Timber Trader UK Issue 19 (Winter 22/23)

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WINTER 2022-2023 www.timbermedia.co.uk ISSN 2517–26X (PRINT)

TRADER UK

TIMBERMARK  18 Handheld thermal inkjet printers that provide economic and flexible stamping options for all timber types SAM MOULDINGS  20

RACKING & STORAGE  30

How investment into product improvement for 2023 will boost business across the UK

SEMA’s health and safety training can help stop warehouse accidents before they happen

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TIMBER TRADER UK  ISSUE 19 CONTENTS

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02 News The latest news and views from across the industry.

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12 Timber & UKCA Delays The UK government has delayed the date when businesses must have switched from CE marking to UKCA marking on their products. What does this mean for the timber supply chain?

14 Intelligent Forestry Metsä Group and CollectiveCrunch are jointly developing an artificial intelligence application to identify forest storm and insect damage.

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17 Alternatives to Plywood The shortage of birch plywood is a cause of concern in the timber industry, with many suppliers and contractors looking for alternative places to source from.

18 Cover Story: Timbermark Timbermark ID Systems and its range of handheld thermal inkjet printers are ideal for all types of wood including pallets and packaging.

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20 Creating a New Mould SAM is the UK’s leading manufacturer of interior and exterior MDF mouldings and is ready for a busy 2023. Gerard Wilson, sales director at SAM told us more.

29 Driving Efficiency & Specialist ERP Chris Fisher from ECI Software Solutions explains how timber merchants can streamline their operations through the deployment of a specialist ERP system.

Managing Editor: Terry Hanlon

Registered address:

 terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk

9 Viaduct Street, Newton-le-Willows,



30 The Importance of Training

01925 872371

Merseyside WA12 9PL

Artwork: Pete Awad

Have you considered the consequences if a bad accident happened at your workplace? The Storage Equipment Manufacturer’s Association can help stop a problem before it happens.

 artwork@timbermedia.co.uk Follow Timber Media:

Company registered in England and

 @Timber_Media

Wales. Company Number 10839173.

The Perfect Partner for the Timber Industry combilift.com Timber Trader UK magazine 185 x 62 Liz Feb2022.indd 1

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

Pallet LOOP Ramps Up for 2023 Bradfords Building Supplies has taken its first delivery of Tarmac bagged cement loaded on green Pallet LOOP pallets kicking off the first end-to-end trial of a new circular economy pallet reuse scheme for the UK construction sector.

After individually confirming the quality and durability of LOOP’s distinctive green pallets, Bradfords and Tarmac are now trialling their use to move goods between their businesses and out to a select number of Bradfords customers across Somerset.

Founded on the principles of recover, repair, reuse, The Pallet Loop is designed to help the construction industry meet its target of net zero emissions by 2050 and eliminate avoidable packaging waste from the building material supply chain.

Reinventing how pallets are used, The Pallet LOOP offers a range of 100% FSC pallets that have been purposely designed to carry various weights and types of material and engineered to be used multiple times. Easy to identify, the pallets all follow the same design standards, making them safer to move, manage and stack, while helping to maximise lorry distribution capacity.

The Pallet LOOP operates using a returnable pallet charge (RPC) that incentivises reuse. By attaching a value to the pallet, which is refunded at the point of return, The Pallet LOOP provides a financial motivation for individuals and companies to put pallets back into the LOOP, rather than skipping or scrapping them after just one use.

This positive shift in behaviour will greatly reduce the burden that pallet production currently places on the environment and our forests. Switching to The Pallet LOOP also has the potential to save the sector significant amounts of money on waste costs.

Giles Bradford, head of sustainability at Bradfords Building Supplies, said: “We see examples of both unsafe pallets and

to sustainability and have clearly recognised the value that a circular

pallet waste every day across our sector. They’re a crucial enabler for

economy pallet reuse scheme will have not just for their businesses

the construction industry, but the evidence of stacks of pallets clogging

– but also their customers, the wider industry, and the environment.

merchant branches or being skipped on-site is only too apparent. It’s

We’ve spent the last year speaking to key players throughout the

important for us to assess environmental sustainability at every stage of

construction sector, explaining the simplicity of our model and how

the supply chain. Trialling The Pallet LOOP is the latest step in our efforts

easily it can be integrated into the sector. Tarmac and Bradfords are

to reduce our own environmental impact but looks to support a much

now proving that in practice – putting the LOOP to the test.”

wider benefit across the sector. We are delighted to be supporting the

To service its circular economy pallet reuse scheme, The Pallet

initiative and looking forward to seeing how the trial progresses.

LOOP operates a network of collection sites and repair hubs

Garry Gregory, packed products director at Tarmac, said: “Pallets

nationwide. Pallets are taken back to the nearest site where they re-

are a staple within the industry and are heavily relied upon to store and

enter the pallet pool – after being checked for damage.

distribute construction goods and materials. The Pallet LOOP reuse

Once The Pallet LOOP is fully operational in early 2023, the pallet

scheme is key to reducing waste and the demand for natural resources,

collection process will work the same way as in this trial. Smaller

ensuring we use and supply pallets in a greener, more sustainable way

developers and trades will be able to return pallets to the merchant

- this aligns closely with our 2030 circular economy goals in Act – our

branch that delivered them or call them to discuss the possibility of

sustainability strategy. We are looking forward to seeing how the trial

backhauling when additional deliveries are made to site or vehicles are

progresses and hope to see a successful roll out of the scheme in the

in proximity. Larger developers and principal contractors will be able to

months ahead.”

book a collection slot for multiple pallets to be picked up directly by The

Paul Lewis, founder of The Pallet LOOP, said: “We are delighted

Pallet LOOP.

that Tarmac and Bradfords have initiated the first end-to-end trial of More at  www.thepalletloop.com

our pallets. Both companies are forward-thinking in their approach Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2022-2023

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

Economic value of the UK’s individual trees revealed The economic value of individual trees planted outside of our forests and woodlands has been revealed for the first time at £3.8 billion. The figures are revealed in a new ground-breaking study published by Forest Research and Defra as part of National Tree Week.

Trees outside woodlands are defined as single trees in urban and rural areas and are some of the most iconic trees in our landscape, ranging from the classic, spreading hedgerow to the single trees lining our streets, making up almost a quarter of trees in Great Britain.

The valuation is based on the important role they play in sequestering and storing carbon, regulating temperatures, strengthening flood resilience and reducing noise and air pollution. Together, these help to mitigate against climate change, reducing damage to infrastructure and people from the impact of flooding, cooling our cities in summer and improving health and wellbeing.

and increased values as more of the benefits are included. Our report

By quantifying their significant value, the report will help to incentivise

shows that trees are valuable infrastructure assets across multiple land

councils, land managers and local communities to plant more trees outside

uses, much as one might think about lampposts or drains. Moreover, it

of woodlands for the varied and numerous benefits they provide. This will

highlights the much greater role of mature trees in delivering benefit to

contribute to wider Government efforts to treble planting rates in England

society - in comparison to their younger counterparts.”

by the end of this Parliament and achieve net zero by 2050.

Richard Stanford, Chief Executive, Forestry Commission, added:

Forestry Minister Trudy Harrison said: “Today’s groundbreaking

“This first-of-its-kind research demonstrates the dynamism of trees

research reaffirms the unique value of non-woodland trees which exist

outside woodlands – from tackling many of the prevailing issues of our

all around us - from the trees lining our streets to those dotted around

time, like air quality and climate change, to damping down noise and

our beautiful countryside. It makes clear the immense environmental

helping people to get a better night’s sleep. This landmark report will

and economic value and benefits trees bring to society which cannot

inform the continued rollout of our England Trees Action Plan and be

be underestimated. As set out in our England Trees Action Plan, we

instrumental to future policymaking.”

have committed to trebling tree planting rates in England by 2024 and

The report estimates the Natural Capital Value of non-woodland

by quantifying the significant value of trees, this research will help to

trees to be between £68.5 billion and £151.5 billion, in 2020 prices.

incentivise planting in our communities across our country.”

This represents the value of the trees over the course of a century and

Kieron Doick, head of the Urban Forest Research Group, Forest

provides a useful means of comparison to other natural assets.

Research said: “While our valuation of non-woodland trees is substantial, we recognise that our research valued just a handful of the many benefits

The report can be downloaded free of charge at:

that trees provide. Future research will allow greater understanding

 www.forestresearch.gov.uk/research/valuing-non-woodland-trees

Handheld printers for all your timber marking needs

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

Timbeter nominated for Future Unicorn Award 2023 Running for the sixth year in a row, the Future Unicorn Award celebrates scale-ups from across Europe that have the potential to become the bloc’s future tech giants. The shortlist is compiled in collaboration with DIGITALEUROPE’s national trade associations, representing the digital and technology sector in 29 European countries. The winner will be announced on 8 March at Masters of Digital, DIGITALEUROPE’s annual flagship conference, by Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth.

Timbeter’s digital solution is changing the forestry sector by enabling sustainable forest management, increasing the safety of employees, maximizing the value of each log, helping to optimize logistics and guaranteeing fair trades. Also, it helps with monitoring and controlling the timber supply chain, supporting governments and law enforcement agencies to prevent illegal logging and keep a better overview on the volumes harvested.

transformation and harnessing innovative technology in the forestry

Anna-Greta Tsahkna, CEO of Timbeter, stated: “Being one of the

industry is 100% required for a more sustainable future.”

Future Unicorn Award 2023 nominees is great recognition to our team.

Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl, Director-General of DIGITALEUROPE, said:

Working with organizations across all the continents proves that our

“Today, only 12% of the world’s unicorns are European. This is far from

solution solves universal challenges related to transparency, traceability,

enough, at a time when Europe seeks to assert its global competitive

efficiency and accountability in the forestry sector. The one thing we owe

edge. This year’s impressive shortlist of the most brilliant scale-ups

our success to is dedication on R&D and trust of our investors for seeing

represent critical sectors from energy and green tech to cyber security.

a long-term perspective. It is fascinating to witness how the regulators

They clearly reflect Europe’s most burning challenges and the power of

and very traditional forest industry is slowly indicating interest for

European innovators to deliver solutions.”

more transparent, traceable and accurate forest information. Climate More at  www.timbeter.com

policy being an important driver here. We strongly believe that digital

Alloway Timber announces company rebrand Alloway Timber, a family-owned timber merchant, has announced that it has completed a major rebranding. This involves merging with its sister company, Putney Builders Merchants (PBM). The new company, Alloway Timber & Builders Merchants, will allow them to simplify their offering to their customers by ensuring all products are available under one roof.

Alloway Timber was founded in 1971 by Joe Alloway (senior) and continued under the stewardship of his two sons, Joe & Peter Alloway, supplying anything timber related from skirtings and architraves to roof truss rafters and beyond. After listening to their customers’ needs in

share our colleagues’ knowledge across the two businesses. Also, by

helping to support their projects from start to finish, they opened PBM

making this change we will be able to utilise our transport fleet better

in 2003. Alloway Timber & Builders Merchants is the latest development

to enable a greener environment.”

in the history of this company.

Alloway Timber & Builders Merchants will continue to trade from

Jez Avens, managing director, says: “This change will further

their five locations – Cheam, Mitcham, Byfleet, Putney and Kingston.

enhance our position as leaders in customer service. Our customers will

The new logo will be introduced to the branch signs.

have only one account to manage and most importantly our level of More at  www.allowaytimber.com

service and their experience in dealing with us will only improve as we Timber Trader UK Magazine

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

BSW acquires Scott Group BSW Timber Ltd, the largest integrated timber and forestry business in the UK, and a member of Binderholz, has acquired Scott Group, a leading supplier of timber pallets and bespoke timber packaging solutions.

Based near Dunfermline in Scotland, with an annual turnover in excess of £250m and 1,300 employees, Scott Group is an awardwinning, sustainable manufacturer of new, bespoke, and reconditioned timber pallets, producing over 30 million pallets per year.

The Scott Group was founded in 1987 and operates across 32 sites, from Shetland to Devon, working with customers to promote the circular economy, which is emphasised by its pallet recovery, repair and reuse service, while it also operates a timber sourcing arm in Latvia.

Tony Hackney, CEO of BSW Group, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have acquired Scott Group. It’s a move which further strengthens our product and service offering. It ties into our vision of not only making use of the full value of

industry, helping us to cement our status as the UK’s most innovative

timber, but also of achieving the best uses for timber across the BSW Group,

manufacturer and supplier of timber pallets. It also helps us to ensure

whilst fully utilising the logistical firepower of the combined businesses.

that we can work even closer with customers to provide solutions that

“This strategic acquisition means that we are poised ready to serve

fit their requirements and deliver value.”

our customers when we see the economic recovery and upturn. Much

With the acquisition of Scott Group, BSW Group now employs 3,000

like us, Scott Group has grown organically and through acquisition

people across the sector, and has an annual turnover of approximately

over the last decade, and we’re confident that with the expertise and

£900m, with Binderholz Group turnover reaching almost €2.8bn.

experience of BSW and Scott together we can continue to build on this

BSW CEO Tony Hackney and CFO Alan Milne will join the existing

both in the UK and further afield.”

Scott Group Board of Directors, who will continue in their current roles.

Norman Scott, owner and group operations director at Scott Group, More at  www.thebswgroup.co.uk  www.scottgroupltd.com

added: “This is a huge move for both Scott Group and the wider timber

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

Yorkshire Family Timber Business Marks 50th Anniversary Ramsey Timber Group, the Bradford-based timber component manufacturer to the UK bed industry, is marking its 50th anniversary with the appointment of third generation family members into the business.

The milestone year sees Josh and Jake Ramsey, sons of managing director Mike Ramsey, join the family-owned and run business as they look to bring valuable skills and fresh perspective, ensuring the continuity and future success of the highly respected business.

Josh brings with him a background in technology consulting from a Big 4 firm. He is leading an IT transformation programme to modernise systems and improve operational efficiencies. While Jake brings his background in sales with him to focus on building relationships with existing and new customers, as well as driving growth in new product ranges, including the Ramsey Bedstead – one of the few bedstead options on the market that is manufactured in the UK and offers short and consistent lead times versus imported alternatives.

L-R Jake Ramsey, Mike Ramsey, Elaine Ramsey, Peter Ramsey, Nick Ramsey and Josh Ramsey

Established by Peter Ramsey in 1972 and joined soon after by his sons, Mike and Nick, Ramsey Timber began trading imported timber from a portacabin in Denholme, Bradford, to builders’ merchants and the

and to reach the milestone of 50 years trading. It’s a humbling moment

DIY market. Over the last 50 years, Peter’s sons have grown and shaped

for me personally and I’m excited to see the positive change that Josh

the business to be a leading supplier of timber components to the UK

and Jake will undoubtedly bring to the business. Our future priorities,

bedding sector, generating £24m of turnover in its last financial year.

as ever, are centred around delivering great service to our customers.

As the firm looks ahead, the focus will be on continuing to deliver the

We are building our in-house manufacturing capabilities, as well as

best Divan and Ottoman bed frames in the UK. Strong relationships with

developing existing and new supply partnerships.”

Scandinavian sawmills and board product suppliers have enabled the firm

2023 will see further improvements planned around its machinery

to provide continuity of supply to its customers during the tumultuous

and in-house fleet in an effort to retain its place as the leading supplier

last two years, so reinforcing these relationships further will be key for

of Divan and Ottoman bed components in the UK continue to deliver

the business, as the market faces continued uncertainty into 2023.

cost effective solutions to its customers.

Mike Ramsey, managing director, commented: “We’re extremely More at  www.ramsey-uk.com

proud to be a highly respected third generation family-owned business

EPD investment for Tanalith® E To help timber manufacturers provide transparency on the environmental performance of their products, Arxada has invested in updating the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for Tanalith® E. The EPD for Tanalith® E, a high-pressure water-based wood preservative, provides a cradle-to-gate assessment covering raw materials, emissions in the manufacturing, shipping and distribution

More importantly, as a company committed to sustainability, we think they are

processes, and packaging. Carried out by Dutch consultants, SHR, the

simply the right and responsible thing to do going forward. We are investing in

EPD has been updated to help Arxada’s customers create a full cradle-

EPDs and Life Cycle Analysis across the portfolio of our products.”

to-grave assessment, looking at the environmental impact of timber

“As an industry we do have pushback on the environmental credentials of

treated with Tanalith® E throughout its full life cycle.

pressure treated timber. We are looking forward to working with customers across Europe to build the EPD into their own environmental systems,

Within the UK, EPDs are voluntary, but their use is rapidly becoming more common in line with growing environmental awareness. Andrew

helping to show how treated timber performs against more carbon-intensive

Hodge, marketing director for Arxada EIMEA Wood Protection division,

materials, and untreated timber, across its entire life cycle.”

speaks of the recently published Tanalith® E EPD: More at  www.arxada.com/en/wood-protection/eu

“Both public and private stakeholders are increasingly demanding EPDs. Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2022-2023

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Through the heat of the summer into cold winter chill, still a half century later MEDITE makes it real.

Designers and artists with broad imaginations, architects and specifiers across all of the nations, from wardrobes to beds our quality can’t be denied, one of our innovative products can even be used outside. Outdoor kitchens and games, a summerhouse withstands all kinds of weather all the year round.

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

Travis Perkins Certified as Top Employer Travis Perkins plc, a leading partner to the construction industry and the UK’s largest distributor of building materials, has been certified as a 2023 Top Employer.

This year’s rigorous review looked at the people practises the Group has in place for its 20,000 colleagues in a range of areas, including strategy and leadership, organisation and change, digital HR and work environment, employer branding, and talent acquisition and onboarding.

The Group was recognised for its strong purpose-led decision making, integration of wellbeing and the use of colleague champions to successfully enable business change. Employee listening, the recruitment of new talent and the way we measure candidate experience were also identified as key strengths.

Group chief HR officer, Emma Rose, said: “We have made significant investments in making colleague learning and development more

many of our people are facing, and 400+ colleagues helped shape our

accessible, engaging and fun through a new system and app and a

new values, which have become part of the Group’s everyday language

virtual reality onboarding platform. We’re also enabling colleagues

and ways of working in a short space of time.

to share their voice and opinions more easily through our new survey

“Our progress has been considerable, but we’re ambitious and want

tool. Authenticity and equal opportunity were two of our top scoring

to lead the way in building a culture of belonging where everyone has

questions in the latest survey, which demonstrates the progress we’re

the skills, confidence and ambition to be their best. That means our

making on diversity and inclusion.

work to build on all the positive impact our people strategy has made

“Our apprenticeship programme has continued to go from strength

for our colleagues, the business and our sector very much continues.”

to strength. During 2022 we even opened our apprenticeships up to

This marks the 14th year the Group, which operates market leading

the wider industry to help build the next generation of talent across our

businesses including Travis Perkins Builders’ Merchants, Toolstation and

sector, so we unlock sustainable growth within our own business and

a number of trade specialists, such as Keyline, BSS, CCF and many more

construction more widely.

has been accredited as a Top Employer.

“Wagestream has been an important and timely addition to the More at  www.travisperkins.co.uk

Group’s financial wellbeing offering, given the cost-of-living pressures

BMF appoints digital specialist as board advisor As the building materials industry advances

therefore, important that its members bring

towards digitalisation, the Builders

a diverse range of experience and skills to the

Merchants Federation (BMF) has appointed

overall Board. James’ appointment reflects

James Mitchell, managing director of

the increasing importance of digitalisation in

Kerridge Commercial Systems as a specialist

our members’ business, and I am delighted to

advisor to the BMF Board.

welcome him to the Board.”

James’ appointment brings a new skill

On his appointment James Mitchell

set to the BMF Board. He has 28 years’

added: “I am delighted to be joining the BMF

experience of IT and software solutions,

board as an advisor. The use of digital tools

and his current company provides digital

for business operations and processes is a

solutions to many in the building materials

subject I am very passionate about; the right

sector. He has a BSc (Hons) in Business and

digital tools generate efficiencies and improve

Computer Science, an Executive MBA from

services and importantly help merchants grow

Cranfield University Business School and he

their business and profits sustainably. I am

is a member of the Institution of Engineering

very much looking forward to working with

and Technology and a Fellow of the Chartered

the BMF board and its members to discuss,

who together have combined sales of over

Management Institute.

advise and provide insights on the future of

£42bn and employ over 230,000 people in

Commenting on the appointment, BMF

digitalisation for the merchant industry.”

the building materials industry. BMF’s 443

Chairman, Richard Hill said: “The BMF Board

The BMF represents merchants and

is responsible for the general control and

suppliers in the UK and Ireland and had

management of the Federation, developing

a total membership on 1 January 2023

strategy and scrutinising performance. It is,

of 870 merchant and supplier companies

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2022-2023

08

merchant members operate from over 5,600 branches across the UK and Ireland.

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

Donaldson Timber Systems provide offsite timber frame training Donaldson Timber Systems (DTS), is providing offsite timber frame training workshops after being awarded Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation.

As the only timber frame company to secure CPD accreditation, DTS enables current and potential clients to expand their skillset and keep up to date with industry developments. Online workshops include a range of topics, from construction and technical aspects to commercial skills and client sales. Upon completion, participants achieve a certificate which can be logged towards CPD study or used to build career progression.

Rod Allan, managing director of DTS, said: “We are proud to have achieved CPD accreditation for our offsite timber frame training, which has already received overwhelmingly positive feedback and referrals.

This marks a huge step for the timber industry and construction sector.

Businesses have the opportunity to share their expertise to upskill staff,

particularly with those driven by whole life costs and fabric performance,

improve retention, and advance professional growth. By committing to

contributing positively to fuel poverty challenges.

lifelong learning and development, the industry as a whole can benefit.”

DTS is the UK’s market leading offsite timber systems manufacturer.

DTS prides itself on being highly sustainable, innovative and efficient.

For nearly 50 years, the business has been working with its partners in the

With unrivalled experience and knowledge in offsite construction, DTS

UK housebuilding market, supplying them with state of the art open and

has an established history of bringing new commercial and operational

closed panel timber frames. DTS was formerly known as Stewart Milne

innovations to the market. One example is the Sigma II closed panel

Timber Systems prior to its acquisition by the Donaldson Group in 2021.

system, offering near-Passivhaus standards of performance and More at  www.donaldsontimbersystems.com

sustainability. The system is being widely used with housing developers,

Winners revealed at BWF Awards 2022 the winner of the award in recognition of its multifaceted renovation of a heritage property in Suffolk. The BWF Award judges recognised the project as an example of great capability and skill, which used modern joinery techniques to sympathetically blend structures into the existing fabric of the building.

Scott Grimwood, director at Precision Made Joinery, said: “The whole team is incredibly proud of the end result of this project, and we’re delighted that our hard work has been recognised by the BWF Awards.”

Commenting on all this years’ winners and the Awards ceremony, Helen Hewitt, chief executive of the BWF, said: “The BWF Awards allow us to come together and take pride

Precision Made Joinery won the Woodworking Project of the Year Award

in all that has been achieved over the past year. Our sector has overcome a great deal this year, with supply chain

The winners of the prestigious British Woodworking Federation

interruption as well as the increase in energy costs and the continued

(BWF) Awards 2022 were revealed at an evening of celebration

skills shortage. The Awards are a welcome opportunity to celebrate

held at the Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel late last year. This year

the hard-earned achievements of the past year and showcase the skill

marks the 14th anniversary of the annual Awards which celebrate

and technical expertise in the sector. Every year I’m amazed at the hard

outstanding achievement, skills and talent from across the

work, innovation and incredible skill of all of our finalists, and I want to

woodworking and joinery manufacturing sector.

congratulate all our winners on their achievements. It was fantastic to bring the industry together once again and celebrate the successes our

Amongst the winners was Precision Made Joinery, based in Suffolk,

ever-evolving profession.”

that won the Woodworking Project of the Year Award. Sponsored by National Timber Group, the Woodworking Project of the Year Award champions innovation and the very best in design, application and

To read about all the 2022 winners in more detail go to

ability in joinery manufacture. Precision Made Joinery was chosen as

 www.bwf.org.uk

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TIMBER TRADER UK  NEWS

Accoya® shows resilience on River Thames Following a successful trial the Environment Agency’s TEAM 2100 has chosen to commission and install a further nine Accoya fenders along the banks of the Thames. TEAM2100 is the Environment Agency’s 10-year programme to refurbish and replace tidal flood defences in London and the Thames Estuary.

In 2020, the Environment Agency agreed to trial and test an Accoya fender at Duke Shore Wharf, with wood being donated by Accsys via International Timber.

The Agency was looking for a resilient, stable and durable alternative to hardwood that could offer improved sustainability credentials whilst continuing to promote a healthy and diverse marine habitat. The fenders are an essential part of flood risk management assets in the Thames Estuary.

After two years of positive performance at Duke Shore Wharf the Environment Agency has commissioned nine further fenders at Deptford Walls, Greenwich. These fenders were installed in September 2022. To provide biodiversity benefits, the innovative design for the nine new fenders, loop(see diagram).

“Choosing materials that are sustainable and that consider the effects of their production on the environment is a key goal of our flood risk management programme. Certification processes, such as the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Products Program, help achieve this and permit identification of materials that consider the effects of their production on the environment, minimise energy and water use and aid social fairness. Finding a viable, sustainable substitute for

Regenerative design consultancy, 540World worked with Accsys,

hardwood has been an important goal of ours,” said Dr Jo Guy, of the

Jacobs, Balfour Beatty and TEAM2100 to implement this important

Environment Agency’s TEAM2100, environment and sustainability

sustainability initiative, with a view to more widespread substitution of

manager.

slow-growing hardwood with fast-growing, rapidly carbon-sequestering

John Alexander, group director of sales, Accsys commented: “The

and very durable Accoya. The lack of toxic or plastic-based additives to

Thames water is a tough environment with cold water, strong tidal

Accoya is vital to its use in these environments, eliminating the risk of

currents and lots of surface activity. It’s a real endurance test for a

potential leaching into the water and environmental or ecological harm

wood product and we’re proud to see how well Accoya has performed.

Each cubic metre of Accoya contains nearly one tonne of CO2

With a 25 year warranty in fresh water it has excellent potential to

absorbed by certified sustainable forests, which keeps that carbon

replace hardwoods.”

safely stored for decades. This installation in the Thames Estuary

The fenders are being used by the Environment Agency’s

will provide further data on long-term performance, adding to the

TEAM2100 programme as proof of concept that it can replace

consensus of positive data that Accsys has collected from sites in the

hardwood, provide habitat and contribute to achieving the

Mediterranean and North Seas.

organisation’s circular economy, net zero, environmental net gain, and More at  www.accsysplc.com

social value sustainability ambitions.

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2022-2023

11

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  TDUK

Timber & UKCA Delays The UK government has delayed the date when businesses must have switched from CE marking to UKCA marking on their products. What does this mean for the timber supply chain?

According to the Construction Products Association: “There are only two types of harmonised technical specification to allow CE marking, which have been mirrored to permit UKCA marking. These are a harmonised standard or ETA for CE marking, and therefore a designated standard or a UKTA for UKCA marking. If neither of these exist a manufacturer cannot apply the CE or UKCA mark, however if these do exist for a product, then a manufacturer has to apply the relevant mark.”

For many wood products the UKCA situation is very clear, as market requirements are based on Harmonised European Standards which are published as the list of UK Designated standards. These can be found online at:

I

n December 2022, the UK Government announced

www.gov.uk/government/publications/designated-standards-

the delaying of the full implementation of the UK

construction-products

Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking scheme for

Most wood products are at AVCP Level 2+ or AVCP Level 4, which

products sold in England, Scotland and Wales until 30

means that either no input is required from a UK Approved Body (Level

June 2025.

4), or just oversight of the Factory Production Control (Level 2+). In either case, manufacturers can already move ahead to UKCA marking. In contrast,

Originally, businesses had been told they would need to have the

Level CE 2+ Manufacturers can move to UKCA marking once they:

UKCA mark on all their relevant products from 1 January 2023, but this latest delay now applies to all products, including structural timber, plywood and other wood-based panels including OSB and MDF. This

• Have registered with a UK Approved Body

means businesses will have an additional two years to apply the UKCA

• Have adjusted their quality manual

mark to their products. Until then, they may use either the existing CE

• Have received their UKCA certificate reference.

mark, or the UKCA mark, if they have already made the transition.

This UKCA mark may be on its own or could be alongside a CE mark

To help timber businesses navigate the confusion, TDUK has issued a Technical Note to outline the changes and explain how businesses can

if the manufacturer chooses to retain their registration with an EU

make sure they remain compliant during this transitionary period.

Notified Body. A good example of this is structural timber, which uses

Nick Boulton, head of Technical and Trade at TDUK, explains:

the harmonised standard BS EN 14081, or structural plywood that uses BS EN 13986.

“Manufacturers in the wood sector have already invested considerable resources to meet the original deadline for requirement of this new UK

At Level 4 there is no Notified Body or Approved Body input, so

mark. It is important to note that, like the original deadline, this new

manufacturers can move to UKCA marking whenever they choose by

date of 30 June 2025 is currently a UK government stated intention but

simply adjusting the relevant section of their quality manual. This UKCA

is not yet supported by UK legislation.”

mark may be on its own or alongside a CE mark.

Which products must have a UKCA/CE mark?

performance on products which are normally Level 4, such as for

Where manufacturers want to make a specific claim for fire Across the European Union, a CE mark is used by manufacturers

cladding, flooring, or post-treated wood-based panels, then a Fire Test

to declare that their products comply with, and conform to, relevant

Certificate is required from a Notified Test Laboratory which raises the

EU health, safety and environmental protection legislation and

product to CE Level 3 status. If the Notified Testing Laboratory is in the

requirements. CE marking is mandatory for products that fall under

UK, manufacturers can proceed to UKCA marking. If not, manufacturers

the scope of a European Commission product directive, such as the

should seek further legal advice. For structural wood products that hold

Construction Products Regulation (CPR), which lays down harmonised

European Technical Assessments (ETAs) the UKCA situation is less clear,

rules for the marketing of construction products in the EU.

and more information is available on TDUK’s Technical Note.

Post-Brexit, the UK government introduced the UKCA mark to replace the existing CE mark, and all products that previously required a

You can download the full Technical Note, and keep up to date with

CE mark will eventually need a UKCA mark to be placed on the market in

the latest information around UKCA and CE marking at

England, Scotland and Wales.

 www.timberdevelopment.uk

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2022-2023

12

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

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Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2022-2023

WWW.WICKENS.CO.UK sales@wickens.co.uk 01905 456780

13

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FEATURE  FOREST POLICY

Intelligent Forestry

Metsä Group and CollectiveCrunch, a leading company in the application of artificial intelligence for forestry enterprises, are jointly developing an AI application to identify storm and insect damage.

The map data on bark beetle damage will be available in the digital map applications used by Metsä Group’s wood supply personnel and the Metsäverkko online service used by Metsä Group’s owner-members. Photo © Metsä Group

I

n this joint project, the companies are developing an

threatens spruce forests, in particular. It has caused significant damage

application that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and

in Central Europe in past years and now threatening Northern forests in

machine learning to interpret remote surveying data

Europe and North America. Bark beetle and storm damages are expected

and observe any damage caused by the European spruce

to increase in Finland and Nordic regions as the climate becomes warmer.

bark beetle and storms. The goal is for the application to identify bark

Currently the most common damages to trees are those caused by snow

beetle damage in spruce forests before it is visible to the human eye.

loads and wind.

“Metsä Group and CollectiveCrunch aim to provide an application Quick detection, prompt actions

that will add to the digital material Metsä Group uses in forest operations, for example in maps that indicate storm and insect

“By updating the maps indicating damage caused by the European

damage,” says Olli Leino, director, digitalisation, from Metsä Group’s

spruce bark beetle several times over the summer, we can detect damage in

Wood Supply and Forest Services.

time, see how it progresses, and contact the forest owner to jointly prevent the spread of damage,” says Olli Leino. “The new application also improves

Helping forests remain healthy

our ability to quickly identify the scope of storm damage and the areas

Metsä Group’s parent company is Metsäliitto Cooperative which has

that have suffered the most. This enables us to quickly move harvesting

nearly 100,000 forest owners as members. Metsä Group procures most

equipment to where they are needed to harvest the damaged trees.”

of the roundwood from its owners-members in Finland and offers them

In 2022, Metsä Group introduced an application that makes extensive

comprehensive services for forest management and for increasing their

use of open data available in Finland as well as data gathered by Metsä

forest assets. “It is important to Metsä Group and our owner-members

Group, and machine learning to estimate growing stock data. Combined with

that forests remain healthy and vibrant,” adds Leino. “We’re now using

the AI application for damage detection, the number of storm-damaged

digitalisation to keep forests healthy and provide our owner-members

trees can be safely estimated without surveying the entire damaged area.

with an entirely new service.”

The map data on bark beetle damage will be available in the digital

Jarkko Lipponen, CEO of CollectiveCrunch said: “Advanced

map applications used by Metsä Group’s wood supply personnel and in

technology such as AI and machine

the Metsäverkko online service used

learning help us offer deeper insight

by Metsä Group’s owner-members.

into the wellbeing of forests, and

Metsäverkko is a free online service

especially into forest change, faster

offered by Metsä Group to help forest

than ever. The impacts of climate

owners manage their forest assets and

change can already be seen in our

make and timber trade, for example.

forests, and we’re excited with this

Some of the services in Metsäverkko,

opportunity to develop a completely

such as the future map data indicating

new service for improving the

storm and bark beetle damage, are

wellbeing of our forests with a forest-

only available to Metsä Group’s owner-

sector forerunner like Metsä Group.”

The European spruce bark beetle is about half a centimetre long and Timber Trader UK Magazine

members.

Bark beetle and storm damages are expected to increase in Finland and Nordic regions as the climate becomes warmer. Photo © Metsä Group

Winter 2022-2023

14

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More at  www.metsagroup.com

 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY

CHARGED AND IN CONTROL.

Introducing the new cutting-edge in control systems.

With its user-friendly interface, ease-of installation, live information and accurate plant mirroring, ProTreat delivers a new level of efficiency in timber treatment.

•

Remote monitoring

•

Fully backed, developed and supported by Koppers

•

Can help with treatment efficiencies

•

Detailed reporting for industry compliance

•

On-site system training and support available

•

Customisable alarms and reporting

www.kopperspc.eu | kpc.uk.sales@koppers.eu | +44 (0)1628 486644 ™ Protim Solignum Limited trading as Koppers Performance Chemicals. Koppers is a registered Trademark of Koppers Delaware, Inc. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in this document, Protim Solignum Limited gives no undertaking to that effect and no responsibility can be accepted for reliance on this information. Information will be updated when the need arises. Please ensure you have an up to date copy. All products are produced by independently owned and operated wood processing facilities. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Koppers Performance Chemicals, Protim Solignum Limited, Jubilee House, Third Avenue, Globe Park, Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7 1EY. Visit: www.kopperspc.eu, Email: kpc@koppers.eu, Call: +44 (0)1628 486644. Registered in England 3037845. © Copyright 2023

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2022-2023

15

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 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  MARKET GROWTH

BSW Ready for 2023 Binderholz GmbH, which acquired BSW Group in 2021, has reaffirmed its commitment to its UK operations after supporting several major investments into the company over the course of 2022.

T

he investments have strengthened the positioning of BSW Group, helping to place the company in a strong position for when the forestry and timber industry is able to bounce back from the current challenges. Within its stable of

timber and forestry companies, BSW Group has invested £4 million into a new 25,000m2 miniplug production facility at Maelor Forest Nurseries.

Designed especially for growing forestry species, the investment will help to secure the future supply of high-quality trees for the industry. The facility allows seeds to be sown directly into trays, with germination in a controlled environment helping to improve growth, efficiency and resilience in seedlings.

As part of BSW Group’s ongoing commitment to investment into sustainability and development of trees species suitable for the UK’s changing climate, plans are also in place to use the facility to cultivate

The sawmill at Fort William, meanwhile, received a £1.4 million investment

alternative tree species that will be available to customers.

in in the form of VK Debarker. The new VK Debarker features a 680mm ring,

Another member of BSW Group, Dick Brothers finished the year in a

allowing for a significantly increased output of 140m3 per hour. The site, based

very strong position after winning several new high value contracts with

in Corpach. was also completely resurfaced, with an area of approximately

Forestry and Land Scotland. To better service these contracts, BSW Group is

31,000m2 being filled in. BSW Group also acquired Scott Group in December

investing over £5 million in several new machines to strengthen their fleet of

2022. Based near Dunfermline in Scotland, with an annual turnover in excess

harvesters and forwarders.

of £250 million and 1,300 employees, Scott Group is an award-winning,

BSW Group’s manufacturing sites have also received significant

sustainable manufacturer of new, bespoke, and reconditioned timber pallets,

investment, with Bayram Timber acquiring a £300,000 Hundegger machine.

producing over 30 million pallets per year.

The new machine will help meet the demand of the industrial markets as it

Tony Hackney, CEO at BSW Group, said: “The forestry and timber

provides the ability to process timber in several ways, all in one operation. It

industries faced many challenges in 2022, and further challenges will no

has also allowed the company to streamline its caravan kit supply to improve

doubt present themselves as we move into 2023. These challenges came in

customer quality and service. It is an exciting time for Bayram as they look

the form of the pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine, increasing energy costs

to venture into new markets and make sizeable improvements to the

and a 40-year high in cost-of-living expenses. The result of this was a global

automation around their site.

downturn across the timber industry, which unfortunately led to the closure

BSW Timber Solutions in Melton, Hull, has also had a new £400,000

of our Boat of Garten sawmill.

H23 Planer installed to strengthen the existing stock of planers. The new

“However, the BSW Group and Binderholz GmbH board’s strategic

machine brings an extra capacity in excess of 10,000m3 per year, as well

review of the business has presented opportunities where investment would

as greater flexibility across existing workloads. Extra features include

strengthen our offering. The decision to make these investments in 2022,

automated packaging stations for wood bundling and to be able to produce

with more planned throughout 2023, will allow us to drive efficiencies across

mini packs for customers moving forward. There was also further investment

all sites and place us in a great position to serve customers with an even

at its Stoke site, which has had a state-of-the-art showroom built to better

stronger offering going forward.”

showcase the full range of products produced by all BSW Group members, More at  www.thebswgroup.co.uk

covering both internal and external timber products.

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2022-2023

16

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY

Alternatives to Plywood

The shortage of birch plywood is a cause of concern in the timber industry, with many suppliers and contractors looking for alternative places to source from. MEDITE SMARTPLY may offer the perfect solution.

A

s the invasion of Ukraine continues, international sanctions on Russia remain in place. One of the most significant sanctions in the construction industry, is the Russian timber import ban, which prohibits the import,

acquisition, supply, and delivery of revenue on all wood products coming from Russia. In particular Birch Plywood, which was exported to the UK and Europe in significant volumes prior to the invasion.

Manufacturers in need of wood products are looking to other places to specify products such as Birch Plywood. As Birch forests are found in Russia and Eurasia, the Birch Plywood offered from countries outside of these regions could be of unknown origin – making it illegal The innovative MEDITE SMARTPLY range

to import into the UK or the EU. If these products enter the UK or EU market, importers and anyone who has purchased these products will

Those working on renovations, fit-out or kitchen and bathroom

be subject to legal action, fines and reputational damage.

projects can find the ideal product for the job in the MEDITE MDF

This also contributes to a wider environmental issue. If wood is

range. MEDITE MDF panels are suitable for use in non-structural

being imported from areas outside of the EU, it increases a company’s

applications.

carbon footprint – more distance equals more energy used and more

Cabinetry and furniture makers for kitchens and bathrooms

energy wasted.

will find MEDITE MR and EXTERIOR suitable products thanks to its

Another significant issue is that the FSC has agreed to suspend all

moisture resistance properties. EXTERIOR was originally developed

trading certificates in Russia and Belarus and will block all controlled

for outdoor applications, but contractors have recently specified

wood sourcing from both countries – this means any wood imported

the panel as a substitute for birch plywood for interior bathroom

from either country is not FSC certified which affect the sustainability

and shower panelling. Those working on laminating projects, could

credentials on any build. However, suppliers in the UK and Ireland can

consider using MEDITE PREMIER, a multi-purpose MDF suitable for the

find alternatives in the MEDITE SMARTPLY MDF and OSB ranges, which

thinnest laminates and surface coatings. For interior fit out applications,

is not only fully FSC certified, but also locally sourced.

there is MEDITE CLEAR, an MDF panel manufactured with no added formaldehyde, developed specifically for use in environmentally

A sustainable choice

sensitive interior applications, where formaldehyde emissions need to

SMARTPLY OSB and MEDITE MDF are made from sustainable wood

be kept to the minimum.

products. Our OSB is made from newly grown pine and spruce. Our MDF

There are also two grades of SMARTPLY: OSB/3 and OSB/4.

consists of 40% wood chip and 60% by-product. Each range boasts some

SMARTPLY MAX is an OSB/3 panel that is suitable for use in, walls,

of the most environmentally efficient building materials on the market,

floors and roofing systems. For applications where increased strength

with a product-specific Type 3 Environmental Product Declaration

and moisture resistance is needed, we would recommend SMARTPLY

to support this. With manufacturing sites in Clonmel (MEDITE) and

ULTIMA – which is a high strength OSB/4 panel.

Waterford (SMARTPLY), Ireland, it offers a dependable, local supply and More at  https://mdfosb.com/en/the-alternative-to-plywood

reduces the carbon footprint for timber merchants and suppliers.

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2022-2023

17

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media

COVER STORY  TIMBERMARK

Thinking Big with Timbermark

B3 model

B35 model

B85 model

Timbermark ID Systems has launched a new range of handheld thermal inkjet (TIJ) printers from Chinese manufacturer Zhuhai Bentsai Printing Technology Co. Ltd. These are ideal for both pallets and packaging.

W

ith the new larger print capability, designs have far

drawback. The fact that the B35 can double this print size and print a

greater impact, and visibility from a greater distance.

high-resolution mark onto timber or even composite blocks means we

Additionally, the 1” cartridges are available in aqueous

can now offer the right tool for the job.”

and solvent variants, so the printer can work on porous

Packing case manufacturers can use the B80 model, which has a

substrates such as paper and timber, and non-porous substrates such

market-leading, 100mm high print effect. This is achieved by stacking

as metal, plastic or glass.

four of the 1” heads and synchronising the printing through a contact

Timbermark sees great potential for these new products across

encoder wheel to keep the print heads in registration. A guide rail for

many industries and anticipates keen interest, particularly from pallet

this printer is available in a customisable length, up to 1.8m long, to

and case making businesses. Pallet manufacturers can use the 1”, B35

suit a variety of applications. The rails are inexpensive and are available

model to print stacks of assembled pallets, using the hand printer and

separately, so that a series of rails can be used to produce a jig suitable

guide rail. The ISPM HT mark is produced particularly effectively using

for each printing job.

this technique, and results in a mark that is supersharp, sized 25mm high by 50-60mm long, and can be applied in around one second.

Additionally, there is a ‘group print’ feature, which allows the user to select multiple designs.

The job is configured by the operator from the touch screen, and the printer cycles through the designs in the order selected. In this way, a pallet with a different stamp on each block can be marked without changing the printer setup, making the job as quick and as easy as stencilling, but with the quality of a desktop printer.

Oxfordshire-based Timbermark has been supplying printer products and systems to the timber industry for 16 years. Managing director, Colin Stewart, says this handheld printer is just what many of his pallet manufacturing customers have been waiting for: “Customers like the precision and quality of mark offered by the TIJ printers,” says Colin. “But until now the height of the mark at just half an inch has been a big Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2022-2023

18

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 @Timber_Media

COVER STORY  TIMBERMARK

Economy and flexibility Thermal inkjet has hitherto had a bit of an image problem with perceived high running costs, and this, too, is an issue that is addressed by this new product range. Firstly, the controller has a ‘greyscale’ setting, meaning that users can change the dot size, which affects the ink use. Customers might use this feature to adjust for bleed into the material grain, to optimise the contrast with the background substrate colour, or simply to manage the cost per print.

Secondly, there is a standard cartridge refill system, meaning that users can increase the life of the 1” cartridge with an easy-to-use ink supply and injector. The refill kits are available uniquely via e-commerce, and for now are limited to aqueous inks.

Thirdly, the equipment is value-engineered by an innovative Chinese producer, with the result that the equipment costs as little 25% of the price of some European manufacturers of similar products.

The equipment and solution is design-led, with functionality and cost criteria factored in. The B3 printer in this new range is an example of this approach to value-engineered product design. Using a standard 12.7mm (1/2 inch) printhead, this handheld printer’s main advantage is its price competitiveness – it is available for under £600.

“Customers like the precision and quality of mark offered by the TIJ printers.

But until now the height of the mark at just half an inch has been a big drawback.

The fact that the B35 can double this print size and print a high-resolution mark onto timber or even composite blocks means we can now offer the right tool for the job.”

The B80 can print perfect shipping logos onto plywood and OSB. Customer logos can be printed to exact specifications, often for designs that would be impossible to achieve with a stencil or rubber stamp. The system is so precise that, on most substrates, it can print a machine-readable bar code or matrix code. This opens new possibilities for accessing online documentation such as data sheets or hazardous goods info, by scanning a QR code from a smartphone.

A USB database feature can be used for printing variable data, such as writing customer addresses on the panel. The data is saved on USB as a .csv file and loaded to the device. The user can then select the starting point and assign a column of data to each variable field in the design.

 Free Demonstrations For a limited period, Timbermark is offering free demos on this product range, administered through a Sale or Return agreement on their e-commerce website  www.t-mark.co.uk For further information please contact the Timbermark sales team on  sales@timbermark.co.uk

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2022-2023

19

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 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  THE BIG INTERVIEW

Creating a New Mould

SAM is the UK’s leading manufacturer of interior and exterior MDF mouldings and is ready for a busy 2023. Gerard Wilson, sales director at SAM told us more.

F

ounded by Sam and Julienne McCrea in 1990, the

board, door framing and stair accessories.

Antrim-based company remains a family-owned

“The SAM Mouldings range is our ‘bread

business, producing skirting and architrave, door

and butter,” says Gerard. “We also manufacture

linings, window board, stair accessories, kitchen

products that add value for our customers: SAM Zero is a high-quality

mouldings, picture frame mouldings, cladding, fascia and soffit, and

range of fully finished MDF mouldings offering a time saving alternative

window components. These products come in a variety of finishes

to primed products and is hugely popular in the offsite construction

including primed and unprimed, fully finished or wrapped in paper,

and DIY markets.

PVC or real wood veneer. SAM is the UK’s leading manufacturer of

“SAM Wrap is a range of MDF mouldings wrapped in real wood

MDF mouldings servicing the construction and home improvement

veneer providing a high quality, cost-effective alternative to solid

industries by selling its products through leading builders’

timber. SAM PVC wrapped mouldings offer a robust and time saving

merchants and distribution outlets.

solution over primed or softwood options. Finally, SAM Extreme is

“Aside from ensuring our customers are receiving the best quality products,” says Gerard.

“SAM is trusted by the industry to consistently deliver on its promises.

Our customers say they work with SAM because we are reliable and personal – attributes we are especially proud of. Our recent £1 million

SAM recycles all MDF waste through a wood waste steam boiler and turbine, which provides electricity, heat and paint drying power to our factory. We generate additional electricity through photovoltaic solar panels installed on our factory roofs. With our FSC certification, customers can be sure that we are working to preserve the world’s forests.

investment into our primed paint finish enhances our stock range so our exterior fibreboard range manufactured using MEDITE TRICOYA

customers can have fast delivery on a wider selection of profiles.”

EXTREME (MTX) and is mainly used for fascia, soffit and decorative

With over 6,000 different profiles in its product library, SAM has an

cladding and panelling.”

unrivalled range of primed MDF mouldings in the marketplace to suit all styles and budgets including: skirting, architrave, plinth and architrave

The timber material supply chain has been volatile since the Covid

blocks, dado rail, picture rail, ceiling cornice, interior cladding, window

pandemic and after settling back into some kind of normality has been

Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2022-2023

20

www.timbermedia.co.uk

 @Timber_Media



DECKING

SOFTWOOD MOULDINGS

DOOR LININGS AND CASINGS

MDF

PSE

SHEET MATERIAL/PANELS

WHY USE METSÄ WOOD UK • We offer twice-weekly deliveries directly from mill to branch • We supply high-quality, slow-grown machined timber, ranging from skirting and architraves to decking, claddings, PSE and panels.

• We are one of the biggest softwood producers in the UK and all our products are machined in the UK to British sizes and standards • We provide support and engagement to ensure your customers have a great experience within your branch • Metsä Wood Academy, a free online training course, so your staff can further their knowledge in all things timber.

• Our northern wood is perfect for building the future.

Sustainable, reliable, renewable

FROM BUILDERS OF TOMORROW. FOR BUILDERS OF TOMORROW. metsawood.com Timber Trader UK Magazine

Winter 2022-2023

21

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 @Timber_Media

FEATURE  THE BIG INTERVIEW

affected by the Ukraine war, inflation and the ongoing energy/cost-

reverted to more traditional methods of selling, including engaging

of-living crisis. “Compared to Covid times, post-pandemic, the market

with customers, and discussing their projects, which works better as the

has become a lot more dynamic with different products experiencing

construction industry is all about relationships and people. There is a

different supply and demand pressures,” says Gerard. “As a natural

level of uncertainty in the market as people are trying to read the next

consequence, this has led to deviations in pricing. During the pandemic,

6-18 months and work out what the new norm is post-Covid. It was 2019

the industry as a whole saw orders coming in thick and fast, which was a

when we had our last normal trading year, because the last three years

pleasant surprise given we couldn’t visit our customers.

have been impacted by Covid and various other more recent external

“The key factor at that stage was availability and making sure we

influences. The market will be very fluid, and it will be a mixed bag of

had product, so that is what we focused on. We worked hard to ensure

supply and demand. We will see changes as each quarter goes by.”

we didn’t let customers down and provided them with enough product More at  www.samonline.co.uk

to keep up with the demand from their own customers. We have now

 SAM invests £1 million into product improvement for 2023

As a commitment to bringing the best in market products and

the confidence that they will achieve the best possible standard

setting the bar on quality and standard, and as part of an overall

and finish on their MDF mouldings, and this new primed finish does

project to improve its service package, SAM has invested over £1

exactly that.”

million in developing its latest primed mouldings solution.

The product launch is already exciting merchant customers, with Paul Broomhead, national account manager at Jewson,

The investment has enabled the delivery of an improved primed product, ensuring the profiles have a superior and robust finish.

commenting: “It is fantastic to see SAM continuing to invest and

Trade professionals, contractors and housebuilders can now expect

deliver a new and improved product. It’ll really enhance our offering

a better standard and higher quality on level with a semi-finished

as a result, as the brighter and whiter product will without doubt

product. The new primed finish also brings a trio of benefits for the

capture our customers’ attention and help us to stand out from

merchant network and their customers:

the competition. The smoother finish will achieve a more superior final result, saving our customers time on site. The substantial

Cat McCrea, commercial director at SAM said: “We pride ourselves on quality and service and want to ensure we are always

financial investment that SAM has made to improve their products

bringing the best products to our customers. This initial £1 million

is impressive and it’s great to be able to offer our customers a

investment is the first of many improvements we will be making in

broader product range into 2023. We are excited about the future

2023 to strengthen our stock range and lead times. Through our

partnership and to see how SAM’s investment continues to improve

customer network, we want to give contractors and house builders

the products we sell.”

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FEATURE  TIMBER EXPO 2023

Record Returns at UKCW

The UK’s largest event for the built environment, UK Construction Week (UKCW) Birmingham, made a welcome return to the NEC in October last year, with visitor numbers up 19% from 2021.

T

he show drew over 23,900 visitors from as far afield

Gary Scott, managing director at Hanson Plywood, commented:

as Turkey, Brazil, Australia and Canada, and included

“We were at the show because it’s the hub of the UK construction

a host of high-profile names including West Midlands

industry. We get a lot out of it; we don’t do many shows, but UKCW

Mayor Andy Street, Channel 4 presenter George Clarke,

Birmingham does work.”

and BBC journalist and presenter Simon Jack.

Exhibitors at Timber Expo include Rokamat, Engineered Timber

Co-located within UKCW Birmingham was Timber Expo, which

Solutions Ltd, Woodolex Ltd, the Ghana Forestry Commission and

attracted over 2,000 visitors (8% of the total attendees) across

Hanson Plywood Ltd who specialise in the import, storage and

the three days, including architects, local authorities, merchants,

distribution of wood-based panel products throughout the UK.

developers, housebuilders and contractors.

Timber Expo featured a programme of industry leaders, including

Designed for people who use, specify, design and build with

architects, developers, housebuilders and merchants to name a few. They

timber, and offering the opportunity to join hundreds of other brands

debated and discussed the sector tackling post pandemic supply issues,

showcasing their latest innovation, products and services, Timber Expo

post Brexit challenges, the impact of the Ukraine conflict on timber supply

was backed by and held in collaboration with Timber Development UK,

chain and the drive to net zero as we strive to meet COP26 targets.

BM TRADA, Timber Construction and Timber Trader UK.

The exhibitor profile includes structural timber frame, sawmills,

Nathan Garnett, UKCW event director, commented after the show:

merchants, glulam, SIPs, CLT, fixings and fastenings, timber cladding,

“It is crucial that timber, as a sustainable building material, is placed

doors and windows, mouldings, skirtings and flooring products.

front and centre of the UK’s largest construction event. There is so

Andy Howe, founder and managing director of CareersForce, was

much happening in the construction industry right now that has put

named UKCW Role Model 2022; CareersForce helps UK key workers

UK Construction Week into a unique position, whereby it can inform

such as those from the armed forces, police and NHS to forge a new

and educate the sector as it moves forward. There is a real sense of

career in a range of new sectors including construction. The winning

momentum now as we plan the next one, especially on meeting our

exhibitors of this year’s Stand Awards included: Rolec (best 50m+ space

next zero targets and creating long lasting culture change. A record

stand), Harwoods (best space under 50m), Restec (best shell scheme),

number of companies have signed up for 2023 so we look forward to

Tough CAD (best use of marketing), Zero Hub (most interactive) and

really growing the UKs largest trade show for construction.”

Celsa (for innovation).

Chloe Donovan, chief executive of Natural Building Systems, said: “We’ve had an amazing time - met everyone from potential suppliers,

UKCW London will take place from 2-4 May 2023 at ExCeL

industrial partners, contractors and investors; I can’t recommend it

UKCW Birmingham will run from 3-5 October 2023 at the NEC.

highly enough.”

More at  www.ukconstructionweek.com

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Aagaard A/S is a leading manufacturer of a large range of Unique Air Filtration Systems since 1965.

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FEATURE  TIMBER EXPO 2023

Boost Your Timber Business Profile

Timber Expo is the UK’s largest and only dedicated showcase event for timber in construction. Backed by trade bodies including Timber Development UK (TDUK), the Structural Timber Association (STA), the Builders Merchant Federation (BMF), it is the most comprehensive representation of the timber industry anywhere in the UK.

T

imber Expo 2023 will see 11th edition of the event and has been co-located with UK Construction Week since

“Timber Media has teamed up with Media 10 and will be playing an active part in promoting the 2023 show. We have only just started working on the show as part of UKCW but have already exceeded the number of exhibitors for the 2022 edition.”

2015. UK Construction Week won best UK Trade show in 2020 and is the UK’s leading trade event for the

industry, attracting 30,000 visitors.

Timber Expo brings together award-winning architects with clients and contractors to showcase best practice in timber construction projects. It is the must-attend annual event for anyone working with timber products in the built environment. The exhibitor profile includes structural timber frame, sawmills, merchants, glulam, SIPs, CLT, fixings and fastenings, timber cladding, doors and windows, mouldings, skirtings and flooring products.

Timber Expo will be supported by a heavyweight national trade

Terry Hanlon, managing director, Timber Media.

marketing campaign. The co-location with UK Construction Week ensures a guaranteed audience, and the targeted messaging through digital advertising and trade press will deliver those trade professionals

MEDIA LIMITED

who specify or buy timber products.

“Timber Media has teamed up with Media 10 and will be playing an active part in promoting the 2023 show,” says Terry Hanlon, managing director, Timber Media. “We have only just started working on the show as part of UKCW but have already exceeded the number of exhibitors for the 2022 edition. As businesses start to move on past the pandemic, there is a lot more interest in meeting face-to-face to discuss plans for the future and understand how timber plays such an important part in achieving the 2050 net zero carbon targets. There has never been a better time to get together and talk timber.”

Throughout the year you can follow developments on Timber Expo in all the Timber Media publications and there is a range of joint All of Timber Media’s visitor promotion activity is in addition to that

advertiser/show exhibitor options that can be discussed.

“I have some exciting proposals to offer as Timber Media for the

of the show organiser, Media 10, and together we will be going flat

show,” adds Terry. “So please get in touch to find out more. We will

out to get the right numbers and the right people through the door

be sending fortnightly visitor promotion e-shots to our database of

for Timber Expo 2023. For more information and to discuss your

5,000 dedication timber professionals and I am giving some exclusive

involvement in the show in more detail get in touch now with Terry

discounts off the list price to all shell scheme exhibitors.”

Hanlon at  terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk

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Winter 2022-2023

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FEATURE  MATERIALS HANDLING

More Electric Expansion

Leading forklift manufacturer Combilift has added to its extensive electric range with the launch of the Combi-FSE – a four wheeled, two directional sideloader in both 5,000kg or 6,000kg lift capacity.

A

s part Combilift’s drive to help customers achieve their

by the steer angle of the front wheels to provide improved steering

aims of more sustainable operations, over 60% of the

control for the operator, better truck turning radius and reduced tyre

company’s output is now electric. Recent models such

wear. This new technology, when combined with regenerative braking

as the Combi-XLE and now the Combi-FSE

focus on heavier duty application for industry sectors including timber, steel, tubes and pipes and builders’ merchants.

Thanks to Combilift’s engineering and design experience, the Combi-FSE delivers on all aspects of reliability, durability, powerful performance and ease of maintenance, combined of course with the quiet and emission free electric operation that more and more customers are demanding.

The patented traction system in this new product plays a major part in ensuring the optimum performance of the Combi-FSE in all weather conditions. Sensors in the front steering axle linked to the innovative Electronic Traction Control system enable the two independent 15kW drive motors on the rear axle to be controlled



individually, with the speed of each wheel governed Timber Trader UK Magazine

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FEATURE  MATERIALS HANDLING

(which recaptures the truck’s kinetic energy during deceleration and

ago after initial requests from companies in the timber sector, and

can be used to recharge the batteries to extend battery life), makes for

it has since become pretty much a standard solution for those who

Combilift’s most advanced steering system on its four wheeled trucks

run intensive schedules which clock up many operational hours. The

to date.

technological advancements in battery technology since then means

The generous glazing of the cab, particularly the roof to floor

that it was a natural progression to develop this electric model, which

windscreen, allows the operator to have an excellent field of vison of

will help customers to drastically reduce their carbon footprint.”

the load, the machine and the surroundings. Considerable engineering More at  https://combilift.com/combi-fse-electric-sideloader/

development to ensure optimum visibility for the driver saw the perfection of the under-deck battery system, with the power pack strategically placed at the rear of the truck between the drive motors – giving a clear line of sight to the rear and when reversing, and guaranteeing the best operator visibility of any comparable truck. This position also enables safe and easy battery removal from the low-level rear of the truck.

Maintenance time has been kept to a minimum due to key service features such as its quick interchangeable battery for shift work, centralised grease points on the front and rear of the load platform and removable panels for easy access to the motor.

Combilift CEO Martin McVicar commented: “We introduced our first 4-wheel sideloader around 10 years

Visit the timber industry’s biggest and best exhibition showcasing all you need to know about the dynamic world of Timber Construction.

Featuring Hanson Plywood, Akzo Nobel industrial Coatings, BM TRADA, Fujian Tropical Hardwoods, and of course Timber Construction and Timber Trader UK magazines.

For more details visit: www.ukconstructionweek.com/Timber-Expo Timber Trader UK Magazine

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FEATURE  ERP & DIGITAL SYSTEMS

Driving Efficiency & Specialist ERP Chris Fisher, vice president of EMEA, LBMH Division at ECI Software Solutions explains how timber merchants can streamline their operations through the deployment of a specialist ERP system.

A

ccording to a survey undertaken by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

(RICS), Britain’s construction sector stagnated at the end of 2022, with home-building hit the hardest.

Highlighting the impact of the economic downturn, the industry’s net workloads balance dropped to -1% in the fourth quarter, from +17% and +30% in the previous two quarters. While this report focused on the construction sector as a whole, the timber industry will certainly feel the impact, with many business owners now considering new ways to drive efficiencies and maintain overall profit margins.

Harnessing your data While many are well-aware of the valuable insight their data holds, some are still in the dark about what is really going on across their Simplify purchasing

organisation. There are a number of potential reasons for this, from a reliance on paper-based processes, to a lack of interaction between

From both a logistical and financial point of view, stocking the

departments leading to siloed and disintegrated data. For a timber

wrong items or too much inventory can cause big problems, and no

merchant to see a real performance uplift, all teams need full visibility

matter how confident you are in your own processes, this is a mistake

of the entire operation. Armed with this information, more informed

few merchants can afford to make. The volatility of today’s market

decisions can then be made to improve key processes and drive profits.

has highlighted how the price of certain product lines can suddenly plummet or increase, and in such a climate, merchants need to be able

The benefits of a specialist ERP system

to adapt in order to survive.

First thing’s first – what is an ERP system? More commonly known

If cash is tied up in the warehouse or in unwanted products

as business management software, an enterprise resource planning

gathering dust on the shelves, it cannot be reinvested in other parts

(ERP) system is a tool that all departments within an organisation can

of the business and may result in customers choosing a different

utilise to manage key operations, from inventory management to

supplier. ERP systems can put an end to this problem, offering a range

accounting and purchasing.

of purchasing options including automated ordering and the ability to

ERP systems are designed to centralise data and streamline ways of

order stock based on past PO’s. It’s common that timber merchants

working. Once a piece of information is uploaded to the system, it can

might need to stock very specific product lines, so the ability to

be accessed by anyone, at any time. Should your most valued customer

integrate special orders and vendor catalogues into the system, will

call to enquire about the status of their order whilst you are off site, a

also help to ensure the right items and quantities are ordered.

colleague can simply log-in and provide an update. This is vital in today’s

Overcoming the hurdles that the timber industry is currently

climate, when efficient and dedicated customer service is key.

facing is certainly no small task, and with margins increasingly tight,

Instead of wasting time searching for important, yet hard to find

prioritising efficiency saving is key. While generic, off the shelf ERP

information, an in-built document management system can retrieve

systems may bring some benefit, an ERP system that’s built by

files in just a few seconds, with staff using simple phrases or single

merchants, for merchants, can help drive performance, understanding

word search terms. Similarly, with everything saved on a central system,

the specific day-to-day challenges merchant businesses face and

teams can start to build an accurate picture of a customer’s order

offering features designed to overcome them.

history, allowing sales representatives to add a more personalised More at  https://bit.ly/3ZM3JEw

touch to their service.

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FEATURE  RACKING & STORAGE

The Importance of Training

Have you considered the consequences if a bad accident happened at your workplace?

The nightmare of sorting out the legalities, tidying up any mess and dealing with a visit from the HSE? The Storage Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (SEMA) can help stop a problem before it happens.

E

mployee and customer

When it comes to the ongoing

What happens when the equipment has

safety is hugely important

been installed? You load the racking, and

maintenance of your racking the ideal solution

and adopting correct Health

everyone starts using it. But this is when the

is to equip your employees with the tools to

& Safety processes in the

problems can start. When in use your racking

become safety advocates. They will be using

workplace is critical, but this must extend

will be subject to knocks and bumps. These

it daily, making them ideally situated to notice

through to your storage equipment – an

‘little incidents’ can develop into serious

if anything goes wrong. This can only happen

area that can be easily forgotten.

problems with the risk level usually increases if

successfully if they have been trained on how

the damage is left unchecked.

to correctly load and work with the racking.

Meet Your Racking Responsibilities

Training, training, training

Fortunately, fatal racking accidents are rare in this country but there is always the potential for them to happen. We certainly know our SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors

At SEMA we believe that training plays an

You should be aware that your racking is

have plenty of real-life stories to tell on the

classed as work equipment. Under PUWER

essential role in maximising safety levels, and it is

‘what could have happened’ and ‘what might

(Provisions and Use of Work Equipment

something we instil throughout the lifetime of a

have been’ scenarios.

Regulations 1998) you have a responsibility

racking structure. For example, we have a national

to ensure it is suitable for the intended use,

registration programme for installers of racking

safe to use, maintained in a safe condition

equipment called SEIRS. An important element

and inspected. You must ensure it is only

of the programme is to train under assessment

is safe starts at the point when you decide

used by people who have received adequate

conditions on the safe and correct installation

to buy the equipment. You need to select

information, instruction and training.

methods to meet SEMA defined standards and

Get the basics right The process of ensuring that your storage

storage equipment that has been designed and independently assessed to ensure it will live up to its intended role. The design should address the space and width of your unit, maximise your storage capability, improve efficiencies and protect employees around the warehouse.

Once on site, the racking must be installed correctly to meet manufacturer and industry specifications using installers who have been correctly trained.

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FEATURE  RACKING & STORAGE

also manufacturer’s specifications. This includes

The course also provides guidance on the

structural engineer has designed it to meet

very important details that guarantee the integrity

best inspection routine to implement. It will

SEMA codes and independent tests have

of your structure such as the number and type of

advise on how to conduct a risk assessment,

been conducted on the equipment to ensure

floor fixings and how they should be positioned

record an inspection and report on damage

it meets its intended role. Any unauthorised

and tightened to meet manufacturers’ tolerances.

levels and action points. Committing to a

work or repairs could dramatically impact the

structured inspection should identify any

integrity of the structure.

We also advocate training for your employees, our Rack Safety Awareness course

problems early and can significantly reduce

has been developed around the SEMA Users

costly maintenance bills.

of distributor and installation companies who are qualified to conduct work on the

Code (and other guidance) and very specific What if my racking needs repair work?

to end users sites. This recommends that

At SEMA we have a supportive structure

manufacturer’s behalf. For peace of mind

Be aware that any work on your storage

always check that the installers erecting your

a Person Responsible for Racking Safety

equipment could affect your manufacturer’s

equipment are correctly trained and qualified

(PRRS). The PRRS is responsible for ensuring

warranty. For example, when you buy a

to do the job. Ask to see their SEIRS card

the racking is correctly used, inspected and

structure manufactured by a SEMA Full

before any work starts – it’s the best way to

maintained.

Member it provides reassurance that a

maximise safety.

warehouse and management should nominate

 Who are SEMA? For over 50 years, SEMA has been working hard to provide

to rigorously defined standards. SEMA Distributor Companies and

technical standards and guidance to the storage industry with

SEMA Approved Installation Companies are routinely audited to

aim of enhancing safety over the lifetime of your racking.

ensure they consistently meet industry standards, Codes of Practice

As a leading voice within the industry, our work is upheld

and legislative requirements. The circle is completed by our SEMA

by member companies who are united in raising standards and

Approved Rack Inspector and SEIRS training initiative for installers.

helping warehouse owners meet their legal obligations. SEMA manufacturing members’ products are independently tested to

You can find out more about SEMA training courses by emailing:

guarantee they have been designed, manufactured and installed

 enquiry@sema.org.uk or visiting  www.sema.org.uk

WE MAKE THE UK’S WIDEST RANGE OF STORAGE OPTIONS FOR TIMBER MERCHANTS

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Advertise online with Timber Media’s Products & Services

For more details on how to subscribe to our online Products & Services Directory visit our website: www.timbermedia.co.uk/online-products-services-advertising or email terry.hanlon@timbermedia.co.uk Timber Trader UK Magazine

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Think outside the box

At Timber Connection we’re always looking for innovative ways to improve the service we provide. Our team of timber experts can assess your individual needs to provide buying solutions that are tailor-made just for you.

Whether you’re buying your timber direct from origin, on water, ex quay, or ex stock, why not find out how we can make a difference.

Timber Connection, we’re easy to do business with.

Better, connected. www.timberconnection.co.uk