NO. 369 // APRIL 2017
Imported timber Supply & demand
PAGE 13 PAGE 34 PAGE 41 MASTER BUILDERS’ MITEK’S SAPPHIRE PROTECTING FIRST FEMALE CEO MANAGEMENT YOUR BUSINESS
TTN369_01_cover_2017.indd 1 16/3/17 4:03 pm INTRODUCING THE ALL NEW SUPERCHARGED TIMBER COMPONENT CUTTER TURBO-DRIVE
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HundeggerHundegger AustralasiaAustralasia Pty Pty Ltd Ltd CharlieCharlie Hutchings 258A Hi-Tech Whiteside Place Road RowvilleClayton South Victoria Victoria Australia Australia 3178 3169 Tel:Tel: +613 95409540 01300130 Email:Email: [email protected] Web:Web: www.hundegger.com.au
Innovation in timber engineering
4c 210 x 297 Australien_eng_2.indd 1 13.12.2016 12:24:04 TTN366_03_IndustryTTN367_03_IndustryHundegger_368_march insite.indd 17.indd 12 16/12/1617/2/1719/1/17 11:37 2:382:27 pmam CONTENTS INTRODUCING THE ALL NEW SUPERCHARGED PUBLISHING DATA Publisher: Ian Brooks TIMBER COMPONENT CUTTER (02) 9126 9705 Regulars [email protected] 36 Industry insights ...... 4 Editor: Alison Turner State of the industry ...... 5 (02) 9126 9714 [email protected] Association update Advertising: Julie McConachy Association news ...... 7 TURBO-DRIVE 0409 381 813 [email protected] News News in brief ...... 10 Subscription Manager Julie Hughes (02) 9439 1955 Feature article [email protected] Home & away ...... 18 Art Director: Julitta Overdijk Paragon Media Pty Limited Product profile ABN: 49 097 087 860 Vekta Razer ...... 26 Suite 14, Level 2/174 Willoughby Road Crows Nest NSW 2065 Company profile PO Box 81, St Leonards, NSW 1590, Australia STS Timber ...... 28 Tel: 02 9439 1955 / Fax: 02 9439 1977 Email: [email protected] Watt about the workplace Protecting your business ...... 41 Circulation: proprietors, managers and executives in all sectors of the timber and building materials industries Timber floor news including merchants, building material BauBuche Flooring ...... 30 centres, hardware stores, timber window 14 Brice on Boards ...... 32 and door manufacturers, truss and frame manufacturers, timber flooring retailers, stair, balustrade and solid AutoBuild News timber furniture manufacturers and their associated suppliers and industry Product profile: SAPPHIRE ...... 34 associations throughout Australia. Alpine Truss turns 15 ...... 36 The fastest and Established October 1985 most versatile ISSN 1035/4298 FTMA newsletter truss and frame Print Post Approved: 100002694 With Kersten Gentle ...... 38 component cutting Published 12 times per year by: Email: [email protected] GN guidelines machine ever Website: www.timbertradernews.com Timely documentation ...... 40 My Hundegger and me! Subscriptions for 12 editions: Never change a winning team! Australia: $99 (+GST) Truss talk New Zealand: NZ$109 (+NZGST) With Paul Davis ...... 42 Overseas Airmail: AU$250 www.hundegger.com • Designed specifically for high speed production of roof truss, PERSONNEL ADVERTISERS’ INDEX – APRIL 2017 and timber framing components Ausframe ...... 33 MiTek Australia Ltd ...... 44 Sales Director: • Minimal footprint Julie McConachy Australian Sustainable Hardwoods Pty Ltd ...... 6 Multinail Australia Pty Ltd ...... 39 Phone: 0409 381 813 Bliss & Reels Pty Ltd ...... 37 • Latest technology [email protected] Outdoor Timber Treatment ...... 8 Hundegger ...... 2 • ln built board-stretching optimisation = more yield, less waste Simmonds ...... 21 PUBLISHER Hyne Timber ...... 9 • Fast, accurate, flexible and affordable Ian Brooks Mathews Timber ...... 25 STS Timber ...... 15 Phone: 02 9126 9705 [email protected] McCormack’s Hardwood Sales ...... 5, 35 Vekta Automation ...... 43 HundeggerHundegger AustralasiaAustralasia Pty Pty Ltd Ltd CharlieCharlie Hutchings Like us on Facebook 258A Hi-Tech Whiteside Place Road facebook.com/TimberTraderNews Source: Audited Media Association of Australia; RowvilleClayton South Victoria Victoria Australia Australia 3178 3169 Average Net Distribution: 1599 CAB Total Distribution Audit. For further E-newsletter subscribers: 5,158 Tel:Tel: +613 95409540 01300130 Period ending September 2015 information visit www.auditedmedia.org.au Email: [email protected] Disclaimer Unless explicitly stated otherwise in writing, by providing editorial material to Paragon Media, including text and images you are providing permission Email: [email protected] for that material to be subsequently used by Paragon Media, whole or in part, edited or unchanged, alone or in combination with other material in any publication Web: www.hundegger.com.au or format in print or online or howsoever distributed, whether produced by Paragon Media and its agents and associates or another party to whom Paragon Media Web: www.hundegger.com.au has provided permission.
www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 3 Innovation in timber engineering
4c 210 x 297 Australien_eng_2.indd 1 13.12.2016 12:24:04 TTN369_03_contents.indd 3 17/3/17 1:08 pm TTN366_03_IndustryTTN367_03_IndustryHundegger_368_march insite.indd 17.indd 12 16/12/1617/2/1719/1/17 11:37 2:382:27 pmam INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
With Justin Newman, CEO, Vesta Timber and Hardware
s I talk technology and the benefits of years your smartphone could be the only want and pick it up in-store and the Athe internet and ecommerce to members computer you own. As the processing power efficiency and customer service of of the timber and hardware industries within of phones increase and internet speeds your business increases dramatically. Australia, I often find myself saying, “Don’t delivered by the NBN blow previous speeds Leveraging the bricks-n-clicks model for hate me, I didn’t invent the internet”. away, it’s conceivable that the smartphone your business may not just increase sales, What do I mean, “Don’t hate me”? The will replace computers, especially for it may keep out competitors. The reality is reality is that the internet is both a threat consumers such as builders and tradesmen that, as an industry, there aren’t currently and an opportunity to the traditional business who are not anchored to their office or any exclusively online timber merchants model of many long-standing businesses who spend a large amount of time on- doing any significant volumes or using their within this industry. Many of these site and their ute is their office. ability to operate at a lower cost than you to discussions turn to what competitors could Your ability to increase customer service impact on your sales and affect your margin. be or are doing to disrupt their traditional and improve efficiency in the ordering and My belief is that one of the major reasons for channels to market by using e-commerce. fulfilment process once came at great this could lie with the ability to get supply in Often the discussion then turns to me expense, in both time and money. The significant volumes at wholesale rates, which being told that the timber and hardware benefits of embracing an omni-channel allows the margin gap required for growth. industries are immune to such threats and solution for your business lie in the benefit But again, we aren’t the only industry that we don’t need to be concerned, or at least you’re offering your customers in improved would have faced that issue, and to think we concerned for a very long time. customer service and in your ability to be can avoid it forever is dangerous. For current Well if that’s the case, as an industry, able to attract new customers to the industry participants with strong businesses, can we put our heads in the sand and business inexpensively. But does any of this the best method to avoid this type of online- confidently say that the timber industry answer the question, “Should timber only competition and the issues of low-cost doesn’t need to explore the threats and merchants in 2017 be looking at an omni- distribution it would present is to leverage opportunities the internet offers? Should channel option to ensure the success of their the bricks and mortar you have now and timber merchants in 2017 be looking at business into the future?” In truth it probably develop an omni-channel solution. an omni-channel option to ensure the doesn’t, as these are easy things to say. Many of the reasons for not adopting an success of their business into the future? For the timber industry, the overwhelming omni-channel solution lie in the perceived cost The first place to start is with the statistics reason to adopt this change lies with the and time investment that the industry must – and they are compelling in regards to the term “bricks-n-clicks”, as that is where make. One hurdle the industry has faced is use of the internet – and more specifically this industry has the most opportunity. the sheer number of different products that smartphones in the process of researching The term “bricks-n-clicks” relates to the industry requires information on to products and companies prior to purchasing. companies combining their physical store effectively sell online. That issue was resolved The process is known as “webrooming”, which with their online presence to increase sales. using our Vesta Central platform that maps is slang for the consumer practice of Online businesses such as Amazon are merchant and supplier products and creates researching products online before buying starting to now add physical stores to a single source of truth, making omni-channel them in a physical store. Some research complement their online offer. The reason easy. There are no excuses as there once indicates webrooming can be as high as 90 the shift towards omni-channel is happening was – if you want to make a start you can, percent within Australia. This is helped by the is consumers want the security and and the time and cost should not be a hurdle. fact that there are over 15 million smartphones experience of buying in-store but the “Should Timber merchants in 2017 be operating within Australia. The Nielsen mobile convenience of browsing online. For the looking at an omni-channel option to ensure report from October 2015 stated the average timber and hardware industry it is here where the success of their business into the smartphone use was more than one hour of the most potential lies, as the industry has a future?” I believe I have made a case for internet browsing on each smartphone per day. huge benefit it can exploit in this area in its the answer to be yes. But I know you will One of the most popular responses current resources of store–people–suppliers. all make up your own minds, and in an when asked what smartphone users did Let’s face it, timber and hardware stores are industry so full of opinion, that is sure to be with their phone was “research products fascinating places to visit, full of interesting a dynamic discussion. But if I can leave you to buy”. In fact, the Sensis e-Business characters, expertise and product displays with one thought? As an industry we need Report 2016 reported that 55 percent offering ideas and loads of potential add-on to take our heads out of the sand in this area of all Australian mobile users are ordering sales. Therefore, the industry should embrace in regards to technology overall and realise goods and services from their phones. the move to omni-channel as this industry that our industry is not so different that it What makes the use of smartphones even already has a very important component that’s is immune to the changes taking place in more interesting is that the smartphone in a key to the success of an omni-channel and regards to disruption in other sectors. your pocket has more computing power than that’s the bricks and mortar that consumers As I see it, we have two choices as all of NASA did when it put the first men on want when buying online. Combine these participants in the industry – we can choose the moon in 1969! Several large technology resources with a click-and-collect option that to do something and ensure success or blogs have reported that in less than two allows the customer to purchase what they do nothing and take our chances.
4 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 www.timbertradernews.com
TTN369_04-05_industry insites + SOI.indd 4 17/3/17 12:47 pm State of the Industry March 2017 Results from March show an decrease in budget performance in comparison to last month. Sample size for March: 16 KEY FINDINGS METROPOLITAN vs. REGIONAL (31%) with respondents also being Performance against budget The majority of survey respondents Wholesaler/Supplier/and Flooring Retailer/Contractors. • 50% made or exceeded budget were located in Victoria and Queensland (25% lower compared to February) (both 31%) and NSW (19%), with PARTICIPANT COMMENTS respondents also from the ACT, South – consisting of medium businesses “The market is flying and the rest of 2017 Australia and Western Australia. (43%) and small businesses (57%). looks good. Most builders on our books are • 25% either missed budget or 63% of respondents were from a booked solid for the year. Worrying sign is regional area. Of these respondents missed badly. lack of tradies as well as hard to get good 40% exceeded budget (23% lower Staff hires reliable staff to fill positions.” compared to February), whereas 38% “Still very competitive. Many suppliers • 25% employed more staff (the of respondents were from a metropolitan putting in price increases which will be same as February). Of companies area. Of these, 67% made or exceeded hard for us to implement.” who employed more staff, all exceeded budget (17% higher than February). “Electicity prices are becoming a burden.” their budget. • 75% reported no changes (8% Profile of survey participants this month “Still busy, huge amount of quotes.” higher compared to February). Participants included Frame and Truss “Sales slow and not much forward • No respondents reduced staff. Fabricators (38%), followed by Merchants enquiries.”
RCH Exceeded Made Just missed Missed badly
70 60 50 40 30 20 10
FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2016 JAN 2017 FEB R This survey is a guide only as to the ‘state of our industry’.
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www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 5
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PHOTO: ANTONIOCHAKRAPONG GUILLEM/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM ZYN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM ASSOCIATION NEWS Inside. TABMA TMA Which awards are affected? Colin Fitzpatrick Emma Watt Several years ago, a group of retail employer associations applied to the FWC to vary six Outside. TABMA Websites Forthcoming events modern awards. There are approximately The websites for TABMA Australia, Members are invited to a professional 130 modern awards all told, but this decision TABMA Apprentices & Trainees, TABMA development workshop on industrial applies only to employees covered by these Training and Building Trade Credit Australia relations and human resources. This six awards: are currently being redesigned and will be session will be held in Geelong on released in April. These updated sites will Wednesday, April 5, and will cover: • Fast Food Award have completely new looks and will • Retail Award generate huge interest. • Awards and agreements • Hospitality Industry Award • Recruitment • Pharmacy Award TABMA Victoria • Performance management • Clubs Award As part of her introduction into the • Policies and procedures • Restaurant Award machinations of TABMA, Natalie Reynolds • Termination of employment recently spent time in Sydney. Natalie is well versed in the operations of both a GTO and The session will be suitable for anyone an RTO having had vast experience with the whose normal responsibilities include HIA, MEGT and FSC and is excited about managing staff. Please contact Emma Penalty rates – is the potential in Victoria, a state that has Watt on [email protected] for been neglected by TABMA for too long. more information. anything changing
Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers Penalty rates – is anything changing for TMA members? Gow-Gates were established as insurance for TMA members? brokers in 1963, advising businesses and On February 23, a Full Bench of the Fair individuals on how to mitigate and transfer Work Commission (FWC) handed down risk. TABMA has had a long association with the Penalty Rates Decision. Gow-Gates as our general insurance brokers and the company will shortly be announcing a new program that will be seen as a huge Image supplied by Austim. benefit to TABMA members. IRON ASH cladding and battens with State Manager NSW a ‘walnut’ tint. The TABMA Apprentices & Trainees Division of TABMA Australia is currently advertising for a state manager in NSW. The appointed person will work as an understudy to Steve Cunningham in NSW and will help to relieve Steve of his many state duties, enabling him to concentrate on the broader national Beautiful. Strong. Durable. IRON ASH, from Australian Sustainable Hardwoods, landscape which is becoming more and perfectly answers your exterior timber needs. more time consuming in this rapidly growing division of the TABMA Group. Using innovative technology, now you can specify Victorian ash durability guarantee. You’ll harvest a huge time, throughout a home and outside too – seamlessly integrating cost and labour saving when you specify the most TABMA South Australia the much appreciated beauty of this gorgeous product inside affordable Australian hardwood fit for external use, TABMA works closely with the ASH1004548 and out – instead of having to specify dense, heavy species easily stained or painted, straight line machined and government of South Australia through externally. It’s all thanks to our unique Tru-Core treatment that durable to H3 classification. For your brochure, just Primary Industries & Regions SA (PIRSA) and in April, in conjunction with AFPA, we gets deep into the core of the hardwood. We call this IRON ASH! speak to an IRON ASH specialist on 03 5139 7070 will be holding a seminar in Adelaide to This is much more than a mere surface treatment. IRON ASH or head to vicash.com.au/ironash where you discuss industry related issues. The Premier is transformed so dramatically that it comes with a 25 year can download the PDF and request a sample. of South Australia has agreed to attend.
@sustainable_hardwoods Australian Sustainable Hardwoods PHOTO: CHAKRAPONG ZYN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM PHOTO: PHOTO: ANTONIO GUILLEM/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM ANTONIO PHOTO: bygoodwood Australian Sustainable Hardwoods Australian Sustainable Hardwoods www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 7
TTN367_07-08_Association news.indd 6 20/1/17 3:08 pm TTN369_07-08_Association news.indd 7 17/3/17 9:38 am ASS IATI N P ATE
The case was run over a period of two “The Full Bench years, with 39 hearing days, 1 3 witnesses (most re uiring cross examination) and 5900 of the Commission submissions, resulting in a 550 page decision. When this application was made agreed with the previously in around 2011, the FWC declined argument that there to change Sunday penalty rates on the grounds that not enough evidence had products in wholesale and timber merchant/ were likely to be been supplied that the change was retail outlets. As this award expressly covers warranted. Clearly, looking at the volume a specifi c type of retail work, the Timber some positive of evidence in this case, the employer Industry Award 2010 applies instead of employment effects parties had taken that criticism on board. the General Retail Industry Award 2010. The TMA will be looking at this decision, from reducing penalty What did the ommission decide? and discussing how best to respond on rates but said they The Commission has decided to reduce behalf of members. If you have any Sunday penalty rates in the Hospitality, Fast uestions, please contact me on were diffi cult to Food, Retail and Pharmacy awards. The [email protected] or . actual rates vary slightly, however, as an quantify.” example, the Sunday penalty in the Retail Award will drop from double time (200 ) TTIA to time and a half (150 ) for full- and part- rian cro t time employees and time and three uarters (1 5 ) for casual employees. Penalty rates case Public holiday penalty rates will also The Fair Work Commission s penalty be affected in the Retail Award, the rates case was released on February 23, public holiday penalty for full- and part-time 201 , however it does not affect the employees will drop from 250 to 225 , following awards: while casuals will reduce from 2 5 to • Timber Industry Award 2010 250 . The change will be transitioned over • Commercial Sales Award 2010 time, to avoid a sharp drop in employees • Manufacturing and Associated Industries take home pay. No decision has been made and Occupations Award 2010 yet on the way that will happen. • oinery and Building Trades Award 2010 • Clerks Private Sector Award 2010 What about the Timber Industry Award? • Road Transport (Long Distance The Timber Industry Award 2010 is Operations) Award 2010 not changed by this decision. • Road Transport and Distribution The Timber Industry Award covers Award 2010 employees who sell timber and timber- related products, hardware and building Some of the penalty rates in the General Retail Award 2010 will change on uly 1, 201 . Full-time, part-time and casual workers will be affected by the changes. The Sunday penalty rates for full-time and part-time ® workers will decrease from 200 to 150 EcoWood of their ordinary hourly rate. The Sunday Good for generations to come! penalty rates for casual workers will decrease from 200 to 1 5 . Durable against decay and termite damage. The Full Bench of the Commission agreed Ideal for sensitive applications or where frequent with the argument that there were likely to human contact is expected. be some positive employment effects from Ideal for residential, commercial and civic applications, reducing penalty rates but said they were where outdoor timber is specified. diffi cult to uantify. It accepted that for Attractive green coloured outdoor timber products, an inexpensive sustainable alternative to Hardwood products. many workers Sunday work had a Naturally weathers to a honey brown colour on exposure to sunlight. disutility higher than Saturday work but said it was much less than in the past. • Decking • Fencing Products • Garden Grade Sleepers This decision obviously has political • Plywood • Structural Timbers • F7 Structural Sleepers When performance matters, let LGL do the heavy lifting. implications and there may well be Long, straight, stable, cost efficient and with excellent nail holding capability, LGL is a • Custom Treatment Available • some adjustments made prior to breeze to work with. H3 treated as standard for protection outdoors, it can be used the commencement date. Members are invited to call the TTIA in conjunction with other termite resistant materials to provide total peace-of-mind. hotline on if you have any For pricing and availability call us now on 1300 784 963.
Tanalised and Ecowood are registered trademarks of Lonza [email protected] ueries with regard to this subject. or its subsidiaries used under licence. © Outdoor Timber 2017 03 8706 1250 hyne.com.au TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 www.timbertradernews.com
TTN369_07-08_Association news.indd 8 17/3/17 9:38 am When performance matters, let LGL do the heavy lifting. Long, straight, stable, cost efficient and with excellent nail holding capability, LGL is a breeze to work with. H3 treated as standard for protection outdoors, it can be used in conjunction with other termite resistant materials to provide total peace-of-mind. For pricing and availability call us now on 1300 784 963.
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TTN369_07-08_Association news.indd 9 17/3/17 9:38 am NEWS IN BRIEF INDUSTRY NEWS
Ups and downs
he latest ABS construction activity Tdata for the December quarter 2016 confirms there is still some transitioning to go before the Australian economy moves past the post-mining boom phase. “The surge in housing construction will continue to soften the landing through the end of the resources boom,” says Matthew Pollock, Master Builders National Manager – Housing. “But this has not been a one-for-one trade-off, with the latest data showing a fall in engineering activity of $434 million in the December quarter 2016, partially offset Registrations open for national by a $197 million increase in the value of manufacturing week 2017 residential work done.” Over the year residential building work Showcasing leaders in manufacturing solutions. contributed over $70 billion and accounted for around four percent of egistrations have opened for Australia’s (Intercad), 3M, Lincoln Electric, ATOM, HIWIN, Australian GDP, while the value of Rlargest manufacturing showcase, Impact Robotics, KOBOT, SIKA Australia, engineering construction work fell by $20 National Manufacturing Week (NMW), Universal Robots and WAGO. billion, equal to 1.2 per cent of GDP. The running from 9 – 12 May 2017. “National Manufacturing Week is Australia’s value of engineering construction work Themed “Delivering the Industry 4.0 only fully integrated annual manufacturing has fallen for six consecutive quarters, Revolution”, NMW 2017 is free to attend exhibition, and provides an unrivalled with value of work done falling to its and will feature five critical areas facing the opportunity for delegates to network, lowest point since March quarter 2009. manufacturing sector: Industry Capability collaborate and learn from one another,” Total construction work done in Australia Development, Product and Service says 2017 event director Robby Clark. fell by 0.2 percent in December 2016, Innovation, Technology Innovation, Process “The 2017 theme and subsequent adding to an extended run of negative Improvement and Sustainable Manufacturing. programming offer attendees the latest growth that began in June 2015. CSIRO Manufacturing Director Dr Keith expert opinion on the future of ways “The ongoing fall in resource-related McLean, Advanced Manufacturing Growth in which people will work, advances investment highlights the need for the Centre Managing Director Dr Jens in new technologies and process budget settings to support continued Goennemann, Innovative Manufacturing improvements as well as taking a investment in infrastructure, and for CRC Chief Executive Officer David Chuter deeper focus on global sustainability the tax system and other reforms to and the Australian Advanced Manufacturing for the manufacturing industry.” encourage private sector investment Council Chairman John Pollaers are Major partners for this year’s event into infrastructure projects,” Pollock all confirmed as 2017 speakers. include the Australian Advanced says.“Master Builders expects the Eleven specialist Product Zones will apply Manufacturing Council, the Welding deterioration in total engineering these categories to specific subsections Technology Institute of Australia and the construction work to continue, dragged of the manufacturing industry, which are Supply Chain and Logistics Association down by the completion of over $50 billion Advanced Materials, Air Technology, of Australia. NMW 2017 will again be in LNG-related major project activity.” Automation and Robotics, Digital co-located with the Safety First Conference Total building and construction work is Manufacturing, Electrical, Engineering, & Expo, along with Austech and the ISSA slated to fall by 10 percent in 2016-17, Process Control and Instrumentation, Cleaning & Hygiene Expo. Manufacturers driven by a fall in the value of engineering Research and Development, Safety, Supply will also be able to access the Business construction work of over $17 billion. But Chain Logistics and Welding Technology. Advice Hub which will run one hour, the residential sector is set to pick up Live demonstrations of the latest drop-in style information sessions. some of the slack, with more houses technologies and products are scheduled to National Manufacturing Week will expected to be built in 2016-17 than any run each day on the exhibition floor, which will run from May 9-12 at the Melbourne other time in history, and the value of feature more than 200 exhibiting companies Convention and Exhibition Centre. work expected to reach over $66 billion. from around the world. These include Bosch To register for NMW 2017, visit Australia, BOC, Supagas, Central Innovation nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au
NEW PRODUCT ON THE MARKET? BIG NEWS? DON’T KEEP IT TO YOURSELF! If you are launching a product or your business has an announcement, send it to [email protected] for the chance to be featured here.
10 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 www.timbertradernews.com
TTN369_10-17_news in brief+whats new.indd 10 17/3/17 9:41 am NEWS IN BRIEF
Winning solutions Box Hill student’s CLT multi- residential apartment design wins inaugural Dangerous Designs competition.
aul Morgan, a building design student Pat Melbourne’s Box Hill Institute, has taken out the first Dangerous Design prize of $500 cash and is in for a chance to win the $10,000 Grand Prize or the social media voted People’s Sur(Prize)! Launched in 2016, Dangerous Designs is an online competition created to promote the use of wood and wood products in sustainable design and to encourage the commercialisation of appropriate designs. It’s sponsored by WoodSolutions, an initiative of Australia’s forest and wood products industry and supported by a wide range of professional organisations, including the Australian Furniture Association, the Australian Institute of Architects and Planet Ark. Originally intended to be purely a student competition, the response to the concept from across the design community was so positive that Dangerous Designs was restructured to include both student and open categories. Dangerous Designs is judged by a panel chosen from leaders in a range of design-related fields, including architecture, exhibition curation, design and publication. One of the features of the competition is that it seeks to build bridges between designers, manufacturers and marketers to facilitate the commercial production of items designed for Dangerous Designs. Morgan’s winning entry, Laevo Cross Apartments, offers a functional solution to a real-world problem – sustainable and lower cost housing. A building design student when he entered Dangerous Designs, Morgan is now employed by a leading architectural practice and looking forward to continuing study in architecture at Melbourne University. “It was a great opportunity to enter Dangerous Designs,” Morgan says, round of Dangerous Designs. “I am passionate about sustainable “Timber will be “I would also like to thank our judges design and I think timber will be a for giving their time to the difficult task of large part of the solution for our a large part of the choosing between a wonderfully diverse built environment in years to come.” solution for our range of high quality entries,” she says. Eileen Newbury, National Marketing Entries for the second round of and Communications Manager at FWPA, built environment Dangerous Designs are now open. congratulates Paul on his success, as First round entries are available for well as all the other contenders in the first in years to come.” viewing at dangerousdesigns.com.au
www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 11
TTN369_10-17_news in brief+whats new.indd 11 17/3/17 9:41 am NEWS IN BRIEF
75% of Aussies won’t hire a female tradie espite reports that females are Dmaking gains in the trades services sector, a new survey by jobs website ServiceSeeking.com.au reveals the opposite. According to the new statistics released today, 82 percent of customers have never hired a female tradesperson, and three in four admit they would choose a man over a woman if given the option. “Trades are a historically male-dominated field, so many have the incorrect assumption that women aren’t up to the job,” says Jeremy Levitt, CEO of ServiceSeeking.com.au. It appears that age certainly impacts choice when it comes to gender assumptions. Gen Y respondents were the most likely generation to give female tradies a go, with 30 percent admitting they’d prefer a female to do the job. “It’s the 21st century and there’s no doubt women are equally talented and skilled in the trades business,” Levitt says. “Perhaps women find it more intimidating to pursue a trade as a career and to make the commitment to starting their own business.” Plumbing and electrical work are the most popular fields for female tradies. “The trades industry may have the most skewed gender imbalance of any profession in Australia,” Levitt says. “But what’s worse is the Australian perception that women aren’t up to the job. We’d really encourage more women to learn a trade, and hope that with time the backward opinions change.”
Sustainable materials must be in Queensland Building Plan
he peak state body for the timber 50 percent of the total greenhouse benefits for the state,” Stephens says. Tindustry has today called on the gas emissions from a new house in “For example, if half of all new residential Queensland Government to ensure Brisbane over a 50-year cycle. dwellings built in Queensland in any one sustainable materials are included in “There is a significant opportunity year were ‘timber maximised’, this would the sustainable buildings policy in the to deliver sustainable building outcomes equate to a saving of 600,000 tonnes Queensland Building Plan. by promoting materials that have low of carbon emissions per year compared “All over the world there is increasing embodied energy,” Stephens says. “Relative to other materials, or 6 million tonnes recognition that the choice of actual to other products such as over a 10-year period.” building material can have just as an steel, aluminium and concrete, for example, Timber Queensland is recommending important impact as energy efficiency wood products have very low embodied that the Queensland Building Plan put measures when it comes to lowering the energy, with very low fossil fuel energy equal weighting on embodied energy carbon emissions from buildings,” says inputs used in their production.” impacts when it comes to promoting Timber Queensland CEO, Mick Stephens. Concrete’s embodied energy impacts more sustainable buildings into the future. “The Queensland Building Plan can be more than six times higher than “We look forward to working with discussion paper places a strong emphasis timber. This is because trees use the sun the Queensland Government on the on the role of energy efficiency ratings, and photosynthesis to produce timber final formulation of the Building Plan,” but says nothing about the carbon and remove carbon emissions from the Stephens says. impacts of the building materials used.” atmosphere in the same process. The Timber Queensland submission to the Research has shown that the choice “Switching to a greater use of timber Queensland Building Plan discussion paper
of building material can represent up to in buildings can generate significant carbon can be found at timberqueensland.com.au. PRESSMASTER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM PHOTO:
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Master Builders appoint first female CEO he Board of Master Builders TAustralia has announced its appointment of Denita Wawn as the new CEO of Master Builders Australia, effective March 20. Wawn will be Master Builders’ first female CEO in its 127 year history to represent the $200 billion building and construction industry and only the third CEO in thirty years. “Wawn’s qualities, skills and Wood product imports top experience as a highly accomplished industry leader and advocate saw her $1.2bn in Saudi market emerge as the successful candidate from the comprehensive recruitment Value of sector spurs launch of Wood Tech & Design Expo, process undertaken by the board,” debuting in Jeddah in January 2018. says Dan Perkins, National President of Master Builders. “The board is confident he climbing value of the wood sector in construction building systems and that Wawn’s leadership will see the TSaudi Arabia, which currently imports a specialist advisory area for furniture implementation of its vision for Master some $1.2bn worth of timber and wood factories, all highlighting the diversity Builders as a modern, credible and products each year, has spurred the launch of wood products and their potential influential national voice for its members. of the country’s first event dedicated to the applications. “She has impeccable credentials industry, the Wood Tech & Design Expo. “Event features like this directly for success, including her wealth Developed by dmg events Middle East, address the need for more information of experience spearheading game- Asia & Africa, a leading international about new technologies and improved changing advocacy and industrial exhibitions company, the event will debut at technical skills we’ve identified in the relations campaigns at the National the Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events Saudi market,” Montiel says. Farmers Federation and the on January 22 to 24, 2018. The event will The Wood Tech & Design Expo, along with Australian Hotels Association.” focus on the growing potential of the wood the International Wood Conference and As CEO of the Brewers Association sector, the demand for timber products and the CPD certified workshops are all free to of Australia and New Zealand, Wawn the supporting tools and machinery that can attend, but visitors must register to do so. implemented a highly successful speed production and improve efficiency. Visit wtdexposaudi.com to find out more. reputational change strategy at “This adds up to significant opportunities a national and international level. across all parts of the wood sector’s value She has spent the past 12 months as chain,” says Mariana Montiel, Project General Manager Operations at Master Manager for dmg events. “Whether Builders, giving her a strong foundation Sustainable materials must be in Queensland Building Plan you are tackling the 70 percent of to understand the issues impacting on demand that comes from the construction Master Builders and its members. sector, or grabbing a share of the furniture “The board is excited by Wawn’s market’s nine percent annual growth, leadership, her strong grasp of the wood technology and design in Saudi factors which drive success in industry Arabia is on the rise.” associations and her passionate The Wood Tech & Design Expo is being commitment for standing up for the run by the company behind The Big 5 – the interests of members,” Perkins says. region’s largest construction event – and will Wawn replaces long-time CEO share many of the features that have made Wilhelm Harnisch, who stepped down those events so successful. For starters, the after 15 years at the helm. Harnisch has two-day International Wood Conference will been with Master Builders for 26 years, focus on the latest innovative, design-led appointed as Chief Economist in 1991, wood solutions and modern wood Deputy CEO in 1996 and CEO in 2002. manufacturing best practice. A series of He has been one of Australia’s CPD certified workshops will also take place leading advocates for the building and during the event, offering attendees expert construction industry, as well as one training on project management, sustainable of its preeminent economists. The practices and construction contracts. re-establishment of the Australian Live product demonstrations and a special Building and Construction Commission Hotel Solutions Zone will combine with a is one of his many advocacy successes.
PHOTO: PRESSMASTER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM PHOTO: Sustainable Village packed with eco-friendly
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AVEO’s retirement precinct in Sydney’s north west, currently under construction by Strongbuild.
Automated building construction is here
he growing nexus between negatives: skilled labour shortages and currently growing at its fastest rate ever Tconstruction and manufacturing costs, skilled sub-contractor shortages, to meet the projected supply levels in will be highlighted at this year’s Frame bad weather and excessive waste. the next decade,” he says. Australia conference through the work The plant has an automated production Delegate registration for the conference of Sydney firm Strongbuild. line for timber framing and CLT is now available on-line at the Frame Company chief Adam Strong will explain prefabrication. Strong will speak on the Australia website. Early bird registration how his firm’s research and development options available for lightweight timber fees receive a $150 discount. over more than 10 years has ushered and construction systems for housing, Registration gives delegates access in construction’s “brave new world”: mid-rise and high-rise residential projects. to all activities: Monday speaker sessions the manufacture of key building elements Conference director Kevin Ezard says including discussion forums; Monday in a controlled, factory environment. that around Australia, designers and builders delegate hospitality and networking Strongbuild, which has built a fully are increasingly using offsite panelised event; Tuesday morning workshop automated, advanced panelisation plant construction systems in timber framing sessions; and Tuesday afternoon in Sydney, exemplifies the “new look” and mass timber to building heights not delegate tour. The conference also Frame Australia conference, now known previously contemplated. “In addition, low- includes the exhibition display, which as Timber Offsite Construction. rise housing construction is moving to fully makes available the most up-to-date The 2017 conference will be held panelised timber floors and walls for site information on international trends in Melbourne on June 19 and 20. erection in only a few days,” he says. and emerging technologies. It will be a two-day event with an Similarly, there is a move to mid-rise Timber Offsite Construction will be expanded program comprised of multi-residential buildings in timber held on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 Monday speaker sessions and Tuesday framing of three to five storeys that June 2017 at Park Hyatt Melbourne. For workshops followed by delegate tours. could be built in just weeks, providing event details visit frameaustralia.com Strong will set out how the concept huge savings to builders. For information on participation of panelisation works. It is the automatic Ezard says the rising demand had in the exhibition display or sponsorship manufacturing of key building elements – led to a big increase in the capacity opportunities contact Adam Contessa, floors, walls, roofs and joinery components of automated manufacturing plants Sponsorship Manager, Building Brands – which are pre-finished to millimetre to supply prefabricated building systems. on 0416 081 259 or at adam@ accuracy in the factory, then transported “Production output in Australia is buildingbrands.com.au and assembled on the building site. It gives Strongbuild control over the Want the full story? Subscribe to the TimberTrader News fortnightly e-news at construction process and dramatically www.timbertradernews.com/subscribe/newsletters reduces the risk from building’s usual
14 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 www.timbertradernews.com
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Construction Carbon-cycle Trees absorb CO2 from battles climate atmosphere through Bioenergy Recycling process change through photosynthesis the materials carbon storage End of life cycle he building sector contributes up to 30 Wood turned into Wood products used products and in buildings store percent of global annual greenhouse gas building materials CO for their entire T 2 emissions, so it plays a vital role in mitigating life cycle reducing greenhouse effect climate change. Building with wood is a part of Pulp the solution, as wood is the only construction Raw material material that stores carbon. Wood products harvested from have a surprisingly small carbon footprint sustainable Bioenergy managed Nordic Sawdust, bark, branches and treetops are during their lifecycle and can be used in forests processed into pulp, heat and bioenergy practically all buildings to store carbon. One of the most important ways to mitigate climate change is to find new ways of goals. The largest potential for storing carbon capturing carbon from the atmosphere. The can be achieved in external walls, intermediate construction sector can support these positive floors and roof structures. For example, a developments by using wooden construction passive house was designed for a cold climate materials that capture carbon for their entire with two alternative construction material life span. For example, timber products lock combinations: wood frame with wood-fibre approximately 1 ton of CO2 per 1m3 of wood. insulation and an aircrete frame with EPS “The dry mass of wood is 50 percent insulation. “Both options gave the buildings’ carbon, and this carbon is taken from the shell the same level of energy efficiency. But atmosphere and does not contribute to the producing the wooden alternative caused greenhouse effect,” says Matti Kuittinen, approximately 40 percent less CO2 emissions. researcher from Aalto University, Finland. Also, the amount of atmospheric carbon stored “While planning any new building or in its wood frame was almost four times as renovating an existing one, we must look at much as in the alternative,” Kuittinen explains. emissions created during the entire life cycle of As large amounts of carbon can be stored
the building,” Dr Frank Werner from Frank in wooden parts of buildings, it’s important to The award-winning Metsätapiola office building. Werner Environment & Development continues. ensure that the carbon storage is as long-term as possible. Long service life requires good “If buildings were re-invented today, WOOD PRODUCTS CAN design, moisture safety during construction renewable materials would play a key role. BE USED IN ALL BUILDINGS and good maintenance. And when the wooden A revolution of more climate-friendly and Wood-based materials can be used in most parts are no longer used in buildings, they have sustainable building is possible with the parts of any building to capture carbon from the potential to be recycled into other products help of well-developed, green building the atmosphere. This allows designers and – so the atmospheric carbon stays locked products. The rest is up to designers builders to reach ambitious CO2 reduction away. Wood material can be used as biofuel. . and constructors,” Dr Werner says.
STS TIMBER WHOLESALE PTY LTD
For the last 15 years STS Timber Wholesale Pty Ltd has been a proud supplier of all outdoor timber. Timber for pergolas and carports, pine and merbau decking, cypress, mixed species posts, treated pine sleepers and all fencing materials. STS also offers the following custom treatment options: • CCA Lifewood® – Copper Chrome Arsenate • ACQ® NatureWood® – Non-Arsenic based preservative formula • MicroPro Sienna® – Long – Lasting Colour, Non-Arsenic based preservative formula
SALES TEAM: Craig Cunningham 0403 050 714 Danny Kingston 0419 475 791 I Ange Arendse 0411 313 175
SITES: Dandenong 03 9791 9555 I Woori Yallock 03 5967 3993
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Young pride Ballarat Apprentice of the Year served a top award.
arpentry apprentice Steven Butler from “Jack has a strong business focus and CBallarat has been named the Master is eager to build his business slowly to Builders Ballarat Section Apprentice of the help ensure its longevity,” Peachey says. Year. He was among four apprentices from the Chairman’s Award winner Brady Jenner was Ballarat region to be recognised for their described by the judges as mature and dedication, skill and hard work. enthusiastic, with a keen interest in the The other three winners on the night were importance of design. Employer-Nominated winner Jack Grayland “Brady values the efforts and support from Ballarat, Chairman’s Award winner Brady others have invested in him, and he is Jenner from Horsham and Ballarat Diploma eager to help younger apprentices,” Peachey Above: Steve Butler (left) with Ballarat Vice Student of the Year John Davison from Ballarat says. “He looks forward to staying with his Section Chairman Stuart Allen. East. Master Builders’ careers officer Kathleen boss to show his appreciation.” building and construction industry that will Peachey says that this year’s nominees The judges said Diploma student John continue to provide the homes and demonstrated admirable determination and Davison impressed them with his keen infrastructure Victoria needs,” he says. commitment to developing their careers interest in understanding the goals of others “Apprentices help to build our communities. in building. and working collaboratively to achieve them. Acknowledging their hard work and dedication “Steven loves working on older homes and “John is planning to pursue registration as a encourages apprentices across Victoria to the challenges they present,” she says. “He draftsperson, and then wants to study continue their career path to achieve better impressed the judges with his belief that his architecture part time to help him toward his and greater things in our industry.” trade has presented him with life lessons, own building design business,” Peachey says. Regional winners are selected after an making him into a better person.” Master Builders Chief Executive Officer interview with a panel of three judges. Once Employer-Nominated winner Jack Grayland Radley de Silva has emphasised that awarded, they are invited to attend the State impressed the judges with his mature, apprentices are essential to Victoria’s building Apprentice of the Year Awards on May 12 dedicated approach to his carpentry trade. industry: “We need a skilled workforce in the when the overall winners will be announced.
Supporting Gippsland timber Essentials communities to know imber Communities Australia (TCA) their homes and offices. Plus we’re Tsupports the Gippsland communities a world leader in sustainable forest • In Victorian regions and cities facing uncertainty about their jobs and management and local timber 21,000 people are directly future. TCA urges all negotiating parties, communities are at the coalface. employed in the industry. including the Victorian government, “With these positives, we must • Another 40,000-50,000 people unions and commercial parties to ensure enough forest area is available to in Victoria work in jobs associated prioritise the community and ensure harvest and regenerate our own natural with the timber sector. it has a strong, secure future. Australia’s forest timbers,” Murray says. Otherwise • Nationally, 120,000 people are Regional Forest Agreements and two Australia inevitably faces shipping in higher directly employed in forestry and voluntary, internationally recognised forest volumes from other countries. forest product industries. Whilst certification systems are based on a triple “That isn’t acceptable,” Murray says. the majority of the employment is in bottom-line of healthy landscapes, healthy “It means our own communities, like rural and regional areas, many roles economies and healthy communities. Gippsland, will continue to be hit. are also found in the city including “People and their security and livelihoods Imports can also lack the very strict manufacturing and marketing jobs. are integral to this,” says TCA National environmental standards we insist on • Nationally, 180,000 jobs are indirectly Coordinator Helen Murray. “The debate we for our home-grown timber. associated with timber, bringing the must move to is how we unite in Australia “The starting point is our timber total associated jobs tally to 300,000. to produce more sustainably grown timber, workers operate lawfully under very strict • Wood continues storing carbon for not less. That’s where industry, community regulations. These are designed so forests life. The trees grown to replace the and government really need to focus.” are managed and harvested in a sustainable trees harvested ensure this is a Global and local population growth way. We have dedicated and well-trained continuous carbon storing cycle. means more timber is needed and timber forest scientists. We have internationally • Australia imports more than $5 billion production is a perfect match for a 21st recognised and certified forestry practices. of timber products annually and Century greener economy, Murray says. Our skilled timber workers use top class exports about $3 billion. “Forest products are carbon friendly,” technology in the field and in mills. All this • TCA recommends two Australian she points out. “Every tree harvested in paves the way for mills and manufacturers websites as references about the our native forests has to be regenerated. to turn out beautiful timber products which values and benefits of responsibility Skilled ecologists work in the industry. are needed and used by us all.” sourced wood, these are: PlanetArk endorses that wood is good.” “We have everything it takes right planetark.org and fwpa.com.au Australians love hardwood timbers in here. Let’s be smart and get on with it.”
16 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 www.timbertradernews.com
TTN369_10-17_news in brief+whats new.indd 16 17/3/17 10:07 am W S NEW W AT S NEW Product Director irst of its ind technolog offers ground brea ing new e commerce solutions to the industr .
esta Timber and Hardware (VTH) and VHardware Building Traders (HBT) are pleased to announce, following on from the agreement announced on December 1 , that the new technology being developed by Vesta for the HBT Group will be known as “Product Directory”. This pioneering technology developed exclusively for HBT ITT members will be powered by the Vesta Central Data Distribution Platform and will be the fi rst of its kind in the Australian Vesta is a SaaS company providing develop it for other industries outside Hardware industry offering signifi cant its ecommerce solutions for the industry of the Australian hardware industry”. benefi ts to suppliers and members. on a subscription basis and counts many Aimee Innes, marketing manager for HBT, Phase 1 of the project commenced early HBT ITT members and suppliers already sees the Vesta alliance as a competitive February with over 400 suppliers to the HBT as customers. Specifi cally suited to the advantage for the buying group’s ecosystem. group being sent an introductory email independent, the ecommerce and data “HBT will effectively be showcasing explaining the project and for suppliers not distribution platform Vesta provides is their group’s strength like never before,” already signed up to Vesta introducing them affordable and easy for suppliers and retailers she says. “The Vesta platform will show to the Vesta central platform and its many to set up and can be adapted to suit all members just how much they can purchase features and benefi ts. Suppliers on the Vesta industries, not just the hardware industry. through our group. We see this building Central Platform can track, maintain and “The Product Directory powered by the volume for our suppliers and truly supporting update product data all in one place. HBT Vesta Central Data Distribution Platform will a healthy ecosystem for Members will have the Product Directory revolutionise how HBT suppliers share and the group, it’s members and suppliers.” exclusively and can access all its benefi ts distribute information and content with HBT For furt er information regarding t is or as well as the advantage of seamlessly members,” says Justin Newman, CEO t e esta entral ata istribution accessing their supplier’s information for of VTH. “We are very excited about this platform please contact ustin Newman use in setting up a Vesta eCommerce site. opportunity to showcase the platform and on or ustin t .net.au
NEW R N E R E If ou re launching a new product let us now Email us at news timbertradernews.com for the chance to be featured here.
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Above: cross laminated timber panels imported from Europe being installed on a Melbourne building site. Home & away
As domestic supply dwindles, he demand for houses in Australia is strong, the other side of the ledger shows Tincreasing. In 2016 almost a quarter of domestic supply capacity flatlining at best. Australia looks overseas to a million new houses were built, and the need “If you’ve got a big sawmill that’s producing keep up with timber demand. for more houses and apartments continues as products out of radiata pine and you look But what is to become of our our population grows. This means we need 20 years down the track, there’s going to be more timber, but where will it come from? a big hole there because no one is currently local timber industry – do “No one is establishing new tree planting trees. When I first came to Australia, we plant or perish? In this plantations, so in the future, ongoing about 20 years ago we were planting trees all domestically produced softwood timber over the place, and that was with government special feature, we look at the supplies could be a bit like Mother Hubbard’s money. But now most of the plantation assets benefits of importing timber, cupboard,” says John Halkett, general manager have been shifted into the private sector.” as well as what needs to be of the Australian Timber Importers Federation Thankfully for the building and construction (ATIF), which represents the interests of the sector, imported timber products are, and done to protect and promote Australian timber importing and wholesaling will continue to fill this widening breach. this precious, renewable sector of the timber industry. “It’s clear that without timber importers “So, with building and construction doing the heavy lifting, house construction resource – here and overseas.
buoyant and timber product demand targets would not have been achieved and OF SIMMONDS LUMBER COURTESY PHOTOS: THIS PAGE
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“No one is establishing new tree plantations, so in the future, ongoing domestically- produced softwood timber supplies could be a bit like Mother Hubbard’s cupboard.”
Main picture: Merbau decking, which Simmonds directly imports out of Indonesia; bottom left ands top right: Pine F/J Mouldings which Simmonds import out of Chile. THIS PAGE PHOTOS: COURTESY OF SIMMONDS LUMBER COURTESY PHOTOS: THIS PAGE
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Above: MDF being manufactured for export the 26,000 imported timber product-linked to get logs next year – and secondly, you look to Australia in southern Chile. Below: Mathews jobs [as estimated by the Housing Industry forward at the potential yields from the North Timber laminated US Oak stair treads. Association] in construction and building Coast and the current supply agreements, would be under serious threat,” Halkett says. once they terminate in 2023, there is going to be a lot less wood available,” Halkett says. PLANT POLITICS Of course, this doesn’t affect the demand The problem doesn’t just lie with softwoods, side. People still want wood, so where will the “utilitarian” products that go into such it have to come from? Overseas. things as plywood and framing. Hardwood “This correlates well with Papua New comes from native forests, and there’s Guinea, who now have a policy in place that in generally been a move in Australia to 2020 they will ban logs going out as exports,” make native forest into National Parks. Halkett says. Papua New Guinea is currently “That’s always been a political issue,” China’s largest hardwood supplier, however, Halkett says. “It’s happening now in Victoria.” with no more logs going out as exports they At the time of writing, more than will all be processed in Papua New Guinea, 100 workers from Australian Sustainable and that wood will logically come into Australia. Hardwoods (ASH) had just marched on the “We’re a high value market, so that will fill offices of the Victorian Government after that gap,” Halkett says. “It’s likely, looking at contract negotiations between state-owned hardwood and softwood, that if you accept VicForests and the ASH mill owners stalled. that demand will continue to increase and The ASH sawmill processes 150,000 cubic domestic supply will continue to flatline at metres of timber a year, however VicForest best, the gap is going to have to be filled by is only offering half that amount in a new imported timber. Or substitutions like steel.” contract – an amount that mill owners say The downside to all of this is that timber will leave the company financially unviable, demand and consumption in Australia and putting hundreds of jobs at risk. other Western countries is driving poor forest “So one thing is, you’ve got a sovereign risk practices in places like South East Asia, where issue – saw millers don’t know if they’re going technology is not as advanced and forestry
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People still want wood, so where will it have to come from?
Mathews Timber Mathews Timber imports a very wide range of different timber species from all over the world, including the United States, Europe, parts of Africa as well as Asia. They also carry all the native Australian hardwood species. “Currently our US Oak is by far our most popular imported species,” says sales and marketing manager Ben Mathews. “Architects
and furniture makers like the Above: Mathews Timber’s Accoya stocks. grain and colour that the US Oak provides, so that would easily be management is not as sustainable as systems timber importer,” he says. “It’s a risk the biggest trend in the market. used in countries like Australia. The issue of assessment based on such things as where “With the popularity of US Oak illegal logging is a particular area of concern. the timber comes from – countries such as at the moment, an increase in the “How do you know that timber has been Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Myanmar and use of imported timber here in logged legally?” Halkett asks.“That’s the Indonesia are not low risk countries, so that Australia is definitely a possibility. challenge. What our illegal logging legislation puts up a red flag. Also, is it made of natural The trends in the market rely does, is that it requires importers to be able forest as opposed to plantation? Those are heavily upon what designs are to attest to the fact that the timber they’ve issues that you have to look at. popular with architects at any given brought in comes from trees that were “There are still significant issues around time – but currently there is no legally harvested. But, how do you do that?” people satisfactorily undertaking due diligence, reason why we wouldn’t see an Legislation requires that importers undertake but it tends to be more in the furniture space increase in imported timber usage.” the process of due diligence when bringing because the supply chain is more complicated. For more about Mathews Timber timber into Australia. This, Halkett says, is With straight timber product, you harvest a go to mathewstimber.com.au effectively a risk assessment. tree, you put it through a sawmill, you put it in “At the end of the day it’s your call as the a box and you send it off to Simmonds, ITI
MERBAU MOULDINGS • Independently certified • Essential element to your + legally sourced interior environment • Decking, GL Rated FJ Posts, • Radiata Pine sourced Screening, Beams from renewable forest • Excellent choice for • Chilean & NZ Radiata external + internal Finger Jointed Mouldings exposed applications • Available in Untreated, • Simmonds employs Pre-Primed H3 LOSP full-time quality controllers & Primed Only at the sawmill to ensure • Full DAR, Standard, a high level of product Heritage, Skirt & Trim range quality in every pack.
The Simmonds Group is a premier wholesaler of a wide range of timber products for the housing industry, commercial construction, home renovations and industrial markets. Simmonds is a growing global player in timber and timber-related products. With extensive experience in timber sales and distribution and a team of dedicated import/export professionals, Simmonds is the right choice for wholesale timber. [email protected] www.simmondslumber.com.au
MELBOURNE BRISBANE SYDNEY Head Office 201722-32 Nathan Road, 146-164 Buchanan Road, 1 Durham Street Dandenong VIC 3175 Banyo QLD 4014 Rosehill NSW 2142 JANUARYPhone: JULY (03) 9791 2241 Phone: (07) 3267 0244 Phone: (02) 9638 7333 M T W T F S S M T W T F S S ...the right choice30 31 Fax: 1 (03)31 9791 1 2 2243 Fax:(07) 3621 7755 Fax: (02) 9684 6466 2* 3 4 5 6 7 8 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
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SYDNEY BRISBANE MELBOURNE Locked Bag 6664, Parramatta NSW 2124 P.O. Box 5, Northgate QLD 4013 P.O. Box 293, Doveton VIC 3177 1 Durham St, Rosehill NSW 2142 146-164 Buchanan Rd, Banyo QLD 4014 22-32 Nathan Rd, Dandenong South VIC 3175 Phone (02) 9638 7333 Fax (02) 9684 6466 Phone (07) 3267 0244 Fax (07) 3621 7755 Phone (03) 9791 2241 Fax (03) 9791 2243 www.simmondslumber.com.au www.dnalumber.com.au
NATIONAL PUBLIC HOLIDAYS NEW SOUTH WALES PUBLIC HOLIDAYS VICTORIA PUBLIC HOLIDAYS QUEENSLAND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
*Sunday/Monday 1 & 2 January New Year’s Day Monday 17 April Easter Monday Monday 2 October Labour Day Monday 13 March Labour Day Monday 1 May Labour Day *When 1st January (New Years Day) Thursday 26 January Australia Day Tuesday 25 April Anzac Day Friday 29 September (Friday Before AFL Grand Final) Wednesday 16 August Royal Qld Show (Brisbane area only) falls on a Saturday, there is to be an additional public holiday on the following Monday. Friday 14 April Good Friday Monday 12 June Queen’s Birthday Tuesday 7 November Melbourne Cup Day Monday 2 October Queen’s Birthday Saturday 15 April Easter Saturday Monday 25 December Christmas Day Red - National Public Holidays Only Sunday 16 April Easte Sunday Tuesday 26 December Boxing Day FEATURE STORY
ATIF Code of Ethics
Australian Timber Importers and plantations. ATIF members Federation members recognise recognise that the independent Above: Simmonds’ Merbau decking. that timber is a valuable, renewable qualification of forests and the resource and support best forestry process chain is the most useful or another Australian importer, so it’s quite practices that are directed at: tool in providing assurances that a short supply chain. But furniture that’s the timber they handle comes from • Legally-sourced forestry yields; coming from China, for instance, where’s lawful and well managed forests. • Multiple use of forests; the wood coming from? It is difficult to know.” ATIF members will develop and However, new technologies are helping to • Safeguarding cultural and encourage the adoption of processes solve this problem. Australia’s own Simmonds social needs; that can verify legality through Lumber was the first company in the world to • Maintaining the dignity of dealings with suppliers and other use DNA technology to certify the legality and indigenous forest inhabitants stakeholders in supplier countries. provenance of timber imported from Indonesia. and rural communities; and Evidence of a lawful timber and “That’s a system that gives you some • Safeguarding forest biodiversity timber products may include: confidence, because you can determine and the environment. • Documentation verifying that if the particular piece of decking came ATIF members confirm their timber has been harvested in from a tree that was within or outside commitment to working accordance with the laws of a concession,” Halkett says. collaboratively with the Australian the country of origin; “The Australian government has also Government to give effect to the • Documentation that timber worked with Indonesia to develop their own policy of importing timber and sourced is compliant with supplier legality tracking system called SVLK [Sistem timber products from legal forest country Government endorsed Verifikasi Legalitas Kayu], which has now operations and to eliminating illegal forest management systems been accepted in Europe and Australia.” logging and associated activities and/or codes; and Mathews Timber, a family business that in supplier countries. offers a very wide range of imported timbers • Documentation that verifies – the majority of which are used for furniture ATIF requires its members to comply compliance with a recognised making – are also doing their part to ensure with the following Code of Ethics: forestry management or the legality of the product they import: “We ATIF members will source their certification scheme and/or have attained certification from the Forest timber and timber products from third party certification scheme. Stewardship Council and the Program for lawful and well-managed forests the Endorsement of Forest Certification,” says
sales and marketing manager Ben Mathews OF SIMMONDS LUMBER COURTESY PHOTO:
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“Therefore, wherever possible we attain countries are also developing similar sorts timber that’s sustainable to the environment.” of requirements. Some have them in place All ATIF members are also required to adhere but they’re voluntary (Australia started “If you have this to a code of ethics [see opposite page]. with a voluntary system but now it’s “Our code and the due diligence compulsory), however overall there is a general infrastructure and requirements of importing timber mesh move internationally to try and ensure that together quite well,” Halkett says. “As far as the most imported products are legally harvested. industry that needs association is concerned, if we find out that a log supply, and you people are non-compliant, we have a FUTURE FOCUS discussion with them about that. And at the While it may appear that imported timber look down the track 20 end of the day, they could be invited to resign products are taking over, in terms of the total from the federation. But in terms of illegal volume of timber that’s used in Australia, it’s years, there’s not going logging legislation, there are two types of only about 15 percent of the total amount of to be enough wood to penalty – if it can be demonstrated by the timber that goes into the construction sector, federal government that you have knowingly, according to Halkett. The bulk of this is supply your needs.” recklessly and intentionally imported timber manufactured in Australia, however the more that’s illegal, you can go to jail. But what’s sophisticated products are currently imported. more likely, if you don’t have an adequate “The big shift we’re seeing is, most of the process of due diligence, you can be more sophisticated building products that prosecuted for that, and there’s a significant everyone is excited about – only modest fine. But at the moment, the federal volumes are manufactured here,” Halkett government is still in what they call says. “All the CLT being used is imported, for a ‘soft start phase’ which means that they’re instance. Some is manufactured in Australia still undertaking compliance, but no one has but the more sophisticated are imported.” been prosecuted. People have been warned, The other problem is that the cost of running but there have been no prosecutions thus far.” a sawmill here in Australia is significantly higher. So legislation provides for criminal sanctions “The biggest mill in NSW puts through and provides for fines for not having due about 700,000 tonnes of logs a year,” Halkett diligence. Our system here in Australia is says. “The mill that Stora Enso is drawing Below: Sydney warehouse – some of the substantial volume of imported similar to systems that are now operating from in the Czech Republic puts through softwood structural timber imports into in Europe and in the US. A number of other two million tonnes a year. There are better Australia by Stora Enso Timber Australia. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SIMMONDS LUMBER COURTESY PHOTO:
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economies of scale, plus they often have “If it requires government subsidies, it improved recovery because they’ve made shouldn’t happen. The days of tax-driven “There have been no greater investments in sawmilling and wood investment, like the Managed Investment MATHEWS processing technology. In the sawmilling Schemes [MIS], are over, never to return. significant plantations industry in Australia there’s been a lack of real “The problem as I see it is in the aftermath timber established in the last investment in technology. So some measures of the failure of the MIS, there is a disconnect that indicate international competitiveness between the investment community and the 15 years, and if this are not as good as they could be.” plantation forestry sector. The purpose of continues there will Ultimately, if Australia is to keep up with [this meeting] is to reconnect them.” demand, the solution is to either import more The meeting heard that Australia’s Accoya available in cladding, be a major shortfall timber or plant more trees. But the political and comparative advantage in land, water, skilled screening and decking. For more info financial issues surrounding this are up in the air. people and an established industry framework on the product please give us a call! in timber supplies “We need to start planting trees,” Halkett need to be promoted more to institutional says. “Because if you have this infrastructure investors. But because land availability is tight within 20 years.” and industry that needs a log supply, and you and expensive, farmers need to be further look down the track 20 years, there’s not going encouraged to increase timber plantings. to be enough wood to supply our needs.” Senator Leyonhjelm will bring outcomes For businesses like Mathews Timber, from the meeting back to the Assistant who also carry all the native Australian Minister for Agriculture, Senator Anne hardwood species, this is definitely an Ruston. While this is only one small step issue that must eventually be addressed. in the way forward for the industry, it may “Timber, being a natural product, relies well be a step in the right direction. on plantation and sustainable growth,” says Mathews. “We have seen the issues that Australian Sustainable Hardwoods is having and it is worrying. Should they be forced to have their supply cut it will cost them and the Insights and Outlook industry – so it is definitely of concern to us.” There must be ways to make planting trees Conference more attractive. One solution is for growers The 2017 Insights and Outlook to be able to measure and trade the carbon. Conference will be held in “So if you’re a grower of pine trees you can Melbourne on October 5 as a joint also measure and claim and trade the carbon venture between DANA, Forest and stored in the trees,” Halkett says. “That makes Wood Products Australia (FWPA) a difference when you’re waiting on a 20-year and the ATIF. The event will also rotation – you plant new trees and get a return provide opportunities for collocated in year 20. But with carbon, every year you can events and meetings that will trade the carbon that’s stored in those trees. include the FWPA and ATIF And if the trees are growing 20m3 per hectare annual general meetings. per year, a bit less than half of that is carbon. “It will focus on market trends Making planting more trees more attractive and changes, new technologies and from an investment point of view is critical.” products that are, and will continue Just before this issue went to print, senior to grow the size of the timber representatives of timber industries and industry with its related benefits for superannuation funds gathered in Sydney to company commercial performance brainstorm ways to prevent the slow death of and employment in building and timber plantations. Liberal Democrats Senator construction industries,” says No job is too large David Leyonhjelm organised and hosted DANA director Dennis Neilson. At Mathews Timber we believe in creating modern day timber experiences. the meeting, which heard thousands of jobs “The conference will address or too small – Mathews Timber can handle any size project. We have a display located at our could disappear if current trends continue. global and regional market “Despite having one of the world’s largest headquarters for you to experience the quality of our timbers firsthand. demand and supply issues for landholdings and forestry reserves, Australia timber products that will impact is still running yearly timber trade deficits of on the forest growing and wood over $2 billion,” Senator Leyonhjelm said at We have a wide selection of Australian and imported Machining options and laminating available. processing industries. We will also the time. “There have been no significant timber, including the following exotic timbers: Extensive racks, professional service and advice be examining major new industry plantations established in the last 15 years, as well as product knowledge that only comes policy settings, mega trends, and if this continues there will be a major Bubinga Burmese Teak Wenge domestic wood demand outlook for from many years’ experience. Call or visit us for shortfall in timber supplies within 20 years. housing and other uses, and the Ebony Purpleheart Zebrano your next timber experience Meanwhile we import timber from countries importance of data in providing with far weaker environmental protections.” Three locations in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane context for changes in markets or Visit us online at mathewstimber.com.au Senator Leyonhjelm told the meeting that movements in the business cycle.” more timber will be grown if we make it profitable: “But it must be private sector For more information, go to Mathews Timber Melbourne Mathews Timber Sydney Mathews Timber Brisbane investor driven, with the government danaevents.co.nz/2017melbourne 41-43 Rushdale St, Knoxfi eld Units 1 & 2, 19 Harris St, St Mary’s Building 5, 858 Nudgee Rd, Northgate interfering as little as possible,” he said. (03) 8756 6333 (02) 9833 3100 0477 555 724 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 24 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 www.timbertradernews.com @MathewsTimberMelbourne on Instagram @Mathews_Timber_Sydney on Instagram @MathewsTimberBrisbane on Instagram
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Accoya available in cladding, screening and decking. For more info on the product please give us a call!
At Mathews Timber we believe in creating modern day timber experiences. No job is too large or too small – Mathews Timber can handle any size project. We have a display located at our headquarters for you to experience the quality of our timbers firsthand.
We have a wide selection of Australian and imported Machining options and laminating available. timber, including the following exotic timbers: Extensive racks, professional service and advice as well as product knowledge that only comes Bubinga Burmese Teak Wenge from many years’ experience. Call or visit us for Ebony Purpleheart Zebrano your next timber experience
Three locations in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane Visit us online at mathewstimber.com.au
Mathews Timber Melbourne Mathews Timber Sydney Mathews Timber Brisbane 41-43 Rushdale St, Knoxfi eld Units 1 & 2, 19 Harris St, St Mary’s Building 5, 858 Nudgee Rd, Northgate (03) 8756 6333 (02) 9833 3100 0477 555 724 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] @MathewsTimberMelbourne on Instagram @Mathews_Timber_Sydney on Instagram @MathewsTimberBrisbane on Instagram
MathewsTTN369_16-21_cover Timber_369.indd feature_imported 1 timbers.indd 25 17/3/1715/3/17 12:4911:34 pmam PRODUCT PROFILE
The Vekta Razer linear saw has helped businesses like Gold Coast Timber & Trusses save money and boost production. Auto power Embracing new technologies lot has changed in the timber business “Gold Coast Timbers & Trusses has Ain the past 30 years. New technology been a customer of ours since about can cut costs and boost and advancements in machinery mean 2008,” says Ed Serrano, managing director, production. that manufacturers and fabricators can Vekta Advanced Automation. “They were a produce more products more efficiently little doubtful when they first started looking while also reducing cost and waste. at our saw and they did a great deal of Gold Coast Timbers & Trusses is a research into other saws at that time.” manufacturer of quality pre-nailed timber The Gold Coast team eventually brought frames, trusses and floor trusses, and a whole load of timber out to where the a supplier of engineered floor systems, Vekta crew had set up a demonstration “It’s time-saving timber framing (treated and untreated Razer saw, with the intention of running at both the cutting timber), flooring, cladding, blue board, a job through the saw and timing it. hardware and fixtures, timber posts and “We did this, but I was able to convince level and at the landscaping supplies. The business has been them to try some of the more advanced around for 26 years, employs 35 optimising options included in the saw,” manufacturing level.” staff and supplies customers as far Serrano says. “After addressing their afield as Sydney and North Queensland. concerns, they gave it a go and loved it.” Around 10 years ago, the company Co-owner Glenn Ferguson, who runs the owners began looking into purchasing business with his father and brother, says one of the new linear-style saws. that another reason they chose the Razer
26 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 www.timbertradernews.com
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“The improvements in the software are ongoing, and have provided benefits years after we first purchased the saw.”
saw was because of its small footprint. “Also the fact that we could get service in Australia,” he says. “Knowing that we could get it up and operational rapidly if something went wrong.” The benefits the saw brought to the business became apparent immediately. “It’s time-saving at both the cutting level and at the manufacturing level,” Ferguson says. “There’s a waste disposal saving, and there’s the benefit of timber optimisation. It’s a cost saver as well as being a much safer option. There are a lot of benefits to using this saw. We ended up with production benefits as well – I’d say it boosted production by about 12 percent.” The Gold Coast team recently installed a second Razer to help cater to the recent increase in volumes they are producing. “We bought the second to move all of our cutting onto the Razer saws,” Ferguson says. “New optimising options are added to the saw as Vekta develops them. The improvements in the software are ongoing, and have provided benefits years after we first purchased the saw.” Ferguson and his team have become great fans of the Vekta Razer, and recommend its use to other businesses. “Now, one of the main suggestions they give to plants moving towards a linear saw for the first time is to be open to completely drop the way they did things traditionally and let the technology work for them,” Serrano says. “Over the years they’ve become very good customers.” To find out more about the Vekta Razer saw, head to vekta.com.au For more on Gold Coast Timbers & Trusses head to gctt.com.au
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An aerial view of the STS Timber Woori Yallock site. More growth and going greener
A step forward for business STS Timber Wholesale Pty Ltd option blends in perfectly at the Woori Yallock offers finished products in: site situated in the beautiful Yarra Valley.” – a step forward for the • CCA The new panels will generate up to environment. • ACQ 80 percent of the company’s power, offering • MicroPro Sienna immediate savings to the business. Custom treatment is also available “The solar power will provide immediate benefits, with more substantial savings after MOVING TO SOLAR POWER a few years when the panels are paid off,” STS TIMBER WHOLESALE PTY LTD STS is pleased to announce that it will Giosserano says. “This is an environmental be installing 400+ solar panels at the consideration as well as a cost control exercise STS site in Woori Yallock later this year. designed to partially offset the continuous “Following on from another year increased cost of day to day business.” of strong growth, it’s evident that our production levels of our core products HUMAN RESOURCES will continue to rise, and consequently In realising their continued strong growth in so will our demand for power,” says managing CCA / ACQ and MicroPro Sienna sleepers, director Peter Giosserano. “This is an Cypress, Merbau and F7 Treated Pine important environmental decision and the solar markets, STS Timber has now made the
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CCA Lifewood® – Copper Chrome Arsenate • ACQ® NatureWood® – Non-Arsenic based preservative formula • MicroPro Sienna® – Long – Lasting Colour, Non-Arsenic based preservative formula
SALES TEAM: Craig Cunningham 0403 050 714 Danny Kingston 0419 475 791 I Ange Arendse 0411 313 175
SITES: Dandenong 03 9791 9555 I Woori Yallock 03 5967 3993 COMPANY UPDATE
Above: STS Timber offers three different timber treatment options. decision to enact a major restructure of the company’s organisational structure. Giosserano is pursuing his dream of continual growth and diversity and has now created three new senior positions within his company. “We are currently recruiting high level candidates with the precise aim of taking this business to a whole new level of customer service, as per my vision,” Giosserano says. For more about STS Timber, contact Dual timber treatment plant at Woori Yallock. Peter Giosserano on (03) 9791 9555.
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www.timbertradernews.com www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 29 TIMBER FLOOR NEWS
Best of both worlds: the aesthetics of natural beech combined with high tech manufacturing processes.
BauBuche flooringGerman beech lumber in a new look.
ollmeier uses a high-tech process to turn an understated and timeless finish that can a natural look, as the smooth tonal Pbeech lumber into BauBuche. BauBuche even be combined with other wood types. values of beech lumber are still visible. flooring products combine exceptional strength with a most attractive uniform look PRODUCTION OF BAUBUCHE CLIMATE-FRIENDLY and an unobtrusive texture that’s far removed BauBuche is produced at the company’s The raw material for BauBuche is sourced from that of conventional beech timber. new plant, built in 2014 in Thuringia, exclusively from German forests, where Beech is the most important deciduous Germany. The beech logs are steamed, sustainable management has a long tree in Europe and widely appreciated for cut to size and peeled in a rotary mill to tradition, stretching back over 300 years. its hard and resistant wood. Beech furniture thin veneers. After drying, these layers This ensures that only legally-cut timber has a long tradition, not least due to the are stacked and glued together under from responsibly-managed forests makes distinct grain of the hardwood. However, high pressure before they’re machined into it into the BauBuche production chain, as woods with a prominent grain structure are building construction and decorative interior is certified by the PEFC seal. subject to changing tastes and fashions in design elements. Thanks to the parallel In contrast to conventional plastic or carpet interior design. By using beech harvested in laminated structure, BauBuche has a unique flooring, BauBuche helps protect the climate: Germany for its innovative laminated veneer look that reveals the wafer-thin veneer and each cubic metre of beech lumber stores lumber, Pollmeier has created a product with glue layers. The pleasing, calm finish retains nearly one ton of CO2 from the atmosphere.
TimberFloor News is proudly endorsed by:
VICTORIA NEW SOUTH WALES
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30 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 www.timbertradernews.com
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APPLICATIONS AND INSTALLATION seminar hotel. The listed main building and is also one of the main construction materials BauBuche Flooring elements are micro- the adjacent cheese dairy now feature a in this building, the exposed structural chamfered on four sides and come with a contemplative, minimalist interior ideal elements and the floor form a pleasing unity. tongue-and-groove connection system. The for seminars, yoga classes, retreats and Floor-to-ceiling windows make the rooms true-to-size elements are precision-machined similar events. The bedrooms combine bright, so the daylight brings out the beautiful to make floor laying easy. They can be glued traditional and ultramodern design features smooth tonal values of the beech. The parallel directly to screed (14mm and 20mm that create an atmosphere of relaxation and veneer and glue layers create an atmosphere thickness) or nailed or screwed onto suitable contemplation with floors in the relatively of calm purpose and productivity. substructures (20mm thickness only). dark BauBuche #410 tone (see bottom left). BauBuche flooring is suitable for virtually The natural look of the flooring material and REVOLUTION IN TIMBER FLOORING any type of floor in homes, kindergartens, its deep, warm colour turn the rooms into BauBuche flooring is about to revolutionise schools, hotels, museums, offices, shops oases of well-being. The dark hue makes the the solid timber flooring industry. There are and gym halls. The surface is sealed with typical veneer structure of BauBuche less three factors that make BauBuche the ideal environmentally safe hard wax oils or hard- visible, adding to the calmness of the material for universal use in public and wearing solvent-free varnish. BauBuche interior that reflects sophistication and private buildings: sustainability, durability and flooring elements come in various attractive timeless quality. timeless finish. This Pollmeier product is colours, including natural. BauBuche is available in carefully chosen colours ranging also available unfinished (square-edged, BAUBUCHE IN OFFICE BUILDING from transparent white to natural red hues not sanded, open gaps are not filled with The BauBuche floor in an office building in and warm dark brown tones. Detailed putty) for bespoke on-site treatment. Augsburg (below right) gives the room a installation and care instructions make warm atmosphere in which creativity can sure that you will enjoy your BauBuche BAUBUCHE IN RETREAT RESORT flourish. The elements are treated with hard floor for many years to come. In 2015, the Hochstrass convent school wax oil, which brings the natural colour of For more info, visit BauBuche.com building in Austria was converted into a the beech timber to the fore. As BauBuche and meyertimber.com.au
Clockwise from top left: BauBuche production; Augsburg office flooring; Hochstrass convent school building; colour menu. PHOTOS: DARKO PHOTOS:
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BRICE ON BOARDS
with Sharon and Ray Brice
Yellowing timber Addressing colour changes in timber floors, consumer expectations vs. reality and which coatings are best for your needs.
s is often the case, this month’s chemical make-up can go a long way Aarticle was inspired by recent events. towards helping us understand why While we were visiting a family member some products yellow and others don’t. in Adelaide, she asked us to coat her The solution to The building blocks for polyurethane new timber desk top with a water-based this problem is to are polyols and isocyanates. These coating that’s low sheen, hard-wearing chemicals can be: and wouldn’t cause the pale straw educate all stake- • Dissolved in solvents in unreacted colour of the timber to yellow. form as the basis of solvent based This reminded us of the late seventies/ holders, and a good floor coatings; or early eighties when pine timber was place to start is • Dispersed in water in reacted all the rage and friends of ours – with form as the basis of a a penchant for all things Scandinavian – to demystify the waterborne floor coating. purchased a piece of pine furniture concept of yellowing. There are two types of isocyanate especially for its pale blonde colour only used to form polyurethane: to be disappointed later when they realised • Aromatic isocyanates that contain it had yellowed over time, despite the fact double carbon bonds, which react that they had lovingly coated it with Danish with ultra violet radiation and oil to prevent this from happening. cause yellowing to occur; and But the clincher for us was an enquiry • Aliphatic isocyanates which do not from a timber advisory centre about a contain double carbon bonds and client who was disappointed because therefore do not react to ultraviolet light. their polyurethane-coated timber floor had Aliphatic isocyanates are more expensive turned an unacceptable shade of yellow. brown or pink red tones and uncoated than their aromatic counterparts, hence the The problem here is clearly consumer timbers will grey or silver. Oxidisation higher cost of non-yellowing floor finishes. expectation – a common cause of is a natural process, and the effect is Like their solvent-based polyurethane consumer concerns and complaints. noted in both coated and uncoated timber. counterparts, oil- and wax-type floor Consumers, be they ill-informed or The degree to which timber will change finishes tend to yellow over time, even poorly educated about the products colour depends on the extent of its those that appear totally void of colour, available, are prone to unrealistic exposure to direct and indirect UV light like linseed oil. While imparting a gold outcome expectations. The solution and will vary from species to species. or amber hue to the timber, oil and wax to this problem is to educate all stake- While the chemicals in floor finishes finishes – while generally considered less holders, and a good place to start is are known to influence the oxidisation durable, given the need for more frequent to demystify the concept of yellowing. process in timber, they in their own refurbishment – are often a viable solution There are two aspects to the colour right change colour over time. Solvent- for floors that experience excessive changes that occur in timber floors. based polyurethanes, tung oil and wax- movement or where a more visible One is the oxidisation of the timber. type finishes are more prone to yellowing grain structure is a desirable aesthetic. This occurs when the pigments, tannins than their water-based counterparts. Interested to observe the yellowing and other resins in timber are exposed Polyurethane coatings are known of polyurethane for himself, an associate to air and UV light. Over time this will for their durability, chemical resistance, of ours applied a coat of solvent-based cause yellowing in light timbers, while abrasion resistance and film clarity, polyurethane to a sheet of clear glass. darker timbers usually develop rich however a little information about their In a relatively short period of time the
32 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 www.timbertradernews.com
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Baltic Pine Jarrah Radiata Pine Hardwax - Satin Hardwax - Satin Hardwax - Satin
Water based - Satin Water based - Satin Water based - Satin coating material took on a warm yellow glow. This experiment can also be conducted by partially coating a white painted board. This is a great way to show to consumers the effect of age and UV light on polyurethane coated materials. There is nothing like a physical representation to illustrate a given range of variables; such as the boards in the photos at right. Here a set of display Solvent based - Gloss Solvent based - Gloss Solvent based - Gloss panels each feature a different species of timber. Baltic Pine, Jarrah and Radiata pine have been divided into three sections, the top section of each panel is coated with Hardwax, the centre panel with a water-based finish and the bottom panel Above: three different species of timber divided into three sections – the top section of each is coated with Hardwax, the centre with a water-based finish and the bottom with a solvent based polyurethane. with a solvent-based polyurethane. The purpose of this exercise is to provide the thought to be less durable than solvent- and super-quick drying times. Some of the customer with a comparative example based counterparts, as well as slower curing products currently available are dry enough of colour and texture variation across and more environmentally friendly. But for use 24 hours after application and all the range of coatings offered by this technology changes, and in a relatively small without altering the key characteristics; organisation, in particular the non- space of time the manufacturers of these as well as being environmentally friendly yellowing effect of water based finish. coatings have closed the gap and are now and non-yellowing, which is what made Historically, water-based finishes were offering products with comparable durability them popular in the first place.
Ray and Sharon Brice specialise in mediation training and project management. They have four decades of experience in the flooring industry. Phone: 0407 591 697 | Email: [email protected]
The ALL-IN-ONE assembly machine for TIMBER FRAME WALLS
Unit 1+5, 125 Russell Street, Emu Plains NSW 2750 Tel: (02) 4735 1011 www.ausframe.net.au
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A real game-changer
MiTek’s SAPPHIRE t’s been no secret Darren Campbell, Management would be felt right through IManaging Director of The Truss The Truss & Frame Factory. Management can & Frame Factory in Kelso, NSW, has “Everyone benefits from this because it offer a multitude of been a big fan of MiTek’s SAPPHIRE™ monitors, manages and delivers extremely benefits to your business. program from day one. In fact, he’s valuable feedback on jobs through a very been championing its development smart workflow process, all while producing and shared his experiences with the extremely accurate, instant business program from the very beginning. Campbell analytics which provide performance and has been using SAPPHIRE Management productivity reports we can use to improve for almost two years, and marvels at the efficiencies,” Campbell says. “We’re getting impact it is having on his business. facts and figures daily – not after a monthly “This has been a real game-changer for review. In the past, assembling all that us,” says Campbell. “There are so many information from various sources was advantages; I’m not sure where to begin.” time-consuming and sometimes misleading After only a few short weeks, it soon because you couldn’t relate one issue back
became clear the ripple effect of SAPPHIRE to another. SAPPHIRE Management puts PIKCHA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM PHOTO: MITEK; SCREEN GRAPHICS SUPPLIED BY COMPUTER IMAGE:
34 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 www.timbertradernews.com
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everything in front of you, at call. effectively and profi tably. I now fi nd Before introducing iTek’s I have free time to focus on other areas SAPP I anagement, The Truss SAPP IRE of our business. I’m not drowning in paper rame actory’s data was collected work, trying to evaluate the effectiveness and reported from a variety of systems. Mana ement of hours spent on converting obs, staff We had regular xcel spreadsheets, is an in a ab e allocations or profi t outcomes. word documents, graphs and fl ow charts Campbell has no reservations espousing covering different aspects of our business b siness too . the benefi ts and future of iTek SAPP I – a paper mountain, Campbell says. There anagement with his business. was a massive duplication of data input, SAPP I anagement has proven all done manually. And that’s a recipe for Campbell noted peaks and troughs itself time and time again, he says. It’s potential errors. It was time-wasting at during this period were sometimes so far ahead of any other management best. SAPP I anagement brings so extreme it became a nightmare to system, I’m surprised others even try all that data under one umbrella. monitor activity and react accordingly. to compare. We are currently using Campbell laments the fact that I honestly believe that if we weren’t SAPP I Walls and love it – and are there were instances in the past where using iTek SAPP I anagement eager to incorporate SAPP I oofs he believes the business lost obs and we would have missed out on some into our business. We want a true revenue because they got lost in the old substantial work, he admits. We would whole-house solution and I know systems. Or staff couldn’t handle the have struggled to keep up with demand. iTek SAPP I will deliver. extra work-load because the demands The obvious options for Campbell Campbell’s belief in SAPP I has and deadlines crept up on us, he says. would have been to initiate extra hours/ been vindicated – above and beyond. That ust doesn’t happen with iTek overtime for existing staff or put on I am really looking forward to having SAPP I anagement. more staff. owever, both scenarios my truss plant SAPP I in eady access to all aspects of carry signifi cant fi nancial implications. the next months, he says. management data has produced immediate I didn’t have to put on more staff fl ow-on benefi ts for Campbell and his team. or run the plant at extra time Because SAPP I anagement because I had a better grip on gives us instant information, we can then what our workload required, make informed decisions and relevant he says. I could see, at a changes to maximise output from staff, glance, where tasks could be workstations and our general operations, he allocated, quoting deadlines says. The positive effects are even met, production completed felt in the yard and on-site. and delivery ensured. The timing of SAPP I anagement The advantages of iTek couldn’t have been better for Campbell SAPP I anagement and the team at The Truss rame actory. have even extended The last months for us have been beyond the immediate. so busy, and I’m sure a lot of fabricators SAPP I anagement in SW would say the same, he says. has freed up my time, I don’t think we would have coped with Campbell says. I’m not our old management systems, let alone PIs wasting it collating, digesting and reporting, given the increase in building and processing data that activity we have experienced recently. I need to run my business
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www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 3
TTN369_34-35_autoBuild_sapphire.indd 35 17/3/17 1:40 pm AUTOBUILD NEWS
Above: The “Fifteen Year Club” – 10 of the 11 staff who have been with Alpine Truss since the beginning, including George Prothero (far right). A proud milestone
Alpine Truss celebrates etween them, Alpine Truss managing with two main production buildings – the Bdirector George Prothero and roof truss factory is 3600m2 and the wall 15 great years in business. director Chris Vafiadis share 85 years frame factory is 2200m2. The business of experience in the timber industry. also recently purchased a 15-acre site “I’ve been in the timber industry for for future expansion. There is also a sales 40 years, Chris has been in the Timber and design office based in Melbourne. industry 45 years,” Prothero says. “We “Our core business is roof truss, were both working together for a large wall frame and Posi-Strut floor trusses,” national frame and truss company when Prothero says. “We also supply I-beam we decided to give it a go on our own, joists and LVL beams. but we never imagined we would become “We currently run 11 of our own crane one of the larger fabricators in Australia.” trucks with 27 semi-trailers and we have The two celebrated with staff recently one contractor with a truck who has been to mark the company’s 15th anniversary. with us for the entire 15 years. We deliver Over this time the company has steadily to the entire state of Victoria and regularly grown from three employees in 2002 into southern NSW, including Canberra.” to a healthy 86 staff. The business’s main As long-time MiTek fabricators, the site in Wangaratta is based on seven acres team at Alpine Truss have found MiTek’s software and service to be superior. “Especially the new SAPPHIRE software,” Prothero says. “Chris and myself have always “A main change been involved under the Gang Nail/MiTek banner. It’s very exciting, the industry has but like all fabricators, it’s what you grow up with, so it’s hard to teach an old dog seen is the size new tricks! One of the advantages of being of houses we’re a MiTek fabricator is the ability it gives us to utilise the services of Platinum Global, manufacturing now.” which is very important to our business.” Much has changed in the timber industry Above: Alpine Truss Director Chris Vafiadis. over Prothero’s 40 years, the main change
36 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 www.timbertradernews.com
TTN369_36-37_autobuild_Alpine truss.indd 36 17/3/17 10:01 am AUTOBUILD NEWS
of which is a shift from a manual labour-intensive industry to a less labour- intensive one with a greater focus on safety. “Since day one we have invested in technology and continue to invest in the latest, most cost-efficient safe equipment on the market,” Prothero says. “We continue to try to eliminate as many hazards in our workplace as possible, as our staff are our greatest asset. “I think another main change the industry has seen is the size of houses Above: The entire Alpine Truss team, headed up by Prothero at centre. we’re manufacturing now. They’re much more complex now, with larger spans. But with “We have 11 staff reaching the the investments we’ve made in 15-year milestone this year, who will equipment over the years, our be presented with a gift as a token The business would business is much more efficient of our appreciation,” Prothero says. now than it was in the early days.” “I must say the business would not be where it To celebrate the company’s 15-year not be anywhere near where it is milestone, Prothero and Vafiadis took today without our loyal staff – we is today without a group of staff to Uluru and Alice have the very best in the industry.” our loyal staff – we Springs over a long weekend, and the For more information, head team also held a special get-together to alpinetruss.com.au and have the very best for customers and long-term suppliers. mitek.com.au in the industry.”
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www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 37
TTN369_36-37_autobuild_Alpine truss.indd 37 17/3/17 3:19 pm “We support you!” T A OLD S ONSO S NEWSLETTER
e e e e
ultinail Australia recently held an open Mday for builders, fabricators, timber suppliers and architects at the site of their SIL E S ONSO S new head offi ce construction in Stapylton to demonstrate the laying of fl ooring cassettes. To say it was an impressive display is an understatement, with 324m2 of fl ooring laid in a total of 43 minutes. There was added time to put a Go-Pro on the crane boom viewing and we are working on a few but the actual time spent lifting the surprises for delegates who are motor cassettes in place was only 43 minutes. heads to get their blood pumping. If that wasn’t impressive enough, TMA loves and promotes healthy before the cassettes were put in place, competition and I have no doubt many temporary safety barriers were also laid delegates will have their skills tested on out so immediately after the cassettes the V8 Simulators, with the top six racing were laid people could walk on top. On it out for the TMA astest river Award. a construction site, framing and other Throw in dodgem cars for two hours, B ON E S ONSO S work could commence immediately. plus great food and beverages and the ice- It’s great seeing companies within our breaker is sure to be an outstanding night. sector walking the walk and not just talking The conference is held on Tuesday, May the talk. Like the Carter Holt Harvey plant 16 and the TMA Australia board has focused in New ealand which is full of timber on key issues for our industry, such as trusses – absolutely beautiful to see. o you know your business costs TMA Australia was pleased with the Avoiding shonky builders and getting work we did on prefabricated fl oor cassettes paid for your work. and to now see them becoming a part of abricators’ responsibility in OHS the norm for a lot of our industry is fantastic. and industrial relations. Things don’t happen overnight, but I have Housing forecasts and changes no doubt the next step is the exciting new in the housing market. opportunities in the mid-rise market for Prefabricated fl oors and where our our sector, which TMA is working on industry has been working. with our new Market Implementation Group. Mid-rise opportunities for our sector it doesn’t all need to be panelised. T A AUST ALIA nderstanding fi t for purpose timber. NATIONAL ON E EN E Timber treatment. The largest Australian fabricator attended Is steel a threat to our industry or a full list of the onditions of event is coming again on May 15-16, e ershi and a do nloada le with the TMA Australia conference These are a few of the topics and, as a li ation for visit being held at the Sanctuary Cove always, TMA will rely on the input of o Intercontinental Resort on the Gold Coast. fabricators, whether it be through panels As with past years, the day prior to or discussions from the fl oor, as this is the conference we will host the Red your industry and we want to hear from you. or ore infor ation onta t Activities ay to enhance networking. The conference fi nishes with the national ersten entle Golf is always on offer but this year golf conference dinner, which this year has is at the impressive Sanctuary Cove Golf the theme of a Hawaiian luau, with a and Country Club, which is only open to dress code of Hawaiian shirts, grass B OU T TO OU B members. The other activity this year skirts and perhaps even a few coconuts! will be barefoot bowls, which is a fun The dinner will be held at Sanctuary relaxing yet competitive way to network. Cove’s Lagoon and will be a relaxing The offi cial ice-breaker is at reamworld’s networking evening that will include Peter Brock Centre, which contains every the presentation of the inaugural Clive one of Peter Brock’s cars. It’s spectacular Martella Service to Industry Award.
3 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 www.timbertradernews.com
TTN369_38-39_FTMA newsletter.indd 38 17/3/17 9:54 am AUTOBUILD NEWS
A B
T P M C M R D M S C G C M
A: rett s Timber ard are arren arris and ason Turner B: assettes bein put into place : cott illis P ith Tra is Taylor ultinail D: yan ansell Pine esi n ith builders arryl od es, Tim ayce, a e urrie and eor e otiropoulos.
D
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www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 3
TTN369_38-39_FTMA newsletter.indd 39 17/3/17 9:54 am AUTOBUILD NEWS
GN GUIDELINES NO.237
ANOTHER MITEK ADVANTAGE – APRIL 2017
Robert Tan, Manager Technical Services Timely documentation Reminder on roof and floor truss computations, layout plan and certification PUBLISHED 17 FEBRUARY 2017 Reproduced with kind permission from the Victorian Building Authority (VBA)
he VBA’s Inspection Services Team has WHAT SHOULD BE DONE? and within the timeframes specified, Tissued a reminder about the importance Roof and floor trusses are custom designed including full truss details, before of roof and floor truss computations, layout and built for each project, with individual frame construction starts. plans and certification (the truss details) being trusses able to include design features that Building inspectors must ensure they supplied to the relevant building surveyor are important to its successful performance. conduct the frame inspection by reviewing (RBS) before frame construction starts. Trusses are often supported on internal all approved documentation, including the While assessing complaints lodged with loadbearing walls, have web and chord full truss details. Under no circumstances the VBA, Inspection Services found that members of different sizes and stress must the building inspector approve a many frame inspections are being requested grades, and include web stiffeners, special frame inspection without reviewing this by the builder and arranged by the RBS braces and fixings. The computations documentation approved by the RBS. without the roof and floor truss details being provide the individual truss specifications Also, they must not approve the frame supplied to the RBS before the start of that need to be assessed on site to ensure inspection subject to the builder frame construction. Inspection Services they are constructed and installed providing the truss details to the RBS. also found that many building inspectors according to the intended design. Where there has been an inspection and are approving the mandatory notification the full truss details were not provided to stage of a frame inspection without having WHAT CAN YOU AS the RBS for approval, the RBS may issue an the full truss details available on site at A PRACTITIONER DO? order to stop building work until they are the time of inspection to allow for a full The RBS should continue to ensure that provided so the frame can be inspected. and accurate inspection. In many cases, the building permit incudes a condition Note: builders and tradespeople must the RBS is withholding the occupancy that the full truss details are provided not modify floor or roof trusses without permit or Certificate of Final Inspection before frame construction starts. This first consulting the truss manufacturer and because they are still waiting on the full will satisfy the RBS’s obligations set having the RBS approve the design of the truss details at the end of the project. out in Practice Note 2014-62. truss modification. The building inspector Where the builder is requesting a frame must not approve the frame inspection if inspection, the RBS should confirm that truss modifications have not been assessed Below: Full truss details should be provided before frame construction starts. they have been provided with the full truss and approved by the RBS. details as per the building permit. If the builder MESSAGE TO BUILDERS has not provided them, AND FABRICATORS the RBS should advise Although this recent article from the VBA that there can be no website is aimed at building surveyors in inspection until the Victoria, the message is just as relevant full truss details to builders and truss fabricators in every are submitted for Australian state and territory by understanding assessment; and the processes they have to follow. when approved, can The message is that we should support be given to the building the building surveyor by supplying them inspector to conduct with adequate documentation in a timely the frame inspection. manner, so that they may do their job Builders must comply effectively. It benefits the builder by with all the conditions set ensuring that there will be no delay out in the building permit in inspections and job progress.
Visit mitek.com.au for all guidelines
40 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 www.timbertradernews.com
TTN369_40_GN guidelines.indd 40 17/3/17 9:54 am WATT ABOUT THE WOR PLA E
ith Emma Watt Protecting your business through the contract of em loyment
any employers worry about the was reasonable to protect the employer’s employee, and defi ning what information is to potential damage an employee legitimate interests. Restraining an be protected as confi dential information . This could cause to their business by virtue employee from working for a competitor information can’t be anything that’s public of access to confi dential information and of the employer for an unlimited time and knowledge or in the public domain. the employee’s relationship with clients, across an unnecessarily broad geographical Any clause that attempts to defi ne suppliers and other employees. In order to area will generally be unreasonable confi dential information too broadly runs protect the business, suitable confi dentiality overreach in protecting the employer’s the risk of being unenforceable, and therefore and restraint clauses could be included in an interests and may be unenforceable. useless. If you’re considering this kind of employee’s written contract of employment. The clause will typically include restraints clause for an employment contract, you need The restraint of trade principle clashes with which prevent the employee from to carefully defi ne what is actually the legal concept that when two parties freely Soliciting clients of the business with confi dential, and the way the information is enter into a contract, they should be bound by whom the employee dealt post- handled in the business needs to refl ect this it. Also, courts typically are reluctant to employment (non-solicitation clause); designation. Think about drafting the clause enforce restraint of trade clauses because Poaching employees of the business post to ensure that the obligation to keep they can restrict the ex-employee from earning employment (non-poaching clause); information confi dential continues even after a livelihood. Because of this confl ict stablishing or working in a business that the contract of employment is terminated. of legal principles, restraint of trade and competes with the employer post- mployers should also consider whether confi dentiality clauses in employment employment (non-compete clause). the employee’s position and work genuinely contracts must be very carefully drafted to When there is a change in your business, for warrant this type of restriction. If, for ensure that the restrictions only go as far as is example, if you move from servicing one state example, you have a sales rep, then it’s quite strictly necessary to protect the legitimate to providing product into several states, you common to restrain the employee at least interests of the employer. need to look at restraint clauses to ensure that from soliciting clients post-employment, and These types of clauses can protect the clause protects your expanded area of potentially also from working for a competitor goodwill, which includes customer, supplier operation. This is one of the reasons why for a period of time. But attempting to and employee relationships, and confi dential cascading clauses are used, to provide the restrain a forklift driver who barely has any information. Confi dential information that can widest possible coverage while still allowing contact with clients, and who does not have be protected are the trade secrets of the the courts to interpret the clause as narrowly access to sensitive trade secrets, could be business, not just an employee’s know-how as is necessary to protect the legitimate deemed to be unreasonable. the general knowledge and skills gained by an interests of the business. Contracts of employment with clerical employee during the course of employment. If action were taken to enforce restraint employees may warrant a good confi dentiality mployees are usually free to use know-how, clauses, bear in mind that a court is likely to clause, but depending on the employee’s but can be contractually restrained from reject a restraint of trade clause if it considers work, may not warrant restraint of trade using or disclosing trade secrets. the restraint to be unreasonable, and therefore clauses. It would also be wise to consider a ou can put clauses into contracts that unenforceable. A restraint of trade clause company-wide policy on the treatment of restrain employees from poaching employees, won’t be enforceable if it’s designed to confi dential information, prohibiting employees suppliers or clients, but you do need to protect your business against competition from disclosing information that is clearly put boundaries on the clauses, such as from an ex-employee who is simply good identifi ed as confi dential. geographical boundaries, or time boundaries. at their job or has a strong reputation; or If you are ever in the unfortunate position Restraint clauses are often qualifi ed by prevent an ex-employee from doing of needing to enforce this type of clause reference to geographical area and time. The business with their friends or family. post-employment , you will need to be able reason for including such qualifi cations is the These clauses should also be supported by a to quantify the damage the employee is recognition that a restraint of trade clause confi dentiality clause imposing obligations to causing, or could reasonably cause, by will only be enforced to the extent that it keep certain information secret from the breaching their contract of employment.
This information is of a general nature only. Emma has been ad ising timber industry em loyers on their em loyment rights and obligations since 1 . She is currently the hief E ecuti e Offi cer of the TMA. Email her on emma emma att.com.au
www.timbertradernews.com TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 4
TTN369_41_watt about workplace.indd 41 17/3/17 9:55 am AUTOBUILD NEWS
TRUSS TALK
ith Paul Davis
had never gardened naked before and, design can affect the timber. This So, with this particular combination of a I indeed, I had no intention to garden somewhat circular relationship has the relatively deep bottom cord and a relatively in the nude this time. But it happened potential to lead to trouble. And so it has. large heel plate, the net downwards force that I wandered up to the vegetable The photo you see is of a genuine girder has resolved itself about 15 mm off the garden to turn off the sprinklers with truss failure. This is the girder heel over wall plate. Thereafter, the only way WITH VEKTA RESCUE, ust a towel wrapped around my waist a garage carrying a tile roof and it is about for the load to get sideways to the after having a shower. I realised that 15 years old. I have deliberately obscured support is through the tiny sliver of ALMOST ANYBODY CAN I still had a punnet of onions to plant the nail plate as my intention is not to point bottom cord and the x 5 top cord out and now was the perfect time. the fi nger of blame. At various times in – which weren’t strong enough. But fi rst, ust to set the scene, I live history this could have been any of us. I think that the take-home message is SERVICE YOUR RAZER. on a few acres on the edge of the city and I should note however that what you displayed quite nakedly be wary of this we can’t see our neighbours. The road runs see is the size of the actual plate. confi guration connection whether it’s When it comes to service past but it’s very quiet. I have a sizeable Physically what’s happening is that produced by your computer software vegetable garden about 5 m from the the compression force in the top cord or else by some sort of ad-libbing in and maintenance of house which I sporadically maintain. is balanced out by a tension in the bottom production. Solutions might include your saw we believe you And so it was that as I bent to plant some cord through the nail plate. The leftover using a double girder truss and or better should have as many onions my towel dropped into a pool of force, through the magic of structural timbers that have smaller chords and plates. water. Without really thinking about it, I kept mechanics, equals the accumulated A smaller bottom chord means that the options as possible. planting out – with the sun novelly and weight of roof that arrives at this support. load is resolved closer to the wall plate. pleasantly beating down on my bare behind. The effect of a shallower heel plate is that Vekta’s online support ven when a car does come along it can be pushed more out towards the system, Vekta Rescue, lets the road I can hear it from a long way heel. r, of course, the timbers between the you choose how your away and so that ust wasn’t a concern. plate and wall can be made strong enough owever, what you can’t hear is a gaggle to cope with these nasty stresses. linear saw is supported. of Sunday bike riders, who pulled up on “The engineering y expose in the vegetable garden is It Includes extremely the road next to vegetable garden. And design of timber the third time I have been caught out for some reason they did it silently. naked in public. ne I recounted in a detailed service checklists, I will leave you a vision of me starkers, trusses is fi endishly previous article where I was doing a instructions and up to holding onion seedlings with one hand karate-kid imitation standing on a fence date information. and groping for a sodden towel with diffi cult.” post in a car-park. y then-girlfriend the other – ust wilting under the bemused “dacked” me in revenge for an earlier So relax, we’ll support gaze of a bunch of blokes in lycra. But to misdemeanour. Because of my avoid further trauma, the sub ect now unbalanced position, with my your decision. Feel free moves off me and to a “pants-down” pants stuck around to choose almost anyone moment for the truss industry. my ankles, I couldn’t get off the you want to carry out your I can say from personal experience that post and I couldn’t bend forward the engineering design of timber trusses is to pull them up. It took a lot of services and repairs. fi endishly diffi cult. Superfi cially it may seem awkward manoeuvring to Key word: almost! straightforward, but there are ust so many get them back on – much permutations of timber, nail plates, loads and to the amusement of the Go to help.vekta.com.au truss geometry that it’s very hard to predict irder truss school bus full of girls to get started. all possible outcomes back at truss . failure nail plate As for the other time – ne particular challenge is that the truss well I can’t tell you about confi guration and loads lead to the timber obscured. that. Suffi ce to say that it design. And the timber design and cutting was more compromising naturally lead through to the nail plate than either of the incidents design. But on rare occasions the plate that you have ust read VEKTA RESCUE Paul Davis is an independent structural engineer managing his own consulting fi rm Project X Solutions Pty Ltd. The views in this column are Paul’s and do not refl ect the opinions of imber rader e s. Phone: 02 7 1 Email: auldavis timbertraderne s.com
4 TIMBER TRADER NEWS / APRIL 2017 www.timbertradernews.com vekta.com.au
TTN369_42_Truss talk.indd 42 17/3/17 12:54 pm WITH VEKTA RESCUE, ALMOST ANYBODY CAN SERVICE YOUR RAZER.
When it comes to service and maintenance of your saw we believe you should have as many options as possible. Vekta’s online support system, Vekta Rescue, lets you choose how your linear saw is supported. It Includes extremely detailed service checklists, instructions and up to date information. So relax, we’ll support your decision. Feel free to choose almost anyone you want to carry out your services and repairs. Key word: almost! Go to help.vekta.com.au to get started.
VEKTA RESCUE
vekta.com.au
TTN369_42_Truss talk.indd 43 17/3/17 12:54 pm TTN362_46_Truss talk.indd48 TTN369_42_Truss talk.indd44 VIC (03) 8795 8888 NSW (02) 8525 8000 QLD (07) 3861 2100 SA (08) 8234 1326 WA SYSTEMS BUILDING GANG-NAIL OF HOME or visit:mitek.com.au For moreinformationaboutMiTek PosiStrutFlooringCassettes,callyourlocalstateoffice PosiStrut and ductchases recessed wetareas. Plus, PosiStrutFlooringCassettescanutilisetopchordsupport for easeof are substantial…withmoresquare metresofflooringlaidbylesslabourinalottime! Many buildersanddevelopers–especiallythoseworking on large,multi-storeyprojectsarespecifyingPosiStrut Flooring Cassettes.Thefloorincludesallowancesfordeflections, reactions,plumbinglocations,voidsstacks,wastes installation. Thismeanstheycanbecranedintopositionon-site andfixedinminutes!Theimplicationsthishason-site P i s o are s FLOORING t u r t CASSETTES F g n i r o o l C (08) 9412 3534 NewZealand (09) 274 7109
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22/08/2016 12:06PM MGB0639 17/3/17 12:54 pm