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July 2013

Walking on wood

• Timber goes back to work • Wood-dowel welding • WoodEXPO ups ante

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NEWS

3 - July 2013, TIMBERMAN

The times and FRAME are a changing It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory – W. Edwards Deming.

N

OW MR Deming may not be as popular to quote as Oscar Wilde and nowhere near as famous but he made a good point, one that Kevin Ezard, conference director for FRAME Australia, obviously took to heart. In looking at the forthcoming FRAME event in 2014 Ezard decided that change was necessary for survival because there have been quite a few new developments in the way the conference will be presented. Not the least of which is a change of name from FRAME Australia to Prefab Timber and Engineered Wood in Building Construction.

The new moniker is certainly a mouthful and perhaps it would not be fashionable with advertising agency types who would find it long and difficult to remember but it does spell out exactly what the conference is about and to whom it caters.

“I made a mistake last time of just calling it FRAME and a lot of people didn’t know what the hell that was,” said Ezard.

“A lot of feedback was well what is FRAME? So I think the lack of a really cohesive title was a barrier to people who didn’t know what FRAME was.

“Prefab Timber and Engineered Wood in Building Construction summarises what we’re talking about and that theme will be dominant in all the communication we have about the event.”

The event is scheduled for May 19 and 20 next year, exactly a year to the day of the launch of the new name and format and at the same location for the conference the Park Hyatt in Melbourne.

“The first event was in 1998… so now we’re in our 16th year so time flies,” said Ezard. “So I had to ask myself the question in preparing the sponsorship proposal, what is frame all about? We’ve never actually done that before so I thought it would be useful to put down a few points.

“It’s the only national event for the complete supply chain of timber, structural timber, engineered wood product and pre fabricated frames to the detached housing and multi-residential building market.

“The other thing is it embraces the key industry sectors that are involved. So that we’ve got right through from manufacturing, importing, distribution, fabrication through to building design specification and construction and that’s

the new part that we’re merging into now.”

FRAME is also a forum for communication for the industry as it picks up on developments, trends for timber and wood products and offers an opportunity for suppliers to have access to markets.

Defining the market is critical to how the event is presented, according to Ezard.

“Firstly, building design and construction has been a part of FRAME but it is getting to be more, and if I define it, it is the builders of detached housing and other residential dwellings … the common names like the Jennings and so on,” he said.

“But importantly design and construct builders of residential and commercial projects, now that market is becoming more interested in timber and wood.

“The key thing is design and construct, the guys who design their own developments they can choose to use timber and wood … finally the design professionals that support that, they’re important and they’ve got an interest in learning more about it and one of the barriers they have is not enough information.”

n Kevin Ezard, conference director for FRAME Australia launches the new format.

by tightening the timeframe and that money more than pays for the tightening costs.

So there is a definite interest there and our industry can provide that.

“Also multi-residential builders are showing more interest and that can be because of site constraints or higher density developments or even indeed commercial/ residential - timber offers a solution.”

one that is just as important as the name change to the event – flexible registration.

“I’m expecting increased attendance because of our flexible registration and lower cost to attend,” said Ezard.

“Now the world’s changing pretty quickly as we all know, but I think these days choice is primary. I think the days have gone where I could expect a whole lot

“By sector in 2012 prefabrication was 51% I think that will fall away to 45% would be my estimate,” he said. “There would have to be a big change in the market to see them coming so I’m a bit pessimistic there.

“Timber supply is about the same (30%), building construction will increase to 15% is my minimum but I’m hoping for more.”

“So I had to ask myself the question in preparing the sponsorship proposal, what is frame all about?”

Ezard said the other sector is the timber supply chain, the producers and suppliers of structural timber, the importers and distributors of engineered wood products, trade suppliers of structural timber and materials.

The third group is prefabrication, the frames and trusses, connectors and the software and equipment.

That’s how he came to give the conference such a long name but especially while it is trying to gather these groups together it is important to be all-inclusive in the title.

Being all-inclusive is not enough though to get people to attend.

“In looking at the first category there is definitely a growing interest for that building market in prefab … that’s not just timber prefabrication its total prefabrication none the less we are part of that movement,” said Ezard.

“The other area is fast onsite construction. The time onsite is a critical factor to cost and as Australand said here at the conference last year they save money

Ezard prefaced his comments on the housing market by saying ‘I’m a glass half full person’ and according to him the housing market is showing signs of improvement.

“The multi-dwellings has always been the sleeper for me, the houses have flattened out but multi-units have been kicking up by comparison.

An increased market in engineered wood products, that industry has seen some activity recently that is heartening,” he said.

“Prefab - that’s been the largest sector attending the event over the years, that’s been the largest group of people. The housing downturn certainly affected a lot of fabricators, numbers are down so what we are expecting is that those guys are not going to be out of the woods but what we’ve done is to come up with some ideas to make it easier for them to attend.”

Flexible registration options That brings the next change in the format to the table, and

of people to commit to two days to come to a FRAME conference, two days is an awful lot of time.

“Builders certainly wouldn’t so we’ve got to rearrange the program so it is friendly to their needs and meets their needs. What we are now doing for 2014 is they can register for one session, two sessions, three or all four sessions … I think that will allow us to be much more attractive because it will save time and reduce costs.”

Ezard believes that this change will increase the number of delegates. The main registration fees will remain the same however, there is the option to choose how many sessions to attend and which ones.

Three sessions is $495, two sessions is $395 and one session is $295 and includes lunch as well.

In 2012 the final attendance figure was 320 people with this change Ezard expects 350 plus, maybe even 400 but that depends on the climate and how things are in a year’s time but it is not out of the question.

With the speakers program each session will start off with an international view followed by a couple of speakers who will talk about the local view. Then some time will be spent in discussion forums with speakers and panel members.

In terms of the content, the first session will be updates as there’s so much happening.

It’s a session talking about markets, timber products, engineered wood, fabrication and panelisation – a catch-all type of session and there’s plenty of material to give people a broad perspective of what’s going on.

In the afternoon is building and the catch there is to talk about prefabrication and panelisation in the market and to cover CLTs - all the wood products that are emerging.

On the Tuesday the first session is on data and in the afternoon it’s manufacturing.

Promotions and sponsorships As we have all come to understand a website is a very important thing, what is

not understood often enough is the importance of updating and upgrading website design, content and function.

Ezard does understand.

“It’s very important in terms of getting people to know about it (the conference). The number of hits we got last time was extraordinary and we got to the top of the Google table without doing anything so that was good,” he said.

“This new website is very much what they call a responsive website. What happens is in this new age of people having iPads and iPhones, Androids and so on, people aren’t sitting at a screen.”

Having recognized the proliferation of iPads and iPhones in the construction market Ezard has had his website designers construct a site that squeezes to fit the appropriate screen size whether that’s an iPad or iPhone.

This technology is user friendly particularly for the building industry because they all work off iPads.

“We’ve got an editorial program that we will be developing and I think that we had a lot of success with …

Timberman magazines… and they were fantastic. All that information comes from the sponsors … so by being a sponsor you get to contribute to those articles,” explained Ezard.

“That’s a very important part because you’re taking the event outside the confines of this location and taking it to the market through the media.

“That brings us to the important subject of sponsorship.

The first thing is what’s in it for the sponsors?

Continued page 4

NEWS

TIMBERMAN, July 2013 – 4

Reaction testing frame raises bar for safety and reliability of EWPs A

REACTION testing frame recently commissioned by EWPAA has again raised the bar for structural engineered wood products that meet Australian and NZ standards for safety and reliability.

The testing frame, which assesses the racking capacity of thin panel bracing walls and systems such as plywood and MDF, has been installed at the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia’s laboratories on the Gold Coast.

Pictured monitoring the performance of some of the first product placed in the frame are, from left, Mick McDowell who helped develop the original plywood bracing systems within the AS1684.2 residential timber-framed construction standard and

who has devoted more than 40 years’ technical service to the plywood industry, Josh Zervos, EWPAA technical officer, and Simon Dorries, EWPAA general manager.

“The reaction frame will be a big boost to developing new products, optimising systems and making the bracing market – worth about $30 million in Australia – a more cost-effective segment of the engineered wood sector,” Mr Dorries said.

“This blends well with our EWPAA third party audited JAS-ANZ accredited product certification scheme that fully complies with AS/NZS 2269.0 (plywoodstructural).”

Permanent bracing enables the roof, wall and floor framework to resist horizontal wind forces (racking forces) applied to

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Postal Address: 630 Regency Road, Broadview, South Australia 5083 Phone: (08) 8369 9555 Fax: (08) 8369 9501 Advertising: Norm Nelsen n.nelsen@ryanmediapl.com.au Melbourne: (03) 9888 4820 Nicole Evans n.evans@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide: (08) 8369 9515 Timber classified: n.nelsen@ryanmediapl.com.au Melbourne: (03) 9888 4820 Editorial: John Hudswell j.hudswell@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide: (08) 8369 9500 Out of office VOIP (08) 7127 6370 Subscriptions:

s ubs@forestsandtimber.com.au Adelaide: (08) 8369 9522 Accounts: Adelaide: (08) 8369 9555 General Manager: Elizabeth Bouzoudis 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 & New Zealand Timberman is delivered with Australian Forests & Timber News, which is a member of Circulation Audit Bureau (CAB).

the building. Connections help transfer these forces through the framework and sub-floor structure to a building’s foundation.

EWPAA structural plywood bracing systems provide a safe and reliable means of permanent bracing that is easy to install and very cost effective.

The EWPAA structural plywood wall bracing design manual can be down loaded from the EWPAA web site: www.ewp.asn.au

n From left, Mick McDowell, Josh Zervos, EWPAA technical officer, and Simon Dorries, EWPAA general manager.

Prestigious award to industry stalwart VICTORIAN BUILDER Keith Robinson has been awarded the Housing Industry Association (HIA) Sir Phillip Lynch Award of Excellence for 2013.

Robinson, Melbourne born and bred, joined his brother and father in the family’s joinery business, Caricon and Robinson Pty Ltd, in 1948. In the early 1950s the company joined the newly-formed Builders and Allied Trades Association (BATA), which was later to become HIA. After the business timber factory premises were destroyed by fire in 1972 Keith decided to start C&R Homes with his brother. C&R Homes later became Civic Constructions Pty Ltd and quickly gained a reputation as a quality home builder winning many awards for housing designs.

Keith is considered a founding father of HIA and served as State President for Victoria between 1982 and 1983 and was elected as National President of HIA in 1993. He was awarded life membership of HIA in 1989.

He was the inaugural Chairman of the HIA Foundation and a representative of HIA on the Shelter for the Homeless Fund – later known as the Victorian Homeless Fund (VHF).

He is still actively involved in the VHF Committee and takes a keen interest in the projects that they undertake such as renovating existing housing for emergency accommodation, building women’s shelters and providing housing for the homeless.

For more than 60 years Keith has devoted himself to the housing industry and the homeless.

Sir Phillip Lynch was an eminent politician who held the Federal seat of Flinders and various ministerial appointments including Minister for Industry & Commerce and Treasurer in the Fraser Government.

Sir Phillip was a champion for the home building industry and to acknowledge this contribution, HIA inaugurated the Sir Phillip Lynch Award in 1981.

The HIA has honoured industry legend Harry Triguboff AO with the conferring of Life Membership.

He is the Managing Director of Meriton Apartments and has been one of Australia’s most prominent builders over the past 30 years.

Since the construction of the first block of units in 1963, he has become one of Australia’s most successful property developers, turning Meriton Apartments into Australia’s largest homebuilder.

Triguboff has been responsible for the construction of over 50,000 dwellings over the past 50 years and has become synonymous with residential apartment building in Australia.

During that time Triguboff has won numerous awards for his contributions to the building, construction and housing industry, including being made an Australian Member of the Office of the Order of Australia in 1990. He was awarded the Sir Phillip Lynch Award of Excellence by HIA in 1996 for his outstanding contribution to the building industry.

The times and FRAME are a changing

From page 3

It is a national event for the consumers of structural and engineered product, there’s no other opportunity for those people to be in the one spot.

“The editorial coverage – we love to get sponsors involved in that and also the event. The benefits are direct access, getting the message across plus building a brand, personal contact. “ Here again Ezard put his thinking cap on and realized a niche for a new type of exhibitor.

At past events exhibitors have had sponsor booths as part of their sponsorship arrangements but at the next event there will also be an

option for those who want to spend less.

“The layout will be a little bit different. The sponsor booths will be in the same area - the ballroom foyer - but we’ve devoted the Fairmont room to exhibitor displays these will be a poster display with a table, very basic,” he said.

“I was conscious last time that a lot of people just couldn’t bring themselves to the cost (of sponsorship) but by introducing a new section of the event at a lower rate I believe that it gives people the opportunity to have some presence.

“In addition because we’ve got the sessions all isolated then that creates an

opportunity for sponsorship, you can take some possession of that section.

“I haven’t had any branding of that before but now’s the time to do that with the way that it is structured especially with people able to register for a session it makes sense to have somebody being involved with that.”

Information about sponsorship costs and availability is on the website www.frameaustralia.com.au or by calling the FRAME Australia office on 03 9537 3800. A detailed sponsorship proposal is available in hard copy and also electronically and Ezard aims to complete sponsorships by November 2013.

n Front Cover: Prefab flooring system is more than just a technical solution ... it’s the catalyst for industry participation. Read more on page 8.

5 - July 2013, TIMBERMAN

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.

12-14 June 2013 17th International Symposium On Wood, Fibre and Pulping Chemistry (ISWFPC), Vancouver, Canada. www.paptac.ca 13-16 June 2013 Wood Tech India. International trade fair for wood and wood-processing industry.

Mumbai. www.woodtechindia.in

23 July 2013 FTMA Australia National Conference 2013.

QT Gold Coast venue. FTMA activities 22 July. Multinail Machinery Expo 24 July.

Kersten@ftmaaustralia.com.au 24-27 July AWFS Las Vegas, Nevada. International trade fair for woodworking and furniture manufacturing. www.awfsfair.org 26-28 July 2013 Timber & Working With Wood, Sydney.

Sydney Showground. http://www.iexh.com.au 4-7 August 2013 21st International Wood Machining Seminar (IWMS-21). Tsukuba, Japan http://www.ffpri.affrc.go.jp/en/symposium/ iwms21/ 7-8 August MobileTECH 2013 Wellington, New Zealand. www.mobiletechevents.com 30 August – 1 September 2013 Timber & Working With Wood, Canberra.

Exhibition Park. http://www.iexh.com.au 3-5 September 2013 WoodEXPO, Albury. www.wood-expo.com 6 September 2013 Annual assembly of Eumabois, the European federation that gathers 14 national associations of woodworking technology, tools and accessories manufacturers, Jyväskylä, where the meeting will be hosted by the Finnish association. http://www.woodandpanel.com

25-28 September 2013 VietnamWOOD. Saigon Exhibition & Convention Centre (SECC). Drying equipment, joinery equipment, joinery and moulded products, equipment and instruments for furniture industry, abrasive and cutting instruments, equipment and wood waste treating devices, machinery and equipment for primary wood treatment,.www.biztradeshows. com/trade-events/vietnam-wood 11 October 2013 Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) AGM and Research Forum 8:30-10:30am, Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour Hotel, Sydney. Enquiries to Ric Sinclair, FWPA 03 9927 3200 or ric.sinclair@fwpa.com.au 11 October 2013 Building stronger value chains - Australian Timber Industry Seminar 2013 10.30 am5:00 pm, Novotel Rockford Darling Harbour Hotel, Sydney Joint hosts: Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA); the Australian Timber Importers Federation (ATIF) and Timber Merchants and Building Material Association (TABMA). The Australian timber industry’s must attend event for 2013. Enquiries to John Halkett, ATIF, 02 9356 3826; Colin Fitzpatrick, TABMA, 02 9277 3100; Ric Sinclair, FWPA, 03 9927 3200, or Eileen Newbury, Leading Edge Events International, 03 9597 0948. Seminar sponsorship enquiries to John Halkett.

11 October 2013 Australian timber industry annual gala dinner and awards presentation 7:30 pm onwards.

Timber and Building Material Association (TABMA) Doltone House, Pyrmont, Sydney.

Pre dinner drinks at 6:30 pm. Enquiries to Colin Fitzpatrick, TABMA 02 9277 3100 or colin@tabma.com.au 9-11 October 2013 International Conference on Wood Adhesives. InterContinental Toronto Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada. http://www. woodandpanel.us 18-20 October 2013 Timber & Working With Wood Show, Melbourne. Melbourne Showgrounds. http:// www.iexh.com.au

11-13 September 2013 WoodEXPO,Rotorua. www.wood-expo 8-13 September 2013 15th Fundamental Research Symposium, Cambridge, England. www.ppfrs.org

Brought to you by

25-26 September Timber Expo, Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK. www.timber-expo.co.uk

Assisting in expansion of publication Australian & New Zealand Timberman welcomes Nicole Evans (pictured) as the magazine’s new Business Development Manager. Nicole’s appointment will assist in the smooth transition of the Timberman’s expansion into the New Zealand market and plans of a broader coverage of topics. Nicole has a successful history in advertising sales, having managed a range of leading wine industry print and online products for Ryan Media’s sister company Winetitles.

Nicole will be operating from the Ryan Media Adelaide office and can be contacted on 08 8369 9515 or via email n.evans@ryanmediapl.com.au. Advertising Sales Manager, Norm Nelsen, will continue to service clients out of the Melbourne office and is still available on 03 9888 4820 and n.nelsen@ryanmediapl.com.au.

INNOVATION l TECHNOLOGY l DESIGN

NEWS

TIMBERMAN, July 2013 – 6

Timber goes back to work in the vineyard W

HEN SOMETHING reaches the end of its intended life that’s usually it… but not so for wood, especially in a winery!

One winery at Murrumbateman (just up the road from Canberra) has made sure that what was supposedly “past it” is now featuring in a new chapter both for the timber and also the winery.

Four Winds Vineyard’s new cellar door (officially opened at the end of May) has utilized old, repurposed materials; wooden picking bins for cladding, wine barrel furniture, a Canberra red-brick wall, wine bottle windows and even a secondhand shipping container.

“As an operating farm and vineyard, we (Four Winds Vineyard) wanted to use material that had reached the end of its useful life in the vineyard and re-use them in the construction of our new cellar door,” explained business manager Sarah Collingwood.

The idea for the project was inspired by the work of Joost Baker who re-used material from his family’s tulip farm.

“Items like our wine barrels that are used to store and age wine have a limited life-span in the winery. We had a lot of barrels that had reached the end of their life-cycle just when the idea for the cellar door was being conceived.

These have now been transformed into light-fittings, stools, tables, bench tops and bar tops.

“Similarly with our wooden picking bins. These have now been superseded and we have been left with beautiful aged hard-wood that was the perfect cladding for the cellar door,” she said.

Dan Humberstone, from Edmonton Carpentry, constructed the building.

He founded Edmonton Carpentry in 2009 and works in and around the Canberra District.

Dan was presented with the barrels and worked

n The Cellar door at night.

n Picking-bin cladding and wine bottle windows.

to refine the design of the tables, chairs and light pendants. He said one of the hardest parts of the project was working with the timber from the picking bins. Many of them had sat in the weather for 40 years and were warped, bowed and twisted.

Although this presented challenges it has also lent the building a character and texture that fits well within the Riesling and Shiraz blocks it sits within.

It’s also interesting to note that the construction of the cellar door was cofunded by the Australian Government under T-QUAL grants. T-QUAL Grants is a competitive merit-based grants program aimed at stimulating sustainable economic growth in the Australian tourism industry.

By providing matched

n Dan Humberstone from Edmonton Carpentry with barrel table.

funding to large and smallscale tourism projects, the program aims to increase Australia’s supply of quality tourism products and experiences.

The program actively encourages private sector investment in the development of Australia’s tourism industry products, services and experiences.

Four Winds Vineyard received $110,000 to co-fund

the project through this grant program.

The vineyard was established by Graeme and Suzanne Lunney.

Their daughters Sarah Collingwood and Jaime Crowe together with their husbands’ John Collingwood, and Bill Crowe have joined them.

Duties are shared, however, John specialises in managing the vineyard, Sarah manages

Wood gets medical attention

n Scion timber engineering technician Slobodan Bredic prepares samples of dewatered wood on a CT scanner at Lakes Radiology in Rotorua.

USING MEDICAL scanners, scientists at Rotorua-based Crown Research Institute Scion have been able to peer inside blocks of wood.

MRI and CT scanners at Lakes Radiology in Rotorua were used to map the water distribution inside wood from which moisture had been extracted.

Timber engineering technician, Slobodan Bradic from Scion, says that carbon dioxide was used to remove moisture from wood - a process called dewatering. Carbon dioxide has proved to be most effective, and the wood is then open to further modifications such as adding colours and hardening agents.

For Bradic and the Scion research team, a crucial research question remained unanswered - how much water remains inside the wood after dewatering and where is it hiding?

Delia Dephoff, a medical radiation technologist from Lakes Radiology, was both surprised and intrigued when she got the phonecall from Scion.

“While our scanners have primarily been used for scanning humans, imaging blocks of wood for research purposes was not something we had considered before.

Using these scanners proved to be a massive learning experience for both us and the scientists.

n Picking-bin cladding.

the business, while Bill and Jaime make the wine.

The 33-acre vineyard was established in 1998 with plantings of Shiraz, Cabernet, Riesling, Merlot and Sangiovese. Initially the primary focus of the business was to supply quality grapes to local and interstate buyers. However, small amounts of wine were made from the outset. This will continue to increase

“We were surprised, we figured that chunks of wood should be easier to image than human patients, but we found there were many tricks required to look inside wood”, added Dephoff.

Over the course of several evenings, long after the regular patients had gone home, dozens of wood samples were scanned from pieces of green timber, dewatered wood samples and also wood that had dried using a traditional wood kiln.

Both the MRI and CT scanners were used to view how water was distributed inside the wood. The MRI scanner provided a clearer picture of moisture in wet wood while the CT scanner measures density so was able to detect traces

Wine production has increased significantly now forming the major portion of the grape use from the vineyard. The wines have been awarded many medals and the 2007 Riesling was included in the NSW top 40 wines and the 2005 Shiraz in the top 100 NSW wines for 2008.

On that note ... Cheers, and may the Four Winds touch your lips!

of water left in kiln dried wood.

The results are an impressive series of three dimensional images of moisture patterns inside wood.

On a scan, dark areas have a lower density, indicating less water while lighter areas signify more moisture is trapped inside the wood. This knowledge can help Scion’s scientists work out how to dry this wood in the most cost-effective way and potentially open up opportunities to create new applications from wood.

Research of this nature lays the foundation for a new kind of wood that has many high-value commercial applications. This study is still in the research and development phase and a number of studies need to be completed before products can be brought to market.

NEWS

Canada Wood works its magic in China I

T’S NO secret that the British Columbia Provincial Government leaves no stone unturned in a bid to ensure its timber industry flourishes.

All you have to do is take a look at the China scene and the Canada Wood logo is prominent.

But it hasn’t happened overnight ... it’s been a long, well-planned move that has taken a decade.

“The Canada Wood China office was established in 2003 as the result of Canadian Government and forestry industry’s effort to promote Canadian wood products and building technology and to diversify its heavy reliance on the U.S. market,” said Lance Tao, Canada Wood’s Director, Marketing and Communications, in China.

“Canada Wood also has offices in Japan, Korea and the UK. We have 40 full time staff in the Shanghai and Beijing offices; 45% of our funding comes from the Canadian Federal Government, 45% comes from British Columbia Provincial Government and 10% from the industry companies,” Lance explained.

In fact, China has surpassed Japan to become Canada’s second largest overseas market for wood products.

In 2004, Canada Wood chose Shanghai as the destination to build its Shanghai headquarters office building called Dream Home Canada.

“The aim of the DHC project was not only to demonstrate wood and timber frame construction, heavy timber design and to expose Canadian building materials to Chinese building professionals but also to partner with China to further develop its wood industry by providing Chinese developers, designers, builders, site supervisors, inspectors and instructors skills, knowledge and technology.”

Lance said Canada Wood actively attends important industry trade shows and exhibitions as part of its promotion and marketing strategy.

“The biggest show we’ve ever done is to build and host the Vancouver Pavilion at Shanghai EXPO 2010. The pavilion hosted over 600,000 visitors in six months.

“Technical and promotional seminars were organized during the show as well. We want to use this method to build up our relations with Chinese local developers, builders and designers to help them understand this technology,” he said.

The old saying that time is of the essence came to the fore when it was planned to build

a special home for the exhibition. Dubbed the 60-hour building, it was built by Crown Homes, a local builder.

“All the major building components such as trusses, wall panels and floor panels were pre-fabricated in a factory before the exhibition and transported to the job site three days before the show. Then, 40 workers working 8 hour shifts finished the building within the set deadline of 60 hours.

7 - July 2013, TIMBERMAN

China show highlights resurgence in wood THE SHANGHAI International Wooden Green Residential Exhibition 2013 will be held 15-17 August at the famed Shanghai New International Expo Centre.

In the 1980s, modern wooden architecture was officially introduced to Shanghai. At the beginning of that period of “Reform and Opening’, the infrastructure of Shanghai was lagging behind and lacked high-end hotels. Even the hotels for receiving leaders from Central Government and foreign countries were out-of-date.

So, the Shanghai Government established some independent wooden structured villas in Xi Jiao Guesthouse Shanghai.

At the turn of the century, with living conditions improving and environmentfriendly awareness increasing, more and more people began to pursue more energysavings plus a more comfortable life and the wooden building and its natural ecological character gradually started to blend into Shanghai and has progressed ever since.

The China Architectural Association, Wooden Special Committee, Shanghai Building Material Industry and World Expo Group Shanghai Modern International Exhibition Co., Ltd. are to build a fourth Shanghai Wooden Environment-friendly Residential Exhibition. This is to promote the development of wooden structures and the supporting industries.

Organisers are confident that this year’s International Wooden Green Residential Exhibition will attract record crowds and prove a boost for the businesses who attend.

Four of the main visiting corporations backing the event are the Japan WoodProducts Export Promotion Council, the Canadian Forest Industry, the Europe Forest Industry, and the Malaysia Forest Industry.

n Canada Wood Shanghai Office: Dream Home Canada (Interior).

“Canada Wood helped to work out the design and onsite quality supervision. Inside the building, two rooms were fully decorated and we hosted a press conference in one of the rooms,” Lance said. {The building was dismantled after the show and purchased by a private company and rebuilt in the suburb area of Beijing.} “A major part of Canada Wood’s job is to provide training and quality supervision to projects that use Canadian lumber and North America wood frame building systems to make sure it stands up to the highest quality.

“All the building components are made and built in China by local builders, and they’re either prefabricated in a factory in China or built on site, depending on the scale of the project.

“Canada Wood’s office in Shanghai is considered the hub to get all the information about wood building technology for Chinese builders and designers,” Lance said.

n Canada Wood Shanghai Office: Dream Home Canada.

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TIMBERMAN, July 2013 – 8

FWPA

Walking on wood: an economical prefab timber ground floor system

By Matthew Lovering

E

VERYONE LOVES a timber floor in a home; it’s warm, welcoming and good to walk on. It also has real benefits for the environment.

Compared to a concrete slab it has a dramatically lower global warming impact during construction, and even after 50 years of heating and cooling a home with a lightweight timber subfloor has a lower global warming impact than one built with a concrete slab as found by an RMIT report, ‘A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Alternative Constructions of a Typical Australian House Design’ (available on the FWPA web site).

However, at present few new homes are built with a timber floor system as companies building large numbers of houses see them as too time consuming, requiring too many different ‘tradies’ and therefore too expensive. For home owners, it means their choices are sadly reduced.

A new research project, funded by Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA), the timber industry’s research and development organisation, has developed a practical solution: a prefabricated lightweight timber ground-floor system that includes prefabricated

It had to be structurally excellent, economically competitive and also had to fit onto the back of a truck for easy transport from any factory where the panels would be made.

The team came up with a floor panel system that would be easy to build in a factory, probably by an established Frame and Truss manufacturer.

They tested their designs in the laboratory to make sure everything, particularly the structural connections, worked as it was meant to before testing full size samples in the field and in a guarded hot box to confirm the thermal performance.

In addition, they considered the buildability of the system, making sure the panels would cope with realistic site conditions and be straightforward to install. The team was also keen for the floor to have the right feel — firm and not too live. “A good timber floor has a particular feel that is comfortable to walk on,” says David.

The panels themselves can be made in a number of ways using either F17 timber, engineered I-Beams, parallel chord trusses, or Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) with sheet material decking such as plywood or particle board.

The panels have their bearers and joists incorporated

effective option. A major advantage of a raised timber floor is that it can be easily adjusted in the future if there is ground movement due to soil conditions and flooding can pass underneath.

Finally, the team got the chance to put the system into a real project; a house that was built at Heathcote in country Victoria in March 2013.

“It’s a rectangular plan single-storey home, about 120 square metres, but it proves everything works,” says David.

“The prefabricated floor panels had a 5.3 metre span and used only one fifth of the stumps that would have

“It was important that we brought industry with us on the project.” timber floor panels and the ‘stumps,’ that is the floor support to the footings.

The research was very much a collaborative process between BRANZ, an independent research, testing, consulting and information company funded by a levy on the New Zealand building and construction industry, and commercial testing and research—TPC Solutions (Aust) Pty Ltd, Bowens Timber & Building Supplies and Mitek.

David Sharp from BRANZ was Project Manager for the research. “First up we looked to see what is available around the world but, while there are a number of first floor prefabricated timber floor systems, there wasn’t really anything for ground floors,” says David.

So, the team spent three months designing a system.

Their brief was to keep it as simple as possible and only use components that already exist and are readily available.

within them, and can be constructed so that bearers run either the length or width of the panel between supports. Insulation can be incorporated in the panel, using either reflective and cellular foil laminates; bulk insulations such as rockwool, glasswool and polyester; expanded polystyrene; and foam sprays.

To make transport easy using a normal flat back truck with a truck-mounted crane, the optimum size for a floor panel is up to eight metres long and 2.7 metres wide. Using a semi-trailer, panels to 12 metres in length could be readily transported.

The sub-floor support system the builder uses depends on whether the site is flat or sloping. A braced, adjustable steel pier system is very effective for a sloping site as the piers can be adjusted easily to make sure everything is level. On a flat site lightweight concrete piers might be a cost

been used building a normal suspended timber floor.”

But ultimately the project team was interested in something more than just creating another technical solution.

“It was important that we brought industry with us on the project. They’re really excited about the system, and it’s up to them to really make it work,” says David.

The intention is that, initially, selected frame and truss manufacturing companies will make the panels in the factory, deliver them to site and install them for one contract price.

This will reduce the risk to builders while always having the people who know the floor system best, i.e. the manufacturer, putting in high-quality floors.

Although the system doesn’t have any licence fees or intellectual copyright payments, getting the most economical and efficient installation does need

the skills and expertise that frame and truss manufacturers already have; it’s really just an extension of the benefits they already bring to a building site.

The Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association Australia (FTMA) is overseeing the introduction of the system into the building market.

“For the next year we’re going to manage the release so that everyone can see that it’s a quality product.

We want to make sure the foundations are really solid for a great future for the system,” says Kersten Gentle, Executive Officer of FTMA Australia.

Initially the FTMA will work with three nail plate manufacturers and three or four fabricators from each of Victoria, NSW and Queensland. The nail plate manufacturers will develop the software that they require before running seminars with the selected fabricators where they’ll talk through all the technical requirements. The fabricators will then work with local builders to put the floors into new homes.

Once the building industry has seen the floor system used in a number of successful designs a complete technical manual will be made publicly available. “At this stage we think the manual will be

released in late 2014,” says Kersten.

Together with industry and the FTMA, David is also excited about the future of the system. He sees great advantages for it in sites where reactive clay soils move with changing moisture content, on sloping sites to avoid unnecessary cut and fill and where there is the possibility of flooding.

“I can see 20% of new houses using this system in the next 10 years,” says David proudly.

If he’s right it’ll be great for both builders and house owners, who can have the option of an economical comfortable timber floor.

WOODEXPO

9 - July 2013, TIMBERMAN

WoodEXPO 2013 ups the ante

n Richard Berry, Chief Technology Officer, CelluForce, Canada.

n Chris Blomquist, Vice President, USNR, USA.

n Laurent Poudrier, Technical Support-Sales, COMACT, Canada.

n Mike Dickinson, Regional Sales Manager, Nicholson Manufacturing, Canada.

n Mike Hubbard, International Sales Manager, Optimil, USA.

n Dennis Miller, Owner, A&M Manufacturing, USA.

W

the first event of its type in Australasia. How did we get here? In short, we’ve been running independent technology-related events for forestry and wood products companies in this region for around 15 years. Increasingly, local wood producers and international equipment and product suppliers to the industry were asking how we could build on the tech programs that have worked so well in the past? How could they assist to take it to the next stage?

“If travelling down from North America, Asia or Europe into this part of the world, it makes good sense that the technology providers could meet up with all of their customers – and the remainder of the industry – and in both countries, Australia and New Zealand.

“The message from industry was that instead of travelling half way around the world to evaluate some new gear, it’s much better – and a whole lot cheaper - to talk

to the experts in your own country. Better than that – it’s far easier to include some of the engineering, production and maintenance staff along with the mill or site manager in those discussions to really work through what’s going to work for the company or operation - as a team,” he said.

WoodEXPO 2013 was born – and it happens in just a few months.

“Buy-in for the program participants on both sides of the Tasman has been fantastic,” says Apthorp.

“For the Australian and New Zealand wood producers who have – and still are – going through some painful adjustments to their operations– the opportunity of meeting with these world leaders in sawmilling, wood manufacturing, wood panels and timber machining equipment at one location over just a couple of days is also real shot in the arm.”

The list of participating companies from Austria, Germany, Finland,

Italy, the US, Canada, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand signed up to date is impressive. Check out the latest listing on the event website, www. woodexpo2013.com and on the advert in this issue.

As well as the opportunity of meeting with the global leaders of wood processing equipment and new products, a world class series of technology workshops have been set up for local companies over the two days that the exhibitions are running. Two hour workshops covering everything from; new generation log and lumber scanning systems, developments in high performance saw-lines, improving automation in the mill, adhesive developments and application systems for finger-jointing, plywood, MDF and particleboard, new developments and troubleshooting for high speed planer operations, changes in saw design to improve sawing performance

and productivity and veneer drying developments are being covered in over 25 presentations.

A one-day conference, a Wood Processing Summit, will also provide something quite different for wood products companies in both countries. Rather than small incremental steps to improve how we’re currently processing our wood resource, the oneday summit is going to provide a unique look into some of the more innovative technologies out there at the moment that potentially will change our

current operations. Additive manufacturing, automated and robotics systems, CT scanning, new building systems for design, construction and delivery and new chemical extractives using wood are just some of the technologies being covered.

It’s a new opportunity to learn, to be inspired, to network, to meet and discuss your own company’s plans with global equipment suppliers – in your own country.

Check out WoodEXPO 2013 on www. woodexpo2013.com

E’VE BEEN told its time for a change.

WoodEXPO 2013 is that change and it runs in just two months’ time. For the first time in this region, Australian and New Zealand wood products companies are getting their LIGNA, Atlanta or Portland Wood Working Show “down-under”.

When have you had the opportunity of meeting with all major technology and equipment providers for sawmilling, wood manufacturing and wood panels from around the globe – in this region – and at the one time? Sure, there have been other shows. The focus though has been across the forest products sector – or it has had a community focus – or it has been aimed at another part of the sector.

“WoodEXPO 2013 in Albury in two months is purely a business-tobusiness event,” says the Forest Industry Engineering Association (FIEA) Director, Brent Apthorp. “It’s also

EPAL in the box seat

The European Pallet Association (EPAL) will be organising the open Euro pallet exchange pool independently of the international railway association (UIC). EPAL has been active as an international pallet organisation since 1995 and guarantees the traffic of goods by means of standardised and quality-assured pallets and box pallets - through its member associations in 18 European countries and more than 1,600 licensed companies around the world. The production of EPAL Euro pallets has risen from 21 million in 1998 to more than 67 million in 2012. The number of EPAL Euro pallets presently in circulation is over 450 million.

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LIGNA WRAP

TIMBERMAN, July 2013 – 10

Highlights from world’s leading timber event T

he Ligna trade show in Hanover, Germany, has been described as the most important event for the timber and woodworking industry worldwide. “The 20th Ligna has resoundingly reaffirmed its status as the world’s foremost trade fair for the forestry and wood industries and extended its lead on the competition,” said Dr. Jochen Köckler, of the show’s managing board at its conclusion.

Efficiency was a keynote theme at this year’s fair.

Other hot topics included a diverse range of printing processes, seamless veneer systems and adhesive-free plasma processes in the surface technology sector.

The special “lightweight. network” showcase at Ligna focused on efficient lightweight construction.

The displays included lightweight construction solutions which weigh up to 30% less than conventional chipboard and ideally suited to a wide range of applications in the furniture and interior finishing sector.

Here are just a few snapshots of what we saw: Making round wood square Wood is a wonderful, valuable raw material.

Unfortunately, trees and raw boards are rarely completely straight or uniformly thick and long. Anyone seeking to optimise the yield must set the edging and cut marks at exactly the right points. That is why contact-free laser technology is being used with increasing frequency to sort and monitor sawn timber and planed goods.

LIMAB GmbH presented its BoardProfiler 3D, an entirely three-dimensional inline measuring system for sawn timber. It seamlessly records the dull edge with a resolution of less than 1mm. It also accurately records the thickness, width, length and form error. These measurements can be used to control the cut-off so the

final piece of wood complies with customer-specific shape tolerances. The modular design makes it possible to adapt the system optimally and cost-effectively to new or existing sorting, planing or edging systems. An optional air nozzle makes it possible to use BoardProfiler 3D even in dusty environments.

Simple construction Anyone wanting to build a structure that lasts will employ solid materials wherever possible. However, at trade fairs, in shop and office construction and wherever the focus is on maximum stability coupled with low self weight, a completely different method of construction is needed. The revolutionary HONEYgrid technology from ipm delivers optimum results in the production of lightweight wall elements.

HONEYwall is based on tried-and-tested HONEYgrid technology. The system’s high degree of variability enables an almost unlimited range of design options. The lightweight timber board with a paper honeycomb structure inside is available with a variety of surfaces such as MDF, hard masonite and laminate and a wide range of decors. Thanks to the low self weight of the wall elements and resulting simple handling, even multistory trade fair stands can be built quickly and easily with just a small team.

Repair and care – perfect wood cosmetics In automated wood processing, there is a phenomenon known as “bottlenecking”, which is when the production process is constantly interrupted by manual intervention. This is particularly common during the repair of wood surfaces.

The automatic filling machines from Wintersteiger Woodtechpromise a lasting remedy. Under the banner TRC (Timber Repair &

Cosmetics), the Austrian company was showcasing its full range of expertise atLigna 2013. The TRC components of Wintersteiger Woodtech offer unprecedented quality in “wood cosmetics”, with enormous potential for rationalisation. Customers can choose from semiautomatic and fully automatic solutions. A perfect result can be achieved regardless of the operator’s craft skills.

Reject rates fall significantly and repaired parts can be stacked straight away. What’s more, the filling material is ecologically sound.

Mini just-in-time solution The manufacture of complex components rarely involves an entirely linear process. An increasing number of variants coupled with order-specific one-piece manufacture demands optimization of the material flows in production to utilise processing machines and materials as efficiently as possible. To achieve this goal, SYSTRAPLAN GmbH has developed a new compact sorting warehouse. The compact sorter stores work pieces temporarily between the individual processing steps and makes them available for the following processing step just-in-time and in a new optimized order.

This not only optimises the manufacturing process for furniture components, but also opens up completely new possibilities for rationalising production.

An end to expensive false alarms Release agents have many uses in wood processing, for example to prevent glue and dirt adhesion, as coolants for glue joints or as a tool lubricant to prolong service life. However, the use of release agents can often lead to optical inspection systems reporting faults, causing good material to be rejected.

TREKU is an economical and highly effective

surface sealant that is also environmentally friendly and non-flammable. Even a small amount provides a stylish, matt sheen protective coating that is dry to the touch and prevents soiling. It is completely compatible with optical inspection systems.

This protective film can also be easily removed without leaving any residue using PRIMOX cleaning agent, also available from RMB. Systematic wood processing – precision tools LEUCO has a track record as an innovative company that sets the pace in tool development with its inventions and systems.

For example, the LEUCO p-System took wood processing to a whole new level with a shear angle unique in the industry. Starting out with a revolutionary jointing cutter, the p-System is now also optimizing other areas of application – not least in the fields of chamfering and rabbeting. The original cutter has therefore been developed into a whole tooling system based around the original name. The latest p-System rabbeting cutters are now setting standards across a range extending from shanktype cutters to through-feed machines.

A penetrating gaze – world premiere of WoodEye 5 X-Ray The first but probably most important step in wood processing is a thorough examination of the raw material. For a long time, visual checks by staff were the only way to assess quality and spot wood that wasn’t up to scratch. These days, cutting-edge wood scanners do this job much more reliably and effectively. With its patented “Dual Energy” technology, the Swedish company Innovativ Vision has for the first time managed to apply X-ray technology in a way that also makes economic sense. WoodEye 5 has been proving its worth for two years already, but the new technology makes it even more powerful and versatile.

What’s more, its increased precision and speed ensures an even higher yield.

Long-lasting veneers – environmentally friendly industrial adhesives When it comes to surface finishing, one of the most important factors is choosing the right bonding technology.

Jowat is one of the world’s leading suppliers of industrial adhesives and presented a range of new and improved products in Hannover.

Jowat showcased a series of innovative dispersion

and hot melt adhesives for surface finishing with resined decorative paper, veneers, thermoplastic films, CPL and HPL. As a highly functional, environmentally friendly and safe alternative to the urea formaldehyde resin adhesives that are still widely used today, Jowat’s new series is becoming increasingly popular for cost-effective furniture production. Tailored to different application systems, these dispersion adhesives deliver outstanding product characteristics.

Solid aspen wood fire doors As an excellent pioneer species, the Eurasian ‘quaking’ aspen (Populus tremula) is particularly prevalent in northern Europe where it is often used for afforestation. Thanks to its special characteristics, it is also becoming more and more important to the wood processing industry. Aspen wood is soft and white, but is also relatively strong and has low flammability. This latter quality was what really inspired DendroLight Ltd. to develop a fire door concept made of aspen wood. Although it uses standard materials, the new F60 fire door concept uses no chemicals or additional fire retardant agents and also provides outstanding sound insulation.

Sharing the limelight with this fire door were DendroLight® table tops.

They are distinguished by their special vibration damping, pressure resistance and rigidity. This is possible thanks to a unique manufacturing process that reinforces the DendroLight® core material with solid wood ribs and covers it with MDF or plywood.

Solid, yet nimble From sawing, milling, drilling and bonding to logistic tasks such as gripping, loading and palletising – the wood industry offers many opportunities for using industrial robots.

This demands precision, flexibility and, above all, speed. This is the only way that tasks can be simplified while also achieving impressive added value. At Ligna Roboter GmbH demonstrated what is already possible in this field with its KR QUANTEC robot range. Thanks to its robust design and powerful components the KR 180 R3200 PA , for example, is able to carry out palletising processes with up to 27 cycles. According to KUKA, this has not been achieved on the market before. Due to its compact base frame and correspondingly small footprint, the robot takes up astonishingly little space.

The KR QUANTEC series is currently available in three weight ranges (120, 180 and 240 kilograms bearing weight) and has a maximum range of 3,195 millimetres in each case.

WOOD WELDING

11 - July 2013, TIMBERMAN

Wood-dowel welding the way to go B

E N O I T BELLEVILLE grew up literately next to a softwood sawmill complex in a small town of Québec, Canada. “The sawmill was first established by my grandfather in the fifties and he then transferred it to my father in the seventies.

“My first summer jobs went from piling up sawn boards to operating the chipper canter a few years later,” he recalls.

“Forestry has always been a big part of my life and because of that this is no surprise I decided to study wood engineering at University.”

As part of a bachelor’s degree, he completed a four-month internship at FPInnovations, a wood products research centre, where he was tasked with designing a research protocol, collecting and analysing data and writing a technical report.

This research led to the publication of an article in the Forest Products Journal and he really enjoyed the experience.

“From there, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in wood science research and development.

“I started my PhD in 2008 at Laval University. The topic of my research was to evaluate the suitability of wood welding technology for producing composite panels for furniture applications with Canadian hardwood species,” Benoit said.

The first investigation on wood welding was actually carried out in Germany in the mid-nineties. For the next 10 years, studies, mostly in Europe, investigated structural applications of

wood products assembled by welding (e.g. suspended wood flooring, mortise and tenon wood joints, laminated wood beams).

Wood furniture joints, wood-welded chair, and wood-dowel welding in wood-composite panels were some other successful product developments over these years. However, since most studies considered only European species, no attention was paid to North American species (or Australian species).

Because species appeared to be one of the most influential variables on wood welded joint, a collaborative research project on North American wood species between European and Canadian researchers at Laval University quickly took form.

“Our project first allowed us to define optimal wooddowel welding parameters for two North American hardwood species frequently used for indoor appearance products. It was actually the first research project on wood welding in North America.

“A good bondline in welded wood requires a fine balance between peak temperature at the interface, welding time at high temperature, charring, and the quantity of material expelled from the interface.

“Because of that, each welding parameter affects all the others and this study shed some light on this interaction between the welding parameters,” Benoit said.

“A wood-dowel welding machine specifically designed for the purposes of this project was used to investigate the parameters

n Wood-welded panels.

grain orientation, rotational speed, and insertion speed for each studied species.

Optimal welding mechanical properties were determined from the dowel withdrawal strength using a standard tensile strength (i.e. like we would do for other mechanical fasteners, such as nails, screws, bolts, lag screws, and connectors).

“The machine was also designed to allow us to produce wood-welded panels (see photo) on which we assessed the flexural properties and performance at standard moisture conditions and following humidity cycling. Rotational wood-dowel welding offers a promising alternative for paneling applications in the furniture industry,” Benoit said.

“The technique has been shown to produce wood joints of considerable

strength without any adhesive within just a few seconds (2-3s). Our results confirmed that wood-dowel welding could be suitable for producing panels from certain North American species.

“The technique could help improve production flow and flexibility by eliminating long curing times for adhesive polymerization as well as multiple handling. Moreover, manufacturers would no longer need to buy or store petrochemically derived adhesives.

Furthermore, because welded panels are made entirely of wood, they are also fully and easily recyclable.

“One good example of all the potential of wood welding was demonstrated when we crafted a fixed gate baby crib only by using wood welding (without glue, nails or any connectors),” he said.

“We also investigated chemical changes occurring at the welding interface and identified the gases released during welding to make sure the technique is safe for workers. Results showed that this ecological technique for assembling furniture components is indeed not harmful for human health.

We have also demonstrated the impact of wood species on chemical changes occurring at the welding interface during wooddowel welding and this observation corroborates the welded mechanical property differences between species.”

Benoit explained that the technique worked both for softwoods and hardwoods, however, welding parameters needed to be optimized for each species and softwoods might be prone to intercellular collapses during

welding (which reduce bond strength) because of lower density.

“So special care must be taken to achieve a good welded bondline. We have also tested additional species combinations (e.g. yellow birch dowel in sugar maple substrate) with good results and this could find useful application through a hardwood–softwood combination that would potentially produce a strong welded joint for structural purposes.”

Benoit is currently working on a preliminary study with Australian and tropical wood species at the University of Melbourne.

“Hopefully we will be able to further enhance or knowledge on wood welding and take this assembling technique to the next level,” said Benoit.

Metal-free timber connections undergo testing UK’s Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) has published the results of a research project looking into the development of a metal-free timber connection method applicable for mainstream timber structures and suitable for on-site construction.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of contemporary, non- ferrous connections particularly in buildings where corrosion might be expected such as swimming pools and agricultural spaces.

The development of new non-ferrous materials such as fibre reinforced plastics and modified wood products provides the opportunity to make new forms of non-ferrous timber connections. Unlike traditional carpentry connections, these materials have the potential to allow large glulam sections to be joined using mainstream dowel and slot- in plate techniques.

The development and increased use of glues for joining timber has produced two broadly accepted, modern, nonmetallic connection techniques. The first is the use of full section finger joints and the second is the use of bonded-in FRP rods and plates using high- strength polymeric resins. Both have their own limitations.

The research project set some specific targets. The connection should not use adhesives as this causes problems for on-site assembly; the solution must be cost-effective as it will compete with existing stainless steel and glued solutions; while ease of fabrication was also a key consideration.

The research looked at a number of different materials, which were subject to extensive testing and strength analysis.

The results will help to shape the future development non-metallic timber connections. n Benoit and the fixed gate baby crib.

TIMBERMAN, July 2013 – 12

BUSINESS PROFILE n Close up: Sand + Cladding - finished in Elements Protector Natural Oil.

Natural wood cladding fit for a palace N

EW ZEALAND’S natural wood specialist Abodo has recently patented a new form of natural wood cladding.

Elements Sand+ Cladding is an engineered weatherboard cladding product, straight grained and free of defect.

The engineered format and straight grain ensures stability and minimises cracking, keeping the wood looking better, for longer. Elements Sand+ Cladding is pre-finished with plant-based oil and waxes – in a variety of semi-transparent colours to suit all tastes.

Already the product has been used for a façade on the Prince of Bahrain’s palace, and is currently being used for one of New Zealand’s highest profile green buildings – the Tuhoe Head Quarters – “Te Wharehou o Tuhoe”.

“A certified ‘living building’ is one that biologically enhances its environment and, as yet, none exist in New Zealand.

That’s about to change with

the construction of Ngai Tuhoe’s new headquarters,” says Abodo marketing manager Daniel Gudsell.

Te Wharehou o Tūhoe is a $15 million headquarters for Tūhoe, at Taneatua, near Whakatane. It will strive to meet the stringent measures of the Living Building Challenge (LBC) – a green building code with wider ecological and social aims.

The project has exacting material requirements: • All wood must be locally sourced and from Forest Stewardship Certified (FSC) forests “FSC Pure” • Preservatives and coatings used should be low toxicity and low VOC. • Claddings and exterior materials should be extremely durable and low maintenance.

“It should come as no surprise that Te Wharehou o Tūhoe will utilise some of Abodo’s ‘greenest’ and highest performance products,” says Daniel.

Sand+ ‘Ivan’ Cladding will

be used to clad the exterior, along with some custom profiled Sand+ Cladding designed by Architects Jasmax. A heavy duty Sand+ ‘Gideon’ decking will feature on the exterior terrace. Abodo will also supply Elements Structural timber for the project’s structure.

Wood fibre used for the project is sourced by Abodo from FSC certified forests in the Kaingaroa region, most of which are on or close to Ngai Tuhoe land.

“Ngai Tuhoe and Jasmax have taken an inspirational step into the future of construction. We are proud to be selected as a partner for the journey,” Daniel said.

Construction for Te Wharehou o Tūhoe has already started, with a completion date scheduled for late this year.

And it’s not just the local market that Abodo caters for … “Recent shipments to Europe indicate the product has real demand offshore.

Abodo has proven it is possible for New Zealand to create world leading timber products from our very own resource,” he says.

Abodo Wood was formed in 2001 by Daniel and Noel Gudsell. “Our business originally began with exporting treated wood products to the South Pacific Islands, and then grew into the surrounding zones of Australia and Asia. The core of our offering is based on

‘healthy’ wood products which look better for longer, and are low toxicity for both people and the surrounding environment.

Daniel did an international business degree and started working in building material export prior to starting Abodo. Noel started life working in a ‘carters’ timber yard, and now runs a large farm in Wanganui area, along with having investments in Abodo and a

few other businesses.

Abodo runs a test site on South Head (north of Auckland) where it weather tests its products. The site has marine exposure, along with plenty of UV exposure.

“This gives us an excellent idea of how our products weather,” Daniel said.

Incidentally, the name Abodo is derived from Abode – or home. Abodo represents the home of healthy wood.

Timber course second semester starts soon THE UNIVERSITY of Tasmania’s Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood (CSAW) said that enrolments were now open for Second Semester entry into its Graduate Certificate in Timber (Processing and Building) course. The second semester starts July 15, 2013.

This flexibly-structured, online course provides specialist study for those involved or interested in the design, construction, maintenance and management of timber-rich buildings and structures or the production and distribution of timber and wood products.

“Because it is an online course it is accessible for students all over Australia and internationally” said CSAW Director, Associate Professor Gregory Nolan.

“Students in the course are from very different backgrounds: such as architects, timber producers and sales staff, foresters,

engineers, teachers, but all have a keen interest in using wood. It can be completed part-time from work, home or anywhere with an internet connection,” said Associate Professor Nolan.

“Potential students without degrees working within industry are encouraged to apply. There are structured pathways for their entry,” he said.

For a comprehensive outline of the course

by Associate Professor Nolan please see his podcast at: www.youtube.com/user/ WoodArchitecture The fully online units cover: Timber, It’s Origin & Characteristics Timber in Building Construction Timber & Durability in Exposed Applications Board Processing: Hardwood & Softwood Engineered Wood Products (EWPs)

BUSINESS PROFILE

13 - July 2013, TIMBERMAN

Staying ahead of the game with the latest technology M

OXON AND Company continues to flourish after 110 years in the business of timber. It is a family company spanning four generations in an unbroken line that stretches back to the current owner’s great-grandfather who founded it in 1903.

Based in Queensland, the company has sawmilling, production and distribution operations strung along Australia’s eastern seaboard as well as in New Zealand, the US, France, China and Chile.

Supplying traditional furniture and joinery timber, finished flooring, structural hardwood and softwood, panel product and oak for the wine industry, the group turnover is in excess of $80 million a year.

That longevity and success has been hard earned. It’s a tough business and apart from forward thinking and careful planning, there are a number of people who have played a vital part in that success along the way.

In more recent years, Advanced Timber Systems has played such a role. More than a decade ago the Moxon operation purchased a Wadkin NV230 profile grinder and Windsor MK IV manual end matching machine.

“Our main dealings at that time were in tooling supply, operator training and machine servicing,” says Ian Watkins of the Queensland-based ATS. In late 2005 ATS was contracted by Moxon (then in the Yeronga premises) to supply a heavy duty 320mm x 150mm six head moulder and a 6000mm x 120mm x 200mm double sided hydraulic laminating press.

“These machines were commissioned in early 2006 and thus began a valuable relationship between Moxon Timbers, Advanced Timber Systems and Fullpower machines,” said Ian. “In the years following Moxon has worked with ATS to provide a steady upgrade

of machinery for the new Yatala plant as well as the installation of a refurbished Weinig moulder and two new Fullpower grinders for the Chinchilla Sawmill.

“Another of Advanced Timber Systems customers, Wellington Timber Processors was acquired by Moxon around 2006 to become Moxon NZ. WTP began operations in 2002 with the purchase of an Iida six head moulder and profile grinder, MPB end matcher and the first Fullpower machine in New Zealand, a 900mm band resaw.

“In the following years a new Fullpower automatic fault docker and refurbished Wadkin six head moulder were added to the operation,” Ian said.

Late last year ATS was again contacted by Moxon to assess the growing needs of the Wellington plant and a recommendation was made to upgrade the Wadkin to a new Fullpower six head moulder with electronic spindle positioning via keypads for faster size changing to cater for smaller batch runs. “This machine will change from one size to the next in a matter of seconds with the only operator input via the keypads, making it ideal for small batch lots and individual builder orders.

“This latest machine was commissioned in April this year and has given a valuable boost to production times,” says Ian. ATS has supplied Moxon with about 17 new and used machines for their various operations and continues to work in close consultation in key production areas offering not only machinery but also operator training and production planning.

“ATS has been and remains a key supplier and valued advisor to both our Chinchilla Sawmill and Yatala production centre,” said Tony Moxon.

As well as the machines mentioned above ATS also

A

B C

n A . Main production facility in Yatala, Queensland n B. Nick Miles setting the Fullpower 320mm heavy duty six head moulder. n C. Fullpower No: 2 moulding line.

offers a full range of solid timber production machines including multi-rip saws, fingerjointers, spindle moulders, thicknessers, compressors, material handling systems, dust extraction equipment ranging from small bag units to complete integrated factory systems incorporating jet pulse clean air units and a full range of standard and custom designed tooling.

Advanced Timber Systems Advanced

FMD-609HX Heavy Duty Four Side Moulder 4 to 9 Spindle

SOC-100 Semi-Optimising Cut Off Saw up to 150m/min Paoloni - La Perlina timber oiling machine up to 240 x 120mm

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n Steve Austin with the newly installed Fullpower FMD-609P in Wellington.

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TIMBERMAN, July 2013 – 14

HOUSING

Report highlights difficult conditions for residential construction T

HE HIA Trades Report for the March 2013 quarter presents an update highlighting the difficult conditions that continue to prevail in Australia’s residential construction industry.

The report, a quarterly survey of builders and subcontractors, indicates a relatively high availability of skilled labour continued into the first quarter of 2013, while developments in trade rates were benign.

“Skilled tradespeople continue to operate in weak conditions – residential

construction experienced declining activity in 2012 and while there are signs of a recovery in 2013, it is from a very low starting point,” said HIA Economist Diwa Hopkins.

“An adequate provision of skilled labour will be a crucial ingredient to a recovery in new home building that is of the magnitude required

by Australia’s longer term housing needs,” Hopkins said.

“A prolonged period of inadequate residential construction activity is not conducive to attracting

new skilled labour into the industry, and this may undermine the longer term capacity of the industry to meet recovering demand.

Improved support now for training will play an important role in mitigating this risk.”

The HIA Trade Availability Index eased slightly from +0.22 at the end of 2012 to +0.19 in the March quarter this year, meaning that trades were still in moderate oversupply (readings greater than 0.0 indicate oversupply). The current soft conditions in

the residential construction industry are also reflected in the relatively mild improvement the HIA Trade Prices Index. The Index increased by 2.7% in the March 2013 quarter, off a very low base, to register an annual growth rate of 1.1%.

“From a policy perspective,

very little has changed since the last quarter. Policy decision-makers are still faced with the pressing need to address business certainty, for without that, building businesses will be reluctant to commit to taking on apprentices,” said HIA Executive Director, Industry Workforce Development, Liz

Greenwood. “One positive message from these figures is for those consumers considering a new home or renovating an one – make the most of the current window of opportunity while skilled trades people are in more favourable supply.”

Essential that all parties embrace policies that will improve housing affordability: HIA WITH 2013 being an election year, it is essential that all parties embrace policies that will improve housing affordability and cut through the red and green tape that is strangling new housing development,” according to Housing Industry Association (HIA) Managing Director Shane Goodwin.

“Governments can’t ignore housing any longer. They need to act more constructively, cooperatively and determinedly to meet the housing needs of Australians and their families.”

Goodwin was outlining the HIA’s Housing Australians campaign which placed housing issues squarely on the national agenda. The campaign highlights the distressing facts impacting new housing, from the disproportionate level of taxation on the family home, growing rates of unaffordability, and the current high level of job losses in the sector. These facts are: FACT: This year, Australia will build 25,000 less homes than we did a decade ago.

FACT: Building and construction has contracted every month for the last 34 months.

FACT: Over 1 million Australian workers in building and construction watch helplessly as building keeps falling, knowing their jobs are at risk.

FACT: Severe drops in new housing have forced many manufacturing and small businesses to close with risks of further layoffs.

FACT: Taxes, levies, fees and charges account for 40% of the cost of a new home.

FACT: Australia will need 1.3 million new homes built by 2020. At the current rate of building, more than 150,000 families will miss out on the home they’ve waited for.

“Access to affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges facing the Australian community.

“Housing provides shelter – a necessity for all Australians.

“Building new and affordable homes should be actively encouraged, supported and sustained by Governments,” Goodwin said.

Meanwhile, in America the housing outlook is a lot brighter.

According to APA, the Engineered Wood Association,

demand for wood products will continue to grow at a slow yet steady pace for the remainder of this year.

With indicators pointing to rising housing starts through 2013 and into 2014, APA predicts a second straight year of growth in all four of the wood product sectors it represents.

Last year saw across-the-board increases in structural panels, I-joists, glulam, and LVL, reports Craig Adair, APA’s market research director.

“In 2013, not only will that trend continue, but at a slightly faster pace in most cases,” Adair said. “Residential construction will drive much of that growth, with pent-up demand for housing, moderately rising home prices, and growing consumer confidence having the most influence.”

APA is forecasting single-family housing starts to reach 665,000, a 24% gain, as homeowners take a positive view toward purchasing a home, the job market improves, and home prices firm up in many cities. Multi-family starts are expected to improve 35% to 330,000 units.

Housing industry welcomes launch of AtoB program THE HOUSING Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the launch of the Federal Government’s Apprentice to Business Owner (AtoB) program.

The program provides training and support to recently completed apprentices through providing nationally recognised qualifications in small business management and business mentoring support in business-specific skills for up to one year.

“Small business is the lifeblood of the residential building industry and this program will be essential in helping to train the next generation of contractors,” said HIA Managing Director Shane Goodwin.

“It can be a very difficult transition from an apprenticeship to managing a small business, so a program that provides assistance is welcomed by the industry.

“The Australian housing industry consistently produces a stream of skilled and talented tradespeople, however, acquiring the knowledge to successfully run a business is another issue.

“The AtoB program will ensure that these young people get the support they need and put them on the path to self-sufficiency,” Goodwin said.

HIA is an official provider of services under the AtoB program.

HOUSING

15 - July 2013, TIMBERMAN

Excellence aplenty on show for major awards T

ASMANIA’S CAVE Constructions and Clever Design have won the 2013 HIA Australian Home of the Year award.

The 2013 HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards were unveiled at the residential building industry’s prestigious Awards ceremony at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards remain the ultimate platform to showcase the talents of the nation’s top builders and designers. Winners are selected from a list of statebased finalists, with awards in 20 separate categories.

The 2013 HIA Australian Home, partnered by CSR, is the top accolade, presented to Tasmanian builder and designer Cave Constructions and Clever Design. They also won the award for the 2013 HIA Australian Custom Built Home, partnered by Shriro Commercial.

Aspect Property Group, QLD, won 2013 HIA Australian Special Purpose Housing Project. The judges said this apartment complex is a successful example of high-density affordable living, whilst providing high quality workmanship and comfortable living arrangements.

Stylish Concepts, QLD, won 2013 HIA Australian Spec Home. The judges described this home as a 21stcentury Queenslander, being both private and luxurious.

The home was designed, built and landscaped by the builder, with quality finishes throughout.

Classic Constructions, ACT, won 2013 HIA Australian Display Home.

The judges described the modern home as having great external visual appeal and providing easy, relaxed living internally.

Phase Developments, QLD, won 2013 HIA Australian Renovations/

2013 HIA Australian Home of the Year award.

n Beau Holloway, Victoria, won 2013 HIA Australian Jim Brookes Apprentice.

Kitchen of the Year.

The judges were impressed by the degree of difficulty and careful execution in building the home. They noted precise detailing and clever use of materials.

A priority for the client’s was to maximise views.

This has been achieved with beautiful outlooks from every room.

The national award winners were wide spread around Australia and include: Pimas Gale Construction Pty Ltd, NSW, won 2013 HIA Australian Apartment Project. The judges were impressed by the impeccable quality and high visual appeal of these eight apartments.

Lime St Projects, Western Australia, won 2013 HIA Australian Townhouse/Villa Development. The judges described the homes as being well positioned on the site to maximise orientation, allowing solar gain into each home. The judges were also impressed with the high quality finishes.

Photos courtesy of award winners.

Additions Project. The judges applauded the seamless transition between the old and new. The exemplary renovation of the original home combines flawlessly with the contemporary extension.

Gremmo Homes Pty Ltd, NSW, won 2013 HIA Australian Outdoor Project.

The resort-style pool and outdoor area were applauded by the judges for being clearly visible from all primary living areas in the home and for the quality construction and material choice.

Canny Pty Ltd, Victoria, won 2013 HIA Australian Project Home. The judges described the home as sitting perfectly in its modern urban landscape, combining sophisticated looks with cutting-edge technology.

Signature Homes Geelong, Victoria, won 2013 HIA Australian Solutions in Steel.

The judges appreciated the careful consideration for material selection, resulting in a well-blended

combination of structural and non-structural steel elements.

MMM Interiors, ACT, won 2013 HIA Australian Bathroom Design. The judges described the overall selection of materials and colours as providing balance and harmony. The highlight is the beautiful bath area, surrounded by glass walls and ceiling.

Creative Building Services and Archertec Interiors, ACT, won 2013 HIA Australian Bathroom.

Judges were impressed with the quality use of stone and glass throughout the entire bathroom, with high quality workmanship. There is also plenty of storage, created by the practical and clever design.

Sublime Architectural Interiors, QLD, won 2013 HIA Australian Kitchen Design. The project uses a unique blend of materials and finishes to create an elegant and colourful kitchen. The judges that the custom printing on the pantry glass

sliding doors takes the wow factor to a whole new level.

Creative Building Services and Archertec Interiors, ACT, won 2013 HIA Australian Kitchen. The judges commented that the innovative use of lighting and materials create a visual balance and harmony in this high quality kitchen.

Beau Holloway, Victoria, won 2013 HIA Australian Jim Brookes Apprentice.

Beau impressed the judges with his passion for the building industry. Beau takes pride in his work and values the importance of customer service.

Dale Alcock Homes, Western Australia, won 2013 HIA Australian Professional Major Builder. The judges were impressed with the company’s customer service philosophy, focussing on providing outstanding customer service, by exceeding expectations.

Dale Alcock Home Improvement, Western Australia, won 2013 HIA Australian Professional

Medium Builder.

The judges commented on the recognition for continual improvement in all areas of the business in order to exceed customer expectations.

Today’s Homes & Lifestyle, ACT, won 2013 HIA Australian Professional Small/Renovator Builder.

Today’s Homes & Lifestyle values quality construction, impeccable customer service, innovation and flexibility.

Their commitment to these qualities was a stand-out feature for the judges.

Suzanne Burke of Amerex Renovations & Additions, Western Australia, won 2013 HIA Australian Business Partner. Suzanne’s unrelenting can-do attitude and her clear vision for moving the business forward has resulted in a direct increase in customer satisfaction.

HIA Managing Director Shane Goodwin said the HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards were the pinnacle awards program in the residential building industry.

“HIA is committed to recognising the outstanding achievements of our members. Each year a high calibre of entries is presented, reflecting the exceptional standard HIA members place on workmanship, innovation and design.

“This year, we had some of the most creative and innovative projects. HIA members have certainly outdone themselves and it is my pleasure to congratulate each winner for the hard work and dedication they continue to display. From sustainable initiatives to incredible workmanship, these homes are remarkable and we are proud to call these winners HIA members.”

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

TIMBERMAN, July 2013 – 16

The future of training in a BIG Australia

By Colin Fitzpatrick Chief Executive Officer Timber & Building Materials Association (Australia)

A

U S T R A L I A REACHED a population of 23 million people on 23 April 2013 at 9.57pm. What is known is our past annual population growth rate of 1.7% - 1048 people per day, is expected to grow this year to 1.8% or the equivalent of a new Gold Coast every 18 months. Australia’s growth rate currently is the fastest of any OECD country.

Providing we continue to grow at 1.8%, Australia is expected to reach a population of 25 million on 25 December 2017.

The US population is growing at 0.9%, Britain at just 0.6% and another 20 countries have negative or zero population growth.

The world’s population is growing at 1.1%, having surpassed 7 billion people in late 2011. Australia’s population growth is even outstripping countries with traditionally high birth rates, such as India on

1.4%. Demographers say it is migration, rather than an elevated birth rate, that is the main driver spurring Australia’s growth. They also predict that even if Australia reduces our illegal immigration to zero, this will have little effect on the population growth as comparably almost all of our migration is legal.

At the same time, Australia in many trades is suffering worsening skill shortages.

The National Skills Needs List identifies traditional trades that are identified as experiencing a national skills shortage.

This list published by the Australian Government contains over 50 trades in shortage. You are probably aware that the following timber related trades have been identified as National Skill Shortage: • Cabinetmaker • Carpenter • Carpenter and Joiner • Floor Finisher

• Furniture Finisher • Joiner • Wood Machinist In addition there are other non-trade skill shortages and state based skill shortages that are reported or listed by various agencies and include: • Frame & Truss Operator • Shopfitter • Saw Doctor • Transport and logistics • Estimator/Designer • Furniture makers Anecdotally we know that finding a qualified estimator or designer can be a nightmare, that it is impossible to find a qualified Saw Doctor and qualified and experienced Wood Machinist.

As the population increases we all need to consider the following facts; If we just maintain the current numbers of tradespeople the skills shortage will get worse as more demand is forecasted due to our population growth.

Governments State and Federal are reducing the funding of Vocational Education and Training.

This has the effects that; there are less training opportunities than in previous years the cost is becoming prohibitive for some employers to train new entrants and participate in skill development programs We know that in some industries, including the timber industry, current skills are vested in an ageing workforce and we urgently need to replace this knowledge before the people with these skills retire.

To find a solution we need to consider the cause of these shortages.

The following is an extract from the Australian Governments website www.myfuture.edu. au “Skill shortages exist when employers are unable to fill, or have considerable difficulty in

Unpaid/trial employment – avoiding the pitfalls

By Brian Beecroft Chief Executive Officer Timber Trade Industrial Association TTIA IS often asked by members about the payment requirements of employees on trial or volunteer basis.

Employees are entitled to payment for all time worked under the Fair Work Act (FWA). However, people who genuinely offer their services for free either because they believe in an organisation’s objectives or because they wish to gain work experience in a particular field may be deemed to be volunteers and thus not entitled to payment. The distinction between workers (or employees) and volunteers can be a con-fusing one for employers to navigate, especially when approached by people seeking work experience.

What is an unpaid work trial?

Some organisations may offer unpaid/ work trial whereby a potential employee is asked to work without payment so that an employer can determine whether the employee has the required skills for the job.

This practice is not permitted under the FWA. If you wish to evaluate an employee’s skill level you are required to pay them for the time worked and comply with all relevant award provisions.

Volunteers and work experience Individuals may ask employers for the opportunity to undertake voluntary work experience. In order for work experience to be genuine there must be no expectation on the part of the employer that the volunteer undertake work – that is, a volunteer must be

genuinely free to accept or refuse to undertake tasks.

If a position becomes available and the organisation has a volunteer who is particularly capable in mind for the job, that volunteer may be offered a paid position. However, there should be a clear distinction between the type of work performed by volunteers (including work experience volunteers) and paid employees. It is also advisable that the work experience period should end once any offer of employment is made.

All volunteers, including work experience volunteers should have a clear understanding of the nature of their engagement i.e. that it is purely voluntary and that they are essentially free to offer their services or refuse to offer them. This expectation should be clear from the outset and set out in a written acknowledgment. Such an acknowledgement between the organisation and volunteers setting out the voluntary nature of the engagement could help protect employers in the future against unpaid work trial claims from both work experience volunteers and volunteers generally.

Timber employers requiring assistance in developing a written volunteer acknowledgement should contact the Association on (02) 9264 0011.

Sexual harassment policy guidelines In a recent decision handed down by the Federal Court, it ordered an employer to pay $18,000 in compensation for one of its staff who suffered sexual harassment in the workplace. It was the Court’s view that the employer was

liable in that it failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the unlawful conduct from occurring.

In its decision, the Court stated that an employer’s policy should not just identify that sexual harassment conduct is a breach of company policy, but that employees be made aware that legal action could be taken against them and their employer for such activity.

In providing guidelines for a suitable policy, the Federal Court maintained policies on sexual harassment should: • state that sexual harassment is against the law • refer to the appropriate federal or state legislation that prohibits sexual harassment • confirm that the employer can be held legally responsible Timber employers seeking assistance from the Association on the provision of a suitable policy in this area are invited to phone (02) 9264 0011.

filling, vacancies for an occupation, or specialised skill needs within that occupation, at current levels of remuneration and conditions of employment, and reasonably accessible location. Shortages are typically for specialised and experienced workers, and can co-exist with relatively high unemployment overall or in the occupation.”

Therefore, the answers appear to be simple. We as a country, individual States, individual regions and even individual employers need to do more.

We need to provide more training opportunities We need new program to assist unemployed workers to obtain the skills we need prior to commencing employment.

We need training facilities throughout Australia and resist the move to centralisation. .

We need to increase the number of apprentices

and trainees in training and employed. We need Governments (State and Federal) to offer incentives to employers to employ apprentice and trainees.

We need Governments (State and Federal) to stop reducing funding and increase funding in the Vocational Training sector.

We need governments (State and Federal) to focus on skill development for existing workers.

There is one message and we need to send it to both sides of Government now!

“For the foreseeable future, Australia and by implication each State, will continue to grow faster than the rest of the developed world and it is it is beholden upon Governments (State and Federal) to ensure they have policies to support and increase the roll out training, traineeships and apprenticeships and skill development throughout Australia.”

Lending for new homes on the rise

LENDING FOR new homes increased across nearly all categories during March 2013, according to ABS Housing Finance figures.

“The latest housing lending figures point to a strengthening of this measure of market activity,” said Housing Industry Association (HIA) Senior Economist, Shane Garrett.

“Lending increased across nearly all categories, with the loans for construction and purchase of new dwelling up over 10% in the month. On an annual basis, this represents an increase of over 20%. This represents a very welcome lift in activity,” Garrett said.

“We also saw significant increases in lending for the purchase of existing dwellings, with this category increasing by 5.9% in value terms in the month.

“The expansion in lending activity in March is in line with our expectation that the market will gradually strengthen. It suggests that interest rate reductions maybe providing support to weak markets and we look forward to the latest RBA rate reduction leading to further positive news in the market.

“In terms of owner occupiers, the aggregate number of loans for the construction and purchase of new homes increased by 10.1% in March 2013, while loans for established homes net of refinancing was up by 6.2%.

“Looking at lending to investors, finance for established dwellings has been rising fairly consistently – the value of loans increased by 6.2% over the three months to March 2013, for example.

However, investor lending into new dwellings fell sharply by 16.4% in the March 2013 quarter, although the overall profile appears to have followed a path of improvement since mid-2012,” he said.

In March 2013 the total number of seasonally adjusted loans to owner occupiers increased by 8.0% in NSW, 5.3% in South Australia, 5.3% in Victoria, 4.3% in Tasmania, 4.0% WA, 3.5% in the ACT and 1.8% in Queensland. The number of loans fell by -1.7% in the Northern Territory.

ASSOCIATION NEWS

17 - July 2013, TIMBERMAN

Conference helps maximise benefits to members

By Kersten Gentle Executive Officer FTMA Australia

B

Y NOW all Australian fabricators would have received information regarding the upcoming FTMA Australia National Conference which is being held on 23 July, 2103 at QT Gold Coast and many of you will be weighing up your options of whether to attend or not. Well, if you want my opinion, it’s a no brainer! Of course you should attend.

Bias and a vested interest perhaps, but in reality you should attend if only for the fact that this is the only national conference where every single session is designed to maximise information for the frame and truss fabricator.

The conference program is a busy one with 14 speakers presenting on 11 subjects in one day but don’t worry our conferences are not all about hard work, we believe in good fashioned networking and fun.

Recently someone commented on the fact that you can always be guaranteed of two things with an FTMA Australia event. Number one, it will be informative for fabricators and number two; you can guarantee it will be fun.

Therefore fun is the key to the Red Activity Day which is being held on Monday 22 July. Hyne & Pryda are the red team sponsoring this exciting day with delegates having a choice to network over a relaxing game of golf or for those wanting to get the heart pumping can register for the Holden Driving Centre, and let me tell you the challenges and bragging has already started!

Both activities depart QT Gold Coast at midday where delegates will be transported to their chosen activity.

Those playing golf will tee off for eighteen holes at 12.30pm at the exclusive Royal Pines Golf Resort including golf cart hire and lunch. Of course there will be the customary drinks cart ensuring golfers are kept hydrated in the ‘hopefully’ warm Queensland sun and a couple of competitions along the way for the Longest Drive and Nearest to the Pin. Those wanting a bit more heart pumping adventure at the Holden Driving Centre will be testing their skills in the Barina GP Challenge, Skidpan Competition and the Circuit Motorkhana and turntable activities with the 1st and 2nd place winners receiving hot laps with an instructor in a V8 Superschool Car.

pricing starting from $179 for a Mountain View or $209 for an Ocean View (room only). We encourage you to book early by contacting QT Gold Coast directly on 1800 074 020 and quoting FTMA as your reference.

Now that the fun is out of the way, the serious side of the conference commences on Tuesday 23 July with the 2013 FTMA Australia AGM commencing at 8.30am with conference registrations and morning tea commencing at 9am.

As outlined, every subject for the conference is targeted at the fabricator.

The Keynote presentation for the conference is from HIA’s Chief Economist Harley Dale who will outline his findings into

Metricon signed a deal with a fabricator for manufacture and install, so is this our future? I don’t know but I do know in a depressed market our sector must explore all opportunities.

What’s new in the European markets will be another interesting topic with presentations by Bliss & Reel (Randek) and Moehringer who will outline the latest technology in automated plants and timber stacking machines. Some people may think fully automated plants are a long way off, however, one is being installed in Australia as we speak and will be completed by the conference so I for one look forward to an update on how this is proceeding.

“Number one, it will be informative for fabricators and number two; you can guarantee it will be fun.”

These costs are additional to the conference with the Golf costing $110 and the Holden Racing activities costing $260.

So far registrations for these events have been excellent and we are sure there will be a lot of stories about who lost control, who was the best and total shock from everyone when a short female from Victoria beats you all!!!

The Red Activities Day will finish with the official Ice-Breaker at the Carlton United Brewery where delegates will have a wide range of beer tasting stations with matching food available as well as one last challenge for the day; the National Beer Pulling Competition.

All delegates will have the option to participate in this event with the best beer puller from every State battling it out for the National Title.

Buses will collect delegates from QT Gold Coast at 5.45pm to take them to the brewery ensuring everyone can have some tastings without the hassle of driving.

QT Gold Coast, the outstanding venue for the conference, is located at 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise, providing 5 star accommodation at affordable prices, and we guarantee all delegates will find the rooms, restaurants, bar and facilities unique and inviting. Rooms vary in

the Sustainability of the Australian Frame and Truss Industry.

All 305 Australian fabricators have received a survey from FTMA Australia outlining the project which we have engaged HIA to conduct and we strongly encourage you to complete the survey.

Over the past few months there have been a number of fabricators closing, going in to liquidation or simply walking away due to the downturn in the market. I wonder if these businesses would have made the same decisions 12 – 18 months ago if they truly knew whether the industry was sustainable.

If you need further information on the survey or assistance from your nail plate company please contact them and complete this survey. The information is confidential and will only be seen by the HIA Economic team with the aggregated data being used to present a picture by Harley at the conference.

The conference will also explore new market opportunities for our industry such as the Timber Prefabricated Ground Floor Systems while seeking views from Australia’s largest builder, Metricon, on what their vision of our industry is. Recently

Other subjects include; Accessing dollars through National Workforce Development Fund for training; the benefits of Mitre10’s unbannered customer program; an update on the development of the Timber Roof Truss Design Standard; Engineering topics such as the importance of

creating a wide range of feasts from seafood, spit roast, dumplings, BBQ to Asian food.

But wait there’s more....... the advantages to the fabricator don’t end here.

Ensuring delegates make the most of their time away from their business, Multinail Australia has organised a Multinail Machinery plant and Nailplate Manufacturing Tour at its Stapylton base on Wednesday 24 July.

Multinail Machinery has designed, manufactured and maintained the machinery that powers many leading fabricators both large and small. Delegates will be collected from QT Gold Coast and transported to the tour and following the tour will be dropped at the Airport. Multinail is keen to show as many people through its operations as possible so if you are concerned about your departing flights contact Travis Taylor on (07) 3297-3250 to discuss the timing.

Not only has FTMA Australia worked hard to put together what we believe is an informative program but we have done so at an economical price with members only paying $385 which includes the IceBreaker, Conference and Conference Dinner.

No matter what profession or field you are in it is

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Timber Joint Group rating to design and the danger so using uncertified steel connectors; and finally we will explore whether enough information is being provided on plans.

The conference finishes with the traditional Conference Dinner, which is kindly sponsored by Multinail. The dinner will be held in QT’s famous Marketplace Bazaar where you will have 6 – 7 chefs

important to stay on top of the game and continue to learn and this conference is the perfect way for you and your team to be kept informed of key issues that can assist your business.

Whether your business is slow or if your business is busy, we encourage you to find at least one day to attend this National Conference.

For more information please contact Kersten Gentle on 0418 226 242.

Forester Forest Contractor Harvester Forwarder Operator Truck Driver Forest Manager Forest Plantation Worker Forest Administration Saw Mill Manager Saw Mill Production Manager Saw Mill Hand Arborist Heavy Machinery Mechanic Chipper Grinder Operator Timber Mill Production Manager Timber Milling Timber Machine Operators Timber Processing Timber Products Timber Engineering Timber Sales Timber Wholesale Timber Delivery Timber Yard Timber Retail Timber Administration Pulp and Paper Forester Forest Contractor Harvester Forwarder Operator Truck Driver Forest Manager Forest Plantation Worker Forest Administration Saw Mill Manager Saw Mill Production Manager Saw Mill Hand Arborist Heavy Machinery Mechanic Chipper Grinder Operator Timber Mill Production Manager Timber Milling Timber Machine Operators Timber Processing Timber Products Timber Engineering Timber Sales Timber Wholesale Timber Delivery Timber Yard Timber Retail Timber Administration Pulp and Paper Forester Forest Contractor Harvester Forwarder Operator Truck Driver Forest Manager Forest Plantation Worker Forest Administration Saw Mill Manager Saw Mill Production Manager Saw Mill Hand Arborist Heavy Machinery Mechanic Chipper Grinder Operator Timber Mill Production Manager Timber Milling Timber Machine Operators Timber Processing Timber Products Timber Engineering Timber Sales Timber Wholesale Timber Delivery Timber Yard Timber Retail Timber Administration Pulp and Paper Forester Forest Contractor Harvester Forwarder Operator Truck Driver Forest Manager Forest Plantation Worker Forest Administration Saw Mill Manager Saw Mill Production Manager Saw Mill Hand Arborist Heavy Machinery Mechanic Chipper Grinder Operator Timber Mill Production Manager Timber Milling Timber Machine Operators Timber Processing Timber Products Timber Engineering Timber Sales Timber Wholesale created and Worker Forest Administration Timber Delivery Timber Yard Timber Retail Timber Administration Pulp and Paper Forester Forest Contractor Harvester Forwarder Operator Truck Driver Forest Manager Forest Plantation by Saw Mill Manager Saw Mill Production Manager Saw Mill Hand Arborist Heavy Machinery Mechanic Chipper Grinder Operator Timber Mill Production Manager Timber Millingmanaged Timber Machine Operators Timber ProcessINDEPENDENT & AUSTRALIAN OWNED ing Timber Products Timber Engineering Timber Sales Timber Wholesale Timber Delivery Timber Yard Timber Retail Timber Administration Pulp and Paper Forester Forest Contractor Harvester Forwarder Operator

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

TIMBERMAN, July 2013 – 18

‘Timber is the best building material and yet here in Australia we make it hard to build credibility.’

New directions from TMA

By Eric Siegers Executive Officer TMA

I

FINISHED reading six pixels of separation, a good book about the importance of recognising the paradigm shift being caused by the digital revolution and how everyone is connected, whether we like it or not.

Not surprisingly, the book comes back to the point that while the tools we have available allow for us to reach a wider and more diverse audience the reality is you need to have your basics right regardless of the channel you seek to use.

In an era when leadership is lacking and focus on profit results at the cost of customer satisfaction seems “de-rigeur” across all business sectors (even our own) it’s a timely reminder that what makes us successful is not the channel but the fact that we are credible.

Real credibility moves people to talk, spreads your ideas and gets people excited about your product/service/idea.

At a time when sales are down and accountants asking us to watch our cashflow, it’s often hard to

take the step back and focus on something as intangible as credibility.

However, stand back we must or we risk missing opportunities that help grow the pie for the timber sector.

Timber is the best building material and yet here in Australia we make it hard to build credibility. On a daily basis we at the TMA work closely with both ends of the supply and demand chains, and we hear the very worst and very best of how we respond to customers.

The inconsistency in our industry response basically

gottstein trust applications for 2014 awards

the Joseph william Gottstein Memorial trust invites applications from interested persons for Gottstein fellowships and Gottstein industry awards.

GOTTSTEIN FELLOWSHIPS Fellowships are awarded to people from or associated with Australian forest industries to further their experience, education or training either within or outside Australia. Project proposals on any relevant topic are welcome. Candidates will be selected on the value of the project, and on their ability to complete and disseminate the information acquired.

GOTTSTEIN INDUSTRY AWARDS These awards are available to assist workers in the Australian forest industries to improve their industry knowledge and work skills.

Applications focusing on small group study tours will be favourably viewed, although any relevant project topic may be proposed.

Candidates will be selected on the value of the project.

INTERVIEWS Applications for each category will be considered by the Trustees and promising applicants will be selected for interviews in October 2013.

FURTHER INFORMATION Further details may be obtained from the Trust’s website at www.gottsteintrust.org, or from the Secretary.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS The closing date for applications is 6th September 2013.

Applications should be forwarded to: Dr Silvia Pongracic, Secretary, J. W. Gottstein Memorial Trust Fund, Private Bag 10, Clayton South, VIC 3169 Telephone: 0418 764 954 Email: secretary@gottsteintrust.org

undermines our credibility which ultimately means we open the door for competitors to win over our businesses opportunities.

We have learned an enormous amount from the supply and demand chains, and now we are taking a leaf out of “six pixels” book and rebuilding the TMA “brand” with a foundation of transparency and building interactions across the industry to advance the opportunities for our industry. We want to grow the pie if you will.

We realise that this is a long road, but realising credibility is everything, it’s the tougher choice that we feel in the longer term will deliver a stronger more vibrant sector.

So join us at our breakfasts the next one is coming up in July and we will be exploring timber in multi-storey developments. We will also have the TMA Open Days supported by Small Business Victoria on August 15-17 where we will be showcasing our revamped showroom to industry entrants, architects, building designers, and final year builders apprentices.

Wood industry safety kit launched by WorkCover MORE THAN 2,100 NSW businesses in the wood products manufacturing industry will receive safety kits from WorkCover NSW as part of a program to improve safety in one of the State’s highest risk industries.

The Safety Kit is part of WorkCover’s recentlyannounced action plan that focuses on reducing workplace injuries and illnesses and improving injury management across the wood products manufacturing industry after there were 1,965 workers compensation claims in the three years to 2010 at a cost of $19.5 million to the NSW workers compensation scheme placing it among the State’s 10 highest risk industries.

The industry is comprised of businesses involved in the manufacture of wooden doors and windows, kitchen cabinets, frames and trusses as well as joineries with the majority employing less than five workers.

General Manager of WorkCover’s Work Health and Safety Division, John Watson said the Safety Kit featured a range of resources to help business improve safety and injury management.

“Businesses within this industry are time and resource poor, and require assistance to improve safety cultures,” Watson said.

“The most common injuries and illnesses include muscular injuries when carrying or putting down timber and wounds from industrial guns or saws.

“The Industry Action Plan identifies five key issues businesses need to address to improve safety and injury management, these include manual tasks at the workshop; manual tasks at client sites; guarding on machines and powered hand tools; occupational disease from exposure to wood dust and noise; and delayed return to work of injured workers.

“Industry has told us that to enable businesses to address these issues they need simple and easy-to-use information and resources.

“The Wood Products Manufacturing Industry Safety Kit does just that, featuring a CD on Safety in the Wood Products Industry which outlines how to manage the five major issues, flyers on our Safety Coach Program and Wood Products Rebate as well as a WorkCover poster and postcard.

“WorkCover inspectors will be visiting wood products manufacturing business throughout NSW to explain how the Kit can help them make their workplaces more productive, healthy and safe.”

The Wood Products Manufacturing Industry Safety Kit was launched at Arndell Park business Westview Frames and Truss. Westview Frames and Truss Director Wayne Brady said the Safety Kit provided information in a format that businesses could use.

“As a small business, with many deadlines and demands, finding the time to prioritise safety improvements can be difficult,” Brady said.

“The Safety Kit provides information and advice in a simple and easy format which will help businesses improve safety and I believe it will be well-received across the industry.”

The Wood Products Manufacturing Industry Program is part of WorkCover’s Focus on Industry Program which involves working with businesses to make their workplaces more productive, healthy and safe.

“WorkCover recognises the role business and industry play in developing effective work health and safety solutions,” Watson added.

As part of the Program WorkCover is working with its six industry action plan partners, the Furnishing Industry Association of Australia, Timber Trade Industrial Association of Australia, Timber and Building Materials Association, Housing Industry Association, Master Builders Association and the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union’s Forestry and Furnishing Products Division.

WADIC sponsors new award THE WINDOW and Door Industry Council (WADIC) is sponsoring a new award in this year’s highly prestigious Australian Timber Design Awards.

The new WADICsponsored segment is the Excellence in the Use of Timber Products – Windows and Doors Award.

In previous years the awards have featured stunning examples of timber use in windows and doors, so

it is expected that this new category will receive plenty of attention from entrants.

In fact, early interest in this new category has already been significant.

WADIC has encouraged all its members and supplier members to take full advantage of this opportunity to showcase their products.

Entries to the Australian Timber Design Awards close 28 June with winners to be announced in midSeptember at the Awards

Presentation Night in Melbourne.

Tilling has signed up as a Silver Partner of the Australian Timber Design Awards to sponsor the new Western Red Cedar Award.

“Judging from past entries, this should be a popular award, particularly among those entering projects that feature exposed timber (western red cedar enjoys high natural resistance to decay).”

19 - July 2013, TIMBERMAN

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

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SAW DOCTOR FOR SALE ALL REPAIRS TO: Portable Mill Blades, Carriage Saws, Bench Ripsaws, Firewood Blades, Multisaw Blades, Pruning Sawblades CALL 03 5443 9846

HIGH SPEED DOCKER Semi-optimizing cut-off saw MPB model CFS-200a $30,000+GST FINGER JOINTER SYSTEM Weinig ProfiJoint Comfort $140,000+GST Both machines as package $150,000+GST (Both machines used for two years from new. RRP $300,000+)

Phone 0439 330 799 ross@alternatedwellings.com.au

FOR SALE End of Financial Year Specials

2008 SG10 SOLAR GAS KILN Excellent condition but no further use.

Shane 0428 994 942 $28,000+GST

DFT Robinson $9k+GST Pinhero $9k+GST Mida P4E $5k+GST Spida docking saw $1500+GST Nolex radial arm docking saw [new motor] $500+GST Wadkin docking saw $500+GST Wadkin GD 5 head moulder with tooling $8k+GST Kuphlermuhle 500 wide 2 head thicknesser $5k+GST Contact: Jim Wills Ph: 02 9907 3699 Mobile: 0418 646 440 Email: jim@sawmillservices.com www.sawmillservices.com

Quick, easy and targeted

industry employment

Now you can target qualified and experienced personnel in the forest and timber industries with www.timberbiz.com.au All jobs are listed for 3 days on Daily Timber News for even greater market coverage. Post your job online at www.timberbiz.com.au/timberjobs

its the service with a touch of a button!

Sander, BOERE (TKS 1100) twin drum sanding machine, in good condition. $9,500.00 + GST Multi Rip Saw, M & J Machinery Co, Model M-14 manufacture 1994 this machine is in fair condition comes complete with new carpet feed and various spares. $8,500.00 + GST Conveyor Belt, Large wood chip or rock conveyor belt 20 metres long x 750mm wide complete with access walkway and handrail, heavy chevron belt, belt covers, drive gear and tensioning tower, all in good condition ready to transport. $12,000.00 + GST Compressor, Champion Eco-pack 30 screw compressor in fair condition. $3,500.00 + GST Grinder, Jack Mill J-40 tool & cutter grinder in fair condition. $1,500.00 + GST Plating Press, Gang Nail Australia plating press, Model BP-65 in good condition also includes 35 boxes of assorted gang nail plates suitable for truss & beam manufacture. $4,500.00 + GST Chipper, 48” Precision 3 knife chipper complete with motor drive, also spare feed plate, anvil, & counter knives. $8,500.00 + GST Chip Screen, Precision 1.8 x 1.8 x 3 deck chip screen in good condition. $2,800.00 + GST

Contact: Garry Henthorn Phone: 03-51397000 Email: garry.henthorn@vicash.com.au

AVAILABLE NOW Softwood Bandsaw Processing Mill For high recovery sawmilling

Robinson 54” wheels heavy duty bandsaw 50hp motor, Hydraulic feed. $12,500+GST $9,800+GST Forano Twin 60” Bandsaw Log Breakdown line Top dogging. Log handling. Remote operator.

Log diameter 60cm – 12cm, 6m - 2.4m.

Hydraulic sizing 30cm – 7.5cm. $188,000+GST OPTIKOP 2002 optimising docker complete with in feed and unscramble, and 4 station kick off outfeed. $38,000+GST Moreen Johnston 50” Horizontal Band Wing line With roundabout and wing transfer deck. $44,000.00+GST Windsor board twin edger With laser guides, pneumatic sizing and conveyor waste transfer. $37,000+GST Biesse twin head point to point automatic machine centre. $28,000+GST Circular rip saw bench with feed, production machine, 1 or 2 blades, max 75mm deep cut.

(Used for resawing multiple battens.) $6000 Wadkin XE 220 moulder complete in good condition with cutters and blower $28,000

Austral Timber Group Contact Ken Baker 0438 643 992 kjb@agnew.com.au

The cornerstone project The 1st stage of The cornerstone project CS1 is available as of July 2013

The Future starts now!

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