Australasian Timber Magazine - August 2020

August 2020

MANUFACTURE • TECHNOLOGY • DESIGN • CONSTRUCTION

FORKLIFTS

Doing the heavy lifting TIMBER CONSTRUCTION FORUM A new, visual perspective

MASSLAM

World first engineering

australasian

magazine

Forum

& Trade Review

australasian

magazine

Ryan Media announce their Timber Construction Forum in the September issue of the Australasian Timber Magazine.

The event will also be broadcast on digital platforms.

The Timber Construction Forum will present to the timber industry, including suppliers, wholesalers, government bodies, architects, designers, specifiers, manufacturers and more, a ‘virtual’ forum to share the latest innovations, technology and best practices – ensuring timber businesses across Australasia remain competitive and quality driven with leading edge advancements.

australasian

magazine

INDEPENDENT & AUSTRALIAN OWNED

www.timberbiz.com.au

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

A new, virtual perspective C

has meant conferences, exhibitions, seminars and symposiums have been cancelled, postponed or rescheduled.

But conferences and exhibitions have an important role to play in any industry.

To fill that void, Australasian Timber Magazine with Frame Australia will publish a Timber Construction Forum in its September issue in a one-off virtual event for 2020.

Each year, the Frame’s Timber Offsite Construction conference has brought together the major figures in the timber construction industry along with suppliers and other industry professionals to share the latest innovations, technology and trends. oVid -19

presentations as well as an industry Trade Review, providing an opportunity for sponsors and exhibitors to display their ‘latest and greatest’ products, technologies and services in print and digital formats.

“Bringing the industry together for this virtual event is essential when social distancing is preventing speakers and exhibitors from attending a live event,” Ms Haworth said.

“It’s vital that the new ideas and innovations usually presented each year at the Frame Australia Timber Offsite Construction reach the industry this year, albeit on a different platform.”

To register your interest in this exciting event, go to https://www.timberbiz.com.au/ tcf2020/

This year’s “virtual” event promises to be no different.

Frame conference director Kevin Ezard said he was pleased to be working with Australasian Timber to fill the gap caused by the rescheduling of the physical event this year due to the CoViD-19 pandemic.

“Australasian Timber presented a novel concept and I am pleased to endorse the published Timber Construction Forum,” Mr Ezard said.

“We believe this virtual event provides a great opportunity to share valuable industry information with the industry, and to support suppliers in these challenging times’, he said Australasian Timber General Manager Robyn Haworth said the Timber Construction Forum would comprise Forum papers/

NEWS

australasian

magazine

World-first engineering in mass timber market PHILIP HOPKINS

THE Victorian timber company ASH, through innovative hardwood engineered products that are a world first, has forged a commanding presence in Australia’s $1 billion mass timber market.

The company, based at Heyfield, about 200 kilometres east of Melbourne in central Gippsland, now manufactures large engineered Victorian Ash hardwood columns and beams in a single process using the largest CNC (computer controlled) German Hundegger machinery. The products, dubbed MASSLAM, are up to 12 metres long. The process gives ASH ‘more bang for its Ash buck’.

The company has just completed a number of large MASSLAM projects including one at the University of Tasmania in Burnie. Ten other projects are confirmed, with another 30 in the pipeline. The timber packages alone are worth between $100,000 and $4 million each.

The mass timber market in Australia has virtually been served from Europe, but XLam’s CLT factory in AlburyWodonga and ASH (Australian Sustainable Hardwoods) are changing that. “We saw it as a great opportunity. We recognised the huge gap in domestic production,” said managing director Vince Hurley. www.timberbiz.com.au

■■ A MASSLAM beam under construction at the ASH plant at Heyfield.

Key Points ■■ ASH has just completed a number of large MASSLAM projects including one at the University of Tasmania in Burnie.

■■ Ten other projects are confirmed, with another 30 in the pipeline.

■■ The timber packages alone are worth between $100,000 and $4 million each.

ASH took the plunge into the new technology to build on its existing strengths after suffering a near death experience several years ago and recreating the business. “We are the largest finger jointers and laminators in the country, and the most experienced with

polyurethane adhesives, so we decided to build another plant that extends on this knowledge.”

Daniel Wright from ASH has driven the project. The first step was to research the market. “You can’t make a product and shove it down the marAUSTRALASIAN TIMBER AUGUST 2020

ket’s throat. Listen to the market and give it what it wants,” said Vince. The company had already done columns and beams in small end sections, such as at Margaret Court Arena and the Macquarie Incubator Building.

Building on its experience in

Europe and China, “we were able to learn how to make a line that can produce these mass timber products in one pass”, said Vince. The company’s Swiss wood engineer, Joel Minder, had specialist training Continued on Page 4 3

NEWS Filling the conference void in a pandemic world

australasian

August 2020 Issue 5 – Volume 28

Incorporating Australian and New Zealand Timberman.

Established 1977.

News Frame & Truss Prefabrication Forklifts Associations

3–5 6 8 10 – 13 17 – 19

Front Cover: A Baumann 120 volt electric forklift, capable of picking up 6000 kg, designed to handle long loads with minimal isle widths.

Publisher and Chief Executive: Hartley Higgins General Manager: Robyn Haworth Editor: Bruce Mitchell b.mitchelll@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9512 Advertising: Gavin de Almeida g.dealmeida@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9517 Publication Design: Peter Frezzini Timber classifieds: g.dealmeida@ryanmediapl.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9517 Subscriptions: subs@forestsandtimber.com.au Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9522 Subcription rates One-year (8 editions) $55 Two-years (16 editions) $95 Accounts: Adelaide Office (08) 8369 9555 Postal Address: 630 Regency Road, Broadview South Australia 5083 Phone: (08) 8369 9555 Fax: (08) 8369 9501 Melbourne Office: Suite 2262, 442 Auburn Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122 Phone: (03) 9810 3262 Website www.timberbiz.com.au Printed by Lane Print, Adelaide, SA

Conditions

The opinions expressed in Australasian Timber Magazine are not necessarily the opinions of or endorsed by the editor or publisher unless otherwise stated.

All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. All material in Australasian Timber Magazine copyright 2020 © Ryan Media. All rights reserved. No part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic, or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, the publisher will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions, or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published.

MEDIA

INDEPENDENT & AUSTRALIAN OWNED

4

At a time when the CoVid-19 pandemic seems to driving everyone apart – and for good reason.

Social distancing, lockdowns, travel restrictions and border closures, although essential, are having many unexpected consequences.

One area hit badly have been the number of industry conferences, exhibitions and awards presentations that have been cancelled or postponed.

It’s easy to dismiss these cancellations with an “Oh, well. That’s sad” and move on.

But these cancellations will have a wider impact and less obvious impact on those who usually attend these conferences and exhibitions.

This is not to downplay the wider disruption to people’s lives and the economy as a whole. Those disruptions in some cases will be

australasian

devastating.

But conferences and exhibitions have an important role to play in any industry when it comes to the exchange of ideas.

The value in these conferences comes from the human-to-human connections that occur.

People often cite the “hallway conversations” that they have with other attendees as the most valuable parts of attending an event.

Industry conferences provide a tremendous opportunity to network. Attendees from other companies and from other areas of the country can become valuable resources for referrals, new

ways of thinking, solutions, and best practices.

That is why Australasian Timber Magazine will host a Timber Construction Forum in its September issue in a one-off virtual event for 2020.

Working with Frame Timber Offsite Construction conference director Kevin Ezard, we bring together papers and presentations from leaders in the construction field as well as an industry Trade Review, providing an opportunity for sponsors and exhibitors to display their ‘latest and greatest’ products, technologies and services in print and digital formats.

It will go a long way in in ensuring that the new ideas and innovations usually presented reach the industry this year, albeit on a different platform.

Continued from Page 3

World-first engineering in mass timber market in programming and running the Hundegger machine.

In Europe, they made mass timber products in two passes, then joined them together to make a bigger single product, said Vince. However, sometimes those two products did not fit together. “We can start at one end, and in a continuous process go all the way through.

We have made a specially designed four-sided planer that can do 450 millimetres deep by 1300 mm wide, which is the biggest four-sided planer in the world,” he said. “We were the first to build a planer 450mm deep.” The biggest beams and columns are 1300mm by 450mm.

The big Hundegger CNC machine means all the MASSLAM products go to site ready to be installed. “That’s the key. It has all the connections – whatever connection detail, the services detail, whatever the decorative detail – it’s done here. It goes to site and gets erected, and then it is in – you don’t have to do anything on site, other than put the meccano set together,” said Vince.

MASSLAM’s columns and beams match perfectly with CLT, which is generally used In ceilings and floors, and sometimes walls. ASH’s emphasis is on appearance grade.

“It is seen structural, not hidden in the wall, it’s on show.

We would not do a mass timber building if not on show. Buildings with a classic column and beam structure are magnificent, with glass letting in huge light,” said Vince.

“Everything is bespoke. It’s not a commodity; every building, column and beam in a building is different, nothing is the same. We supply direct to a builder and the specification is extremely detailed.”

MASSLAM blends well with ASH’s other products - staircase components, linings, joinery.

“Appearance grade timber in all forms – that’s our game,” said Vince.

The Hundegger line cost $12 million. To replace the two factories and equipment bought over the past 13-14 years would cost close to $28 million. However, Garry Henthorn, ASH’s Engineering and Projects Manager, is very experienced at building new lines and is a bit of ‘Steptoe’ bargain hunter, able to find high quality parts to link lines together.

Already, the new factory has created seven new jobs.

“We intend to go to two shifts, so will double that, then we will have a series of other jobs in ‘polishing and packaging’ beams,” said Vince.

The beams and columns all have ‘detail’. “Nearly all are sealed and stained before they leave, packaged in such a way to get to the site and be craned into position. One of the columns may be worth $13,000, so you can’t afford to have a big chip out of it.”

Mass timber CLT and Glulam are mostly done in soft■■ The columns and beams at the Macquarie Incubator Building. wood, but ASH is the only company also doing Glulam in hardwood. “The advantages tured timber products. We are – absolutely. It has forced us to are incredible. MASSLAM has marketing around that, because think outside the square. Howa 40-45 per cent strength ad- we are not selling commodities ever, the underpinning of our business, the unit costs of provantage over European spruce. anymore,” said Vince.

The company’s total employ- duction, the critical mass – the You can carry 40 per cent more load, or make the columns ment is now 170. “We went from critical parts - are the regrowth and beams 40 percent smaller, 245 down to 140, then built back logs from VicForests. That is still to carry the same load,” said to 170 through reshaping the the underpinning,” said Vince.

“We are making radiata whole business. That’s not bad, Vince.

The ASH plant has now nine considering what it could have pine MASSLAM, but we don’t want to. Victorian Ash is one different departments, of which been.”

ASH processes up to 90,000 of the strongest timbers in the six are manufacturing, with MASSLAM the latest. The others cubic metres of wood annually, world for its weight. It’s easy include staircase components, most supplied from VicForests. to manufacture with and glue kitchen bench tops and panels, However, the company imports with. It beats imported spruce mouldings, reprocessing, a re- American oak and buys local mass timber hands down in tail outlet, a green mill, drying plantation hardwood logs. ASH strength, deflection, fire – you mills and kilns run with biomass has devised a plan to process name it. And it’s visible, looks energy from the plant’s saw- plantation hardwoods and is ex- much better than spruce – we don’t have knots. Visually it hausting all that is available. dust.

“The ASH crisis brought it on looks magnificent.”

“Our game is selling manufacAUSTRALASIAN TIMBER AUGUST 2020

www.timberbiz.com.au

NEWS

New home sales shows confidence Key Points N EW home sales rose

77.6 per cent in June, from a record low result in May, off the back of the Government’s HomeBuilder program.

While it will need sales figures from the next couple of months to get a more accurate picture of the impact of HomeBuilder on new homes and construction jobs, HIA said new home sales figures are highly responsive to how much consumer confidence there is in the market.

HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon said the rebound in new home sales in June did not fully offset the dismal results of the preceding three months.

He said the HIA was cautious of over interpreting data from a single month, but that it was a clear indication that HomeBuilder would help protect jobs in the sector in the second half of 2020 and into 2021.

Mr Reardon said additional sales data from July and August would be necessary before drawing accurate estimates on the impact of HomeBuilder on

■■ New home sales rose 77.6 per cent in June.

■■ HIA says the increase does not fully offset the dismal results of the preceding three months.

■■ The rise does give a clear indication that HomeBuilder will help protect jobs in the sector.

■■ Tim Reardon

employment in the sector. New home sales data was highly responsive to changes in consumer confidence.

“New Home Sales fell to their lowest level on record in March and continued to fall in April and May,” he said.

“Without intervention, a significant contraction in the volume of work on the ground would have occurred in second half of 2020 leading to a contraction across the wider economy. Up to half a million jobs were at risk without government intervention.

“The improvement in June

can be seen across all the states which is a good indication that the HomeBuilder program is working, to varying degrees in each jurisdiction.”

Mr Reardon said the HomeBuilder program had seen confidence in the market improve.

“Western Australia experienced the largest improvement with sales more than doubling during the month of June, albeit from an exceptionally low base. This is not surprising given the State Government’s

‘Building Bonus’ program, which if combined with the first home buyer scheme can provide support exceeding $50,000.

“This will create significant employment opportunities and not just in the home building sector,” Mr Reardon said.

HIA Senior Economist Geordan Murray warned that it was likely that the next update to this data will show that building activity dropped away further during in the June quarter.

“It will not be until latter stages of 2020 that the lift in sales activity brought about by the HomeBuilder program will be seen on the ground,” he said.

“It is promising to see a substantial lift in multi-unit starts in Western Australia during the quarter as the market responded to the state’s stamp duty concession program. Starts

in the state’s ailing multi-unit market jumped by 63 per cent in the quarter.

“When combined with the additional measures to boost home building activity announced in June, the state is now on the cusp of a long awaited home building recovery. The lift in activity in Western Australia provides a clear example of what can be achieved by governments seeking to boost economic activity,” Mr Murray said.

Across the country, Western Australia had the largest monthly increase in June compared to May 2020, rising by 211.2 per cent. South Australia followed, increasing by 157.1 per cent. Victoria (+47.8 per cent), Queensland (+43.3 per cent) and New South Wales (+12.6) also recorded significant monthly increases.

■■ The interior of the Luther College’s Imagination Hub featuring award-winning timber veneers.

Australian Timber Design Awards judging underway JUDGING of the 2020 Australian Timber Design Awards (ATDA) has begun with this year’s entries being assessed through an online meeting platform due to COVID-19 restrictions.

A decision on the awards presentation evening; which is scheduled for mid-October 2020, will be made closer to the date.

This is the awards 21st year and showcase the very best that Australian designers can produce using timber. The awards are open to builders, designers, architects, engineers and landscapers. www.timberbiz.com.au

Award winners are featured permanently on the Australian Timber Design website and winners and runners-up are acknowledged in the yearly ATDA e-book.

One such winner last year in the Timber Veneer category was Luther College’s Imagination Hub. Luther College is a co-educational independent secondary school located in the outereastern suburb of Croydon Hills in Melbourne.

Designed by Cox Architecture and built by Ireland Brown Construction, the Imagination

EXCELLENCE IN THE USE OF TIMBER PRODUCTS Timber Veneers Architect: Cox Architecture Builder: Ireland Brown Construction Photographer: Ireland Brown Construction Location: Melbourne, Victoria

Hub features panels of crown cut and quarter cut blackbutt veneer, curved in places to soften the visual effect of the building’s straight lines.

The veneer was supplied by Ventech Australia.

This extraordinary structure is not only a testament to the AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER AUGUST 2020

striking use of timber veneers, but shows the warmth of timber products in general, including a wide expanse of flooring and a feature staircase.

The scope of works included the demolition of sections of the existing middle school building and providing new

student areas; classrooms, kitchen, function rooms, locker hubs, reception, learning environments as well as roof and external works.

Timber was used to define the new learning landscape that sits complimentary within the existing built framework.

5

Frame and truss

Ian has an eye for frames and trusses T HERE’S a special kind of

glint that flashes in Ian Currie’s eyes when he wanders the factory floor of frame and truss manufacturing facilities.

He’s at home among sawdust and machines. But mostly, he enjoys understanding how factory processes can be improved – a skill he’s honed over 24 years with Pryda, in manufacturing plants across Australia, New Zealand and across may other parts of the world.

From his early years as an equipment engineer in the age of c-clamps to the current era of software-driven linear saw technology and automated machinery, Ian has seen it all, using his experience to spearhead Pryda’s E2E process review and performance improvement services.

“Once you get splinters in your veins you don’t lose them that easily,” he said.

But as much as he enjoys fine tuning complex process flows, Ian also has a nose for business.

In this part of the world he says the industry is delicately poised, with a softening in customer orders in Australia and indications that New Zealand could follow suit. His assessment is based on shorter truss delivery times,

which are down from four-to-five weeks to two-to-three. The situation, should it keep moving in the same direction, will invite greater competition, putting acid on frame and truss manufacturers to eke out more efficiencies.

“Automation provides a solution, but you need to ensure it meets your specific needs – it’s not one shoe fits all,” he said.

On this front, Ian said technology provides good answers – but not all the answers – and as manufacturers look to technology and automation to increase productivity and reduce human inputs, frame and truss manufacturers should remain wary of ripple effects on things like maintenance.

“Modern technology has revolutionised productivity but comes with complexity embedded in electronics, controls and mechatronics. Gone are the days of whistling up the local hydraulics guy to fix an oil leak. So, what you save on staff must be balanced with the premium you can pay for this kind of specialist care and attention,” he said.

■■ Ian Currie at work on a frame at Pryda.

CREATING SAFE PRODUCTIVITY.

More productivity without losing safety: With us as your partner you can benefit from safety solutions that make your processes run smoothly, enable human and machine to work as a team, and allow us to jointly push the boundaries of what is achievable. Turnkey solutions, safe robots and mobile platforms, and outdoor safety thus become one big whole. For sure. We think that’s intelligent. www.sick.com/safe-productivity

6

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER AUGUST 2020

www.timberbiz.com.au

What’s the real cost of not buying Aussie timber?

Threatened su

rvival of local

Placing thousands of Aussie

saw mills

jobs at risk

Harm to our timber industry today will cost us more tomorrow Impacts to local communities that make up our industry

Our local timber industry is under threat, placing thousands of Aussie jobs at risk and threatening timber supply requirements.

Your timber choice matters because it will keep Australia stronger. Stronger because of the thousands of Aussie jobs and the communities supported – including your own.

Buying Aussie timber first will ensure that the Aussie building industry remains strong, which in turn will make your business stronger. By supporting our local timber industry, you’re supporting your own future.

buyaussietimberfirst.com.au

Prefabrication

BRIEFS Cunich joins FWPA THE former CEO of the Australian Institute of Architects Jennifer Cunich will now head up Forest and Wood Products Australia’s (FWPA) WoodSolutions Mid-rise Advisory Program.

Now in its fourth year, the program is operating in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, building on a base of completed projects with many more in the pipeline.

The Mid-rise team comprise specialists in timber; from design and engineering to costing, and they act as advisors and facilitators, helping project teams optimise and realise the benefits of timber systems.

Award bid THE Suspended Remnants Timber Pavilion, which is part of the Future Timber Hub Project «Alternative uses for under-valued sawmill products in innovative timber structures» has been entered into the 2020 Good Design Awards.

Australia’s annual Good Design Awards program is one of the oldest and most prestigious international design awards in the world, promoting excellence in design and innovation since 1958. It is recognised by the World Design Organization (WDO) as Australia’s peak international design endorsement program.

Winners will be celebrated at the Good Design Awards Ceremony being in Sydney in October 2020.

Brisbane awards BRISBANE’S building community proved it has the skills and staying power to weather any storm at this year’s Master Builders Brisbane Housing & Construction Awards.

The Awards ceremony was livestreamed to a captive athome audience on Friday, 17 July, with more than 50 builders, projects and individuals recognised.

Luxury home builders, Romark Design Constructions took out the coveted House of the Year award for their “La Maison du Bonheur” (The House of Happiness) project in Belmont. This beautiful artisan home was inspired by fond European memories and was also awarded best Individual Home over $2 million.

Project of the Year winner Hutchinson Builders wowed the judges with their addition to the capital’s city skyline, Brisbane Skytower, for which they also received the award for best Residential Building (high-rise over 3 storeys) over $20 million.

8

■■ The curved PosiStrut trusses after installation at the Sitrling House, below, the trusses after being delivered.

Curved roof delivers a timber prefabrication curve-ball Key Points E

VER YO N E likes to be busy, but sometimes it is those more “interesting” jobs that make work a bit more rewarding.

So, when a customer throws you a curve ball – what do you do?

You hit it out of the park.

And that’s exactly what Brook Chambers and his team did when asked to create a timber prefabricated, curved roof for a build at Stirling in the Adelaide Hills.

“I love a challenge – plus getting out of your comfort zone is a good thing – it keeps you on your toes,” said Brook, Managing Director at FrameWayz Panelised Building, 30 minutes south of Adelaide’s CBD. There are few builders who specialise in these type of niche projects.

“Jackson Digney, from Enduro Builders, had been assisting with the specification for this home incorporating large curved ceilings and open spaces. When he said he wanted a timber solution, the challenge was on,” said Brook.

Jackson is a builder by trade but an innovator by passion.

“Yes, we do the normal – but it’s the out-of-the-ordinary where we excel,” Jackson said.

Being a licensed MiTek fabricator Brook recalled instances where PosiStrut Trusses had been used on similar jobs.

“I’d read a few articles, and although we had never tried to bend PosiStrut Trusses before, I had faith in our skilled staff to meet-the-brief,” he said.

“Brett Bolden, MiTek State

■■ ‘Passive Houses’ are designed to use very little externally sourced energy to heat or cool

the structure.

■■ The roof was curved using 302mm PosiStrut Trusses.

■■ Creating the prefabricated curved walls, raked at the top plate presented more challenges.

Engineering Manager, was also invaluable as he provided us with a manual specifically created for instructions and ongoing technical and engineering support.”

All of the detailing, estimating and engineering was done with MiTek’s Sapphire program – a great advantage for such a complex job.

The whole roof was curved with 302mm PosiStrut Trusses.

The span had to be broken to manageable sizes with the longest being approx. 10.6m long with an impressive 4.5m at the apex. The start and finish heights of the curve were different and it had large overhangs, up to 2m, that created a “curved-down” roof line.

All looked promising until the curved truss was pressed. The combination of forces on the timber was too great – and the timber chords sheared away.

“For the first few passes we were using MGP12 pine for both the top and bottom chords. We tried wetting the timber to give it more flexibility,” Brook said.

Then the epiphany – the moAUSTRALASIAN TIMBER AUGUST 2020

ment of inspiration: Wesbeam e-beam + LVL had just been added and approved in the Mitek Software for floor truss use and maybe the engineers could make that work for the top chords that were causing us the problem.

Brett from Mitek worked overnight to re-engineer the trusses and after a quick test the

next day the project was back on track.

“LVL is a lot stronger and still answers the make-it-in-timber brief,” Brook said.

“The combination of the two worked perfectly and we were able to prefabricate one after another relatively easy – all to the same span, same Apex.” www.timberbiz.com.au

Timber fabrication

Wesbeam adds flexibility with CNC T HE Wesbeam Distribu-

tion Centre in Dandenong Victoria recently commissioned a Hundegger CNC to cut penetrations in ejoists, and dock e-beam and ejoist with millimetre accuracy.

Machines with similar capability have been operating in Australia for some time, but what sets this machine apart is the way in which it integrates with the Wesbeam ‘tree to trade’ software network. From customer order forecasts that drive the manufacturing program, customer order entry, order picking and transport tracking, all activities at Wesbeam are modelled and managed in an integrated software environment. Our recently commissioned CNC is connected to this digital environment, creating a continuous chain of information, from the log yard to the customer.

Wesbeam’s custom developed inventory management software, SCIE, matches out- ■■ The Hundegger CNC in operation at Wesbeam’s distribution centre in Dandenong. standing orders with inventory and generates waste minimis- via interactive touch screens erated in Wesbeam’s e-house joist, the size and position of software. When the floor sys- the penetrations are designed ing instructions to the distribu- on a wearable tablet.

Floor system quotes are gen- tem calls for prepenetrated e- into the floor system working tion centre production team

drawings and processing instructions are transferred to the Hundegger CNC via SCIE. Customer orders are either keyed by Wesbeam’s Customer Service team or sent by the customer directly to the Wesbeam EDI portal, where orders are automatically processed through SCIE. In seconds, SCIE evaluates thousands of options to determine the optimal waste and time minimising configuration.

Instructions are then presented to the operator, via a wearable touch screen tablet, for activation on the CNC. Having processed the ejoists, the CNC marks each piece with an individual code that matches codes on the e-house generated working drawings, greatly assisting the carpenter onsite.

While providing options for the operator and instruction for the CNC, SCIE is communicating with the Wesbeam inventory management system, providing accurate inventory manifests and autogenerated resupply orders to the factory in Western Australia.

S U P P OR T

AUSTRALIANS

BY BUYING AUSTRALIAN

PR OD UC T AUSTRALIAN MADE AND GROWN

www.timberbiz.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER AUGUST 2020

akd.com.au 9

Forklifts

Combilift opts for safe distancing I

rish specialist materials handling manufacturer Combilift has adopted a new approach using technology to replace personal site visits in order to assist customers to achieve more space for social distancing on the production floor.

Speaking during a virtual press conference Martin McVicar, CEO and co-founder of Combilift, stated that the new approach will allow customers to benefit from Combilift’s expertise in space optimisation and warehouse layouts to ensure that they make optimum use of one their most precious commodities – space.

Mr McVicar also outlined the various measures the company has taken to ensure the safety of its workforce whilst continuing production in the current situation

Space optimisation One consequence of the Coronavirus for Combilift’s customers in the manufacturing sector has been the challenge to get back to normal production levels whilst increasing space in production areas so that employees maintain safe distances from each other.

Combilift sees itself as not just a supplier of handling solutions but as a business that enables companies to save space. Its expertise in the design and layout of premises can help overcome the challenges by enlarging the production areas – which is where profit is made whilst reducing the space for storage – which engenders costs. By optimising both these areas companies can comply with safety requirements and maintain output.

Virtual and digital consultation Combilift’s free design and layout service has always been a great tool for resolving problems for customers and enabling them to maximise space.

These were previously carried out by technical personal visits but have now been replaced with a remote system. Using technology such as Facetime or WhatsApp calls with customers whilst they walk around the premises and taking shots of specific areas, Combilift design engineers can get a good overview of requirements. Using measurements supplied by clients they can supply 3-D designs and animations with a turnaround of just 24 hours. “We have seen a much increased take up of this free warehouse service,” said McVicar. “Many companies are not encouraging vendor

visits but they are making time available to communicate with us. Within 24 hours of speaking to a customer we can produce a 3D design.”

Safety measures at the manufacturing plant.

To ensure continued production, Combilift has introduced a two-shift system instead of its traditional one shift operation.

This means that there are only around 350 employees per shift on site in the 46,500m² manufacturing facility. It has also segregated the plant into 8 segments. Employees are scanned by thermal cameras when they arrive on site and if their temperature is above normal this is signalled to the HR department as well as the employee.

Clocking in is now done via a touchless key fob and doors are kept open whenever possible.

Those that cannot remain permanently open have been fitted with copper coatings which significantly reduces the time that a virus can be harboured on the surface compared to steel.

There are multiple hand sanitizers strategically placed across the whole facility, floor markings indicate the 2m distance to be maintained by employees and it is mandatory to wear face masks. The company has closed its main hot canteen and has opened smaller canteens in the eight new factory segments. “I give regular updates by video instead of the personal staff assemblies that we previously did every six weeks and this ongoing communication ensures that employees are continually informed and therefore understand that the measures we are taking are in everyone’s best interests,” said McVicar.

Safety, Storage, Efficiency

• Safer product Handling • Optimised Production Space 10

• Improved Storage Capacity • Enhanced Profits

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER AUGUST 2020

www.timberbiz.com.au

Forklifts

Virus pushes engineers to adapt Turning one ventilator into multiple engineered ventilation stations

T

he Irish manufacturer Combilift, best known for its range of space-saving forklifts and other handling solutions, has drawn on its expertise in engineering and software design to develop the Combi-Ventilate, a splitter device which turns one ventilator into multiple ventilation stations.

Designed to address the requirements of medical professionals in the current Covid-19 emergency, the Combi-Ventilate was developed by a team of mechatronic and software engineers in the past 5 weeks with a unit currently undergoing laboratory tests with Ger Curley, Professor of Anaesthesia & Critical Care at Royal College of Surgeon’s in Beaumont Hospital.

Martin McVicar, CEO and cofounder Combilift said: “Certain countries and cities are struggling to get enough ventilators and many governments and health authorities are encouraging manufacturers to come up with a solution, as did the HSE in Ireland. Instead of actually developing ventilators we analysed what is really required, as we do in our usual business models.”

The Combi-Ventilate uses standard pipes and fittings for easy assembly and its individual patient filters prevent cross contamination. Each patient has a dedicated screen which allows medical professionals to individually monitor their vital information. This includes live values, data on patient history and statistics and adjustable alarm settings. Features in-

clude non-return valves, HEPA filters, flow sensors and an automatic flow control valve. Any abnormalities that occur are detected and will only trigger that specific patient’s alarm.

The Combi-Ventilate has automatically adjustable flow control valves which allow the health service professional

for health services around the world, namely the lack or shortage of ventilators. The medical device sector is not our core business but making critical equipment which keeps people safe and alive has always been our focus and this latest project, driven by our desire to help during these dif-

today. This is very much designed as an attachment which can be added to any brand of ventilator. It costs a fraction of a standard ventilator and can be installed very easily into an ICU unit environment. This is a not-for-profit activity which we hope will open up more opportunities for Combilift in the

control the tidal volume to each patient electronically without having to make manual adjustments.

“We have made Combi-Ventilate under the same ethos and with the same objective as we do with all our the Combilift products - which is all about doing more with less,” said McVicar.

“We have undertaken this non-profit endeavour in order to meet and facilitate the demands of the global crisis

ficult times, mirrors what our research and development has done for the last 20 years. If our product can save lives, if we can make a difference during these hard times then we are making the world a better place for everyone.”

“When we are developing equipment, we listen closely to our customers in order to perfect and improve the product. That approach in our collaboration with the HSE is what has really got us where we are

medical device area in future.”

Commenting on the project Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, said: “Combilift have had huge success all over the world because their number one priority is finding solutions.

That’s why it should be no surprise to see them stepping up to the plate in our national and global effort to defeat Covid-19. Their hallmark as a company is innovation and

adaptability, and this splitter device is testament to that. I would like to commend them on their wonderful achievement and wish them every success as they bring the product to market.

Dr Michael Power, National Clinical Lead, Critical Care Programme Irish health service said: “The Combi-Ventilate is a safe and reliable attachment for ventilators for use in an ICU setting in that unwanted scenario where you have one ventilator for multiple patients. It removes that horrible dilemma. The Combi-Ventilate is safe and reliable. It is an engineered solution which delivers the correct volume of air to each patient and actually delivers the required amounts of air to each patient safely and reliably. The Combi-Ventilate project is an example of a collaboration between the engineering and the manufacturing industry and the Health Service Executive (HSE). It is an agile project, completed inside of 5 weeks.

Ronnie McDermott, National Medical Device Equipment Advisor, HSE said: The Combi-Ventilate in addition to the normal concept of splitting a ventilator has added in monitoring and controls for each patient so that provides the clinician with assurances in using the system. It will be very useful in the developing world countries who may not have the luxury to go out and purchase many ventilators.

Splitting a ventilator is now a viable solution.

Contact us today to schedule and on site or virtual site survey 1300 552 422 www.combilift.com

www.timberbiz.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER AUGUST 2020

11

Forklifts

Komatsu adds to its impressive range of heavy duty mid to large size forklifts

K

OMATSU has long been

known as premium manufacturer of heavy duty construction, mining & forestry equipment built to withstand the harshest work environments.

Komatsu’s mid to large size forklifts are built with the underlying philosophies of quality, reliability & lower cost of ownership which makes them ideally suited to demanding industries such as timber construction, recycling and steel.

Komatsu Forklifts new range of Hydrostatic forklifts are no exception, in fact it raises the bar to a whole new level.

Following on from the success of Komatsu’s first series of hydrostatic drive forklifts (available in 4, 4.5 & 5 tonne capacities). The new hydrostatic drive FH series diesel powered forklifts in capacities of 7 & 8 tonnes, feature many of the innovations introduced on Komatsu’s classleading construction equipment – and the potential to greatly reduce owning and operating costs.

The new FH70-2 & FH80-2 series forklifts feature Komatsu’s

exclusive HST hydrostatic drive system, advanced CLSS closedcentre load sensing hydraulic system and the KOMTRAX remote monitoring and tracking system.

Power comes from a Komatsu SAA4D95LE-6-C turbocharged, common rail, and Tier 4 Final diesel rated at 48.6 kW, without sacrificing power or productivity.

According to Jack Socratous, Komatsu Forklifts Australia’s National Product & Marketing Manager, the FH series has been designed around the highly reliable, field-proven components used for many years in Komatsu construction equipment.

“The FH series’ electronically controlled HST drive system has a proven record of quality and reliability over years of use in Komatsu construction equipment including wheel loaders and dozers,” he said.

“And the hydraulic system uses Komatsu’s CLSS variable displacement pump technology, again a proven and highly efficient hydraulic system, used in Komatsu’s hydraulic excavators, graders and other equipment.”

All FH Series models are powered by a Komatsu designed and manufactured diesel engine, featuring advanced engine technologies to achieve superior fuel economy, reduced environmental impact, and out-

operator comforts, allowing the operator to handle the toughest applications while maximising efficiency and productivity,” Jack said.

“With excellent controllability and handling ease, we be-

■■ A Baumann sideloader moves a roof truss to a collection point.

standing controllability.

“Combined, all these new features on our new FH series forklifts can dramatically reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% & overall running costs,” said Jack.

“Komatsu’s new FH series offers a perfect blend of power, performance, efficiency and

lieve the FH series forklift is the best possible choice for the most difficult and demanding applications.”

“And the tougher the application, the greater the cost savings generated by the efficiency and operational excellence of this new line.

“It offers the potential to have

a dramatic effect for users looking to reduce their overall operational costs,” he said.

“Our hydrostatic drive forklifts have been so successful that we will soon be introducing yet another FH series in 10, 12, 13.5 & 16 tonnes capacities — watch this space!”

Komatsu Forklift Australia is also the Australian distributor of Baumann Sideloaders. Baumann’s range has been specifically designed to handle long loads with minimal isle widths.

Baumann sideloaders are available in 3 – 50 tonne ranges & feature many innovative features such as 120 volt electric options, self levelling deck, Patented Variable Reach System (VRS) & currently in development; hydrogen fuel power. In addition their 4 wheel design provides far greater stability than 3 wheeled sideloaders.

For many years Baumann has been a popular choice in the Australian timber, steel, aluminium and other manufacturing industries.

For all the timber materials handling needs call Komatsu Forklifts on 1300 814 769

INTRODUCING THE FH-SERIES HYDROSTATIC DRIVE FORKLIFTS Best-in-Class Reliability

and reliability from passed down › Durability from field proven earthmoving technology features such as, no low › Controllability speed creep & smooth directional changes

› › › › › › › › › › › ›

without releasing accelerator pedal Variable displacement pump with Closed-center Load Sensing System (CLSS) KOMTRAX machine management system Electronically controlled Hydrostatic Drive Up to 5 years or 10,000 hr warranty* Low maintenance wet disc brakes Auto engine shutdown function EPA Tier 4 Final Diesel Engine Up to 30% fuel reduction Reduced CO2emissions Selectable speed limiting Ramp Control Load scales

*Subject to standard warranty terms & conditions

1300 814 769 www.komatsuforklift.com.au 12

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER AUGUST 2020

www.timberbiz.com.au

Forklifts

Freight leader goes distance with Toyota

T

HE durability and reliability of Toyota forklifts has led a major national freight and logistics company to renew its partnership with Toyota by signing an extended rental arrangement for 135 Toyota forklifts and reach trucks.

The 135 forklifts and reach trucks will be put to work at Northline’s nine warehouses and distribution centres located around the Australian mainland. The bulk of the new fleet is made of up over 90 new Toyota 8FG25 2.5-tonne gas-powered counterbalance forklifts.

“The 2.5-tonne 8-Series forklifts are very well built and reliable and are the mainstay of our forklift fleet,” Craige Whitton, Northline’s Chief Executive Of-

Toyota Material Handling Australia corporate account manager Peter Lown said the decision to enter into another long-term arrangement with Toyota was testament to Northline’s trust in the strength of the Toyota brand.

Mr Whitton said the quality of service and strength of the support received from Toyota was a key factor in Northline renewing its relationship with Toyota.

“If an issue arises we know a Toyota technician will be on site within a few hours, and if the problem can’t be fixed then and ficer said. “We’ve never had a fidence we need.”

Northline’s new Toyota fleet there a replacement forklift will Toyota forklift down for a long period. In this industry we need also includes more than 30 Toy- be provided, so there’s no loss to know our equipment will be ota reach trucks and order pick- of productivity.

All of Northline’s forklifts and ready to meet demand at peak er forklifts plus four heavy-duty periods, and having a fleet of 15 to 20-tonne engine-powered reach trucks are serviced by factory-trained Toyota techniToyota forklifts gives us the con- forklifts.

cians at regular intervals. They also undergo a weekly ‘start-up’ check where minor problems are dealt with on site and potential future issues can be flagged for later attention.

Another plus for Northline is the consistency of personnel that comes with dealing with an organisation like Toyota that has a large, highly trained team of technicians and branch support staff spread right around the country.

“The consistency that comes from the one technician visiting the same depot each time is a real benefit to us,” Mr Whitton said. “They get to know our staff and our business, so they are familiar with the way we operate and our unique needs, and they know who to speak to.”

PUSH FEEDERS FEEDING SYSTEMS FOR DOCKING SAWS

Auto Loading

Manual Loading

• • • • • •

High accuracy +-0.5mm Comes in left and right versions Cut multiple pieces at a time.

Cut to length or chalk mark WE GUARANTEE QUALITY & INNOVATION Touchscreen display with servo drive.

(03) 9702 7933 Convert a manual popup docker into Designed and Manufactured in Australia an accurate automatic docker • Heavy duty and robust to handle large timbers

ENGINEERING

MPBENGINEERING.COM.AU www.timberbiz.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER AUGUST 2020

13

Daily Timber News

What was making news in Daily Timber News

practices must now be urgently reviewed,” wrote Mr Crowe.

Bunnings blockade FOUR log trucks this morning blocked the entrance to the Bunnings store at Traralgon in defence of forestry jobs.

A Construction Forestry Maritime Mining and Energy Union statement this morning said the trucks were blocking the entrance to the Bunnings’ car park in protest of Bunnings’ “heartless and ill-informed decision” announced earlier this month to stop stocking local hardwood timber in their stores.

The CFMMEU says the action is a sign of things to come at Bunnings Warehouses across Australia if it did not agree to reverse its ban on local timber.

Mill expansion

cent in June, from a record low result in May, off the back of the Government’s HomeBuilder program.

While it will need sales figures from the next couple of months to get a more accurate picture of the impact of HomeBuilder on new homes and construction jobs, HIA said new home sales figures are highly responsive to how much consumer confidence there is in the market.

HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon said the rebound in new home sales in June did not fully offset the dismal results of the preceding three months.

“The managers of both public and private forests should be reviewing and amending their fire management practices. For example, it appears that the NP&WS has done very little to prevent fuel load build up in Parks and Reserves (which often border or surround commercial forests) and private forests in NSW have no legal requirement to have any minimum fire protection protocols in place.”

Firewood thefts COMMUNITY members are being urged to join the fight against native firewood theft by ensuring the wood they purchase is sustainably and legally sourced.

border, with representatives from ForestrySA, SFM Asset Management, Green Triangle Forest Products, OneFortyOne, HVP, Australian Blue Gum Plantations, PF Olsen, Timberlands Pacific, Birdlife SA, SA’s Department for Environment and Water, Department of Environment, Water, Land and Planning Victoria, SA Police and Victoria Police

Traditional burning in State forests Representatives from the Bunya, Coffs and Biripi Local Aboriginal Land Councils have completed basic fire training with Forestry Corporation of NSW in Wauchope, paving the way for increased traditional burning in State forests.

THE Alberton Timber and Treatment Plant is nearing the end of a two-year $1.25 million dollar expansion to install a new post peeling facility to increase efficiency and create local jobs.

Bushfire inquiry

Built at the plant along the South Gippsland Highway in Alberton, is expected to be operational in September.

A group of Green Triangle forest owners fed-up with widespread environmental destruction and theft of native timber, have joined forces with law enforcement and Forestry Corporation’s Senior government agencies to address Manager of Forest Stewardship, the issue.

Kathy Lyons said traditional burning formed part of the The new Intra-Agency and ongoing hazard reduction “In my opinion, current bushfire Forestry Management Liaison program within State forests management is deficient and Group spans both sides of the South Australian-Victorian ‘accepted’ assumptions and around NSW.

The family-owned business supplies pine poles, construction timbers and other timber products, such as fence pickets and farm gates.

New home sales up NEW home sales rose 77.6 per

THE Softwoods Working Group is joining a growing chorus of voices telling the Bushfire Royal Commission that fuel loads in public and private forests last summer were at an “unacceptable” level and had been allowed to build up, “making fire prevention almost impossible.” Those statements were made by SWG Chair Peter Crowe in a written submission made public by the Commission last week.

First with Industry News

Firewood theft has plagued the Green Triangle forest industry for many years, but more recently, forest owners have reported a sharp increase in illegal activity.

Forestry Corporation’s Aboriginal Partnerships Team Leader, John Shipp said the training would enable more local Aboriginal communities to carry out hazard reduction burning using traditional lowintensity practices in State forests, in partnership with Forestry Corporation.

Brought to you by Australian Forests & Timber News and Australasian Timber Magazine

SUBSCRIBE TO DAILY TIMBER NEWS AND GET YOUR INDUSTRY NEWS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

SUBSCRIBE ONLINE TIMBERBIZ.COM.AU

14

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER AUGUST 2020

www.timberbiz.com.au

Timber flooring

Laminate vs timber — the right choice

Ian Minotti

L

AMINATE and timber flooring are two widely used flooring options that are used in a range of flooring applications, however, because of their numerous similarities, most people usually confuse one for the other; hence the need to distinguish them and determine which one is more suitable for your needs.

In a nutshell, laminate is a unique multi-layer synthetic flooring product which is designed to resemble real wood. Its core layer is primarily made from fibre board material and melamine resin while the top layer features an imprinted textured image that looks like real wood. On the other hand, engineered timber flooring consists of numerous layers of wood or plywood materials. The middle and bottom layers are made from plywood or cross-laid planks, while the top layer comprises of a solid real sawn wood which is often prefinished and stained in factory settings.

What are the main differences between laminate and engineered wood flooring?

Composition The engineered wood flooring is typically made of superior quality plywood with a pre-finished fine hardwood veneer on top, however, laminate flooring is made of a thin and pressed wood board resembling natural wood on the top. This is normally covered by a clear layer that protects the image and below it is a separate underlayment.

Thickness On average, the veneer of engineered wood flooring is about 3-4mm thick, while the total product thickness with all layers included is approximately 14mm thick. As for laminate flooring, all the layers combined range from 6mm to 12mm thick.

about anywhere within the house. Although both of them are great options for do-it-yourself installation, the engineered wood floors are a little harder to install, hence the need to purchasing flooring with a good locking system.

Professionals often charge more to install engineered wood than laminate installation.

Longevity When choosing your flooring materials, you definitely want something that will last. Ideally, laminate is known to resist nicks, scratches and scuffs quite well, however, should something happen to it, you cannot refresh or sand it down since it is not real wood. If well maintained, it can last up to 20 years.

On the other hand, engineered wood is typically more prone to scratches and scuffs, even though it can be sanded down and refinished. Alternatively, you can add a protective coating in order to improve aesthetic appeal and increase it lifespan, which can go up to 75 years.

Costs Both engineered wood and laminate flooring come in a range of price structures right from the bargain prices to luxury styles. For laminates, prices usually rise with higher AC (abrasion class) ratings, spill protection, added technology and surface textures. The cost is between $15 and $40 per square metre.

On the other hand, the price engineered floors are determined by the thickness of the top solid wood, the style, brand and the species of the wood. On average, engineered wood is comparatively more expensive, and you can pay $70 to $120 per square metre.

In a nutshell, when you are presented with these two flooring options, your choice should be informed by your unique needs and overall budget. Ideally, laminate is a great product for high traffic areas which are prone to nicks and scuffs and is best if you are on a tight budget. On the other hand, though a little more expensive, engineered wood offers greater durability and a more realistic look as well as feel.

Repair and refinishing Due to its thin veneer, the engineered wood flooring can be refinished a few times before that veneer starts wearing down to base plywood layers, however, it is not possible to repair laminate flooring in the traditional wood repair sense.

Instead, when the top layer of the floor is damaged or worn out, all you can do Ian is a renowned floor covering exis to replace the planks. pert in product knowledge and instalWhich one is better to use? lation. He is specialized in all types of floor coverings for many years and Ease of installation The two flooring options are incred- his knowledge in the industry is exibly versatile and can be installed just ceptional. www.timberbiz.com.au

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER AUGUST 2020

15

Tech talk

Keep timber shrinkage at bay A LL timber shrinks to

some extent as it dries, resulting in a direct loss in volume.

It should be noted that shrinkage is a direct cause of cracks that occur on the surface or ends of sawn timber and is also primary cause of the warping which sometimes occurs. Basically, shrinkage of timber varies in the three directions of the tree. It shrinks very little along its length, of the order of only 0.1%, that is, 1mm per meter. The shrinkage in width will depend on how the board is sawn from the log. If it is quarter sawn, that is, in a radial direction, at right angles to the growth rings, its shrinkage would be roughly half of that if it is back sawn or sawn in a direction tangential to the rings.

Unit tangential movement (U.T.M) is a useful measure of movement. It is the percentage dimensional change for each 1% change in moisture content between 3% and the fibre saturation point for the particular species. For example, slash pine has a U.T.M of 0.30. Therefore, a piece of 90x35 back sawn slash pine with moisture content of 15% is 0.81mm wider than a piece of 90x35 back

David Zhang structural engineer at Multinail.

sawn slash pine with moisture content of 12%. If we use the same rule and compare moisture content of 18% and 12%, we will find the difference in width will be 1.62mm which is quite significant. Another critical difference between dried and green timber is the creep factor when designing a timber structural element. Long term, greater than 1 year, deformation of dried timber is less than green timber. For bending, compression and shear members, creep factor j2 for dried or seasoned timber shall be 2.0.

However, green or unseasoned timber has a j2 factor of 3.0. It simply indicated that a green timber beam will deflect 1.5 times more than a dried timber beam long term point of view.

As mentioned above, moisture content is the control value of the performance of a structural timber element. We need to maintain the moisture

content at an acceptable range.

From the manufacturing stage to construction stage on site, all timber elements shall be kept dry and covered if there will be some severe weather conditions.

So, what about cutting wet timber in a linear saw, e.g.

Multinail PieceMaker Linear Saw? Does this pose any risks? Of course it does. As an example, cutting through dry radiata pine is going to demand much less effort on all components on your saw than cutting through soaking wet radiata pine. The additional water and excess moisture can make a difference

to the entire cutting process. It places additional resistance on all components within the saw including operators, relating to additional effort for the entire process.

As the timber is wet, sawdust will tend to stick to slides, guides and sensors instead

possibly endanger your staff.

Wet sawdust can get caught on the saw blade and all other moving parts and can effectively gum up the works inside or promote rust on metal parts and electronics and shorten the lifespan.

When you think about it, majority of bearings and slides are already wet, wet with sealed oil lubrication. Everyone knows water and oil do not mix well together. Repairs are costly, and on top of that, they take your time and attention away from more important responsibilities within your business.

Keeping your timber dry and controlling moisture not only gives the high performance of final timber structure but also ensures your investment remains in peak condition.

of running freely through the If you have any questions for machine. As an example, trying to put soaking wet timber David, please don’t hesitate to through a linear saw can cause contact him. PH: 07 3297 3272 damage to all components and E: david.zhang@multinail.com

SAY HI TO THE BEST

08

Members on the Software team

13

Members on the controls team

24/7

JOESCAN YET.

Support from NZ and three locations in North America

40+

Optimisation Systems installed

THE 3D SCANNER FOR YOUR WHOLE SAWMILL

700+

Control systems Installed worldwide

 two cameras nd steep wane and see around ights  single cable PoE connection  smaller, faster, and simpler to use

International System Integrators MILLWIDE SOFTWARE, OPTIMISATION & CONTROL SOLUTIONS

www.automationelec.com Ph +64 7 574 6223 16

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER AUGUST 2020

NEW JS-50 WX www.timberbiz.com.au

Associations

Industrial relations reform needed First steps — grow jobs, then grow the economy

T

he need for industrial relations reform has never been more necessary than now. The economy is at its lowest level in decades, and there is an urgent need to increase job availability for thousands of unemployed Australians.

In order to help economic growth, one of the most important areas that needs attention is our industrial relations system. The Prime Minister, togeth-

er with the Attorney General, has ordered the establishment of working groups, consisting of employer and union representatives, to provide reform recom-

mendations that the Government will consider, which will hopefully introduce measures to make our economic recovery swift and effective.

MGA TMA participation in the Federal Government IR Reform Working Groups MGA TMA as a member of COSBOA has been invited to join one of the 5 industrial relations reform groups, namely “Award simplification”.

The Minister for Industrial Relations, Hon Christian

Apprenticeships - workplace based training explained EVER wondered what workplace based training is? Let me unravel the terminology.

The workplace based training model is a system developed to utilise experienced and qualified tradesmen from industry sectors to provide convenient training in the workplace. Focusing on apprentices, trainers and assessors visit your premise to deliver training, using your tools and equipment. One of the benefits of this training model is the apprentice is being trained to be productive in your business from day one.

Your commitment, as the employer, is to allot a minimum of three (3) hours per week for your apprentice to undertake structural training in accordance with the Registered Training Organisation’s (RTO) training plan. These hours can be used to progress the theory component of training and build onthe-job skills.

Through the use of technology, some RTOs offer the theoretical portion of training on online - no bulky text books or paper resources required, removing the excuse ‘my dog ate my homework’!

The workbooks and assessment tools are available 24/7 to the apprentice.

Federal and State Government incenwww.timberbiz.com.au

Porter, will Chair all 5 working groups.

MGA TMA will have direct input into the other working groups comprising, Casuals, EBA’s, Greenfields and Compliance and Enforcement.

We are well aware of the complexities of the awards and the difficulties that members experience when applying the awards in their businesses. The groups will meet on a regular basis over the next three months through until end of September and we will work with employee unions to hopefully achieve agreed changes to awards that will make the award process simpler for everyone.

The Government and MGA TMA has adopted the next stage as being one to Respond Recover and Reform Since early February MGA TMA’s became heavily involved with many Federal and State Government Minister and Small Business Commissioner led task forces and business recovery groups. During this time MGATMA has been very active representing members in the many

business recovery groups which have met and continue to meet remotely on a weekly basis.

The next stage the “Recovery Stage” will focus on stimulating the reopening of businesses, businesses reengaging their employees, reinvigorating employment growth and driving economic growth. All of this combined with stimulating and reinvigorating the building, construction and home renovation sectors.

MGA TMA IR support services – members have unlimited access to 4 dedicated IR Lawyers on hand to assist members with any workplace IR issues and matters. Members are strongly advised to contact MGA TMA for all their IR and employment law needs.

Unfair dismissals are on the rise – time consuming and costly. Members are encouraged to call MGA TMA for support, service and advice before dismissing staff.

Want to know more about MGA TMA contact Ann Sanfey, National Membership Manager ann.sanfey@mga.asn.au – M: 0411 886 716 AS300620

BY INDUSTRY FOR INDUSTRY

DEAN BRAKELL

CEO AUSTRALIAN CABINET AND FURNITURE ASSOCIATION tives may be available to assist the apprentice and/or the workplace throughout the course of an apprenticeship including the workplace based training model. These vary State to State. At the time of writing the Federal Government was supporting small businesses with a wage subsidy of up to 50% of the apprentice’s wage due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

For your apprentice to undertake workplace based training or transfer to a workplace based model, the good news is the process is simple. All you need to do is inform the Apprenticeship Centre a workplace training style is the best fit for your business.

For over 20 years ACFA has been an industry innovator and education leader in training apprentices through the workplace based training model, resulting in nationally recognised Certificate III qualifications.

2020/21 MEMBERSHIP

Member Benefits: P 24/7 access to key business resources via ACFA website

P unlimited calls on workplace

The association supporting the furnishing, joinery, cabinetmaking, kitchen and bathroom industries.

relations including minimum wage & allowances

P industry specific

policies, checklist & fact sheets

P plus

more...

Join online at www.acfa.net.au

For further information 1300 342 248 or membership@acfa.net.au

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER AUGUST 2020

PROTECT

PROMOTE

PROVIDE 17

Associations FRAME & TRUSS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA

FTMA Australia is an independent, national organisation representing fabricators of and suppliers to the timber prefabricated truss and wall frame industry in all Australian states & territories providing a unified voice, to protect

Your mental health is vital to your business survival M Health is something that I am deeply passionate about as unfortunately I have seen first-hand the pain, the loss, and the feeling of complete hopelessness. I myself have suffered from depression when I battled childhood trauma as an adult and luckily, through counselling and the support of family and friends I have come out the other end but I know how hard it is to ask for help in the first instance.

Besides my own demons I have also dealt with the loss of a loved one through suicide. Why couldn’t we see it, why didn’t they ask for help and what could have we done to avoid it are questions you continually ask yourself.

We lost Scott’s cousin a few years ago to suicide but every anniversary we still feel the same pain and still ask the same questions and unfortunately as tough as life is and as high as our suicide rate has been, it is expected to rise due to the unforeseen circumstances of COVID-19.

Did you know that: Suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians aged between 15 and 44. It deeply affects friends, families and communities; More than 3000 Australians end their lives each year — this is about 8 people a day. We lose more people to suicide than die on our roads each year; Calls to Lifeline are up by 25 per cent on last year, while Beyond Blue has seen a 40 per cent leap in calls since before the pandemic; Crisis and support services have also experienced increased demand, with calls to Lifeline up 23 per cent in the four weeks to

and advance our mult-billion dollar industry.

FTMA Australia thanks our dedicated supporters and encourages you to support those who support your industry GOLD SPONSORS

ental

18

“We support you!”

By Kersten Gentle Executive Officer FTMA Australia

May 10 compared with the same period a year earlier. Kids Helpline had a 51 per cent increase in calls, emails and web chat, while Beyond Blue’s contacts across all platforms were up 57 per cent; Beyond Blue’s coronavirus wellbeing support service received 4938 calls in the five weeks to May 20, with isolation, anxiety, worry and depression the most common reasons for calling; and Experts are warning suicide rates will continue to rise due to the economic and social impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

The duty of employers under the model WHS laws apply to psychological health too. This is a stressful time for all Australians, and you must do what is reasonably practicable to eliminate and reduce the psychological risks to workers and others at the workplace. Under WHS laws, you must eliminate or minimise the risk to psychological health and safety arising from the work carried out by your business or undertaking as much as you reasonably can.

FTMA Australia created a Fact Sheet outlining steps you can take to address mental health within your workplace and we encourage you to download their COVID-19 Mental Health Fact Sheet.

I have no doubt that many in our industry are stressed with the uncertainty of the Pandem-

ic, especially the uncertainty of whether we will go into stricter lockdowns. However, this is not just about your employee’s mental health it is about business owners putting in strategies, so you don’t burn out.

The impact on business owners, especially family owned businesses is huge. Whether you are concerned with the financial wellbeing of your business, stressing about the impact on your team or on having to lay people off, the toll on your health is real.

A fabricator recently said to me that if I were a piece of machinery, they would have written me off years ago, as they tried to stress the importance of me taking care of myself as well. I would ask all business owners to consider what will happen if you are not at the helm and if you don’t look after yourself? Your businesses survival is dependant on your survival so look in to the available resources such as the FTMA Fact sheet or this article which outlines ways to help - https://www.headsup.org.au/ your-mental-health/work-andyour-mental-health-during-thecoronavirus-outbreak If your business needs any help in accessing these services or putting programs in place please contact FTMA if you need support as Mental Health is everyone’s responsibility and we want to ensure above all else that people survive COVID-19.

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER AUGUST 2020

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

For a full list of the conditions of membership and a downloadable application form visit: www.ftmaaustralia.com.au www.timberbiz.com.au

Navigating tricky world of deaths in the workplace T

NATIONAL WAGE CASE DECISION On 19 June, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) minimum wage panel announced the 2020 annual wage review decision under the Fair Work Act 2009. The FWC has once again decided to apply a percentage increase to minimum rates of pay.

here is no doubt that

for some time trade unions have been pressing for a criminal offence of “industrial manslaughter” to be inserted into all work health and safety legislation in Australia while at the same time opposing any more stringent duties and penalties for workers who breach safety requirements. The unions’ goal has been to expose employers or PCBUs and the most senior corporate officers to prosecution for industrial manslaughter where there is a workplace death or serious injury or illness or where a person has been exposed to the risk of death or serious injury or illness. The unions also want massive monetary penalties to apply to all personal and corporate offenders and 25year gaol terms for the most senior corporate officers.

The most recent review of the model (federal) Work Health and Safety Act, on which the NSW WHS Act is based, recommended that an industrial manslaughter offence be included in the legislation, despite having indicated specifically throughout the review that there would not be such a recommendation. Following that review, the Labor governments of Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia have legislated along these lines.

Brian Beecroft Chief Executive Officer TTIA

it has not included the industrial manslaughter offence. Rather, it amends the Principal Act by introducing a new fault element into the Category 1 offence in section 31. Category 1 offences are the most serious offences under the Principal Act. A Category 1 offence is currently committed where a person (including a corporate legal person), who has a health and safety duty to an individual under the Principal Act: Without reasonable excuse; Engages in conduct that exposes that individual to a risk of death or serious injury or illness; And the person with the duty is reckless as to the risk to the individual of death or serious injury or illness.

However, in addition to the recklessness offence (which is said to be very hard for the prosecution to prove) the Amendment Bill now also makes it an offence (carrying the same What has changed in monetary and gaol term penalthe NSW Work Health ties) for the person (including a and Safety Act 2011 (the person conducting a business Principal Act) The NSW Government has now or undertaking – PCBU) with the passed the Work Health and health and safety duty to – with Safety Amendment (Review) Bill gross negligence - engage in 2020, (the Amendment Bill), but conduct that exposes the indi-

Associations

What are the MAIN Points?

The national minimum wage (NMW), based on the C14 classification in the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2010, will be adjusted to $753.80 per week, or $19.84 per hour. The NMW is applicable to adult award/agreement free employees and is operative from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2020.

Minimum wage rates in modern awards will be increased by 1.75 % with weekly rates rounded to the nearest 10 cents, with proportionate increases in hourly rates of pay and annual salaries. The operative date for this increase varies depending on the award group.

The 3 award groups were assessed differently by the FWC as follows: · Group 1 Awards: Operative date 1 July 2020 · Group 2 Awards: Operative 1 November 2020 · Group 3 Awards: Operative 1 February 2021 (The majority of awards affecting the timber and forest products industry are in Group 2, therefore employees covered by these awards are not due to receive a wage increase until 1 November 2020.)

vidual to a risk of death or serious injury or illness.

It is anticipated that the gross negligence offence will be easier for the prosecutor to prove and, therefore, that there are likely to be more prosecutions on this score. This is likely to be so notwithstanding the very significant reduction in workplace fatalities over the last decade (down well over 50% nationally).

However, the penalties in the NSW WHS legislation (the Principal Act as amended by the Amendment Bill) remain lower that in those States and Territories which have introduced industrial manslaughter offences.

The revised penalties in the NSW legislation are as follows: $346,500 and/or 5 years imprisonment (old penalty $300,000/5 years) for a person (other than an officer of a PCBU or an individual who is a PCBU) $692,500 and/or 5 years imprisonment (old penalty $600,000/5 years) for a person who an officer of a PCBU or who is a PCBU. $3,463,000 (old penalty $3,000,000) for a body corporate.

The Amendment Bill came into effect on 10 June 2020.

TVAA members support bans on illegal logging THE environmental advantages of slicing multiple veneers from the same log are well known. A log goes much further in the form of veneers than when it is milled into solid timber.

However, members of the Timber Veneer Association of Australia also recognise the need to ensure that the veneers they trade in have been legally sourced, given that veneers come from all over the world.

Australia has had measures in place for some time to make sure wood products entering the country are from legal sources.

The regulations are set out in the Illegal Logging Prohibition Regulations 2012.

Originally, products certified www.timberbiz.com.au

By Peter Llewellyn Technical Representative, Timber Veneer Association of Australia

under either the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) scheme, or the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), were deemed to comply with the Regulations.

However, in 2018 the deemed to comply arrangements for FSC and PEFC products were disallowed.

Parties dealing with FSC and PEFC products are required to also carry out the due diligence process described in the Regulations.

Importers of timber veneers need a written due diligence system. While FSC and PEFC certified

products are not automatically deemed to comply with the legislation, certification under either scheme allows an importer to use the Timber Legality Framework.

This can shortcut the due diligence process.

TVAA members have embraced FSC and/or PEFC certification and therefore are able to use the Timber Legality Framework.

It is also useful to check the status of wood products under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). CITES is an international agreement between governments to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

Listing of a timber species in Appendix 1 of CITES means international trade is prohibited. Listing in Appendices II and III means trade is permitted, subject to conditions.

However the fact that a species is not prohibited by CITES, does not necessarily mean it is legally harvested everywhere in the world. Due diligence must still be done by importers and processors.

Specifiers can be sure that members of the Timber Veneer Association are aware of their obligation to supply legally sourced timber veneers, in accordance with Australian Regulations.

Contact details can be found at timberveneer.asn.au

AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER AUGUST 2020

australasian

Looking Back 2019

The Australian Construction Industry needs to focus more on industry skilling and enabling modern construction enterprise capability capacity building than on the hype given to modern construction tech over the past 20 years.

The keynote speaker at Frame Australia’s Conference, David Chandler, said that unless Australia’s domestic capabilities are adapted to embrace modern construction methods the industry will be left behind.

2015

THE AUSTRALIAN timber industry has registered the first industry-wide Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) as part of the new Australasian EPD Program.

The industry supported development of the EPD through Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA). The EPD was produced by the Timber Development Association and sustainability expert thinkstep. The EPD will be available for building and design professionals via the WoodSolutions website. It is already available on the Australasian EPD Program website. The EPD confirms sawn Australian softwood as a “better than carbon neutral” building material considering cradle-to-gate and a typical landfill scenario.

2010

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA has published revised editions of the Australian Standards for Residential Timber Framed Construction (AS 1684) and Timber Structures (AS1720.1), the two primary timber standards affecting the design, specification and market application of timber products.

It is expected that these 2010 editions of the standards will be referenced in BCA 2011 as part of the Australian Building Codes Board’s annual BCA Amendment process.

According to A3P’s Peter Juniper, chairman of the Joint Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand Timber Framing Committee TM-002, a large number of technical and editorial issues had been submitted to Standards Australia requesting clarification and technical updates to various parts of the Standard, with the majority of the submissions originating from professional and trade users including the TAFE sector, engineers, building designers, building certifiers and builders. Also, in response to industry requests, a number of significant research and development projects 19

DELIVERING PRECISION The Vekta Razer V5 is the ultimate linear saw, designed to have maximum safety, flexibility and capability. The Razer can be customised to suit• Your budget: Fully installed systems starting at $220,000 AUD, with upgrade options as your budget and needs change over time.

• Your workflow: Left-to-right or right-to-left timber flow, as well as in from the front or back and out to the front or back.

• Your Space: Fully customisable to fit into even the smallest plants. Everything is built to order, so Vekta can customise virtually any aspect of your machine.

• Your Processes: Highly configurable software that easily lets you choose where and how optimising is done, what you want printed on each different member type, cut orders, options to go paperless and so much more.

Don’t just look at the outputs. You need to consider the entire package. The support, being a local supplier and not international, the servicing requirements and costs, optimisation, absolutely everything.

Vekta and the Razer ticks all the boxes.

Andrew Sternberg, Dahlsens

info@vekta.com.au I vekta.com.au