Panels & Furniture Asia January/February 2018
Panels & Furniture Asia (PFA) is a leading regional trade magazine dedicated to the woodbased panel, furniture and flooring processing industry. Published bi-monthly since 2000, PFA delivers authentic journalism to cover the latest news, technology, machinery, projects, products and trade events throughout the sector. With a hardcopy and digital readership comprising manufacturers, designers and specifiers, among others, PFA is the platform of choice for connecting brands across the global woodworking landscape.
Panels & Furniture Asia (PFA) is a leading regional trade magazine dedicated to the woodbased panel, furniture and flooring processing industry. Published bi-monthly since 2000, PFA delivers authentic journalism to cover the latest news, technology, machinery, projects, products and trade events throughout the sector. With a hardcopy and digital readership comprising manufacturers, designers and specifiers, among others, PFA is the platform of choice for connecting brands across the global woodworking landscape.
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MICA (P) No: 138/05/2017 • ISSN: 0219-5704 • KDN: PPS 1453/11/2012(022879) • www.panelsfurnitureasia.com • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018
GREEN RIVER BUILDS SEA’S LONGEST PB LINE
SCHEUCH ASIA: THREE YEARS ON
SAN LIM’S SEARCH FOR INNOVATION
THE WORLD WANTS WALNUT
CONTENTS
14
4 EDITOR’S NOTE: Inspiration
PANEL MANUFACTURING
14 Next generation entrepreneurs
18 New Sandvik Quickdisc enables ‘biggest ever’
belt repair at Arauco
20 Green River to build third PB line, featuring
SE Asia’s longest continuous press
FURNITURE MANUFACTURING
24 To infinity and beyond
28 How robots will win over the future
24
IN PERSON
30 A life partner for clean air technology
34 Interview with James Xu,
National Hardwood Council,
Shanghai Timber Trade Association
MATERIALS
36 Hardwood Market Report
38 WWW: The world wants walnut
STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
40 One of these is different from the rest
43 SHOW PREVIEWS
38
52 SHOW REVIEWS
COLUMNISTS
62 Wood Clinic
64 The Malaysian MDF Manufacturers Association Newsletter
65 Global Wood Resources
40
66 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
68 ADVERTISERS INDEX
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
2018
by Panels & Furniture Group
4 th Edition
25 – 27 June 2018
Shanghai, China
ASIA’S SPECIALISED WOOD MATERIALS
WOOD PRODUCTS TRADE SHOW
ORGANISER
CO-ORGANISER
ENDORSED BY
Shanghai Pablo
Exhibition Co., Ltd.
Shanghai
Timber Trade
Association
French
Timber
American
Hardwood
Export Council
American
Softwoods
Softwood
Export Council
Canada Wood
Thai Timber
Association
Malaysian
Timber
Council
APA-
The Engineered
Wood Association
National
Hardwood
Lumber
Association
www.sylvawoodexpo.com
4
EDITOR’S
N O T E
Singapore MICA (P) No. 138/05/2017
panelsfurnitureasia.com
Editor | Lee Zhuomin
zhuominlee@pabloasia.com
Assistant Editor | Pang Yanrong
yanrong@pabloasia.com
Assistant Editor | Sarah Si
sarahsi@pabloasia.com
Lee Zhuomin | Editor
INSPIRATION
LOOKING back, 2017 felt like it never happened and yet it did. It was
hectic, and fruitful and fulfilling at the same time. For us, it marked
a couple of milestones, from posting our first photo on Facebook to
launching the new Wood in Architecture Asia. It was a year of many firsts
for our industry too.
Towards the end of last year, Green River Panels signed a new
particleboard line with Siempelkamp, featuring Southeast Asia’s first
ContiRoll Generation 9. At 50.4 metres, it is the longest in the region
(p. 20). Tenants will soon move into JTC Launchpad @ one-north,
Singapore’s first light industrial building made from engineered timber
(p. 40). (The building was completed in 2016.)
We also looked back at some of our learning experiences. Sylva Wood
launched three years ago amid some skepticism… The show turned out
to be a success and is now into its fantastic fourth year this June (p. 46).
Similarly, when Scheuch Asia started its regional office in Bangkok, things
were hard at first. It is now very well-established and has clinched some
big projects in the region (p. 30). It can’t have been easy in the beginning,
as with every new baby, but this is what business is all about—taking risks.
In the hardwood market, James Xu from the National Hardwood
Council says things have more or less calmed down. The market has
stabilised and is now revving up for trade once more (p. 34). In the U.S.,
sawmills are also poised for a good year as conditions seem favourable
for solid results in 2018 (p. 36).
In the end, we may have lost quite a bit of sleep to jetlag and flight
delays while chasing down stories. But there is nothing like being right
at the centre of the action and witnessing history made before you. We
hope to inspire you with more fun facts and cool stories in the year to
come. Also, don’t forget to like us on Facebook and Instagram if you
haven’t already!
CONNECT WITH US:
Contributing Editor (Surface & Design)
Kenn Busch | kenn@kennbusch.com
Deputy Executive Editor
(Chinese Edition) | Wendy Wei
pabloshanghai@163.net
Graphic Designer | Edwin De Souza
edwin@pabloasia.com
Admin & Circulation Manager | Shu Ai Ling
circulation@pabloasia.com
General Manager,
Pablo Beijing & Shanghai | Ellen Gao
pablobeijing@163.com
Associate Publisher | Pamela Buckley
pamela@pabloasia.com
Publisher | William Pang
williampang@pabloasia.com
Panels & Furniture Asia is a member of
3 Ang Mo Kio | Street 62 | #01-23 | Link@AMK
Singapore 569139
Tel: (65) 6266 5512
E-mail: info@pabloasia.com
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@panelsfurnitureasia
Panels & Furniture Asia
is the offi cial publication of
Malaysian MDF Manufacturers Association
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
6 NEWS
FAO: GLOBAL WOOD PRODUCTION GROWTH
ACCELERATES
GLOBAL production of major wood
products surged in 2016 for the seventh
consecutive year with a growth rate of
three to six per cent, according to new
data published by the UN Food and
Agriculture Organization.
The fastest increase in major
wood products (industrial roundwood,
sawnwood, wood-based panels, wood
pellets) occurred in Asia-Pacific, North
America and Europe driven by positive
economic growth, new manufacturing
capacities in Eastern Europe, particularly
for particleboard and Oriented Strand
Board (OSB), as well as growing demand
for bioenergy.
"Globally, production of all major
products gradually recovered in 2010-
2016 from the economic crisis of 2008-
2009," said Mats Nordberg, FAO Senior
Forestry Officer. "In 2016, the growth
pace in the wood sector doubled
compared to the previous year, and
this positive trend is likely to continue
through 2017-2018 due to global
economic development and higher
demand for renewable energy."
PARTICLEBOARD AND
OSB PRODUCTION GAINS
MOMENTUM
Global production of particleboard
and OSB commonly used in furniture
manufacturing and construction saw the
fastest growth among all wood product
categories. Particleboard production
growth rate soared from 0.3 per cent
in 2015 to eight per cent in 2016,
whereas global production of OSB grew
by 10 per cent last year compared to a
seven per cent increase in 2015. The
surge was mainly triggered by new
mills in Eastern Europe, including the
Russian Federation, as well as increased
production in China and North America.
Russia has recently overtaken
Canada and Germany to become the
world's third-largest producer and
consumer of wood-based panels after
China and the USA. Canada saw doubledigit
growth in production and exports
of wood-based panels in 2014-2016
thanks to increased sales to the U.S. due
to a recovering economy and housing
market. China registered the sharpest
surge of 42 per cent in production of
wood-based panels between 2012
and 2016.
"A rapid growth in wood-based
panel production means storing more
carbon for longer periods compared
with other wood product categories
such as pulp and paper or wood fuel.
This contributes to reducing carbon
emissions in the atmosphere. Another
positive trend is the increase of recycled
wood used in panels which also prevents
carbon release," said Nordberg.
WOOD PELLETS BOOM
CONTINUES
The production of wood pellets has
increased dramatically in recent years
to meet bioenergy targets set by
the European Union. In 2016, global
production grew by another six per cent,
reaching 29 million tonnes, more than
half of which was traded internationally.
Europe and Northern America
accounted for almost all global
production (58 per cent and 32 per
cent respectively) and consumption (81
per cent and eight per cent respectively).
An increase in the United Kingdom's
and the Republic of Korea's imports
and consumption by 0.7 million tonnes
accounted for the increase in the global
consumption and imports due to the
national renewable energy policies in
these two countries.
Consumption of wood pellets in
Asia increased by 17 per cent. The
Republic of Korea became the third
largest wood pellets importer after
the UK and Denmark, driving up wood
pellet production in Vietnam, Malaysia,
Indonesia and Thailand. Imports of wood
pellets also rose in Japan and China. ℗
Medium density fibreboard in a factory in Vietnam
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
NEWS 7
ANDRITZ SUCCESSFULLY STARTS UP MDF
LINE IN THAILAND
INTERNATIONAL technology Group
ANDRITZ has successfully started up
Panel Plus’ second MDF line based in
Hat Yai, Thailand.
The pressurised refining and chip
washing system supplied by ANDRITZ
is the centrepiece of the line. It has a
capacity of 30 bdmt/h and low specific
energy consumption, as well as excellent
reliability. The chip washing system using
the ANDRITZ sedimentation technology
is the first of its kind to be delivered to
Thailand and will be used mainly for
sand removal.
The scope of supply also includes a
maintenance-friendly ANDRITZ C-Feeder
that ensures low energy consumption,
higher system stability and longer refiner
plate lifetime.
Headquartered in Bangkok, Panel
Plus MDF Co. Ltd. was established
in 1990 and is a leading producer
of particleboard, medium-density
fibreboard and melamine-faced papers
for the production of wear and water
resistant panels.
The project adds to ANDRITZ’s
success in Southeast Asia, now with over
10 references in Thailand. ℗
Teams from
both Panel Plus
and ANDRITZ
celebrate MDF
Line II’s successful
start-up.
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
8 NEWS
CHINESE STUDENTS REIMAGINE THE
NATATORIUM IN TIMBER DESIGN COMPETITION
HOW about jumping into a pool and
coming up for air under a wood-framed
roof? This year’s Chinese University
Timber Structure Design Competition
challenged students to re-enact that
experience—to design a swimming
complex that would wow the judges.
The competition, organised for the
second time, was held in Nanjing Tech
University on Nov 19. Liu Weiqing, vice
principal of Nanjing Tech University
delivered the opening remarks and
welcomed participating teams and all
judges. He also acknowledged Canada
Wood China for its strong support for
the competition.
The competition recognises
excellence in wood design and
encourages the academic body to
explore wood as a structural element
for their projects. The competition also
provides a platform for talented students
who would, in future, go on to further
their career in wood design.
Eric Wong, managing director
Southeast University came in first place at the second Chinese University Timber Structure
Design Competition
of Canada Wood China, said he is
looking forward to seeing more
student participation and learning
about wood-frame construction.
Canada Wood promotes the Canadian
lumber industry around the world. It
supports programmes favouring wood
construction, which will in turn increase
export opportunities for Canadian
lumber.
The first prize went to the team from
Southeast University. Tongji and Nanjing
Tech University came in second and third
respectively. ℗
UAE HOUSING BOOM TO DRIVE WOOD
MARKET GROWTH
WITH over 25,000 homes being added
to the UAE’s residential market this year,
the wood and furniture market is likely
to witness solid growth.
Wood and wood products are
expected to get a solid boost from
the $2.4-trillion worth of construction
activities, especially when new home
owners start purchasing furniture and
interior décor accessories, industry
experts say.
In the Middle East, 70 per cent of
timber and wood products are used in
construction; the rest are used in real
estate, interiors, furniture and other
industrial applications.
With an average spend of $2,722
on wooden products per home, this
translates to $68 million spent this year
in Dubai alone.
However, with more than 35,000
residential units slated for delivery
in 2018, spend on wooden products
is expected to jump 40 per cent to
$95 million, according to a report released
ahead of the Dubai WoodShow.
"The growth in the housing market
will drive the wood, wood-related and
timber business across the region and
this creates a great opportunity for the
industry," said Dawood Al Shezawi, CEO
of Strategic Marketing and Exhibitions,
the event's organiser.
"As families move into their new
homes, they will require a fresh supply
of furniture. Most families will look for
authentic wooden furniture and products
– wherein lies the new demand."
Al Shezawi said in order to capture
the lucrative UAE market, more than 300
exhibitors from 100 countries are all set
to showcase their innovative solutions
at the next edition of Dubai WoodShow,
which will showcase new designs, style
and product innovation on managing
home space in innovative ways.
The demand for wood products is
also expected to be driven by new hotel
projects.
"Dubai will add 40,000 hotel rooms
and service apartments to meet the
growing demand of tourists as part of
the build-up to the Expo 2020, which
is less than three years away," stated Al
Shezawi.
Dubai’s hotel sector has more than
100,000 hotel rooms and serviced
apartments. By October 2020, Dubai will
need to have a strong hotel inventory
of 140,000 hotel rooms and hotel
apartments.
“As we speak, a number of hotel
operators are floating tenders for
wooden beds, tables and wooden interior
products to offer greater comfort to
hotel guests. This is going to be a great
driver of demand for wooden products,”
he added.
The Dubai WoodShow will be held
from March 12 to 14, 2018, at the
Dubai World Trade Centre. ℗
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
NEWS 9
WOOD IMPORTS THROUGH TAICANG EXCEED
10 MILLION CBM FOR THE FIRST TIME
WOOD products coming through Taicang
Port rose 27 per cent to 10.29 million
cubic metres between January and
November 2017, exceeding the 10
million mark for the first time according
to the Taicang Entry-Exit Inspection and
Quarantine Bureau.
Log volume soared 41 per cent yearon-year
to 7.26 million cubic metres;
sawn wood volume was up 10 per cent
to 3.04 million cubic metres.
Canada, New Zealand, Russia,
Australia and the USA were the top five
suppliers, accounting for 93 per cent
of total imports through the eastern
Chinese city.
Shipments from Australia more than
doubled. Imports from America increased
83 per cent; from New Zealand, 73 per
cent; from Canada, 10 per cent. Russian
imports, however, fell three per cent.
Timber imports through Zhenjiang
Port also rose 18 per cent to 1.15 million
cubic metres as at end November,
fueled by shipments from New Zealand,
Australia, Canada, the USA, Uruguay,
Japan, Estonia and Guatemala. The main
species imported were Radiata pine,
Douglas fir, Caribbean pine, Japanese
cedar and Hoop pine.
Zhenjiang, a city in Jiangsu province,
is also a major hub for wood processing.
The Xinminzhou Industrial Zone, a major
industrial park, was recently completed.
It covers over 300 hectares and was
specifically built for the timber sector.
Source: ITTO
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
10 NEWS
SARAWAK: ALL TIMBER CONCESSIONS
MUST BE CERTIFIED BY 2022
SARAWAK is making it mandatory for
all timber concessions to obtain forest
management certification by 2022.
The new law will be rolled out with
a phased approach and calls for industry
stakeholders to commit to sustainable
forestry management. Previously the
requirement was only implemented on
a select few, Sarawak’s Deputy Chief
Minister YB Datuk Amar Haji Awang
Tengah Bin Ali Hasan said. He made the
announcement at the second Global
Timber Conference in November.
He said, “We are also set to reduce
our reliance on the natural forests for
raw materials to feed our timber mills.
Towards this end, we are investing in
R&D for a viable and robust industrial
forest estate in the state.
“My Ministry is setting clear
directions and committed to the
strengthening of our enforcement to
combat and eliminate illegal logging
activities.”
The State Government has also
strengthened the Sarawak Timber
Legality Verification System (STLVS) by
providing a formal standard to include
independent third party verification
to ensure compliance of the legality
requirements in accordance with the
laws and regulations of Sarawak.
Datuk Amar, who is also Sarawak’s
second minister of urban development
and natural resources, added that full
implementation of STLVS will effectively
address issues raised by environmental
groups, especially from the European
Union, pertaining to the legality of
timber and timber products sourced
from the state.
The national timber certification
scheme, Malaysian Timber Certification
Scheme (MTCS), is one of the 37
certified endorsed schemes under the
Programme for the Endorsement of
Forest Certification Scheme (PEFC).
MTCS is an internationally recognised
scheme and is the first in Asia Pacific to
have accorded international recognition
through its initial five-year endorsement
by the PEFC Council in 2009. It has
also been re-endorsed in July 2014 for
another five-year period.
To date, more than 4.66 million
hectares or about one-third of the
total permanent reserved forest in
the country has been certified under
the MTCS. This is equivalent to 9.6 per
cent of 44 million hectares of the total
certified tropical forest in the world.
The MTCS was also recently accepted
by the Dutch Public Procurement Policy,
opening up greater opportunities for
‘Made in Malaysia’ timber and timber
products to enter the European Union
market.
Malaysia’s timber and timber
products exports was valued at RM22.1
billion in 2016. This accounted for 17.9
per cent of the total export earnings
by the commodities sector and almost
three per cent of total export earnings.
Exports from Sarawak accounted for
approximately 27 per cent of Malaysia’s
total timber export, reaching RM5.9
billion in 2016. Timber products is a key
industry for the economy, providing
150,000 direct and indirect jobs. ℗
2017 NHLA ANNUAL CONVENTION BRINGS
HARDWOOD INDUSTRY TO NASHVILLE
THE National Hardwood Lumber
Association held its 120 th Annual
Convention & Exhibit Showcase from
Oct 25 – 27 in Nashville, Tenn.
The Convention brings the hardwood
industry together to form new
partnerships and strengthen existing
ones. It kicked off with a reception with
1,150 hardwood industry professionals,
representing more than 464 companies
and 14 countries.
The opening session on Thursday,
Oct 26, saw John Foley, former lead
solo pilot of the Blue Angels, outlining
steps that organisations and leaders
should take to change culture, avoid
complacency, manage problems and
achieve success.
Members also celebrated 30, 50
and 75 years of membership with NHLA
including a 100-year member, Robbins
Sports Flooring located in White Lake,
Wisconsin.
The second day featured the General
Session and Town Hall Meeting where
seven new members were elected to
the NHLA Board of Managers.
Yugon Kim, founding owner and
partner of IKD discussed the benefits of
building with cross-laminated hardwood
timber. Following Mr Kim, award-winning
speaker and author Eric Chester provided
insights on the lack of labour in the forest
products industry and provided ideas
and strategies for finding and keeping
great people.
There were also presentations on
family business relations, emerging
markets of thermally modified hardwood
and a panel discussion of tomorrow’s
global markets presented by the American
Hardwood Export Council.
The NHLA Grading Rules Open Forum
also proposed hardwood lumber grading
rules changes for 2019. NHLA Active
Member companies will receive a ballot in
the next 30 days to vote on the proposed
rules changes. Results will be published
and announced, and any changes to the
NHLA grading rules will become effective
January 1, 2019.
The next NHLA Annual Convention &
Exhibit Showcase will be held Oct 2 – 4 in
Toronto, Canada. ℗
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
NEWS 11
PANELS & FURNITURE GROUP
More than just a magazine, Panels & Furniture Group of Wood Magazines
delivers world-class stories from the global timber and woodworking sector.
We bring you analyses that power trends and shape opinion in the market.
With an extensive network, we connect you with the timber, panel and
woodworking sector in Southeast Asia and Greater China through our titles:
Panels & Furniture Asia and Panels & Furniture China.
Our readership is also made up of architects, builders, designers and
engineers. They will find ideas and resources that inform their next big
project in construction and fit-outs through Wood in Architecture.
Every year the group publishes American Hardwoods SEA and
American Hardwoods China. The annual periodical is a resource on
U.S. hardwoods and reaches all of Asia.
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
12 NEWS
DOMOTEX ASIA/CHINAFLOOR 2018
NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION
THE annual flooring show now invites
visitors to register for the 2018 event,
held from March 20 to 22. 2018 also
marks the 20 th anniversary and to
celebrate, 100 over pre-registered
visitors will be given signature VIP access
to conferences and festivities during
the show.
The show saw a 20 per cent increase
in number of international visitors in
2017, of which the top five countries
were: South Korea, Japan, the United
States, India and Australia.
“I expect our 2018 global visitor
registration and attendance to exceed
the previous edition’s results,” Shine
Liu, project director of VNU Exhibitions,
said. “The event continues to be the
industry’s key meeting point in Asia and
the international fl ooring community
is noticing. We have signed on new
international pavilions (Croatia and
Iran) and hope to organise more country
pavilions to join the ranks of Canada,
Germany, Switzerland, the UK, USA
and Italy.”
Highlights include:
InnovAcon
The InnovAction Flooring Campaign
empowers carpet, wood and resilient
flooring enterprises to launch new
products within custom showcases.
These flagship pavilions are designed
by Kostas Chatzigiannis and his team at
KCArchitecture Ltd. Companies looking
for an ideal platform to introduce their
products in the industry will have the
opportunity to reach over 55,000 visitors
at the upcoming show.
Sport Flooring Experience
In the next few years, Asia will host some
of the most important sporting events
in the world. The 2018 Asian Games
in Indonesia, 2018 Winter Olympics in
South Korea, and the 2020 Summer
Olympics in Japan will all require new,
state-of-the-art sporting facilities.
DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 2018 is
following suit and organising experience
zones for companies specialising in
sport flooring. The sport flooring area
will host a Badminton Tournament on a
200sqm pitch of artificial sports turf, a
Snow + Ice Experience Zone, and open
the China Green Campus Construction
Forum to visitors interested in discussing
the future of green and eco-friendly
surfaces with municipal governments,
sports bureaus and school associations.
Luxury Brands
VIPs and invited guests can visit Luxury
Brands, a distinct display area presenting
15 renowned carpet design firms who
indulge visitors with a variety of new,
extravagant products. Luxury Brands is
co-organised and sponsored by COVER
Magazine, a key partner of DOMOTEX
asia/CHINAFLOOR. ℗
To register: www.domotexasiachinafloor.com
DOMOTEX Asia will run from March 20 to 22 this year
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
14 PANEL MANUFACTURING
NEXT GENERATION
ENTREPRENEURS
What does the future of panel
manufacturing look like?
The answer may be found
in the young managers of
Thailand’s Metro Ply Group.
t 28 and 26, Rangsinee and
Kanatuch (Ekky) Piyasombatkul
represent a new generation of
plant managers in Southeast Asia that will
one day take ownership of their family’s
wood business.
Growing up, they were taught riches
do not endure forever and a crown is not
secure for all generations. They visited
the factory frequently, the value of hard
work, discipline and responsibility woven
into the fabric of their nature at a very
young age.
That this has always been in their
DNA meant Ekky “never really thought
of anything else except to step into the
role,” he says.
“My father is a very serious man and
a personal motivation for me. He would
say ‘no one is going to support you, you
have to support yourself and be the
family leader one day.’”
Stepping into the world of wood
panels with no experience or credibility—
and expected to manage it one day—is
a mammoth task. The learning curve is
steep and there is no hand holding.
The second of three children, Ekky
manages the particleboard and flooring
products business. He started learning
about machines first, from staff who have
worked in the factory for decades. In the
meantime, he also made the effort to get
to know them and their families.
Cousins Rangsinee and Kanatuch
(Ekky) Piyasombatkul have been tasked to
manage their family’s panel business, and one
day grow it beyond its current capacity.
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
PANEL MANUFACTURING 15
His cousin Rangsinee is in charge
of Advanced Fibre, the Group’s fourth
and newest MDF line. The second of
five children, she returned to Thailand
after graduating with a degree in
mechanical engineering from Imperial
College London in 2011.
“Our parents were part of that
generation that struggled from
nothing into something. It was always
part of the plan that we continue
what they have built,” she says.
She started shadowing her father
at meetings and through careful
observation, grew to understand the
panels business on a deeper level.
Subsequently, she found her place in
the massive conglomerate. In 2015,
when the Group decided to build
Advanced Fibre, it was like starting
from the beginning again. This time,
armed with experience, things began
to make more sense. She was involved
in the negotiations and personally
saw the project from start to finish.
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
16 PANEL MANUFACTURING
“I saw how my general manager
dealt with suppliers, how different
machinery came together, how boards
are produced successfully and how to sell
them,” Rangsinee shares. As she gained
experience, people also started to ask for
her opinion, she adds.
EVERY PART IS IMPORTANT
The Metro Ply Group produces
plywood, and owns four MDF and
three particleboard lines. Its fourth and
newest MDF line, Advanced Fibre, is
The factory stresses safety and
cleanliness for the benefit of employees.
But there is also a practical reason
behind this culture. Firstly, for machines
to work at optimal level, they need to
fit like a jigsaw. And for that to happen,
excess residue and saw dust must be
removed, “otherwise you have to hit the
stop button and clean for hours. It’s not
a job you outsource to a cleaning lady,
it’s a lot of headache and it wears
down your people,” Rangsinee
emphasises.
It is one of the reasons why the
factory was serious about having a
good dust extraction system to reduce
downtime and workplace accidents.
Ekky adds, “Scheuch is the innovator
in this field. The office* in Bangkok is
an advantage. We never thought we’d
have a local contact where we could
drop in anytime.” The best thing he
likes about the partnership, he says, is
communication.
“Machines will always cause you
problems but if a supplier has set his mind
Dust extraction system delivered by Scheuch
a highly-automated, high speed thin
board line. It features a 28-metre long
CPS+ continuous press and equipment
from Europe.
Advanced Fibre has a total annual
capacity of 240,000m 3 . It sources
rubberwood and some eucalyptus from
the southern and eastern parts of Thailand.
Building began in early 2016 and the first
board was commissioned on July 4, 2017.
The 2mm MDF boards are now exported
worldwide and mostly used in indoor
furniture.
The smallest component, she adds,
makes a huge difference to the plant. For
example, dust extraction systems and
fibre sifters are often overlooked as vital
elements for success. But it helps create a
clean environment that allows the factory
to produce panels efficiently.
She says, “People always see the press
as the main star. At commissioning, it gets
the most attention. But I don’t think any
part is insignificant or secondary because
in the end they all help production run
smoothly.”
to solve that problem, it will be solved.
The best companies are not the ones that
make good machines. They are the ones
that help us along the way as well.”
Yet it did take some convincing for
the company’s shareholders to agree to
a premium suction solution since most
of them are not technically involved in
the factory’s set-up. But the engineering
team persevered.
“We are not a newcomer that
dismisses machinery as ‘unnecessary.’
We are operating on European standards
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
PANEL MANUFACTURING 17
now. We want the best of the best
because we will have to live with the
decision for the next few decades,”
Ekky says.
KEEP GROWING
Today both Ekky and Rangsinee have come
a long way from Day One. There have been
good days and poorer moments but at the
end of it, they say it’s about learning on
the job, coming back from failure, fixing
mistakes, going to bed and waking up
again, ready to face another day.
Rangsinee also runs Pink Berry with
her older sister on the side. Although
frozen yoghurt and wood have nothing
in common, she was able to apply her
management skills to the franchise
business.
“Be it frozen yoghurt or any field,
our parents want us to stand on our
own feet and be decision makers,”
Ekky says. As a hands-on person, he
spends most of his time in the
factory, giving him little else to think
about.
*Advanced Fibre is Scheuch’s first direct
sales since it opened its regional office in
2015. It is located in downtown Bangkok
and headed by Managing Director
Andreas Köck. The Austrian technology
company has served the Southeast Asian
market for decades and is no stranger to
many plant managers in the wood-based
panel industry here.
Part of the Advanced Fibre factory in Kanchanaburi
There is also a sense of accomplishment
that comes from being recognised for small
milestones, such as successfully operating
machinery, merging old practices with the
new, building a team and managing it.
The journey does not end with them
as middle managers for their parents
want them to be entrepreneurs—an
undertaking that meant their experience
at the bottom was essential.
“You cannot hope to rise to the top
without first knowing how things work at
the very basic level,” Ekky explains.
“In the end if you are always seeking
their approval, years down the road no
one will be telling you what the right
decision is.”
Meanwhile, the company is now
planning ahead, filling up plots of land to
prepare for a day the board of directors
decides to build another line.
The next few years will see both
cousins improving the line’s efficiency and
growing the business, realising the very
destiny they were meant for. ℗
Some key equipment featured in Advanced Fibre
Energy Plant
Buettner
Forming line, pre-press, Dieffenbacher
continuous press, star cooler
Dust extraction system Scheuch
Refiner
Andritz
Sanding machines
Steinemann
Finishing line (cut-to-size Anthon
saws, handling equipment)
Chemical preparation IMAL
Thickness gauge and GreCon
blow detector
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
18 PANEL MANUFACTURING
Damaged press belt on a
particleboard line restored to health.
Steel belt manufacturer Sandvik
recently used its new QuickDisc
Plus tool to complete its biggest
ever patch repair project: removing and
replacing a 480mm diameter area of a
damaged press belt for a particleboard
plant and restoring it to perfect working
order.
The work was carried out for Arauco
at its particleboard plant in Bennettsville,
South Carolina, USA. It was done with
such expertise that no trace of the repair
could be detected.
This is the first time the Sandvik
QuickDisc Plus 500 was employed for
a ‘live’ repair since it was launched at
LIGNA 2017. Arauco’s maintenance team
was delighted with the result.
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
PANEL MANUFACTURING 19
“We are highly impressed with the
outcome of the QuickDisc patch repair,”
Will Altman, maintenance supervisor,
said at the Bennettsville facility. “Our
concern was that the amount of welding
required would cause a deflection in that
area or an ‘oil can’ effect and possibly
affect heat transfer.
“However, since starting up, there’s
no indication of a repair. There are
absolutely no marks or halos or
anything visible on the board.”
The repair was carried out
by Sandvik service partner
Conny Neumayr. It involved the
replacement of an area that had
previously undergone several
repairs.
“Multiple repairs concentrated
around a single point creates
tensions and unevenness,”
explained Neumayr. “These
distortions make the area more
susceptible to cracking after each
repair.”
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
AND REPAIR
Sandvik’s QuickDisc Plus 500 is a
self-contained cutting, welding and
grinding system based on a single
jig that attaches itself to the belt.
The press belt at Arauco is 2.7mm
thick and made from a high strength
Sandvik 1650SM grade steel ideal
for harsh conditions.
The first stage in the process was
to remove the damaged area using
the automatic carbide cutter. This
is replaced using a disc cut from
the extra length of belt supplied
together with all Sandvik press belts
for the purpose of repairs.
The cutter is then replaced in
the jig by a track-welding unit
that ensures accurate, semiautomatic
replacement of the
disc. Once welding is finished,
the weld area is ground
down and the repair, complete.
The work at Arauco took about
two hours once the equipment
had been set up, a major saving
compared to the over 10 hours it
can take to cut and replace an entire
belt width with an inserted section.
The development of the
QuickDisc Plus 500 has extended
Sandvik’s service and repair
capabilities, an area the company
recognises as being of prime
importance.
Anders Köijer, Sandvik’s Global
Product & Service manager, said, “Arauco
is the second largest panel producer in
the world and has invested heavily
in the North American and European
markets in recent years. Our role as a
belt supplier is only part of the story. We
are also there to help them maximise
the quality of their end-product and the
longevity of their belts.”
He added, “Service is now a key
differentiator and we’re committed to
taking the lead in wood-based panels.
Today, with the market moving towards
ever thinner boards – produced at
speeds up to 2000 mm/sec – the need
for near perfection in belt quality is
increasing. We will continue to invest in
the technologies necessary to deliver the
high standards.” ℗
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
20 PANEL MANUFACTURING
Green River Panels is set to
build Southeast Asia’s biggest
particleboard plant, boasting
a 50.4-metre continuous press—the
longest in the region. The new line,
which is Green River’s third, will see
the company double annual production
capacity to over one million cubic
metres, making it one of the largest
production powerhouses in Southeast
Asia. It will be delivered by Siempelkamp.
“The negotiations took a long time
but I believe that this agreement will
provide a lot of value for us. We have
known [Siempelkamp] for more than
10 years,” said David Huang, chief
executive officer of Green River, at the
signing ceremony in Hatyai witnessed
by representatives from both client and
vendor.
“All eyes will be on Green River for
this project,” Mr Philipps said. Addressing
the Green River team, he added, “Your
project has our personal attention and
like a marriage, we welcome open and
frank communication between both
parties.”
Although Green River is no stranger
to Siempelkamp’s expertise, this is the
first time it is working together with
the Krefeld-based technology company
on such a massive scale. (PB Line 1
runs on Buettner's drum dryer while
Line 2 uses size reduction technology
from Pallmann.) Never before has
the Taiwanese-owned company sealed
such a historic contract, marking a
significant milestone for itself and a
benchmark for the panels industry in
Southeast Asia.
team were single-minded about Green
River’s commitment to producing
green products. (Green River is named
for the company’s environmental
philosophy.)
Waste from rubber plantations
and wood that is too poor for solid
furniture often end up in the backyard
of a particleboard line, which makes
the panel product ‘green,’ and “I am
sure there will be a demand for these
panels in future. I believe Siempelkamp
can support us in our vision for a green
production line,” Mr Huang says.
He looks fitter than when I last saw
him three years ago, younger than all
his 57 years. Yet, he is still the visionary
businessman, steady and consistent,
making calculated moves before planting
resources in the right places.
The particleboard producer’s latest decision
banks on the belief that Asia is overflowing
with opportunities, which makes now
a great time to invest in a new line.
Jurgen Philipps, speaker of the
Siempelkamp Management Board,
added, “We are happy and honoured
to be selected for this project. This is
our second success in three months
in Southeast Asia. It is a good sign as
it shows we are considered a market
leader in this area.”
The new line also sees Siempelkamp
delivering its first ContiRoll Generation
9 continuous press to Asia. It will
also feature machinery by its subsidiaries:
Buettner, CMC Texpan and Pallmann.
Together the engineering team will build
the biggest drum dryer and energy plant
in Southeast Asia as well as the world’s
biggest knife ring flaker.
The first board is expected to birth
in the last quarter of 2019.
BIG, BIGGER, BIGGEST
The upcoming line is based in Trang,
Thailand, over 200km away from Green
River’s headquarters in Songkhla. It is
one of the best fits for a particleboard
line. Thailand’s south is mostly agrarian,
providing an ample supply of rubberwood
to feed the factory. It is close to various
ports of call where products can easily
be shipped worldwide.
On the decision to seal the
agreement with Siempelkamp,
Mr Huang said he was pleased that
the management and engineering
He doesn’t stop, it appears.
Decisions keep him busy and discussions
with European suppliers often see him
working late into the small hours. But
being busy is a good thing, he jests,
“otherwise the business is not moving.”
The green field investment was
conceived over two years ago, even
before the second line was fully
operational. Mr Huang says the planning
phase involved a lot of research and
consulting. It was a slow and long-drawn
process, but necessary.
Green River’s move to increase
production capacity comes at a time
where industry insiders observe a
difficult future for panel plants—fi rst
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
Jurgen Philipps, speaker of the Siempelkamp Management Board (left) and David Huang, CEO of Green River Panels.
By Lee Zhuomin
an oversupply situation, followed by a lack
of raw materials. But this does not bother
Mr Huang. After all, these trends are cyclical,
almost normal.
Instead, he is looking forward to Asia’s
bullish furniture market buoyed by a slow but
sure rising middle income class among the
region’s four billion people. As standards of
living improve, so will robust buying, especially
that of ‘green’ products—the very thing Green
River offers. Rather than wait, he is keen to
capture this potential before others do.
“When we examined the numbers, Asia’s
demand for boards per capita is still lower
compared to Europe. However, this will change
in the future. Demand will go up; the outlook
in the long run is positive,” Mr Huang says.
Mr Philipps
presents a model
of the ContiRoll to
Mr Huang at the
signing ceremony
in Hatyai on
Nov 28, 2017.
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
22 PANEL MANUFACTURING
SUCCESS IN THE MAKING
Green River’s ambitious plant will no doubt be another
challenge for Siempelkamp, which unveiled its star engineering
feat, the ContiRoll Generation 9, at LIGNA 2017. However,
Mr Philipps is confident of delivering on his service promise:
“We are aware of potential problems, what can happen
during installation and we have the right people to support
the project,” he says. “So we will put this puzzle together and
deliver [results] for Green River.”
Siempelkamp has supplied more than 350 continuous
presses around the world since 1985. What is heartening for
the company too, is that Green River has not only signed for
the core equipment—that is, the pre- and continuous press,
and finishing line—but the whole suite of innovations. Other
machines for the new line also include the new EcoDrive, SPC
and SicoScan measuring equipment—all launched at LIGNA
last year.
As the furniture industry trends towards a preference
for particleboard, both Mr Huang and Mr Philipps have high
hopes for the market. And being on the same page marks the
beginning of good things to come, as Mr Philipps concludes,
“We are definitely very pleased to be part of Green River’s
success story.
“We started great and got along very well. We will continue
to bring this spirit of cooperation into the engineering and
installation phase.” ℗
"
The negoaons took
a long me but I believe
that this agreement
will provide a lot of
value for us… I believe
Siempelkamp can
support us in our vision
for a green producon
line.
" CEO
- David Huang,
of Green River Panels
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
24 FURNITURE MANUFACTURING
To infinity and
beyond
The relationship between WEINIG and San Lim Furniture
traces back to more than two decades ago when San Lim
Furniture (San Lim) purchased their first WEINIG machine
for their factory in Indonesia.
But it wasn’t until two years ago when Tony Sulimro,
president of San Lim, and Antonius, his son and deputy general
director, started investing more in their machinery, that the
furniture manufacturing company became one of WEINIG’s
biggest customers.
For San Lim, the choice was not a hard one to make. “For
the people in the furniture industry, if you're looking for good
machines in the solid wood area, WEINIG would be the one.
This is no secret,” Antonius said.
DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS
San Lim was established 15 years ago in 2003. The company is
based in Dong Nai province, Vietnam, and does mostly panels such
as veneer, plywood or MDF for its furniture, using species such as
poplar from the U.S., rubberwood from Vietnam, and pine from
New Zealand or Chile.
San Lim Furniture is constantly in
search for innovative ways to improve
their production line. Their search
ended with WEINIG, which provided
the furniture manufacturer tremendous
benefits: improved efficiency, cost
reduction and impeccable service.
“Our export market in the past was 100 per cent to the U.S.
But right now, it's about 95 per cent to the U.S., and about five
per cent to China,” Antonius said. Some of San Lim’s clients are
well-known brands such as Ashley, Rooms to Go, WSI, American
Drew, Holland House, Klaussner and Haverty’s.
As of March 2017, the company ships an average of 600
containers per month and is still dedicated to continuous
improvement.
“This is not by luck because we make sure we keep our
quality good,” said Antonius.
With a score card now given to most manufacturers in grades
of A, B, C and D, San Lim sees it as a benefit for them as it reflects
on how the company is doing.
For instance, business owners and top management are
able to look at the score cards and place orders with companies
who are scoring well.
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
FURNITURE MANUFACTURING 25
Top: (From left) Antonius Sulimro,
deputy general director of San
Lim Furniture, and Tony Sulimro,
president of San Lim Furniture;
Bottom: High performance crosscutting
with WEINIG OptiCut
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
26 FURNITURE MANUFACTURING
WEINIG is able to train staff at San Lim Furniture with the ins and
outs of their machines to build a seamless production line
“It takes time and it’s about
consistency,” said Antonius.
About five years ago, a customer
initially gave them a D, but over the years,
San Lim has worked hard to overturn the
score. “And within that period of time, we
improved ourselves and actually became
an A-grade vendor,” Antonius explained.
The result also reflects the different
demands of the customers and the trend
in the industry such as fast turnaround
time with better quality.
“Customers are paying more
attention to quality as well as punctuality
in shipping,” said Antonius. “There is
also a trend now where customers are
requesting for lesser MOQ (minimum
order quantity),” he added.
For instance, “In the past, when we
said the MOQ is 100 pieces, they’ll agree.
But now, we have customers requesting
for 50 pieces or fewer,” said Antonius. “If
we do not use the CNC machine, we’ll
have to use the jig all the time, which will
result in a longer downtime.”
The increase in workers’ salary each
year is also another challenge that San
Lim is facing. With higher costs and the
need for faster turnaround and punctual
shipments, the furniture manufacturer
needed to look into a long-term solution
to address these challenges.
PICKING WEINIG
“WEINIG is a good brand. There are a lot
of similar machines that are 50 per cent
cheaper but because we are focusing
on quality, we believe the investment in
WEINIG machines will help us achieve
that,” Antonius explained.
“We used WEINIG machines 25 years
ago for our factory in Indonesia. Those
were the simple ones then. For the
current advanced machines, we bought
it two years ago and have since started
buying more,” Tony said.
San Lim attended WEINIG tour for
the first time at the LIGNA show in 2015.
During the tour, the team was taken to
factories in Tauberbischofsheim (TBB),
Germany, where they were offered a
behind-the-scenes look of the production
lines in factories that were using WEINIG
machines.
Demonstrations were done to
showcase clear advantages and the
potential of the machines while providing a
platform for everyone to exchanges ideas.
“Before the show, they were already
explaining to us how we can link up the
different machines together and when we
saw it for ourselves, we said ‘Yes, this is
definitely what we need’ and bought it,”
said Antonius.
The team has since been on two tours
and each time it further affirms their
belief in WEINIG.
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
FURNITURE MANUFACTURING 27
With customers’ demands becoming
more complicated and stricter, the need
to digitalise has increased.
“With manual machines, it can take
about a year before a person is trained to
be good in handling a specific machine.
But with WEINIG CNC machines, you can
just put in a panel and press the ‘Start’
and ‘Stop’ buttons. That's all. It doesn't
take much effort.”
GOING THE EXTRA MILE
The recognition and commitment WEINIG
has to San Lim and all its customers is
reflected in its after-sales service.
Based in Dong Nai, San Lim is
generally located far from the city, offices
and help. But the company is still able to
acquire help from WEINIG’s engineers
to train staff on the ins and outs of their
machines and to equip them with the
necessary skills.
In fact, engineers from Germany
were flown over before too to provide
assistance.
The furniture manufacturing company
is in constant contact with WEINIG – from
installation to maintenance to advising
on the production flow – such that it is
always equipped with valuable practical
knowledge for seamless production that
helps reduce costs.
For instance, after the wood has
been cut into smaller pieces, the WEINIG
Powermat can be used to smooth
the sides before the finger joints are
placed in.
“This is what WEINIG taught us on
how the flow needs to be. And so, we
always coordinate with them,” Antonius
explained.
Another example is the Rondamat
tool grinding machine. By connecting it
to the Powermat, it will assist in adjusting
the position of the tool. After grinding,
the tool becomes shorter, which the
computer will then send the data to the
Powermat to adjust the height; since it's
shorter, the height needs to be lowered
to produce the same product.
“We do not need to do a lot of trial
and error anymore as the computer does
everything. We saw how this process was
done at LIGNA and so we bought the
whole package,” said Antonius.
As San Lim continues to hit their
milestones, WEINIG will be steadfast by
their side, challenging themselves to help
San Lim to be even more efficient and
productive.
“We have a good relationship with
WEINIG and they are one of our most
trusted partners,” said Tony.
Be it solid wood or panel processing,
the leading provider of solid wood
processing machinery is there to ensure
that San Lim is able to fully exploit their
machines’ power and operate them to
perfection. ℗
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
28 FURNITURE MANUFACTURING
Today, the end-consumer’s demand
for customised furniture is what’s
making up most of the orders. The
number of furniture per order has also
gone down, forcing factories to shift
from mass manufacturing to producing in
small batches instead. At the same time,
the industry has had to deal with labour
shortage, increasing costs and the need
for process stability.
These trends have beleaguered
manufacturers all over the world; those
that have not reacted quickly enough
have paid dearly, driving some into
bankruptcy.
For others,
concepts such
as automatic
Production Data
generation (so-called Industry 4.0)
and automated Business Processes
have finally found their way onto the
management’s agenda. It is a good thing,
but this is only half of the story.
By Bjorn Henseler, Schuler Consulting
How robots
will win over
the
future
Malaysia’s furniture industry players spent
a day at ABB to understand how robotics
can facilitate challenges in production.
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
FURNITURE MANUFACTURING 29
ABB, a robotics company, in Subang Jaya, Malaysia
ROBOTS ARE THE FUTURE
A panel furniture factory consists
manufacturing processes like Cutting,
Edge banding, Drilling, Packing with
Material Buffers and in between these,
other “Work in Progress.” For example,
to make things easier, we can automate
transportation between two machines.
Within the buffer, we can also automate
the handling at a certain machine or cell.
Compared to a high tech factory
that operates without these buffer
areas, we cannot afford to give up on
them compared to a perfectly balanced
production line with fully automated
transportation and little variations in
product types.
Manufacturers today require a
highly flexible plant that can be adjusted
to build any type of furniture or design
that pops up on the blueprint. Balancing
the initial changes seems impossible. But
where can we go from here?
To answer this question, ABB, a
pioneer in automatic industrial robots,
and Schuler Consulting rounded up
some manufacturers and suppliers for a
seminar in Subang Jaya, Malaysia.
The task was to discuss struggles
in furniture manufacturing with the
robotics equipment supplier and share
some of the solutions applied in other
sectors such as automotive or consumer
electronics that deal with a variety of
parts and processes.
During the seminar, ABB also
discovered how much variety the
furniture industry works with. It suggests
that if robots are to handle Batch Size
One products, the technology required
should be visual recognition systems
achieved using cameras.
Notably, using robotics in furniture
making is not entirely new. For example,
loading CNC machines with robots or
handling devices, cutting complicated
chair shapes out of 3D forms, applying
lacquering in throughfeed lines as well
as packing are some processes currently
operated by robots in Asian factories.
INTEGRATING HIGH-TECH
SOLUTIONS
In the region’s diverse furniture industry,
standard robot programmes that operate
the same task for prolonged periods are
not feasible due to the number of different
parts manufactured in a day. We need to
move from manually programming robots
all the time to one where automatic visual
recognition can be done with cameras.
We need a robot programme that
recognises parameters like “Length”
and “Width”, one that is intelligent
enough to address and adapt to swift
production changes without much human
intervention. This is not new in Europe
where mobile pedestals for office desks
are already being fully assembled in one
production cell without involving any
manual labour.
Only when Asian factories take
bold measures to integrate high-tech
solutions will they be able to overcome
the challenges of today and those of the
future. ℗
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
30 IN PERSON
Andreas Köck,
Managing Director,
Scheuch Asia
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
IN PERSON 31
A life
partner for
clean air
technology
Scheuch Asia is now
almost three years
in Bangkok. The
office may be new,
but Andreas Köck,
managing director,
says the company is
more than qualified
to support Southeast
Asia’s panel industry
with technology for
clean air.
Bangkok, or anywhere in urban Southeast Asia, is nothing
like where he used to live, where the air is crisp and fresh,
a luxury for the lungs. And yet moving to the bustling
metropolis was his idea.
Three years ago, Andreas Köck saw that Southeast Asia
would become one of the fastest-growing markets for exhaust
systems and filters. His counterparts in the wood-based panel
industry recognised this too and were swooping in quickly. It
was obvious that Scheuch had to have a local office to match
up with intense competition in this field.
He said, “I worked out the business plan for Southeast Asia
and proposed someone willing to go there—me!”
At that time, the proposal was also in alignment with the
company’s globalisation strategy. Scheuch was expanding
worldwide and had just made two acquisitions in North
America.
And Mr Köck was right. The decision was paramount to
securing a foothold in the region. In just two years since the
office opened, he had signed deals with most of the new panel
projects here—six and counting. According to him, it was a
combination of perfect timing and luck.
“All the investments in Thailand were coming up just as
we opened so we were able to clinch most of these projects.”
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
32 IN PERSON
An installation for a wood-based panel line in Thailand
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
IN PERSON 33
In Thailand, Advanced Fibre, Metro Ply, Wisewoods and
Vanachai have signed orders. A second ESP was delivered to
Panel Plus last November. In Vietnam, both Dongwha MDF 1
and 2 are running on Scheuch fibre sifters; Kim Tin has also put
in an order for filter systems. (Some older lines in the country
still feature Scheuch systems and they are still being serviced
with spare parts and advice.)
A GOOD START
The new lines have been running for over six months and
feedback is positive: high-performing filters, fans and rotary
valves mean little or no downtime for maintenance, which
means the factory can focus on its main goal—producing
panels.
“It is definitely a good start,” Mr Köck says happily. “We
are capable of offering our customers more, not just technical
consulting but service as well. After all, they do demand a
certain standard of service, which we are more than happy
to provide. Our new service technician recently finished his
training and is ready to start.”
The goal, he adds, is to work on a well-defined structure so
that Scheuch can support the wood-based panel industry here
on a daily basis. To up the ante, a fibre sifter expert from the
company’s headquarters in Austria will pay a three-week visit
to several MDF installations in the region. As panel production
evolves overtime, the expert’s 25 years of experience will be
more than necessary to address these changes.
The biggest sense of satisfaction for Mr Köck, however, was
being able to convince plant managers to trust in Scheuch’s
technology, “and if you do so, you will see the benefits.”
“In all my years in the panel board industry, you can say
I sell kilogrammes of metal. But it is now a personal mission
to tackle industrial waste emissions for the client, the people
and the environment.
“With all the experience and products we have, I think we
can give very good advice in this area. I’m really happy that we
were able to convince one customer here to invest in a wet
ESP system. My dream is to equip, one by one, all of these
lines with the same.”
And it doesn’t take a lot to be convinced. The 42-yearold
speaks with a kind of conviction that comes from a well
of knowledge, 22 years to be exact. In his early twenties, he
started as a shift operator in Kronospan, moved on to become
production manager for an MDF line in his hometown and went
on to Metso Panel Board as a process engineer before joining
Scheuch in 2007. He worked graveyard shifts, put in long hours,
travelled extensively and consulted for lines all over the world.
He has seen all and done much. He is warm, affable and comes
with a matter-of-fact candor that makes you feel like you have
known him a lifetime.
It is probably why the young office is so successful; the one
helming it has all the credentials. More importantly, he is also
serious about building long-term, meaningful relationships in
a region that values exactly that.
INVESTING IN INNOVATION
In hindsight, Mr Köck says that doing business here can be
complicated and not always easy to understand, but that “if
you can adapt, you will do fine.”
In fact, he is doing more than fine. From a one-man set-up
in an 11sqm space, Scheuch Asia is now a family of five in a
100sqm office in Asoke.
Apart from supplying the wood-based panel sector, Scheuch
also services the energy, metal and cement industries as well as
those that require flue gas treatment systems. They have been
in the air and environmental technology business for 50 years.
But considering the machine is still the same as when it
was invented decades ago, exactly how innovative can such
technology be?
Mr Köck laughs. It is a fact, but also a massive endeavour
to stretch the equipment’s efficacy beyond limits. And here
is where Scheuch has pushed through in product innovation
to a degree of success. Building technology for clean air is
their bread and butter after all. The company funnels huge
investments towards research on maintaining—and in some
cases, exceeding—machine performance at a lower cost.
“It is a tricky thing, being able to deliver quality at a lower
cost. But we have done it, improved versions with the same
service guarantee that we offer our customers.”
Indeed, while the fi bre board has hardly evolved as a
product, what has, is the machinery that makes it. Now, the
modern lines are all expected to maintain longer uptime, run
faster, and consume less wood and resin. Some of them are even
being extended to produce value-added products, laminating,
coating or printing for decorative panels and flooring.
MEETING MILLENNIAL NEEDS
Today, children born in the 1990s—or the millennials—are
young adults with high demands on standards of living for
themselves and their children. Soon, there will be feedback
on a panel’s carbon footprint—what are the environmental
and health consequences from using this panel? In turn, this
may translate into stricter controls on formaldehyde emission
limits on the panel itself.
Mr Köck also works with some of them who have recently
stepped up into their family’s panel business.
His advice for these young managers is to follow their heart,
cliché as it may sound. “It is a huge responsibility stepping
into such big shoes but I’m very sure they will find their way
if they listen to the right people. There are so many different
voices, you just need to sift through all of it and make your
own decision.
“Then again, am I in a place to dish out advice?” he wonders.
He sure is, for he is a man who reflects often on what he
has done for himself, his family, the company or community.
And he never stops working. When the office lights go out, the
family comes in.
“You know kids, they keep this machine running all
the time.” ℗
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
34 IN PERSON
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
IN PERSON 35
Company relocations are considered rare in the timber
industry but recently this has happened to Shanghai
AM. It has moved a couple of times, first from downtown
Shanghai to Kemao Road and then to Malu.
Heavy industries have moved out of Beijing, bringing some
sunny days and fresh air this winter. The same is happening
in Shanghai. As wood processing and trading enterprises are
looking for new warehouses and factories, they are also trying
to enhance efficiency by reducing inventory and increasing
turnover. These reforms will improve the industry’s overall
quality and efficiency, says James Xu from STTA’s National
Hardwood Council.
Fortunately, the Yangtze River Delta region offers them
modern port facilities and a well-developed transport network
for doing business. These new industrial clusters in Taicang,
Ningbo and Zhenjiang will bring about higher output value per
unit area and new opportunities for the industry, especially as
inefficient companies get eliminated in the long run.
PRUDENT BUYING
According to the latest data from the American Hardwood
Export Council (AHEC), demand for North American hardwood
has been increasing. The hardwood market has calmed down
from the instability and turmoil two years ago. Chinese traders
are now more prudent and sensible, making fewer irrational
purchase decisions in 2017, a great relief to some nervous
American suppliers.
Under pressure from the
government, up to 60 million
square metres of factories were
forced out of Shanghai in 2017.
As the Chinese government
continues to invest in high-tech
industries, traditional industries
have, to some extent, limited
land use. What prospects are
left for Shanghai’s timber trade?
By Wendy Wei
Black walnut and cherry rose in popularity while the
popularity and price of FAS red oak fell due to oversupply.
These minor changes are driven by market forces; they are
normal and will not upset the market as long as distributors
remain prudent, says Xu.
“Hardwood exports from the U.S. to China continues to
climb while warehouse space for distributors is decreasing.
This means efficiency has increased considerably,” says Xu. “As
far as I know, no enterprise undersold or withdrew from the
timber market due to the new relocation and environmental
protection policies.”
Nevertheless, Xu notes that market demand is on the rise
and stability is of vital importance.
CHALLENGES
Xu expects that market trends for this year will be similar to
last year’s.
Viktor Leonldovlch Evtukhov, Deputy Minister of Ministry
of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, said his
ministry has imposed export quotas on unprocessed timber
exiting Russia's Far East and increased export tariff rates since
last December. According to the draft plan, export tariff rate
of goods within the tariff quotas will be reduced from 25 per
cent to 6.5 per cent but the additional export tariff rate will
gradually increase to 40 per cent in 2019; to 60 per cent in 2020;
and to 80 per cent in 2021. Export quotas apply to enterprises
with wood processing plants or experience in exporting wood
processed products. These policy changes will see fewer wood
supplies from Russia, providing greater opportunities for North
American wood traders to flourish in China.
However, data from AHEC indicate hardwood log exports
from the U.S. to China have grown significantly. In the past,
80 per cent of logs were used for veneer processing, yet large
quantities of logs are now sold to factories processing sawn
timber.
It is hard to say what effect these observations will have on
the market. But one thing is for sure: increased demand and
reduced shipping rates will inevitably contribute to intense
competition.
GROWING TOGETHER
“Wood is renewable and environmentally-friendly. As people's
living standards and tastes improve, wooden furniture will
become more popular,” Xu says.
Although some have speculated that the home decor
market will be affected as real estate reaches saturation,
refurbishing old homes also require a large supply of wood,
he adds.
As one of the earliest companies to distribute North
American hardwoods in China, Shanghai AM is adept at tackling
risks and crises. Xu says that only enterprises that take a longterm
view on trends and cooperate to address crises can expect
growth and development opportunities. This is one of the
reasons the National Hardwood Council was established five
years ago. The Council will continue to live out this purpose
for members.
Xu concludes that the solution to rising costs is increasing
inventory turnover as well as improving work efficiency.
Moreover, it is also important to build and maintain
relationships with long-term suppliers and customers, and
improve internal management, so as to enable the timber
industry to develop smoothly. ℗
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
36 MATERIALS
Hardwood Market Report
Million Board Feet
Business momentum
for U.S. hardwood
lumber to carry over
into 2018
1100
1000
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
1999 - 2006
US Furniture Manufacturing Shift to
China and US Housing Boom.
Business
By Judd Johnson, Managing Editor, Hardwood Market Report
200
1999-2006
100
Export volumes
increased 760%
*Projected
0
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 *2017
Source: USDA FAS
Figure 1: U.S. exports of hardwood lumber to China
Percentage Share of Volume
China
2006 - 2009
US Housing Bust and
Worldwide Economic
Turmoil.
Rest of world
US Exports to China in 2017 are
on Track to Exceed 1Billion Board
Feet and Surpass 2016 Volume by
18%.
2009 to Current: China's
Growing Middle and Upper
Classes Consuming US
Hardwoods
Graph: HMR
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Jan -
Oct
Source: USDA FAS
Graph: Hardwood Market Report 2016
Figure 2: U.S. exports of hardwood logs to China and the rest of the world
2009-2017
Export volumes
pacing at an
increase of 400%
Jan -
Oct
2017
results for 2017 have U.S.
suppliers feeling optimistic about
2018. Exports of hardwood lumber
were trekking 13 per cent higher through
the first 10 months of 2017 compared
to the same period in 2016. The total
volume shipped through October was
the third highest of any full year (12
months); only 2016 and 2014 were
higher. With two months remaining,
there is little doubt U.S. hardwood
lumber exports will establish a new
record in 2017.
To no one’s surprise, China is the
dominant force driving increased export
activity. While total hardwood lumber
shipments from the U.S. were up 13
per cent year to date, U.S. shipments to
China had increased 18 per cent (see Fig.
1). Exports to China accounted for 54 per
cent of the hardwood lumber volume
exported by the U.S. worldwide (see Fig.
2). In fact, the 10 month total exported
to China in 2017 surpassed the 12 month
China record high set in 2016, reaching
2,026,233m 3 compared to 2,006,701m 3
(see Fig. 3).
U.S. supplier optimism goes beyond
exports. The domestic U.S. marketplace
has grown consistently over the past
several years. Much of that growth is
closely aligned with economic expansion.
After a period of retraction, markets for
key industrial timber products have
rebounded and are currently energised.
U.S. DOMESTIC MARKET
Separately, the U.S. housing sector
has been expanding at an impressive
rate. New single family construction is
projected to increase year over year
by 10.7 per cent and 8.6 per cent in
2018 and 2019, respectively; these
increases follow a 7.5 per cent increase
in 2017. Also in 2017, expenditures
on single family housing refurbishing
projects surged 20 per cent over
2016 expenditures. Notably, new and
refurbishing single family housing
construction projects are significant to
demand for hardwood flooring, cabinets,
millwork, and furnishings.
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
(Cubic Metres)
2,500,000
MATERIALS 37
Hardwood Market Report
2,000,000
1,500,000
1,000,000
500,000
0
China
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Jan -
Oct
Source: USDA FAS
Graph: Hardwood Market Report 2016
Figure 3: U.S. exports of hardwood logs
Not only is demand for U.S.
hardwood lumber poised for further
growth, U.S. sawmills may have better
opportunity to respond to any business
upturn in 2018. The reason is that
demand is showing encouraging signs of
improvement for wood waste materials,
making them less of an impediment to
sawmill production and lumber supplies.
Indeed, keeping bark, chips, and sawdust
Rest of World
Jan -
Oct
2017
moved offsite has been a problem for U.S.
sawmills the last couple of years – enough
to prevent production from reaching its
potential in 2016 and to a lesser extent
in 2017.
It is imperative that all sectors of the
marketplace perform at healthy levels in
order to ensure a healthy U.S. hardwood
lumber supply base. Such has been the
case for most lumber items, and now this
includes industrial timber products and
byproducts from sawmill production.
By and large, U.S. hardwood lumber
business has been quite stable for most of
the past two years, and conditions seem
favourable for solid results in 2018. ℗
"
By and large, U.S. hardwood lumber
business has been quite stable...
conditions seem favourable for solid
results in 2018.
"
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
38 MATERIALS
WWW =
Fashion in hardwood for furniture and
interiors, often going in cycles, is wellknown.
Cherry, maple, ash, mahogany,
wenge and rosewood are all good examples
of high value species that have come and
gone over the years. But there are a few
that stay the distance. Several species
have endured long term in popularity. Now
we are seeing walnut join that elite group.
The
World
Wants
Walnut
By Michael Buckley
Oak is one of those species that has
remained popular throughout
history. It is seen as traditional,
ecclesiastical and associated with
academia and wealth. Oak has stayed
fashionable throughout time especially
in western markets. Teak is another,
particularly in eastern countries, for
its durability. It is also associated with
wealth. Walnut by contrast has come and
gone in fashion over the years although
it has never completely disappeared in
popularity, as cherry did a decade ago.
So what is the driver of walnut these
days that suggests its current popularity
will continue long term? The answer is
complex.
WHERE IT GROWS AND
GOES
First let’s define walnut. The main source
of walnut in volume is in the USA where
American black walnut (Juglans nigra)
is exclusively native and grows in large
volumes across the States from the east
coast to Texas. The so-called European
walnut (Juglans regia) was originally
native to a stretch from Kashmir to Turkey
until introduced by the Romans to Italy
and France as well as other European
countries. The two species are different—
in colour and grain—and whereas
American black walnut is naturally
regenerated in forests and planted a little,
European walnut was mainly planted.
Then there are other substitute species
such as African and Rhodesian walnut,
so-called for marketing.
Estelle console table
in American black walnut
by Commune.
Image credit: Commune.
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
MATERIALS 39
Availability is a main driver. Limited
supply and unquenchable demand in
recent years have driven prices high,
without the withdrawal of demand
that normally follows. Take the case of
cherry, for which prices peaked then
halved when markets rebelled; but not
so with walnut. Then there is China,
where walnut is valued aesthetically
along with many local similar hardwoods
and Chinese buyers have discovered the
“Well of Black Gold” in American forests.
Ease of travel and communication have
accelerated the Chinese market for
American walnut that appears insatiable.
Then there is taste. Culturally,
traditional furniture making and
particularly, chair making in China
favoured dark wood species that are
now rare. But not only China appreciates
walnut. The 2017 furniture shows
in Southeast Asia all featured many
collections of walnut furniture from
Saigon to Singapore. And the world’s
hotel designers and fit-out contractors
love it. Last but not least, walnut is a
truly beautiful species that finishes to a
very fine surface. So—www—the World
Wants Walnut!
AVAILABILITY
Is walnut sustainable? That is an
interesting and probably unanswerable
question, for how high will the price go
and how much is growing? Neither of
those questions are easily answered.
Whereas there is very accurate data
now available for every commercial
hardwood species in the USA, walnut is
the exception. The forest inventory of
walnut is well-known and published, but
walnut unusually also grows naturally
on and around farms that are not
inventoried. Brian Brookshire, executive
director of the American Walnut
Manufacturers Association points out,
“American walnut is one of the only
species (maybe the only one) that the
entire log is sawn as useable lumber,
effectively stretching the utilisation
of the limited resource for furniture,
flooring and other uses, as compared
to oak and other hardwoods where the
centre of the log is generally left as a
block for industrial uses.”
Furthermore, new techniques of
cutting ultra-thin veneer can also extend
the resource, so it is hard to say how
the resource balance will develop in
the future.
European walnut supplies are relatively
patchy and not well-documented. However,
American walnut supplies are transparent
and readily available through several
channels. The American Hardwood Export
Council has many members offering
walnut. There are importers and traders
in China and elsewhere specialising in
walnut. There is also the American Walnut
Manufacturers Association whose 20
members specialise in supplying walnut. ℗
Craft coffee table in solid
American black walnut by
JotterGoods, Star International.
Image credit: Star International.
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
40 STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
ONE OF THESE
IS DIFFERENT
FROM THE
REST
Block 81 at the JTC
LaunchPad @ one-north is
the only building within
the campus built using
engineered wood. It stands
as a shining example of how
wood makes construction
quick, safe and efficient.
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS 41
New technologies in engineered wood have proven
to be safe and efficient in construction. Block 81 at
JTC LaunchPad @ one-north is one example of this
innovation. The three-storey engineered wood structure
in Singapore was completed in four months and achieved
10 – 15 per cent manpower savings compared to conventional
building methods.
This is possible because the glue-laminated timber and
cross laminated timber components are first pre-fabricated, then
delivered on-site. It is also safer and less labour-intensive as only
simple tools are required for assembly. It was one of the reasons
why engineered wood was chosen, since there was already an
existing community when Phase 1 of the 6.5-hectare site was
completed, said Heah Soon Poh, assistant chief executive officer
of JTC’s Engineering & Operations Group. Overall, it results in a
cleaner work site, reducing noise and air pollution.
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
42 STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
Block 81 is the fi rst light industrial building in Singapore built using engineered wood
Block 81 is part of the Phase 2 of the
JTC LaunchPad @ one-north, which offers
plug-and-play spaces for start-ups. It is
Singapore’s first light industrial building
made from engineered wood. It is also
one of the few wooden mid-rise buildings
in Asia.
"
Block 81 was completed in
four months and achieved
10 – 15% manpower savings
"
Explaining how the team managed
to learn methods in wood construction,
Mr Heah shared that initial discussions
with the Building and Construction
Authority (BCA) led to a visit to Nanyang
Technological University which was
then building a new sports hall out of
engineered wood. The hall features a
72-metre continuous roof, the longest
in Asia.
“We also engaged one of our
contacts from an overseas study trip
to carry out a feasibility study using
engineered wood systems,” he added.
BUILT TO LAST
To enhance fire resistance, the beams
and columns are designed to be
15 – 25mm thicker, forming a sacrificial
layer so that in the event of a fire, only
that outer layer will be charred.
To minimise termite attacks, the first
storey columns, beams and floor slabs
are made of concrete. An additional
steel mesh in the ground, treated to
repel termites, also acts as a physical
barrier. The CLT and glulam members
on the upper floors were also treated
against infestation. The engineered
wood is made from PEFC-certified
spruce, supplied by Austrian specialists
Hasslacher Norica and KLH. The
whole building uses about 450m 3
of wood.
Developer
Architect, Structural Engineer,
M&E Engineer
Main Contractor
SPEARHEADING
PRODUCTIVITY
This type of wood construction
technique in Block 81 is part of a
new approach known as Design for
Manufacturing and Assembly or DfMA.
This game-changing technology is
akin to stacking up pre-fabricated
components like a large Lego block.
It is transforming Singapore’s built
environment, expediting construction
times and reducing labour.
The move to adopt new technologies
is part of Singapore’s overall push to get
developers, contractors and planners to
raise productivity levels on an average
of 2 to 3 per cent annually till 2020,
according to BCA. This will be driven by
the use of advanced technology and a
skilled and competent workforce.
In recent years, the city-state is
at the forefront of wood construction
technologies with new buildings
springing up such as NTU’s new sports
hall and the Singapore Sustainability
Academy. A few other schools in wood
are also in the construction pipeline. ℗
: JTC, Singapore
: WSP Pte Ltd
: Lian Ho Lee Construction
(Private) Ltd
Specialist Engineered Wood Consultant : Ronnie & Koh Consultants Pte Ltd
Engineered Wood Sub-Contractor : Venturer Pte Ltd
Completion Date : December 2016
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS 43
A ZONE FOR
CUSTOM FURNITURE
SUPPLIERS TO DEBUT
AT CIFM / INTERZUM
GUANGZHOU 2018
Set to take place in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, the
upcoming CIFM / interzum Guangzhou is poised to outperform
the last edition on various fronts with more brands, a wider
array of products, and an expanded series of fringe activities.
CIFM / interzum Guangzhou, set to
take place from the 28 th to 31 st of
March, 2018 alongside the second
Furniture Fair (CIFF), will be held at the
sprawling China Import and Export Fair
Complex, in Guangzhou, China.
More than 1,300 exhibitors hailing
from more than 30 countries and regions
such as Germany, Malaysia, Singapore,
and the United States will be spread
out across the 150,000m² exhibition
Machinery, Upholstery Machinery,
Materials and Textile, Fittings, and
Components.
Simultaneously, eight country and
United States and Canada, Turkey, French
Timber, American Hardwood Export
Council, Malaysian Timber Council,
Bureau – also from Canada – will showcase
wood materials, furniture hardware and
Global leading industry players
already sent in their applications to
including Biesse, Homag and SCM, among
many more.
Visitors can also expect a healthy
Cossla, UNGRICHT, and Debo Europe.
space usage, the custom furniture market has been
furniture among those who are concerned with the
focus to raw and auxiliary materials, such as wood
Custom Furniture Suppliers zone will be launched
custom furniture suppliers from abroad with
materials, furniture hardware, as well as upholstery
and accessories. Custom furniture manufacturers,
interior decor companies and interior designers
technology and the current trends in custom
furniture.
During the exhibition, a dedicated cocktail
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
44 SHOW PREVIEW
2 nd VIFA Woodmac
Vietnam 2018: The
woodworking show in
the heart of Vietnam’s
furniture cluster
- Vietnam’s wood products export turnover
expected to hit US$8 Bn in 2017
- Many factories eager to upgrade production
to obtain more orders
- New pre-event technical seminar series to
capture the right audience
Date : Oct 24 – 27, 2018
Venue : Expo Binh Duong,
Binh Duong Province, Vietnam
Vietnam’s furniture industry is no doubt growing. Wood and wood products export
turnover is forecast to reach US$8 Bn in 2017, posting a 14 per cent year-on-year
increase and surpassing the target of US$7.6 Bn set earlier last year, according
to the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh (HAWA).
The two-digit growth rate this year is possible because companies invested in
technology and design, Huynh Van Hanh, deputy chairman of HAWA, said in an interview
with VietNamNet. Many are keen to make capital investments and expand production to
supply customers in U.S., Japan, EU, China and South Korea. A new generation of managers
is also kickstarting design teams and marketing them under their own brand.
Given the high growth potential of this market, VIFA Woodmac provides access to more
than 1,500 exporting companies in need of new technology to expand capacity. The show
is located in Binh Duong province, Vietnam’s furniture and wood processing hub. It is near
Long An, Dong Nai province and Ho Chi Minh City where 60 per cent of factories are located.
PRE-EVENT TECHNICAL SEMINAR SERIES
This year, a new pre-event technical seminar series* will allow international exhibitors to
introduce machines tailored for the Vietnamese market. It is held one day in May and July
respectively with opportunities for networking. The audience will mostly be members from
the Binh Duong Furniture Association (BIFA) and HAWA, both of whom are co-organisers of
VIFA Woodmac Vietnam. Both associations represent a majority of Vietnam’s 4,000 over wood
processing and furniture companies.
These two seminars lead up to VIFA Woodmac in October, where delegates will be able to
find out more about the machines and services offered.
Based in Binh Duong, VIFA Woodmac Vietnam 2018 is set to unlock endless possibilities for
your business in Vietnam and the region! ℗
*More details to be available soon.
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
SHOW PREVIEW 45
24-27 October 2018
2 nd Edition
THE WOODWORKING
SHOW IN THE HEART
OF VIETNAM'S
FURNITURE CLUSTER
BINH DUONG
BINH DUONG — THE RIGHT LOCATION
Jointly organised by
HAWA CORPORATION
PANELS & FURNITURE Group
Enquiries For International Exhibitors
Pablo Publishing Pte Ltd
3 Ang Mo Kio Street 62 #01-23 Link@AMK
Singapore 569139
Tel: (65) 6266 5512
Email: williampang@pabloasia.com
Venue: Expo Binh Duong
Binh Duong Province, Vietnam.
www.vifawoodmacvietnam.com
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
46 SHOW PREVIEW
4
The fantastic
Asia’s wood materials only show has come
a long way since small beginnings in 2015.
What was once a small cosy event has now grown
into a show well-known in the timber industry
for its special focus on wood. Sylva Wood was,
of course, always international with suppliers from as far
as Uruguay and Latvia crossing ocean and continent to
exhibit in Shanghai. It is the Carrefour du Bois of Asia, the
only annual trade show here for wood and wood products.
It has enjoyed endorsements from the American
Hardwood Export Council, American Softwoods,
Canada Wood, French Timber and Softwood Export
Council since Day One. As members return with positive
feedback about the show, their support grows with each
edition, heralding Sylva Wood’s claim to fame.
2018:
th
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
SHOW PREVIEW 47
“The show has been improving. It focuses on wood
materials and is very useful for our members. We’ve got
a pretty good number of visitors visiting and they are
professional timber trade people. The members are very
happy so I believe this is a quality show that is valuable
for us,” John Chan, AHEC’s regional director, remarked.
“It is always a pleasure to extend heartfelt thanks to
old friends who have helped make Sylva Wood possible,”
said William Pang, managing director of Shanghai Pablo
Exhibition.
This year, Sylva Wood celebrates its fourth edition.
It is one that marks multiple milestones, including
new endorsements from the Thai Timber Association,
Malaysian Timber Council and National Hardwood
Lumber Association. For the second time, the Russian
wood industry will also host a massive pavilion, as will the
Dongguan Veneer Alliance.
Chuck Chen, general manager of Dongguan V.M.
Trading, commented, “Sylva Wood is a platform for
exchange. It is what we need to meet old and new
customers and understand their needs. Veneer is a natural
product and it is through exhibiting here that we can share
with them the charm and value of this material.”
The show is expected to gather more and more
industry people seeking to expand new opportunities
in one of the world’s biggest markets hungry for wood.
Furniture and flooring manufacturers, as well as traders
and importers will also visit, providing ample fodder for
intellectual discussion and debate.
All the world will once again meet in Shanghai
from June 25 – 27. A full programme of workshops and
seminars will also be held over the three days—details to
be confirmed in the following months. ℗
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
48 SHOW PREVIEW
“ This show is quite important to us simply because it
is very much wood focused, which makes it different
from other shows. Sylva Wood provides a one-stop
wood shopping experience for wood buyers so they
do not have to run around looking for vendors. This
is something my members and I very much enjoy and
that’s why we are committed to coming back again.
”
– Xu Fang,
Director,
American Softwoods
“ The show is very good even
though it is not big. It is very
specialised. We managed to
find interesting new partners,
hopefully this will give
us new clients and bigger
exposure. It is always good to
be at an exhibition in China,
something we seldom do, as
we already have a huge client
base here. We have been in
this market over 10 years.
”
Rodion Khlystun,
Representative,
Ilim Timber,
Russian Pavilion
“ What we like most is that it’s not just a show
but also a platform for [establishing contact].
”
- Nikolay Ivanov (Fourth from left),
Managing Director,
Segezha Group,
Russian Pavilion
Sylva Wood 2018
Dates : June 25 - 27
Venue
: 99 Xing Yi Road
Shanghai 200336
For more details :
www.sylvawoodexpo.com
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
SHOW PREVIEW 49
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
50 SHOW PREVIEW
(Guangzhou) lays out new themes,
new experiences
The great countdown to March
begins as CIFF approaches, this
time promising new perks and
experiences.
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
SHOW PREVIEW 51
March, the annual golden
season for trading will bring
the furniture industry to the
Pearl River Delta in China. The 41 st CIFF
(Guangzhou) is expected to welcome over
4,000 brands and 190,000 professional
visitors.
The 750,000sqm exhibition covers
products in the entire industry chain.
Held in two phases, March 18-21 and
March 28-31, the event will focus on the
latest trends in customisation, intelligence,
design and luxury, as well as optimise the
show’s layout to bring the domestic
and international markets together.
CUSTOMISATION,
INTELLIGENCE, DESIGN
As the customisation trend picks up in
China’s home furnishing industry, new
technologies such as the Internet of
Things, cloud computing and smart chips
have become part of home furnishing.
Phase 1 of the show will highlight some of
these trends in “Whole Customised Smart
Home” at Halls 6.1-8.1, Area A.
The organisers have also spared no
effort in turning Halls 4.1-5.1, Area A,
into a Design Hall. It integrates the solid
wood and neo-Chinese brands, and
brings together the current design trends
in the China market, effectively providing
exhibitors and audiences with a one-stop
matching service.
LIGHT LUXURY
To quote fashion guru Karl Lagerfeld,
“we live in an era when expensiveness
and inexpensiveness can co-exist well,
and this is the first time to happen in the
fashion circle.”
This “expensiveness” and
“inexpensiveness” is now seen in
furniture where the demand among
young consumers now is for cosy,
personal and trendy products that raise
the quality of living. Halls 4.2-5.2, Area
A, will gather top-grade and affordable
luxury products.
The European & American Furniture
section will continue to be in Halls 9.2-
10.2, Area B.
SPECIAL HALLS TO BOOST
EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES
China’s furniture exports from January
to August 2017 reached RMB126.34
billion (US$19.41 billion), up 6.2 per cent
year-on-year.
Halls 9.3-11.3 in Area B will host
the Dining Room/Living Room Furniture
and the Upholstered Sofa and Mattress
sections to serve exhibitors looking for
new export markets. These exhibitors
feature quality Made in China products.
For the overseas visitor, it makes their visit
more enjoyable and convenient as all the
key exporters are located in one place.
ENHANCING EXPERIENCES
This year, the Home Decor & Home Textile
section, together with the Lighting Hall,
comes under the theme of Zen.
The Outdoor & Leisure section will
use Hall 17.3 as the Outdoor Gardening
Experience Hall to introduce new outdoor
furniture products. It will work with the
third Global Garden Lifestyle Festival to
reinterpret garden lifestyle and recreate
the outdoor garden showroom.
Phase 2 of the 41 st CIFF (Guangzhou)-
Office Show, running from March
28 – 31, will include Medical & Healthcare
Furniture in Hall 5.1, expanding the scale
of the Smart Office - Hall 5.2 to attract
more brands.
CIFM / interzum Guangzhou will
further optimise themes and display
space for an enhanced visitor and
exhibitor experience.
The 41 st CIFF is held from March
18-21 and March 28-31 in Pazhou,
Guangzhou. ℗
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
52 SHOW REVIEW
2nd Global Timber Conference underlines
new strategies for sustainable growth
• Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister makes major announcement
• Wide range of topics covered under the theme,
“Innovation and Market Driven Strategies:
Keys to Sustainable Growth”
YB Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Bin Ali Hasan,
Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak, announced that
all forests must be certified by 2022.
he second Global Timber Conference, held in
Kuching from Nov 6 to 8, began with a study tour
followed by a conference programme that
covered six topics.
Guest speakers from the government, private
sectors and consultants presented a wide range of
topics: “Global Timber Outlook: Demand, Supply
and Prospects,” “Genomics and Good Silvicultural Practices,”
“Standards, Certifications and Eco-Labelling,” “Alternative Raw
Materials,” “Urban Transformation” and “The next wave in
Wooden Furniture: Design, Material and Technology.”
In his opening speech, YB Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah
Bin Ali Hasan, deputy chief minister of Sarawak, announced that
all timber concessions in Sarawak must be certified by 2022.
“We are set to reduce our reliance on natural forests for
raw materials to feed our timber mills. Towards this end, we are
investing in R&D for a viable and robust industrial forest estate
in the state,” Datuk Amar said.
The conference, he added, is timely for industry members
to learn how to enhance performance and competitiveness.
Later, Richard Laity, Projects & Development officer at PEFC
International, gave an update on PEFC’s growth in Southeast
Asia where several countries are now developing national forest
certification schemes for endorsement by PEFC.
Michael Buckley, wood industry consultant from Singapore, reviewed status
and prospects for Asian furniture manufacturers.
Traditional Sarawak dance opens the conference in Kuching
THE FUTURE OF FURNITURE IN SEA
With regard to furniture industries, Michael Buckley, a wood
industry consultant from Singapore, reviewed the current
status and prospects for Asian furniture manufacturers. He
concluded the industry, as always, is facing challenges, of which
raw material supply and increasing government legislation may
be the two most important.
But keeping up with trends is also vital. In the future this
is likely to focus on better furniture in the middle market, for
example, the increasing need for smaller space furniture. Ask
some American and European companies why they went out
of business, he suggested; while many will cite cheaper labour
in developing countries, falling behind on manufacturing
innovation and design may be nearer the truth. Finally online
shopping may become a big disrupter for the industry.
Roberta Mutti, from Italian Consulting Pte Ltd, discussed
the success of the Italian furniture industry and focused on
the importance of design and the future growth of middle
class consumption in Asia. The OECD predicts that in 2030,
59 per cent of the world’s spending by the middle class will
happen in Asia – up from the current 23 per cent.
Ngo Sy Hoai, vice secretary general of VIFORES from Vietnam
presented two papers on species selection and on strategy for
the furniture industry in Vietnam. He discussed the challenges
of reliance on wood imports, low value-added products and
industry fragmentation.
However he also noted that Vietnam had made strides
in forest rehabilitation, land tenure reforms and market
development. With wood consumption running at 31 million
cubic metres annually with only 23 million cubic metres available
locally, and with over 100 countries supplying wood, traceability
is now an issue.
On design and construction with wood there was plenty to
inspire delegates as technological advances and use of Cross
Laminated Timber (CLT) offer exciting prospects in building,
especially in high-rise. ℗
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
SHOW REVIEW 53
The 12 th International
Woodworking Industry Fair
The Bi-annual show
in Ho Chi Minh City
was held Oct 18 to 21.
Taiwanese and Chinese machinery exhibitors,
along with their Vietnamese
local agents, dominated the
12 th VietnamWood, held at the Saigon
Exhibition Convention Center. The biannual
show is exclusively endorsed
by Eumabois, representing European
manufacturers, but only a small group
of German and Italian manufacturers
participated.
Yet a majority of exhibitors—nearly
80 per cent—were from overseas,
demonstrating the importance of
Vietnam for those keen to penetrate
this growing market. The overall
sentiment was optimistic although
visitor traffic seemed a little slow over
the four-day show. Organisers estimate
the number of visitors at 11,470.
Mr Wei Chin Hsiang, president of
Lih Woei Carpentry Machinery, said, “The Vietnamese
market is still growing these past few years. The market
here has more opportunities compared to other countries in
Southeast Asia.”
“The show was quite promising with quite a number of
good visitors. The quality of the visitors, I would say, was quite
promising as well. It’s too early to say if we will be back in 2019,
but if we are able to, you will see us there!” Patrick Phua, general
manager of Weinig Asia, said.
Organisers estimate about 11,000 visitors visited the four-day show
Opening
ceremony
In the raw materials section, the American Hardwood Export Council
(AHEC) hosted an American hardwood pavilion with 31 members individually
exhibiting, and another seven U.S. exporters scattered around. “We are
always happy with this show,” said John Chan, AHEC’s regional director.
Other association pavilions were Swedish Wood, which represented
nine sawmills; the Quebec Wood Export Bureau fronted three Canadian
companies; while French hardwood exporters numbered to an
impressive eight under the umbrella of Business France, accompanied by
French Timber. Other overseas wood suppliers came from Australia, Croatia,
China, Germany, Malaysia and Spain.
Fringe events included a seminar on the first day held by AHEC in
partnership with HAWA and the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Architects
(HAA) at the GEM convention center. On the second day, Swedish Wood
introduced Swedish softwood species and its application in modern design
and architecture.
Vietnam is the fifth largest exporter worldwide, the second largest
in Asia and the largest in Southeast Asia. Its key export markets are USA,
China, Japan and the EU. The value of exports is climbing: US$7 Bn in
2016 and expected to reach US$8 Bn by the end of 2017 and a further
US$10 Bn by 2020.
The next VietnamWood is scheduled for Sep 18 – 21, 2019. ℗
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
54 SHOW REVIEW
AMERICAN HARDWOODS
– SETTING THE TREND
FOR SUSTAINABLE
DESIGN
The seminar was a
showcase of inspiring
projects done by AHEC.
Opening remarks were made
by Gerald H. Smith, Senior
Agricultural Attaché, U.S.
Consulate, Nguyen Chanh Phuong,
secretary general of the Handicraft
and Wood Industry Association of
HCMC (HAWA) and Truong Luu Nguyen,
president of the HCMC Association of
Architects.
Addressing the audience, AHEC
Chairman Dave Bramlage said, “You’ll
learn a lot, see a lot and I hope you
will take home things said and we can
promote American hardwoods through
you.”
John Chan, AHEC regional director,
added, “There is increasing interest in
the use of American hardwoods for the
interiors and building sectors within
Vietnam's rapidly-growing construction
industry. AHEC is hosting this event to
educate traders, architects and designers
on the U.S. hardwood resource, grading
systems, design potential, market trends
as well as its successful application in
prominent sustainable design projects
around the world.”
Exports of U.S. hardwoods to
Vietnam reached over US$200 Mn in
2016, much of which was consumed by
the furniture industry.
Maggie’s Oldham in the UK is the first
building in the world made of hardwood
cross-laminated timber.
Image credit: Jasmin Sohi.
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
SHOW REVIEW 55
A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH
European Director David Venables
opened his presentation with the words,
“It’s all about the trees” and focused
on the sustainability of U.S. hardwood
forests. At least 20 American hardwood
species are available in significant
commercial volumes but Vietnam does
not use them all.
Mr Venables said, “Sustainability is
also about the balance between what
we use and what nature produces which
behoves us to select from a wider range
of species and in various grades.”
He also shared how AHEC is working
with European retailers to choose
a wider variety of species and with
initiatives such as the recent “Too Good
to Waste” campaign in Italy.
Sustainable forest management
by natural regeneration with growth
exceeding harvest and mortality is the
pillar by which American hardwood is
regarded as a ‘safe’ material. “Most
species in most states show net growth
– a real measure of sustainability,”
he commented.
This is supported by new online
interactive maps which provide data for
any commercial species at a national,
state or county level. He demonstrated
red oak as a case of under-utilised
material.
Only four per cent of American
hardwood forest is FSC- or PEFCcertified.
But low intensity selection
felling – most owners may harvest only
once in a generation – makes such
certification uneconomic. Hardwood
timber operators purchase from
hundreds of different landowners each
year, usually in small quantities and
there are four million hardwood forest
owners in the USA. AHEC’s response to
lack of certification is not to defend but
to develop a broader, more effective
approach to demonstrate sustainability.
For many of AHEC’s recent projects
it has been possible to calculate the
time in seconds taken for the forest to
re-grow the equivalent amount of wood
used in any single project. For example,
it takes 25 seconds to replenish the
500 cubic metres of American white
oak in a deck in Milan, as well as the
14.5 metric tonnes of CO 2
stored.
PERFORMANCE AND DESIGN
Mr Venables also shared trends in
American hardwoods with new and
innovative applications including
Thermally Modified Timber (TMT) and
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT). The latter
is now well-known for the Endless Stair,
The Smile and Maggie’s Cancer Centre
in the U.K.—the world’s first commercial
use of tulipwood CLT.
In a demonstration of structural
performance along with aesthetic
design, Mr Venables showed the
structural use of American white oak
for the barrel vaulted grid shell roof
over Portcullis House in London. With
strength class D50, it is roughly twice
the strength of high-grade softwood.
This enables more slender members to
be used due to its superior strength-toweight
ratio.
For the future he predicted that red
oak will become more widely utilised.
The seminar concluded with a
presentation on U.S. Hardwood Lumber
Grades by Dana Spessert, chief inspector
of the National Hardwood Lumber
Association. ℗
"
Sustainability is
also about the balance
between what we use and
what nature produces
which behoves us to
select from a wider range
of species and in various
grades.
"
- David Venables,
European Director,
AHEC
David Venables,
AHEC European Director
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
56 SHOW REVIEW
LARGE POTENTIAL FOR
SWEDISH WOOD IN VIETNAM
Swedish sawmillers gathered in a Swedish Wood pavilion and presented at a
seminar supported by HAWA, BIFA and the Forest Products Association of
Binh Dinh (FPA).
Swedish Ambassador Pereric Hogberg
opened the seminar by comparing
the size and population of Sweden
and Vietnam. Vietnam is two-thirds the
size of Sweden but has 100 million people
compared to only 10 million in Sweden. Their
relationship goes back to 1969 when Sweden
was the fi rst western country to establish
diplomatic ties with Vietnam. The ambassador
declared he was impressed with Vietnam’s
economic development over the last 10 years
and equally impressed by the Vietnamese
people’s concern for safety, sustainability
and quality of their air, water and food. Such
concerns would have an impact for wood too.
Vietnam is a major hub for wood
processing and is the world’s fifth largest
exporter of wood products and wood
furniture with exports expected to reach
US$10 Bn by 2020. Mr Hogberg confirmed
Sweden’s commitment to sustainable forest
management and with 70 per cent of the
country covered by forest, there are huge
opportunities for Swedish wood.
Swedish Ambassador Pereric Hogberg addressing the audience at the seminar
1
Photos 1 and 2: Discussions going on at Swedish Wood pavilion at the 12 th VietnamWood held Oct 18 - 21
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
SHOW REVIEW 57
He said, “I think there is a large
potential for Swedish wood suppliers
to supply to Vietnamese manufacturers
so that high quality and sustainable raw
material is used for production.”
Mr Huynh Van Hanh, vice president
of HAWA, said that Vietnam had to
import to supplement their production
needs not only because of resource
shortage but also to satisfy the diverse
needs of international customers.
In 2016 Vietnam imported US$1.7
Bn worth of wood. The demand for
legal wood is increasing since Vietnam
signed a VPA-FLEGT agreement with the
EU. Mr Hanh recognised that Swedish
Wood had been present in Vietnam for
more than 15 years but hoped they could
increase their marketing activity.
Mr Tran Le Huy from FPA observed
that Sweden produced excellent
softwood used for windows, doors and
panels but there were distance and
logistics issues so New Zealand and Chile
were closer alternatives.
Mr Luu Phuoc Loc (John), general
director of BIFA, stressed the importance
of Binh Duong province where his 180
members were based as it is close to
HCMC, the sea port and airport. These
enterprises need improved technology
and improved management, he said.
Most wood material is imported from
the USA – white oak, ash, beech, yellow
poplar while rubberwood and acacia
comes from Vietnamese plantations. He
Mr Huynh Van Hanh (far right), Vice President of HAWA
welcomed the participation of Swedish
Wood and hoped they could increase
their market share.
Ms Charlotte Dedye Apelgren,
director of Interior and Design, Swedish
Wood, revealed four trends in demand:
renewable materials; toxic-free
materials; healthy products to improve
well-being; versatile materials to adapt
to our changing needs.
She shared that Swedish wood
can respond to these demands as it is
renewable and non-toxic with research
from Canada and Europe finding that
time spent in a wood environment
lowers blood pressure, heart rate and
stress levels. Furthermore Swedish wood
can take many different shapes, textures
and colours.
Technical aspects of Swedish wood
were described and illustrated from
the difference between the two main
species: pine (Pinus slvestris) and spruce
(Picea abies).
Total softwood exports to Vietnam
increased over the past four years to
460,000 cubic metres in 2016, of which
44,000 cubic metres is from Sweden.
It is the largest European supplier of
softwoods to Vietnam consisting sawn
and planed timber. It also supplies glueedged
boards, profiles, glulam and cross
laminated timber to other markets.
East Asia now accounts for 15 per
cent of Sweden’s total exports of sawn
and planed timber, a value reaching
US$500 Mn. Sweden’s largest markets
are Japan and China but the demand
from Vietnam is also rising. Last year,
sales of sawn timber from Sweden to
Vietnam rose by 86 per cent. ℗
2
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
58 SHOW REVIEW
PEFC GETS SMART IN
HELSINKI AND LOOKS TO
THE FUTURE
Last November’s PEFC Week in
Helsinki brought members together
to work on developing a new
global strategy for PEFC to promote
more sustainable forestry and tree
management, and on increasing the
value of the wood products supply chain
to society as a whole.
“We need a paradigm shift in how
society perceives the whole forest/tree
value chain,” said Ben Gunneberg, CEO
of PEFC International, as he opened the
22 nd PEFC General Assembly. “Society
is at a crossroads and the strategic
direction we choose will provide the
opportunity for us to demonstrate the
real value of sustainable forests and their
contribution to society in achieving the
UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.”
He added that industry must
demonstrate how forests are part of
the solution to tackle climate change
and a growing urban global population.
“For too long, society has perceived
forestry as part of the problem
rather than the solution. By working
interdependently, PEFC can and will
change society’s perception and place
forests at the heart of the solutions to
these challenges,” Mr Gunneberg said.
The annual meeting typically sees
PEFC members gathering for meetings
and workshops on Monday and Tuesday,
followed by the General Assembly, held
on Wednesday. The last two days of the
Week is open to stakeholders registered
for the PEFC Stakeholder Dialogue. The
2017 event received 250 participants
from 57 countries worldwide including
delegations from Asia.
This year, under the Dialogue’s
theme, ‘Making Certification SMART’,
delegates explored the potential
of technology innovation within
certification: From remote sensing
and mobile apps through to block-
chain and crypto currencies. Delegates
discussed how to approach technology
in a meaningful way that could increase
the value of PEFC to forest owners as
well as to supply chain actors.
“The incorporation of smart
technology could ensure that the full
extent of the sustainable development
Ben Gunneberg, CEO of PEFC International
Networking at PEFC Week in Helsinki
goals can be better delivered and
better communicated than in the past,”
Mr Gunneberg stressed.
In his concluding remarks, he added,
“By engaging collaboratively, we can
leverage the impact of the work we do,
and achieve so much more.” ℗
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
60 SHOW PREVIEW
BIESSE:
The race to reinvent
Held from Nov 2 to 4, Biesse’s open house introduced
SOPHIA and helped visitors understand IoT.
Based in Selangor, Malaysia, Biesse Group Asia again opened its doors to visitors to discover innovative
wood, glass and stone-working technologies, and software solutions.
With the theme “The race to reinvent,” visitors were invited to relish the Biesse experience
through a first-hand view and touch of the many innovations that will help them compete effectively
in the woodworking market.
BRINGING GREATER VALUE
TO MACHINES
Although the vast showroom has numerous
machines, it was SOPHIA visitors were
looking forward to.
SOPHIA, the acronym for Services
Optimisation Predictivity Human
Innovation Analysis, is a cloud-based
software management tool that helps
users achieve higher productivity by
providing them with an easy-to-use
dashboard containing real-time visibility
of machine status, performance and
functionality.
The game-changing IoT platform is
developed in collaboration with Accenture.
Together, Biesse aims to educate visitors on
the potential of IoT and the tremendous
benefits SOPHIA can bring.
A good example of SOPHIA is its
ability to predict an impending failure by
constantly looking out for abnormalities
in machines such as excessive vibration or
high temperature of a CNC router's electro
spindles.
As SOPHIA continuously accumulates,
monitors and analyses the machine’s data
via a cloud-based computing network
in real-time, users can now prevent
downtime with the warning that is
triggered in a targeted and timely manner
before a bigger problem occurs.
“In order to better understand what
SOPHIA is, and before the introduction
and promotion of Sophia, we thought
that it will be interesting to go into details
Daniele Campetella,
Managing Director of Biesse Group Asia,
giving an introduction about the event
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
From left: Visitors are invited to relish the Biesse’s experience through a first-hand view and touch of the many innovations at the showroom;
A demonstration of the ROVER A EDGE
about the technology that Sophia is based on, specifically IOT,”
said Daniele Campetella, managing director of Biesse Group Asia.
UNDERSTANDING IOT
IoT has increasingly been mentioned in the past few years.
“It means that, in a tangible dimension, any object is connected
to the Internet and is inter-connected between themselves,”
explained Alessandro Puccio, manager of Sales Program
Management at Accenture.
This, for example, can be the building of sensors on top of
devices such as mobile phones and CNC machines.
“It is generated by a platform which brings data from all these
different sensors and allows us to get insights on how to take
action,” said Puccio.
As the industry moves towards smart ‘living’ products and
services, with self-learning intelligence, connectivity and contextual
awareness, big transformations are set to be seen in the industrial
equipment landscape, said Puccio.
He also went on to explain how the adoption of IoT is able
to help clients become more insightful decision makers, hence,
generating the ability to implement impactful interventions to
improve business outcomes.
With the help of IoT, industrial equipment companies can now
increase their market capitalisation by doing things differently as
well as do different things.
Understanding this importance, Biesse is looking to connect
40 per cent of its 50,000 machines with 40 sensors each to drive
growth.
With the know-how, expertise and resources, Biesse is helping
its users to live the Biesse experience everyday.
SOPHIA will be available in Asia this year.℗
FROM THE GROUND
“
We are looking for a new
technology that can adapt to our
existing machines to increase their
capacity and quality, and to improve
our factory process. We are existing
customers of Biesse and we chose
Biesse because it is a well-known
brand in the world. Their machines
are excellent and we know it because
of our existing machines. It's our first
time visiting this showroom and an
event of Biesse. The first impression
we had is the warm welcome from
Biesse and how well the machines
are organised.
”
– Surasit Jiamjirungkorn,
Engineering Line Manager,
Index Interfurn Co., Ltd.
I am interested in their ROVER
machine.
“
I chose Biesse because
their machines are very good and
the technology is first-class.
”
– Boonchert Chuencharoen,
WAP Machinery Co., Ltd.
I came because I am interested
in one
“
of their machines. Yesterday,
I heard from my husband that they
have edgebanders here, so I came to
look at it. It is a very good show.
”
– Carla Junitaa,
Accounng,
Art Deezign
“
It's a great pleasure to be
here on behalf of Accenture and
to reinforce our partnership with
Biesse Group in Asia. Our colleagues
in Italy have been working hard on
a few projects and so it's good to
keep Asia as part of this initiative.
It's impressive to see all these
machines close up. I'm not used
to this environment and I think
Biesse did a great job in bringing
together visitors and stakeholders,
and hosting them in such a great
environment. Much much much
better than a conference room
right?
”
– Alessandro Puccio,
Manager,
Sales Program Management,
Accenture
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
62 WOOD CLINIC
Dear Mr Shim,
A READER'S EMAIL
Mr Shim (Shen Yuxin)
I have just joined a small carpenter's shop that makes bar counters and stools.
However, I do not yet know how to identify wood species. Can you offer some
tips on identification? Our bar counters are made using 5-inch thick slabs of
rift cut log and there are often large cracks. We use a mixture of ferrous glue
and sawdust to fi ll these cracks. However the patched area tends to bulge
after some time (Fig. 1). Can you advise us on these problems?
Yours Sincerely,
Mr Sarin
Indonesia
ASK MR SHIM
HOW TO IDENTIFY
INDONESIAN TIMBERS
AND FILL UP CRACKS
(I) Idenfying Indonesian mbers
1. Hardwood: Annual rings are
generally less distinct; cells mainly
consist irregular vessels, tracheids,
wood rays, parenchymas and fibres.
Hardwoods with medium or
high density are the most common,
although there are also low-density
species.
2. Sowood: Also known as coniferous
timbers, softwood’s annual rings
are distinct; cells mainly consist
regular-sized tracheids, wood rays
and parenchymas. Wood is mostly
soft; there are some species that
have high density. Only two types
of softwood are common in
Indonesia: Merkusii pine and
Philippine Agathis.
3. Characteristics: Observing the
radial, lateral and cross section of
the wood can help identify its
species.
i. Colour: Wood species such as Kapur
has a light bluish yellow sapwood
and pink heartwood (Fig. 2).
ii. Odor: Timber such as kapur smells
of camphor when sawn apart.
Fig. 1: Glue line showing the patched area
bulging out after patching with a mixture of
ferrous glue and sawdust.
Fig. 2: When Kapur is sawn apart, the sapwood
is light bluish yellow, significantly different from
the pink heart wood.
iii. Specific gravity: Belain or Ulin, for
instance, has an air-dry density of
around 850-1100kg/m 3.
iv. Annual ring: Indonesian hardwoods
have less distinct annual rings, except
a few species such as the lacquer
tree (or Rengas). According to the
distribution of the vessels,
hardwoods can be divided into
diffuse porous hardwood and ring
porous hardwood. For example, Dark
Meranti and Merbau are ring
porous hardwoods.
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
WOOD CLINIC 63
Fig. 3: The heart wood of Kapur contains
crystalline resin that is as white as borneol.
Fig. 4: Clear resin canals on a cross section of Dark Meranti under a magnifying glass.
v. Heart wood is usually brile. Some
species have more extract and are
heavier in weight. For example, the
heart wood of Kapur contains
crystalline resin that is as white
as borneol (Fig. 3). For some species,
the heart wood and the sapwood are
particularly distinct, such as Rengas.
vi. Sapwood is usually pale yellow or
white. Some species like rubberwood
display no difference in colour for
sapwood and the heart wood.
vii. Wood grain: Common wood grains
include straight grain (Belain); wavy
grain; spiral or diagonal grain;
interlock grain (Dark Meranti).
viii. Texture: The thickness of the texture
can be distinguished by observing
with the naked eye or touching
dressed wood surface.
ix. Wood rays: Observe the thickness,
colour and luster of dressed wood’s
lateral section with a magnifying
glass.
x. Cell extract: Observe the dressed
wood surface with a magnifying
glass.
xi. Latex can be seen at the end of the
log for some species, such as
Merbau. During sawing, the band
saw blades will be stained by latex.
xii. Resin canal: Dark Meranti has clear
resin canals (Fig. 4), one of the main
features to help identify wood
species.
xiii. Oil may be found on the wood’s
surface after being dressed, for
example, Keruing. The oil is more
obvious when seen from the cross
section.
xiv. Minerals contained in wood cells
may not be the same. For example, in
the vessels on the lateral or cross
section of Merbau, yellowish minerals
such as sulfur are obvious (Fig. 5).
(II) Patching up cracks in 5-inch thick
slabs of ri cut log:
When the log is cut into 5-inch thick
slabs, the moisture content in drying
wood is uneven or over 16 per cent.
In an air-conditioned room, for
example, the moisture content may
only be nine per cent, resulting in
wood drying and contraction. As the
mixture of ferrous glue and sawdust
is very solid, the glue film becomes
very hard and anti-solvent. As a
result, it cannot contract
simultaneously with the wood and
thus bulges. The moisture content
should be controlled at 10 ±2%.
I hope the above analysis helps.
Fig. 5: The vessels on the Merbau cross section contain many
small yellow dots of sulfur, visible to the naked eye.
f you encounter any problems with wood bonding in timber
Imanufacturing or wood processing, don’thesitate to ask
Mr Shen Yuxin immediately!
Mr Shen Yuxin was born in 1948 in Kuching, Sarawak,
Malaysia. In 1974 he graduated from the Department of
Forest of National Chung Hsing University in Taiwan, and
then worked in Taiwan Forestry Bureau. From 1975 to 1995,
Mr Shen engaged in wood processing and wood-based panel
industry in Malaysia, Singapore, Kalimantan island country, and
served as the engineering and technical personnel, production
director, production manager, as well as general production
manager. Mr Shen also entered world famous Asian Chemical
Company woodworking group in 1996, and worked as the
regional director of technical services.
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
64
NEWSLETTER
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018
THE MALAYSIAN MDF MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION (MMMA)
Medium Density Fibreboard:
A safe choice
Medium density fibreboard
(MDF) is an engineered
wood product made by
breaking down hardwood
or softwood residuals into
wood fibres, often in a
defibrator, combining it with wax
and a resin binder, and forming
panels by applying high temperature
and pressure. MDF is generally
denser than plywood. It is made up of
separated fibres but can be used as a
building material similar in application
to plywood. It is stronger and much
denser than particleboard.
Medium density fibreboard,
MDF, available in a variety of panel
dimensions and thicknesses, can
be cut easily and smoothly without
any breakage or splintering. It can
be profiled on edges and surfaces,
in a variety of deeply-etched shapes.
Its mirror-smooth surfaces are ideal
for painting, veneering, laminating,
grain printing and staining. A variety
of versions of MDF are available,
including standard, fl ame-retardant,
moisture resistant, exterior and high
density. None of its properties is
affected by cutting or machining. With
the attributes and advantages outlined
above it has proven to be an ideal
panel material for use in a variety of
industries, primarily furniture, building,
signage and shop fitting.
Benefits
• Is an excellent substrate for
veneers
• Some varieties are less expensive
than many natural woods
• Isotropic (its properties are the
same in all directions as a result
of having no grain), so no tendency
to split
• Consistent in strength and size
• Shapes well
• Stable dimensions (won’t expand
or contract like wood)
• Easy to finish (i.e., paint)
So are there any disadvantages
to using MDF for the manufacture of
furniture and construction materials?
Some literature may state that
there are safety concerns about the
amount of dust and formaldehyde
emitted. When MDF is cut, a large
quantity of dust particles is released
into the air. It is important a respirator
is worn and that the material is cut in a
controlled and ventilated environment.
There is no evidence of any instances
of cancer in human beings related to
exposure to dust from MDF, a product
in use since the 1960s.
MDF contains a very low level of
formaldehyde. The amount emitted
from the board is not harmful and
begins to reduce as soon as the
board is produced. Moreover,
formaldehyde is a naturally occurring
chemical. Used industrially for nearly
a century, it is employed by at least
85 manufacturing sectors—for
products such as paint, varnish,
cosmetics, disinfectants, medicines
and adhesives. The amount of any
formaldehyde emitted from MDF
is tiny. It is certainly well below the
World Health Organization’s guideline
figure for the amount of formaldehyde
that may be emitted
from all product
sources and that
may be present in
ambient air—inside
homes or outside—of
0.1 mg/cubic metre
(equivalent to 0.08
parts per million).
Most responsible
manufacturers
produce MDF under
controlled conditions
which comply with
the most stringent requirements for
formaldehyde content and comply to
regulations specific to those regions,
for example below are some of the
International Standards applied to
MDF material.
• European Standard EN13986 (i.e.
Class E1)
• Japanese Standard JIS/JAS F*
(one star) to F**** (four star)
• California State (California Air
Resources Board) Phase 2
standard
• Soon to be introduced US EPA
(Environmental Protection
Agency) Standard TSCA (Toxic
Substances Control Act) Title VI
Compliant Material
Customers or end users
of Malaysia manufactured MDF
will find that most producers are
already manufacturing to these high
standards and able to provide the
necessary data and certifi cation to
show compliance. Consumers should
also note that when MDF is coated,
painted, veneered or sealed, the
amount of formaldehyde leaching into
the environment is very negligible.
Prudent end users may even seal
the edges which would also give
additional protection against moisture
intake.
About the Author
Peter Fitch is the founder of
Segamat Panel Boards (Malaysia)
and is currently the Chairman of
the Malaysian MDF Manufacturers
Association (MMMA) and Executive
Committee Member of the Malaysian
Panel Manufacturers Association
(MPMA). Prior to working in Malaysia
he worked for Plantation Timber
Products (China) and Takeuchi MDF
(Malaysia). Peter has been based in
Asia for more than 25 years and has
been in the wood panel business for
more than 20 years.
GLOBAL WOOD RESOURCES 65
WHAT
CAN WE
DO TO
REDUCE
THE
ILLEGAL
TRADE OF
LOGS AND
LUMBER?
across Asia—in particular China, India and
Vietnam. These interested buyers seem
to have little concern about the legality
of these products.
Fortunately, there are still many of
us who place great importance on the
legality of wood. We have an important
role to play in reducing the illicit trade.
How can we do this?
1. Stop buying illegal wood products;
insist on PEFC- and/or FSC-certified
products only.
2. Ensure your company is PEFC- and/
or FSC-certified.
Top: Dubious logs for sale on Facebook.
Bottom: Illegal felling of rosewood.
Photo: Courtesy APP Timber
he trade of illegal logs and lumber seems to be
flourishing on the Internet. Each day one receives
online offers of wood products sourced from
Africa, Asia and South America. Facebook is a very good
example and there are many groups that offer such
products on a daily basis.
How can you tell these logs are illegally harvested?
One observation I made is that these sellers are often
individuals, not licensed companies. Look at the photos
and you will see, for example, that the square logs are
very roughly sawn which could indicate that cutting was
done by a chainsaw in the forest rather than by proper
band saws in a sawmill. The other giveaway is that
most of these square logs and/or large sawn lumber
are manually loaded piece by piece into the container,
which is rather unusual. Most proper sawmills will have
all material stacked, strapped and loaded by forklift.
Why do people still offer such products? The
answer is very simple: There is a huge market for
cheap wood regardless of its legality. Many Facebook
offers I received have very good responses from buyers
3. Conduct proper EUTR due diligence
even if the goods are not destined
for Europe.
4. Spread the message, alert other
potential buyers about the risks of
trading illegal wood.
5. Become an active member of any
Internet group offering wood
products and keep reminding such
groups that they must ensure the
legality of all products offered.
The future of the woodworking
industry is in our own hands. As users of
the forest, we must ensure that all our
wood resources are legal in accordance
with international laws. They should
come from well-managed and sustainable
sources that follow best practices in
accordance with well-known certification
programmes such as PEFC and FSC. ℗
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dutch-born Michael
Hermens is the
founder of APP
Timber and has
been involved in the
Asian woodworking
industry since 1987.
Over 20 years ago
he recognised
Asia’s need for the
supply of imported
raw materials.
APP Timber is now a leading regional provider of
such products, focusing on advice and solutions for
buyers using imported raw materials. APP Timber has
operations across Asia and is in the process of building
a Wood Distribution & Training Centre in Indonesia.
Michael lives with his Singaporean wife in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, and travels across the globe to meet potential
raw material suppliers.
PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • Issue 1 • January / February 2018
66
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2018
JANUARY
12 – 15 | DOMOTEX 2018 | Hannover, Germany | www.domotex.de
15 – 21 | IMM Cologne | Cologne, Germany | www.imm-cologne.com
MARCH
7 – 10 Vietnam Int’l Furniture &
| Home Accessories Fair | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | www.vifafair.com
8 – 11 | Malaysian Int’l Furniture Fair | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | www.2018.miff.com.my
8 – 11 | IFFS | Singapore | www.iffs.com.sg
8 – 12 | India Wood | Bangalore, India | www.indiawood.com
9 – 12 | Export Furniture Exhibition | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | www.efe.my
11 – 14 | Indonesia Int’l Furniture Expo | Jakarta, Indonesia | www.ifexindonesia.com
12 – 14 | Dubai Woodshow | Dubai, UAE | www.dubaiwoodshow.com
18 – 21 | CIFF | Guangzhou, China | www.ciff-gz.com
20 – 23 | Domotex Asia/ China Floor | Shanghai, China | www.domotexasiachinafloor.com
28 – 31 | CIFM/ interzum guangzhou | Guangzhou, China | www.interzum-guangzhou.com
APRIL
2 – 5 | Wood Taiwan | Taipei, Taiwan | www.woodtaiwan.com
17 – 22 | Salone de Mobile Milano | Milan, Italy | www.salonemilano.it
MAY
25 – 28 | Qingdao Int’l Furniture Fair | Qingdao, China | www.qiff.net
30 – 1 Jun | Carrefour Int’l du bois | Nantes, France | www.timbershow.com
JUNE
20 – 22 | AHEC Annual Convention | Xi'An, China | www.americanhardwood.org
25 – 27 | Sylva Wood 2018 | Shanghai, China | www.sylvawoodexpo.com
SEPTEMBER
11 – 14 | China International Furniture Fair | Shanghai, China | www.ciff-sh.com
11 – 14 | FMC 2018 | Shanghai, China | www.fmcchina.com.cn
26 – 29 | IFMAC & WOODMAC 2018 | Jakarta, Indonesia | www.ifmac.net
OCTOBER
2 – 4 | NHLA Convention | Toronto, Canada | www.nhla.com
25 – 27 | VIFA Woodmac Vietnam 2018 | Binh Duong, Vietnam | www.vifawoodmacvietnam.com
Calendar is accurate at time of print. Subject to change.
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
26-29
SEPTEMBER 2018
JIEXPO
Kemayoran
Indonesia
BOOK
YOUR SPACE
NOW!
TOP QUALITY
TECHNOLOGIES
for Indonesia’s
Expanding
Furniture Industry
In Conjunction with: Exclusively Endorsed by: Organized by:
CONTACT INFORMATION: PT Wahana Kemalaniaga Makmur
Komplek Perkantoran Graha Kencana Blok CH-CI
Jl. Raya Pejuangan No. 88 • Kebon Jeruk • Jakarta 11530 • Indonesia
Tel: (62) 21 5366 0804 • Fax: (62) 21 5325 890/887
E-mail: ifmac@wakeni.com • Website: www.ifmac.net
ADVERTISERS’
INDEX
January / February 2018 • Issue 1 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
COMPANY
American Hardwood Export Council
PAGE
OBC
Baillie Lumber Co 7
Domotex Asia 2018 27
Hardwood Market Report 37
IFMAC & WOODMAC 2018 67
IMAL SRL
IFC
IMEAS Spa 9
Interzum Guangzhou 2018 13
Jiangsu Baolong Electromechanical Manufacturing Co Ltd 59
Kuang Yung Machinery Co Ltd 19
Lesnaya Industriya Journal
IBC
Panels & Furniture Group 11
Sandvik S E A Pte Ltd 1
Siempelkamp Maschinen-und Anlagenbau GmbH 5
Sylva Wood 2018 3
Tong Fong Cutters Co Ltd 68
US Softwood Export Council 49
VIFA Woodmac Vietnam 2018 45
Wood Taiwan 2018 23
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