April 2019
Woodworking Machinery & Furniture
Digital Issue
LIGNA 2019
Today’s Vietnam market
Circular Economy
The World’s Tallest Wooden Building
Future showcase for woodworking & timber processing industry
Vietnam’s furniture market under China-US Trade War
The positive role of wood in construction
the Mjøstårnet skyscraper takes the lead over others
1
CONTENT
LIGNA 2019 Future showcase for woodworking & timber processing industries in Hannover
5 15
BIESSE at Ligna 2019 50 years of innovations and technologies dedicated to the future
18
“Building Work Made Easy” with Exterior Cladding
The demand for engineered products like cladding continues to grow
19
A Record Figure for German Furniture Last year, the German Furniture Exports reached new highs
21 Vietnam Furniture Market under China-US Trade War A market view from the president of Fancywood, Mr. Calon K.L. Hsu
12
the Mjøstårnet skyscraper is taking the lead over other environmentally-friendly buildings
10
Step Into Lean Managerment and Smart Machinery An interview with Michael Chang, general manager of Leadermac Machinery
The World’s Tallest Building Made of Wood is Norvegian
23
Circular Economy
26
A Letter From Taiwan Furniture Manufacturers’ Association
28
SCM in Ligna 2019
The positive role of wood in construction
3
A Letter from Editors Welcome to the first Interwood's Digital issue, our new quarterly supplement designed for the actors of the woodworking industry.
Launched in 1981, Interwood offers what’s news in woodworking machinery technology, wood manufacturing & finishing, logs & lumber, furniture and decor. Our readers are business decision makers, managers, professionals, engineers, marketing, organizations in woodworking machinery and wood manufacturing industry.
It started out at IWF Atlanta 2018 as an experiment by a few of our writers. For nearly a year now, the editorial team at Interwood has been working on this, following the political turmoil between China and the US. At that moment, some of our readers shared their stories with the upcoming challenges in supply chain, mentioning Vietnam as a new alternative source. It therefore appeared meaningful for us to make available the knowledge we have gathered in the Southeast Asia region over the years. Based on this strong expertise in the field of woodworking machinery and furniture, the aim of this digital version is to offer a new channel, bridging the gap between our International readers and the key players of the wood industry in Vietnam. Interwood is going to unveil the first issue at Ligna by the end of this month. Hope you enjoy it!
“Bridging the gap and connecting to keep you moving forward”
Publisher Woodworking & Furniture Digest Chairman Cheng Mao-Nan Chief Editor Gary Liao Editors Marc Liao Allen Shih Phoebe Lee
GET IN TOUCH
Business Relations Manager William Joly
Tel +886-4-23220533
Project Manager Erica Yu
Fax +886-4-23229780
Visual Designers May Lai Ying Jen Lai
Email contact@interwood.com
Head Office 3F-6, No. 340, Sec. 2, Taiwan Blvd, Taichung 40453, Taiwan
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Homag in Ligna 2017 Showcase how woodworking machines connected each other with smart technology.
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2019
LIGNA Future showcase for the woodworking and timber
SOURCE | Deutsche Messe
processing industries in Hannover
PHOTOGRAPHY BY POYANG LIAO & Deutsche Messe
H
annover. This May, over 1,500 companies will be gathering in Hannover,
Germany, to showcase the future of the woodworking and timber processing industries. Whether it’s about digitization, automation, IoT platforms or collaborative systems, LIGNA is where innovations are shown for the first time – and on an unrivalled scale. 130,000 square meters (nearly 1.4 million square feet) is the total net display area that will be occupied by exhibition stands featuring the latest woodworking and timber processing plant, machinery and tools.
“From 27 to 31 May 2019, exhibitors from over 50 countries will gather here at the Hannover Exhibition Center to showcase stateof-the-art processing solutions, applications and concepts for the entire forestry & wood industry. The presence of all the world’s leading technology providers will make Hannover the global hotspot for the wood-based industries during those five days. No other fair compares in terms of international appeal”, asserted Dr. Andreas Gruchow, Managing Board member at Deutsche Messe, during
7
World Trade Fair for Machines, Systems and Tools for the LIGNA Preview press conference on 5 February in Hannover, adding: “Once again in 2019, LIGNA will serve as the industry’s showcase of choice for unveiling their innovations, with a great many exhibitors even timing their development cycles to coincide with the show’s staging every two years.” Visitors can expect to see innovations across all display categories, from forestry technology, furniture and window manufacturing, through to tooling systems and surface technology. They will also see live demonstrations of fully functional furniture production plants, learn about IoT platforms for Industry 4.0 plants and the latest R&D projects, and be able to participate at networking events throughout the show. Dr. Andreas Gruchow: “One of the big challenges is the ever greater trend to product individualization – a trend that is putting pressure on manufacturers to deliver customized products at least as quickly, profitably and efficiently as with series production. It’s these sorts of challenges for which LIGNA exhibitors will be presenting
Woodworking and Processing
8
Sawmill Technology: Second major display category within the
Forestry Technology at open-air site
primary timber processing sector.
solutions.” LIGNA 2019 has three focus themes: “Integrated Woodworking – Customized Solutions”, “Smart Surface Technology” and “Access to Resources and Technology”. The latter is also the keynote theme of the Wood Industry Summit.
“Integrated Woodworking Customized Solutions”
In the wood industry, there is keen interest in IoT application scenarios, such as condition monitoring and predictive maintenance, as a means of further boosting production plant efficiency. In such scenarios, humans remain an integral part of the production process but are supported by cyber-physical assistance systems, such as collaborative robots,
automated guided vehicles and smart worker support technologies. The trend is thus towards hybrid human-machine production systems in which the product is inextricably linked to the production plant and the humans who operate it. “Visitors to the next LIGNA will gain captivating insights into what the future has in store for the furniture and woodworking industries”, explained Gruchow.
Smart Surface Technology Themed “Smart Surface Technology”, the surface finishing exhibits at LIGNA 2019 will span all the intelligent processing solutions needed to cater for today’s surging demand for haptic, matt and reflective surfaces. That’s digital printing and decorative gravure prin-
ting systems, inspection systems, the latest generation of spray coating machines, robotics systems, and much more besides. Here, too, digitization and automation are the key to achieving greater flexibility while keeping costs to a minimum. The full range of the latest surface technologies, applications, innovations and solutions will be on display in halls 16 and 17.
“Access to Resources and Technology” at the Wood Industry Summit Providers of technology for the forestry and/ or primary wood processing industry, in particular, will have an unrivalled opportunity to tap into new growth markets at next year’s Wood Industry Summit, which is themed
9
Tools and Machinery for Custom “Access to Resources and Technology”. Complete with forum, lounge and exhibition area, the summit is all about international communication and technology transfer. Among much else, its focus will be on ways of optimizing the entire forest-wood-logistics value chain – from standing trees through to final processing in the factory – as well as on protecting forests from biotic and abiotic damage, and on climate and environmentally friendly harvesting processes and the future of the forest and wood industry. Digital technologies, such as drone-based data capture systems, mobile applications, laser scanners and highly sophisticated IT programs, now span the entire forestry value chain, from forest information and integrated harvesting
systems right through to modern forest management systems. And in each case, the focus is squarely on efficiency and productivity. Digitization will therefore be a prominent theme at the discussion forms and throughout the exhibits at LIGNA 2019.
Guided Tours In order to help visitors get the most out of next year’s show, the organizer is offering Guided Tours on “Smart Surface Technology”, “Integrated Woodworking – Customized Solutions” and “Sawmill Technology – Innovations and Trends”. For further news and information about LIG-
and Mass Production
10
Vietnam Furniture Market Under China-US Trade War WRITTEN BY POYANG LIAO PHOTOGRAPHY BY INTERWOOD
Mr. Calon K. L. Hsu President of Fancywood
Under these conditions, it is difficult for them to take the orders from China if the profit is not good. On the other side, for furniture manufacturers in China, they don’t have enough space to increase the price, since the low price from original orders. 2. Even the profit is good. Vietnam furniture manufacturers have to get rid of orders from original customers if they accepted new orders. The risk is too high.
D
ecember 6, 2018. coach Justin Lin and Interwood Magazine had an
media interview with Calon K.L. Hsu, pre-
sident of Fancywood and the chairman of Taiwan Timber Industries Association (TTIA) for the topics of US-China trade war, Vietnam furniture manufacturers, and the concept of intelligent manufacturing.
US-China Trade War Vietnam Market
First, Calon K.L. Hsu talked about the impact of US-China trade war. He took two large furniture manufacturers in China for instance. People can notice the trade war starting impact these two manufacturers since 2017. Because of their large-scale businesses and the lack of investment in Vietnam, they can only subcontract orders to other Vietnam Furniture Manufacturers. However, it is difficult to produce products in Vietnam based on the price in China. The reasons are: 1. Furniture manufacturers in Vietnam, they have fixed area, equipment, manpower, factory scale, and also their own customer base.
3. Besides large manufacturers, others might try to buy land to build factory. However, since January to November in 2018, the land price had been more than doubled, especially industrial land in agricultural area. The same thing also happened on rental price. Thus, started from December 2018, the high cost shrank back manufacturers from China. 4. Many people believe that transfer orders to Vietnam is a good thing, but it is not entirely true. Excessive factories will cause the lack of manpower, leading to rising wages, hurting existing Vietnamese furniture manufacturers.
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PHOTOGRAPHY FROM VIFA 2018 Vietnam is benefitted by the China-US trade war, attracting
Material View: US-China War
international woodworking machinery makers to win the game
Hsu also shared his years of observation in global timber market. He said, we can realize the Vietnam furniture industrial dynamics through the perspective from material side. Rubber, pine, and aspen are popular for western countries. China, on the other hand, mostly import hardwood, for example walnut, ash, white oak, red oak. Hence, we can infer the destinations through species, grades, specification, thickness of timber factories procured. Due to US-China trade war, orders move from China to Vietnam, however, the increased demand for solid wood is less than 15%. One reason is Vietnam’s labor law rules the regulation of working time. Besides solid wood, the demand of panel, which mostly invested by Korean enterprises, have increased due to the trade war. Hsu said, even though the increased demand from Vietnam, raw material prices did not go high since the decreased demand from China. The reasons are tariff issue and also the problem from domestic house market. This year, we didn’t see China procuring as many rubber from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam as before, dropping the prices of rubber and pine, which is usually considered as the substitution of rubber.
Vietnam is Still the Largest Global Furniture Production Base Would Vietnam furniture industry move to other countries in Southeast Asia in the future? Hsu believed that the industry will not move out from Vietnam in at least 10 years. Looking at other countries nearby, Thailand has excessive labor cost, which is double that of Vietnam’s; Indonesia, as a Muslim country, has trade barrier issues in western countries; Myanmar, on the other hand, have electrical problem and low labor productivity. Thus, Hsu said, Vietnam will continue to be the main role of furniture production base in the world.
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Step into Lean Management and Smart Machinery WRITTEN BY DR. JUSTIN LIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY INTERWOOD
When most of woodworking machinery makers still seeking methods to perform smart technology into their products, Leadermac has already taken the step into the market. Michael Chang, Leadermac’s president, shares his experiences within the interview with Interwood Magazine, in the topics of smart machinery development, lean management, and market strategy under China-US trade war.
Leadermac’s Smart Technology for Four-sided Moulder Control machines through large-sized touch screen
13
The challenges and solutions for smart machine development
I
n March 2018, Leadermac had released the first RMS (Remote Monitoring Sys-
tem) for machinery in Taiwan. At the time, Michael Chang believed that the purpose of smart machinery is readily acquire the information from customers’ equipments. Therefore, Leadermac can do remote diagnostics or provide service based on those data. However, they found the market can hardly accept the product. Because most of the customers do not want to share their company’s information to equipment suppliers. On the other hand, by using shared cloud platform, users have to pay for membership or be charged by traffic for long term. With issues mentioned above, the expected business model was hard to achieved. Today, Michael Chang has changed his strategy. Instead of collecting information from customers, Leadermac’s machinery allow customers to build private cloud through local information system. Hence, customers are able to count the data by their own. At the meantime, customers can open the gateway to
machinery suppliers for remote diagnostics or service when they detect an abnormality. Thus, in the latest Leadermac’s mode, customers only have to procure additional computer hardware and RMS, and insert USB to complete the installation. With the system, customers can monitor manufacturing status at office, or just by iPhone or iPad. The business model provides two advantages. The first is it resolves the issue of expensive fee from shared cloud by using local 4G or 5G networks. The second is it allow customers to purchase related software at only one time; And the system satisfies the needs of self-monitoring requirements of customers, and avoids outflow of private information. Michael Chang expected the system will be released in America this year.
How small and medium sized enterprises develop smart machinery? Smart manufacturing is a goal that enterprises should expedite the development of it. If Taiwan enterprises did not follow the trend, sooner or later, China will take the existing market. Michael Chang said: “We must invest in smart manufacturing. Although huge liquidity requirement is a realistic problem for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), we still can develop it in stages.” Before investing, Chang said, we should clarify some questions: What are the defini-
tions of “Smart Manufacturing” and “Smart Factory”; What is customers’ demand? What is our demand? After figuring out the questions, we can move to the next step. On the other hand, business owners should be aware of government’s industry policy in order to get benefits on it. For instance, Taiwan Industrial Development Bureau (IDB) has started a project to assist SMEs in upgrading machinery. The project may include some support to help enterprises find new customers or improve products.
The importance of lean management Leadermac implement lean management system since last September. Applied departments includes procurement, internal operations management, and production line management. After three month, Chang said, they noticed company has more output than before. Today lean management has helped Leadermac performed great achievement. Michael Chang said, with international threats and scarce resource, we should utilize our advantages and apply lean management as soon as possible. Take Israel for example. The country, located in the northwestern part of Arabian Peninsula, has a land area of about 20,700 square kilometers, with a population of about 6.35 million. Israel has similar conditions to Taiwan, but it can be a world champion in biochemical technology, medical equipment, high-tech products, military
14 facilities and other fields. Lean management is the only chance for Taiwan enterprises. Only by applying lean management can enterprises reduce waste, cost, and increase profit to have more resource for R&D. At the meantime, to develop new Blue Ocean Market.
Lean management for employees At the beginning, implement lean management is a challenge for employees. But Michael Chang, as the leader of Leadermac, expressed his beliefs to them: “The only thing that is constant is change.” To develop lean management, Chang has to attend every meeting to stress the importance of it. They built a project team which is host and executed by young staff, which is also a way to encourage senior staff. Michael Chang said: “In fact, the essence of lean management is to smooth the production line as a goal. At the same time, it is necessary to add our own management elements to materials, material placement and movement to
optimize production line and increase company’s profit.
Be the best company to work for Beside applying lean management and being aware of government’s resources, Chang stressed that enterprise is built by people. And human resource is alway one of the most essential topic in Taiwan industries. Chang said: “If young people can find a company giving them happiness, sense of achievement and belonging, then it’s worth for company to give more.” Today the average age of Leadermac’s staff is 32.6. At Leadermac’s headquarter, you’ll notice the whole factory is clean and well-organized. Each material and part has its code and is placed at where it belongs. You’ll see the performance of lean management in details. Leadermac also set up staff restaurant, rest room, reading room, and even video games room.
Mr. Michael Chang The general manager of Leadermac’ Machinery.
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Biesse at Ligna 2019 50 years of Innovation and Technology dedicated to the Future SOURCE | BIESSE GROUP
H
anover, 5 February 2019 – 6,000 square metres of innovation, highlighting robotisation and digitalisation in technology: with this statement Biesse presents the future of Industry 4.0 at Ligna.
Ligna, a biennial event, will be held at Hanover from 27 to 31 May 2019, it is the leading trade fair when it comes to machines, facilities and tools for the processing of wood and is, for Biesse, the ultimate place for sharing about the opportunities provided by robotisation and the advantages offered by new technology. Thanks to years of investments in services and technology designed to help develop digital factories, Biesse is framing its new business strategy by placing people at the centre of its approach to designing machines. Guided by the Automaction concept, a guiding principle that fully describes the tangible impact of Biesse solutions on automated and interconnected production, Biesse confirms and further strengthens the bond between man and robot, not just by presenting a greater number of solutions that make use of robots on the stand, but also by demonstrating how people can benefit from them, validating their work and making production more efficient. The used of robotic systems in factories guarantees maximum production efficiency and helps simplify processes. The Biesse stand at Ligna will present 3 process solutions that have been automated from the raw material to the finished product. Several integrated lines and several robotised cells will also be present, offering incomparable levels of customisation, modularity and flexibility for
A Showcase of Sophia Biesse wiil display the powerful feature of SOPHIA in Ligna 2019
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Biesse’s SOPHIA the facility, fundamental requirements for contemporary production. In order to constantly make the factory more efficient, Biesse pairs robotisation and digitalisation with the development of new software and continues the innovative journey that started with SOPHIA, the IoT service platform, expanding its functionality to embrace predictability, which will greatly improve the customised interaction with the customer when it comes to the machine and will significantly reduce the time required for assistance. Visitors to LIGNA will be able to experience the cutting-edge technological innovation that characterises Biesse, test the tools that enable customers to obtain greater value from machines, and see how SOPHIA can revolutionise and simplify everyday work. Fifty years after it was founded, Biesse is prepared to face another fifty with its eyes on the future and its mind on the customer: with this perspective, investments in innovation, automation and services for the customer are also set to continue “Our objective is always to achieve customer satisfaction and loyalty, which is why, thanks to the new technology and services we offer, we are able to create a solid and functional bond between “human&robot”, thanks to
the privileged position occupied by people, who are at the centre of our business strategy. Biesse accompanies the customer through every phase of day to day work, starting with the dissemination of the automated digital factory in the world of manufacturing and providing necessary tools for efficient production”, stated Federico Broccoli, Wood Division/Sales Director and Subsidiaries Division Director. The tools we offer customers also include services, envisioned as an opportunity for close collaboration with the company, its professionalism and its skills. That’s how ONE SERVICE came to be, aiming to reorganise Biesse Service and outline approaches to work that remain constant throughout the world, to work more effectively and efficiently. A confirmation of the importance of services was the creation of the Biesse Academy for Service, a training centre for the entire Biesse Service network, which includes specialists at HQ, Branch Offices and those who work for retailers as well as our customers’ Operators/Maintenance Workers, with the objective of creating skills and empowering the next generation. Over its fifty years Biesse Group has never stopped growing and expanding geographically, to strengthen its international standing and constantly improve every aspect of support and service and of the machinery offe-
17 red throughout the world. In keeping with this approach, the new Biesse Deutschland branch has been expanded to double the surface area. The new Campus, which occupies 6,000 square metres, is located in Nersingen, not far from the current office, and will benefit from 1,600 square metres of showroom, an ideal space for introducing customers to innovative machines and technological facilities. LIGNA and the inauguration of the new German Campus, planned for autumn 2019, are part of FUTURE ON TOUR, a schedule of celebratory events through which we will celebrate 50 years of Biesse Group with our Customers around the world. The schedule includes two other Grand Openings inaugurating our new Campuses: in Brianza (Italy) and in Sydney (Australia). “We believe in the Future and in the work of the people who, over these 50 years, provided crucial support for the international growth of Biesse. Which is why we wish to dedicated the 50 years of Biesse to the Future and to those who have made Biesse the Group it is today”, stated Raphaël Prati, Corporate Marketing Communications Director.
Biesse at Ligna 2019: HALL 11, a real experience of the future.
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“Building Work Made Easy” with Exterior Cladding SOURCE | Södra
pendent of the seasons and the cladding can be fitted all-year round, which offers great flexibility in the building process. The increased demand also reflects greater awareness of long-term sustainability and, aesthetically speaking, wood is an attractive material,” said Jörgen Lindquist. The new coating facility is dedicated for exterior cladding with both primed and undercoated products.
T
he demand for engineered products like primed cladding continues to
grow, with a marked preference for always more convenience. Besides, users also want solutions that minimize building time and allocated resources. Following this trend, Södra has been planning to expand its facilities with a second coating unit at the sawmill in Kisa. The new factory should be ready for operations by Q1 of 2020. “We are seeing a changing market where
builders want more engineered products, which simplifies work and saves time. To meet demand, we are intensifying our focus on primed cladding and strengthening our offering for coated cladding,” said Jörgen Lindquist, President of the Södra Wood business area. With a 20% annual growth on this segment, Södra considers pre-coated products as a promising solution for construction work with a real value-added in the process. “Factory pre-coating is a quality guarantee, as it is coated under optimum conditions indoors. The coating also means you are inde-
“Using new technology, we can offer coated cladding in 12 different colours and various profiles. The coating unit will be certified in accordance with certified primed cladding (CMP), which is the quality assurance system from the trade organisation Swedish Wood. Our first coating facility is located in Långasjö and Kisa was chosen because of its ideal logistical location for customers in Östergötland and Mälardalen.” With these developments, Södra aims at simplifying its customers but also end-users’ lives. “We are continuing to pursue development to meet customer demands for simple, sus-
19
A Record Figure for German Furniture
L
ast year, the German furniture exports reached new highs, with nearly one
third of the total production at 32.4%. This bolsters the “Made in Germany” position, which becomes increasingly popular among foreign consumers.
According to Jan Kurth, Managing Director of the Association of the German Furniture Industry (Verband der Deutschen Möbelindustrie), sales overseas increased by 2.2% to a total value of 10.9 billion euros. “This is
the highest export value ever measured. The Chinese market, in particular, experienced a strong growth with a 14.7% increase in exports. Beside, the major markets in Europe also showed a positive trend. For instance, we were able to sell 6.6% to France, the industry’s most important export market, 4.4% to the Netherlands and even 11.1% to Italy, “says Jan Kurth. When we look at the shares by region, the EU countries held the lion’s share with 70.3%, followed by the other European countries with 13.3%, Asia with 8.3% and North Ame-
SOURCE | VDM
rica with 5.3%. It is worthy to note that the highest increase is coming from Asian countries with 3.8% compared to last year. On the other hand, despite the slight increase of 0.5%, the US still accounts for the largest non-European market with a total value of 513 million euros in 2018.
Bu
Motiv
“Unfortunately, business with the US showed signs of losing momentum at the end of last year due to growing trade uncertainty. As a matter of fact, the upcoming Brexit has already slowed down furniture sales to Great Britain in 2018 by 5.3 percent, “says Jan Kurth.
Inventio
C
Techno
Top 10 of the target markets for German furniture exports. Graphic : VDM
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The World’s Tallest Building Made of Wood is Norvegian!
F
ollowing the 84-meter Viennese HoHo
the world. With its 85-meter high, the
With its 18 floors and a total of 11,300 square meters, Mjøstårnet is the third tallest building in Norway, beyond the Treet, the 49-meter hybrid tower block in Bergen. The new facility includes one hotel, private apartments, restaurants and common areas, as well as a 4,700 square meter pool.
construction in Brumunddal, Norway, re-
When looking at the percentage of used
tower and the 52.7-meter Brock Com-
mons of Vancouver, the Mjøstårnet skyscraper is taking the lead over other environmentally-friendly buildings around
lies on a cross-laminated structure or “CLT”, which offers remarkable advantages over conventional methods. Made with Spruce species, it can withstand large amounts of pressure and stress, while having slow-combustion properties for reduced toxic fumes in the event of a fire. At the planning stage, 2 years ago, it was initially foreseen to reach a height of 81 meters, four floors at a time. However, the building company, Moelven Limtre, together with Voll Arkitekter and Sweco had to reconsider their position and adjust its height at 85 meters in order to enhance the wind resistance.
wood, this innovative skyscraper achieves a new world-record. Only the upcoming Japanese concept of W350 might be able to surpass it, but this is not going to happen before 2041. To keep the sustainability in mind over this project, the CEO of Moelven Limtre, Morten Kristiansen, indicated that for each plant harvested for raw material supply, the company planted two new trees.
Front view of the 85-meter Mjøstårnet building
SOURCE | Norvegian
23
Circular Economy The positive role of wood in construction
O
n 4th March, the EU Commission published a comprehensive report on
the implementation of the Circular Economy Action Plan, adopted in December 2015. The report presents the main results of implementing the action plan and sketches out open challenges to paving the way towards a climate-neutral, competitive circular economy where pressure on natural and freshwater resources as well as ecosystems is minimised.
The findings of the report were discussed on occasion of the annual Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference held in Brussels on 6 and 7 March and attended by EOS. The annual Circular Economy Stakeholder Conference, hosted by the European Commission and opened by First Vice-President Timmermans, and by Commissioner Bienkowska (via a video message), explored the Circular Economy Action Plan, taking stock of its implementation. The Commission Vice-President MrTimmermans, the Socialist candidate for the European Commission presidency, stated that the
EU must urgently adopt progressive carbon pricing in order to tackle climate change. The tax system should be used in a way that demonstrates the low-carbon transition is being rolled out fairly. “We need to urgently look at taxation, how taxation is supporting our efforts to go into a circular economy is a big question. Do we need a CO2 tax at European level? I think we probably do.” Timmermans, who is currently, suggested that The EESC President Mr Luca Jahier said that “the Circular Economy Platform and the ambitious initiatives emerging from it are again
24
Figure: Circular Economy
proof that Europe is at its best when it works together, when it pools the skills and knowhow of its different stakeholders - EU institutions, organized civil society and European citizens. The Sustainable Development Goals, ambitious though they may be, are a necessity rather than goals, and they can only be achieved by working together. And while we must embrace them, we should also see the many opportunities they offer.” In its report the EU Commission recognise that the circular economy is now an irreversible, global trend. Yet, much is still needed to scale up action at EU level and globally, fully close the loop and secure the competitive advantage it brings to EU businesses. Increased efforts will be needed to implement the revised waste legislation and develop markets for secondary raw materials. POSITIVE ROLE OF WOOD IN CONSTRUCTION. In the accompanying “Staff working document on Sustainable Products in a Cir-
cular Economy”, the EU Commission states “National legislation on building codes is sometimes silent on materials, or not up to date with the development of building products which could increase the energy efficiency and performance of buildings from a sustainability perspective as well as replace energy intensive materials e.g. also in tall buildings. An example is the permitting use under these codes of wood-based products, in particular so-called engineered wood products (EWP) such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and glued-laminated timber (glu-lam), which can efficiently retain a long-term carbon pool especially in wooden buildings. It is therefore vital to raise awareness on these aspects.
For further information: Report on the implementation of the Circular Economy Action Plan Staff working document with details and re-
26
A Letter from the Chairman of Taiwan Furniture Manufacturers’ Association SOURCE | Taiwan Furniture Manufacturers’ Association
F
ounded for 46 years, TFMA (Taiwan Furniture Manufacturers’
those existing markets.
Association) has received recognition from Ministry of the In-
Industries Upgrading Committee is founded to promote the products that are “made in Taiwan,” upgrading the furniture industry in Taiwan. Public Relation Committee is founded to strengthen the resource integration and crossover cooperation and activities.
terior, awarding of Business and Industry Freelance Group Prize. In addition to fifteen Chairmans’ hard work of counseling the members, the members also play an important role in the furniture market with an excellent quality and reasonable price. TFMA hopes to gather the resources from all and does his best to help those local and overseas Taiwanese manufacturers expand the business opportunity. In order to strengthen all kinds of policies in TFMA, seven committees are founded. Taiwanese businesspeople invest a lot of money and techniques for a long term in China and Vietnam. Therefore, China Trade Council and Vietnam Trade Council are founded in order to promote various furniture exhibitions in Taiwan and overseas, taking the lead in developing new markets and maintaining the business in
TFMA PAVILION at Int’l Fair Taichung furniture industry has been developed for decades and created significant influence in global market.
Culture & Creative Design Committee and Human Resources Committee are founded to support the potential new bloods and strengthen the the Combination of Industry, Official and University. As a matter of fact, there is no lack of design talents; many of them receive international design awards or skill competition awards frequently. However, they are not put into an important position nor encouraged to develop further talents. Some give up the career as designers; others are employed with high pay overseas. All the hard work are in vain. TFMA wishes to provide an opportunity for the design talents to perform their skills through the operation of the
27 committees .
changing situation.
The trade war between China and the US has greatly influenced the international trade.
In order to expand the USA market that many manufacturers are eagerly awaiting and increasingly becoming a trend for buyers to find products in furniture producing countries,
Many Taiwanese businessmen in China pointed out that the increasing salary and the strict environmental policy have limited the operation of business. Hence, a lot of them move to Vietnam for lower cost and more friendly investment environment. Some Chinese manufacturers even initiative to purchase the factories from Taiwanese businessmen in Vietnam, hoping to start a new business. In general, the trade war has three phases. In the first stage, the export amount in Taiwan increases with orders diverted from China. In the second stage, when Chinese enterprises begin to target in Vietnam, the export amount in Taiwan will fade. In the third phase, US sanctions against China have become the consensus of the US Congress, it might not easily pause even in the aftermath of Present Trump. It is important for both Taiwanese government and businesspeople to come up with new strategy to face the
TFMA attending IHHS and AWFS, is a stepping stone for entering the USA market for finished products and furniture parts. In addition, we also attended Furnitec & Hardware and VIFF in Vietnam. Nowadays, manufacturers have difficulty standing still due to the competitive furniture market and the changing of global economy. TFMA hopes to help the local and overseas Taiwanese businesspeople grow the business in the changeable environment with the power of internal committees and resource integration. I truly hope that TFMA
Walter. C. S Chairman of Taiwan Furniture Manufacturers’ Association
can unite and integrate the power and resources, helping our members maintain the business and expand new markets. Wish our furniture industry a bright future!
PHOTO FROM MEICHA Taiwan Leading Producer of K/D Furniture
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SCM at Ligna 2019 with its “Smart&Human Factory”
At the Hannover event, a cutting-edge production model with highly flexible and modular automation and man-robot interaction systems
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CM, the world leader in the field of secondary woodworking technolo-
gies, is gearing up for the next edition of Ligna (Hannover, 27-31 May 2019), having achieved a double-digit growth rate in the last two years which propelled the group over the 700 million turnover target at the end of 2018, with a technological range of products increasingly in line with Industry 4.0 requirements.
After launching its “Lean Cell 4.0” for highly automated industrial production two years ago, from this same Hannover event, SCM now goes further with its breakthrough concept of Smart Manufacturing. From its over 4,000 square metres’ booth in Hall 13, the Italian woodworking giant will present its “Smart&Human Factory”: a cutting-edge
production model based on digital and automation systems and allowing for advanced man-machine interaction and 360-degree control over the entire production flow. A model based on highly innovative, flexible, modular and easily reconfigurable systems, designed to respond in an increasingly effective and fast way to the challenges of mass customisation. A new “smart and human” factory - also making progress in terms of work flow: thanks to the integration of robotics, low-added value and repetitive human tasks are now minimised. “Ligna 2019 will be one of the key international events for SCM - traditionally a historic and reliable partner for the entire woodworking industry”, explains the SCM Division Director, Luigi De Vito. We will showcase top-level technological innovation, designed to support more and more companies in their business and help them meet new
SOURCE | SCM GROUP
Industry 4.0 requirements. The current, new production trends, which will be the focus of the next edition of Ligna, are expected to widen the gap between more and less intensively automated companies. By offering a new model of interaction between machines and industrial and collaborative robotics,
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Optimizing Cut-Off Saw The best choice for your door profiles
Kuang Yung | Hall 27- Stand F06 CFS-200AF
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Excellent for wood preparation prior to finger-jointed lumber production
Robust machine structure for greater cutting accuracy
4-axis touchscreen control with high-speed calculation for a max. of 20 sets of sizes
Feed system driven by Mitsubishi servo motor for high-speed response and high-torque output
Exceptional machine stability with 7 sets of top and bottom pressure rollers
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Consistent sanding in all areas with large rotational heads
360-degree rotary belt for uniform sanding
Combination of low speeds and multiple abrasive strips for greater sanding results
Reduce sanding marks even slight ones
Twin 15HP vacuum motors to firmly hold the workpiece down during operations
Rotary Brush Sander The best choice for your door profiles Salida | Hall 17 – Stand A75 SL-H2BR
31 東鋒製刀股份有限公司 TONG FONG CUTTERS CO., LTD.
Hall: 27 Booth No. H03 E05
Made from light alloy body in aluminum Suitable for four-side moulder, copy shapers or spindle shapers Applicable materials: solid wood, plywood, Acrylic or MDF Special specifications available upon customer request
www.tongfong.com.tw E-mail: tfcutter@ms47.hinet.net
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文智機械工業有限公司 WEN CHIH MACHINERY INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
CNC-WF3213L-2S-2H CNC Multi Spindle Drill Widely Acclaimed 9 holes of vertical drill + 2 sets of horizontal side drill + 1 set of X - axis blade+1 set of Y- axis blade= Meet your demand of high automation - axis blade+1 set of Y - axis blade=Meet your demand of high automation With the basic labor cost in Asia being increased continuously in recent years, the labor-intensive industry has been pushed to the transformation stage. When the labor is increasing, the furniture industry should exclude the labor production but turn to buy in more automated machinery and equipment, which has caused the sales of CNC machining center can be growing up steadily.
Hall: 27 Booth No. H03 E05
The high-strength aluminum alloy case is used for CNCWF3213L-2S-2H multi-spindle drill of Wen Chih. Nine vertical drill holes can go with different vertical drills. With the automated tool changing system, the tool changing time and labor demand can be reduced but the processing convenience and efficiency will be increased significantly. In addition, with one set of X-axis and one set of Y-axis horizontal side drill, the comprehensive processing can be completed in one process. Such type of multi-spindle drill is pushed by the cylinder, which can be operated by CNC controller and controlled independently. Multi-point simultaneous processing can be completed. For the special processing requirements, Wen Chih also offers customized production. If you would like to learn more, go to www.wenchih.com to get more information.
www.wenchih.com E-mail: wen-chih@umail.hinet.net
CNC-WF3213L-2S-2H CNC
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龍德機械工業有限公司 INNOVATOR MACHINERY CO., LTD.
Equipped with the integrated gluing system inside, this Taiwan built machine, INNOVATOR’s longitudinal veneer splicer, VeneerPlus G1 ensures to accurately and firmly bond veneer edges with no visible joint line which is particularly suitable for the furniture industry and high-end decorative plywood. After the well-cut veneer strips are aligned by the synchronized infeed rollers, the veneers are directly conveyed to edges gluing and glue curing. The veneer gluing and splicing processes can be accomplished within one single machine, VeneerPlus G1. Coupled with INNOVATOR’s Double Knife Veneer Guillotines (CutMate D series), a perfect veneer cutting and splicing work can be achieved.
Hall: 15 27 Booth No. D34 E05
www.InnovatorMachinery.com E-mail: service@InnovatorMachinery.com
高境機械工業有限公司 GAU JING MACHINERY INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
www.gaujing.com E-mail: g8664278@ms47.hinet.net
Whether you produce complicated or simple profile moulding at high production rate, GAU JING GN series 4-side moulder offer unbeatable accuracy and productivity. The cast iron constructed GN series is designed and engineered to meet industry requirement for medium production and fine surface effect. The GN series promise dramatic
Hall: 27 Booth No. E03 E05
performance and with many features: Rugged constructed throughout for maximum tability; High precision spindle creates extremely fine surface effect; Centralized air pressure regulations and centralized lubrication system. Choose from 5, 6, 7 or 8 spindles configuration that best to suited to your moulding work.
33 名品機械工業有限公司 MING PING MACHINERY CO., LTD.
Hall: 17 27 Booth No. A61 E05
Since 1992, Ming Ping has been producing professional sanding machines for various purposes. Over the years, the company always insists on quality and innovation. Today, we would like to introduce our Segmented Pad Sander, P series. Designed with a patent electronic control, users can adjust the sanding pressure parameters applied to the workpiece, directly from the touchscreen, with a thickness tolerance of ±1mm in single operation. This leads to perfect sanding results, while preventing damage. Ming Ping has already sold units to Europe, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Taiwan, especially for sanding veneer and lacquered surface applications.
www.mingping.com.tw E-mail: sales@mingping.com.tw
計利機械工業有限公司 JELY MACHINERY INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
JDT-600B Digital Dovetail Tenoner (High Efficiency Speed) Equipped with German Bosch Rexroth linear rails on both X & Y axes High precision ball screws mounted on both X & Y axes Controlled by Japanese YASKAWA motor and machine controller Capacity of 2 dovetail sets / min. with two-flute life time of 150-180 mins (sharpenable) Dedicated to straight board processing
www.jelyco.com.tw E-mail: sales@jelyco.com.tw Hall: 11 27 BoothNo. No.F02/1 E05 Booth
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Advertiser Index
Cover
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4
Biesse Group
Kuang Yung Machinery Co., Ltd.
Meicha Furniture
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17
Hong Dar Knife Mfg. Enterprise
Leadermac Machinery Co., Ltd.
Vietnam Wood 2019
AWFS 2019
San Ford Machinery Co., Ltd.
FSM Association
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24
Innovator Machinery
THUONG NGUYEN Co., Ltd.
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36
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Sanderson Machinery Co., Ltd. Back Cover