Australian & New Zealand Timberman by Provincial Press Group

AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND

Complete solid timber processing systems T I M B E R

P R O C E S S I N G ,

Vol.21 No.1

P R O D U C T S

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Ph 02 9609 5911

February 2013

• New ANZAC Spirit • Expan-ding the market • Neutrality in the bag! • WoodExpo 2013

CANTILEVER STORAGE SYSTEMS PTY LTD The No. 1 Choice in CANTILEVER RACKING Sipag Storage Systems Aust Pty Ltd was established in Australia in 1991, we have recently changed our name to Cantilever Storage Systems Pty Ltd We now supply CANTIPRO Cantilever Racking from the Provost/Redstock group of Companies based in France. Cantilever Storage Systems Pty Ltd is 100% Australian owned with its manufacturing The CANTIPRO can be provided if required. CANTIPRO Racking systems manufactured, imported and supplied by Cantilever Storage Systems Pty Ltd are designed to meet a broad variety of individual requirement.

CANTIPRO Why Cantipro Racking? Redstock has redesigned the original Sipag System and now market it as Cantipro The columns are straight, not tapered, giving greater strength. The bases are bolted, not welded, allowing for lower freight charges and easier handling. The removable connecting lugs installed through each column giving a good stability to the whole column row compared with lugs welded only from one column side. All steel is sourced from Europe.

Contact: Tel: (02) 66583744 Email: info@cantistor.com

TIMBERMAN, February 2013 – 2

NEWS

Dates for your Diary Promote your events in this publication (and also on our electronic Daily Timber News). Lodge details at j.hudswell@ryanmediapl.com.au or phone (08) 7127 6370. INNOVATION l TECHNOLOGY l DESIGN

4–8 February 2013 PaperWeek Canada. Hôtel Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, Montréal, Québec, Canada. www.paperweekcanada.ca/

14-17 March Hytte Lillestrom. Exhibition of wood houses. Lillestrom, Norway. www.hytte2011.no

4-8 February 2013 Third International Forest Biorefinery Symposium, Montreal, Canada. www.paptac.ca

18-21 March 2013 Tissue World, Barcelona, Spain. www.tissueworld.com/world/

February 2013 Australian Timber Design Workshop. The UTAS School of Architecture and Design is continuing its long tradition of learningby-making with two exciting workshops this summer in Launceston, Tasmania. In the two-week Australian Timber Design Workshop (ATDW) participants will design, fabricate, construct and install a small timber building from a controlled timberrich palette in 11 days. www.utas.edu.au/csaw/ Email: timber@arch.utas.edu.au. Phone +61 3 6324 4470 6-8 February 2013 The Australian International Furniture Fair and co-located decoration + design will return to the Sydney Exhibition Centre. www.aiff.net.au or www.decorationdesign.com.au 8-12 February 2013 Wooden Boat Show, 175th Regatta, timber row and powerboat races, Hobart. manager@australianwoodenboatfestival. com.au 15-17 February 2013 Montréal Wood Convention 2013. Montreal, Canada. www.montrealwoodconvention.com/en/ 19-22 February Eurobois Lyon (France). International trade fair for the woodworking industry. www.eurobois.net 20–22 February 2013 Frame Building Expo. Memphis Cook Convention Centre. Memphis , TN, USA www.biztradeshows.com/usa/memphis/ 20-22 February 2013 23rd ACOTEPAC (The Colombian Technical Association of the Pulp, Paper and Board Industry) International Congress, Cali, Colombia. www.acotepacolombia.com February 2013 Drevostavby - International Trade Fair of Wooden Building and Construction. Prague Holesovice Fairground,Výstaviště 67, Prague, Czech Republic. www.biztradeshows.com/trade-events/ drevostavby 5-7 March 2013 Ecobuild. London’s ExCel. London, United Kingdom. www.ecobuild.co.uk 6-8 March 2013 WoodMac China 2013. Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre (SNIEC). Shanghai, China. www.woodmacchina.net 12-14 March Tekhnodrev Ural Yekaterinburg. Technologies, equipment and tools for the woodworking and furniture industry. World Trade Centre, Yekaterinburg, Russian Federation. www.restec.ru BROUGHT TO YOU BY CANTILEVER.

19-21 March 2013 4th International Conference Russian Wood and Timber. Baltchug Kempinski, Moscow, Russia. www.adamsmithconferences.com/event/ wood-processing-timber-logging-russia 21-23 March 2013 WoodEx for Africa 2013 Expo - Midrand, South Africa. www.woodexforafrica.com 25-30 March 2013 World Teak Conference 2013. Bangkok, Thailand. www.procongress.net info@worldteak2013.org 9-11 April 2013 The 8th Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show, to be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. www.dubaiwoodshow.com 9-11 April 2013 IPX Russia, Moscow. www.ipxrussia.ru/en/ 9-12 April Drema Poznan. International trade fair of machines and tools for the wood and furniture industry. Poznan, Poland. www.drema.pl 10-11 April 2013 Residues-to-REVENUES 2013 Conference & Expo: Wood Energy and CleanTECH Industry Developments”. Crowne Plaza Hotel, Auckland, New Zealand. http://woodresiduesevents.com/ 15-16 April 2013 Residues-to-REVENUES 2013 Conference & Expo: Wood Energy and CleanTECH Industry Developments”. Bayview Eden Hotel, Melbourne. http://woodresiduesevents.com/ 18-19 April NTCA local government forest and timber industry conference. Bayview Eden, 6 Queens Road, Melbourne. RSVP to events@mav.asn.au. 03 9667 5555 by 15 April. 27 April – 1 May 2013 PaperCon 2013, Atlanta, USA. www.papercon.org 5- 9 May 2013 World Building Congress 2013. Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Queensland. This triennial Congress will focus on the relationship between construction and society. How can research help to maximise the contribution of constructed assets to social goals? How will the research community meet emerging social needs? These questions are addressed through CIB Research Commissions. All Commission interests will be covered at the Congress. http://worldbuildingcongress2013.com

NEWS

3 - February 2013, TIMBERMAN

New generation of ANZAC spirit T

HINGS HAVE changed a lot since 1977 when the first issue of Australian Timberman was published. Mobile phones, the internet, the Kyoto agreement and a world population increasing from four to seven billion are some of the factors that have changed the face of how we in the timber industry do business.The rate of change is increasingly rapid as we work to provide global markets with the products they want now and will want in the future. While in sport Australia and New Zealand have been friendly adversaries in rugby, cricket and yachting, one thing that hasn’t changed is the common bond between our two countries and the fact that, when we work together, we can produce world class results that are recognized across the globe. This includes timber and processed wood products that trade between our countries and to export markets.

Reflecting this trade and starting with this issue, our publication is now Australian & New Zealand Timberman. We are pleased to welcome many new producers and suppliers in New Zealand who will be getting Timberman for the first time and look forward to their feedback and industry contributions. We will continue bringing news of product developments, new equipment and systems and industry moves but will be expanding our coverage to include more news and information from New Zealand. And what better time to do it as we look forward to the inaugural staging of Wood Expo in Australia and New Zealand in September this year. Innovations in construction systems, new projects using timber, international market developments and local Australasian news will all be right here. If you’ve got

Message from the Publisher

something you think we should know about or you want us to cover, contact us (our contact details are on page 4) and let us know. The more feedback we get from you, the better we will be able to serve the industry through this publication, or if more convenient by viewing the online version. Any readers not already receiving our sister enewsletter Daily Timber News, can subscribe free at www.timberbiz. com.au. Later this year we will re-launch online Australian and New Zealand Forests and Timber Industries Directory & Buyers Guide. Timber has a proud history and a great future. We look forward to sharing it with you and kia’ora to our New Zealand readers. Hartley Higgins, Publisher.

Plan to tap into growing Asian markets T

HE AUSTRALIA in the Asian Century White Paper is a plan to build on Australia’s strengths and shape its future, according to Prime Minister Julia Gillard. She said the transformation of the Asian region into the economic powerhouse of the world was not only unstoppable, it was gathering pace. “In this century, the region in which we live will become home to most of the world’s middle class. Our region will be the world’s largest producer of goods and services and the largest consumer of them. History teaches us that as economic weight shifts, so does strategic weight. “Thriving in the Asian century therefore requires our nation to have a clear plan to seize the economic opportunities that will flow and manage the strategic challenges that will arise,” the Prime Minister said. According to the executive summary of the White Paper, Asia’s extraordinary ascent had already changed the

 Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

Australian economy, society and strategic environment. The scale and pace of the change still to come mean Australia is entering a truly transformative period in our history. “Within only a few years, Asia will not only be the world’s largest producer of goods and services, it will also be the world’s largest consumer of them. It is already the most populous region in the world. In the future, it will also be home to the majority of the world’s middle class.

there are many valuable opportunities for building stronger relationships across the region, including through closer educational, cultural and people‑to‑people links. Long history “Our nation also has the strength that comes from a long history of engagement with countries in Asia. Australia’s relationships in our region are strong and robust, including with Asian nations like China, Japan, India, Indonesia and the

Thriving in the Asian century requires our nation to have a clear plan to seize the economic opportunities that will flow and manage the strategic challenges that will arise.

“The Asian century is an Australian opportunity. As the global centre of gravity shifts to our region, the tyranny of distance is being replaced by the prospects of proximity. Australia is located in the right place at the right time—in the Asian region in the Asian century. “For several decades, Australian businesses, exporters and the community have grown their footprint across the region. Today, for Australia, the minerals and energy boom is the most visible, but not the only, aspect of Asia’s rise. As the century unfolds, the growth in our region will impact on almost all of our economy and society. “An increasingly wealthy and mobile middle class is emerging in the region, creating new opportunities. They are demanding a diverse range of goods and services, from health and aged care to education to household goods, and tourism, banking and financial services, as well as high‑quality food products. “Beyond economic gains,

Republic of Korea (South Korea). But in this Asian century we must enter a new phase of deeper and broader engagement. “This White Paper provides a roadmap for the whole of Australia—Governments, business, unions, and the broader community—in this next phase. Our goal is to secure Australia as a more prosperous and resilient nation that is fully part of our region and open to the world. “Australia starts from a position of strength. Just as our region has a lot to offer us, we have a lot to offer our region. We have strong, world-leading institutions, a multicultural and highly skilled workforce, and a productive, open and resilient economy, which is one of the strongest in the world. These assets have been reinforced by a series of economic reforms and good decisions made over past decades, including Australia’s worldbeating actions to avoid the worst impacts of the Global Financial Crisis. “Our strengths have long

been reflected in Australia’s interaction with countries in Asia. Over the past 50 years,

Australia’s trade with Asia as a share of our total trade has risen dramatically.

Our financial, political and cultural links have deepened. continued on page 4.

FOREST SCIENCE COURSE 2013 The 5 day forest science course will provide an understanding of forest management, the economics of wood production and other services from the forest and the way forestry is managed in Australia. The course will cover both planted and natural forests and will provide an appreciation of environmental issues and international strategic trends in the forestry industry.

Date anD Venue The inaugural Forest Science Course will take place 18 – 22 February 2013 at the University of Melbourne campus in Creswick, west-central Victoria.

Who ShoulD attenD Senior and potential managers as well as consultants within the forest industry. The course will be of particular relevance to those who may have recently joined the industry.

Why you ShoulD attenD A fuller understanding at a professional level of forest science and its application in Australia is essential if our industry is to achieve its full potential. This course will provide you with the understanding to improve your personal and business performances and to view your operations within the national and international contexts. The course is limited to about 35 participants.

InVIteD SPeakeRS The 2013 course will feature guest speakers with wide experience in the industry, and speakers at two dinners.

RegIStRatIon Fee Full course fee is $2530 (inclusive of GST). For Patrons and Subscribers of the Trust, the course fee is at the reduced rate of $2300.

CouRSe PRogRaM The full 2013 Forest Science Course program can be downloaded from www.gottsteintrust.org/media/FSC2013.pdf

FuRtheR InFoRMatIon Contact Course Director, Dr. Silvia Pongracic 0418 764 954 or silvia.pongracic@csiro.au

NEWS

TIMBERMAN, February 2013 – 4

Plan to tap growing Asian markets continued from page 3. We have strong relationships and close friendships with countries across the region. Choice, not chance “But Australia’s success will be based on choice, not chance. In order to succeed, we must sustain the policy settings and pathways that have served us well. We need to reinforce our strong social foundations, including our national institutions, our cultural diversity and our outward-looking society. “We will need to do more than this—we all need to respond to the rapid changes occurring in our region. “Australians need to act in five key areas in order to succeed in the Asian century. “First, irrespective of how the Asian century evolves, Australia’s prosperity will come from building on our strengths. We need to reinforce the foundations of our fair society and our prosperous, open

and resilient economy at home. We need to build on areas where we already perform well, in order to extend our comparative advantage. Critical to this will be ongoing reform and investment across the five pillars of productivity—skills and education, innovation, infrastructure, tax reform and regulatory reform. Invest in people “Second, as a nation we must do even more to develop the capabilities that will help Australia succeed. Our greatest responsibility is to invest in our people through skills and education to drive Australia’s productivity performance and ensure that all Australians can participate and contribute. Capabilities that are particularly important for the Asian century include job‑specific skills, scientific and technical excellence, adaptability and resilience. Using creativity and design-based thinking to solve complex problems

AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND

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February, Vol.21, No.1 MEDIA

INDEPENDENT & AUSTRALIAN OWNED

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Accounts: Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9555 General Manager: Elizabeth Bouzoudis Editor: John Hudswell Advertising: Norm Nelsen Production: Nathan Grant Publisher and Chief Executive: Hartley Higgins Suite 103, 486 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, phone (03) 9888 4822 Conditions: Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the editor/publishers; information is published in good faith and we do not accept responsibility for damage which may arise from any possible inaccuracies. All rights reserved, none of the contents may be used in any other media without prior consent from then publishers. Published by Ryan Media Pty Ltd. Australian Timberman is delivered with Australian Forests & Timber News, which is a member of Circulation Audit Bureau (CAB).

is a distinctive Australian strength that can help to meet the emerging challenges of this century. As a nation we also need to broaden and deepen our understanding of Asian cultures and languages, to become more Asia literate. These capabilities are needed to build stronger connections and partnerships across the region. “Third, Australia’s commercial success in the region requires that highly innovative, competitive Australian firms and institutions develop collaborative relationships with others in the region. Australian firms need new business models and new mindsets to operate and connect with Asian markets. We will work to make the region more open and integrated, encouraging trade, investment and partnerships. Firms will adapt their business models to seize the opportunities created in our region. “Fourth, Australia’s future is irrevocably tied to the stability and sustainable security of our diverse region. Australia has much to offer through cooperation with other nations to support sustainable security in the region. We will work to build trust and cooperation, bilaterally and through existing regional mechanisms. We will continue to support a greater role for Asian countries in a rules‑based regional and global order. Australia’s alliance with the United States and a strong US presence in Asia will support regional stability, as will China’s full participation in regional developments. Stronger relationships “Fifth, we need to strengthen Australia’s deep and broad relationships across the region at every level. These links are social and cultural as much as they are political and economic. Improving people-to-people links can unlock large economic and social gains. While the Australian Government plays a leading role in strengthening and building relationships with partners in the region—with more intensive diplomacy across Asia—others across a broad spectrum spanning business, unions, community groups and educational and cultural institutions also play an important role. Stronger relationships will lead to more Australians having a deeper understanding of what is happening in Asia and being able to access the benefits of growth in our region. In turn, more of our neighbours in the region will know us better than they do today. “Success in the Asian century requires a whole-ofAustralia effort.

Government priority E

N S U R I N G AUSTRALIA is positioned to take advantage from the rise of Asia and the need for continued productivity improvement are the big issues confronting business, with significant implications for the Government’s agenda, according to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) and Business Spectator’s 2012 Big Issues survey. CEDA chief executive Professor Stephen Martin said the survey, completed by more than 3000 people, provided some interesting results, with productivity again a key issue but previously hot issues, such as industrial relations falling off the radar. “Enhancing productivity, improving Australia’s competitiveness and encouraging innovation were ranked as the top three priorities for the Federal Government,” he said. “These factors, along with timely infrastructure delivery, were seen as the keys to adjusting to world conditions in 2025.” Surprisingly some of the areas to rate the lowest in helping Australia adjust were the availability of skilled labour, industrial relations reform and the tax regime,

all of which have received significant discussion in the media but appear from this survey to not be as big a concern to the business community. “Very clearly respondents see productivity as critical and the keys to improving productivity are innovation and infrastructure delivery,” Professor Martin said. “In addition, it would also seem that much of the heat has gone out of the climate change debate following the introduction of the carbon tax with climate change dropping well down the list of influences on the Australian economy to 2025 and ranked last as a priority for the Federal Government after the election next year.” Professor Martin said more than 70% of people surveyed agreed that the Asian Century would sustain the Australian economy to 2025 and that the Federal Government’s Australia in the Asian Century White Paper was either important or critical to achieving our economic objectives in the Asia Pacific region. A further issue explored in the survey was related to the importance of the Federal Government having a Budget surplus, with the majority of respondents neutral on its

importance and the remainder almost evenly split between agreeing or disagreeing with its importance. “This would seem to indicate that for the Australian business community, the importance of Governments delivering budget surpluses is a political issue, not an economic one,” he said.

 The Arts &

Media building at the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, New Zealand, showcases the latest in structural timber technology. This is just part of the NZ-Australia connection.

CANTILEVER STORAGE SYSTEMS PTY LTD The No. 1 Choice in CANTILEVER RACKING Sipag Storage Systems Aust Pty Ltd was established in Australia in 1991, we have recently changed our name to Cantilever Storage Systems Pty Ltd We now supply CANTIPRO Cantilever Racking from the Provost/Redstock group of Companies based in France. Cantilever Storage Systems Pty Ltd is 100% Australian owned with its manufacturing facilities in Coffs Harbour NSW. The CANTIPRO range meets all Australian design standards and an engineer’s certificate can be provided if required. CANTIPRO Racking systems manufactured, imported and supplied by Cantilever Storage Systems Pty Ltd are designed to meet a broad variety of individual requirement.

CANTIPRO Why CANTIPRO Racking? Redstock has redesigned the original Sipag System and now market it as CANTIPRO The columns are straight, not tapered, giving greater strength. The bases are bolted, not welded, allowing for lower freight charges and easier handling. Columns are finished in Senzimir (electroplate galvanization) finish at no extra charge. The removable connecting lugs installed through each column giving a good stability to the whole column row compared with lugs welded only from one column side. All steel is sourced from Europe.

Contact: Tel: (02) 66583744 Email: info@cantistor.com

NEWS

5 - February 2013, TIMBERMAN

Carbon neutrality in the bag

AUST

B E R T I M

new carbon neutral grade packaging product with a further 40 tonnes on order. One tonne of the paper equates to around 200,000 bags. The paper bags will mainly be used for food, retail and liquor packaging. Australian Paper chief executive officer Jim Henneberry said that the NCOS certified paper will benefit buyers with carbon neutral paper procurement policies in their organisation. This latest development builds on an already extensive range of carbon-neutral paper options by Australian Paper. “Australian Paper has always been an innovative, forward thinking company and the creation of this product is further evidence that we are a frontrunner in the industry. “Our customers want environmentally acceptable, advanced paper choices they can be proud of and we have listened and answered their needs with this packaging paper option,” said Henneberry. “This product gives companies and consumers the option to help the environment by reducing their carbon footprint through use of the unassuming paper bag.” The ‘new bag on the block’ also contains recycled paper that is locally made at Australian Paper’s Maryvale

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 Adrian Willoughby, Managing Director of StirlingFildes with world first carbon neutral paper bag.

Limited is the Australian Government’s official certifier of carbon neutrality. Low Carbon Australia’s Carbon Neutral Program is a voluntary scheme for Australian organisations seeking carbon neutrality for their whole organisation, part of their organisation, an event, product or service. Certification is against the National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS), which provides integrity through its guidance on genuine voluntary offsets and its minimum requirements for calculating, auditing and offsetting a carbon footprint to achieve carbon neutrality.

TIMBERMAN, August 2012 – 6

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Mill in Victoria which supports around 900 employees directly. Meg McDonald, chief executive officer of Low Carbon Australia, which has officially certified Australian Paper’s range of premium office paper as carbon neutral on behalf of the Australian Government, welcomed Stirling Fildes’ paper bag initiative. “By using these paper bags Stirling Fildes’ leadership is a beacon for others wanting to make a difference to their environment through making carbon neutral choices,” she said. The paper bags will be distributed by merchant BJ Ball. “We are excited to be part of the supply chain for this world first carbon neutral product and applaud both Australian Paper and Stirling Fildes for their commitment to sustainable manufacturing and procurement,” said Luke Wilkinson, National Sales Manager of BJ Ball Papers. Low Carbon Australia provides financial solutions and advice to Australian business, Government and the wider community to boost investment in energy efficiency, cost effective carbon reductions, and clean technology. Low Carbon Australia

20 13

FRAME AUSTRALIA

OHN MITCHELL, chairman of buildingSmart Australasia looked around the room at the FRAME conference in Melbourne and asked if anyone knew what BIM was. Did anyone use BIM? The silence was telling. Certainly there were people in the audience who had some knowledge while some like Claudelle Taylor of the Leighton Group had experience with BIM but mostly the audience was struck dumb. As Mitchell went on to say, the building industry is not renowned for its affinity with and use of high tech computer software programs but it is time. Other industries have already embraced similar systems, and other countries are embracing Building Industry Modelling (BIM). So what is Building Industry Modelling? “BIM is 3D object model that is like a building database, easily visualized,” said Mitchell. “We can extract significant intelligence out of it.” Currently there is a lack of integration along the supply chain linking parties and between project phases but it’s not impossible to fix. As Mitchell said other industries such as the Australian Air Conditioning Manufacturers Association has already started supply chain integration. Other issues that plague the building industry are its reliance on the lowest bid strategy rather than a value for money proposition. There is poor understanding of optimized and properly documented designs. According to Mitchell the “Getting it Right” study in Queensland in 2005 identified this problem. That was seven years ago and it still lingers.

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There is also inadequate and ineffective use of technology and a lack of appreciation of the benefits of open communication. In 2010 Mitchell’s organization commissioned a survey with the Commonwealth’s help that looked at adopting BIM in the Australian construction sector.

Implementation Plan. The starting point was the outcomes of the MESH conferences in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney in early 2011. The roadblocks are these: • Lack of model building protocols • Little product data for BIM object libraries • Legal and insurance impediments

We do need it, we need to build better, we need to make better use of resources. “The economic potential is extraordinary, extraordinary, a $4 billion potential per annum - $4 billion productivity potential per annum, this mirrors many other studies around the world,” said Mitchell. “We do need it, we need to build better, we need to make better use of resources, we need to be more efficient and deliver higher value for money.” The lessons from the 2D CAD current technology are clear, after 20 years there are still no common guidelines, no consensus in either government or industry and the documentation instead of improving is deteriorating. “There is significant risk if we do not align with international BIM developments – it’s a worldwide turn to BIM,” said Mitchell. buildingSMART Australasia was commissioned at the end of 2111 to undertake the development of a BIM

• Poor standards for information exchange • Inconsistencies in information handover protocols • Skills gaps • Lack of strategic research focus • Industry resistance to process change The participants at the stakeholder consultation workshops conducted by buildingSmart proposed key recommendations. First and foremost was that a BIM adoption roadmap should be completed. Commonwealth, State and Territory governments should be encouraged to require full collaborative BIM for their building procurements and they should develop procurement processes and assistance packages to encourage its adoption. Legal and technical instruments needed to support the introduction of BIM should

offsetting schemes, banks ANZ and NAB, professional services firm PwC, property groups DEXUS and GPT, real estate firm CBRE, The Merino Company, printers Mystique, Vega and Focus Press, Australian Paper with carbon neutral paper products through its Reflex and Staples brands, Keytek, for carbon neutral printer ink brands, Republica Coffee and brewers CUB for carbon neutral Cascade Pure beer. The combined efforts of Carbon Neutral Network members have resulted in more than 1 million tonnes of carbon emissions being avoided each year.

FRAME AUSTRALIA

buildingSmart with BIM

e Complet r be solid tim ng processi systems 9 Ph 02 960

To be carbon neutral means that the net emissions association with a product or an organisation’s activities are equal to zero. For an organisation or product to become carbon neutral, best practice requires an organisation to: 1. Measure its carbon footprint; 2. Reduce emissions; and 3. Offset any residual emissions Those participating in the Carbon Neutral Program join some of Australia’s leading corporate names as members of Low Carbon Australia’s Carbon Neutral Network. Members include airlines Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar which have carbon neutral

7 - August 2012, TIMBERMAN

Lend Lease lends its might to CLT be developed and aligned with relevant international codes and standards. We must think globally. Education is a must to enable the industry to meet the demands of technology for new workers and re-training for those already in the industry. Easy access must be facilitated to building product manufacturer’s certified information for use in all types of modelbased applications through an Australian on-line BIM products library. Open standard data exchange protocols should be established that support collaboration and facilitate integration of the briefing, design, construction, manufacturing and maintenance supply chain throughout the entire life of a built facility. Governments around the world are seeing the advantage of BIM as it can be used to support automated code checking, ensure buildings meet environmental and energy performance requirements, make certain asset and management information is available at all tiers of government for operational, maintenance, fiscal and strategic planning. The global construction software industry is well advanced in the change to BIM. All the major vendors Graphisoft ArchiCAD, Nemetscheck Allplan and Bentley Triforma have IFC certification, and now Autodesk Revit has committed to IFC compliance. Only by adopting BIM, by accepting new processes and by sharing information will the building industry stay competitive.

FTER LISTENING to Andrew Neiland from Lend Lease it was difficult to understand why it has taken so long for Australia to embrace CLT, and even harder to understand why it has taken the major construction companies this long to make it all add up. Initially it seemed odd that Neiland, who comes from the accounting side of the Lend Lease business, was presenting to a timberoriented audience at the Frame Australia conference. That soon passed as he recounted the reductions that Lend Lease faced through the use of CLT in its new multi-storey Forte apartment building in Melbourne. Admittedly it won’t be just reduced costs – but that’s the main take-away point, the other reductions relate to significantly lower construction noise, less occupational health and safety issues, and a smaller environmental footprint. The big cost reduction will come courtesy of reduced construction time, reduced truck movements, less labour, reduced building weight leading to reduced foundation requirements and more. “It’s lightweight, timber is roughly a fifth the weight of concrete,” said Neiland. “[with precast concrete] you only get a couple of pieces on a truck and that’s about it, you can truck a vast number of CLT panels in one go, so get a huge reduction in truck movements. “In terms of how the site looks the general comments we have from our construction teams is clean, and how quiet and how orderly the site is,” said Neiland. “One mobile crane, a couple days of CLT ready for installation and a crew of four guys putting it into place - very quiet and efficient process.”

Victoria Harbour was the instigator Melbourne’s Victoria Harbour has been a development hot spot for some time and Lend Lease was trying to make the most of the limited land available. On North Wharf the company was faced with a problem. “The building conditions are not great, it’s on silt so we looked for a lightweight construction solution and came up with CLT,” said Neiland. “That was most viable option and we found a lot more benefits than just light weight. So they assembled a team of designers and engineers to go and have a look at it. “They saw the opportunity immediately – for an all expenses paid trip to Europe.” It paid off, representatives from Lend Lease visited 14 projects in Europe, they visited the CLT producers and met with architects who had worked on similar projects and came away very impressed. “They came away very impressed that it was a proven solution where the owners and occupiers really enjoyed the outcome, and really enjoyed living in these buildings,” he said. Due diligence on the project took three years to complete. What Lend Lease did discover and what the company has brought into play with the Forte construction in Bourke Street, Melbourne – only a few doors down from Lend Lease HQ – is that using CLT is a design process. “It’s not taking a concrete building and replacing concrete with timber, it’s a new process. It’s about completing all your design up-front rather designing as your going,” said Neiland. “It’s about a factory process where you sign off on the drawings, you work out all the crane movements, you work out the logistics, the truck movements then you manufacture. By doing

this we are minimizing waste and reducing errors and building faster. “If you design it well it will last, if you design it poorly it won’t.” Australia’s building code doesn’t take into account timber buildings taller than three storeys so for Forte Lend Lease had to undertake a fire engineered solution and that’s not something that everyone can do. It may be a barrier to highrise CLT construction in Australia unless it is addressed. Forte is nine storeys tall (with a ground floor retail area) with 23 apartments and four townhouses. Lend Lease was faced with a certain amount of dismay when it came to fire approvals. “Melissa Chandler who is our building codes expert said it was the most interesting conversation she’s ever had with the fire brigade in her life. “Saying we’re building 10 storeys of timber, the lift well, the fire stairs and we’re leaving the fire stairs exposed timber. The look on their faces was priceless. We convinced them it was a good idea,” said Neiland. “We did the fire testing of the CLT panels with the CSIRO to achieve our approvals. “While it is not of a size that requires sprinklers we are installing sprinklers for this one,” he added. As the ground floor is to be a retail space that floor is designed very differently to the apartments and so it is mounted on a concrete slab which was laid in February this year. The CLT installation started in June and it is anticipated that it will take eight weeks to put up and should be finished in August. The whole building should be finished in October this year. Neiland said that for his company it wasn’t just about building a building in CLT it needed to be a step change in sustainability and that is

certainly what has happened. This will be the first 5-star green star building built in a residential environment. Each apartment is dual aspect and will take 25% less energy to heat and cool compared with a typical apartment, which equates to roughly $300 a year saved. All apartments will have a smart meter to link to an in-home display, which shows real time and historic data on energy consumption. Not only that, but simply by using timber 1451 tonnes of carbon is saved (cradle to site). Like every new idea there were challenges, the biggest was the logistics of shipping a building from Europe to Australia. KLH in Europe is the manufacturer of CLT for the Forte construction and so the panels had to be shipped to Australia and then stored awaiting installation. Out it came – 485 tonnes of timber, 759 CLT panels shipped in 25 containers in two ships. Lend Lease then did some other due diligence on the project, at 32.17 metres tall was it the tallest timber building in the world? “We came across Nikolai (Sutyagin) who was friendly old chap in Russia who was lonely and in 1992 he started to build a timber house for himself. He went a couple of storeys up and just kept going and he didn’t stop until he got to about 44 metres. “So we couldn’t go out with the claim that it is the tallest timber building so we modified it with a clause that it’s the tallest apartment timber building,” said Neiland. For the future Neiland said that Lend Lease is considering building up to 50% of its residential apartments using CLT. “For us Forte is not a one-off demonstration building,” he said. You can see live webcam vision of the Forte building under construction at http://www. forteliving.com.au

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TIMBERMAN, February 2013 – 6

BUSINESS PROFILE

Family business goes from strength to strength W

ADE SAWMILL started in 1978 by founders Robin & Marian Wade on Marian’s father’s property. From humble beginnings this busy innovative mill has transformed to become an industry leader. Wade Sawmill is situated just north of Maryborough, Queensland in the Moonaboola Industrial Estate and manufactures a large range of timber products to cater for all outdoor applications in the building industry. Robin (who has been in the timber industry since 1966) and Marian purchased their first sawmill licence in 1981. Railway sleepers, made using a buzz saw, were the main product in the beginning but the product line quickly branched out to include landscape sleepers. Now, Wade Sawmill specializes in supplying the ever-growing outdoor market. On their two sites (one in Gympie and one in Maryborough) they have a hardwood mill, pinewood mill, a rounding plant, two kilns, a CCA treatment, an ACQ plant and a weighbridge. The ACQ plant treats wood, without arsenic, for sensitive areas such as schools. “We continually make improvements to the sawmill to ensure that we maintain our high quality standards.” said Marian. “To this end we installed a Brewer Multi-Saw and auto docking line in the hardwood mill in January

of 2012. The pine mill received a similar upgrade with the installation of a VK debarker, and a stacker docking system in February of 2012.” Since starting the Wade family has purchased two more sawmills to increase production and efficiency. The sawmills are zero emission plants that recycle all waste and then, to trade off their carbon emissions, they are growing 6000 acres of native forest timbers. “We have large plantations of hardwood and our pine is harvested from renewable plantations,” she added. Wade prides itself on being a ‘zero emission’ mill. In fact up to 99% of waste is reused in products as diverse as particleboard, MDF board, garden mulch, fuel and firewood. “Our modern, semiautomatic sawmill ensures customer needs will be met with the quality each customer deserves and expects. Customer satisfaction is very important to the team at Wade and the customer service team is second to none. We built a new mill in 1984 to enable us to cut sawn hardwood and fencing timbers. These two new products proved very popular with our customers,” said Robin. “We again outgrew our surroundings, and so built a new mill at the present site in 1989. To cater for our customer’s needs, a CCA treatment plant has been installed.”

The Wade Domestic Product Range for home and garden includes fencing timbers, fencing palings, rails posts and sleepers, both in hardwood and pine, and also Wade Tru-Logs. Wade Sawmill was named in the top 100 Fastest Growing Companies in 1994 by Price Waterhouse. In 1999 it was awarded the Best Medium Sawmill and in 2004 Wade Sawmill won The Chronicle Manufacturing Innovation Award. Wade Sawmill has been named in the Top 200 Largest Private Queensland Companies every year since 1994, plus Marian was a finalist in ‘Women In Business Award’ in 2007. Wade Sawmill is a family run company with Robin and Marian as founders and their sons Robin Jnr and Tim now onboard. “Our key personnel are a great asset to the company helping it expand and move forward in these challenging times,” Robin said. Their policy is ‘Quality Timber at a Competitive Price’. Wade Sawmill continually invests in innovation and budgets about

$1.5 million to $2 million per year to improve both safety and efficiency. Wade Sawmill has an excellent customer base from the Gold Coast to Cairns, which is constantly expanding. The quality of service and supply is evidenced by the fact the

company still has the pleasure of serving some of its original customers. Robin and Marian have great confidence in the timber industry and feel that a quality product at a competitive price with excellent customer satisfaction is the key to their success.

However, despite that success it’s still all go for the Queensland business ... “We are working hard on brand recognition with a full advertising program running at the moment. This advertising helps our stockists to attract more customers to their yards,” said Marian.

IMPORT

7 - February 2013, TIMBERMAN

Standards compliant timber imports contribute to jobs T

HE AUSTRALIAN Timber Importers Federation has identified what it considers inaccurate commentary about the fitfor-purpose and standards compliance credentials of imported engineered and structural timber products. General manager John Halkett stated that in addition to concerns about statements made by some sections of the industry about compliance,

there had also been inaccurate remarks made about the jobsrelated virtues of imported timber products. Halkett acknowledged the timber industry was doing it tough at the moment. “No doubt about it. However, it is unfortunate that some sections of the industry have been attempting to put the ‘blame’ for the industry’s current difficulties at the feet of importers.

Unfounded allegations of inflated market share, underpricing, employment impacts and lack of  Malaysian plywood ... standards compliant, quality imported timber products able to make a worthwhile standards compliance levelled against contribution towards meeting the demand of the imported timber products do the building and construction industries. Australian timber industry and accusers industry, as they are still well Europe, Chile and Malaysia little credit. “Sure the Australian dollar is strong at the moment, but that is far from the only issue,” he said.

 Data verifies the substantial contribution imported timber products make to jobs in building and construction industries.

“Domestic producer advocacy interests should stick to the facts.” He said that according to ABARES data over the last decade Australia had consumed around 7,150,000 cubic metres of solid timber products a year. Typically domestic consumption has outstripped domestic production by between 5% and 10% a year. The remaining 5% to 10% is sourced from imports. “Put another way, at least 90% of domestic consumption is satisfied by timber products grown and processed in Australia,” Halkett said. In a recent report: Sawn Timber in Australia, 2012 to 2026 independent economic forecaster and industry analyst BIS Shrapnel stated that imports are not a significant long term threat to the domestic timber

below the historical levels of 20 years ago. Halkett pointed out that BIS Shrapnel noted that the domestic housing market has been “sluggish”, but predicted that the demand for sawn timber in Australia during the next decade will be driven by sharp growth in the building and construction sector. BIS Shrapnel also forecast the residential construction sector would grow particularly strongly during 2014 and 2015. Halkett confirmed that a significant part of the reason why imported timber products had increased their market share in the past few years was their quality and compliance attributes. “This is especially the case with structural softwood, engineered wood products and various panel products.” Halkett said the reality was that sawmills and timber processors, particularly in

were simply more competitive, because of manufacturing efficiencies, research and innovation, investment and a much more sympathetic set of Government policies than is the case in Australia. In relation to compliance with building standards and codes Halkett said analysis suggests that ongoing anti-timber imports commentary was at best mischievous. “Timber products imported by companies who are members of the Australian Timber Importers Federation are fitfor-purpose and compliant with requisite building codes and standards.” In relation to the employment impacts of imported timber products, Halkett said allegations that such products were costing jobs in Australia do not stand close scrutiny.

continued on page 8.

Leading edge technology plays a key role SIMMONDS LUMBER was the first company in the world to use DNA testing to certify the legality and provenance of timber imported from Indonesia. That was some years back now and despite the quantum leap forward the market, initially at least, was a bit slow to catch on. Now, however, it’s a different story! “As the market became more aware of the issues of illegal logging the DNA and the Double Helix Tracking system became more important,” said chief executive John Simon. “The large corporate buyers are much more environmentally sensitive,” he said. “All merbau species timber that we source from Indonesia come sin under our DNA brand. We’re one of the largest - if not the largest - importers of merbau into Australia.” This is one example of the company’s constant objective to use leading edge technology and to sell sustainably produced timber products. In Indonesia, company employees now operate out of an office in Surabaya to facilitate the sourcing of product from that region. Simmonds Lumber was started by Kevin Simmonds in Sydney in the early 1980s. In 1993 the business was acquired by a company controlled by the Black family, who have other interests in the pastoral and timber industry in Australia and New Zealand. At that time Simmonds was located in a small yard in the residential area of Pennant Hills and was primarily involved in the importation of radiata pine from New Zealand for the local domestic housing market. As the business grew, in 1985 it was relocated to a warehouse operation in Meadowbank, which enabled the company to expand its product range into the distribution

of Medium Density Fibreboard (known as MDF) and, following the acquisition of the Amplex business, into sawn and dressed hardwoods from South East Asia. The company’s sales continued to grow, to the extent that in 1987 a decision was taken to move to a new site that allowed more space for timber storage and larger office premises for the increased number of employees. After a six month search, a lease was signed for a suitable 4 acre property on Bennelong Road, Homebush Bay. The move to this site allowed Simmonds to expand into a wide range of timber products that are still sold today. In 1994, word went out that Homebush Bay was the preferred site for the Sydney 2000 Olympics. Concerned about how this may disrupt the day-to-day business, and as the Games site gained momentum, Simmonds went on the property trail again, this time with a view to finding a site that they could own and could become a more permanent home for the growing business. Six months later, negotiations were concluded for a 6 acre property in Durham Street, Rosehill, previously occupied by Wonderlich roof tiles. The “House of Simmonds” was officially opened on 12 July 1996. In subsequent years the business expanded across the entire eastern seaboard of Australia, with distribution operations in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. A warehouse and office was also set up in Auckland, The Simmonds Lumber Group sells a wide range of timber products for the domestic housing industry, commercial construction, home renovations, and industrial markets. Products are sourced from producers in Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and North & South America.

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IMPORT

TIMBERMAN, February 2013 – 8

NZ company introduces new natural timber range A

BODO, A privately-owned New Zealand based company, has introduced a new range of natural timber that has no chemicals. ABODO, a specialist in natural timber products, would like to introduce its new range – Elements. It is an innovative, carbon-negative range of timber building products designed to create greener, healthier and more beautiful buildings with more wood and less chemicals. Its new Elements range provides wood products that are livable, durable and renewable. The natural timber is sourced from FSC certified plantations and use low-impact non-chrome, non-arsenic preservation treatments. ABODO also manages an industry-first timber recycling program. ABODO marketing director Daniel Gudsell said the range was created in response to growing trends internationally to restrict the use of toxic wood preservatives that pose a significant risk to people and the environment – something he calls ‘nasty wood’. “As a company with a strong interest in

sustainability, we feel passionately about creating a product that is designed for the future – that means not only one that is going to last a long time, but is also going to have the least possible impact on our planet.” The Elements range features high grade decking, cladding and structural timber products. It is built to last and comes with a 30 year guarantee, with an expected 50 years of service. This innovative range of timber products can create warm and inviting outdoor living spaces, striking architectural exterior finishes, or a durable substructure for the home, light commercial or landscape building project. Decking: Comes in two variations, Elements Sand and Elements Sand+. It is treated with non-chrome and non-arsenic wood preservatives to 100% penetration, and is kiln dried to give superior performance and surface finish. Sand+ is created from vertical grain timber and can be prefinished with two coats of plant-based oils and natural waxes. Cladding: comes in Elements Sand+, is created from clear sapwood and engineered

with vertical grain orientation to enhance natural features. The patented manufacturing process creates a weatherboard with superior stability and enhanced long term performance. It’s available in five profiles to achieve your desired look. Structural: Elements Engineered Structural timber is created by bonding pre-preserved individual lamina with high performance formaldehyde-free adhesive. It has superior strength and

stability, and is available pre-sealed with ClearPrime – the latest in wood primer technology. Additionally, the standard Elements Structural timber is pressure treated and kiln dried, which is suitable for decking substructures, pergolas and other outdoor constructions. ABODO is a privately-owned New Zealand based company that services a range of wood lovers in Australia, Asia, Africa and Europe. Source: Infolink

Standards compliant timber imports contribute to jobs continued from page 7.

indicates that imported timber products contribute to 28,990 “ABARES data related jobs directly in building and to consumption trends for construction and a further timber and wood-based 80,450 in occupations that products, plus data from provide inputs into the Housing Industry Association building and construction confirms that imported timber process,” Halkett said. products account for around “Put bluntly that these 10% of present material jobs would simply not exist inputs into the building and without imported timber construction industry. products. “Relating this to “These are jobs that are ATIF AdvertFINAL.pdf 1 3/12/12 AM on the11:59 utilisation employment, analysis of data dependent

Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill through the House of Representatives.” The CFMEU media release said, in part: Thousands of timber, furniture and pulp and paper workers, whose jobs are under threat, are relying on the Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill to pass without delay ... Wood products represent the second largest sector in Australia’s manufacturing industry and cheap, imported

of imported timber products either not manufactured at all in Australia or not available in sufficient quantities to cater for building and construction demand,” he said. Noticeably the CFMEU has continued an anti-imports campaign. “It would seem that the union wants oldstyle protectionism back in the timber industry, based on its media release that followed the passing of the

products are costing workers their jobs ... Halkett argued that building and construction industries employment data verified the substantial contribution imported timber products make to jobs in these industries, in the timber supply chain and associated support industries. He asserted that standards compliant, quality imported timber products are making a worthwhile contribution

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Member

Australian Timber Importers Federation Inc www.atif.asn.au

CMY

Always purchase appropriately imported Medium certified (large stationary items etc) timber products Member

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Australian Timber Importers Federation Inc

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Large (packaging etc)

 John Halkett ...

rebutting allegations of inflated market share, underpricing, and lack of standards compliance levelled against imported timber products.

towards meeting the demand of the building and construction industry and to thousands of jobs in these industries. Halkett said unfounded allegations of inflated market share, underpricing, employment impacts and lack of standards compliance levelled against imported timber products do the Australian timber industry and accusers little credit. “Standards compliant, quality imported timber products are able to make a worthwhile contribution towards meeting the demand of the building and construction industry, especially to meet residential and commercial building needs as this activity ramps up in coming years. “It would be far better for the collective benefit of the timber industry to have a collaborative effort across the entire industry to grow the size of markets and to compete against less environmentally-friendly steel, aluminium, concrete and plastic building products,” he said.

IMPORT

9 - February 2013, TIMBERMAN

Expan-ding the market for commercial building A

USTRALIA’S TIMBER Development Association (TSD) is assisting in the introduction into the market of Expan, a new timber technology for commercial buildings. Expan was developed by the Structural Timber Innovation Company (STIC), comprising representatives from academia -- Auckland and Canterbury universities and UTS -- and industry. The technology includes connectors for portal frames, glulam rivets, timber concrete composite floors, and long-span timber cassette floors. Public interest has centred on Expan’s post-stressed timber-framed system. This system allows timber to span the large distances often required by commercial buildings. Guides and test reports to support this technology will be available in the second quarter of this year. An east coast of Australia roadshow will simultaneously be rolled out to present Expan to the design community. Interest is already being shown in the use of Expan in the reconstruction of

buildings damaged by the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. STIC and WoodSolutions are holding a site visit to Christchurch in the second quarter of 2013 to view firsthand these developments. For further information on the site visit contact Andrew Dunn, chief executive officer of TDA. “Expan technology and Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) at last allow timber systems to compete in terms of size and cost with concrete and steel building systems. These are exciting times for commercial timber building in Australia,” said Andrew. Expan’s totally prefabricated technology cleverly embeds post-tensioned tendons into timber to lock the system together. The range includes revolutionary timber frame, wall and floor systems and quick-connect portal frames. Expan is the result of years of research and a unique collaboration between commercial and academic partners to create innovative structural timber solutions. STIC is a research consortium developing and commercialising new technologies that

will enable structural timber to compete more effectively in the building and construction market. Although timber has long been used as a material of choice in the residential markets in both Australia and New Zealand, it is not typically used in the non-residential industrial and commercial building sectors. STIC is developing a portfolio of new pre-fabricated LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) and Glulam (Glue Laminated Timber) structural building systems that will enable multi-storey commercial and longspan industrial portal framed buildings to be easily designed and rapidly constructed using engineered timber products. To support these timber construction systems STIC is also developing a portfolio that includes: • Design guidelines and span tables • Analysis software • Material properties • . Fire resistance rating achievement recommendations • Sound transmission class rating achievement recommendations

• Impact insulation class rating achievement recommendations • Embodied energy and sustainable building information • Durability information and specifications STIC is a New Zealand registered company with seven shareholders: • Carter Holt Harvey Ltd • Nelson Pine Industries Ltd • Wesbeam Pty Ltd • Building Research Association New Zealand Inc • NZ Pine Manufacturers Association • Auckland Uniservices Ltd (University of Auckland) • University of Canterbury In addition to these shareholders STIC has two other substantial financial stakeholders who are investing in the research and development, alongside the shareholders. They are Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) and Foundation for Research Science and Technology (FRST). The Foundation is matching all industry investments in the program dollar-for-dollar.

American hardwoods and Australia – a special relationship DEMAND FOR American hardwoods in Australia has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Designers, architects and home-owners alike have become increasingly aware of the beauty and versatility offered by the wide range of US hardwood species. The evidence can be seen in the number of both new projects and renovations where American hardwoods have been specified. Australian stockists of American hardwoods have also played a significant role in promotion and they see them as a long-term and viable alternative to some native Australian species, which are becoming more limited in supply. Their business in US hardwoods has increased significantly during the past five years aided by a strong Australian dollar which has made imported hardwoods a more affordable and therefore viable option.

During January to October of 2012 – the latest period for which data is available – the United States exported some AUD 5.62 million worth of hardwood lumber (sawn timber) to Australia. In volume terms, this equated to 6,913 cubic metres, rising by 5 per cent over the same ten months of the previous year. In addition to lumber, AUD 1.93 million of US hardwood veneers were also shipped in to Australia during the same ten month period of last year. While the numbers are favourable, there is still a long way to go before American hardwoods become truly wellestablished in the Australian market. Whilst a range of American hardwoods have always been favoured amongst high-end furniture designers, when it comes to commercial projects, in the vast majority of cases where US hardwoods are specified, the species is

white oak. American white oak accounted for 74 per cent of the total volume of American hardwood lumber shipped to Australia during the January to October period of last year. White oak has become a preferred flooring species owing to its on-trend blonde colour and distinctive grain pattern. It is also increasingly being specified in joinery and staircases as it proves very easy to work with, The Star in Sydney being an example of the stunning effect of extensive use of American white oak. Dominic McNeil of Britton Timbers confirms that white oak sales have been extremely strong with several large commercial jobs in 2012 and into 2013. “Although set width sales have been good the big sale items have been the 6/4 & 8/4 white oak for joinery and staircases. Blonde species still dominate the market”. While it does possess excellent physical

 White oak flooring. Image copyright and courtesy Freedom Flooring and working properties, it is just one of around twenty commerciallyavailable hardwood species produced in the United States. Species such as red oak, ash, hard maple, cherry and tulipwood are available in large volumes and have excellent properties of their own, lending them to a range of interior applications, such as flooring, joinery and furniture. However, the good news is that a wider recognition of the full range of species seems to be developing in Australia. The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) has been doing its bit to raise awareness of the full range of species and the latest export figures show that the dominance of white oak, although still significant, has dropped

marginally, allowing for increased volumes of ash, red oak and tulipwood in particular. These three species, together with soft maple, also lend themselves very well to the thermal modification process and some of the volume shipped to Australia during the first ten months of last year can be accounted for by thermally-modified or heat-treated lumber. Some Australian distributors of American hardwoods have focused much of their energy in recent years on these products and their recognition in the market as durable alternatives to tropical hardwoods in decking and cladding applications is now being seen. It is anticipated that this will continue to develop in the coming years. Roderick Wiles, AHEC

Director, Oceania says “I believe that American hardwoods have real potential to expand their market share in Australia in the coming years. This is a sentiment echoed by those who import and distribute them on the ground. The range of species on offer, their reliable availability, consistent grade and quality and environmental credentials make them stand out as products with almost endless possibilities. In addition, new technology, such as thermal modification, is also helping non-durable temperate American hardwoods to compete with tropical species in certain applications. Since the legality and sustainability of their sourcing is not in doubt, this has to be another factor in their favour.”

IMPORT

TIMBERMAN, February 2013 – 10

Imports not a significant long term threat for Australian sawn timber producers T

HE AUSTRALIAN sawn timber industry is experiencing a temporary threat from imports as a result of a strong dollar and a global surplus of timber following the Global Financial Crisis, according to leading independent economic forecaster and industry analyst, BIS Shrapnel. In the two years to 2011, imports have increased by 30%. However, imports are not a significant long term threat, as they are still well below the historical levels of 20 years ago. According to BIS Shrapnel’s Sawn Timber in Australia, 2012 to 2026 report, in the last two decades there has been a significant reduction in sawn timber imports, as domestic production capacity has expanded. At the same time, exports have grown rapidly in the past five years. Based on a major survey of builders, other end users and merchants, the report analyses the significant differences in the hardwood and softwood sawn timber sectors. The report found that Australian producers are currently

facing increased pressure from imports at a time when the domestic housing market has been rather sluggish, and when domestic producers have sufficient capacity to supply much of the domestic market. BIS Shrapnel believes that 2013 will continue to present challenges from imports. However, by 2014, international and domestic conditions are expected to be more favourable to producers as the dollar declines. Global demand for timber will also improve in response to a stronger housing market in the US and strong demand in Asian markets. The report projects that the demand for sawn timber in Australia during the next decade will be driven by sharp growth in the building and construction sector. Due to the current undersupply of residential dwellings in Australia, BIS Shrapnel forecasts the residential construction sector, which uses more than 70% of the sawn timber produced locally, will grow particularly strongly during 2014 and 2015.

Average annual domestic demand for sawn timber is forecast to increase from 4.9 million to 5.4 million cubic metres between 2012 and 2015, and rise again in the decade to 2026, from 5.4 million to 5.7 million cubic metres. This is compared to demand in 2011 of only 5.1 million cubic metres. BIS Shrapnel report author and senior manager, Bernie Neufeld, says expected production of sawn timber will not be able to meet demand over the long term. Production of sawn timber will range between 4.5 million and 5.2 million cubic metres. This will not be sufficient to meet the projected demand. “Unless domestic capacity is significantly increased to meet projected demand then imports will likely rise again over the long term,” says Neufeld. “This suggests the Australian industry has the potential to accommodate new mills to service the domestic market and potential export markets. There is a need to expand the plantation resource to allow this to happen.”

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Hardwood During the past three decades the hardwood sector has been subject to constraints arising from community pressures and Government legislation to conserve resources. Structural changes to the industry during the same period has seen smaller companies exit the industry, or absorbed by larger players such as Boral and Gunns. Due to these factors, production and demand for hardwood has declined by almost 50% over the past decade. BIS Shrapnel expects further declines of seven per cent to 12% during the five-year period 2012 to 2016. Exports are expected to decline by 50% and imports to increase marginally. Despite declining demand, local prices are expected to experience upward pressure due to limitations on domestic production and supply, and rising import prices. “We are forecasting that the Australian dollar will remain strong against the US dollar until 2014. This will curtail strong price rises, but beyond 2014 the dollar is projected to decline, which will raise the price of

www.timberbiz.com.au

Bernie Neufeld.

have been or are in the process of being sold to private investors. These long term investments have supported the development of modern, larger-scale

Demand for sawn timber in Australia during the next decade will be driven by sharp growth in the building and construction sector. Due to the current undersupply of residential dwellings in Australia, the residential construction sector, which uses more than 70% of the sawn timber produced locally, will grow particularly strongly during 2014 and 2015.

imported hardwood,” says Neufeld. “Locally produced hardwood will also be under supply pressure due to Government policy and limited availability, which will place upward pressure on prices.”

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 BIS Shrapnel report author and senior manager,

Softwood Major Governmentinitiated softwood plantation programs are starting to pay significant dividends in the Australian sawn timber market. In Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia these plantations

and more technologysavvy saw mill operations that are in a position to be more competitive with imports and in export markets, and to expand capacity as domestic and global markets improve. There is also scope for expanding softwood and hardwood plantations with log qualities capable of producing sawn timber for domestic and export markets. The softwood sector has experienced considerable consolidation during the last five years and further restructuring is likely over

the forecast period. The demand for softwood sawn timber increased by 15% in the last decade. However, production increased by 21%, as consumers shifted from using hardwood to softwood. BIS Shrapnel expects the demand for softwood to continue to increase from 4.2 million cubic metres in 2012 to five million cubic metres by 2026, and production to increase to 4.6 million cubic metres. “There will still be a requirement for imports, and a constraint on exports, unless the plantation resource and industry capacity is increased,” says Neufeld. “Strong demand and limited supply suggest strong price growth.”

LIGNA

11 - February 2013, TIMBERMAN

LIGNA: One investment, multiple benefits L

IGNA 2013 will showcase the next generation of highly flexible, multi-functional wood processing machines. Rising market demand for customized products is confronting wood processors and the skilled trades with unprecedented challenges. Today’s processing solutions have to cope with all kinds of order scenarios, from mass production through to single-lot production. They also have to be able to cater for an increasingly diverse range of materials and products. At the same time, manufacturers have to find new ways of compensating for the productivity losses arising from increasingly customized production. While the emphasis in large-scale serial production environments is on optimizing process flows, SMEs are more focused on flexible processing systems. These types of

companies are looking for innovative solutions that offer a broad range of applications. For SMEs, the key to remaining competitive is the ability to keep up with and respond to ever-changing market trends. More and more manufacturers are also seeking out integrated solutions that can perform the work processes of multiple machines. For these reasons, LIGNA 2013 will be putting the spotlight on the latest generation of flexible, multi-function machines and aggregate technology solutions. German machinery suppliers already have a solid a reputation as providers of high-quality, state-of-the-art multi-functional processing systems. Machines that are capable of sizing, profiling and encasing raw panels in a single pass have been in use in the furniture industry for a number of years. LIGNA 2013

(6-10 May) will be showcasing the next generation of these machines as well as integrated solid wood processing solutions that are designed to cater for the ever-increasing diversity of surface finishes demanded by the market. The latest multifunction machines are now capable of reproducing freely programmable threedimensional structures without the need for expensive upgrade kits. Units like these allow SMEs both to deliver lucrative special orders and mass produce conventional products, quickly and efficiently. Today’s state-of-the-art grinding machines offer all sanding processes in one workstation, from cross and longitudinal sanding through to high-gloss finishes. Ageing effects, which used to require multiple workintensive processing steps, can now be achieved in a single, continuous operation, resulting

Think Light – International conference on lightweight panels LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION is big news at the moment – and not just in the auto and transport industries. In the wood and furniture industries, too, manufacturers are moving towards lightweight yet strong materials and composites in order to meet ever increasing customer expectations in terms of functionality, versatility and design. The “Think Light – International Conference on Lightweight Panels” premiered successfully in 2011 and will be back again at LIGNA 2013 (6-10 May) As the name suggests, it’s an internationally focused speaking event themed around lightweight construction in the furniture and interior finishing industries. The Conference, which is organized by Austrian-based Technical Conference Management, Dr. Kurt Fischer KG (TCM), will feature a series of punchy, to-thepoint addresses by leading lightweight construction experts. And because it’s an integral part of the “lightweight network” special presentation in Hall 17 – right in the heart of LIGNA 2013 – you’re sure to derive maximum benefit from your attendance.

in significant productivity gains and space savings over traditional angular systems. Conventional timber sawing solutions can also expect to face some stiff competition from new technologies at LIGNA 2013. The latest systems combine panel, rip and docking saws in one multifunctional unit. For timber processors, this means major capital investment savings and efficiency gains. Combined sawing-storage solutions are also gaining ground in the industry, not least because of their automatic panel storage and feed systems, which minimize machine idle time. They also minimize scrap and processing waste, reduce labor costs and are able to handle a diverse range of materials and dimensions. Five-axis technology has significantly expanded the areas of application of CNC machining centres. LIGNA 2013 will feature a number of machining centers which represent the next evolutionary stage of this technology: six-axis systems. Here, too, the trend is towards greater flexibility and more compact machines. Adapter aggregates that can do the work of up to five conventional tool assemblies in stair, door and window manufacturing operations are likely to create a major splash at this year’s show. Users of these systems benefit from significantly reduced retooling times and

higher productivity. Modular systems offer an alternative approach to retooling. A number of new-generation horizontal panel saws on display at the fair will feature an additional pusher, enabling multiple simultaneous cutting cycles. Manufacturers of throughfeed drilling machines have also embraced the multitasking production principle. Selected throughfeed drilling machines now feature drilling heads that are fitted with both vertical and horizontal spindles. Multiple-spindle drilling heads significantly boost the productivity of timber window manufacturing operations since they can perform many of the various processing steps required for the application of window fittings, thereby replacing a whole raft of individual angle drilling heads. The idea of combining two processing steps in a single machine can also be found in the latest generation of

vacuum presses. These enable the pre-heating and molding of thermoplastic materials in a single processing step. Even hand-held power tools are following the multi-tasking trend. For instance, LIGNA 2013 will feature multiplaners that can cut, mill and slot a wide range of different materials, including timber, gypsum, and aluminum. For users, the trend towards multifunctional and multiproduct processing systems opens up new opportunities to leverage multiple benefits from a single machine investment. LIGNA 2013, which runs from 6 to 10 May in Hannover, Germany, is a must-see event for anyone wanting to get a comprehensive overview of all the latest market-ready wood processing innovations. The world’s number one meeting place for the wood processing industries and skilled trades will feature exhibits from all the leading technology providers.

TIMBERMAN, February 2013 – 12

CUTTING EDGE

A revolution in processing logs T

HE RAUTIO family first developed what was to become known as the HewSaw almost 50 years ago. The first HewSaw machines were for small log operations, and were known as single pass sawmills available worldwide since the early 1980s. Later machines developed into the well known “Duo” and “Trio” lines, two of which are in operation in the region with a third under construction in Bombala. With more than 400 machines delivered in almost 30 countries, HewSaw is now upgrading the technology package again and bringing its vast experience to the local industry. “The HewSaw R200/R250 can turn low value small logs into high quality stock in just one pass and at lower costs and higher volumes than traditional mills,” says HewSaw regional sales manager Sam Rowe. Unlike many traditional sawmills where logs are turned into cants and boards by means of twin scraggs, carriages or end dogging machines, requiring a number of machine centers and personnel for each, the HewSaw R200/R250 incorporates four chipping heads, a gang saw and edging system in a single machine. There is no need for downstream saw benches, resaws, edgers or chippers as the R200/R250 does it all – with only one operator. “This self-contained sawmill was designed with safety in mind by containing sound, debris and dust within the machine ‑ logs in one end and boards out the other with bi-products well contained for easy conveyance to holding bins. The compact footprint of the machines also offers many advantages as in existing mills, the upgrade to a HewSaw can free up valuable undercover floor space,” he says. Capable of handling logs in lengths from 2.1m to 6.1m, the HewSaw R200/R250 can

 The HewSaw R200 can create a number of product profiles from just one saw cluster, including single or double cants with or without top and bottom boards. Target sizes are determined by the sawmill operator and are infinitely variable.

be designed to run at speeds from 50m/min to 140m/ min (depending on log size and species) and is capable of processing 10 to 25 logs per minute – using only one operator. Depending on the species processed, and the feeding and downstream

volume, product mix and recovery outcomes. 1. Pattern sawing – R200/ R250 A.1 Logs are presorted (size or pattern) and run in batches. Minimal log gap can mean very high productivity. (Currently in operation in Australia)

Utilizing only one operator, this robust “single pass” sawmill solution can process small logs into sawn timber at speeds and costs unheard of in the industry until now. handling capability of the mill, this single operator R200/ R250 can produce from 100 cubic metres to as much as 350 cubic metres and more per shift of cants and boards. As logs are processed by the HewSaw, many options can be utilised to achieve the desired

2. Semi optimising – R200/ R250 1.1 MSA. Where logs are either minimally sorted or not at all and a number of predetermined patterns can be produced on a log-by-log basis through the use of a movable saw arbour,

 The HewSaw R200 can turn low value small logs into high quality timber boards in one pass at low costs and high volumes.

mounted with several predetermined patterns 3. Full optimisation – R200/ R250 1.1 TS. Logs are completely unsorted and highest yields/value recovery is produced form each log to an almost infinite number of sawn size outcomes through the use of telescopic saws. In example 2 and 3 a computerized scanner and optimization software determines an optimal solution for each. With an industry leading interface (between user and system), operators are able to input sawn timber dimensions, wane allowances, product values and recovery sought. (The first of these new scan-and-set, telescopic machines will be installed shortly in Sweden). Armed with these parameters, the optimizer then takes control of the machine and will shift all of its components on the fly – ensuring an optimized result for each and every log – eliminating the impact of operator error. Often, traditional sawmill systems require incoming logs to be cross-cut into shorter lengths to eliminate the affects of curvature and to maximize recovery. The HewSaw is capable of “curve sawing” along the natural curvature of the log, enabling the processing of longer length logs and resulting in longer length boards and cants being produced. The longer length output of the R200/R250 will allow greater recovery options and productivity. However, if required, the HewSaw can also process logs as short as 1200mm. With saw faces on the chipper heads and in the edging tool bodies, the R200/R250 produces cants and boards of superior sawn quality and a size variance guarantee in the

 The HewSaw is capable of “curve sawing” along

the natural curvature of the log, enabling the processing of longer length logs and resulting in longer length boards and cants being produced.

range of s-value 0.3 – 0.5mm. This level of sawing accuracy reduces waste while ensuring maximum yield from logs to cut stock. The dimension of finished products is infinitely variable depending upon user inputs. Using the latest in hydraulic positioning, the R200/R250 can produce single or double cants, with or without wing boards, and with a very high degree of sawing accuracy. Depending upon log diameter and form of the incoming log, the output solution might be two (target sawn sizes) pieces of 75 x 150 cants and two pieces of 25 x 100 boards in one pass! Or perhaps the log size and form only justify a single 150 x 150 cant solution. The R200/R250 seeks to achieve maximum recovery out of each and every log and user feedback indicates that a recovery of 50 – 55% is achievable! The R200/R250 optimizer will make these decisions without the need for human interaction on each and every log.

High quality chips are a biproduct of the process and chip geometry can be controlled to ensure this revenue stream is maximized – depending on local chip requirements. Rowe says that while there are currently some challenges in the market place, the future of the timber industry still looked bright. “Lowering production costs now through HewSaw R200/ R250 technology could prove to be a very viable option to ensure competitiveness in the future. Opportunities to also source smaller, lower cost logs are opened up. For existing sawmills using traditional sawmill equipment, a HewSaw R200/R250 could revolutionize business, allowing the possibility to achieve a competitive advantage through lower unit costs, higher recovery and industry leading timber quality, all with a quick payback. The HewSaw R200/R250 can also suit many operations from 15,000 – 20,000 m3 up to 200,000m3 per year.

TIMBERMAN, February 2013 – 14

CUTTING EDGE

 Visitor magnet - Weinig InTech. More than 1,000 professional visitors came to Tauberbischofsheim.

High-tech for everyone and system solutions with a rapid ROI T

HE 20TH edition of Weinig’s in-house exhibition InTech once again proved to be a magnet for the solid wood sector. Some 1,000 professional visitors came from across the globe to Tauberbischofsheim, where the world market leader in machines and systems for solid wood processing demonstrated the entire value creation chain in solid wood processing over 2,000m2 of space. One of the big surprises was the announcement of a double-end machine. The new machine sees Weinig extend its end profiling product segment. While those interested in this technology will have to wait until Ligna, visitors were able to experience a further innovation live: the Conturex Compact completes the performance spectrum of the profiling centre at the lower end. That hightech applications are now equally profitable for smaller operations as they are for industry was also clearly demonstrated by Weinig in the wood optimization segment. Highlights here included the new EasyScan and production software OptiPal. A new generation of controls with even more user-friendly operation

completed the range of innovations on show at Weinig InTech 2012. The accompanying talks by experts shared a central theme of profitability, evidenced by completed customer installations. Following the talks, the professional visitors had the opportunity to experience the systems presented in action. In doing so, they witnessed a new dimension to the Weinig in-house exhibition. Last year saw more customer installations in production than ever before. From linking individual system components with state-ofthe-art control technology to perfect organization of the machine environment Weinig continued to break new ground, ensuring the company’s unique position in the market. Particular interest was received by the highly developed Weinig planing technologies, which facilitate significant savings in materials and personnel over the course of a year. With freely-programmable 3D profiling on the Powermat 2400, Weinig is also opening up new prospects for customized production. Weinig experts from the cutting segment demonstrated how greater efficiency can be achieved

 New at InTech: the Conturex Compact profiling centre. at less expense. The systems for width optimization and automatic saw blade adjustment met with great response. Besides the new doubleend machine, significant performance gains with finger jointing lines were the main topic of conversation in the end profiling product segment. To that end, the current top version of the HS model with spinfeeder enables the production of up to 220 long parts per

minute. The other end of the substantial Weinig finger jointing technology performance spectrum is marked by a recently completed system for the production of pencils, which even allows incoming lengths of 75mm. Another of the main themes at InTech was window production. Here, Weinig illustrated the almost limitless range of applications of the successful Conturex concept using the

example of ready-to-deliver customer installations. The range extends from toys to the sector of the future, timber house construction. Weinig has a unique selling proposition with CLT production in laying technology. By using Weinig technology, the customer can achieve a wood saving of upon to 25% regardless of the processing volume. CEO Wolfgang Pöschl expressed his confidence that Weinig has set the right

course despite the persisting problems in the international economy. “In a challenging climate, the comprehensive expertise of Weinig for the solid wood processing industry and small businesses is unrivalled,” he said. The results of the 20th Weinig InTech confirmed the fascination with production technology in Weinig quality. Over the three days of the exhibition, 25 machines and systems were sold.

WEINIG WORKS WOOD Machines and systems for solid wood processing in WEINIG quality

S4S and profiling Automation Tool / grinding systems

Ripping / cross cutting Scanner technology Optimization

Your expert www.weinig.com

WEINIG OFFERS MORE

Windows and doors Furniture Surface sections

All innovations for LIGNA in Hall 12. For further information, visit www.weinig.com

Finger-jointing Tenoning Coping

SCANNING

TIMBERMAN, February 2013 – 16

Finding the right tool for manufacturing businesses

Gain more control of your business processes

LAMINATED TIMBER SUPPLIES

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ANUFACTURING HAS undergone enormous changes over the last few years. Without close analysis of business performance in a highly competitive environment, manufacturing businesses run the real risk of completing job after job without understanding where they are losing money and what they can do to fix the problem. So where do you turn? There are a variety of tools available on the market that claim to streamline processes to increase profit, but you need to be certain the solution you choose will be able to manage all of your core business functions. An estimating and factory management solution should include tools to simplify estimating, time tracking, job costing, and scheduling. With these tools, manufacturing businesses can improve the bottom line by managing project costs, generating detailed schedules and tracking employee performance. The premier solutions in this category perform these functions in real time. One solution, TradeSoft™ is distributed throughout Australia and New Zealand by Intermic Group. Michael Rowe, Director, Intermic Group explains the reasons TradeSoft™ customers see their profits rise: “One of the major benefits of TradeSoft™ is the time tracking

function. Being able to see true labour costs, gives a real time picture of which areas of the factory are running to budget, and which ones are costing money. If the job takes longer, TradeSoft™ tells you why and where this occurred. Once you know what’s really going on, you can adjust the job or even the next few jobs if you can see it is becoming a trend. Of course, productivity gains are not just limited to labour hours.” There are significant, measurable savings to be had in inventory, management of job costs, purchasing and scheduling of jobs. With the right software there’s no need to spend hours jostling resources to plan when a job might make it out the door. In fact, creating a schedule shouldn’t take longer than manufacturing the job itself. Your software should also show you actual versus estimated values across the entire job, so you can make informed decisions about process improvement, purchasing policies and investments in new equipment as well. Lastly, be sure to choose a solution that has been developed by industry experts and offers support to get you up and running. Intermic Group has the expertise and resources to support you personally with implementing TradeSoft™. Request an obligation free demonstration today: Contact JP Sproules on +61-2 9531 4666.

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SCANNING

17 - February 2013, TIMBERMAN

New generation scanner uses state-ofthe-art technology to boost productivity T

HE SOUTHERN Cross Engineering Group exclusively represents and markets WoodEye wood scanning machinery throughout Australia and New Zealand. The WoodEye range is designed and manufactured by Swedish-based company Innovativ Vision AB who have carried out research into computerised image processing since the 1970s. The WoodEye range controls and measures timber production, leading to increased output, even quality, cost reduction and an improved yield. It is suitable for both green and dry mill operation and customers also include manufacturers of flooring and parquet, glulam products, windows and floors. With the development of WoodEye 5, a pure scanner system has been replaced by a fully integrated system for timber handling and inspection which features both scanning and electromechanical equipment for infeed and outfeed. This has been consolidated into a single and functional design which offers much more flexibility for inspection and optimisation in the production line. The right quality is the key to optimal timber production and this fifth generation WoodEye scanner ensures timber products of precisely the right quality at high production speeds and with minimal waste.

This combination is simply impossible to achieve through manual inspection. WoodEye 5 scans the four sides and the two end surfaces of the wood, with the end-scanning providing additional information about the distance between annual rings, pith position and knot structure, which can affect the strength and warp of the board. The analysis can be taken even further, as WoodEye 5 also features strength grading as an option. Timber dimensions are:30–340mm width, 4–120mm thickness and length from 500mm upwards. Inspection speeds are:- sorting up to 900m/min and crosscut up to 650m/min. Scanning and classification are determined by “fingertip sensitivity”. WoodEye 5 utilises a Windows 7-based computer system which communicates with the operator via a menubased graphic interface, making the system extremely easy to use. All settings are viewed on a large touch-screen with multitouch functionality, parameters can be adjusted interactively and high-resolution images show how settings may affect measurements and wood classification. WoodEye 5 scans softwood as well as hardwood and measures all types of biological and geometric deviations. The new optical system detects defects in the wood such as light and dark knots, decay,

blue stains, resin pockets and pith, as well as pick-up and wane. Defects are shown graphically, which further help the evaluation process. The WoodEye 5 range of scanners has been in production since late 2011 and, since that time, 25 units have been supplied to the American, European and Scandinavian markets. Countries include the US, UK, Germany, Austria, Italy, Russia, Czechoslovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Sweden, Norway and Finland. Twenty scanners have been installed to date and are in full production. “The SCE Group can supply complete scanning solutions to the Australasian timber industry and is able to provide support on deliveries, installations, commissioning and after-sales service,” said Daniel Coombes, SCE’s Brisbane Technical Sales Representative. SCE and WoodEye will also be attending the LIGNA 2013 Show.

ENGINEERED WOOD

TIMBERMAN, February 2013 – 18

Sport centre project a showcase for CLT C

ROSS-LAMINATED timber (CLT) supplied by Structurlam Products Ltd. is being installed over reclaimed glulam beams to form the new structural wood roof system above a pool in the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre in Brantford, Ontario. The city-owned recreational centre, originally built in the 1970s, is in the midst of a two-phased renovation and expansion. Paul Marcoccia, a senior associate in CS&P, the lead architects, said the project team embraced the elegant and sustainable solution, realizing the benefits on both construction schedule and cost. “The only design challenge associated with CLT is its unfamiliarity,” said Patrick Chouinard, Structurlam’s regional manager for Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada. “There is a tendency by architects and engineers to design with what they know or are familiar with. Apart from that, it’s actually very simple to design with and from a construction perspective, it simplifies and speeds construction time.” A total of 61 CrossLam panels, measuring up to 8 feet wide by 40 feet long, were installed at the sports centre using a mobile crane and framing crew. No special equipment was required. Sarah Hicks, a spokesperson for Ontario Wood WORKS!, which promotes the use of wood and wood products in commercial, institutional and industrial projects, said that even though the product has been used in Europe for years, “here in Ontario it is a new product”. “Ontario practitioners (architects and engineers) are interested in using it and are excited about its potential, but it’s new territory so I suspect there is some natural hesitation there.” While Wood WORKS! can offer seminars and workshops on timber construction and show

examples of CLT use from around the world, Hicks said “nothing compares to the impact that real, local project examples can have”. She said the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre redevelopment will build confidence in massive timber construction and increase awareness of the product and how it can be used. The project is scheduled to be completed early this year. For more than a decade, Ontario Wood WORKS! has been working diligently behind the scenes to advance the use of wood and wood products in commercial, institutional, and industrial construction projects by providing free technical guidance to design-build professionals. How? By connecting practitioners with wood industry suppliers and information, and by delivering presentations and educational opportunities to municipal and building officials, architects, engineers, builders, developers, and students. Ultimately, through educational outreach and technical support, Wood WORKS! seeks to establish a wood “culture,” where wood is recognized as a sustainable and economical building material used for all types of construction. Team members report that the technical wood information Wood WORKS! provides has a direct, positive impact on some projects, leading to wood use in applications where it might not have otherwise been used if the technical question had not been resolved satisfactorily. By answering technical calls and disseminating the information the group has from sources like the CWC and FPInnovations, Wood WORKS is helping practitioners increase not only their comfort and capacity for wood design, but also their consideration of environmental and socio-economic outcomes. And that translates into great news for the

communities and the buildings. In addition to responding to questions and helping resolve wood-related issues through the technical call service, Wood WORKS! also helps Ontario’s design professionals keep current with key developments in the wood industry. Wood WORKS! strives to provide information proactively through regular workshops, seminars, and other educational events, including the annual Wood Solutions Fair and wood design luncheon conferences. For example, when code change proposals were put forward for consideration and review, the group conducted a research study and completed a report on wood solutions in midrise construction. “The valuable thing about this mid-rise information is that it’s useful whether or not there are updates to the building code; though, of course, we hope to see changes implemented,” says Steven Street, a technical director with Wood WORKS!.

“With our current performance-based code, a designer can already go above four storeys in wood. He or she just has to show the design meets or exceeds the objectives of the building code. Given the proven performance characteristics of wood and engineered wood products, this is not especially difficult. But, going through the process of proving equivalency does take more time.” Wood WORKS! believes a prescriptive limit based on a rigid interpretation of combustible versus non-combustible materials can stifle innovation and limits the use of materials that have the ability to meet and exceed code objectives. It doesn’t make sense to unnecessarily limit the use of a sustainable, locally available material that has the potential to reduce construction costs and support the forest products sector – the second largest economic engine in Ontario. A decision on the code change proposals has been deferred pending further review.

App-ropriate way to utilise left-over building materials A NEW App is set to revolutionise the way in which Australian renovators and tradespeople purchase, sell and dispose of unwanted building materials that are often thrown out as rubbish. Whether it be tiles, windows, barbecues or doors, the BuildBITS App provides Australians with quick access to an online marketplace dedicated to the trade of excess, new and used, building products. The App and online marketplace is the brainchild of Western Sydney builder, Neil Turrell, and his wife Leisa, who were tired of seeing reusable building materials being taken off to the tip to the detriment of the environment and

clients, who often had to pay hefty disposal fees. “I think many Australians would be horrified to see the amount of great products that lie around construction sites, homes and supplier yards waiting to be thrown out,” said Neil. “BuildBITS aims to address this inefficiency, help the environment and provide tradespeople and renovators with a dedicated service to buy building materials at low prices or monetise excess items that they may have lying around. “It is actually cheaper for me as a builder to list a pallet of bricks from a job site on BuildBITS for free and give them away, rather than spend $280 to put them in a

skip bin and dispose of them,” he said. Once the App is downloaded, a user simply takes a picture of the surplus products, enters a short description and a desired price – and the product instantly appears for sale in the BuildBITS online marketplace. There are no commissions or fees for sellers and buyers on BuildBITS. BuildBITS has already listed some exceedingly cheap items, including, timber flooring for one dollar per metre and brand new windows for $100 each. Despite the online market having only been live for oneand-a-half months, the company has already attracted some of

the country’s biggest businesses as partners and supporters, such as Century 21, Kennards Hire, CSR, Trend Windows, Actron Airconditioning, Clarendon Homes, Narrellan Pools and Bendigo Bank. The App is unique in that it not only provides access to a dedicated online marketplace for unwanted building products, but it was also designed specifically with builders, project managers and renovators in mind. “Having been in the building industry my whole life I know that renovators and builders are often time-poor and tired, so for the service to be used it had to be quick, simple and easy,” said Neil.

“I believe we have achieved that balance and I hope as word of mouth grows around BuildBITS – eventually the marketplace will grow large enough that there will be noticeably less waste from building sites and more and more projects built entirely from BuildBITS excess materials,” he said. One of the resident builders on A Current Affair and The Block, Brad Trethowan, is the face of BuildBITS and provides commentary on how to use BuildBITS on the company’s website. The Android APP is free to download at www.buildbits. com.au and costs $1.99 to download for the iPhone.

ENGINEERED WOOD

19 - February 2013, TIMBERMAN

Move “engineered” to Glulam Gulf projects gain greater leverage B

ETTER NATIONAL coordination on technical and policy issues for engineered wood products has prompted the board of the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) to become a member of the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) this year. The EWPAA provides an important function for the Australasian engineered wood products industries through market development and technical promotion including standards development and certification of quality standards. Members of EWPAA include manufacturers of plywood, particleboard, medium density fibreboard, laminated veneer lumber and allied industries from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. “Membership of AFPA will provide an important opportunity to better represent the policy interests of the sector nationally through AFPA,” said EWPAA general manager Simon Dorries. “Engineered wood producers share many of the challenges and opportunities affecting the broader forest, wood and paper industries, including rising energy network costs, emissions liabilities under the carbon price mechanism, dumping and lack of incentives for renewable energy from biomass and carbon benefits from wood products such as their substitution of higher emissions materials such as steel and concrete,” he said. AFPA, which was formed in 2011 through the merger of the Australian Plantations Products and Paper Industry Council (A3P) and the National Association of Forest Industries (NAFI), is looking forward to working more formally with the EWPAA in providing a truly national voice and promoting the industry’s vision and policy roadmap into the future. AFPA laid its cards on the table late last year and dealt the decision-makers an eight-card hand that can be a winner … if the game is played fairly! AFPA’s eight-point plan is part of its policy roadmap for development of the industry over the next five years. The eight key points are: 1. Plan for a renewable future. Recognise the environmental and economic value to the Australian community of a vibrant forest products industry and plan for expanded contribution

of the industry to a low carbon economy. 2. Carbon economy and renewable energy. Deliver a better regulatory environment and a new program of direct action for the commercialisation of carbon sequestration in forests and forest products through payments for carbon storage and greater use of biomass for renewable energy. 3. Building resource security. Stimulate capital investment for new softwood and hardwood plantations and support the Regional Forest Agreements to provide long term wood supply from sustainably managed forests. 4. Competitive energy networks. Deliver competitive and efficient (low cost) energy networks for wood and paper manufacturing users, including affordable gas and associated gas infrastructure. 5. Improving market access. Deliver fast and effective anti-dumping action, support certification, address illegally sourced imports of wood and paper products and recognise the environmental advantages of wood through building codes and energy rating schemes.

 EWPAA general

manager Simon Dorries.

6. Public communications. Promote the benefits of sustainable forest management and recognise the renewability of products derived from wood through public communications activities. 7. Investment environment. Facilitate investment comparable to other countries, by reducing sovereign risk, transparent planning processes and incentives for investment. 8. Infrastructure and R&D. Develop better infrastructure promote skills and resume funding of R&D in sustainable forest industries.

HAVING COMPLETED several projects in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - such as the extension to King Khaled Airport, and a 35,000m2 storage building for ADNOC - the family enterprise of Mathis SA, the European leader in Glulam Timber construction, continues to expand its services in the Middle East. After two years of marketing in Qatar, Mathis has seen its efforts rewarded having secured the glulam elements of a project in the military parade zone of the new International Airport at Doha. The 80m x 20m structure, a mixture of timber / steel elements and a fabric covering, was the obvious and natural choice because of technical, aesthetic, and ecological reasons. Having made several submissions and proposals, and participated in many technical meetings, this French company was awarded the contract. “Our philosophy is simple: we aid and assist the architects to realize their projects with our timber structures,” said Alan Dolléans, International Project Manager. Mathis provides all the structural calculations and drawings, carries out the fabrication of the structure, arranges the transportation from the factory to the site, and monitors the erection of the frame. The timber elements were shipped by sea, and then delivered to site by lorries. The structure was erected in one

week without any difficulty. The contractor responsible for the erection, experienced in erecting steel structures, and was pleasantly surprised by the ease of installing the 23m long beams. “Our trump card is to integrate the engineering design with the digitally controlled CNC fabrication machinery so that when the elements arrive on site they can rapidly and accurately be assembled in record time.” Having completed this initial project in Qatar, Mathis has successfully shown that it is possible to provide alternative forms of construction in timber in the region. Mathis is currently in the process of studying drawings for other large scale projects in the Gulf.

Call Norm Nelsen on (03) 9888 4820

to advertise in the Australian Timberman

FOR SALE!!

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EDUCATION/TRAINING

TIMBERMAN, February 2013 – 20

Degrees and certificates are more popular N

EARLY 60% of Australians now have a non-school qualification such as a degree or certificate, a report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows. ABS Director of the National Centre for Education and Training Statistics, Andrew Webster, said that since 2001 the number of people with nonschool qualifications such as degrees or certificates has increased by 12 percentage points. “The survey showed that the proportion of people with a Bachelor degree or

above increased to 25% in 2012, up from 17% in 2001,” Webster said. “Postgraduate degrees have seen the largest increase, with the numbers almost tripling from 280,000 in 2001 to more than 750,000 in 2012. “We found that slightly more men than women had a non-school qualification in 2012, with 4.4 million men compared to 4.3 million women. “Certificate III or IV was more popular with men, with 22% of all men having one of these qualifications compared to 13% of women.

“However, women edged out men when it came to Bachelor degrees and higher qualifications, with 27% of women compared to 24% of men. “The most common field of education reported for all people was management and commerce, at 24%, followed by engineering and related technologies at 16%. “Around 2.8 million Australians or around 19% were enrolled in study for a qualification in 2012, with two-thirds of students studying full time. “Forty-one per cent of students were aged between

15 and 19 years, and more students were women than men, with 53% compared to 47%. “Of those enrolled, 43% were studying for a Bachelor degree and the most common field of study was

management and commerce. “Women outnumber men more than two to one in the fields of society and culture (271,300 women to 121,900 men) and health (176,200 to 73,300), but men lead in apprenticeships. Out of

the 220,000 apprentices or trainees, the majority, 77%, were men. “The highest number of apprentices and trainees, nearly 70,000 of them, worked in the construction industry.”

various State Governments and consortiums including: • NSW’s 2012 Budget and its “robust support” for residential construction and local infrastructure; • South Australia’s investment reports into the residential construction industry. • Various Victorian Government and private consortium construction reports. • the Queensland Government’s 2012 budget modelling • and many more They all predict increased activity in construction in every state of Australia within the next two years. For the timber industry this means more constructors using your materials, more frames and trusses, more temporary and permanent formwork, more demand and more sales. In turn new homes need new furniture, windows and other products increasing the demand for Australian furniture and other manufacturing and again creating more demand for timber products. With future forecasts for increased construction activity from 2013 there is a need for continued up-skilling to meet future demand requirements and to invest in timber industry worker productivity and capacity that will be vital to maximising the yield of a cyclical rebound. The National Workforce Development Fund (NWDF) is an Australian Government program that helps businesses identify and address their current

and future workforce development needs. The NWDF forms part of the Australian Government Skills Connect initiative designed to link industry to funding for whole of workforce planning and development. Funds have been made available through the Industry Skills Council ForestWorks for the timber industry as a priority area for workforce development. TABMA would like to encourage you to consider participating in this National Workforce Development (NWDF) opportunity. The program aims to help businesses lift their productivity by providing new and existing workers with the opportunity to increase their skills through formal training and obtain nationally recognised qualifications. TABMA will work with enterprises to identify their training needs, develop a funding application, select a Registered Training Organisation and monitor the implementation of successful projects. Some key features of the fund include: Applications will be accepted from enterprises, professional associations, industry bodies, employment service providers and other lead agencies representing a consortia of enterprises; Applications must be supported by an RTO; Industry co-contribution to training is required – participating organisations will co-contribute to the cost of training depending on

the size of the organisation (66% co-contribution for large organisations, 50% co-contribution for medium organisations and 33% co-contribution for small organisations); Training undertaken through the fund must be for nationally endorsed qualifications or Training Package Skill Sets linked to license or regulatory requirements; There are a variety of Eligible qualifications from within the timber training package; Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC) assessment must be offered to each participant in the program; There is no ceiling for the cost of a project or the cost per participant. Value for money is one of the criteria used to assess applications. The NWDF is already funding training for more than 52,000 Australians and in total, 160,000 Australians across all industries will benefit. More than 60% of projects involve small business. So far less than 500 people in the timber industry have commenced training. The NWDF could give you a cost-effective solution and show you how to improve costs, production and prepare for the coming boom in the residential construction market. For an obligation free discussion on how TABMA can assist you to access this funding please call Steve Cunningham on 02 9277 3100.

Tapping into the coming housing boom By Steve Cunningham TABMA National Training and Development Manager SOME PEOPLE falsely believe that the economic future of Australia solely depends on the mining sector. Other more seasoned people know that the

economy is cyclical and the facts are that the residential construction industry has been depressed for a number of years. So, the question should not be is the mining boom over or not? …it should be when will the residential construction boom start? From the most

conservative of political and economic commentators to the most progressive, most are forecasting a boom within the construction industry, particularly the residential construction industry within the next two years. This has been backed up by

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EDUCATION/TRAINING

21 - February 2013, TIMBERMAN

Achieve More Workshops really help you achieve more! A

SERIES of Achieve More Workshops is being hosted by HewSaw Pty Ltd and its Single Source Alliance Partners in February 2013. The Single Source Alliance has been established from among a select group of machinery, equipment, services and technology suppliers to help meet the challenges facing the industry and the recognised desire for an efficient system solution from a group of professional partners, each recognised experts in their respective fields and experienced at working together to achieve more.

“Hence, HewSaw has instigated a series of one-day “Achieve More” Workshops to be conducted in several major centres,” said Sam Rowe, regional sales manager for HewSaw. Sam said that by hosting the Achieve More Workshops, the aim was to provide industry with an opportunity to gain an insight into the latest technology developments from Scandinavia, and with partners from Canada and New Zealand, will be presenting some international case studies of challenges met, solutions designed and projects delivered with

the assistance and knowhow of the Single Source Alliance. “Take this opportunity to explore the competitive edge available from these expert alliance partners. At each Achieve More Workshop there will be time allocated to facilitate one-on-one meetings with any of the alliance partners if you have a particular interest you would like to explore further.” The specialist workshops will be held: • 12 February, Melbourne • 14 February, Brisbane • 19 February, Rotorua • 21 February, Nelson The format for the workshops is: • 09:30 – 10:00 Registration and Morning Tea • 10:00 – 10:10 Meeting Welcome and introductions [HewSaw Pty Ltd Sam Rowe, Regional Sales Manager] • 10:15 – 10:45 Log yard logistics, log feeding and residue management [Nordautomation Oy, Keijo Lamminen, Sales Director] • 10:50 – 11:20 Debarking technology and case study. [Valon Kone Oy, Teemu Tynkkynen, Sales & Marketing Director] • 11:25 – 12:05 Scanning for log sort and sawmill best open face [Prologic+ Stéphane Morin, President] • Lunch in HewSaw Pavilion • 13:00 – 13:10 Summary to date [HewSaw Pty Ltd, Sam Rowe] • 13:10 – 13:40 Linear Sawmilling and latest developments [Veisto Oy Kenneth Westermark, Senior Sales Executive] • 13:45 – 14:15 Managing

the flood. Board handling, trimming and stacking [Kit-Sell Oy Jukka Pakarinen, Managing Director] • 14:15 – 14:45 The Automation process – putting it all together [Tui

Technology Tony DaviesColley, Entrepreneur] Coffee Break • 1 5:00 – 16:00 Special Guest Speaker & Case Study TBC • 16:00 – 16:30 Refreshments and canapés

• 16:30 – 17:50 B2B “Discovery Sessions” Held in separate areas • 17:50 – 18:00 Summary of Day and WRC Prize. [Veisto Oy, Kenneth Westermark] • 19:00 Dinner at Local Venue

Timber Training

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– An investment in the future For 2013 Course Programs Phone Felicity or Anne 03 5345 2018 fax 03 5345 1198 www.timbertrainingcreswick.com.au

TIMBERMAN, February 2013 – 22

WOOD EXPO

WoodEXPO 2013 focus to improve local processing efficiencies E

X H I B I T O R S CONTINUE to sign up for the largest gathering of wood processing and manufacturing expertise yet seen in Australia and New Zealand, WoodEXPO 2013. Already, major technology suppliers from New Zealand, Canada,

 Warren Bird, CEO,

of the US Company California Saw & Knife Works.

the US and Europe have committed to this region’s main wood technology event for 2013. Run between 3-13 September this year, consecutive EXPO’s are being held in both countries to demonstrate the very latest tools and technologies that can improve the efficiencies of local wood processors. In addition to two days of interactive displays, a major one day conference is being planned looking at the international competitiveness of the local industry. In line with the practical focus that’s been such a successful feature of Forest Industry Engineering Association (FIEA) events, a comprehensive series of eight two-hour “hands-on” workshops are also being designed for site managers and production staff. USNR’s Joe Shields, who made such an impact at the FIEA SawTECH series in 2011, will be involved in the sawing WoodEXPO 2013 workshops. With over

40 years’ experience in troubleshooting electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems, Joe has specialised in edgers, gangsaws, band-mills, planers and chipper systems. He’s been instrumental in the development of industry tools to troubleshoot the proper in-mill application of saws and chippers. Alignments and system diagnostics has become his main focus for service trips around the world and will be the focus of presentations and discussions with local industry at WoodEXPO 2013. Warren Bird, CEO, of the US Company California Saw & Knife Works is also going to be involved in the sawing workshops. Warren, who has been a regular visitor to both countries, has devoted his entire professional career to the design and manufacture of thin, high performance cutting tools. Warren will be using a series of recent case studies from both Australasia and the US on changing saw design

within current machine centres to improve sawing performance and productivity. Wood scanning has already attracted presentations from North American technology suppliers on advances and opportunities for vision optimisation within the green and dry mill and “today’s optimisation on yesterday’s primary breakdown equipment”. For wood panel and engineered wood products companies, presentations have already been offered on veneer dryer optimisation. In wood machining, the practical focus is being continued with presentations being given on improving and troubleshooting high speed planer operations by Dennis Miller, President of A&M Manufacturing, USA. Formerly with Coastal Machinery and COE Manufacturing, Dennis has worked for over 25 years with mills in the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia troubleshooting

and providing tools and solutions to increase efficiency and throughput in planer mill operations. “The pace of economic and building activity is expected to pick up in both countries this year so WoodEXPO 2013 is welltimed for both exhibitors and those attending,” says Forest Industry Engineering Association Director, Brent Apthorp. “The objective is for the first time to provide local companies the opportunity to speak directly to a wide cross section of leading global suppliers of sawmilling, wood manufacturing, panel production and wood finishing technologies.” For local and international exhibitors, they’ll be able to get exposure to all of the major wood processing and manufacturing companies and set up client visits – all within a short two-week window. “This concept is unique, it fits perfectly into the global calendar of wood working shows

 USNR’s Joe Shields. and of course builds on the 20 years of experience that FIEA has in running independent technology events in both countries,” says Brent. Further details on the EXPO, conference and practical workshops will be provided in future issues and more information on the September 2013 event can be found on the updated website, www. woodexpo2013.com You also have the opportunity of signing up to regular updates on the programme and planning around the September series using the event website.

Detached homes drive lift in new home sales N

EW HOME sales posted a second c on s e cut ive monthly improvement in November 2012 driven by an encouraging lift in sales of detached houses, said the Housing Industry Association, the voice of Australia’s residential building industry. The HIA New Home Sales report, a survey of Australia’s largest volume

builders, showed a 4.7% lift in new home sales in November 2012. This result was underpinned by an increase of 7.7% in sales of detached houses following a run of five consecutive monthly declines. Multi-unit sales declined by 6.9% after a spike in October. “Against the back drop of late 2012 when we had lower borrowing rates combining with a number

of states encouraging new home building through amendments to first home buyer assistance, it is promising to see new home sales moving in the right direction,” said HIA Economist, Geordan Murray. “The positive result in November was driven by the detached house segment of the market which experienced a trend decline

in sales throughout most of 2012. This result should provide some welcome respite,” said Geordan. “While the increase in the month of November is encouraging, new home sales remain at quite low levels. If we consider the three months to November, the volume of sales is 15.7 % lower than in the same period in 2011. This overall profile shows that we have

a long way to go before we could consider sales volumes to be at satisfactory levels,” he added. “The importance of a broad based rejuvenation of new home building to maintaining the health of the overall Australian economy has been widely acknowledged, but at this stage, new home sales sits among a host of indicators that are yet to provide

conclusive evidence that we are on track to achieve this,” said Geordan. In November, the number of seasonally adjusted new detached house sales increased by 15.8% in New South Wales, 15.6% in Victoria and 6.7% in South Australia. Detached house sales were only just down by 0.1% in Queensland and declined by 6.8% in Western Australia.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

TIMBERMAN Classifieds

Passion is a strong driving force

To advertise in the Timberman Classifieds call Norm Nelsen on: (03) 9888 4820

RIC SIEGERS, the new executive officer of the Timber Merchants Association, believes member involvement and a solid plan to gain customer advocacy will help the association ensure its crucial role in Australia. “Passion,” he says, “helps create results, and results are the driver, especially in an industry that is currently undergoing major change. “I truly believe in timber as the most sustainable, most environmental material known to man. In this case I truly believe nature did it best. The whole of the tree can be used and we are learning how to do it better,” he adds. “My passion was ignited as the executive director at TPC so it is logical to me that timber is so diverse in application that it touches our lives in so many positive ways that it is easy to become blind to its involvement and our connection. “There is a huge list of challenges facing the industry but, from the view of the TMA, it’s about putting the customer first, about gaining and building customer advocacy, about

23 - February 2013, TIMBERMAN

SAWMILLING EQUIPMENT FOR SALE COOPERS SCRAGG MILL • End dogging • Twin 56 inch saws • Log infeed deck • Air conditioned operators cab • Fully reconditioned in 2009 • High production machine $195,000+GST MEADOWS HERCULES 8” MULTISAW/EDGER • Single arbour multisaw • Capable of cutting 200mm blocks • Two movable saws for edging or can be fixed • Spare saws $20,000+GST SOLAR SLIP KILNS • 1x 40m3 • 2x 20m3 • Larger one is gas assisted • Can all be packed into one 20ft ships container $40,000+GST

 The Bowens winning team. engaging all our members,” he says. One of Eric’s first out-ofthe-office engagements with members came at the annual Timber Industry Golf Day, run by Melbourne 217 Hoo Hoo Club in conjunction with the Timber Merchants Association, at Kingston Heath Victoria. The weather delivered a true Melbournian welcome with sunshine one minute, rain, hail and freezing

winds the next, but it didn’t stop the ardent golfers from discussing their knee injuries to showing how great a swing they could deliver. A great day with the Bowens team led by John Bowen taking the cup and John Holland winning the raffle with a great prize of a golf set and buggy. Special thanks to Martin Pretty for his tireless effort to coordinate another fantastic event for so many people.

Will sell together or separately. Also enquiries welcome on complete sawmilling business with FPQ log supply agreement. Enquiries to: Annie 0427 665 161 or Jed 0427 687 359

 Eric Siegers.

FOR SALE Spare parts for Grey Benches. Good stocks of genuine parts. Catalogue available. Contact Ron Grey Mob: 0414 657 393 Fax: 02 4988 6748

FOR SALE

 The experts showing their skills.

Optimistic view for 2013 By Doug Howick National Secretary Timber Preservers Association Australia AS WE concluded what most of our readers would agree can best be described as “a difficult year”, there is a degree of optimism that we shall see an improvement in 2013. Certainly, TPAA’s efforts will continue to be directed towards conveying to the market channel for treated timber, the

importance of selecting treated timber products which are fit for end-use purpose. In addition to the association’s initiatives, it is important that our Treater Members keep informing the major group timber merchants as well as wholesale, trade and retail timber merchants about the importance of stocking and selling treated timber products that comply with TPAA’s treatment process guidelines.

 John Holland receiving the award from Martin Pretty.

Band Re-saws: Robinson 48" and 54", Wadkin RR 1000, Holytek HB800. From $8,000.00+GST Dust Extraction: 50hp motor, 800 diameter inlet, complete with filter unit & ducting. $30,000.00+GST Moulders: 4, 5 & 6 head up to 300 wide, Weinig, Wadkin, SCM, Ledamac. From $15,000.00+GST Edgers/Multirip: Gibson, SCM, Sicar. From $11,000.00+GST Picket shaping machine: Semi-automatic. $3,500.00+GST Docking Saws: Spida, underbench and chalk line docker. From $1,800+GST Contact: Jim Wills Ph: 02 9907 3699 Mobile: 0418 646 440 Email: jim@sawmillservices.com, www.sawmillservices.com

The cornerstone project The future starts soon!

www.thecornerstoneproject.com Head Office · 155 Burnside Rd · Stapylton · QLD 4207 · +61 (0)7 3297 3250 · www.multinail.com.au · enquiry@multinail.com