Australasian Timber - December 2015

DECEMBER 2015

PROCESSING • PRODUCTS • DESIGN • SUPPLIERS Incorporating Australian and New Zealand Timberman – Established 1977.

INNOVATIVE APPROACH - TIMBER IN UTAS PROJECT RISING TO THE CLT CHALLENGE l HISTORIC ALLIANCES FORMED l HELP TO HONE SKILLS l FUTURE-PROOFING BUSINESS

New role for association and Eric Siegers.

GLULAM IS THE PERFECT CHOICE

Future proof your business With multi-level dwellings becoming the predominant method of housing, you need to be manufacturing for this market We know that, when it comes to carbon in the atmosphere, timber is on the side of the angels.

If you would like to exhibit at this event, contact us.

But we also know that, by using the right equipment and techniques, prefabrication using timber adds good money to the bottom line while making building cheaper.

Laurie Martin, General Manager laurie@austimber.org.au

With a seminar covering what manufacturers need to know to set up and run a sustainable business serving this market and exhibitors of equipment and systems explaining your options, this is an event not to be missed if you want to have a business running successfully in the coming decades.

Sponsored by

Norm Nelsen, Sales Director norm@austimber.org.au

www.austimber.org.au

Supported by

australasian

I n c o r p o r a t i n g A U S T R A L A S I A N F O R E S T L O G G E R & S AW M I L L E R

NEWS

Major change of operations for Timber Merchants Association

A

S PART of the Timber Merchants’ Association (TMA) Committee’s strategy to secure the future of the TMA for industry and association members, the Timber Advisory and Display Centre (TADC) will be revamped and relaunched.

“Our Centre (1/180 Whitehorse Road, Blackburn) is the only facility of its type operating in Australia, and we are dedicated to assisting builders, renovators, architects, specifiers, and the general public with unbiased information about the timber industry, market trends, timber choices and uses, and advice on purchasing materials from TMA members and TADC retail exhibitors,” said TMA President Richard Hill.

He said the committee reached an agreement with Eric Siegers, former Executive Director of the TMA, and owner of The Market Bytes Pty Ltd, whereby The Market Bytes Pty Ltd has purchased the right to own and operate the TADC, and will be entitled to use TMA branding in support of the TADC, subject to a contract negotiated between

TMA and The Market Bytes Pty Ltd. “The TADC enjoys the support of many other industry bodies, and we look forward to strengthening relationships between the TADC and industry. These bodies include: • Victorian Association of Forest Industries (VAFI) • Timber And Building Materials Association (TABMA) • Frame and Truss Manufacturers Australia (FTMA) • Wood Products Victoria (WPV) • Timber Trade Industries Association (TTIA), • Timber Importers Australia • Window and Door Industry Council (WADIC) • Timber Preservers Association of Australia (TPAA) • Wood Flooring Victoria • Master Grocers Association (MGA), (which interestingly has a number of M10 stores as members) • Timber Training Creswick (TTC) “As part of the agreement, The Market Bytes Pty Ltd trading as Timber

“The TMA Committee has been looking for synergistic opportunities to ensure strength for the timber industry, and for members into the future.”

Advisory and Display Centre (TADC) will provide the TMA a Secretariat service, market analysis and information on trends, and timber advisors employed at the TADC will continue to direct potential customers to TMA members and retail exhibitors, as they have done in the past.

Maintaining support for members “Members will continue to receive the high level of support they have received to date in many areas. This includes support in industrial relations and OHS, training, business services and marketing assistance.

“The TMA Committee is pleased that Emma Watt will continue to provide IR / HR support to all TMA members as in the past, and Emma Watt and the TMA have an agreement to move forward together, in any negotiations with other bodies.

“It is apparent to the TMA Committee that for associations such as ours to survive, and thrive, in the future we must grow our membership. We have been holding discussions with likeminded registered organisations whose members are also characterised by independent (and family) ownership,” said Mr Hill.

“The TMA Committee has been looking for synergistic opportunities to ensure strength for the timber industry, and for members into the future. We were primarily interested in developing and maintaining a close relationship with another organisation that is, like the

¢ E ric Siegers.

TMA, registered under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth). Another key criterion for any potential relationship is that we wanted independent, small to medium, and family owned, enterprises to be the focus.

“The TMA Committee is excited about the upcoming changes, and we are convinced that they are in the interests of the timber industry, TMA and its members,” he said.

Members who have any questions for the Committee should in the first instance email the Vice President, Mr Peter Alexander on petera@peuker.com. au, or Mr Ron Caddy on ron@lamcal. com.au.

Strengthening the connection with consumers ‘THE MARKET Bytes Pty. Ltd’ has announced the beginning of a new era with its investment in the Timber Advice and Display Centre (TADC).

“This will bring about changes to the TADC that will strengthen the way the showroom and advisory service connect with the consuming public, specifiers and builders. Importantly the investment will increase the value to the various stakeholders in the centre,” said principal Eric Siegers.

“Twelve years of statistics has proven that while marketing channels have shifted dramatically from print to digital platforms the centre consistently connects with: • over 20% of all renovators in Victoria • 2400 specifiers, designers and builders • Hundreds of consumers interested in a wide range product solutions “This has convinced us that there is a real opportunity that can be used to: • enhance brands,

• build product equity and importantly • lay the ground work to testing new products and services .

“In the digital era the TADC is more relevant than ever with the market demanding that all providers offer: • information • Communication and • Experience “Independent research confirms that the independent merchant plays a more significant role in renovation than many in the industry recognise, and to survive in this competitive sector business must be able meet the demands of the consumer. This provides an opportunity that we will realise through the advisory and showroom capabilities,” Eric said.

“The TADC is pivotal in connecting consumers, specifiers and builders with products, services and information.

The investment we undertake means the TADC can now develop revenue opportunities that were previously off limits under the not for profit banner.

australasian

magazine Incorporating Australian and New Zealand Timberman – Established 1977.

December Vol.23, No.8 www.timberbiz.com.au

Postal Address: 630 Regency Road, Broadview, South Australia 5083 Phone: (08) 8369 9555 Fax: (08) 8369 9501 Publisher and Chief Executive: Hartley Higgins Suite 103, 486 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, 3127, phone (03) 9888 4822

“We can confidently build a vibrant and targeted service by beginning with the following activities. We will: • Refocus the showroom as a hub for the growing renovation market.

• Strengthen the advisory service to become a hub for specifiers and builders.

• Be a hub for merchants by providing data, market analysis, and various business services including various training and business services packages.

• Become a hub for new technologies and products that meet a combination of social, environmental and business criteria.

• Become an information hub for product manufacturers and suppliers by monitoring consumer and merchant trends.

“It is an exciting time; there is a lot we are doing to create and realise the opportunities that this change represents.

“We realise the challenges before us are significant, however, the changes

General Manager: Elizabeth Bouzoudis Editorial: John Hudswell j.hudswell@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide: (08) 8369 9512 Out of office: (08) 7127 6370 Advertising: J on Bryden j.bryden@ryanmediapl.com.au Melbourne: (03) 9888 4834

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

Timber classified: j.bryden@ryanmediapl.com.au Melbourne: (03) 9888 4834 Production: Luke Westle Subscriptions: subs@forestsandtimber.com.au Adelaide: (08) 8369 9522 Accounts: Adelaide: (08) 8369 9555

in the marketplace means that the opportunity is worth the risk. We look forward to working with the TMA our key industry stakeholder and the other industry supporters to continue to build a strong and vibrant sector,” said Eric.

As a final word on the matter Eric utilised the Winston Churchill quote...

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

Conditions: Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the editor/publishers; information is published in good faith and we do not accept responsibility for damage which may arise from any possible inaccuracies. All rights reserved, none of the contents may be used in any other media without prior consent from the publishers. Published by Ryan Media Pty Ltd.

MEDIA

INDEPENDENT & AUSTRALIAN OWNED

DECEMBER 2015

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NEWS

International News Briefs Government backing to expand businesses ELEVEN Victorian businesses will receive a total of $27.4 million to establish or expand their high value manufacturing operations under the Next Generation Manufacturing Investment Program.

Complementary investment by each company will bring the total investment in high value manufacturing in Victoria under the program to $75 million Radial Timber Australia Pty Ltd received a grant of $1,500,000 to install a new state-of-the-art streamlined radial sawmill at its existing premises in Yarram, Victoria. The new mill will be more efficient in radially sawing more logs into high value products and capable of a significant increase in production.

Hardware war could be looming A possible $2 billion tie-up between Mitre 10 and Home Timber & Hardware Group could provide Bunnings with some strong competition. A union of the two franchised hardware chains would create a network of between 800 and 900 stores, and with the right leadership analysts suggest it could harness its buying power to fight Bunnings on price and brands. Industry insiders suggest Metcash, which owns Mitre 10, has already reached out to Woolworths, which controls the Home franchise, but it was told it was too early for talks, one source said.

Developer showcases wood in Rotorua building ROTORUA developer Ray Cook of R & B Consultants has used wood as the key structural component for premises he has been constructing in the city for ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation). Throughout the ACC building Mr Cook has employed innovative timber technology involving laminated veneer lumber and cross-laminated timber panels made from New Zealand pine. The cross-laminated timber panels are large tilt slabs made from wood, rather than the more traditional concrete.

Innovation Centre makes up the whole package STORA Enso has opened its Innovation Centre for packaging located at the Group’s head office in Helsinki. The purpose of the centre is to create a venue for innovation and R&D work, where Stora Enso together with customers and other stakeholders can develop innovative and sustainable packaging concepts. The centre offers, among other things, a packaging design lab, presentation areas with advanced touch screen technology and virtual reality retail technology.

200 fibreboard plants closed TWENTY-seven fibreboard plants were built in China in 2014 adding around 4.4 million cubic metres of new annual capacity. At the end of 2014 China had 768 fibreboard plants with an annual capacity of 51.8 million cubic metres. However, around 200 plants have been closed eliminating some 7million cubic metres of production capacity. On the other hand, new MDF plants continue to be built and it is forecast that by the end of this year production capacity will rise to 55 million cubic metres.

Major woodworking industry event returns to Montreal CANADA’S ONLY bilingual secondary wood event, Canada Woodworking East (Bois ouvré de l’est du Canada), returns to Montreal’s world renowned Olympic Stadium for its second edition, 2-3 November, 2016. The inaugural edition of this biennial show marked the first major event for the industry to take place in almost a decade in the Quebec region and, as a result of its success, momentum is building rapidly.

Growing cities of the future Melbourne seminar highlights the property industry’s move to mass timber construction

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USTRALIA IS often at the forefront of technological innovation and development, but when it comes to the growing trend of using timber for mass construction, we have been playing catch-up until now.

Major developers are starting to recognise the economic, environmental and social benefits of building with cross-laminated timber (CLT).

Europeans have been using CLT technology for a significant number of years because it is cost competitive and quick to build with. If the demand for wood rises, a CLT plant in Australia could provide green jobs and a boost to the economy.

A seminar held by Planet Ark highlighted the many benefits of using mass engineered timber for commercial property developments and answered questions from those working or investing in the property and building industry.

The all-day seminar was held at Library at the Dock in Melbourne, which was constructed with CLT and recycled hardwood and is Australia’s first six-star green star public building as rated by Green Building Council Australia.

Keynote speaker Professor Alex de Rijke, from the UK, is Founding Director of the award-winning architectural practice dRMM, who has taught and lectured around the world. His work is world-renowned for innovative construction technologies and materials and he is a pioneer in laminated timber design and construction. His inspirational talk included a number of UK projects using CLT timber that are revered in the industry.

“If the 19th century was of steel and the 20th century of concrete, then the 21st century is about engineered timber,” said the Professor.

An overwhelming 96% of Australians agree that wood is visually appealing and has a natural look and feel. Research shows people are innately drawn towards wood and instinctively react to the feelings of warmth, comfort and relaxation it creates1.

Planet Ark’s Wood – Housing, Health, Humanity report released earlier this year explores numerous

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AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

¢ K eynote speaker Professor Alex de Rijke.

studies analysing the health and wellbeing benefits of the use of wood in homes, businesses and schools, which show that it has significant positive health effects on the body and the brain.

“We’re definitely on a journey and seeing the transition happen as more developers incorporate natural elements such as wood in our living environments,” said Chris Philpot, Make it Wood Campaign Manager at Planet Ark. “Not only is the use of wood cost competitive for building, it’s renewable, can help tackle climate change through its carbon storage capabilities and has health benefits both for people and planet. Those are benefits everyone can capitalise on.”

The use of responsibly sourced, certified wood can also have significant positive environmental outcomes and help reduce climate change because it is less carbon-intensive to produce than other building materials.

A survey commissioned by Planet Ark, sponsored by FWPA and conducted by research consultancy Pollinate in September 2014 on the current opinions and attitudes of Australians towards wood along with their exposure to it at home, work and school.

2016 National Architecture Conference THE AUSTRALIAN Institute of Architects’ 2016 National Architecture Conference, themed How Soon is Now, will be held 28-30 April, in Adelaide.

The conference aims to explore the new ways architecture is currently operating in the world.

“We want to explore the agency of architecture to make real changes in the world, empowering architects to participate in the massive transformations that are occurring to cities, to global as well as local societies and to the sustainability of our planet,” said creative directors Sam Spurr, Ben Hewett and Cameron Bruhn. “The future is right now and we want to present what it looks like.”

On 28 April, fringe and social activities will take place including the official opening Party. On 29 and 30 April the main conference sessions will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

DECEMBER 2015

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NEWS

Australian businesses urged to close the local recycling loop

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ustralian Paper and Planet Ark are calling on Australian businesses and Government to close the recycling loop by making the switch to Australian made recycled paper.

While 76% of Australian businesses recycle paper, only one in six reams of new paper purchased contains recycled content.

Australian Paper is partnering with Planet Ark to encourage businesses to make the switch to locally made, recycled office and printing papers. The Make it Australian Recycled partnership aims to increase recycling of office paper, reduce Australian waste paper going to landfill and increase demand for locally made, high-recycled content paper in business and government.

“We want to raise awareness that just recycling paper is not enough. We also need to ‘close the loop’ by purchasing locally made paper with at least 50% recycled content,” said Craig Dunn, Australian Paper’s National Manager Sustainability.

“Using locally made recycled office paper such as Reflex Recycled is a simple and positive thing workplaces can do for the planet. Collecting office waste paper and recycling it into premium copy and printing paper extends the life of our resources. Closing the loop also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and saves landfill.”

Earlier this year, Australian Paper, the largest producer of premium recycled office paper in the country, opened a $90 million recycling plant at its Maryvale Mill in Gippsland, Victoria.

“Australian Paper’s recycling plant is using the very latest technology and has the capacity to divert up to 80,000 tonnes of waste paper from landfill each year; that’s equivalent to 16 billion sheets of A4 copy paper, enough to stretch around the globe twice. It is a great outcome environmentally, socially and for the economy,” said Brad Gray, Head of Campaigns at Planet Ark. “We’d like to encourage paper buyers all over

Australia to choose Australian made recycled paper and create demand for the waste paper we recycle every day. Choosing Australian made paper also supports thousands of jobs in regional communities and adds more than $700m to our national economy every year^,” said Craig. * WRI Economic Impact reports of Australia Paper operations ^ Australian Paper’s 2013 Sustainability Report

¢ Paper bales, Aerial view of the Maryvale Mill (inset).

Maximising environmental assessment and sustainable design AS SUSTAINABLE design becomes increasingly important, so do the tools that enable the environmental impact of a structure to be calculated and assessed.

Now, five WoodSolutions Environmental Product Declarations, Softwood, Hardwood, Plywood, Particleboard and MDF are available for free download from www.woodsolutions.com.au.

Architects, designers, building surveyors and other professionals seeking to maximise environmental assessment and sustainable design can access the full suite of Australian timber industry Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), published through the new Australasian EPD Program.

These new publications comply with the requirements for an industry-wide EPD under the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star rating system in that; they conform with ISO 14025 and EN 15804; they have been verified by an independent third party; they have at least a cradle-to-gate scope and the participants in the EPD are listed.

The publications can also help project teams to conduct a Green Star compliant, whole-of-building, whole-of-life Life Cycle Assessment to obtain additional points under the Materials category of the current Design & As Built and Interiors rating tools as well as under the Innovation Challenge category of the legacy Green Star rating tools.

“Publishing the five Australian EPDs shows that the Australian timber industry is committed to offering our customers usable and practical evidence www.timberbiz.com.au

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of the sustainability of our products”, said Eileen Newbury Marketing and Communication Manager of FWPA. “I look forward to seeing benefits flow to our industry as more design and building professionals recognise the value of wood and wood products as integral parts of sustainable design.”

“We are excited to be involved with these EPDs as they disclose technical environmental information based on robust international standards rather than greenwash,” said Barbara Nebel, Managing Director of thinkstep in Australia.

The five industry-wide EPDs for Australian wood products have been authored by the Timber Development Association and thinkstep and independently verified by Catalyst.

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NEWS

Demand for quality wood-based panels and laminates growing

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ollowing the 2008 global financial crisis, recent years have brought noticeable changes to Australia’s economy and demography, with implications for the forestry sector. For instance, constant population growth has significantly altered demand for wood products, through a lift in housing activity, especially after years in which new housing demand was not met by supply. Despite these conditions, housing commencements showed cyclical volatility over time. This had a direct impact on demand for structural wood products and wood based panels.

Per capita consumption of relevant wood-based panel products almost quadrupled between the 1970s and early 2000s (from approximately 0.03 m3/person to 0.11 m3/person). However since 2003 it has declined to approximately 0.09 – 0.08 m3/person and it has not exhibited very significant growth (1% growth between 2014-15), as the chart below shows.

and quality) and geographic location, but also due to their production capacities and common ownership such as that by the Fletcher Building Group and Rank Group. These two corporations own more than 60% of the Australian domestic Particleboard and MDF production capacity through Laminex and Carter Holt Harvey. A relative small number of players provides the rest of the local production capacity.

Figure 9: Australian Particleboard and MDF producers

t a glance A Tim Woods is Managing Director of IndustryEdge, Australia’s leading market analysis firm in the forestry and wood products sector. The firm is publisher of the monthly Wood Market Edge.

Annual subscriptions to Wood Market Edge are available for $300 plus GST. For further information, go to www.industryedge. com.au or call +61 3 5229 2470.

Australian Wood-based Panel Production and Consumption: 2008- 2014 (km3)

Source: Sciencetech Consulting

Source: ABARES

Imports and Exports of Wood-based Panels into Australia: 2005 - 2015 (km3)

In Australia, the wood-based panels sector is well-established and benefits from a relatively high level of integration of the Particleboard and MDF manufacturing with the production of laminate flooring, panels lamination and impregnation, doors and worktops.

The majority of demand for wood-based panels and associated added value products is driven by the furniture and construction sectors. Furniture, flooring, doors and kitchen units and benchtops constitute approximately half of the demand, with the remaining proportion related directly to the construction sector.

Sustained growth in building approvals, including not only units and apartments but also commercial buildings such as aged care, health, entertainment, recreation and short-term accommodation buildings, is providing vigorous prospects for the Australian woodbased panels manufacturing industry and importers as the chart below – related to aged and healthcare – demonstrates.

Number of Aged/Health Care Buildings

by Value: 2006-2014

Source: ABARES Most of Australia’s Particleboard production is used domestically, with imported volumes showing a slightly increasing trend because of the relatively high price of the product on the Australian market and favourable exchange rate. Significantly, Australia became a net importer of Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF), while years ago it was a net exporter.

Australia’s wood-based panels production is partly linked with the New Zealand industry, not only due to its similarities, such as raw material (wood species

As a result, demand for kitchens and bathroom furnishing is increasing. Also, large developments such as hotels and casinos complexes are escalating the consumption of high quality wood based panels, decorative products and laminates.

At the same time, advanced, innovative paper based surfaces are gaining market acceptance, while MDF surfaced with wood veneer panels achieve returns at the higher end market.

It should be noted that the renovations segment also has a significant market share as a user of kitchen and bathroom fittings, yet the sector is underestimated due to the lack of consistent statistical data. Cabinet-makers are surrounded by positive data and are seeking to maximise their capacities to fulfil what is currently strong demand.

Thus, we can expect that there are commercial opportunities for both local producers and importers of high-quality wood panel products in the short to medium term. As the capacity of local production closes in on its peaks, local importers may be the beneficiaries, as long as they meet market expectations for products that demonstrate environmental credentials and compliance with Australian safety and technical standards.

This feature represents a continuation of IndustryEdge’s endeavour to provide up-to-date insights into the markets of value added wood products. These editorials are the result of our collaboration with Dr Mihai Daian of ScienceTech Consulting.

Reprinted by agreement with IndustryEdge, the publisher of the monthly, subscription only Wood Market Edge and Pulp & Paper Edge. Go to www.industryedge. com.au for further updates and complimentary resources.

To keep up to date: Go to www.industryedge.com.au and register for ‘Free Stuff’.

You can aslo contact IndustryEdge at info@industryedge.com.au or +61 3 5229 2470.

Source: ABARES

Government backs CLT business CANADIAN FIRM CLT Outaouais has been granted Government funding to improve its facilities and acquire equipment for the manufacture of wood products for the residential and commercial building market. It received a $374,000 repayable financial contribution through CED’s Quebec Economic Development Program.

“The investment will enable CLT Outaouais to produce Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels,” said Jacques Gourde, Member of Parliament 6

for Lotbinière-Chutes-de-la-Chaudière and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, for Official Languages and for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.

“This manufacturing firm offers a competitive alternative and complementary option to structural building solutions like steel and cement.

“As well as helping the company become more competitive, this project should ensure the AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

DECEMBER 2015

maintenance of existing jobs in other enterprises in the region while creating some 20 direct jobs in the Regional County Municipality (RCM) of Papineau.

“By supporting the start-up of CLT Outaouais, our Government is recognizing once again the fundamental role that businesses play in bringing about economic growth and job creation.”

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NEWS

Solutions to common decking mistakes

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HE TIME to prepare the deck for summer is here, however, there are many misconceptions around the best ways to maintain a timber deck. Tim Orbell, from Sikkens Australia, identifies common questions and provides solutions to ensure outdoor timber finishes and decks are in top condition for guests and outdoor entertaining this year.

What are tannins?

New or un-seasoned hardwoods contain natural tannin that needs to be extracted prior to coating. Tannins are chemicals produced by plants to help protect them against insect attack and often appear as brown stains or commonly mistaken for timber coating that has been washed off by the rain.

The tannins can be naturally extracted by leaving the timber to weather between three to six months.

If completing the deck in a shorter time, the weathering process can be accelerated in just a single day with Sikkens Cetol BL Tannin and Oil Remover.

Coating unseasoned timber results in the premature break down of the applied coating and within a short space of time will leave discolouration and staining under the coated surface.

Try before you buy Grain and colour variations in timber make it difficult to predict how the timber coating will look once applied. Unlike paint, stains are influenced by the wood it is applied to, ensure testing the stain on an inconspicuous area or on a sample piece before committing to a colour.

Sikkens Sample Pots are an affordable and great way to test a stain for the best possible indication of how the finished project will look. The 100ml sample pots are available in nine ready mixed shades for decking and two colours for windows, doors, screens and cladding.

Importance of cleaning the deck Ensure the timber is clean and free from dirt and grime to allow the new coating to properly penetrate and adhere to the timber for long lasting protection. Thoroughly clean with a product such as Sikkens Cetol BL Deck & Wood Cleaner that rejuvenates old and grey decking by drawing out dirt and grime.

When is it necessary to re-coat the deck?

Signs a deck may need to be recoated include peeling, flaking, discolouration, mould growth or greying of the timber surface. If the deck is in bad condition, it may be necessary to strip back and sand before applying a new coat. Any areas affected by mould or mildew must be treated properly before recoating, otherwise mould will continue to grow underneath the new coat and ultimately create an unappealing finish.

Sikkens products are available at all major hardware and independent paint stores.

¢ C orrect preparation of timber decking can create a stunning entertaining space – as seen on The Home Team.

Consumer enquiries: 1300 745 536 or www.sikkens.net.au or visit Sikkens Australia on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Oregon tour covers growing and processing LYNEA ADVISORY, in association with Oregon Wood Innovation Centre, Oregon State University and the Institute of Foresters of Australia, is planning a forest and forest products tour of the Oregon forest sector in July 2016.

This 7 day/6 night tour, will focus on innovative techniques and approaches used by a range of forest growers and processors across Oregon.

Site visits will include engineered wood products, biomass production, hardwood processors, softwood mills, veneer peeling plants, secondary manufacturers and a range of forest types and plantations.

The tour will be limited to 15 places and is expected to cost around $US4500 (plus airfare).

Lynea Advisory is now taking expressions of interest for participants interested in joining the tour. Please email Lyndall on lyndall@lynea.com.au if you would like to register your interest and reserve your place.

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DECEMBER 2015

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NEWS

Glulam is the perfect choice for almost any building Certified, sustainable and a span that suits the occasion

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HERE IS so much talk about timber being the answer for our growing market in multiresidential buildings, and that makes a lot of sense ... timber solves cost restraints, weight issues, time, safety, ease of construction, it is great to look at, sustainable and carbon sequestering (to name a few).

However, the horizon needs to be broadened.

Everyone seems to be clambering for the CLT solution when it’s not the only answer.

“You can already use locally made, quality hardwood Glulam beams for large buildings and residential projects,” says Daniel Wright, Marketing & Victorian Sales Manager of Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH), and he should know as ASH is a specialty provider of Glulam (under the SUPABEAM range).

“We know that CLT is not the only answer, take, for instance, the Treet building in Norway which will be built

with some 550m3 of Glulam and only 380m3 of CLT – making Glulam the major component.

“Australand’s Green apartments were built using timber stick framing and timber flooring cassettes with traditionally trained carpenters.

“Our locally grown hardwood is environmentally certified and will span further than pine or softwoods (the timber used in CLT) which means greater strengths can be achieved through smaller dimensions,” says Daniel.

“Our fully automated finger joining and laminating line has been producing glue laminated beams for nearly a decade but the focus has been on ‘SUPALAM F17’ – an engineered F17 beam that is straight, long and eliminates the need for gang plating. The line was commissioned to turn short, small end section structural timbers into long, desirable beams back when we had an accumulation of shorts. The production is so popular we now run it 24 hours a

¢ F araday Aussie Bush House used VIC ash GLulam beams and matching windows.

¢ Lucy Liu Restaurant, Melbourne, used VIC ash Glulam, joinery and table tops.

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day to keep up with demand. The benefit of having such a great machine is that we can produce large volumes cost efficiently. A great example of this is the Margaret Court Arena redevelopment last year which has won multiple awards since its opening. These types of projects could be considered too large for some manufacturers but are perfect for us.

On the flip side of that, customised job lots can be hard for us and we look to collaborate with local Glulam manufacturers to achieve the package.

“While our maximum length capability is limited to 7200mm long there are a number of manufacturers across Australia and New Zealand who have the capability to partner up with ASH and laminate larger (1000mm wide) and longer (18000mm long) section beams for your project.

“Not only will they be stronger but Victorian Ash is knot free and easily stained – making it suitable for visual applications too.”

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DECEMBER 2015

ASH’s current range in Glulam is promoted under the SUPABEAM range and includes up to 360 x65 x 7200mm which is available from Tilling Timber ‘off the racks’ for immediate delivery.

“These beams can be used inside and out with the use of highly innovative, invisible, water-based H3 treatment technology (or IRON ASH as we affectionately call it). The strength characteristics can be emailed on request or accessed through Tillings design software. Make contact with an ASH rep if you would like to know more,” says Daniel.

“If you, an engineer, designer or architect you know is looking for large section hardwood Glulam solutions over and above the sizes mentioned contact us at sales@vicash.com.au. Lets put our heads together and create a local solution to an international desire,” says Daniel. www.timberbiz.com.au

NEWS

Mondo builder makes it four in a row for WA in Australia’s top home award

W

A HOME builder Ray Kershaw (31) has taken out Australia’s top award as the WoodSolutions National Young Master Builder of the Year in the Master Builders Association’s annual awards held at Jupiters on the Gold Coast on November 14.

Mr Kershaw, who is the director of Mondo Exclusive Homes in Doubleview, is the fourth West Australian in four years to win the top award. He follows on from Mandurah builder Chris Illis who won the award in 2012, Perth builder Ryan Cole who won the award two years ago and Geraldton’s Serena Giudice who last year was the first female builder to win the award.

Already voted as WA’s best Young Builder of the Year by the Master Builders Association, Mr Kershaw won the WoodSolutions award at the Master Builders Association national conference.

All entrants in the Best Young Builder category must be under 40 years old. The Young Builder of the Year Award has been running since 2008 to complement the MBA’s Apprentice of the Year Award. Master Builders Director, Michael McLean said Ray Kershaw was a very deserving young winner of the prestigious award.

“As the founder and principal of Mondo Homes, Ray has worked extremely hard to establish an enviable reputation built on his commitment to quality workmanship,” Mr McLean said.

“Ray’s participation in Master Builders Housing Council and on our housing awards judging panel reflects his commitment to the housing industry and his keenness to learn. WA’s remarkable success with this award for builders under 40 years of age highlights the talent pool of quality builders coming through the ranks which augurs well for the future of the housing industry in this state,” Mr McLean said.

“It’s exciting to be recognising young builders,” said Eileen Newbury, marketing and communications manager at Forest and Wood Products Australia, the industry services company resourcing the WoodSolutions program.

“Innovations in timber construction, especially engineered wood products, are changing the way many designers and builders approach material specification for new projects,” Ms Newbury explained, “and it’s the younger builders like Ray who will ride this new wave of working with timber.”

Mr Kershaw said he was delighted to be waving the flag for younger people in the building industry. He said some people had a perception that a builder needed to be older and more experienced to be able to do the job properly.

“By promoting young builders who have done extraordinary things it means the industry can promote apprenticeships, upskilling youngsters who are coming out of school to strive for something,” he said.

Mr Kershaw, who turns 32 in January was WA’s youngest builder, getting his builder’s licence when he was just 25. “Getting a building licence isn’t for the faint hearted. I completed seven years of night school studies for the Diploma of Building on top of a carpentry apprenticeship. I then needed to gain over 5 years’ experience as a site supervisor, so it was not an easy feat. My application detailing all my experience was probably two inches thick and was put together with the help of Gavan Forster at the MBA. They don’t just hand out builder licences, so to get mine at the age of 25 was a huge thing for me and I owe a lot to all those who helped me.

“From there we’ve gone from just a one man team building a couple of homes a year to opening an office, employing staff and last year where we had 16 houses on the go and won lots of awards,” Mr Kershaw said. Mondo Exclusive Homes was launched almost six years ago.

The November 14 MBA award was judged on the quality of work and on craftsmanship. Judges considered awards Mr Kershaw had already won and assessed the skills he had displayed as a master craftsman, taken into consideration financial soundness of the company, growth rates and how Mondo had expanded.

¢ R ay Kershaw (director of Mondo Exclusive Homes) and John McNamara, Board Member for WoodSolutions,

“They took a cross-section of client testimonials about our workmanship from clients for whom we’d built houses and sought out industry references from engineers, architects, interior designers, sales people and all sorts of other people across the industry,” he said.

“We also had to have a pretty clean occupational health and safety record.

Which is something I am really proud of and keen to keep in place.”

Mr Kershaw said while there were clients who valued the experience of an older builder there were also many who recognised that in a fast changing world there were benefits of using a builder who kept in touch with changing trends and was able to adapt them into existing building designs.

“We’re pretty tech savvy and operate in a modern way, keeping clients up to date with photographs from the site and keeping them updated through email correspondence.

“The way we operate appeals to a lot of our clients, who like that we are prepared to give new things a go.

Because of our use of new technology it means we also work at a quicker pace,” he said.

Mr Kershaw said most of Mondo’s clients were not first home owners, they were generally between 30 and 60 years old and relied on their builder to be across developing trends like data, WiFi, smart wiring, making sure that all the homes built are NBN compliant.

As a younger builder Mr Kershaw said it was natural for him to keep across construction methods and technology developments that older clients might not be aware of.

“And given the average trades person is now aged around 57 they are not so likely to be thinking about those kind of innovations. Clients are more likely to be focusing on furnishings and what colours the walls are going to be, how the living spaces are going to work and how the house will function.

“A lot of the time we’ll just sort out the technology in the background, creating an environment for the house to work properly.

“And if I was 60 I suspect I probably wouldn’t be across that as much as I am as somebody in my thirties. It’s just that I’ve grown up with computers so it’s natural for me to be up to date with what is changing.

International Housing Association backs housing affordability THE INTERNATIONAL Housing Association (IHA) issued a worldwide call to advance housing affordability, during its 2015 Interim Meeting in Ottawa, Canada.

The Housing Industry Association (HIA), Australia’s peak residential building industry association is a member of the International Housing Association and supports the IHA’s affordability agenda.

“The IHA defines housing affordability as the availability of housing which is reasonably adequate in standard and location for lower or middle income households and does not cost so much that a household is unlikely to be able to meet other basic needs on a sustainable basis,” explained HIA’s Kristin Brookfield.

“As we talk to other housing organisations across the globe, it is clear that there are common issues impacting on affordability, such as taxation on new housing and excessive charges for related infrastructure.”

“Through sharing strategies to address affordability 10

internationally, it is hoped we can all benefit from new approaches and learn from the mistakes of other countries.”

IHA members have agreed will pursue the following actions to help advance housing affordability across the world: Identify and share common challenges each of our organisations confronts in meeting our individual country’s housing needs.

Commit to sharing successful strategies implemented to address the above noted challenges shared.

Exchange knowledge and best practices regarding tools and techniques designed to address the development of housing affordability – prior to construction, during the construction phase and over the life of the structure.

Address practices which directly and negatively impact housing affordability such as government imposed fees and taxes, and land use restrictions.

Work individually to mentor and support fellow AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

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Member Organisations as they actively address housing affordability challenges locally.

Use existing industry organisations, associations or interest groups, to further raise international focus on this critical housing need. www.timberbiz.com.au

NEWS

TABMA takes national stance at timber awards

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HE SUCCESSFUL TABMA Australia timber industry awards were another giant leap forward in establishing the association as a respected national body for timber merchants, the chairman Peter Hutchison said in Sydney.

“Entries from all states set a new high standard and the mood of the gathering was positive suggesting a buoyant period ahead for trading,” said Mr Hutchison who officiated at the award presentation at Dockside, Cockle Bay Wharf, on November 6.

More than 300 representatives of all industry sectors celebrated a great year of achievement for TABMA Australia.

“The housing industry is in a good place right now, signalling a busy year ahead for timber traders,” Mr Hutchison said.

“I think it’s been five years since we’ve seen the industry running so steady and consistent in the eastern states. Although the process needs further streamlining, building approvals are certainly flowing better.”

He said housing activity would continue fuel growth in the economy and employment for some time yet, with Queensland likely to take the lead.

As national sales manager for engineered systems and connectors company MiTek Australia Ltd, Mr Hutchison is in a prime position to monitor the engineered wood products industry with regular visits to company locations in Victoria, NSW, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia.

One of the highlights of the national awards was the night’s final presentation of TABMA Member of the Year to ITI Australia Pty Ltd. From humble beginnings at Five Dock in western Sydney 1987, ITI has grown to become one of Australia’s largest independent timber groups.

Founded by Paul Shadbolt, ITI’s managing director, the company began by selling units of timber ex-wharf. In 1989 the group purchased a major

shareholding in Sydney Wholesale Timber.

By 1993 the operation moved to a 1 ha site in St Marys and three years later a branch in Queensland was established while the NSW business continued to grow its operation, acquiring John Cook and Son in 1997.

In 1999, ITI purchased the assets of Beecham Wright and with this made its first move south setting up branches in Victoria and South Australia.

In 2002, the timber group acquired its first sawmill – a 200,000 tonne log processing plant at Holbrook, north of Albury.

The sawmill was sold to Hyne in 2005 and a supply contract was secured with the deal for an 18year period.

ITI now carries in excess of $20 million of stock and employs in excess of 60 staff.

Award winners Best Frame and Truss Operation: Footersville Structural Timber Solutions.

Best Timber Merchant: Ramiens Timber.

Best Building Materials Centre: Bretts Home Timber & Hardware.

Wholesaler of the Year: Gunnersen.

Most Innovative Member: Programmed Timber Supplies Apprentice of the Year: Ashley Piet (Fewings Joinery Pty Ltd.) Trainee of the Year: Mark Smith (NBS Frame and Truss).

Host Employer of the Year: Hardware and General Supplies Ldd. Sales Representative of the Year: Jacinta Colley (Simmonds Lumber Pty Ltd).

TABMA Member of the Year: ITI Australia Pty Ltd.

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¢ T ABMA CEO Colin Fitzpatrick (left) and chairman Peter Hutchison (right), present the TABMA Member of the Year Award to Paul Shadbolt, CEO, ITI Australia, based at St Mary’s in Sydney.

¢ S imon Dorries, CEO, Australian Forestry Standard Ltd (left), congratulates Ashley Piet and Bronwyn Foord of Fewings Joinery, Sydney, on Ashley’s win as TABMA’s Apprentice of the Year.

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DECEMBER 2015

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11

CLT

Rising to the challenge of building a CLT house Doesn’t seem all that long ago that a prominent politician verballed the nation with the comment ... “life wasn’t meant to be easy!” Generally speaking, that comment was pretty much on the money. However, there is also a saying (much. older than the aforementioned pollie) that when the going gets tough the tough get going, and that brings us to the nexus of this three-part series of articles involved with construction of a CLT house in Sydney. [The main lead-up articles were in the last edition of Australasian Timber].

Finding an architect, or builder or structural engineer who had worked in CLT in Australia would be a rare find indeed, however, you would think that there would be lots of enterprising people out there. Fortunately, there are some forward thinkers eager to get their brains into gear and their hands dirty.

With Chris and Anna Swadling’s Sydney CLT house there were three - architect Shaun Thodey of Thodey Designs, engineer Andrew Hastie of ACOR Consultants and builder Richard Wolak of Select Building Services.

RCHITECT SHAUN Thodey’s involvement was more by accident than by design.

“They found us because we did a friend’s place who was actually a builder so we knew Chris (Swadling) through work,” said Mr Thodey.

“We met them (Chris and Anna Swadling) onsite and they said they were having trouble, they’d spoken to three or four architects and they were all saying ‘no we don’t want to do it (using CLT), we want to use traditional methods’.”

The Swadlings were determined to use CLT so it was clear they had to find the right architect and Thodey Designs was it. According to Shaun they got the job because “we were dead keen”.

Being keen is exactly it because it opens your mind to possibilities. If you’re not in it 100 percent then your mind will find too many reasons for insurmountable problems.

“When we met up with them (the Swadlings) the first thing that Chris said is that they had a 14 metre long recycled timber beam that he pulled out of a bridge,” said Mr Thodey.

“He said ‘I want the house designed around that beam’. That was a really nice thing; he had set the

beam aside for years for his own house and what it did was it gave us a spine and a central point off which we could start the design.

“That’s a really nice way to start. How do we want to incorporate this and how can we do this?

“I said it can’t be decorative, it has to be used properly.

“It became the central spine. You walk in and the whole ground floor area has this huge bridge beam that comes out with metal plates bolted to the side of it. That informed the whole design. Then we said what’s the orientation of the site, northern aspect and all that sort of thing.”

Speaking with Mr Thodey it’s pretty obvious that he is a glass half full sort of person with enthusiasm and courage because he had never done anything like the CLT house before and knew nothing of the product.

As soon as he got the brief he scooted back to his office and started to chase up material and information.

“I actually called up the guys in New Zealand (Xlam) and had couple of chats with them about an overview of it, how it goes together and then details,” said Mr Thodey.

Since he had never designed a house with CLT, Shaun chose to design the house in the first instance as he wanted it to look, and once the basic design was decided on he made it work with CLT. It wasn’t too difficult to make the translation to CLT because the layout had been kept quite square.

Being open to different styles of building and different materials is important when you are facing a new project like this one, and a background in construction is not to be discounted either.

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AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

Shaun Thodey The architect

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¢ S haun and Monica Thodey.

“My wife [Monica who is the other part of Thodey Designs] has a background in big commercial and civic design, and my original background is that I studied architecture and then I worked as a construction site manager for years,” said Mr Thodey.

“I guess we have a good knowledge of how things should go together.”

No doubt this was a real benefit alongside having already worked with consulting engineer on the project, Andrew Hastie of ACOR. “There was a bit of back and forth but we’ve worked with Andrew before, and we’ve got a really good relationship and that really helped,” said Mr Thodey.

“He was pretty keen to learn about this stuff as well, because he’s a very proactive guy.”

Proactive is the key because it’s all about process - the process of learning a new building material, a new way of building, a new design process but in the end you know in yourself if you are willing to have a go at doing something others won’t.

“We really enjoy the process and we really enjoy the challenges of things like this,” said Mr Thodey.

www.timberbiz.com.au

CLT “So when they said we want to use this CLT we’d never heard of it, but we were dead keen.

“We thought it sounds like a really cool product and a good idea.

“We love what we do, it sounds cliché, but it means you can embrace this more if you have more of an interest than just a financial interest.”

There were some definite challenges for Thodey Design but I think that’s what they thrive on.

“Probably the most difficult bits were that we had this high glazing and this roof - it was working out how all the angles would work so that we could have glazing where we shouldn’t have glazing and things like that,” said Mr Thodey.

“If we were to do it again I think we would probably do the whole house in it (CLT). We did the ground floor in brick and the first floor in CLT. “That was a decision made by all of us at the start because we didn’t really know it (CLT).”

What they did was build the ground floor in a traditional brick and then they craned in the CLT first floor with all the set out already done.

The first floor was together in around two and a half days once it was onsite, but as Mr Thodey stresses time and again; you need to be very organised from the start in order to build with CLT. And while he would be keen to use the material again, he would design an entire house from it not just the first floor.

Plus there are considerations not immediately apparent such as troublesome overhead power lines

and cranage costs, then there’s also some restrictions imposed by the materials themselves.

“I think what restricts it (CLT) in a way is that once you say ‘yes, this is what we want to do’, if site conditions change you can’t change,” said Mr Thodey.

“So if you start digging and you find rock where there shouldn’t be any, you need to change the landscape around the building rather than change the building.

“It does make it restrictive in that way.

“In flat open sites with good access it’s an amazing way to build.

“In terms of project homes and that type of thing, because they put them in new suburbs where all the power lines and that stuff is underground and they have a lot open area it could be a really good method.

“I think it’s a fantastic way of doing it.”

Apart from those challenges there were also a few others such as ensuring that everyone concerned was working off the same drawing all the time because often making a design change would change the thickness of the CLT and everyone had to be aware of it.

“Normally on jobs I go onsite and do a lot of designing onsite,” said Mr Thodey.

“Taking opportunities as we see them. This was a lot more rigid because you weren’t able to do that as much.

“You couldn’t identify opportunities onsite so we had to do that through our drawings and our modelling.

“You had to rely a lot more on your modelling and plans.”

Now that Thodey Design has used CLT what would make it easier?

“I think it would make a lot of difference if they didn’t have to ship it across (from New Zealand),” said Mr Thodey. “If someone were to open up a mill in Australia to do it, that would be ideal.”

Thodey Design - Building Designers Thodey Design specialises in providing a range of addition and alteration work to residential dwellings as well as new home, unit development and sustainable design services for residential customers across the Sydney Metro area. The company offers the full scope of design, drafting and construction documentation services as well as joinery design, construction advice and project management.

Thodey Designs has specialised in small sites, which typically have limited access, stringent council regulations, tough heritage constraints and poor sun, requiring ingenuity, practicality and forward thinking in design - and now CLT design as well.

“It’s a new engineering product and we’re always interested to see how these things pan out.”

T ALL started with Shaun Thodey because without him it’s unlikely Andrew Hastie would be in the picture. It shouldn’t be surprising because innovative people know other innovative people and Shaun knew Andrew.

“We’ve done a fair bit of work with Shaun Thodey Design,” said Andrew, a structural engineer with ACOR Consultants.

“Shaun proposed using this new product with Chris Swadling and that’s how we were brought into the deal.

“We had done a lot of work with Shaun and he recommended us as an engineering company.”

Mr Hastie was probably the one with the most experience with CLT and even that was fairly minimal.

“I’d done a concept using CLT but it only went as far as the concept it never went any further than that so I had heard of CLT and it was certainly something that’s interesting, one to put on the CV,” said Mr Hastie.

“It’s a new engineering product and we’re always interested to see how these things pan out.

“Because I’d done some prelim work with it on a previous project I had an understanding of CLT. “What was different on this one was we were using a combination of CLT and timber sandwich panels for the flooring. “ As with Shaun Thodey, Andrew Hastie also consulted Xlam in New Zealand about the general design process, what to look for, what to do and for general guidance.

Since Mr Hastie is a structural engineer he had a different perspective on the job at hand than Mr Thodey, he was fixing his sights on the nuts and bolts of the problem – in more ways that one.

“It was a really mixed design in terms of materials,” he said.

“Downstairs is a combination of full brick, brick veneer, timber and then trying to tie that into the

timber framing upstairs, where you’re not using conventional timber framing upstairs that was challenging.

“We had to try to use as much timber as possible and minimise the steel work because we were trying to showcase the product.

“That was a fair bit of challenge for us.

“Then once we moved on from that we were looking at the connections, trying to simplify the connections as much as possible.

“And that all came as a last minute rush during construction when the panels were delivered and we had to organise screws and everything like that.”

Mr Hastie is sure that should more CLT come into use in Australia some of the issues he faced would disappear. There would be a much better understanding not only of the product but also of the connectors and there would probably even be guidance in terms of connector designs.

“A lot of the connection design was coming out of Europe and we also looked at a Canadian guide,” said Mr Hastie.

“There’s no real guide based on our standards.”

Not only was guidance lacking in terms of how to meet Australian standards but there was little in the way of stock in Australia of suitable connectors particularly brackets such as those that connected the floor to the walls, ones with the correct capacity.

Connectors were harder than the actual use and designing with CLT. “Designing it was quite simple because you only have to look a few different options you’re not going to change your floor plate thickness throughout so we just had to look at a couple of spans,” said Mr Hastie.

“The roof came together quite easily because it was a nominal thickness that we used for insulation purposes and we had advice from Xlam. That was really easy.

“All the walls were simple residential construction. The panel design was quite easy.

“It was probably the connections and the intricate parts of making sure the CLT was completely supported, that was where the project had more thought and was more complex.”

In fact Mr Hastie, like Mr Thodey, was more than happy with the material finding it easy to use.

“I thought CLT was really easy to use, things went together really easily onsite once we got over

www.timberbiz.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

Andrew Hastie The structural engineer

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DECEMBER 2015

a few design hurdles,” he said. “I guess if we ever did a similar project again we would have a bit of forethought - ideas to avoid or better design ideas everything came out fairly well; there were no real major design issues that we couldn’t deal with.”

In the future simplifying the process would come down constructing a whole house or project with CLT as it would go together very quickly and from an engineering standpoint the ideal would be a concrete slab as a solid base. It was definitely a more difficult project because it was a mixed construction.

Engineering the project took longer than a normal project as everyone was using CLT as new material; if the job had been a standard two-storey residential build it is quite likely that Mr Hastie would not have even been called in.

According to Mr Hastie there is a future for the product in Australia but not in small-scale residential construction such as this project but rather in low to medium rise residential buildings where you have common floor areas.

“Xlam gave us a presentation where you can see the benefits of CLT are in construction, there can be quite good time saving,” he said.

“For general residential I don’t think it will ever be competitive with your standard residential framing.

“It would work really well but it would come down to the cost. I have no reason to believe that it can’t be used in residential but it’s such a tight market.

“I would certainly be interested in doing more CLT design, I’ve done it once and I don’t want to waste my experience.

“It’s a product we’ve been looking into and we’ve had meetings with Xlam and other builders who are looking at the option of CLT. “Builders are starting to catch on but it’s finding the right market.”

ACOR Consultants – engineering consultants ACOR Consultants is an Australia-wide group of multi-disciplined engineers, infrastructure planners, managers and designers with more than 17 years of proven experience in providing specialist civil, structural, remedial, hydraulic, fire and petrochemical services.

13

CLT

Builder speaks out about the CLT advantage “I have a little plan about where I could use it for speed of construction”

Richard Wolak The Builder

M

OST BUILDERS would run a mile if they got a brief to build a house half in a traditional build and half with a totally new material and then add to that the structural installation of a reclaimed 2 tonne bridge beam. Not Richard Wolak of Select Building, he ran towards it!

“Everything I do is, well not bespoke but a little bit out of the ordinary,” explained Mr Wolak. “I get a lot of that. A lot of things that other people are not interested in because they’re not straightforward jobs. I prefer something a little bit challenging. “ Here the common theme is obvious as all three – architect, engineer and builder - are open-minded and up for a challenge. They are all innovators and glass half full people.

Mr Wolak knew almost nothing about CLT when he started other than having seen a show called Grand Designs from the UK where the product was used to build a house. He hadn’t used it himself or seen it used in Australia.

In his opinion there were a lot of positives with the build even if there were a few worrying moments.

“For instance there was a beam in the building that the customer Chris (Swadling), specifically wanted in there,” said Mr Wolak. “So this was a rustic old beam that only a few people had seen. It was in Taree.

“We had to get the heights of the posts right for this beam to sit on because it was like 2.5 tonnes.

“The beam turned up the same day as the floor turned up and we’d not seen it until that day.”

A tolerance of 20mm was allowed for the beam in certain spots as they didn’t know how straight that beam would be but the CLT was very accurate.

Although Mr Wolak said it was lucky the beam dropped on the posts and fitted like a glove, I don’t think luck had much to do with it as he prides himself on his checks and balances.

“I was worried about getting my levels right on the first floor so I was in constant contact with the engineer and with Xlam,” said Mr Wolak.

“Asking them questions, the engineer was very helpful. I would phone him four or five times a day sometimes. We’d find a little problem and we would work it out, or he would give me a solution.

“I would stay behind after the lads had gone and check all my levels and my measurements. I like things to be accurate, like when I do my footings I like to spend a bit more time I don’t want to be rushed, I want them to be level, to be square. I appreciate accuracy.”

When the beam arrived Mr Wolak said everyone was a little concerned because they hadn’t seen it themselves and they had had to send drawings of where the posts were located to Taree for the workers there to cut notches in the beam. It was a critical part of the build as the floor had to sit on top of it.

Mr Wolak had allowed some tolerances so that they could pack the floor up to fit but it fitted perfectly.

Mr Wolak is naturally careful, accurate and obviously enjoys planning. He also spends a lot of time tick tacking with engineers on projects especially since his projects are not standard builds.

“There was a lot of planning involved; a lot of phone calls,” he said.

“A lot more than normal because it was an unknown product, but if I used it again we’d be more on top of it. I think the more planning the easier the process.

“When the panels came in the containers they were sorted into an order so that when they arrived

14

¢ P lanning is always crucial. Highly detailed aspects of what will be the finished product are a vital to the success of any building project, whether it be a new system or the taditional method.

on the truck the crane had them in the right order so that the crane could pick them up and give them to us in the right order.

“We started with the furthest floor panel away because that’s the way the lap in the floor panel works. Then the floor went down very quickly.

Actually all of it went very quickly.

“The downstairs would have taken us three months to build with the brickwork, slab everything - we did the upstairs in three days.”

According to Mr Wolak planning was critical and they relied on assistance from Xlam to ensure the project went to plan. Xlam gave them the headsup on how to transport the panels and the order in which they had to be packed on the truck and how they would go together.

“It’s very clever how accurate they (Xlam) were with step downs and set backs,” said Mr Wolak. “We also had to be aware of that when we did the ground floor build. We had to set our brickwork back to a certain point.”

Now that he has had ‘a little crack at it’ he believes that he would be much better prepared as CLT was an unknown product at the start and he already sees possibilities.

“Like the spans are incredible with it,” he said.

“I’d like to do things with big overhangs, like if I was to build a house out of it myself I would have big overhangs. I’d have the floors going out as far as I possibly could.”

Without doubt Mr Wolak relied on Andrew Hastie the engineer a lot during the build and had nothing but praise for him. Often times Mr Wolak would call AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

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Mr Hastie and discuss a problem that was difficult to visualize but it was handled with ease.

“It was like he was there with you,” said Mr Wolak. “It wouldn’t have been his only project.

“It was good to deal with Andrew, very helpful.

Everyone was enthusiastic, excited - it’s nice to do something a little bit different.

“At times there was a bit of pressure because if anything went wrong like with the height it was my fault and when there’s a crane there it’s also cost they don’t want it to be just sitting there, that crane’s got to be lifting panels.

“So the first day I must admit I was a bit worried.

I was happy it worked out very well. The last day I went home very happy.”

When Mr Wolak saw the floor panels going on so easily he thought to himself, ‘I could use this’ and now a germ of a plan is in his mind for the future.

“I have a little plan about where I could use it for speed of construction,” he said, “now that I’ve got the bit between my teeth.

“The costs are probably a little bit high because of the crane costs but then you’d have to do a spreadsheet to see how quick you would have done it with a timber frame. You’d have to do the costs against each other.”

Select Building Services – general builder Richard Wolak has been a builder for more than 32 years and works in the Sydney area. He can be contacted on 0407 140 166. www.timberbiz.com.au

PREFABRICATION

Innovative approach with timber boosts student accommodation

T

HE $16 million University of Tasmania student apartment complex at Inveresk has notched up a number of milestones. First, there was the crucial university involvement in design and development, then there was the establishment of a “production line” for the modular units, and then there was the engineering of highly specialised roof trusses for the unique complex... to name but a few!

University Acting Vice Chancellor Professor Mike Calford summed it perfectly when on a tour of the work in progress ... “We have had senior architecture academics on the design team for the project and alumni directly involved in the production and testing of the early prototype. The design uses an innovative approach in which individual units are full prefabricated with timber framing and then trucked to the site.”

He said this method was chosen not only because of the nature of the site but also because of the resultant faster and lighter overall build.

National builder Hutchinson was chosen for the job, and Project Manager Nick Scott takes up the story ...

Hutchinson has -- apart from a vast amount of other building projects -- been involved with modular building for quite some time and with obvious success. The modular factory at Yatala (between Brisbane and the Gold Coast) has been churning out units for a large number of projects

www.timberbiz.com.au

¢ Major project taking shape

for remote mining camps, remote houses, remote schools.

“This was a fully documented project,” he explained. “It went to tender as a modular option and also as a traditional option. I believe we were the only ones down here that could do the modular option which has a shorter time frame and would allow work to be finished for the start of the 2016 school year.”

Next came a site to establish the production line.

“We were probably a bit lucky to find a facility like the former Bunnings Trade Centre vacant and

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

DECEMBER 2015

it was ideal for the purpose and also close to the building site. We tailored the build process to suit the factory.”

A line system was installed to cover five work stations with each of the units being at a specific station for no longer than three days. Station one ... chassis, framed then move on!

In 15 days a completed unit was ready to be trucked to the site and then craned into position.

Nick explained that at some stages there were about 35 blokes working on the production line. He Continued next page

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PREFABRICATION Continued from previous page admitted there were a few teething problems at the start but problems were soon overcome and then it went very smoothly with 120 units prefabricated.

He said that the project had a focus on timber use ... “where timber could be used it was used,” he said.

It was a Green Five Star project.

When it came to the roof trusses, Nick described their use as “very interesting”. “The timber walkways aren’t supported from below they are suspended from above the ground floor area.

Basically, there’s two buildings in a H formation.

Two buildings are 20 modules long and stacked three high. Along each one of those buildings is the CLT walkway (1.8m wide) supported from above with a steel strap which is supported from the truss.

“Obviously the double truss was not something standard. We went through Multinail’s Tasmanian agent, EcoTruss, and they were able to think outside the box and come up with a system that would support that amount of weight. It was a first for them and for us,” said Nick.

According to Multinail the work (in a nutshell) involved: • Girder truss designed to carry three stories of suspended cantilevered balconies. 29kN live load for girder trusses • Built on ground with roofing installed on ground to reduce OH&S issues • Built in sections and craned into position Inveresk is home to the university’s School of Architecture and specialist research organisations such as the Centre for Sustainable Architecture with Wood (CSAW), which took a leading role in the development of then prefabrication system.

“Where we can we try to have our teaching research intersect in such a way it creates positive impact for industry and our communities. This apartment complex is a good example of that,” Professor Calford said.

¢ Some of the finer detail

¢ Truss work was crucial

¢ New accommadation complextaking shape

¢ S pecially configured production line

16

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

DECEMBER 2015

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PREFABRICATION

Sydney is the place to be

A

GAIN SYDNEY is taking precedence over Melbourne, this time with an upturn in the building industry, which is seeing some much needed excitement in terms of upgrading and modernising frame and truss businesses.

One such company is Oxley Frame & Truss, which is located in Bowral and also Goulburn and has been recently purchased by Daryl Prothero.

Some in the industry may know of the Prothero name as his father George owns one of the largest Truss plants in Australia, Alpine Truss located

Wangaratta, Victoria. Daryl is a builder by trade so has a lot of knowledge about frame and truss work and he is putting it to good use.

After being in the building trade for about 10 years, this is the first time Daryl has managed a company of this size and is thriving on the challenge.

With his experience and understanding from being on site as a builder he is able to supply a quality product that works onsite and is delivered on time.

On 1 July 2015, Daryl along with his wife and business partner Paige took

¢ Production manager Nickalus Cooney and Daryl Prothero (right).

over the business and immediately set to work on upgrading the facility.

“That first weekend we started it was all systems go we took the old equipment out and replaced it with updated machinery. We worked after hours and weekends so that workflow wasn’t interrupted. It was a bit of a hectic time, but we got through it,” said Daryl.

“In both our Bowral and Goulburn plants we have upgraded our factory with the latest saws and truss pressing equipment available.”

Since then the company has been able to increase production to three times what it was in the past without losing any quality. Daryl was very keen to maintain the reputation that had been established by the previous owners and he’s done that admirably with new work

coming in strongly.

And help is always on hand from his father George.

“It’s been great having my dad’s support and knowledge to bounce ideas off and to get advice from.”

Currently the company is supplying to the Southern Highlands of New South Wales and the Sydney area. They’ve also had to supply product to the border of New South Wales/Queensland by customer request.

“Paige and I believe the success of the business is all based around our employees. We have a great group of employees who are our most valuable asset.”

Daryl and Paige look forward to growing the business and seeing where they can take the business.

ATS

Advanced Timber Systems

¢ S uccess of the business is all based around employees.

61 Briggs Road, Raceview QLD 4305 Ph: 07 3288 8170 Fax: 07 3288 8176 Email: info@timbersystems.com.au Web: www.timbersystems.com.au

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DECEMBER 2015

17

SAWMILLING

World-class hi-tech from the wood sector for export

M

ÄNTYHARJU-BASED Veisto Oy is a company that serves the wood product industry globally, designing and manufacturing production lines for the sawmill industry. Through its manufacture of HewSaw sawing machines, Veisto has become one of the world’s largest manufacturers of timber production lines and most of its production goes to export. Its key market areas in addition to Finland are Sweden, Russia, North America, Australia, Central Europe and the Baltic countries.

The production lines manufactured by Veisto are especially designed for the global softwood market, which handles about 300 million cubic metres (worth €50 billion) per year. Of the world’s production of timber, about 10% is sawn on HewSaw machines made

by Veisto.

“We have great faith in the global growth of the timber market, which is being generated by the increase in wood construction and by increasing and renewing the machinery stock of the sawmill industry,” says Markku Rautio, Managing Director of Veisto Oy. Rautio believes that the popularity of renewable raw materials in construction will increase the size of the wood product industry.

“As the population grows, the share of the middle class will increase, as will the demand for construction. The growth in ecological values brings an increasing demand for renewable materials and I believe that this will be targeted expressly at timber construction. As the consumption of wood increases with rising living standards and population growth, I see enormous potential for the future,” he says.

Significant players in energy production “Correspondingly, the use of oil-based products will decline, because it is an exhaustible raw material. The price of oil will increase and this will reduce the use of oil-based and energy-intensive construction materials such as concrete, aluminium, steel and plastics. As a result of all this, the competitiveness of wood and sawn goods will improve,” Rautio added. Sawmills and their forest departments and by-products are also significant players in energy production, making the future look interesting also in this field.

Rautio also says that the significance of the health effects of wood will also grow stronger in future construction. Moisture and problems with mould in concrete construction are putting pressure on dry industrial construction, which is a field where the development of wood construction systems and products will be highly significant.

¢ M arkku Rautio.

¢ T he HewSaw Head Office in Mäntyharju, Finland, utilises as much timber as possible in its design and construction.

Sawing technology creating new markets for small logs Veisto is a family firm that moved from sawing to the manufacture of sawing machines in the early 1960s, when it produced its first hewing machine for the then hot Egyptian beam market.

“We are located in the middle of the forest and have succeeded here because we have invested in our own product development, which strengthens our expertise and enables the development of new products. We constantly engage in product development projects with our customers. We produce quality products and guarantee delivery and service reliability, for example, by providing spare parts anywhere in the world at short notice,” says Rautio.

The small log machine kick-started the industrial manufacture of sawing machines and later whole sawing lines, and created completely new markets for customers.

“Whilst previously no small logs were taken from forests, thanks to our sawing machinery a new market was created for raw wood that had previously been considered worthless. In Canada, for example, they were previously unable to process the tops of

saw-timber trees, from which they can now efficiently saw small beams.

New economic conditions “The new industrial use of small logs also created new economic conditions for thinning forests, which in turn increases their growth.

“As a result of the success of a few customers who were not afraid to experiment, the machinery began to sell itself. A single line could produce a thousand cubic metres in one shift. Although our sawing lines can process all sizes of material, our specialty is making small log sawing extremely efficient.“ Rautio emphasises that merely by developing sawing technologies and improving their efficiency, a sawmill company can adapt to the negative price development of timber. In the 1980s, the price of timber was a thousand Finnish marks per cubic metre and today it remains almost the same at below €200. “Sawing speed has increased from 50 metres a minute to 300 metres, which translates as 72 processed logs per minute. In addition to speed, we have also developed crook-sawing, which takes the shape of the log into account, allowing sawing in the direction of the grain and thus improving the strength of the wood. The end-product is straightened in a kiln, resulting in an extremely durable product.”

¢ L atest Safety barriers and maintenance platforms installed on the HewSaw SL250 3.4 Saw Line at Metsäwoods new sawmill in Vilppula, Finland.

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DECEMBER 2015

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NEWS Following the state of the wood product industry Veisto engages in typical project-based business activities, and its turnover reflects the susceptibility of investment decisions to economic conditions and the difficulty of forecasting order schedules.

“Our operations go hand-in-hand with the economic conditions of the construction, wood product and sawmill industries. For example, the 911 terrorist attacks in the USA froze investments all over the world for almost a year.“ According to Rautio, the only way to survive in this sector is through technical expertise, highquality products and comprehensive services that include a reliable global spare parts service and the maintenance and modernisation of sawing lines. “We concentrate on sawing lines, but we compensate for this narrow product focus with global sales and service. The competitiveness of our products stems from efficiency in production volumes and the utilisation of raw materials, which is based on high-quality Finnish expertise in the fields of mechanical engineering and automation technology.”

Veisto’s sawing lines and machines incorporate highly developed robot technology and take into account aspects of the Nordic working environment. “Our sawing lines have no dust or chips flying about. They are quiet and the maintenance of machinery and equipment is designed to be carried out ergonomically and safely.

This also affects the quality of the timber, because blade changes can be done easily and safely. The quality of the wood chips generated as a by-product is also important to the end-user.

“The best price for the end-product is obtained when the log can be positioned log-specifically for sawing. This is made possible by utilising the measuring data to the full for the best possible end-result. A laser beam is shot onto the side of the log, a camera takes a picture of it and makes a 3D model of its outer surface and then sorts it by this information. X-ray technology is also increasingly used in the sawmill industry. Although the production of sawn timber is often underrated, these days the sawmill industry, which is significant in terms of the net value of its exports, is a hi-tech industry,” says Rautio.

¢ I nfeed to the HewSaw Log Rotator and Positioner

¢ Cant

conveyor after the Chipper Canter on HewSaw Saw line

¢ The HewSaw SL2503.3 Saw Line at Farges, France

The same industry-leading news, views and ad’s you’re reading in this issue are now available on-line as well.

While we know print is the most convenient form for reading in the yard, lunchroom or highlighting an important point for the next reader, we also know that many of our readers want to go straight to websites or send emails or links from the articles and ad’s they’re reading.

Now available on-line ...and covering New Zealand

Visit www.timberbiz.com.au/atm today to view your copy online australasian

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19

TRAINING

Are you ready for the next generation of change? Future proofing your business by upskilling your staff!

Dire predictions as the working population continues to rapidly age

By Dr June Dunleavy General Manager FITEC Australia Pty Ltd

H

OW MANY times have you heard employers moan about the fact that they are struggling to find good workers for their business?

Current economic indicators suggest that in key states such as New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland growth in the housing market continues to boom with a record number of housing approvals occurring in the past two years. Of course, this has a flow-on effect for those manufacturers and suppliers in the forest and timber industry.

Yet, many businesses in our sector are struggling to find suitable workers.

And this trend is set to continue exponentially over the next 5-10 years.

Ageing population ABS Census data indicates that the 35% of the workforce in the forest and logging industry in 2011 was aged 45 years and over. In 2016, five years on, that figure now increases to 48%.

Have you ever taken time to stand back and look at the average age of your workforce, your management team or

your highly skilled workers? How many of these staff are set to retire in the next 5-10 years? If you don’t have well documented processes and procedures and training strategies in place, all of the knowledge and expertise could well be leaving with them!

Already in our industry we have severe shortages in estimating and detailing and wood machining. Frame and truss companies are now sending their work overseas because the cost for basic estimating and detailing is cheaper.

So have you really thought about succession planning, upskilling your existing staff and bringing in new, younger workers that you can train up?

I am sure you all know that the definition of insanity is doing the same old thing and expecting a different result!

The benefits of training Research clearly shows that training and development and upskilling of your staff is directly linked to improvements in labour productivity, reduced errors, more efficient business operations, reduction of lost time through reduced workplace health and safety incidents and the ability of an organisation to cope with a changing landscape including more demanding customer expectations.

If you are currently investing in better machinery, IT systems, trucks, cars, facilities and equipment, are you equally investing in your people?

It is a well-known fact that frontline staff know how to improve the business that they work in typically more so than any senior manager or business owner.

Many of you would be worried about investing the time and money into

training and development of your staff and then your employee leaves. But what if you don’t train them and they continue to make the same old mistakes or perform at the same old level?

These days there are no excuses for employers and businesses not to invest.

Both State and Federal Government funding is generally available through programs such as Smart and Skilled, the Industry Skills Fund and various User Choice state-based funding programs.

This type of funding can be available for both existing and new workers and for either part of full qualifications.

If you are worried about how this all works, use a Group Training Organisation (GTO) to take the hassle out of finding the “right” person for your business and employing and training them, so that you have a readymade, highly skilled new worker who can add value to your business.

Sitting back and doing nothing these days is not an option. Watch your competitors pass you by!

These days there are organisations that are out there to help you improve your business whether that might be through a business health check, a workplace health and safety audit or a training needs analysis (gap analysis).

In some instances, these services may be complimentary or provided at a reduced rate.

So what’s the next step? Ask TABMA or FITEC to provide you with some assistance in these areas. Both organisations are Not for Profit who know the Forest and Timber Industry inside out.

At the every least visit our web site at www.fitec.edu.au or www.tabma.com. au or call 1300 693 483 or 1800 622 821.

After all, your workforce is not getting any younger, the time to act is now!

Focus on quality training outcomes FITEC Australia Pty Ltd (formerly FITEC Australia Inc) is one of the largest national providers of vocational training and assessment to the forest and timber industry in Australia.

It is registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) and delivers nationally recognised vocational qualifications and a range of short course training across all sectors of the forest and timber industry, including sales, warehousing and logistics.

Established in 1998 as a not for profit industry association, FITEC is governed by industry members. It came under the TABMA umbrella in April.

FITEC’s focus is on quality training outcomes rather than profits. It operates on a training demand basis therefore it responds quickly to training demand and schedules training based on the individual customers identified needs.

FITEC Australia recognises that the forest industry is a ‘thin training market’ which is dispersed widely, often in remote locations. It does not as a rule, schedule training activities and expect employers to fit into that schedule, rather it consults with employers to ensure offerings match the needs of clients.

Although FITEC Australia is headquartered in Queensland, FITEC delivers training on a demand basis throughout Australia.

More details at www.fitec.edu.au or www.tabma.com.au or call 1300 693 483 or 1800 622 821.

The FITEC team Dr June Dunleavy - General Manager As the General Manager for FITEC Australia Pty Ltd, June possesses a wealth of knowledge and over 15 years of managing Registered Training Organisations (RTO) with scope that has included business, retail, and customer service qualifications, through to high risk training/licensing, workplace health and safety and also with an industry trade college which included plumbing and fire technicians.

Steve Jackson - NSW Trainer NSW-based Steve has extensive experience in the Frame & Truss industry. He has more than 20 years proven expertise in residential and commercial development, manufacturing, design and draughting, quantity surveying, project management, sales and service in New Zealand and Australia. He has experience in ‘new’ technology testing and development of Pryda and MiTek based software.

Pai Teao - Queensland Trainer

Kim Jones - Senior Office Administrator

Pai is a dedicated and inspirational trainer who has developed his leadership and mentoring qualities as a FITEC trainer for over seven years. With focus on enhancing the educational development of his trainee’s, Pai is an exceptionally knowledgeable industry expert who is an influential student motivator. Spanning over almost 30 years, Pai promotes a plethora of expert knowledge and first-hand experience in truss manufacturing, sawmilling and processing, and warehousing and distribution sectors.

Kim is a dedicated and conscientious leader who thrives in her key role at FITEC as a senior office administrator. Kim brings to FITEC expert administrative knowledge and a positive and charismatic attitude. Kim is an asset to the FITEC team as she recognises the importance of good time management, managing the responsibility of client’s needs and always offering a helping hand.

Dean Wilson - Queensland Trainer

With over 10 years of experience in the timber and hardware industry, Dean has a profound knowledge of coordination, planning and management of manufacturing in the frame and truss division as well as the engineering and timber floor division.

Dean has qualifications ranging from a Certificate IV in Material Supervision, Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training, Certificate IV in Frontline Management and holds a Forklift License and Chainsaw License.

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Naema Shah - Senior Office Administrator Naema Shah is a senior office administrator at FITEC and has extensive experience in RTO training and administration. Her training experience has developed within the retail, food and child services sector. Naema’s knowledge in these sectors complements her key qualities of personal integrity, communication skills and an impeccable eye for detail.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

DECEMBER 2015

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TRAINING

World of opportunities opening up for students

A

WORLD of opportunities in the timber processing industry is opening up for two Year 12 students who have just completed the first year of their two year school-based traineeship with Carter Holt Harvey Wood Products (CHH) at the Tumut Facility sawmill.

Justin Day and Jessie O’Brien were selected from a number of high school hopefuls early in 2015, all very eager to get a foot in the door towards an apprenticeship or full time employment with CHH. Each Wednesday, Justin and Jessie do a full day’s paid work at the mill; they also have the opportunity to work during school holidays. Their goal is to achieve competency in all of the Units that make up Certificate II in Sawmilling and Processing, which will contribute to their Higher School Certificate. The workplace skills they progressively learn over the two year traineeship are complemented by fortnightly face-to-face meetings with their TAFE trainer who is based locally at the Forest Industry Training Centre (Riverina Institute Tumut campus).

CHH Tumut Facility Manager Warren Green has actively supported the school based traineeship program, and is currently planning for another two trainees to commence in 2016.

“We get the pick of the applicants and we are able to train them from the grass roots up, with the hope that they will realise a future in the forest products industry; we have an established career pathway and the sky is the limit for the trainee who has the right attitude and an aptitude for teamwork in our safety conscious environment.”

Site Coordinator and qualified trainer Vicki Keogh has been instrumental in developing and accessing the skills of Jesse and Justin, with assistance from other qualified T&A on site. “You have to realise they are teenagers working in an adult world and it takes them some time to gain confidence. It’s a big cultural shift from school to the workplace and we all try hard to support the transition. I keep in touch with Janice McDonald in the office and the various section supervisors, to ensure the training and assessment program is running smoothly and Jesse and Justin are hitting their milestones.”

Jessie and Justin were given an opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a variety of work areas in the mill earlier this month. Under the eye of an ever watchful Vicki Keogh and accompanied by their TAFE trainer, the two trainees worked with confidence and enthusiasm. Both agreed that the hands on approach to learning worked best for them, with Jessie keen to add that he enjoyed data entry and using the computers in this high tech processing environment.

¢ Jessie O’Brien has a real flair for computers.

¢ Justin Day And Vicki Keogh closing kiln door safely.

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¢ Justin Day in the UKAIH cabin.

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21

TRAINING

Hands-on training at timber research facility

A

USTRALIAN RESEARCHERS in Brisbane are hosting two young South Pacific islanders for hands-on training in veneer production at Australia’s leading timber product research facility.

“This is a really exciting opportunity for these two young people,” said University of Tasmania’s Associate Professor Greg Nolan. Greg is project leader of an Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) funded project focusing on uses for the senile coconut stems in Pacific Island nations. The CocoVeneer project aims to enhance livelihoods in South Pacific communities through producing a sustainable veneer product from coconut palm stems and utilising any residue material for agricultural and similar by-products.

Other project participants include the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), the Secretariat of the Pacific Communities (SPC), and the national food agencies in Fiji, Samoa and the Solomon Islands.

As part of the ACIAR project, Ilikimi Carati-Bokadi and Moana BergmaierMasau are currently undergoing extensive training at DAF’s Salisbury facility to develop their skills in independent research and development with veneer-based products.

“This is all very challenging but exciting,” said mother of two, Moana.

With a Bachelor in Science and a Graduate Certificate in Timber, Moana has been working as a coconut wood veneer technician with SPC since 2013.

“I never expected an opportunity like this to come up,” she said, “but I am learning so much. All the research and technical team at DAF are so professional in their approach, but so easy to work with. It’s hard work but

fun at the same time.”

“It’s a real joy to have them with us,” said Rob McGavin, Research Facility and Project Manager at the DAF facility at Salisbury. “It just reinforces the relationships that exist between South Pacific communities and Australia.”

Rob is also leading the research into peeling the coconut into veneer and assembling products.

After their return to Fiji, Moana and Ilikimi will help support adoption in the Pacific of a quickly developing processing technology: the use of spindleless lathes to process small diameter logs into veneer for engineered wood products.

Dr Denis Blight, Chief Executive of the Crawford Fund, has been thoroughly impressed by the progress and initiative shown by these two young Fijians.

“This demonstrates the real value of Australia’s ongoing involvement with development projects and we are happy to assist these two people develop their skill.” The Crawford Fund has generously helped sponsor the training.

“The training of Moana and Ilikimi will improve the understanding and future research in the area of veneer production at SPC in the South Pacific.

They will be able to use the skills they have learned over their visit to train and guide other members of the CocoVeneer production team in Fiji,” said Associate Professor Nolan.

The CocoVeneer project follows the Cocowood Project where the use of senile coconut palms in wood products was examined. ACIAR, a statutory authority that aims to improve agricultural practices in developing countries through research and development, has funded both projects.

¢ I likimi, Rob and Moana – Rob McGavin, QDAF Facility Manager, is spending six weeks training Ilikimi and Moana in CocoVeneer production.

¢ I likimi, Moana and Ian – Ian Clayton, colour specialist from the UTAS School of Architecture and Design, has been demonstrating the broad colour range available in CocoVeneer to Fijian wood technicians, Moana and Ilikimi.

Hyne Timber winner of Queensland State Training Awards HYNE TIMBER’S Queensland State Training Award completed a trifecta for the company. The third leg in the prestigious award series came after having previously been announced winner of the North Coast Region Training Awards and also having been inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame in July.

“Not only is this award an achievement our employees and the company as a whole can be very proud of, but it also reaffirms state wide, that what we are delivering, the results we are achieving, and the

value we place on our people has been identified as the best in Queensland.” said Jon Kleinschmidt, CEO of Hyne Timber.

He said professional development of employees was taken very seriously at Hyne Timber with dedicated resources to ensure continuous organisational development and learning.

“Training and continuous improvement is one of the essential elements towards future proofing Hyne Timber.

“Our training is designed to empower employees

¢ Mark Lourigan and Peter Hyne celebrate the news. Photo: Hyne Timber

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AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

to challenge the status quo, engage in the company’s growth strategy and work as teams to introduce innovative solutions and initiatives.

Hyne Timber is in the process of graduating around 480 employees nationwide with either a Certificate III or IV in Competitive Systems and Practices, by hosting celebratory events and certificate presentations.

All employees are required to undertake the national qualification which takes approximately two years to complete.

¢ P eter Hyne, Rob Emms, Marie Walker, Katie Fowden, Jon Kleinschmidt, Jamin Tietz and Jeff Stringer at the awards night. Photo: Hyne Timber

DECEMBER 2015

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TRAINING

50 years of imparting knowledge and still at the top

I

N MID-October, Waiariki celebrated the 50th anniversary of Waipa Campus and the contribution it has made to the New Zealand region’s forestry and wood processing industries.

For roughly 125 years forestry has formed a significant part of the Bay of Plenty’s primary industries economy and Rotorua has played a major part in this.

Since the first exotic forests were planted in the area and the earliest forestry nursery was established at Whakarewarewa in the 1890s, many changes, milestones, developments and growth have taken place.

From humble buildings, to state-of-the-art industry training and tertiary facilities, Waipa Campus is now a hive of learning, developing, research and hands-on instruction for forestry, wood manufacturing, agriculture and horticulture students and staff.

The idea of establishing a national training sawmill was first suggested as a joint venture between the New Zealand Forest Service and the timber processing industry. Its purpose was to train the workers in the numerous independent sawmills around the country in the best and most up-to-date saw doctoring, timber machining and sawmill operation methods and technology.

Construction at Waipa commenced and the Timber Industry Training Centre (TITC) opened for courses in late February 1966.

The first course was held on saw doctoring, run over a three-week period, and trained 31 workers and apprentices from throughout New Zealand. Over the next two decades, TITC trained thousands of saw millers and timber workers from New Zealand and around the world and firmly established its reputation as the national training centre for the sawmilling industry.

In 1988, TITC was transferred to Waiariki Polytechnic and the following year it became part of the polytechnic’s School of Forestry and Timber Processing. Waipa Campus is now part of Waiariki Institute of Technology’s National Centre of Excellence for the Forest and Wood Industry within the Faculty of Applied Technology and Primary Industries.

The campus looks vastly different now compared to its early days as growth and development has continued: new office block and classrooms were built in 1986-87; the original sawmill which burnt down was replaced in 1996; and new timber drying kilns were built in the late-1990s.

The most recent investment, at a cost of $2.5 million, was completed in 2011. This included installation of a high-tech gasification plant to provide the energy required for timber drying; creation of a timber construction and manufacturing laboratory for testing glue bonds, timber strength and suitability properties, and more; upgraded teaching facilities; upgraded saw doctoring workshops; and construction of a tunnel-house and vegetable gardens for the horticulture program.

“Waipa Campus has been the leading industry trainer for 50 years,” said John Kelly, head of engineering, technologies and construction at Waiariki Institute of Technology.

In the 24 years he’s been involved he’s seen numerous changes, having been a student, tutor and manager at the campus. “It was pretty much the original sawmill and buildings back in the day. Everything was very manual and the machine, which had an old style digital counter would have been the most modern,” he said.

“In the ‘90s there was a limited range of computer equipment available whereas this era is more computer controlled.”

¢ Operating the resaw at Waiariki’s Sawmill.

VicForests helps students hone woodworking skills VICFORESTS has provided funding to Orbost North Primary School for a wood working program through its 2015/16 Community Support Program.

The Orbost North Primary School runs a weekly after school program for prep to grade six students.

Principal Jo Dacy-Broome said this year’s woodwork program aimed to encourage students to respect the renewable resource of timber surrounding them.

“So far students of all ages have been delighted to take home a wooden picture frame of their own making with their unique designs. Most of the children have used the frames as a special present for their family,” Ms Dacy Broome said.

She said the after school program has been a great way for students to learn new skills, achieve satisfaction and success.

Ms Dacy-Broome thanked VicForests for the grant to pay for the equipment for students.

Other groups that received funding this year include a local Indigenous training group and schools.

VicForests’ annual Community Support Program helps regional community groups and services, who are positively contributing to their local area.

The VicForests initiative, now in its sixth year, has provided over $300,000 to communities as well as a number of in-kind donations and ongoing support to other groups and services across the State. www.timberbiz.com.au

Apprenticeships Traineeships

¢ This work is framin’ brilliant!

Orbost North Primary School students Alex Knight and Dustin Bommer sanding their wooden frames.

Liz Langford, Regional Engagement Manager with VicForests, said the grants are supporting the important work of community organisations.

“Many of our staff live and work in regional Victoria and VicForests is proud to support these communities.

“Each year we have a great response from organisations applying for a grant and we’re happy to be able to reach out and help many different groups and projects,” Ms Langford said.

VicForests’ Community Support Program assists organisations that contribute to the wellbeing of local communities by providing grants of up to $2,000 to charity, sporting, educational and community groups in regional Victoria.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

Framework of the Timber Industry.

1800 822 621 www.tabma.com.au

DECEMBER 2015

23

ASSOCIATIONS

Light weight construction is only going to get bigger within the frame and truss industry

By Kersten Gentle Executive Officer FTMA Australia

F

TMA AUSTRALIA has had another busy year representing frame and truss fabricators in every state and territory. Industrial relations continues to be a big issue for members and where we can FTMA Australia helps as the first port of call. WorkCover, Dismissal, OHS, Award rates or long service leave are just a few of the topics members have phoned about throughout the year. If FTMA Australia cannot assist directly, further assistance from Emma Watt or Brian Beecroft from Timber Trade Industrial Association is provided and depending on the seriousness of the issue, they then deal directly with the member.

FTMA Australia, unlike others, do not make additional funds from this or charge extra rates. We simply assist members and get you to use these services paying their fees directly without us adding cream on the top!

We will continue to develop policies to assist members in relation to OHS and Industrial Relations as well as expand our FTMA Fact sheets in the next 12 months with all information posted on the member’s only section of the newly designed FTMA website.

FTMA is the first port of call for members so they can continue to get on with the job of manufacturing whilst we support them every step of the way.

The area of light-weight construction is only going to get bigger within the frame and truss industry with the expected passing of NCC 2016 regulations to build commercial buildings up to 8 stories in timber construction. FTMA does not believe CLT is not the answer here, our sectors lightweight systems are. Prefabricated floors, walls and roofs will provide a new market opportunity for our sector. We

understand that this is not something everyone will want to do but is something as an industry we must grab because if we don’t others will.

We have to address the fact that the Aussie dream of having a home on a block of land is changing to owning an apartment with a shared common area. Housing markets are on the increase but our ‘traditional’ market is reducing with apartment approvals being 46.7% of all housing approvals and the 4+ storey apartments are dominating. FWPA and groups like Wood Products Victoria are focusing on what this means for the wider timber industry and it is important that FTMA Australia continues to liaise with these groups to identify what is needed for our industry to be ready for this change in May 2016.

FTMA continues to keep track of the national industry as well as the national housing forecasts. In October our national database update was completed. This database shows a decrease in the number of fabricators whilst there has been an increase in the housing approvals.

This of course reflects the change as mentioned above. See Figure 1 I would like to recognise the FTMA Australia board which consists of Clive Martella, Michael Read, John Oulton, Peter Reilly, Mark Smiles, Ian Ashby, Phil McCormack, Joe Hackett, Shelena Serrano, Jamie Dahlsen, Geoff Baxter and Phil Ladson.

This board does an outstanding job committing their limited time to help build the Association and improve things within our industry and their input is truly appreciated.

Michael Read and Phil Ladson have not renewed their positions on the board. Michael has been on the board since 2008 and his input has been valuable and like most board members it is a two way street with both the Association and the board member learning from each other.

Phil Ladson is our longest serving board member and upon his retirement from the board will have been a Director of the FTMA Board for 10 years, since our inception and of course was involved prior to this with the old Victorian Roof Truss & Wall frame Association.

Figure 1 2013 Fabricator Plants

2013 Housing Statistics *#

2015 Fabricator Plants

2015 Housing Statistics *#

ACT

4

4.49

4

3.01

NSW

95

44.44

89

54.06

NT

4

2.13

3

1.62

QLD

65

32.49

61

43.20

SA

24

9.68

21

9.86

TAS

5

1.76

4

2.26

VIC

91

46.99

84

56.26

WA

18

26.12

17

27.37

Resource HIA Economics Forecasts May 2015 *Thousand starts # Combination of houses & multi-units

24

¢ A davantage Card John Harris presenting at November Networking Dinner on the many benefits of AdvantageCard

hil’s presentation – First director ¢ P to serve full 10 years

At a recent FTMA Dinner in November, the Association had the opportunity of thanking Phil for all his hard work and dedication and recognise his 10 years’ service.

Over the years there has been much debate as to the roll of suppliers on the FTMA Board, however, Phil is the perfect example of why suppliers working hand in hand in fabricators works so successfully. The time Phil has put in to FTMA Australia over the past 10 years has been amazing and all with the support of his employers Lamcal & Multinail.

The November Networking Dinner provided AdvantageCard and AdvantagePlus the opportunity to present the exciting new benefits for FTMA Australia members.

AdvantageCard is Australia’s only multi trader rewards and loyalty program. Your customers receive a cash rebate using sophisticated technology and a proven marketing plan which can dramatically increase loyalty and spend. Cash points earned can be spent with any partner including back with you. This ensures that you reward your best customer’s

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

DECEMBER 2015

¢ Phil Ladson & Trish Waters

TMA Founding Directors, Peter ¢ F Wines presents Phil Ladson with gift

year in year out.

AdvantagePlus offer financial services tailored to meet the needs of those involved in the Building and Construction Industry. First Class Capital is an AdvantagePlus strategic www.timberbiz.com.au

ASSOCIATIONS

¢ N ada Manoski (The Truss People) with Phil Ladson

¢ L -R: Afzal Laphir (Pryda), Brendan Schneider (Sunbury Wallframes & Trusses) & Wilson Bond (Trusswall Aust Pty Ltd)

partner offering a perfect cash flow solution for members, suppliers and their customers!

You get paid within 48 hours of delivery of your sale, whilst providing eligible customers with 6 monthly instalment payment terms. Imagine being able to tell selected customers they are pre-approved for $20,000 finance with the option for increased finance. For more information on how you can benefit from this program please contact me on 0418 226 242 and we will organise for a representative to come and talk to you about these products.

Finally 2016 is our 10th year so happy birthday to us. Our sponsors, along with our growing membership, is what keeps us going and I would like to sincerely thank our sponsors for their commitment: Gold – Multinail & Pryda who have been here basically since the beginning.

Silver – AB Phillips (formerly Austbroker Phillips), HealthCare Insurance & Vekta Automation Bronze – Daw Trading, CHHWP, Dindas Australia, Hundegger Australasia, Hyne Timber, LP Building Products, McCormack Hardwood Sales and StoraEnso FTMA Australia will be running a National Roadshow in 2016 to celebrate our 10 years. The seminars will be for owners and managers only and will focus on key issues affecting our industry. More information to be sent out in the New Year.

FTMA wishes all readers and members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please stay safe and enjoy the break with family and friends and we look forward to seeing you all in 2016, re-energised for another busy year.

¢ L -R: FTMA Board Members Peter Reilly (Dindas), Joe Hackett (Complete Frames) & Shelena Serrano (Vekta Automation)

¢ FTMA Board member Jamie Dahlsen (Dahlsen Building Centres) with FTMA Book-keeper Trish Waters

GOLD

SILVER

SPONSORS

SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

Australasia

MEDIA

INDEPENDENT & AUSTRALIAN OWNED

New TABMA WH&S services

By Colin Fitzpatrick Chief Executive Officer Timber & Building Materials Association (Aust.) Ltd

T

HE TABMA WHS inspection service has been a key service for many of our members for almost 20 years. After numerous requests from members, TABMA is expanding and enhancing the TABMA WHS Inspection Service to include a nationwide footprint and the following new offerings: • The TABMA WHS Diagnostic Service - This service is a being designed for both those businesses that have and don’t have a safety management system. This diagnostic will prompt you to consider whether or not you have effective systems, policies and risk management practices in place across a wide range of Work Health & Safety (WHS) areas. Starting at $250.00 for TABMA Members.

• The TABMA Hazard Identification Service continues, however, TABMA in recent years have been using external contractors to deliver our hazard identification service. This service will continue but in future will be delivered

by TABMA field officers and FITEC Australia trainers who have recently completed specific training in this area.

This efficiency means that TABMA has been able to reduce the cost of this service by $200 and is now just $550.00 for TABMA members. www.timberbiz.com.au

• The TABMA WHS Health Check or System Audit is our premium service and is available to members starting at $1200.00 per site. This service will give members a complete review of their safety management systems including: management commitment and WHS Policies, planning, training and records management, consultation and communication, risk management, contractor management, emergency management, injury management, performance management and evaluation and continuous review and improvement.

• These services are available to both members and non-members. TABMA members receive substantial discounts on these services.

• As separate but linked services, • In conjunction with our insurance broker Gow-Gates, TABMA can also assist you in reviewing your workers compensation premium to ensure that you are managing this area effectively. Under certain circumstances this service may be available free to members.

• FITEC Australia can offer various levels of training in Workplace Health and Safety ranging from a 1 day Workshop to a complete Certificate IV in Workplace Health and Safety Qualification.

For an obligation free information kit or to discuss your requirements, please contact our National Training and Development Manager, Steve Cunningham on 02 9277 3100 or Steve@tabma.com. au.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

DECEMBER 2015

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS TABMA was excited and proud to announce a new service for members that debuted on November 2.

The TABMA Workplace Advice Line is offered to all TABMA members nationally free of charge until June 30 2016 after which the service will be offered at a very competitive rate. This service is the result of collaboration with the NSW Business Chamber through its registered industrial relations arm, Australian Business Industrial and in association with its law firm, Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors Pty Limited (ABLA). All TABMA members will be able to seek general advice in the following areas, on an advice line private number.

• Industrial relations information • Human resources issues • Award provisions and interpretation • Wage rates • Redundancy and termination • Workers Compensation • Creating a flexible work place At the time of making the call the TABMA member must provide the advice line staff evidence demonstrating they are a current, fully paid up TABMA member, by quoting their membership number which has been sent to all members.

The workplace advice line operates between 8.30am and 5.30pm Sydney Time, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

Members must be aware the advice line does not include the provision of any specialized legal advice.

Formal legal opinions can be obtained separately at special TABMA discounted hourly rates from ABL lawyers if required.

25

ASSOCIATIONS

Historic timber industry alliances formed Brian Beecroft Chief Executive Officer Timber Trade Industrial Association

I

T HAS truly been an historic few months in the timber and building products industry for cooperation between key national Associations.

The Timber Trade Industrial Association (TTIA), the largest and principal federally registered national body that represents a cross section of the industry on Industrial Relations, Workplace Health and Safety and Workers Compensation, has formally signed agreements with both the Australian Timber Importers Federation and the Timber Preservers Association of Australia to provide an extensive range of services and benefits for their Members at a cost effective rate.

As part of the arrangement, these Associations are able to share their expertise on a wide range of services including illegal logging related due diligence and legal compliance and associated risks, as well as employment and safety issues for the benefit of Members. It will also enhance industry and co-ordinate a consistent response when dealing with government departments and authorities.

In addition, increased membership numbers will allow all three organisations to better access Member discounts and benefits on a range of products including fuel, energy, Telco, business insurance, IT support, training and recruitment services for their membership.

From a TTIA viewpoint, I see it as valuable to be able to offer new services through this alliance such as being able to assist our Members to complete illegal logging and due diligence compliance requirements necessary under the Federal Government’s legislation.

Garrie James, President of the Timber Preservers Association of Australia (TPAA), also warmly welcomes the co-operation between like-minded timber organisations. “The formal alliance with the TTIA demonstrates Associations in our industry can put self-interest aside and genuinely work together to expand services without unnecessary duplication of each other’s services for the benefit of our respective

Members and the industry at large. It is pleasing these arrangements apply across the various States and represent a strong national voice and presence.

As the peak association for the Timber Treatment and Preserving Industry we are extremely positive about these developments and look forward to working closely with TTIA to provide a convenient one stop shop for our Members on key environmental, employment, safety and legal issues”.

John Halkett, from the Australian Timber Importers Federation (ATIF), also expressed optimism about the level of trust and co-operation established between the ATIF and TTIA. John commented: “Both organisations have been committed to the timber products industry for a long time. In the case of TTIA since 1940 and in the case of my organisation for over 40 years.

Of particular benefit is access to the TTIA National Hotline on industrial relations, payroll and safety matters. We are particularly attracted to the fact that TTIA employ long term, in-house personnel who have worked and are familiar with the timber products industry legal framework over many years, rather than non-industry consultants who have had limited exposure or commitment to our industry.

Both Brian and I firmly believe that Associations should focus on developing their own level of expertise but where possible share that knowledge and representation for the benefit of industry. It is without doubt long overdue and an exciting development that demonstrates genuine joint industry co-operation at the highest level.”

The three Associations in the future will aim to further develop links through joint government representations and joint conference participation.

The unfortunate truth is that too often Associations in our industry have talked about co-operating but the reality has sometimes been very different. TTIA is 100% committed to continuing the process of forming meaningful alliances with other Associations in the industry to ensure a cross-sharing of Member services and, where possible, a united voice on key industry issues.

TTIA will continue to remain committed to working with other Associations in a similar practical way to share resources and provide the best possible value for money arrangements for our Members.

The TTIA National Hotline number is (02) 9264 0011.

¢ J ohn Halkett, Australian Timber Importers Federation (ATIF).

arrie James, President of the Timber ¢ G Preservers Association of Australia (TPAA).

Setting the gold standard, says newly-elected president “ENGINEERED WOOD faces exciting challenges and a wealth of opportunities – all delivered under the EWPAA’s ‘gold standard’ for product certification,” says the association’s newly-elected president Michael Murphy.

“The aim is to focus our new directions on a single brand name, underpinning EWPAA’s commitment to bonafide building standards and services that are critical to its

membership in Australia and New Zealand,” said Mr Murphy who was elected at the EWPAA’s AGM in Brisbane on November 11.

He said the new EWPAA Chief Executive Officer Dave Gover had “hit the ground running” and had wasted no time in visiting all members.

“My role as chairman will be to support Dave in the consolidation and strategic direction of EWPAA,” he said.

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26

Mr Murphy, who is marketing manager, LVL, with Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts in Melbourne, succeeds Brendan Smith, site manager for Juken New Zealand’s plywood and sawmill operations at Gisborne.

Stuart Toakley, sales and marketing manager at Borg, was reelected vice-president and Andrew Close, commercial manager, CHH Woodproducts, based at Mount Gambier, SA, takes over treasurer duties from Jim Bindon, managing director of Big River Group, Grafton, NSW. Mr Murphy started his career in the industry in 1987 at Timberbuilt Solutions in Melbourne, working under his mentor Bruce Hutchings, considered Australia’s LVL-based building systems guru.

During his time at Timberbuilt, Mr Murphy went on to gain an honours degree in civil engineering from Monash University, graduating in ichael Murphy (right) at the ¢ M 1989. When he received his degree, he Australian Timber Design Awards was put on full time at Timberbuilt. presents the Carter Holt Harvey He later joined Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts award for Small after the company purchased the LVL Budget Projects to Anthony Chan plant at Nangwarry in South Australia, of Chan Architecture, Melbourne, and he has been with the company for the Artist’s Studio which won for environmental sustainability. ever since.

©2015 Lonza

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

DECEMBER 2015

www.timberbiz.com.au

ASSSOCIATIONS

Annoying squeaks in floors

F David Hayward ATFA Technical Manager.

For as long as there has been timber floors there have been squeaks and it is generally accepted that many floors will make some noise when walked on.

However, as with most things there comes a point where ‘too much’ is ‘too much’ and a complaint is received. In solid strip floors on joists squeaks can come about from ‘board on board’ movement or board on ‘nail’ movement. However there are also instances where the squeaks are not associated with the flooring itself but the subfloor framing of either timber or steel and even door joinery rubbing when foot pressure is applied to a floor. As David Hayward, ATFA Technical Manager points out excessive squeaking should not be taken lightly as the annoyance created is a legitimate concern that owners have taken further.

¢ B attening between joists and filler applied to the floor to joist interface.

IRSTLY, IF you have a floor that is being fixed direct to joists, board profile is of particular importance. Generally a tolerance of 0.3 to 0.4mm in the tongue and groove joint makes a good floor. This is about thickness of a business card.

Note that the tolerance on the end match should be the same as board edges and is equally important.

If shrinkage or movement has caused the floor to loose firm contact with the joists then board on ‘nail’ (or often staple) movement can result in squeaking.

Obviously, with secretly fixed floors this is more of an issue as the fixing is no longer accessible. For these reasons do not secret fix into unseasoned joists.

So you think that laying a floor over particleboard or plywood will solve the problem. Well, some of these installations have also been associated with excessive squeaking. Firstly, if the adhesive beneath the board is not providing sufficient support to the strip floor then movement at board edges can still result in squeaking. Similarly, squeaks associated with plywood to joist fixing will transfer when the floor is walked on. In some instances fixing of plywood to steel joists has resulted in loud squeaking with every step made on the timber floor above.

Note that by simply assessing the flooring and jobsite many of the issues with squeaking could have been overcome. New floors to old joists in renovations require particular attention as joists may

have split and this can compromise new fixings.

Joists may also not be either level with each other or adequately fixed. In such instances the responsibility for the sub-floor needs to be determined and any issues resolved prior to the new floor being installed.

It is also important to realise that a floor tends to squeak more during drier weather when there is less friction holding board edges tight and that a floor which squeaks prior to coating will often not squeak afterwards.

If you have a job with a squeaky floor it is first necessary to work out where the squeaks are coming from and whether it is the responsibility of the installer or the builder who installed the floor framing to correct it. Tricks such putting talcum in board joints seldom work over the long term and something more substantial is generally needed.

Fixing battens between joists to reduce board on board movement or filler at the joist to board interface can be effective. Similarly, drilling and injecting adhesive at end matched joints or pinning to prevent movement has been successful. However, some of these methods do necessitate access to the lower surface of the floor. There are also instances where no matter what has been tried the squeaks just don’t go away. For this reason it is often best try remedial work on a smaller area first and assess the improvement before proceeding further.

¢ I n house renovations splits from previously fixed floors can cause poor fixing and squeaks when the new floor is installed.

¢ A nail protruding through the particleboard rubbing on the steel joist caused squeaking.

EWPAA remains industry watchdog on compliance THE ENGINEERED Wood Products Association of Australasia will continue in its commitment to product certification and conformance credentials of building materials entering the market.

The engineered wood products quality committee meeting in Brisbane recently reviewed its agenda to maintain rigorous, ‘watertight’ standards to ensure products are safe and absolutely fit for purpose – an ongoing commitment in the face of increasing risks of substandard building materials entering the Australian market.

The quality committee includes representatives with expertise from across the timber supply chain and specifier communities. The meeting, chaired by Dr Harry Greaves, focused on presentations by EWPAA technical manager Andy McNaught, laboratory manager Suzie Steiger, and quality systems engineer Andrew McLaughlin.

EWPAA’s laboratories at Eagle Farm are accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and test EWPAA certified products for a full range of structural and physical properties and for www.timberbiz.com.au

formaldehyde emissions and bond quality.

Samples from member plywood, LVL, particleboard and MDF mills are tested daily. The certification schemes are independently accredited by the Joint Accreditation System of Australian and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ).

“Through manufacturing innovation, robust quality control, and adherence to Australasian product standards, the wood products industry is committed to providing a reliable, sustainable, and renewable material for building construction” EWPAA CEO Dave Gover said.

He said EWPAA was positioned to expand its influence as a high-profile and respected industry organisation and certifier of conforming timber products.

“Our priorities in developing and strengthening markets include on-going measures to ensure products used in Australia comply with Australian standards,” Mr Gover said.

“We accept that imports are a reality, but there must be a level playing field and products used in Australian buildings must comply with Australasian standards. Structural

¢ M embers of the EWPAA technical committee meet in Brisbane .. Dr Michael Kennedy, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Brisbane, Andrew McLaughlin, EWPAA quality systems engineer, Frank Moretti, Gunnersen, Melbourne, Dave Gover, CEO, EWPAA, and Jim Zacharin, Cabinet Timbers, Moorabbin, Vic.

safety and the health and well being of building occupants is essential. The EWPAA brand is a mark of confidence that a timber product meets these requirements.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER

DECEMBER 2015

“The EWPAA and its members have been long-time advocates of product conformance and honest branding of products.

27

Supporting Multinail Truss Plants to reach new heights 1

2

"T1" TIMBER ROOF TRUSSES

TRUSS TO BE DESIGNED TO SUPPORT WALKWAY LOADS LOAD OF COLUMN C3 HANGS FROM ROOF TRUSS. DEAD LOAD = 15KN LIVE LOAD = 29KN

30 x 10mm FLAT BAR FIXED TO MODULE WALL TOP PLATE & BLOCKING ABOVE BRACING WALL WITH M10 x 100mm COACH SCREWS

30 x 10mm FLAT BAR FIXED TO MODULE WALLS WITH M10 x 100mm COACH SCREWS @ MAX 600CRS

ROOF 14800

LOAD BEARING WALL

LOAD BEARING WALL C3

INDIVIDUAL UNIT MODULES REFER S06 30 x 10mm FLAT BAR FIXED TO MODULE WALL TOP PLATE & BLOCKING ABOVE BRACING WALL WITH M10 x 100mm COACH SCREWS

D S08

30 x 10mm FLAT BAR FIXED TO MODULE WALLS WITH M10 x 100mm COACH SCREWS @ MAX 600CRS

TENSION ONLY MEMBER

LEVEL 3 12040

D82331 ABSORBER STRIPE, 800mm LONG x 100mm WIDE BY ROTHOBLAAS OR SIMILAR APPROVED. C3

INDIVIDUAL UNIT MODULES REFER S06

TENSION ONLY MEMBER

30 x 10mm FLAT BAR FIXED TO MODULE WALL TOP PLATE & BLOCKING ABOVE BRACING WALL WITH M10 x 100mm COACH SCREWS

30 x 10mm FLAT BAR FIXED TO MODULE WALLS WITH M10 x 100mm COACH SCREWS @ MAX 600CRS

LEVEL 2 9000

D82341 ABSORBER STRIPE, 800mm LONG x 100mm WIDE BY ROTHOBLAAS OR SIMILAR APPROVED. C3

INDIVIDUAL UNIT MODULES REFER S06

B S13

B2 BR1

B6

C1

C1

BOL

BOL S2

GROUND 2500 PC1

PC1

P2

SECTION 1 1 : 50

LEVEL 1 5960

BR1

B6

01 S01

TENSION ONLY MEMBER

P2