hm - Dec12 - cover.indd - National Hardwood Lumber Association

RULES
CORNER
A REPORT FROM THE INSPECTION SERVICES TEAM
DOMESTIC INSPECTION
NHLA has been ever vigilant in its role as the keepers and teachers
of the Rules. This is evidenced by the number of training sessions
taught by the inspection services team over the past 12 months; 29
courses taught in 28 different locations throughout the United States
and Canada.
The NHLA inspectors are also taking on the role of quality assurance
for companies that want to be a cut above the rest by identifying
and thus eliminating some of the issues that can cause customers
and suppliers a great deal of strife. In addition to handling the 67
members of the NHLA Facility Grade Certification Program, 13
different companies rely on the inspection team to regularly double
check the quality of their products in a never ending pursuit of
producing on-grade lumber.
If any company is struggling to ship complaint free lumber to its
customers, take the proper steps and bring in the professionals that
can help you and your employees to do it right – the NHLA team
of National Inspectors!
INTERNATIONAL INSPECTION
The National Hardwood Lumber Association’s Rules and Standards
for Hardwood Lumber may soon become the common language for
the global hardwood industry. Recently, NHLA crossed paths with
an Italian lumber trading company in the Dongguan area of southern
China. The Italian contingent was dealing with lumber and timbers
coming out of West Africa and into Asia. A topic of discussion raised
over tea and lunch was how much effect NHLA Rules education and
adherence was having on the Chinese market. It was conveyed that
European companies had taken notice of the fact North American
lumber had taken on a more enhanced appearance, in bundle form at
least, over the past year. In addition, it was also brought up in passing
that many of Italian contingent customers in China had taken to
stocking American and Canadian products where previously there had
been none. When queried why that was so, the Italians explained that
they had been told it was because of consistency and reliability of the
product. Further conversation revealed that NHLA Rules were the
primary force promoting this trend. They lamented the fact that such a
system was not in widespread use within their market, both in Europe
and beyond. They noted that in the past year many of their Asian
customers had desired to know how certain “house” or company grades
compared to NHLA standards for hardwood.
It was an interesting exchange to say the least. Most importantly, it
highlighted the effect NHLA’s global expansion, particularly in Asia,
is having on the lumber industry’s world stage. Thus, NHLA Rules
recognition, globally, is in fact a reality.
10 DECEMBER 2012 HARDWOOD MATTERS WWW.NHLA.COM