News

New report highlights need for sector-wide environmental strategy for British furniture manufacturers

Research conducted by Businesswise Solutions and the British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM) showed that 75% of the industry see the management of environmental challenges as a key priority, with most feeling that the sector lacks a strategy to meet these challenges head on.

The findings appear in Sentiment of the Sector & The Road To Net Zero, a 36-page insight report, which also revealed that 50% of participants said they knew what is required to achieve net zero as a sector, while all respondents said the industry lacked a strategy to achieve the target.

Sentiment of the Sector & The Road To Net Zero pulled together insight and feedback from two virtual roundtable events held in March 2021, to gauge opinion on the sector’s performance under the heading of Environment, Social and Corporate Governance.

Other subjects analysed during the events, and detailed in the subsequent report, include Coronavirus, Predicting Demand, Raw Materials and Logistics, as well as Labour Challenges.

BFM MD Nick Garratt

Charlotte Floate, director at Alpha Designs, was one of the event participants. She says: “Being involved in the roundtable was a great experience and it felt like we had very open, honest discussions around key topics for the industry.” Both the roundtables and the report were facilitated by BFM associate member, Businesswise Solutions, in partnership with the BFM.

BFM MD, Nick Garratt, says: “This has been a hugely interesting and informative project.

“The report sets out the current and future state of British furniture manufacturing.

“It provides a fascinating overview of the driving issues for the sector and, as a trade body, gives insight into areas where we can continue to support the industry in the challenging times ahead.”

Frazer Durris, CEO and founder of Businesswise Solutions, adds: “What we have learned from this insight project is that businesses in the furniture manufacturing industry are passionate about doing the right thing, whilst putting innovation and agility at the centre of how they operate.”

Sentiment of the Sector & The Road To Net Zero can be viewed at:

www.businesswisesolutions.co.uk/ download-furniture-manufacturers-report/

Resistant to torsion and pull-out

Call for wood segregation to be addressed at point of production

Mark Hayton, director of Egger Timberpak, shares his views on the waste wood hierarchy and the importance of segregation, stating:

“We all know that the largest offtaker of recycled wood these days is the biomass industry, and that their specification allows for the inclusion of Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF). Because of this, the specification for the acceptance of waste wood into the recyclers has changed.

“Previously we had the segregation of wood and MDF onto our sites but now, simply due to the demand from biomass, this has resulted in the majority allowing MDF into their feedstock without segregation. However, from my point of view, this represents a significant step backwards in the effort towards greater recycling, as we should be encouraging segregation, not removing it. MDF is not a product that can be recycled – at best, it can be used within energy feedstock.

“It is clear to me that the target we should all be aiming for is the waste hierarchy – reuse, recycle, recover. We should all be doing what we can to ensure waste wood that can be recycled is recycled. It will never be seen as acceptable to spend 45 years growing a tree, only to burn it in 45 seconds. We need to take more responsibility.

Mark Hayton, director of Egger Timberpak

“We all need to have a hard think about what we are doing with our waste wood. The primary route for solid wood should be to take it to an outlet that offers recycling over simply burning it. If recycled, carbon is locked away for the lifetime of the product, which can be recycled again and locked away for another lifetime, and so on, thus protecting the valuable resource of wood!

“Yes, of course this means that producers of waste need to think about segregation – but it is far easier, cheaper and uses less energy to do this at the point of production, rather than later down the supply chain, which takes more time, uses more energy and is more expensive.

“This change requires a different mindset. We already do this on construction sites, with our recycling bins at home and, to a lesser extent, when we go to Household Waste Recycling Centres.

“The next step is to encourage all producers of waste wood, as well as Household Waste Recycling Centres, where there is less control, to have separate bins – one for solid wood items and one for chipboard, MDF and laminate flooring.

“Their staff, customers and the public then need to be encouraged to use them. This could be supported by better, more descriptive signage with pictures or actual examples, and I am sure support could be obtained for anyone wanting to run such a scheme.

“Biomass has its place, and I am certainly not against it, but for me, the most important thing is to make the best use of the resources we have, and certainly not to exploit them.”

Weinig UK appoints new regional sales manager

Leading woodworking machinery manufacturer, Michael Weinig (UK), has appointed Mark Smith as regional sales manager for solid wood products. Covering the North West, Midlands, Wales and South of England, Mark’s role will see him manage a team of five Weinig UK representatives, while continuing to strengthen sales and develop relationships with new and existing customers in the solid wood sector.

With a career spanning almost 40 years, Mark’s industry knowledge and technical skillset made him the ideal candidate for the role. Starting his career as an engineering apprentice and moving into woodworking machinery sales in the 1980s, Mark was first introduced to Weinig’s product portfolio at Leicester Wood Technique – one of Weinig’s first machinery agents in the UK.

After spending over a decade selling Weinig machinery and tooling to the UK’s woodworking industry, Mark went on to work for Wadkin, SCM and Oertli Tooling. The latter position saw him responsible for equipping high-end machines like Weinig’s Powermat moulders and industrial Conturex lines with the tooling required to fulfil customers’ unique requirements, strengthening his in-depth technical understanding and problem-solving abilities. Mark says: “I really enjoy immersing myself in the technicalities of machinery and finding solutions to challenging manufacturing processes. I’ve worked with a wide range of brands throughout my career and as such, I have a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of solid wood machines and their capabilities. I’ve also had firsthand experience selling Weinig machinery and, while the range has evolved, I understand the machines well.

“After 16 years at Oertli Tooling, I’m now ready for a new challenge. I enjoy pushing myself and learning new skills. Weinig is a great opportunity for me and a chance to work with one of the industry’s leaders. They’ve always been at the top of the manufacturing tree when it comes to their solid wood machinery, and I’ve always had a great deal of admiration for the company. I’m really looking forward to building relationships and working with my team to find new and innovative solutions for our customers.”

Malcolm Cuthbertson, MD of Michael Weinig (UK), adds: “Mark’s attributes are a great fit for the role of regional sales manager for solid wood products at Weinig UK, and he brings a wealth of industry experience with him. His specialist technical experience, solid wood machinery sales background and impressive knowledge of our products make him a great addition to the Weinig UK team.

Mark Smith, regional sales manager for solid wood products at Weinig UK

“At a time when we’re experiencing recordbreaking order inflow and have just had the most successful year in Weinig UK’s 33-year history, it really is an exciting time for Mark to join our growing team, and I’m thrilled to have him on board.”

www.weinig.co.uk

BSW Timber acquires Bayram Timber

BSW Timber, the UK’s largest integrated forestry and sawmilling group, has acquired Bayram Timber.

Established over 20 years ago, Bayram is a market-leading timber processor and manufacturer, and a key supplier into the UK caravan, leisure home and garden sectors. Operating from a 17-acre site in Melton, East Yorkshire, the business has annual sales of £30m and employs over 160 people.

The acquisition of Bayram will strengthen BSW’s value-added processing capabilities and further broaden BSW’s product offering and service to customers.

Following the acquisition, BSW plans to undertake a significant capital investment programme in the Melton site to increase capacity and broaden the capabilities of the business.

Geoff Goodwin, chairman of Bayram, says: “We are proud of what we have achieved at Bayram over the last 20 years and delighted to be selling the business to such a good home in BSW. Bayram has a strong position within the caravan and timber market, and by being a

Bayram Timber’s facility in Melton on the north bank of the Humber

valued supplier into BSW for many years, we feel this acquisition is hugely positive for our employees, customers and the whole supply chain.”

Tony Hackney, CEO of BSW, adds: “We are very pleased to be strengthening our position in the value-added timber market by acquiring Bayram. The opportunity to enhance our supply chain and additionally widen our product offering is exciting.

“This represents another major milestone in the growth of BSW and provides our customers with a more robust and broader range of products. We are looking forward to drawing on the expertise and knowledge of Geoff, Chris Husband and the whole team at Bayram. I would also like to thank the Endless LLP team for their support in acquiring Bayram.”

Bayram will be integrated with BSW Timber Solutions and will continue to operate from the existing site in Melton. Bayram processes 120,000m³ of machined and further-refined timber annually, with the support of 160 colleagues. Bayram supplies bespoke components for many markets including garden, caravan manufacturers, timber merchants, and decking and cladding retailers.

In closing, Geoff Goodwin says: “I felt that although I am very passionate about Bayram and its team, that it was time to encourage growth in the company, which would need further investment and resource which the BSW group can provide.

“Bayram will merge into BSW Timber Solutions, under the leadership of Bruce McKay, MD. The long-established name of Bayram will remain, along with its specialised focus on the industrial end-user. In addition, I will be stepping down as chairman and undertaking a non-executive director role on the BSW Timber Solutions board, representing the Bayram business.”

www.bsw.co.uk

New legal hub represents major boost for BFM membership

AN online hub offering legal advice across a range of topics has been launched by the British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM). The national trade body has partnered with Markel Law to provide a comprehensive package of digital guidance and resources for its members.

Launched on 1st June, the BFM Legal Hub provides a significant new benefit for members of the trade body.

The legal toolkit is free to members and offers legal and business advice on key subjects such as health and safety, employment, tax, contracts and data protection.

Created by qualified and experienced solicitors and business experts, the BFM Legal Hub features DIY contracts, policies, forms and letter templates, as well as straightforward guides, links to key resources and up-to-date information on new legislation and case law.

The new service, exclusive to BFM members, will allow members to register for the Legal Hub, where they can access the resources as well as check out the live chat, blogs and videos.

Full members of BFM will also have access to a free telephone helpline with experts on hand to help identify options, make recommendations and provide guidance on employment and HR advice, health and safety and commercial law.

BFM MD Nick Garratt says: “We know that businesses often need assistance with everyday issues around employment, health and safety, trading, contracts, data and debt.

“With this in mind, the new BFM Legal Hub will provide online practical support and guidance on the topics, saving our members’ time and money.

“Markel Law is one of the UK’s leading and longest-running providers of legal advice lines and services, with a qualified and experienced team advising on daily business issues, and we are delighted to provide a gateway to their services for our members.”

For more information about BFM, or apply to join, visit www.bfm.org.uk.

TTF warns of major challenges ahead for timber users in Q3 2021

The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) is warning timber users that the balance between supply and demand is likely to further tighten in Q3 2021.

This statement comes after recent communications from Sweden, which supplies almost half of the structural wood that is used in the UK, that its current stock levels are at their lowest in over 20 years, despite record levels of production from the Swedish sawmill industry.

“As structural wood buyers will already be more than aware,” states the TTF, “the supply and demand balance for Q2 2021 means that almost all wood arriving in the UK has been presold to customers. Despite strict allocations, most buyers are already unable to purchase all the timber they want for their business.”

TTF technical and trade manager Nick Boulton says: “We have great respect for our Swedish partners, who have consistently worked throughout the pandemic to meet UK wood needs – as they have done for decades. This means we need to take their statement extremely seriously.

“The already-tight balance between supply and demand is already being made worse because there are insufficient HGVs available to get the wood out of UK ports and into UK customers’ yards.

“As we enter July, sawmills and wood production facilities in Sweden and other European countries start to close for essential summer maintenance, and this will significantly reduce the available supply of structural wood for the UK.

“Usually during the summer shutdown period there is a significant reliance on Swedish sawmill stocks. However, if these stocks are now at their lowest level for 20 years, there will not be sufficient supply to satisfy UK structural wood demand in Q3.

“Although prices have risen substantially from an artificially low point towards the end of 2019, they have now exceeded the levels of 2018, and are set to increase further as the current supply situation significantly worsens.

“We have been warning since the beginning of the year that we believed Q3 would be the most difficult part of the year, and there is now sufficient information to support this assessment.

“It’s important to note that timber is not alone in this scenario. As the Construction Leadership Council has made clear, demand has outpaced supply across the board, which is affecting the availability of nearly all construction products.”

The TTF is now urging manufacturers and those in the timber frame and trussed rafter sectors to consider the following actions: regularly communicate with suppliers as the situation develops over the coming months; communicate early with clients regarding any potential price rises and long lead times, using the information produced by the TTF

TTF technical and trade manager, Nick Boulton

where necessary in these discussions; make sure orders are being placed well ahead of time, and plan for any potential cost increases when setting out the cost of a project – where possible seek earlier agreement of orders with clients to reflect longer lead times; and aim to work collaboratively with suppliers and be as flexible as possible with specifications and quantities required.

West Fraser knows that from little acorns big trees grow

West Fraser, formerly known as Norbord UK, is a company with a proud history of investing in its workforce, and a commitment to providing employment and training opportunities for young people is an integral part of this ethos. For over 40 years, West Fraser has been giving local 16+ year-old school leavers the opportunity to complete apprenticeships at the Inverness, Cowie and South Molton sites.

As is common with apprenticeships, the new starters can expect on-the-job training combined with day release to a local college. At West Fraser, apprentices train for mechanical and electrical engineering roles.

At Cowie, West Fraser’s apprentices complete a 26-week programme of intensive hands-on practical training at MetTECH in Grangemouth. This is designed to give them solid, broad-based engineering skills in preparation to embark on planned periods of on-the-job training at West Fraser. The apprentices also attend Forth Valley College one day a week to complete a National Certificate (NC) in mechanical or electrical engineering, before going on to gaining their HNC in the third and fourth years.

Gordon McArthur, engineering manager at Cowie, recognises the value of the apprenticeship programme, having started in the company as an apprentice, and now overseeing the latest recruits.

“The programme has served us incredibly well over the years,” he says. “Apprentices who have come through the system now make up over 50% of the maintenance/engineering workforce, and many go on to supervisory roles. In fact, three of our four maintenance supervisors at Cowie served their apprenticeships here.”

Gordon explains that the programme provides the opportunity to train apprentices to work with confidence on the complex systems and processes on-site, and is the ideal answer to the challenge of recruiting staff with the exacting skillset and experience required in such a specialist industry. For Gordon, “the best part of the programme is seeing the change in the apprentices as they grow in confidence and skill level over the four years.”

Inverness also started nine new apprentices in November.

After completing the four-year apprenticeship and obtaining satisfactory examination results, the majority are employed on permanent contracts. In fact, 11% of the current workforce at the Cowie facility started their careers as a West Fraser apprentice.

For further information on the apprenticeships on offer at West Fraser, contact: Cowie, ashley.mitchell@norbord.net Inverness, niki.cole@norbord.net South Molton, tess.cleaver@norbord.net

From left: Extractly’s directors, Graham Day, Jake Oldfield and William Kenyon

Extractly how it used to be!

As we reported on our website back in early June, dust extraction specialists Extractly Ltd are now operating from premises on Shaw Cross Business Park in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. The office, workshop and warehousing space, which until 2019 was occupied by Dust Control Systems Ltd (DCS), presents this ambitious company with the ideal base and opportunity for growth in the dust and woodwaste extraction business.

Situated between Leeds and Huddersfield on the M62 corridor, and within three miles of the M1, the company’s location offers easy access to customers’ sites across the length and breadth of the UK, and is the perfect base for storage and distribution of extractionrelated products ordered via their online shop. For Extractly’s directors and key management personnel, the move to this building is also something of a homecoming, as they all worked from this building whilst employed by DCS. Between them, the team bring some 90 years’ extraction industry experience to the table, with many of those years spent working alongside each other for DCS group companies.

To satisfy demand from both professional extraction engineers and self-installers, Extractly Ltd was initially established in 2019 by sales director Jake Oldfield, as an online provider of specialist equipment and parts for all aspects of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV).

Jake is now joined on the board by former colleagues William Kenyon, as technical director, and Graham Day, who takes on the role of operations director. “DCS was always very much a family affair”, says Jake Oldfield, son and nephew respectively to former DCS directors Chris and Philip Oldfield, “and employees were always made to feel like they belonged to the DCS family.”

Extractly seem to be set on continuing the tradition in a similar vein – fellow director William Kenyon’s father, Mark Kenyon, was also a director at DCS, and when Graham Day joined DCS in 1996 he was originally apprenticed to his uncles, Bob Day and Peter Day, and later went on to spend a further 20 years at DCS working alongside his cousin, Shane Day.

Prior to the company’s acquisition in 2019, Graham’s remit as installation manager for DCS included management of multiple teams of installation engineers for DCS, Ecogate, Cades and Gallito, ensuring safe working practices were adhered to on-site, dealing with all aspects of cranage and access equipment requirements, as well as having responsibility for training and certification.

“After more than 20 years with DCS, I must admit the prospect of working for a much larger organisation was a little unnerving, and I thought it might be out of my comfort zone, but my initial fears were unfounded and, in the first year with Filtermist, I was very gratified to receive recognition from colleagues as runner-up in the ‘Peoples’ Choice Award’ and to be presented with the company’s ‘Positive Approach Award’. Although Extractly’s not quite in the same league yet, the role I undertake here is very similar to my previous experience with DCS”, says Graham, “and we all believe there’s a bright future ahead of us.”

William (Will) Kenyon’s career at DCS

began in 2002. Initially employed as a service engineer, Will went on to establish himself as the company’s electronics guru and, as well as installing and maintaining electrical control gear at customers’ premises, he managed the setup and operation of the company’s control panel and instrumentation business. Will has also been instrumental in the successful integration of Ecogate® energy-saving systems into many of the UK’s leading woodworking facilities, and his capability in this technology has enabled Extractly Ltd to secure ‘Approved Ecogate Installer’ status. “It’s actually quite emotional walking back in here,” Will admits, spotting his own handwritten directives on the workshop wall. “Having put so much of me into this place over the years, it’s a really good feeling to know it’s also going to play a big part in my future once again.”

A significant volume of the sales derived from Extractly’s online shop are for Nordfab’s QF® ductwork components. “We’ve developed a great working relationship with Nordfab”, says Jake Oldfield, and Extractly has been rewarded by being appointed as the official ‘Authorised Nordfab-Dealer’ for Quick-Fit® ducting equipment in the north of England. “As one of the UK’s leading suppliers we’re able to offer our customers highly competitive prices on Nordfab® products”, Jake adds, “and we’re able to provide Quick-Fit ductwork from stock, in a wide selection of diameters and lengths, as well as a range of popular QF ducting components.”

The senior management team also includes former DCS colleagues: Tom Firth takes up the position of contracts manager; Kieran Redmond is projects manager; and Jordan Rickett is Extractly’s service manager. Tom Firth had worked alongside Jake at Cades and, when he discovered Extractly was in the market for a contracts engineer, he jumped at the opportunity to renew the working relationship.

“When Jake first set up Extractly I asked him to let me know if he ever needed a contracts engineer … but I didn’t think we’d be working together again so soon!” In his role as contracts manager, Tom oversees extraction system installations from receipt of order through to completion. “I generally discuss project goals with the customer,” Tom explains, “survey the site, create system designs using AutoCAD, ensure all orders for parts are placed, and schedule the work to meet the customer’s needs.”

In 2007, Tom started working for Cades Ltd as a contracts engineer and, when the company was acquired by DCS in 2015, he continued to work on Cades’ accounts. In the following year his commitment was acknowledged with a promotion to contracts manager. “It was definitely a strange feeling walking back into the old building again”, Tom comments, “but I’ve got good memories from my time here with Cades and DCS. I’m sure we can recreate that again, and I would like to think I have a long future ahead of me with Extractly – I see the move to these premises as a statement of intent about where we want to be as a company in the future and, with the industry experience and knowledge we have between us, we can be a real force going forward.”

As projects manager for Extractly, Kieran Redmond also makes a return to the fold after a brief spell as a technical estimator in the health sector. Having only joined DCS in 2015, Kieran is, relatively speaking, still the newbie of the group, but he’s just as keen as everyone else to be part of a growing team.

“Extractly was expanding rapidly, and there was an obvious need for someone with the right industry experience to manage the production of quotations for large-scale extraction projects,” says Kieran, “and when the directors asked me if I was interested in coming back to take up my old role, it didn’t take too much persuasion!”

“Customers’ quotations are being turned around much more quickly now we’ve got Kieran back on board,” adds Jake, “which obviously benefits our customers, but also allows the rest of the team to concentrate on their individual roles.”

In addition to preparing quotations for installation projects, Kieran also manages the online shop, as well as keeping Extractly’s social media accounts up to date with the latest news. “It’s great to be back working with colleagues that I can also call friends,” concludes Kieran, “and I’m looking forward to playing my part in what I believe will be a successful future for Extractly.”

Back in 2008 Jordan Rickett was studying Sport and Exercise Science, but, after completing a three-year BTEC course, he switched his sights towards a more hands-on career in automotive mechanics technology. In 2014, and now a qualified mechanic, Jordan commenced work at DCS as a service engineer, and in 2018 was promoted to the position of service manager. Fast-forward another three years, and Jordan is now eager to pursue his career as service manager with the rest of the team at Extractly. “I’m really looking forward to renewing working relationships with some former customers in the woodworking industry,” says Jordan, “as well as forging new connections with future customers who are looking for the more personal, bespoke service that we’re able to provide at Extractly.”

Extractly has secured ongoing arrangements as the ‘preferred supplier’ to a number of high-profile clients, including South Yorkshirebased kitchen manufacturer Omega PLC. With a 400,000ft2 facility, comprising factory, warehousing and offices, Omega has an almostongoing requirement for extraction system modifications and maintenance. As an approved Ecogate installer, Extractly is able to monitor and maintain the energy-saving extraction control system previously installed by DCS and, in addition, Extractly’s service team ensures the extraction system remains compliant with COSHH regulations, and that all LEV testing is carried out in line with HSE guidelines. “We’ve been operating on this site for the best part of 25 years, and the plant has undergone several phases of expansion over that time,” explains Omega’s engineering manager, Mick Bye. “The extraction system has had to keep pace with these developments, and we enjoyed a great working relationship with DCS in the past. We were always assured by the competent, comprehensive service they provided – the attention to detail, and the quality of work undertaken in our factory. It’s nice to know we can now rely on that same commitment, from the same team, at Extractly.”

01924 520462 info@extractly.co.uk www.extractly.co.uk