrated its “autonomous cell” with a driverless vehicle that provides material to a robot that then puts the goods on the machining centre and takes them off again.

Focus on spraying machines There was also special focus on spraying machines: Bürkle (Germany) and Homag are new to that market and brought such systems with them. Both had found partners to help in the development of their systems: Homag cooperates with Makor (Italy) and Bürkle with CML Finishing (Italy). In addition to simple spraying machines, sophisticated spraying robots such as the “iBotic” system by Cefla (Italy) could also be seen at the trade fair. With it, any three-dimensional object up to a height of 180 mm can be coated, because the measurements and forms of the workpiece are automatically registered. Digital printing on panel materials was demonstrated by several companies at the Xylexpo fair, and this time the emphasis was on haptics. Hymmen (Germany) showed the results of its “Digital Lacquer Embossing” (DLE) process. In that process, a transparent medium is pressed into the not completely dry lacquer by inkjet, so physical and chemical reactions create a synchronous negative structure for the printed décor. A similar process could be seen at Cefla, called “My Texture”.

The Giardina and Superfici companies presented excimers for creating super-matt surfaces with an anti-fingerprint effect. High-gloss was another point of focus. Various processes were on display: Barberan (Spain) presented the creation of high-quality mirror finish with the help of “Inert Coating”. At Hymmen, the process is called “Calander Coating Inert”. At both, the coating is smoothed and hardened without oxygen with the help of a transparent foil and UV light and, at the end of the process, the foil is rolled up again. Infrared camera At Ima, the use of an infrared camera to monitor the laser edging process was demonstrated for the first time. The system monitors the positioning of the laser beam and records the edging process. The recorded pictures show the distribution of warmth and thus the activation process that takes place on the edge. More robots with a great variety of functions were seen than in previous years. Biesse alone showed four robots in use. For example, on the “Viet Opera R2” sanding system, two robots work in parallel and destack the panels. The machine itself has two sanding robots inside that work independently; with their arms, they can either work on workpieces in parallel or work together on a big piece and double productivity in that way. ba/leo

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Furniture panels – free from particles Sawing, drilling and milling are standard processes in the production of furniture panels and boards. Large amounts of shavings occur during these stages and can disrupt a smooth running of the line, for instance prior to surface coating or by causing indentations during stacking. Purchasers of the finished item also object to particles turning up on the floor of their home. All such undesirable knock-on effects can be avoided if air-assisted and brush cleaning systems developed by Wandres GmbH (Germany), a producer of innovative brush and air technology cleaning systems for industrial production, are installed at appropriate points. Sword Brush removes particles after cutting Sword brush “Una X” removes particles and dusts after parts have been cut to size. Depending on the condition of the surfaces and the production step to follow, a brush can be installed either unilaterally or bilaterally, wiping transversally to the direction of travel. Micromoistened filaments bind the particles and transport them towards vacuum extraction. A continuous self-cleaning mechanism of the brush ensures that particles are detached from the filaments and disposed of reliably while the filaments continue to absorb dust. Contaminating particles accumulate not only on flat surfaces but also on edgings. Sword brush “Type BIX” provides the solution for this problem. This application involves Cleaning finger pull profiles.

short brushes which are installed vertically and wipe the panel edging clean from top to bottom. A manual or electrical adjustment unit provides for adjustment to the panel width. This cleaning solution also allows for subsequent integration of the module into a roller conveyor line, ideally before panel surfaces are cleaned. Air technology cleans boreholes and grooves Recesses with smaller cross section are cleaned most effectively using air technology such as deliv-

ered by the “Tornado Channel TKF”. The Channel has a width of up to 3.4 meters with fixed “Tornado nozzles” positioned at intervals of 40 mm. The valves of the “TKF” are manually or electrically activated. Electrical valves can be synchronized with the milling or drilling programme to ensure they are activated precisely as required to target a specific area. This drastically reduces compressed air consumption. High-performance suction systems located at the infeed and outfeed of the module guarantee particles are removed from the production area.

“Tornado Channel” removing particles from the flat surfaces as well as recessed surfaces of a furniture panel. The maximum speed of transport is determined by depth and width or diameter of the recesses to be cleaned. Just as effective for finger pull profiles Recessed edging for finger pull profiles also requires meticulous cleaning before coating. A sword brush “Type BIX” with longer filaments is deployed here to ensure the base of the groove is clean. To achieve this, the brush is attached horizontally and completes the cleaning task by wiping in opposite direction to the direction of travel. Almost any cleaning application in the production of furniture panels can be performed to the highest possible standards using air-assisted or brush cleaning technology. leo

Edge cleaning on both sides of a furniture panel. Photos: Wandres material+technik möbel – special 01|18 27

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Service at the touch of a button Leitz (Germany), manufacturer of precision tools for wood and plastics processing, promises service at the touch of a button by the new “LeitzXPress”. The basic idea is that there are often situations in the daily routine of Leitz customers, in which they are confronted with particular tasks that they would like to discuss with an expert. Resharpen-

Profitable sales

ing at short notice or questions about optimising processes – by pressing “LeitzXPress” the customer starts a process that ends with direct contact with the respective expert adviser. In less than an hour, the customer should receive a personal call and be able to talk about the problem or make an appointment for a visit. Photo: Leitz

Second shipping centre Häfele (Germany), specialist for fittings technology and electronic locking systems, is going to open its second shipping centre in Germany in Lehrte near Hannover. With a view to its planned growth in the coming years, the company wants to set the course for faster service with the new centre. The company considers the existing shipping centre in Wolfsberg in Nagold and the new warehouse in Lehrte that is supposed to go into operation in early summer of next year to be the central elements of a new comprehensive European strategy in the area of logistics. At the present time, the company group operates 52 logistics locations worldwide. The Häfele shipping centre in Nagold. From here, the company sends fittings technology all over the world. Now another warehouse location is being added in Lehrte near Hannover. Photo: Häfele

The IMA Schelling Group (Austria), manufacturer of equipment for the woodworking industry, looks back on a successful year 2017, in which the companies in the group not only jointly reached the turnover threshold of EUR 250 million, but also put their first joint product on the market, the flexible high-performance “Combi.cut 1” cutting system. In 2015, Schelling, the austrian producer of panel-sizing saws, had taken over its partner at the time, the IMA Klessmann GmbH. While IMA contributed EUR 170 million to the sales of the group in 2017 with 1,050 employees, Schelling generated about EUR 80 million with 500 employees. Growth for IMA was at about 20 per cent, at Schelling slightly lower. The profitability of the corporate group is also showing good development. According to the managing director, the two newly created business units Robotic Engineering and Plant Control Systems have been very well received by the customers, so personnel has already had to be added in those areas. In order to deal with the growing number of orders better and faster, another hall with an area of 4,200 square metres and an additional office building are being built at the IMA company headquarters. In that way, the company is concentrating its activities in Lübbecke in one location so that it is able to operate more efficiently.

Strategic partnerships The Homag Group (Germany), which according to the company itself is the leading supplier of integrated solutions for production in the woodworking industry and for craftsmen worldwide, has started strategic partnerships with the Grenzebach Group (Germany), a specialist for the automation of industrial processes, and the robot producer Kuka (Germany). With Grenzebach, Homag has agreed to an intensive cooperation in the area of automated guided vehicles (AGV). The goal, according to Homag, is to offer smart solutions for the flexible transport of workpieces between processing machines and cells for the woodworking industry and to develop intelligent material flow solutions that

At the Holz-Handwerk fair, Homag showed its “autonomous cell” with automated guided vehicles from Grenzebach and robots from Kuka for the first time. Photo: Homag meet the need for more flexibility in production even better. With Kuka, Homag has agreed to an intensive cooperation in global development projects. The goal is to jointly develop and sell smart robot solutions for the worldwide market in woodworking. In China and Germany, two such projects have already been started. At the Holz-Handwerk trade fair (Germany), Homag introduced the first project. The machine producer presented a cell that works com-

pletely autonomously. The fully automatic processing machines are connected by an automated guided vehicle from Grenzebach that takes

over the transport of parts as well as the intermediate buffering. The equipping of the machines is carried out by Kuka robots.

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Hot coating system for India

New central warehouse

Barberán (Spain), manufacturer of solutions for surface finishing, is providing a hot coating system for Stylam Industries Limited (India), biggest producer of HPL and decorative laminates. From the end of the year on, the company wants to produce hot coating panels on the subcontinent. The planned coating system is the second to use the hot coating process from Kleiberit (Germany). The 60 metre long line will be equipped with excimer technology for high-gloss and super-matt surfaces.

The fittings producer Grass (Austria) laid the foundation for its new central warehouse in Hohenems (Austria) in June. For EUR 45 million, the producer of movement systems for furniture is creating a hub for its European production locations. According to the company in the Würth Group, it is the biggest investment in the company’s history, a clear commitment to the location Vorarlberg and a prerequisite for its further growth. From the end of 2019 on, about 150 employees should work in Hohenems. The central warehouse is being built on a plot of land with an area of 43,000 square metres. On 22 levels, it offers space for 30,000 pallets. Plans are for it to go into operation at the end of 2019. With just about 2,000 employees at 18 locations

Cooperation expanded

The fittings producer Grass has laid the foundation for its new central warehouse in Vorarlberg (Austria). Photo: Grass

Heco (Germany) and SFS (Switzerland), producers of fastening systems for construction with wood, are intensifying their strategic cooperation: To strengthen their partnership, the swiss company increased its share of Heco to 51 per cent as of July 2018. That increase is meant to help better realise the existing growth and synergy potential and make use of the competencies of the two companies in a more deliberate way. In the year 2017, the Heco Group achieved an annual turnover of ca. EUR 41 million and employed 322 people.

worldwide, Grass had a turnover of EUR 378 million in 2017. According to information from the company in the Würth Group, it is one of the leading specialists worldwide for movement systems with more than 200 distribution partners in 60 countries.

Biggest hot coating system in the world With an investment sum of EUR 12 million, the wood materials manufacturer Pfleiderer (Germany, Poland) has now put its coating system into operation at the location Leutkirch. According to the company, it is currently the largest hot coating system in the world with a length of 165 metres. That is where the products “PrimeBoard” and “Duropal HPL Compact Exterior” are now being produced.

The hot coating process covers the wood-based materials with a multi-layer coating of uv-curing acrylic lacquers. The multi-layer coating system is meant to provide excellent surface quality and improved product properties. With the help of its development partner Kleiberit (Germany), Pfleiderer has already been able to offer the products in an adapted format for some time now.

New campus Profit increased by 28 per cent Surteco SE (Germany), producer of surfaces for the furniture and woodbased materials industry, achieved a substantial increase in profits in the first quarter of 2018. As the company reported, company profits increased by 28 per cent to EUR 8.0 million in comparison to the same period in the previous year (Q1-2017: EUR 6.2 million). Especially the purchase of the Portuguese Probos Group in the middle of 2017 had a positive effect on the plastics business unit. The sales revenues of the Surteco Group for the reported time period rose by 10 per cent to EUR 186.7 million. Profits before the financial result and taxes (EBIT) for January – March 2018 were EUR 13.4 million, an increase of 25 per cent.

In Istanbul, Biesse (Italy), manufacturer of machines for woodworking, has opened the “Biesse Istanbul Campus”. The roughly 1,500 square metres area with machines from Biesse and technology partners is the first showroom for woodworking machines in Turkey. With an investment of

more than EUR 500,000, more than 20 state-ofthe-art machines have been put permanently on exhibit and product demonstrations, training courses and various events take place there. Biesse Germany is also building a new company headquarters in Nersingen, not far from the current location. At the beginning of 2019, the company wants to move onto the “Campus Ulm”, a plot of land with an area of 6,000 square metres. That will more than double the size of the company headquarters. On an exhibition area of 1,600 square metres, Biesse wants to have machines and systems that are constantly ready to be demonstrated as well as software and IoT solutions. Photo: Biesse

The 5th consecutive year of growth The conglomerate Cefla (Italy), provider of finishing, decoration and digital printing solutions for wooden articles, ended 2017 with a 20 per cent higher production volume than in the previous year. That means it was the fifth consecutive year of

growth. The export share was 54 per cent of the turnover of roughly EUR 528 million. In the USA, China and Russia, the company was especially strong. Internationalisation is also supposed to remain a driving force for the growth of the group. material+technik möbel – special 01|18 29

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New owner

New Plant The fittings producer Blum (Austria) has finished the first production hall of its new stamping centre in Vorarlberg – factory 8. At the same time, the high bay warehouse with 11,600 storing positions went into operation. The second produc-

tion hall for the factory is supposed to be ready to move into in April 2019. The new management building at factory 2 in Höchst will be ready between September and December this year. In Poland, another new high bay warehouse has also been put into operation, and in Slovakia a showroom was opened. In Portugal the expansion of the office and storage rooms will be finished by September 2018. Investments for the Blum Group for the 2017/2018 business year totalled EUR 216 million. The company now delivers goods to more than 120 countries worldwide and is internationally active with 30 subsidiaries or representatives.

Sandvik Process Systems (Sweden), steel belt producer for the wood-based materials industry, has a new owner and a new name: It now operates under the name Ipco as an independent company within the Wallenberg Group (Sweden). Ipco employs 600 people, has more than 35 sales and service offices and an annual turnover of more than EUR 200 million. By joining the Wallenberg Group, Ipco has now become part of a corporation with about 600,000 employees and an annual turnover of more than EUR 140 billion.

The new stamping centre, Blum’s future factory 8 in Dornbirn. Photo: Blum

Opening of the european branch

cent in the previous year. All over the world in 2017, ca. EUR 116 million was invested in products, plants and buildings. The number of employees worldwide during the year was 6,600 on average.

At the end of June, the sliding door specialist Opike Hardware Product Co. (OPK, China) opened its European branch in Horb, Germany. OPK Europe was founded in 2017 and has moved into a management building in Horb in which there is a 300 square metres showroom as well as storage areas for 350 Euro pallets where all of the articles from the standard assortment should be kept in stock.

6.8 per cent higher turnover Hettich (Germany), manufacturer of furniture fittings, had a turnover of EUR 975 million in the year 2017, which was an increase of 6.8 per cent in comparison to 2016. 71 per cent of that was business outside Germany, a rise from 60 per

European furniture and supplier events 2018 August 2018 28.08.–31.08. TRÄ & TEKNIK, Gothenburg, SE 30.08.–02.09. Holzmesse, Klagenfurt, AT September 2018 01.09.–03.09. Cadeaux/Comfortex, Leipzig, DE

04.09.–07.09. MTM, Ostróda, PL 07.09.–11.09 Maison & Objet, Paris, FR 08.09.–09.09. Raumtex Nord, Hamburg, DE 11.09.–14.09. DREMA/Furnica, Poznan, PL 11.09.–13.09. MoOD, Brussels, BE 12.09.–13.09. Architect@Work, Rotterdam, NL

12.09.–16.09. 12.09.–16.09. 15.09.–20.09. 15.09.–21.09. 16.09.–19.09. 16.09.–20.09. 16.09.–20.09. 18.09.–21.09.

23.09.–26.09. 24.09.–28.09. 25.09.–28.09. 26.09.–29.09. 27.09.–28.09.

BIFE SIM, Bucharest, RO Habitare, Helsinki, FI area 30, Loehne, DE Küchenmeile A30, East Westphalia, DE DECOREX, London, GB Möbelmeile, East Westphalia, DE M.O.W., Bad Salzuflen, DE Expomebel-Ural, Ekaterinburg, RU Hausmessen Oberfranken, Upper Franconia, DE Hausmesse Süd, Southern Germany, DE Woodworking, Minsk, BY Abitare/MARMOMACC, Verona, IT Architect@Work, Paris, FR

October 2018 03.10.–06.10. BudEXPO/autumn, Lviv, UA 03.10.–07.10. Intercasa, Lisbon, PT 04.10.–07.10. For Interior, Prague, CZ 05.10.–07.10. Baltic Furniture, Riga, LV 08.10.–11.10. Motek, Stuttgart, DE 10.10.–14.10. Ambienta, Zagreb, HR 10.10.–11.10. Architect@Work, Vienna, AT

10.10.–12.10. Conference ICDLI, Dublin, IE 10.10. 12.10. Holzwerkstoffsymposium, Hamburg, DE 13.10.–17.10. INTERMOB, Istanbul, TR 13.10.–17.10. Wood Processing Machinery, Istanbul, TR 15.10.–17.10. The Inkjet Conference Duesseldorf, DE 16.10.–19.10. SICAM, Pordenone, IT 18.10.–22.10. Interieur, Kortrijk, BE November 2018 04.11.–07.11. Brussels Furniture Fair, Brussels, BE 07.11.–08.11. Architect@Work, Berlin, DE 13.11.–16.11. formnext, Frankfurt/Main, DE 19.11.–23.11. Mebel, Moscow, RU 20.11.–22.11. InPrint, Milan, IT 28.11.–02.12. Heim + Handwerk, Munich, DE December 2018 01.12.–04.12. Espritmeuble, Paris, FR 05.12.–06.12. Architect@Work, Stuttgart, DE All information is subject to change.

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Partners to the furniture industry Castors

Castors and glides

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Schoeller Technocell TechnocellGmbH GmbH&&Co. Co.KG KG Osnabrück Burg Gretesch, Gretesch, 49086 D-49086 Osnabrück Postfach Osnabrück P .O. Box 3667, 3667, 49026 D-49026 Osnabrück Telefon:+49 +49541 5413800-121, 3800-121, Fax: Telefax: 3800-152 Phone: +49+49 541541 3800-152 Technocell@Felix-Schoeller.com, www.Technocell.com Technocell@Felix-Schoeller.com, www.Technocell.com

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• Graphics department: Jürgen Kroll (head of department), Manfred Krompaß (deputy head of department), Uta Fischer-Kroll, Tanja Schwarz Imprint

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• North-West Germany, Bad Salzuflen: Arnd Schwarze, Begastraße 3, D-32108 Bad Salzuflen, phone: +49 5222 23908-07, fax: +49 5222 23908-08, mobile: +49 163 3160974, e-mail: schwarze@ritthammer-verlag.de • North-West Germany, Bielefeld: Helge Scheibner, Föhrenstraße 2a, D-33649 Bielefeld-Ummeln, phone: +49 521 1647544, fax: +49 521 77019391, mobile: +49160 6112502, e-mail: scheibner@ritthammer-verlag.de • South Germany: Gerrith B. Horndasch M.A., Kastanienweg 9, D-78713 Schramberg, phone: +49 7422 20069-59, fax: +49 7422 20068-58, mobile: +49 177 4377484, e-mail: horndasch@ritthammer-verlag.de • Netherlands: Publicitas BV, Henriët Baas-Seinen, Sales Manager, Postbus 22876, 1100 DJ Amsterdam-Zuidoost, phone: +31 20 3119710, fax: +31 20 3632823, e-mail: henriet.baas@publicitas.com • China, Hongkong: Oceania & Publishing Media, Ms Nancy Yu, Room 1804, Building 1, No. 1 Xujiahui Rd., 200023 Shanghai, P.R. China, phone: +86 53010479, mobile: +86 13636530900, fax: +86 21 33300371, e-mail: nancy@oceaniamedia.com

• Publishing house: Verlag Matthias Ritthammer GmbH, Nürnberg • Publishers: Klaus Ritthammer, Franz Schäfer • Managing director: Klaus Ritthammer, phone: +49 911 95578-10 e-mail: ritthammer@ritthammer-verlag.de • Editor-in-chief: Richard Barth, phone: +49 911 95578-87 e-mail: barth@material-technik.de • Editorial department: Arnd Schwarze, phone: +49 5222 23908-07 e-mail: schwarze@ritthammer-verlag.de Klaus Leonhard, phone: +49 911 95578-81 e-mail: leonhard@material-technik.de • Further editorial staff: Lior I. Yarom, Sebastian Lehmann, Andreas Steger • Advertising: Melanie Schmauser, phone: +49 911 95578-34 e-mail: schmauser@ritthammer-verlag.de Simone Wagner, phone: +49 911 95578-64 e-mail: wagner@moebelmarkt.de • Sales and distribution: Jasna Kühnlein, Johanna Schreiter

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