THE BUSINESS SIDE OF WOODWORKING www.woodindustry.ca
FALL 2021
PM #40063056
PATHWAY TO INNOVATION
DESTROYING RESPONSIBLY
SUSTAINABLE WOOD RECYCLING
INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION
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FALL 2021
www.woodindustry.ca
FEATURES 14
16
ustainable Waste Wood Recycling S Across Canada Dismantling, collecting, and repurposing
Industry Transformation
Mass timber impacting how we approach cabinetry
20 Clean-Cut Components
Mid-Century Modern Flair
21
Destroying Responsibly
Making use of scraps
COLUMNS 12 7 Things You Should Know About Manufacturing Software
Making the most of your investment
22 TWIG
An Alternative Pathway to Innovation
DEPARTMENTS 4
From the Editor Shows and Sustainability
36 Product Showcase 41
Stats & Facts
THE BUSINESS SIDE OF WOODWORKING www.woodindustry.ca
FALL 2021
PATHWAY TO INNOVATION
Cover photo by: TWIG
PM #40063056
Vol. 17, No. 3
CONTENTS
DESTROYING RESPONSIBLY
SUSTAINABLE WOOD RECYCLING
INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION
www.woodindustry.ca 3
FROM THE EDITOR
SHOWS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Grace Tatigian
CO-PUBLISHER
Jason Krulicki
jasonk@mediaedge.ca EDITOR
FALL 2021 IS AN exciting time. A year ago, we were still locked down, everything was virtual, and vaccines seemed like something that would only come in the distant future. But here we are, entering the fall with a lot of things to look forward to. A year ago, it would have been unbelievable to imagine heading into a crowded convention centre with hundreds of people, but thanks to how far we’ve come, we’ve got WMS and CWMDA’s Technology Days just around the corner. Connection and community are so important in this industry. And as Harry Urban, WMS Show Manager, said when I spoke with him recently: “our community is chomping at the bit to get back out there.” We’re really looking forward to seeing everyone in person and learning about all the new things you folks have been working on. Another thing that’s essential to our industry is sustainability; that’s a hot topic in this quarter’s issue. Sure, wood is a renewable resource, but that doesn’t mean we can take it for granted. This past year, we saw the price of wood reach staggering heights, impacting all of us across the industry. As such, we’re highlighting a few companies in this issue who have worked sustainability into their business model. Instead of treating the environment as an afterthought or marketing ploy, they’ve turned it into their raison-d’être, making it an essential part of their work. We also have some great pieces from new contributors in this issue: everything from articles on training and software to artists’ profiles. If you have a pitch, an idea, or content you want us to share, please let us know. We would love to learn more about what you’re doing and how we can work together. We can discuss whether your content is better suited for our print or online platform. Regardless of whether you want to contribute regularly or just one time, we can make something work. We hope you enjoy what you’ve read so far and are inspired to jump into the conversation. Not a writer? No problem; that’s what editors are for. We’re more than happy to work with you to find the best way to tell your story. Our e-digest is where we share the latest news, updates, and timesensitive information. Reach out to me at gracet@mediaedge.ca, and we can get to know each other and learn how we can work with one another to create a magazine that represents you and your business.
CO-PUBLISHER
Mike Neeb
miken@mediaedge.ca ART DIRECTOR
Grace Tatigian
Annette Carlucci
PRESIDENT
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
gracet@mediaedge.ca
Kevin Brown
kevinb@mediaedge.ca PRODUCTION MANAGER
Rachel Selbie
rachels@mediaedge.ca
Published by
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Thuy Huynh
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CIRCULATION
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Wood Industry is published four times annually, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, for the secondar y wood products manufacturing and marketing industries in Canada. Subscriptions are free to qualified participants in Canada’s secondar y wood processing industr y. Subscribe at w w w. woodindustr y.ca. Paid subscriptions rates: $40 to Canad ian addresses, $60 U.S. and foreign, $20 student rate. Please mail payment to Wood Industr y, 2001 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario M2J 4Z8 For subscription inquiries, e-mail circulation@mediaedge.ca © 2021 by MediaEdge Communications All rights reserved. MediaEdge Communications and Wood Industry disclaim any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents of this publication and disclaims all liability in respect to the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon information in this publication. The opinions of the columnists and writers are their own and are in no way influenced by or representative of the opinions of Wood Industry or MediaEdge Communications
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FILINGS • Wes Love, Taurus Craco – Director (continuing their term) CKCA would also like to acknowledge and sincerely thank departing board members who have given so much to help move the organization forward. • Amanda Gay, Planit Canada • Rick Hurst, Richelieu • Peter Lansitie, Hettich • Rob Wigood, Upper Canada Forest Products
Doucet gave his opening remarks saying, “The last two years on the executive committee were challenging on multiple levels, and tough decisions had to be made. Thank you to Jim Besonen and the executive committee for holding down the fort during these unstable times. Now we’re moving toward a more positive future, and I’m feeling confident we’ll be able to meet again in person at the spring 2022 board meeting during WIC.”
WMIA Welcomes New Board Leadership
Outside the Box Meetup Group rebrands as TWIG
The Woodworking Machinery Industry Association, the leading association representing importers and distributors of woodworking machinery and ancillary equipment in North America, held a successful spring 2021 board of directors meeting in Memphis, TN, May 5 to 7. Confirmed by the WMIA membership, newly elected board chairman Pascal Doucet, vice president of sales at Doucet Machineries, led his first meeting of the directors in partnership with the association’s new CEO, Donte Shannon, FASAE, CAE, and its new association management company, AMPED. Doucet Machineries is a Quebecbased North American leader in the design, manufacturing, and integration of advanced solutions for companies involved in the secondary wood processing industry. Doucet Machineries has been recognized for its many innovations offering a wide range of high-efficiency machinery solutions.
Vancouver’s Outside the Box Meetup Group recently rebranded as The Wood Innovation Group (TWIG). TWIG is a network and community supported by the Wood First Program through Forestry Innovation Investment (FII). Additionally, Twig is made possible through contributions from companies and individuals working to advance the use of wood in the Pacific Northwest. Twig is a network to encourage and facilitate connections & support, encourages creativity, education, mentorship, knowledge sharing, professional advice, access to resources between members. The group has hosted monthly events since 2012 and is a regular get-together where we connect around topics, projects, and ideas that aim to bring value to forest-based resources found in BC. Organizing members include Patrick Christie (Daly Co and Space), Chris Chan (Rangate, Alpine, CutterShare, and Soukup), Neil Godin (Neil Godin International), and Jason Chiu (Centre for Advanced Wood Processing at UBC).
New CKCA Board of Directors
The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association held its 2021 annual meeting in June via Zoom. Members voted to elect by acclamation the board of directors for 2021/2022. Immediately following the AGM, the newly elected board then reappointed the executive officers. They are pleased to provide the following update: Continuing in their positions and reappointed to the executive committee: • Heidi Boudreault, Denca Cabinets – President • Pete Fournier, Triangle Kitchen – Vice-president • James Dewinetz, Pacific Rim Cabinets – Treasurer • Mike Slobodian, Decor Cabinets – Past president • Sandra Wood, CKCA Staff – Secretary Directors: • Craig Atkinson, Marathon Hardware – Director (new) • Joerg Brauns, 2020 – Director (new) • Giuseppe Castrucci, Laurysen Kitchens – Director (new) • Earl Ducharme, Hafele Canada – Director (new) • Varun Gajendran, Lucvaa Kitchens – Director (re-elected) • Gerald Van Woudenberg, Van Arbour Design – Director (reelected) • Amrita Bhogal, Sunrise Kitchens – Director (continuing their term) • Luke Elias, Muskoka Cabinet Company – Director (continuing their term) 6 WOOD INDUSTRY FALL 2021
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FILINGS
Dorel Industries Inc. Board of Directors
Dorel Industries Inc. announced that all of the nominees listed in its Management Proxy Circular were reelected as directors at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders held in late May in Montréal. With its comprehensive e-commerce platform, Dorel Home markets a wide assortment of domestically produced and imported furniture. At the meeting, a ballot was conducted for the election of directors. According to proxies received and ballots cast, the following individuals were elected as directors of Dorel: • Martin Schwartz • Alan Schwartz • Jeffrey Schwartz • Jeff Segel • Maurice Tousson • Dian Cohen • Alain Benedetti • Norman M. Steinberg • Sharon Ranson • Brad A. Johnson
EBSU announces a strategic acquisition
EBSU Ltd is pleased to announce the acquisition of Woodlore International Inc., a furniture manufacturer in Brampton, Ontario. This transaction allows Canadian-based EBSU to accelerate its 8 WOOD INDUSTRY FALL 2021
growth plan and position itself among the major players in the North American manufacturing industry. EBSU specializes in residential cabinets, preassembled and ready to install. The acquisition of Woodlore, which runs a fully automated plant in Brampton with state-of-theart processes, is part of this goal. Woodlore produces quality laminated office furniture that meets high environmental standards. The first step of the strategy was taken with the announcement of the construction of a new 180,000-squarefoot plant in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, where several production processes are automated. The plant will be operational this fall. “Automation in the manufacturing sector is the key to being competitive. It allows us to control the quality and reliability of our products, optimize production and delivery times, and make better use of our internal resources,” said Napoleon Boucher, president of EBSU. This transaction will help accelerate EBSU’s growth by expanding into new markets, increasing its production capacity, and optimizing its expertise to better position itself among the major players in the North American industry.
Dr. Daniel Schmitt: new member of the HOMAG Group AG Board of Management
HOMAG Group AG is driving the expansion of its solid wood segment and has now appointed Dr. Daniel Schmitt as a Board of Management member, responsible specifically for this business. Since early July, Dr. Daniel Schmitt has managed the Solid Wood Processing business unit. HOMAG aims to establish itself as a leading technology partner for sustainable building using solid wood.
Dr. Schmitt will manage the solid wood business and the management teams of WEINMANN, System TM, and Kallesoe. In addition, on the Board of Management, he will take over responsibility for the CNC Processing business unit and quality management. Dr. Schmitt holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and comes from HOMAG’s parent company Dürr. At Dürr, he has been in charge of the Clean Technology Systems division since 2017 and was responsible for, among other things, the acquisition and complex integration of US company Megtec/Universal. Before this, he had spent many years in various management positions at the Freudenberg Group in Weinheim.
Western Forest Products Inc. 2020 Sustainability Report
Don Demens, President and CEO of Western Forest Products Inc. recently announced the release of their 2020 Sustainability Report, detailing the progress and commitment to their key sustainability initiatives. This includes completing their first full lifecycle carbon accounting, which confirmed the positive role Western’s sustainable forest management practices and wood products have in fighting against climate change. Key highlights of the 2020 Sustainability Report: Climate Change:
• 14.2 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent was removed from the atmosphere through Western’s activities, including the sustainable management of forests in their care, during 2018 and 2019 – equal to removing 1.54 million cars from the road per year • 1.4 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent is stored in the forests managed by Western
Environmental Stewardship:
NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST MANUFACTURER OF ENGINEERED DIAMOND & CARBIDE CUTTING TOOLS.
• 100% of their managed tenures are third-party certified • 100% of identified wildlife features were retained in 2020 • 27% increase in big trees conserved compared to 2019 • Over three trees were replanted for every one tree harvested in 2020 Health & Safety:
• 23% reduction in their Medical Incident Rate compared to 2019 • Zero work-related COVID-19 transmissions in their operations Indigenous Relationships:
• Advanced mutually beneficial partnerships with First Nations, including furthering their relationship with the Huu-ay-aht First Nations in their TFL 44 Limited Partnership
• 29 active agreements with First Nations or First Nations associations
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE IN PRODUCTS AND SERVICE CELEBRATING 80 YEARS
Community:
• Over $500,000 in community investments during 2020 • Donated properties to support the construction of the Community Unity Trail, a 25-kilometre multi-use trail between Tahsis and Zeballos on Vancouver Island
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Weekly E-digest
Are you looking for more updates like these? The latest news items, popular products, and regular columns? The Wood Industry weekly e-digest comes out every Wednesday, filled with need-to-know information about technology, law, and more. We have profiles on the best in the business in manufacturing and design to inspire and motivate you. Think you have something to contribute to the conversation? We’d love to hear from you. Please send us an e-mail at gracet@ mediaedge.ca so we can chat about the best way to share your thoughts and opinions with the community. Even if you don’t have news to share, you should still sign up for the weekly e-digest at www.woodindustry.ca/subscribe-to-our-industrye-news/. Available in both English and French, we share stories about the Wood Industry from across the country.
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COLUMN
7 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MANUFACTURING SOFTWARE Making the most of your investment By Peter Mate, Planit Canada President
I
know just enough about wood to be dangerous. The professionals know wood inside out. There are things you learn from years of experience that the home hobbyist might just not know. What I do know well is manufacturing software, and I’d like to share some important information with you so that you can save yourself some bad surprises. 1 / INSURE YOUR SOFTWARE Suppose something happens to your software, whether it’s a fire, theft, or any other scenario that puts you in a position that you will need to reach out to your software provider to get another license. In that case, you should always have insurance to cover the full replacement value of the software you have purchased. Most software companies will try and do what they can to help, but even in today’s keyless or “soft” licenses, it’s extremely difficult to ensure that the license is destroyed and can’t be used by anyone else. Your insurance is your safety net.
2 / BACKUP YOUR DATA This is probably the easiest bang for your buck. I suggest setting up two or three different backup systems for your most important data. Set up 12 WOOD INDUSTRY FALL 2021
an automatic backup to an external hard drive. Set up an automatic cloud backup. This will save your information offsite so that you will have access to it should something happen to your computers at the office or if there’s a total loss. If you have a server, you can also set up a backup there. The key is to make the backups automatic.
3 / SOFTWARE SUNSETS All software companies have struggles with supporting, debugging, training, and installing multiple versions of software. This is a key reason why manufacturing software versions eventually sunset. Running your manufacturing business on old software might seem comfortable because it works and you know how to use it, but the day it stops working is the day you’ll wish you were proac-
tive. The likelihood of finding that old software and getting it back up and running is going to be a challenge. Avoid the headache by running a recent version of the software.
4/ PRICING & MAINTENANCE IN PERSPECTIVE
Over the years, the price of software has climbed. Back 20 years ago, you could buy a laptop for thousands of dollars and put a few hundred dollars of software on it and be done. Today, the reverse is true. You could buy a laptop for a few hundred bucks and put thousands of dollars of software on it. In addition to the upfront costs, there are typically yearly software maintenance costs. These are fees that go to help continue the development of the software. Fixing issues, adding features, adapting to new hardware on the market, etc. These fees in manufacturing are typically 15-25% of the current value of your software. If you have $100k in current value software, your maintenance fee could be $15k-$25k per year. Typically, if you miss a period, there are back fees to cover that missed period.
5 / EULA That thing no one reads — the End
A LITTLE TRAINING AND PROGRESS ON AN ONGOING BASIS WILL PREVENT A HUGE OVERHAUL IN THE FUTURE. User License Agreement. Usually, when you install the software, you accept the EULA. Typically, the EULA protects the software developer from the negative effects the software might have on your business, equipment, loss of income, etc. All software has bugs; the EULA will also protect the developer from the effects of these bugs. It’s part of technology that all software will have bugs and sometimes not work at all.
versions of their software. The risk here for manufacturers is big. It’s not only whether the company has downloaded illegal software and uses it; it could be just one employee who did it without even the owner knowing. This is a huge risk. Make sure you have a software piracy policy in place at work, and everyone understands the importance of using legal software.
6 / PIRATED SOFTWARE
As software evolves, learning continues. It never ends. You should budget and plan to continuously
More and more software developers can pinpoint who is using illegal
7 / TRAINING IS FOREVER
learn and refine how the software works for your manufacturing shop. The more you keep up with new improvements and features, the less of a hill you’ll have to climb later. A little training and progress on an ongoing basis will prevent a huge overhaul in the future. Software is a big investment and requires ongoing work to use it to its full potential. With the lack of skilled labour, increasing wages, pressure to achieve better work/ life balance, and more affordable and capable computer-controlled machinery, the investment pays out in spades.
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www.woodindustry.ca 13
FEATURE
SUSTAINABLE WASTE WOOD RECYCLING ACROSS CANADA Dismantling, collecting, and repurposing By Matthew Bradford
C
anada is primed to turn a corner on wood waste recycling. By doing so, it can make a positive and sustainable impact that benefits all waste wood producers and wood recycling facilitators. It’s an ambitious vision. And, according to Jim Donaldson, founder, and CEO of the Canadian Wood Waste Recycling Business Group, it requires collaborative action from all levels of government in the form of effective policies and supports: “The bottom line is that all postconsumer waste wood is a hundred per cent recyclable. Anything we can do to encourage and enable waste wood recycling brings positive economic, social, and environmental outcomes.” The challenge is that while players in the Canadian wood sector may be on board with finding new applications for their waste, they lack the means and financial incentives. Regions like MetroVancouver BC have implemented measures such as prohibitions on wood waste burning or landfilling to push the industry closer to wood waste recycling. However, other provinces still have ways to go. “I would estimate that less than 18 per cent of manufactured, post-consumer C&D (Construction and Demolition) wood waste is recycled in Ontario, which is a huge, missed opportunity,” Donaldson adds. There’s no shortage of alternatives to leaving wood waste to sit in landfills. The Canadian Wood Waste Recycling Business Group outlines three main reuse channels, including: Reprocessing: The process of grinding, shredding, chipping, hammer-milling, and/or screening used end-of-life wood 14 WOOD INDUSTRY FALL 2021
into a reusable product format for sale in developing reuse markets. Potential reuse products include road or trail base, landfill cover, animal bedding, water conservation material, composting, and many more. Remanufacturing: Using stationary or portable wood sawmill systems to remanufacture used or unwanted off-cuts, construction demolition wood waste, smaller mill-grade trees, bug-infested trees, and other items destined for the landfill. Potential remanufactured products include new building materials, furniture, flooring, roofing, beams, and other construction products. Barn wood: Dismantling, collecting, and repurposing barn wood material for retail applications such as building products, flooring, furniture, and other consumer wood products. There are no one-size-fits-all national frameworks for wood recycling. Each jurisdiction has its own opportunities and reuse markets and partners that must first be identified and engaged. For its part, says Donaldson, the Canadian Wood Waste Recycling Business Group has numerous strategies and frameworks for establishing closed-loop recycling processes and is actively encouraging Canada’s federal, provincial, and municipal governments to support the development of the Canadian wood recycling industry. “The process begins by going into a
region and identifying how much wood waste is produced, how it can be repurposed, and who within the region can make it possible,” he explains. “At the end of the day, it’s a feasibility study with the ultimate goal of finding the most economic reuse market products for a given region, whether that’s animal bedding, construction materials, retail materials, or whatnot.” “Because there’s a reuse for everything, you just need to be willing to look and start the conversation,” Donaldson adds. Feasibility studies are an essential step. Another is for Canadian governments to implement policies and incentives that spur wood waste recycling practices. “For wood recycling facilitators to make a sustainable business, they need to obtain a recycling tipping fee of around $55 per metric ton, and landfill wood waste disposal costs need to be around a minimum of $70 per metric ton,” explains Donaldson. “That way, it makes more financial sense to recycle waste wood materials into a reusable format and create a commodity value.” MAKING PROGRESS
Wood waste recycling holds great potential for manufacturers and consumers alike. Making it happen in Canada means uniting industry players in identifying and acting upon individual market opportunities. “We have everything we need to do this, but we need to catch up, especially now as the mass timber industry is ramping up and creating all these reuse applications,” says Donaldson. “More than that, though, it’s our responsibility as tenants of this planet to make sure we’re making the best use of this completely reusable natural resource.”
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FEATURE
INDUSTRY TRANSFORMATION Mass timber impacting how we approach cabinetry By Sarah Hicks Element5 4-storey, 40-unit modular apartment building
A
s we look to the future, it’s clear the next big step toward sustainable development involves the increased use of mass timber and a greater degree of off-site prefabrication. Factory-built solutions are the key to the significant gains in construction efficiency and building performance that we need to improve our built environment and reduce its carbon footprint.
16 WOOD INDUSTRY FALL 2021
FEATURE In off-site construction, building components are prefabricated in a controlled indoor setting. This process reduces risk and significantly increases efficiency, quality, and building performance. Depending on the size and complexity of the manufactured components, off-site prefabrication can considerably reduce a construction schedule that can generate significant cost savings over a strictly site-built project. Off-site construction provides many other benefits, including enhanced sustainability, predictable timelines, controlled expenses, reduced construction noise and other neighbourhood disruptions, more efficient use of material and labour resources, and improved worker health and safety. POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR CABINET MAKERS AND MILLWORKERS
In construction, the term ‘prefab’ can apply to many different levels of completion. At one end of the spectrum, it can be as simple as incorporating structural insulated panels into a primarily sitebuilt project to speed up the process of enclosing the building. Several steps up from that is an entirely panelized building like those produced by Ontario’s newest CLT manufacturer, Element5. A modular, prefabricated mass timber building from Element 5 is flatpacked and shipped to the site with window, doors, and MEP openings precut. Many connections are preinstalled for quick assembly and finishing. At the other end of the prefab spectrum are complete volumetric units shipped with all building elements (windows, doors, kitchens, bathrooms, etc.) already installed so that construction on site consists of simply stacking and joining the finished modules together to complete the building. Ideally, only bolting and interconnection of the building services are required at the site. As the construction industry shifts towards a greater degree of off-site manufacturing, there is a growing potential for cabinet makers and millworkers to tie into off-site prefabrication. Not only by working with volumetric constructors requiring cabinetry and millwork for completed units,
TOP: Assembling a pre-fab mass timber structure MIDDLE: Assembling a modular apartment building BOTTOM: Pre-fab construction process
www.woodindustry.ca 17
FEATURE
Mass timber apartment interior
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but also with panelizers looking to expand their scope by being able to include modular kitchen and bathroom pods that can be inserted into assembled structures. EXPAND SCOPE TO INCREASE COMPETITIVENESS
As the off-site industry expands and evolves, disrupting the current industry will create new opportunities for traditional suppliers. In the 4-storey, 40-unit modular apartment building shown here, the flat-packed CLT structure can be assembled in approximately 20 days, a rate of about one floor per week. Although the structure will be built and enclosed quite quickly, the overall speed of the total build could have been improved even further if the finished kitchen and bathroom pods could have been dropped into the units as each floor goes up. There is a growing need for suppliers of kitchen and bathroom modules that can be shipped as independent units and craned into place, seamlessly integrating with flat-packed solutions. If there had been a supplier capable of providing kitchen and bathroom pods to this project, it would have gone that route. Already there is a potential to supply hundreds of units per year. The construction industry is going to continue to progress in this direction. Future builds will endeavour to do as much off-site work as possible, and that will include volumetric kitchen and bathroom units to complement the speed of the modular and panelized construction methods already in use today. Eventually, it will become a matter of competitiveness, and producers who can pivot to offer volumetric kitchen and bathroom solutions will have a competitive advantage over other suppliers due to speed.
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or Grass, environmental protection is a fundamental corporate objective. The company pursues the goal of preventing or reducing environmental impacts at their very source. This means adopting an integrated approach to the product, considering all aspects from the initial product idea, through production and use to disposal. “Sustainability is very important for Grass and for me,” said Nadja Mann, President of Grass Canada. “It has been even before it was popular. With environmental catastrophes all over the world, I don’t see how it isn’t for everyone.” Many companies treat environmental concerns like an added cost to production, but Mann disagrees, particularly within manufacturing. “Machinery works non-stop, making not only products but also energy,” said Mann. “It happens automatically. So we decided to harness that energy and use it for heating and cooling. That way, we don’t let it go to waste.” As a result, 75% of Grass’ demand for electricity is generated by its own Combined Heat and Power station. This reduced their electricity consumption by 18% from 62 million kW/h to 51 million kW/h, and this extensive energy efficiency reduced their CO2 emissions by 640 tons per year. These changes have not only benefited the environment but helped Grass reduce operating costs. “There are cost-saving measures and rebates in place for companies that prioritize the environment,” pointed out Mann. “This is the future; companies need to start planning now for how they can change their processes and mandates.”
Grass is aware of the importance of the contribution of everyone, and especially of companies, the promotion of responsible practices that respect the environment. This is a clear advancement of society towards a better world, and for this reason, Grass has integrated environmental guidelines into its business strategy. These guidelines are embodied in the Environmental Policy, which is inspired by two principles: compliance with all applicable environmental regulations and continuous improvement of activities to protect nature. With both principles, we are committed to the prevention, protection, and conservation of the environment through prioritizing saving energy, water, and resources in all company’s production processes. Since the end of 2010, GRASS has been certified according to the international environmental management system DIN ISO 14001. They have been committed to sustainability, always complying with saving water and energy, reducing material consumption and Co2 emissions, increased reuse, and recycling, avoiding waste and contamination, and a push towards responsible action. In terms of waste reduction, Grass’ volume of non-recyclable waste was reduced by 40%, from 1530 tons to 905 tons per year. When it comes to steel waste management, 100% of steel waste generated during production is recycled, coming in at 6650 tons per year. But Grass’ commitment to the environment extends beyond manufacturing. “Head office will be carbon neutral by 2024,” said Mann. “And our Canadian office will follow suit. As it is, our new building is exceeding expectations.”
FEATURE
CLEAN-CUT COMPONENTS Mid-Century Modern Flair By Grace Tatigian
“F
or over 40 years, we’ve been providing components for woodworkers from the DIY group to the industrial manufacturers,” says Leon Osborne, CEO of Osborne Wood Products. “Our customers are confident in our components because they remain structurally strong, accommodate industry trends, and are readily available.”
Wheeler legs
Osborne’s extensive line of products includes table legs, corbels, cabinetry, mouldings, inlays, hardware, and more. Earlier this year, the company added the Mid-Century Modern line to their collection, featuring over 40 products ranging from table legs to floating shelf hardware. “This facet of furniture design captures the feel of the ’60s along with the straight lines of contemporary style,” says Leon Osborne, CEO of Osborne Wood 20 WOOD INDUSTRY FALL 2021
Products, about the newly released collection. “You can easily achieve that look with our new selection.” The biggest highlight of the line is the Wheeler legs and furniture feet. The Wheeler is a highly functional and versatile design because of its slim dimensions and round profile. The simple tapering effect allows this piece to stand out without the need for ornamentation, a nice touch for any component. Available from 6” to 29” lengths, these pieces can
Leg mounting cleats
accommodate anything from a sofa to a dining room table. These unfinished legs are available in nine wood types: cherry, hickory, maple, mahogany, and walnut. “We understand that current furniture trends appreciate the dynamics that characterize Mid-Century Modern design and have expanded our inventory to promote this style,” says Osborne about the line. Osborne offers multiple ways for designers and builders to achieve the mid-century modern look effortlessly. It’s simple to attach table legs straight to the floor or at a 12-degree angle with the Leg Mounting Plates, which eliminates the need for a table skirt. These sets feature four mounting plates, threaded inserts, bolts, and plenty of wood screws to build a contemporary table quickly. Another option for attaching table legs is the Leg Mounting Cleats. These cleats are available in straight and angled versions with sizes ranging from 12” to 36” in length. Made out of hard maple and cherry, the stylish build of the cleats makes them an asset to the overall table design.
FEATURE
DESTROYING RESPONSIBLY Making use of scraps By Grace Tatigian
T
he wood industry prides itself on its longevity and resilience, and nothing highlighted that more than the COVID-19 pandemic. Operations worldwide had to rearrange machinery, re-staff production lines, and space out employees. Despite these challenges, the wood industry continues to thrive and is finally coming back together on the show floor.
Trade shows in the industry can produce a lot of waste, so WEIMA has stepped in with their Destroy Responsibly™ program to ensure that this waste is dealt with effectively. This initiative involves the installation of a WEIMA single-shaft shredder behind the tradeshow hall that grinds up the wood waste created during demonstrations on the show floor. Attendees and exhibitors alike are encouraged to take a walk out back and watch their materials as they are shredded to a homogenous size. All OSB, plywood, and MDF are shredded in separate batches to ensure as much wood is donated as possible. “The reinvention of scrap is what WEIMA is all about!” says Audrey Brewer, North American marketing manager. “Shredding this wood
waste on the spot gives show-goers an opportunity to think critically and creatively about the scrap they create in their own shops and how it can be reimagined.” The shredded solid wood is usually donated to local university agricultural programs to be used as compost and ground cover. This wood scrap would otherwise be sent to a landfill, so WEIMA was happy to give the wood a second life. The WEIMA team is also out there to educate show-goers on the benefits of size reduction for the wood industry. Not only does shredding wood waste save space, but it often creates a second revenue stream for wood shops who no longer must pay high haul-away costs.
“We acknowledge that waste comes in different shapes and sizes and that every application is unique,” explains Brewer. “We have a solution that will fit the needs of any operation and turn waste into profit. We want you to benefit from our decades of innovation and experience.” The workforce deficits presented by the pandemic have been extreme, so maximizing labor efforts is critical. Moving bulky waste around a plant is time-consuming and unnecessarily laborious. The Destroy Responsibly™ program demonstrates that a shredder can be placed next to machinery that typically generates wood waste so that the hands of your employee are freed up to do other things that are more beneficial for an operation.
NOT ONLY DOES SHREDDING WOOD WASTE SAVE SPACE, BUT IT OFTEN CREATES A SECOND REVENUE STREAM FOR WOOD SHOPS WHO NO LONGER MUST PAY HIGH HAUL-AWAY COSTS. www.woodindustry.ca 21
COVER STORY
TWIG
AN ALTERNATIVE PATHWAY TO INNOVATION By Patrick Christie
Patrick Christie: TWIG Organizer and Wood Design Consultant 22 WOOD INDUSTRY FALL 2021
COVER STORY
T
he Wood Innovation Group (TWIG), like many other variants across the world, emerged as a response to the global pandemic. A way to stay connected and stay engaged in topics and ideas that were meaningful in your life and work. You would have gained this value through day-to-day interactions, exhibits, conventions, kids’ soccer practices; you name it, in previous circumstances. Our lives were full of physical interactions on a macro and micro level, and we had to navigate from home to work, meeting to meeting, site to site - repeat. For a year and a half, we have been asked to do business differently, create the necessary space, and adjust procedures in our day-to-day workflow. We had to adopt new ways of working to stay connected with the people we rely on to produce products that add value to our organization and the natural resources. The TWIG concept had its origins dating back to November 2012 in an East Vancouver bar. A group of twenty-five individuals met for the first time around the common question of how we can be doing things differently in BC concerning our valued-added and postprimary industries. We met under the name “Outside the Box Meetup Group” and did so 50+ times until March 2020. This initiative was founded by Ian MacDonald (Tall Wood Institute), who was working at CAWP, along with Jason Chui (CAWP), and Barbara Bell (formerly FPInnovations). Later, the group would be joined by Neil Godin (NG International) and me, Patrick Christie (Daly Co). This little idea was supported with assistance from the Wood First program through FPInnovations. “Outside the Box is a forum for industrial and interior designers, artisans, furniture makers, manufacturers, builders, architects, and anyone interested in or involved in the wood products industry (broadly defined) to meet, share ideas, and identify gaps in the market and possibilities
Patrick Christie’s 312 Main Street project created with 300 wood blocks
www.woodindustry.ca 23
COVER STORY
I INTEND TO USE THE EXPERIENCE MY EFFORTS AND PRIVILEGE HAVE AFFORDED ME TO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF WOODBASED ENTREPRENEURS. for new product development and innovation.” The core intention behind this group was to use CAWP as a conduit to connect their specialists and equipment capacity to the industrial designers, artists, and architects to produce prototypes of new designs and concepts. As a recent graduate of the Industrial Design program at Emily Carr, this was ideal for me to begin my career pathway. Because of this, I’ve developed a business, found mentorship, sourced materials, spoken about my work, and tackled some highly technical design projects and art installations due to the network of support I had available to me. From Outside the Box and now TWIG, I have multiple sources of revenue that support me as an Independent wood-based entrepreneur, with my role as organizer of TWIG being one of these. Within this role, I intend to use the experience my efforts and privilege have afforded me to inspire the next generation of wood-based entrepreneurs. We have to cultivate contexts for fresh ideas and create space for them to be nurtured, refined, and then exhibited in the public realm for feedback and response. This is what I am here for, and I hope to inspire and help others do so too. This article is the first in a five-part series exploring how TWIG offers an alternative pathway to innovation that values humans, resources, and the economy. TOP: Patrick Christie at “Made From Scraps” event BOTTOM: Patrick Christie with Wood Circle art pieces 24 WOOD INDUSTRY FALL 2021
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ALEXANDRE CECCHI THE PATH AND THOUGHTS OF FURNITURE DESIGNER By Marie-Julie Chaput 26 WOOD INDUSTRY FALL 2021
PROFILE
A
lexandre Cecchi is a woodworker and furniture designer from
Belgium, now living in Quebec. Through his thoughts and works, he shares his vision of art and contributes, in his own way, to the beauty of the world. Since 2018, Cecchi has been drawing, designing, and manufacturing his own furniture. Putting his technical and artistic skills to good use, it’s a dream come true.
TOP: Cecchi in his workshop BOTTOM: Table designed by Cecchi
www.woodindustry.ca 27
PROFILE Someone who masters the technique and knows how to systematically use the right methods depending on the work to be done. Since Cecchi only offers unique pieces, each piece of furniture is different and has its own challenges. At all times, he gives his all to meet them as perfectly as possible. Of course, Cecchi’s extensive technical knowledge allows him to give free rein to his creativity. He can sketch ambitious curves, define harmonious volumes and select the best materials without worrying about assembling them. By constantly refining his art and science, Cecchi follows traditional French woodworking footsteps while undeniably standing out as a furniture designer. THE CREATIVE PROCESS
TOP: Cecchi designing a piece LEFT: European Training Institute of the Companions of the Tour de France RIGHT: Cecchi at IEF-CTF ceremony
AN UNUSUAL LEARNING PATH
Cecchi was born into a Belgian family of Italian-Dutch origin. After high school, he entered the European Training Institute of the Companions of the Tour de France (IEF-CTF) to study traditional woodworking. He then traveled around France for eight years to work in various renowned workshops and to train with well-established cabinetmakers. This companionship is an unusual apprenticeship that began during the construction of the first cathedrals in France. The master taught the apprentices his knowledge so that these exceptional works, sometimes requiring more than 200 years for their construction, could be built. This tradition has been perpetuated from generation to gen28 WOOD INDUSTRY FALL 2021
eration until today. It allows the young people who start today on the Tour de France to ask essential questions, acquire a lot of specialized knowledge, and develop invaluable human qualities. For Cecchi, these years were deeply significant and enriching. To contribute to this long chain of transmission, he invested himself in managing this association for several years. Since his move to Quebec in 2017 to join the Ébéniste d’art workshop, he offers young woodworkers the opportunity to deepen their training across the Atlantic by working alongside him. A DISTINCTIVE APPROACH TO THE CRAFT
According to Cecchi, a great woodworker is, above all, a great technician.
Behind each work, there are many hours of conception, reflection, and research to arrive at a coherent project. The starting point can be a specific request from clients or a carte blanche. The emphasis is on aesthetics, creativity, and harmony. Once the design is attractive, Cecchi engages in technical design. At this stage, it is a question of materializing the original idea in the most perfect way possible. For him, the travel from the 2D plan to a 3D work, made of tangible matter, contains an element of magic. Once finished, the work is delivered with a certificate of authenticity and carefully installed at the client’s home. WHEN FURNITURE BECOMES ART
One only has to look at Cecchi’s creations to understand how he sublimates wood and the craft of cabinet making. Each piece is unique, intriguing, and of timeless class. Art enthusiasts and collectors alike will benefit from discovering the world Cecchi offers. He believes that when people buy a piece, they are buying a period in the artist’s life. They are buying concerns. They buy a lot of thoughts. They are also buying years of learning and experience. Finally, they are buying, eventually, a share in the concept of perfection. And you, will you be charmed?
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PROFILE
MAKING COMPONENTS AN ART FORM Old school skill and new school tools
TOP LEFT: Texture panels TOP RIGHT: Art for Everyday artisans BOTTOM LEFT: Custom sculpture BOTTOM RIGHT: Master carver at work
M
anoo Mahmoodi started Art for Everyday in his garage with a neighbour back in 1998. Today, Manoo’s son Soroush runs the family business as the president while his father, easing towards retirement, remains CEO. “We actually still make a lot of things from our very first catalogue,” explained Soroush. Art for Everyday has a huge catalogue of architectural millwork components. They have about 450 to 500 items in nine different wood pieces, allowing for approximately 5,000 different combinations. Lumber is stocked in alder, hard and soft maple, white oak, red oak, walnut, pine, mahogany, cherry, and
30 WOOD INDUSTRY FALL 2021
hickory. About 1,200 of their components are ready to ship. In terms of their most popular items, their corbels are at the top of the list. “I would say our five most popular items are all corbels,” he explained. “Besides these, our mouldings and appliqués are quite popular.” Beyond these, they carry components in a wide variety of categories, everything from textured panels and tiles, to legs and posts, to spools and half-rounds. Each piece goes through a multi-step process, beginning with programming, moving on to blocking, and CNC machining. These are all processes that Soroush pushed for as he moved up through the
company. With an academic background in computer science, he always pushed the company towards technological advancements while never forgetting the importance of hands-on expertise and artistry. “Half of the work used to be hand done by our master carvers, but now approximately 95% is done by machines, but our master carvers hand finish each piece,” said Soroush. “We can do pretty much anything with wood and a CNC.” What differentiates Art for Everyday is that post-machining, every piece is hand-finished by carving, chiseling, and sanding by expert sanders and master carvers. And of course, the last step is quality control. It’s this expert touch that brings their pieces to the next level. All their manufacturing is performed in a 50,000 sq ft. facility located in Toronto with about 50 employees, most of whom are friends, family, or community members. The largest portion of their staff used to be their master carvers, but many of them retired, leaving them with just four, all of whom have been with the company since the beginning. “Our custom capabilities have garnered the attention of designers, architects, DIYers, kitchen cabinet makers, etc., worldwide,” said Soroush. “Our clients mainly work in kitchen design, but we also cater to interior design and architectural firms.” They have an extensive list of over 10,000 clients, going far beyond these typical customers. They also have a history of working with places of worship and governments, creating unique, intricate pieces. Their range is incurably wide, everything from solid walnut benches, like something you would find in a courthouse, to animal carvings. Their creativity and intricacy are limitless, and their work lives up to their name.
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UNBUILDING TO BUILD SOMETHING NEW By Grace Tatigian
32 WOOD INDUSTRY FALL 2021
PROFILE
T
he cost of materials — lumber in particular — has been staggering for the last year or so. While it looks like it’s finally starting to drop, this has negatively impacted many businesses. One business that it benefitted, however, was Unbuilders. Unbuilders is a
team of salvage experts. They are former carpenters, roofers, framers, and tradespeople who have made the switch from construction to deconstruction.
“Our vision is a construction industry where deconstruction and remanufacturing replaces demolition and disposal,” explains owner Adam Corneil. Corneil flipped his first house at the age of 16 with his dad, and his love of construction stuck with him all his life, and now that he’s a father himself, it’s his full-time job. “I felt like I was watching every other house get demolished, and I just kept thinking, ‘this is insane,’” he said. “Demolition just isn’t sustainable. So Unbuilders will have work until they learn how to make buildings that will last forever.” Part of what contributes to longerlasting buildings is higher-quality materials, which is exactly what Unbuilders is pulling out of these deconstruction sites. “It’s better wood,” he explained. “Most of what’s used today is lower quality spruce, whereas we’re pulling Douglas fir out of these buildings to be reused. We’re recovering irreplaceable lumber.” And so what are they doing with this wood? In the past, they’ve partnered with artisan companies that make furniture, cutting boards, garden boxes, and more, but they’re working on growing internally. “We actually just leased a facility where we can start remanufacturing the wood ourselves,” he told me. “It’s an acre of land that will have 10,000 square feet for showrooms, offices, and shops. We’ll also have a receiving yard and landfill space.” They had started out searching for a warehouse, but that kind of real estate in Vancouver is hard to come by at a reasonable price. This ended up working out perfectly, checking a whole bunch of boxes they didn’t realize they had. Now
TOP: Adam Corneil and Unbuilders team MIDDLE: Materials being salvaged from an old building BOTTOM: Adam Corneil overlooking a landfill of demolished building supplies www.woodindustry.ca 33
PROFILE
Unbuilders team organizing salvaged materials
they’re getting set up to better supply building materials to companies looking to build green. I was curious how the cost of lumber had impacted the sale prices of their reclaimed wood. “Typically, 2X4s and shiplap are the hardest to move, so we price them cheaper, but now we can’t even keep 2X4s in stock,” he told me. “We sell out before we even have the chance to remove the old nails.” So one good thing to come out of the lumber price spike was that it closed the gap between the cost of reclaimed wood and new wood, encouraging more companies to greener building materials. “There’s half as much embodied carbon in these old building materials,” explained Corneil. That comes not only from the kind of wood but also how it was harvested and how it was constructed. Most of 34 WOOD INDUSTRY FALL 2021
the sites that they’re unbuilding are pre-1950s, building dates averaging out to around 1930. These are also the cases that have the highest value of lumber. There’s a good mix of residential and commercial buildings throughout the Vancouver and Victoria area that they work on. “I’m torn a lot of the time. Often the buildings we’re taking down have a lot of cultural significance; there’s a lot of heritage there,” explained Corneil. “But it’s not my call as to whether the building gets removed or not. We can remove the building in a way that’s environmentally friendly, socially conscious, and communitydriven. Then the materials can be reused and respected instead of just demolishing it and everything ending up in a landfill.” Corneil has always been an environmentalist, but this side of him
was nurtured in university when he studied philosophy and anthropology. While it might not seem like these topics have a lot to do with deconstruction, they helped to shape his worldview. “Having a building torn down can be an emotional event for a community. We ensure that we respect the stories and neighbours to whom these structures play an important role,” said Corneil. “We save these histories by giving materials a new life, typically turning negative experiences into positive ones.” Corneil also pointed out that Vancouver is the demolition capital of the world. “The industry shift to deconstruction has massively positive environmental & social impacts. Currently, 4 million tonnes of waste are diverted annually,” he told me. “But we can’t expect people to shift their perspective and budget when it comes to deconstruction just because we say so.” As such, their approach takes a ton of factors into account to show their customers that this is the best option for everyone. “Deconstruction generates six jobs to every one demolition job – creating the potential for 75,000 new jobs nationally,” Corneil explained from the social perspective. “The jobs Unbuilders provides allow young workers to contribute meaningfully to lessening waste in our society.” But if ethical reasoning isn’t enough to convince their customers, the numbers speak for themselves. “It can actually cost less to use us than a typical demolition service,” he explained. “Once you factor in the provincial and federal tax credits, it can cost about $12,000 less to deconstruct than it can to demolish a 2,400 square foot home, for example.” It’s a setup that benefits everyone: the building owners, the builders, the Unbuilders, the community, and the environment. And if that isn’t sustainable, then I don’t know what is.
The National Event for Canada’s Wood Industry
2021 Nov. 4 - Nov. 6, 2021 | International Centre | Mississauga (Toronto), CA
WMS is the professional woodworking show for all of Canada WMS has connected Canada’s professional woodworking industry with the world’s most prominent machinery manufacturers, material suppliers, hardware companies and other services and products for more than four decades. 86% of 2019 attendees said they plan to attend WMS 2021! Can’t miss WMS 2021 programs: • WMS Live – On-the-show-floor presentation stage offering free education sessions to attendees on a range of timely manufacturing, technology and other hot topics. • Off Campus Tech Tours – Attendees will have the opportunity to register to tour local facilities in the Toronto area to see the latest technologies in action. • New App – WMS attendees can take advantage of a sophisticated mobile/web app to optimize their experience before, during and after the event. Utilizing the robust Whova platform, the app will facilitate planning, networking, logistical considerations, and a host of other features that can be accessed. • Happy Hour Events – The first two days of the show will conclude with an opportunity to unwind with a drink and talk shop with fellow attendees. To reserve exhibit space: Rich Widick | WMS Sales wms@heiexpo.com (630) 434-7779
Registration Opens Early August
Nov. 4-6, 2021 WMSCanada.ca
For general conference and show information: Harry Urban | Woodworking Network harry.urban@woodworkingnetwork.com (708) 373-4344
EVENTS
WMS: BACK IN ACTION Ready to get back on the floor By Grace Tatigian
T
here’s no doubt that the Woodworking Machinery and Supply Conference and Expo (WMS) has long been the premier woodworking trade show in Canada. And it could be that 2021 had been the most anticipated show to date. “I think our community is chomping at the bit to get back out there,” said Harry Urban, WMS Show Manager. “There have been no major woodworking trade shows in Canada since 2019. People want to know what’s out there, what’s changed in terms of hardware, software, materials - all kinds of things.” In 2019, WMS hosted 175 exhibitors and over 5000 attendees. I wanted to know what Urban was expecting this year. He was optimistic. “I’m hoping for numbers that are close to 2019,” he told me. “We’re really feeling the demand, and there’s a real sense of reopening.” Regarding organizing the event during a pandemic, WMS is in good hands considering Urban organized the Wood Pro Expo in Florida in June. A lot of the precautions for WMS will also depend on the venue. The International Centre team has been working hard to prepare the facility for the long-awaited return of events, meetings, and conferences. Over 36 WOOD INDUSTRY FALL 2021
the past few months, they have collaborated with a wide range of experts, including public health organizations, local and provincial government, and industry professionals, to help develop a set of comprehensive safety measures to keep everyone safe. Regardless of the measures in place, Urban says that the team is still committed to delivering all of the fan favourite elements of the show. “We’ve got the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association, Architectural Woodwork Manufacturers Association of Canada, Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario, Wood Manufacturing Council - all the big players - lined up to participate in the educational component of the show,” explained Urban. “These are complementary events that happen live on the WMS floor. Attendees always look forward to these; you can learn a lot.” Urban says that they always aim to have a wide variety of speakers available considering how varied the audience is: “We’ve got people from all across the industry - everything from mom and pop cabinet shops to FDMC 300 large manufacturers.” All these attendees have in common are the challenges that everyone in our industry has recently faced.
“The North American market, in terms of both supply chain and staffing shortages, has been in a tough spot over the last couple of years,” said Urban. “I think that people are looking for solutions to these problems. They want to reconnect with previous suppliers and meet new ones.” That’s one of the big pluses to trade shows, something that WMS is hoping to facilitate with the implementation of a new app. Using the robust Whova platform, the app will facilitate planning, networking, logistical considerations, and a host of other features. Attendees can log in as early as September to start connecting with exhibitors and schedule meetings to make the most of their time at the event. With travel starting to open up within Canada, Urban hopes that the show will see attendees and exhibitors from all over the country. “Usually, it’s mainly people from Ontario, but we also have some key players from BC to Newfoundland,” he said. “It’s really for everyone in Canada.” That’s highly likely with the sheer number of people who are itching to get back into the trade show world. For those traveling for the event, it’s worth it to check out Wood Technology Days, organized by the Canadian Woodworking Machinery Distributors’ Association (CDMDA) where local manufacturers will host open houses to show off their facilities and showrooms. “Some of this machinery is the size of aircraft carriers,” pointed out Urban. “So we’re collaborating with CDMDA to provide a good experience for everyone.” Registration for WMS had been open since early August, and the event will take place from November 4 to 6 at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario.
EVENTS
WOODWORKING TECHNOLOGY DAYS COMPLIMENTING WMS The best of both worlds By Grace Tatigian
W
MS isn’t the only thing to facilities across the country. They are look forward to in the GTA in leaders in their respective fields, repreearly November. The Canadian senting internationally recognized and Woodworking Machinery Distributors prestigious brands, offering the finest in Association (CWMDA) will be hosting new technology to the Canadian woodtheir Woodworking Technology Days working industry, helping manufacturers (WTD) concurrently. to improve their technological compe“No single show could hold even 10% of tence and competitiveness. what’s out there,” explained Marc Proulx, “Visitors have six days to visit our Manager of the CWMDA. “The showrooms members’ extensive showrooms and that these companies have; they’re huge.” see the latest in terms of new technolFounded in 1988, the CWMDA is a ogy, including some North American pretrade association dedicated to promoting mieres,” said Proulx. woodworking machinery in Canada. Its Some of the companies whose showmembers are reputable manufacturers rooms will be open for the event are Normand_half_ad_page_fall_2021.qxp_Mise en page 1 21-08-10 09:44 Page1 and distributors that operate permanent Akhurst Canada, Biesse Canada, Felder
Group Canada, Homag Canada, IMA Schelling Group Canada, Normand, SCM Canada, Taurus Craco, and Weinig HolzHer Canada. “Some of this equipment has a $200,000 footprint,” said Proulx. “And some of it you can’t really move. That’s the great thing about WTD: going to visit these companies and seeing their equipment in action.” This is also a great opportunity for those traveling to get the most out of their time in Toronto. The event takes place from November 1st to 6th from 9:00 to 5:00 each day, meaning people can visit showrooms before WMS begins. See us at
BY WOODWORKERS, FOR WOODWORKERS
Mississauga November 4-6, 2021 Booth 2405
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www.woodindustry.ca 37
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
EASYSTICK EASYSTICK is the new automatic stop system from Blum that makes it easy to set up drilling and insertion machines. It optimises the entire assembly process, giving customers a fast and straightforward machine setup and perfect results. Drilling positions are calculated digitally; stops move automatically to the proper position, and users are shown the correct fixing positions step by step. Position panel, drill holes, done! This product provides the user with easy front assembly, cabinet assembly, data transfer, and updates.
Kratos Kratos is the flagship model for high production machining at AccuRouter Inc. The Kratos offers a fixed gantry with a moving table design with a solid aluminum jig plate table. The open base design allows dust to fall through to the floor. The operator control is mounted on an overhead swing arm pendant. Table sizes range from 2x4’ to 6x12’, custom table sizes can be accommodated, and twin table and inline shuttle table designs available. Katros features high-speed ballscrew assemblies and linear rails and a spindle with manual collet, quick push-button change, or automatic (rack or carousel) functionalities.
ROVER B FT HD CNC processing center ROVER B FT HD is the new Biesse high-performance machining centre dedicated to nesting operations. Designed for high speeds and optimum accelerations, it takes its position as the most productive machine on the market. Biesse defines new productivity standards with the arrival of High Dynamics technology. Outstanding performance is guaranteed thanks to high speeds and optimum acceleration levels. The cab that surrounds the machine is fitted with doors that can be fully opened from the front to facilitate manual operations. The large inspection windows guarantee immediate visibility for direct machine-operator contact.
Epilog Fusion Edge Laser Machines The Fusion Edge laser series takes Epilog’s highest-quality engraving technology and incorporates it into smaller-format systems, allowing customers to get the latest technology in a portable format. The Fusion Edge machines feature a touch-screen display panel, on-screen artwork positioning with their IRIS™ camera system, and job trace functionality for quick and easy artwork setup. The Fusion Edge laser engraving and cutting machines from Epilog Laser combines top-of-theline technology and the latest features in two formats: a compact desktop machine with the Fusion Edge 12 and a larger standalone system with the Fusion Edge 24.
GS2 - Glue Conveyer The Glue Conveyor model GS2 from Doucet features a mild angle iron infeed conveyor, a stainless steel glue roller, and a stainless steel angle iron outfeed conveyor. The GS2 Glue Conveyor features a mild angle iron infeed conveyor, a stainless steel glue roller, and a stainless steel angle iron outfeed conveyor. The standard size is 13” x 16’ with a ¾ HP 3 phase motor with 220, 440, or 600 Volts options. The material feed speed is 60 feet per minute, and the infeed and outfeed conveyors are both 8’ long. The stainless steel reservoir comes with a lid that can be removed for cleaning and maintenance.
ULTRAPRIMETM HAPs Free White Post-Catalyzed Primer D38 ULTRAPRIMETM is KCI’s nextgeneration primer. It is a HAPs free, ultra-low formaldehyde, solvent-borne, two-component primer based on waterwhite technology. It exhibits exceptionally fast dry, high filling and is easy to sand. D38 ULTRAPRIMETM has been specifically designed to be used in conjunction with D9 and D9MAX Series SUMMITTM White Conversion Varnishes as part of a high-quality interior wood finishing system. This primer is MAPs-free, has low VOC and ultra-low formaldehyde. It has excellent MDF adhesion and unmatched vertical hang, as well as excellent flow and levelling.
38 WOOD INDUSTRY FALL 2021
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
FORMAT4 findustry Wide Belt Sanding Machines The new FORMAT4 wide belt sanding machines can be equipped with two, three, or four units, precisely adapted to the specific use and the respective field of application. Thus, a high degree of customisation guarantees that all requirements are met concerning surface finish and processing efficiency. A vacuum table, table extensions with rollers on the inlet and outlet sides, and optional pressure shoes on the sanding units ensure the best possible comfort and ideal machining conditions for workpieces in every format. The clearly structured touch screen control can be operated intuitively. All machine functions are clearly shown graphically on the digital display.
FastenerSwitch – the first quick-change system for fastening units The newly developed quick-change system for the multifunction bridge enables maximum flexibility in selecting and using various fastening units in addition to the units available on the multifunction bridge. The multifunction bridge uses the data record to change the required fastening unit depending on the material automatically. It also removes different fastening units from the quick-change system automatically – from stapling and nailing units to wide crown stapling units to units for wood nails. At 500 mm in length, the space required increases only marginally.
Downdraft Table The Belfab downdraft table is ergonomic and energy-efficient, offers easy maintenance, and is available in three different sizes. The table is mounted on wheels, and it can be easily moved around the shop. This downdraft table is perfect for light to medium-duty woodworking applications such as sanding and finishing. The tabletop features innovative anti-slip and non-scuffing mats. These robust half-inch thick mats secure parts in place and protect work from denting. The special recessed base design offers foot clearance for workers’ comfort. The tabletop surface is accessible from 360˚ around.
G25 Sharpening machine for reciprocating saw blades Wet grinding ensures an extremely fine finish on the tooth surfaces and considerably extends the life of the blades. The machine can be equipped with a diamond (SBN) or a CBN (Carbon Boron Nitride) wheel. The clearance angle is easily adjusted without affecting the tooth profile or other adjustments. The adjustment of the grinding measure is made with indicator dials, and the grinding speed is variable with the frequency converter. Precise blade drive mechanism ensures quality grinding with minimal waste. A microcomputer processes automatic control of operations.
iBotic Cartesian spraying robot Fifteen years after its introduction, iBotic is still the number one Cartesian spraying robot, but with a host of new features able to increase greater efficiency both in economic terms and production terms, especially because customisation demands consequent frequent colour changeovers. What makes iBotic so special is that it can work simultaneously on pieces of different shapes and thicknesses, with the conveyor either at a standstill or on the move, in tracking mode. iBotic is also available in different versions with a working length from 3,000 mm up to 5,500 mm.
OIKOS X SCM’s OIKOS X is the new 6-axis CNC machining centre, specifically designed to process structural beams, X-lam/CLT wall panels, and insulating panels. It results from careful research and development to provide the industry with an ever more technological, performing solution. OIKOS X was designed to maximize performance in terms of dimensions, dynamics, and power. Fitted with an electro-spindle up to 24 kW, the machining centre allows to process beams and panels with a maximum section of 1,250x300 mm, a maximum length of 19,000 mm, and a weight of 4,000 kg. www.woodindustry.ca 39
EVENTS
SEPTEMBER September 14, 2021 Fall Funding Grants For Canadian Businesses Online www.mentorworks.ca/events/ September 14-17, 2021 Drema Poznan, Poland www.drema.pl/en/ September 17, 2021 AWMAC Southern Alberta Awards of Excellence Gala Calgary, AB awmacsaawards2021.weebly.com September 23, 2021 AWMAC BC Awards of Excellence Vancouver, BC awmac.com/chapters/british-columbia/ calendar-of-events/
OCTOBER October 4-6, 2021 NeoCon Chicago, IL neocon.com/
October 12-15, 2021 SICAM Milan, Italy www.exposicam.it/en/ October 13, 2021 AWMAC BC General Membership Meeting Coquitlam, BC awmac.com/chapters/british-columbia/ calendar-of-events/ October 14-15, 2021 Wood Pro Expo Lancaster, PA www.woodworkingnetwork.com/events/ wood-pro-expo-lancaster
NOVEMBER November 1-6, 2021 CWMDA: Woodworking Technology Days Mississauga, ON cwmda-acdmb.ca/wtd/WTD_2021_ INVITATION.pdf November 4-6, 2021 WMS: Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference and Expo Mississauga, ON www.woodworkingnetwork.com/events/ woodworking-machinery-supplyconference-and-expo
October 4-7, 2021 World Millwork Alliance Convention & Tradeshow Mobile, AB worldmillworkalliance.com/2021-annualconvention-july-2/
November 10, 2021 AWMAC BC General Membership Meeting Coquitlam, BC awmac.com/chapters/british-columbia/ calendar-of-events/
October 7-9, 2021 AfriWood Nairobi, Kenya www.expogr.com/afriwood/
JANUARY
October 9-13, 2021 Intermob Istanbul, Turkey www.intermobistanbul.com/en/
40 WOOD INDUSTRY FALL 2021
January 17-23, 2022 imm cologne Cologne, Germany www.imm-cologne.com/
FEBRUARY February 1-4, 2022 Eurobois 2022 Lyon, France www.eurobois.net/en February 8-10, 2022 KBIS Orlando, FL kbis.com/
MARCH March 14-17, 2022 Fimma Fenavinho, Brazil fimma.com.br/index
APRIL April 27-29, 2022 Wood Pro Expo San Diego, CA www.woodworkingnetwork.com/events/ wood-pro-expo
AUGUST August 23-26, 2022 IWF Atlanta Atlanta, GA www.iwfatlanta.com/
MAY May 15-19, 2023 Ligna Hannover, Germany www.ligna.de/en/news/news-articles/nextregular-ligna-in-may-2023-ligna-21-willnot-take-place
Dates and locations subject to change.
FACTS AND STATS
$9.7 million Approximately 9.7 million tons of office furniture end up in landfills every year. Source: Environmental Protection Agency
$30,000 According to the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, the cost of a typical 2 500-square-foot home was up by $30,000 in 2020, as a result of rising construction materials costs, including prices for structural lumber and wood-based structural panels such as plywood. Source: Statistics Canada
$1.5 billion
The kitchen cabinet industry generates an estimated $1.5 billion in annual sales and employs more than 25,000 Canadians in an estimated 4,000 SMEs Source: Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association
11.9% Revenue from wood product manufacturing fell 11.9% in 2019, following seven consecutive increases which had resulted in a growth of 80.5%. Domestic and United States demand for Canadian wood products declined in 2019. Housing starts in Canada were down 2.0% to 208,685 units in 2019, while exports of wood products to the United States fell 14.8% or $2.2 billion to $12.3 billion. Source: Statistics Canada
36%
36% of the country’s furniture manufacturers are in Québec
Source: Quebec Furniture Manufacturers’ Association
$11.6 billion Retail sales of furniture stores in Canada amounted to approximately 11.6 billion Canadian dollars in 2020
Source: Statista
92 cents For every dollar earned in total revenue in 2019, manufacturing companies spent an average of 92 cents in total expenses. The wood product industry spent the most at 97 cents. Source: Statistics Canada www.woodindustry.ca 41
FACTS AND STATS
$1.62 billion
1.6%
In February 2020, the GDP for the office furniture manufacturing sector stood at around 1.62 billion Canadian dollars.
The Industrial Product Price Index increased by 1.6% in March, with prices up in 14 of 21 commodity groups, led by lumber and other wood products (+10.2%)
Source: Statista
47%
Source: Statistics Canada
47% of wood kitchen cabinet and countertop manufacturing establishments in Canada have between 1-4 employees
Source: Statista
$8.6 billion It is projected that the revenue of veneer, plywood, and engineered wood product manufacturing in Canada will amount to approximately 8,6 billion U.S. Dollars by 2024. Source: Statista
7%
The homeowners’ replacement cost index, which is linked to the price of new homes, rose 7.0% year over year in February, as higher building costs, low-interest rates, and strong demand for homes with more space continued to push prices for new housing higher. This is the largest yearly gain recorded since February 2007. Source: Statistics Canada
10.8% Operating profits in manufacturing decreased by 10.8% (-$6.4 billion) from the previous year to $52.8 billion in 2019, driven by higher expenses. Losses incurred by the wood and paper manufacturing industry contributed to this decrease, down $5.3 billion in 2019. This decrease can be attributable to lower global prices, temporary production curtailments, and continuing import duties in 2019.
141 million Wood product manufacturing required over 141 million Gigajoules of energy in 2019. Source: Statistics Canada Source: Statistics Canada
42 WOOD INDUSTRY FALL 2021
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2022 SIBO is back. Make plans to return to the Quebec woodworking industry’s largest event in 2022. Engage with vendors featuring the latest in woodworking technology, hardware, tooling, software, materials and much more. SIBO 2022 will take your business to a new level. Learn from your peers and experts in educational sessions dedicated to best practices in manufacturing, marketing, and management. SIBO partners with major industry associations and institutions to deliver a stellar line-up of curriculum.
Le SIBO est de retour. Faites des plans pour revenir à l’événement le plus important de l’industrie du bois au Québec en 2022. Rencontrez des fournisseurs qui vous présenteront les plus grandes technologies du bois, du matériel, de l’outillage, des logiciels, des matériaux et bien plus encore. Le SIBO 2022 fera passer votre entreprise à un niveau supérieur. Apprenez de vos pairs et des experts lors de sessions éducatives consacrées aux meilleures pratiques en matière de fabrication, de marketing et de gestion. Le SIBO s’associe à des associations et institutions industrielles majeures pour proposer un programme éducatif exceptionnel.
October 27-29, 2022 27-29 octobre, 2022 Centrexpo Cogeco 550, rue Saint-Amant Drummondville (Québec) J2C 6Z3 Horaire/Show Hours: Jeudi/Thursday 10:00H - 17:00H Vendredi/Friday 10:00H - 17:00H Samedi/Saturday 10:00H - 15:00H Hôtel hôte/Host Hotel: Hôtel Grand Times 530, rue Saint-Amant, Drummondville (Québec) 819-474-5555 grandtimeshotel.com Pour de plus amples renseignements For more information Contactez-Nous/Contact us Communiquez avec Richard Widick, Hall Erickson Téléphone: 630-434-7779 Courriel: sibo@heiexpo.com Le site internet: siboexpo.ca
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