Panels & Furniture Asia November/December 2023

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CONTENTS 

CONTENTS 

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA (ISSUE 6) 

November / December 2023 

6 

Editor’s Note 

8 

News 

Market Report 

14 

Hanoi market: Prospects and opportunities 

16 

Timber and turning points: Thoughts of a 

businessman 

In Person 

18 

“We are moving to a customer-focused organisation” 

20 

How can Taiwanese woodworking machinery 

manufacturers stand out? 

Product Highlight 

22 

aimi software system: Homogenous software on all 

machines 

24 

Camera-based system can prevent injuries even 

during rapid movements 

Panel Manufacturing 

26 

Time to innovate: Developing eco-friendly products at 

UP-CYCLE IMALPALAB 

30 

Manufacturing high-quality panelboards with 

increased recycled content: A case study by Tomra 

34 

Siempelkamp in China: “It is not the wind but the set 

of the sail that determines the direction” 

36 

Out with the old, in with the new 

Furniture Manufacturing 

39 

Pushing against tradition with FinChinaSoft 

40 

Innovation: Six-sided CNC drilling centre for more 

possibilities 

42 

Synchronously adjustable jointing cutter for office 

and kitchen furniture production 

44 

‘Saudisation’ leads to automation wave in furniture 

industry 

47 

“The most innovative technologies are, on their own, 

not enough” 

Materials 

50 

Freedom to experiment in American hardwood 

52 

Timber laminating adhesives market projected to 

worth US$1.331bn by 2028 

32 

Structural Elements 

54 

Nanyang Technological University Academic Building 

South 

Columnists 

58 

“Who cares wins” 

Show Review 

60 

CIFM/interzum guangzhou 2024 

Show Review 

62 

IFMAC & WOODMAC 2023 

63 

Calendar of Events 

64 

List of Advertisers 

14 

4 Panels & Furniture Asia | November / December 2023

Build 

Sustainably 

Build 

with Wood 

Every two minutes 

U.S. forests grow 

700 cubic meters 

enough to build a 

12-story building

FROM THE EDITOR 

Everything is 

going to be fine 

It is a little surreal to think that in the same 

year that China reopened their borders 

and LIGNA, arguably the world’s wood and 

woodworking trade exhibition returned, 

the wood panel and furniture markets 

are not doing well. You would think the 

aforementioned two big events promise news 

of a robust market. However, a majority of 

the globe is still suffering from the economic 

downturn, even if it is not felt evenly across 

the world, mainly for those who depend on 

the US for exports. 

Per Friis Knudsen said it well in his article 

(p.16). Ever since July 2022, which was 

supposedly a turning point for both COVID-19 

and the industry, what was supposed to be 

a full market recovery turned out to be a 

“rollercoaster ride” of lows and highs. And 

this rollercoaster ride is still ongoing. But he 

also offered a glimpse of hope: “Everything is 

going to be fine.” Such words probably do not 

mean much if they come from me, but from 

a seasoned businessman, surely it is a little 

comforting, even if it is speculation at this 

point in time. 

In this issue, we covered several company 

updates and ventures. Press and coating 

systems provider Bürkle has restructured 

their organisation and realigned their strategy 

to become more customer-oriented in every 

industry they cover (p.18). We spoke with 

the vice-president of the company’s wood 

division to find out more. The IMALPAL Group 

recently launched their UP-CYCLE IMALPALAB 

research centre, dedicated to experimenting 

and testing innovative solutions in wood 

panel production (p.28). The American 

Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) featured 

a series of furniture designs by designer 

Jarrod Lim at the recent IFMAC & WOODMAC 

exhibition at Indonesia (p.52). 

What is said to be Asia’s largest mass timber 

building, Gaia, a business school for Nanyang 

Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, 

was completed late last year but unveiled 

earlier this year (p.56). This is a very exciting 

step towards the increased use of mass 

engineered timber in South East Asia, enabled 

by RSP Architects Planners & Engineers and 

Stora Enso, among other firms in this project. 

Take a look at how mass timber can flourish 

even in a humid country like Singapore. 

In around two months’ time the year will end. 

We welcome the new year with open arms and 

renewed hope that things will be better. But 

until then, we hope everybody gets a chance 

to rest and recharge, and we wish everyone a 

good holiday break in December. 

YAP SHI QUAN | EDITOR 

PANELS & 

FURNITURE ASIA 

PABLO SINGAPORE 

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Goh Meng Yong • mengyong@pabloasia.com 

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Shu Ai Ling • circulation@pabloasia.com 

PABLO BEIJING 

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Ellen Gao • pablobeijing@163.com 

PABLO SHANGHAI 

Editor 

Rayla Liu • pabloshanghai@163.net 

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NEWS 

MTC ORGANISES TRADE MISSION 

TO AUSTRALIA 

1 2 

Legend 

1 From left: MTC 

division director 

Khairul Anwar; 

David Leonard 

from Tilling 

Timber; MTC CEO 

Noraihan Abdul 

Rahman; and ATIF 

general manager 

John Halkett 

2 The B2B 

networking 

session in 

Brisbane 

The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) 

has organised a marketing mission 

to Australia in conjunction with the 

Australia Timber Supply Summit 

Conference from 26 Aug-2 Sep 2023. 

This mission was also participated 

by Sarawak Timber Industry 

Development Corporation (STIDC) 

assistant general manager, 

Nicholas Andrew Lissem; and MTC’s 

International Business Development 

Division - Cluster 2 (IBDD C2) director 

Khairul Anwar and manager Azmir 

Husni Mohamed Nor. 

According to Timber and Forestry 

eNews, the trade mission served to 

update the Australian timber supply 

chain about the opportunities for 

bilateral engagement between 

Australian and Malaysian companies 

— in particular, the import of 

certified hardwood products from 

Malaysia. 

The mission, led by MTC CEO 

Noraihan Abdul Rahman, began 

with a visit to the state of Victoria 

with various engagement and 

networking sessions, including 

visits to companies like wood 

product manufacturer Bowens, 

hardware store Beaconsfield Mitre 

10, and Tilling Timber, a smart frame 

manufacturer, who has plans to 

include laminated veneer lumber 

(LVL) manufacturing in Australia and 

Malaysia. 

On 29 Aug, the delegates attended 

the conference at the Crown 

Promenade Hotel in Melbourne to 

have a better understanding of the 

market requirements and to get the 

latest market updates. 

During the conference, Noraihan 

delivered the keynote address titled 

“Malaysia Timber Council – From 

Forest to Future: Malaysia's Leading 

Role in Sustainable Timber Supply 

to Australia”. 

Later, the Malaysian delegates 

visited a prefab-making company, 

Big River Group, and Midway 

Limited, which is said to be 

Australia's largest high-quality wood 

fibre exporter, according to MTC’s 

press release. 

The delegation continued its 

mission in the city of Brisbane with 

engagement sessions with timber 

importers Simmonds Lumber and 

Hurford Wholesale. Both companies 

import timbers from Malaysia 

and are committed to continue 

procuring Malaysian timber and 

timber products to cater to the demand 

of Queensland state customers. 

In Brisbane, a B2B networking session 

was held between Malaysian timberbased 

companies and Brisbane-based 

companies. This was followed by a 

visit to one Australia’s biggest timber 

companies, ITI Australia in Bundamba, 

Queensland. 

Timber and Forestry eNews quoted 

from the Australian Timber Importers 

Federation (ATIF) general manager John 

Halkett that the federation was pleased 

to support and assist with the mission. 

“It is widely held that the Malaysian 

timber industry delegation was valuable 

in the context of the abruptly declining 

supplies of domestically sourced 

hardwood timber products in the 

Australian market,” said Halkett. 

“It is expected that the supply of 

high-quality, certified hardwood solid 

wood and engineered wood products 

from Malaysian suppliers into Australia 

will become increasingly essential in 

coming years as the domestic supply of 

hardwood reduces because of politically 

motivated native forests closures by 

state governments.” P 

Source: MTC, Timber and Forestry eNews 


NEWS 

LAUNCH OF BIRCH PLYWOOD 

TRANSACTION VERIFICATION LOOP 

Accreditation body for sustainability standards 

Assurance Services International (ASI) has 

launched a transaction verification (TV) loop 

on the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)- 

certified supply chains of birch plywood. 

According to FSC, birch plywood is a highly 

traded product worldwide. ASI decided to 

conduct this investigation after receiving 

multiple allegations of non-certified birch 

plywood entering the FSC-certified supply 

chains. 

To ensure that the integrity of FSC-certified 

birch plywood supply chains is not threatened 

by false claims and other fraudulent activities, 

ASI has decided to conduct an in-depth 

investigation. FSC supports this decision. 

commonly used as raw materials for birch 

plywood production, such as roundwood, wood 

panels and veneer. 

After the TV data analysis, ASI will conduct 

the TV investigation into FSC-certified birch 

plywood supply chains that show signs of high 

risk. P 

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS 

The results of this investigation will enable FSC 

to take action against any certificate holder 

found to be in violation of FSC's certification 

standards, including revoking the Trademark 

License Agreement to block the certificate 

holders — especially in cases where evidence 

of false claims is irrefutable. 

The first phase of this TV loop, consisting of 

data collection and analysis, will be conducted 

from September 2023-March 2024. At the initial 

stages, the data from 78 certificate holders 

will be collected, based in Australia, Japan, 

Kazakhstan, Latvia, New Zealand and Turkey. 

Transactions between July 2022-June 2023 

will be examined in this TV loop. Depending 

on the collected data, certificate holders 

in other countries may subsequently be 

asked to submit information about specific 

transactions. 

In addition to identifying potential false claims, 

ASI aims to trace the origin of FSC-certified 

birch with this TV loop. ASI will collect 

transaction data from selected certificate 

holders with birch (Betula pendula, Betula 

pubescens and Betula spp) in their certificate 

scope. 

Certificate holders will be asked to report their 

transactions of birch plywood and products 

Panels & Furniture Asia | November / December 2023 9

NEWS 

WECARE: LIVED SUSTAINABILITY 

OF SISTER GROUPS LEITZ, 

BOEHLERIT, AND BILZ WENT 

INTO SECOND ROUND 

Employees of Leitz, Boehlerit, and Bilz — 

all of which are part of the Brucklacher 

Group of companies in the wood- and 

metalworking industries — participated in 

their WeCare lived sustainability campaign 

this year that served to conserve resources, 

to treat the environment responsibly and to 

work for society. 

Legend 

1 Leitz Singapore 

2 Leitz China 

According to the press release by Leitz, the 

WeCare campaign weeks were held annually 

at the Brucklacher Group’s worldwide 

locations since 2022, across 33 countries. 

This year marks the second edition, and is 

said to have “exceeded expectations”. 

During the WeCare campaign, more than 

4,300 volunteer hours were contributed 

by 1,900 staff members, participating in 

local activities in the areas of humanitarian 

and social commitment as well as species, 

nature and environmental protection. 

1 

Among other things, 3.3 tonnes of donations 

in kind were collected around the globe, 

99 litres of blood donated, 3,700m² of 

flowering areas created and 2,430 trees 

planted. 

Other projects of the successful initiative 

were the construction of 240 insect 

hotels, nesting boxes and feeders for birds 

and small wild animals, as well as the 

establishment of eight more bee colonies on 

the company premises. 

In addition, 1.8 tonnes of CO2 were 

saved by travelling to work without a car 

and by eating meat-free meals, and 2.5 

tonnes of rubbish were removed from the 

environment and water bodies. 

All in all, Leitz reported that the Brucklacher 

companies generated €83,000 of donations 

and cash grants, all of which were used to 

support local and nationwide organisations 

and projects. This resulted in around 50 

social and charitable institutions receiving 

grants. 

Dr Cornelia Brucklacher, chairwoman of the 

supervisory board of the Brucklacher Group 

and shareholder, summarised her self-image 

as a family entrepreneur and her enthusiasm 

for the WeCare campaign weeks: 

“As a family business, we take responsibility 

in society and feel jointly responsible for the 

sustainable development of our environment 

2 

over generations. We continuously express 

this worldwide through our actions and 

numerous activities. 

“Sustainability is therefore a core 

component of our corporate philosophy. 

The extraordinary commitment and 

exemplary act of our employees fills me 

with great joy, gratitude and pride. Together, 

they have once again left a very special 

mark on their environment in 2023 as part 

of WeCare.” P 


NEWS 

VIETNAM TIMBER MARKET SEES IMPROVEMENT, 

ESPECIALLY TO NON-TRADITIONAL EXPORT MARKETS 

Although Vietnam’s wood industry is still facing 

many difficulties, wood and wood product 

exports have shown positive signals with orders 

coming from key markets such as the US and 

Europe, and businesses are likely regaining 

consumers. 

This has led to an increased demand 

for imported wood raw material for the 

manufacture of value-added products for 

export. Imports of roundwood and sawnwood 

from the EU are expected to increase slightly 

from now to the end of 2023. 

favoured products are not being manufactured 

by Vietnam. 

For now, only the younger consumers are using 

products similar to western countries. For the 

Middle East there was an increased demand for 

construction wood in the early months of the 

year, as some were facing difficulties in securing 

timber from their traditional suppliers due to 

economic and political uncertainties. 

Although their purchases remain limited, the 

Middle East’s rising import of Vietnamese timber 

offers new hopes for Vietnamese enterprises amid 

the current economic. P 

Source: ITTO 

India and the Middle East offer new opportunity 

for Vietnam’s timber exporters. With the sharp 

fall in exports of wood products to traditional 

and well-established markets such as the US, 

China, Japan, South Korea and the EU, India 

and the Middle East are emerging as new 

opportunities for Vietnamese exporters. 

According to the Vietnam Timber and Forest 

Products Association (VIFOREST), Vietnam’s 

wood export orders for the US in H1 2023 fell by 

around 30%, depending on product categories, 

while those for the EU market also shrank by 

around 40%. 

India and the Middle East are becoming 

prospective markets for Vietnamese wood 

products, although the revenue remains low 

with no large and long-term orders. India is 

not Vietnam’s main timber export market but 

customs data showed export earnings in the 

early months of 2023 have already reached 

US$21m, three times higher than the same 

period last year. 

Vietnam’s main export to India is mediumdensity 

fibreboard (MDF) which accounted 

for 47% of total exports. Similarly, Vietnam’s 

wood exports to Middle Eastern countries also 

witnessed strong growth with revenues from 

the United Arab Emirates (UAE) up by 38% to 

$11m. The main exports to this market were 

construction wood, chairs and other wooden 

items. 

But according to enterprise leaders, the tastes 

in the Indian market are different from that 

of the European and US markets, as their 


NEWS 

AHEC TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT 

125TH NATIONAL HARDWOOD LUMBER 

ASSOCIATION CONVENTION 

From 4-6 Oct 2023, the American Hardwood 

Export Council (AHEC) attended the National 

Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) Annual 

Convention and Exhibit Showcase, held in 

Louisville, Kentucky, US. 

At this year’s convention, AHEC delivered 

a presentation on the first day of the 

convention. Of significance, AHEC contributed 

its specialty on global market access to 

the convention on the European Union’s 

Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), certification 

systems, and the overall environment for US 

hardwood exports. 

Guest speakers included Phil Guillery, 

executive director of World Forest ID; Rupert 

Oliver, sustainability consultant of AHEC; 

and AHEC regional directors. While there 

was interest in markets all over the world, 

India was a ‘hot’ topic of conversation with 

many AHEC members looking to expand their 

footprint in the country. 

“AHEC’s involvement in this year’s NHLA 

Convention will be of particular importance, 

as the global policy landscape affecting the 

trade in hardwoods is changing rapidly. It 

is crucial that the US hardwood industry is 

ready for these changes and that market 

access for legally harvested and sustainablemanaged 

American hardwoods is not 

limited,” said Roderick Wiles, AHEC regional 

director. 

The NHLA Convention's 2023 programme 

promised an array of offerings, featuring 

industry-specific education, keynote 

speakers, hands-on educational 

demonstrations, and an exhibition hall 

showcasing the latest technological 

advancements, products, and services 

catering to the hardwood business. 

Attendees were also offered various 

networking opportunities, fostering 

connections that might go beyond every 

facet of the hardwood lumber industry. 

NEXTIMBER PRODUCES FIRST CLT PANEL, 

BEGINS TAKING ORDERS 

Rodrick Wiles, regional director of AHEC 

“All signs point towards another record year for 

exports of American hardwoods to India. Latest 

data released by the United States Department of 

Agriculture (USDA) show a 25% and 50% year-onyear 

growth in the value and volume respectively 

of American hardwood lumber shipped to India 

for the first seven months of this year,” said Wiles. 

“India has emerged as the biggest growth market 

for US hardwoods in the first half of this year and 

we can see genuine interest from our members 

here at the NHLA convention, all of which bodes 

well for the future.” P 

In early October 2023, Timberlink has pressed 

its very first cross-laminated Timber (CLT) 

panel, marking another significant milestone 

in the construction of what is said to be 

Australia’s only combined CLT and gluelaminated 

timber (glulam) radiata pine mass 

timber facility. 

The first CLT panel pressed at the NeXTimber facility 

Back in August, the NeXTimber facility 

in Tarpeena, Australia, produced its first 

glulam beam. 

David Oliver, Timberlink's chief marketing, 

sales and corporate affairs officer, said: “The 

entire team has been working towards this 

moment since we announced construction 

of the facility in 2020. To see the hard 

work of so many come to fruition is very 

rewarding.” 

Patrick Dark, Timberlink CLT/glulam 

operations manager, said: “There was 

such an air of positivity when the panel 

came off the line. Everybody who has 

been involved in the installation, testing 

and commissioning of our NeXTimber 

equipment should be proud of what we 

have accomplished.” 

According to Timberlink, the newly 

commissioned CLT line can produce panels up 

to 16m-long and 3.5m-wide, and will unlock the 

capability to manufacture mass timber building 

products in Australia. 

The NeXTimber facility aims to increase 

Australia’s sovereign capability to manufacture 

these products while reducing reliance on 

imports. 

Mass timber products like CLT and glulam 

offer an alternative to traditional construction 

materials and can help to reduce the embodied 

carbon of a project. 

The NeXTimber by Timberlink team is now 

accepting orders for CLT and glulam as the 

facility was scheduled for full production by the 

end of October. P 


NEWS 

KRONOSPAN EXPANDS PRODUCT PORTFOLIO 

WITH INTRODUCTION OF NEW LIGHTWEIGHT PANEL 

Kronospan and Pyrus Panels have collaborated 

and come up with a new product, the Global 

Collection 3.0 with LISOCORE. 

According to Kronospan, LISOCORE is a highperformance 

board with a sandwich structure. 

The top and bottom layers consist of individual 

wood materials, while a wood fibre fleece in 

a wave shape sits in the middle, providing 

optimal stability through its interconnected 

construction. 

This design distributes forces threedimensionally, 

preventing deformation. 

LISOCORE is also said to retain the versatility of 

conventional medium-density fibreboard (MDF) 

panels, enabling easy processing. 

Adapting to various applications, the cover 

layer of LISOCORE offers flexibility. Ultra-light 

plywood suits mobile uses, while high-density 

ai16939177918_EN_PFA_IMEAS_2023.pdf 1 05/09/23 14:43 

fibreboard (HDF) or MDF panels create stable 

options with minimal weight. 

The collaboration between the two companies 

bolsters Kronospan’s portfolio of coordinated 

product matches with a lightweight panel 

offering, while providing Pyrus Panels with a 

wider array of decor possibilities. The panel 

is now available in all Kronodesign decors, in 

thicknesses ranging from 16-60mm. 

Beyond technical benefits, both companies 

prioritise sustainability. The production of the 

LISOCORE emits minimal emissions and is 

primarily composed of renewable raw materials, 

according to Kronospan. 

Its structure reportedly requires 50-70% less 

material, aligning with the growing importance 

of material efficiency. The sustainability 

commitment is supported by certifications, 

A close-up view of the LISOCORE panel 

including Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and 

the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest 

Certification (PEFC). 

Fulfilling what is said to be an unmet need, 

LISOCORE aims to be a “one-of-a-kind, 

high-strength lightweight” construction material 

with a diverse selection of decors. P 

The new EvoL sanding machines from Imeas are the result of more than 50 

years of know-how and evolution and offer State-of-the-Art technologies 

for sanding of wood-based panels such as MDF and ParticleBoard. EvoL 

sanders feature Minimal Costs, Excellent Calibration, High Speed, 

Flexibility, Superior Quality, and Full Automation. 

C 

M 

Y 

CM 

MY 

CY 

CMY 

K 

IMEAS S.p.A. via Pacinotti, 36 - 20035 VILLA CORTESE (MI) ITALY | Tel. +39.0331.463011 | Fax +39.0331.432311 | imeas@imeas.it | www.imeas.it 


MARKET REPORT 

Furthermore, with Hanoi’s current average 

population density of about 2,480 people per 

km 2 — 8.3 times higher than the population 

density of the whole country, and second 

highest after Ho Chi Minh city, which is 4,375 

people per km 2 — this density should be a clear 

indicator of how strong the demand for furniture 

and furnishings can be in the near future, as 

Hanoi continues to grow in population.* 

Hanoi market: 

Prospects and 

opportunities 

In Vietnam, Hanoi ranks as high as Binh 

Duong municipality and Ho Chi Minh city 

in terms of investment opportunities for the 

furniture and real estate industries. Here is 

a brief overview of what the Hanoi furniture 

and construction markets have to offer. 

WOOD AND WOOD PRODUCTS 

Hanoi produces and exports various wood and 

wood products, but the segments that have 

recorded the strongest growth thus far are 

wood chips, pellets, and wooden furniture, 

with furniture being the largest proportion in 

the industry, occupying as much as roughly 

US$6.3m in the first 11 months of 2022 (Fig. 1).* 

According to data by the Fine Arts Association 

of Ho Chi Minh city and Handicraft and 

Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh 

city (HAWA), the average consumption and 

demand for furniture in Vietnam is $21 per 

person per year.* This figure by itself might 

not seem much, but taking into account 

Hanoi’s population, which is around 8.5 

million people as of early 2023* — accounting 

for about 8.5% of the country’s population, 

second highest after Ho Chi Minh city — the 

domestic demand for furniture can exceed 

over $100m annually. 

Preliminary results announced by the 

Population Living Standards Survey 2022 of the 

General Statistics Office reported that Hanoi 

ranks second in terms of per capital income 

in the country with 6,423m Vietnamese dong 

per person per month, while Binh Duong takes 

first with 8,076m Vietnamese dong per person 

per month (Fig. 2).* As of Q1 2023, according 

to the General Statistics Office, the average 

monthly income of employees in Q1 2023 was 

7m Vietnamese dong person, an increase of 

197,000 Vietnamese dong compared to the 

previous quarter and an increase of 640,000 

Vietnamese dong over the same period last 

year.* 

Although per capita income is not high, the 

demand for high-end furniture in Vietnam is 

not inferior to that of Hong Kong, Singapore, or 

other very high-income countries. In fact, Hanoi 

and Ho Chi Minh city are two markets where 

the demand for high-end furniture products is 

rapidly increasing. And to meet this demand, 

many furniture companies, local and global, 

have set up in Hanoi, approximating 710; Ho 

Chi Minh city has the most furniture companies 

in Vietnam with 1,170 firms, followed by Binh 

Duong with 715, then Hanoi.* 

REAL ESTATE MARKET 

The demand for furniture is closely related to 

the market performance for the real estate, 

hospitality and construction industries, 

where there is a need to supply furniture and 

furnishings for interior and structural works. 

According to Phan Dang Chuong, deputy 

general director of ERNST & Young Vietnam, 

in the past five years there have been about 

400,000-500,000 townhouses and high-class 

apartments raised in Vietnam.* On average, 

each apartment uses at least 100-200m 

Vietnamese dong for interior furnishing and 

design, which means there is about 100,000bn 

Vietnamese dong for this particular demand. 


MARKET REPORT 

However, Vietnam has seen a drop in 

commercial housing demand as of 2023. 

Real estate market statistics from Vietnam’s 

Ministry of Construction reported that 

commercial housing development projects in 

Q1 of 2023 have 14 projects with nearly 6,000 

units. The number of projects is about 50% 

compared to Q4 of 2022 and is about more 

than 63% of the same period in 2022. “The 

supply of commercial housing in Q1 2023 is 

still limited and tends to decrease compared 

to Q4 2022,” commented the Minister of 

Construction.* 

The Ministry of Construction further said 

that although the market fluctuates a lot, 

apartments still continue to attract the 

attention of the target group with real housing 

needs. The number of new apartment projects 

opened for sale in Q1 2023 is not much, 

mainly from the mid-range and high-end 

segments, concentrated in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh 

city, and Binh Dinh.* 

Statistics have also shown that the total 

transaction volume of Q1 2023 only reached 

more than 106,000 successful transactions, 

equalling about 65% compared to Q4 2022 

and 61% compared to Q1 2022. In this, the 

number of successful transactions of land 

plots decreased significantly, and successful 

transactions of apartments and individual 

houses increased sharply; there were more 

than 39,000 successful transactions for 

individual houses and apartments, while 

land plot has more than 67,000 successful 

transactions.* 

As for the hospitality sector, Savills Vietnam’s 

report said that in Q1 2023, hotel guests 

increased by 220% year-on-year, reaching 1.1 

million arrivals, and 339,000 domestic guests 

increased by 21% year-on-year. The number 

of international visitors saw an increase of 

1,400% year-on-year to 712,000, presumably 

after borders have reopened.* The tourism 

sector is making a return, which means the 

need to supply furniture and woodworking 

equipment is enhanced to meet the sharp 

increase in demand for hotel projects 

supporting the tourism industry. 

Assessing the market outlook, Matthew 

Powell, director of Savills Hanoi, described 

that the Hanoi market in 2023 is expected 

7000 

6000 

5000 

4000 

3000 

2000 

1000 

MillionVND\month 

0 

9000 

8000 

7000 

6000 

5000 

4000 

3000 

2000 

1000 

Wood 

chips 

0 

8076 

Wood 

pellets 

Wood 

chips 

Bình Dương 

Peeling 

boards 

Wood 

pellets 

6423 

Hà Nội 

to have two new projects with a total of 471 

rooms. From 2024 onwards, there will be 66 

new projects with 11,123 rooms. Of these 

68 projects, the number of five-star hotels 

accounts for 61%.* 

He added: “This is a positive addition to the 

hotel supply, especially luxury hotels in Hanoi. 

Plywood/ 

Laminated 

wood 

Peeling 

boards 

6392 

Hồ Chí Minh 

Seat 

Plywood/ 

Laminated 

wood 

5240 

Đồng Nai 

Furniture 

Fig. 1: Export value of wood products and furniture in the first 11 months of 2022 and 2021 

Fig. 2: Top five provinces with highest average income in Vietnam in 2022 

5023 

In addition, the appearance of branded 

apartments as well as three- to four-star 

hotels in the inner city and surrounding 

areas will help increase the diversity of 

existing tourism products on the market 

assessment.” P 

*References are available upon request. 

Other 

Seat Furniture Other 

11 months/2021 1,596.87 3,692.90 199.02 961.95 3,128.15 5,617.26 773.15 

11 months/2022 2,567.44 691.26 162.45 959.16 2,731.35 6,298.52 885.57 

Hải Phòng 

Source: General Statistics Office 


MARKET REPORT 

Timber and turning points: 

Thoughts of a businessman 

By Per Friis Knudsen, director, Global Timber Asia 

more sales this September compared 

to many of the previous months, and 

there have been months of increased 

sales. But it cannot be categorised as 

a trend. Yet. 

RISING PRICES FROM SUPPLIERS 

Lumber supplies from the US are 

becoming sparse, and companies 

are halting production to drive prices 

upwards. FAS prices on white oak will 

reach the 2021/22 level soon, and the 

price gap between lower and upper 

grades is the widest I have ever seen. 

Log prices, however, seem to be 

stabler lately. I am guessing this is a 

move by mills to start making money 

again. If they do not, too many will 

be forced to close before the market 

recovers. 

July 2022 was a turning point after 

COVID-19. But things did not turn out as 

we hoped they would. 

We expected things to return to normal; 

for the market to regulate, sales to grow. 

In fact, July 2022 was only a turning 

point for COVID. The current question is 

more of when we will reach the bottom 

of the market. It is still unanswered, and 

constantly on my mind in these trying 

times in the timber industry. 

Having been in the business since 1988, 

and now occupying the role of the 

director at the international wholesaler 

Global Timber, I like to think that I have 

a well-founded and nuanced outlook on 

the current market situation. Here are 

my thoughts on the situation we all find 

ourselves in now. 

A ROLLERCOASTER MARKET 

Since July 2022, we have been on a 

monthly rollercoaster ride going from 

low valley to positive high peaks and 

then rapidly back into black holes. The 

market has turned unpredictable. From 

where I am sitting, I cannot foresee the 

upturn, or when we will return to pre- 

COVID conditions, and it is frustrating. 

Of course, there are some positive 

trends too. At Global Timber, we had 

European hardwood prices are not 

increasing as dramatically as in the 

US, but there is still a very large gap 

between unedged boards and edged 

boards. American edged boards will 

remain in favourable pricing for the 

time being, but the question is how 

long it will be before European boards 

become more attractive again. 

RECORD-LOW DEMAND CRIPPLES 

THE INDUSTRY 

The flooring industry is very much 

feeling the same slump for incoming 

orders that the furniture industry saw 

previously. Manufacturers are craving 

new orders while buyers are exploring 

alternative paths to reduce the prices 

on finished goods. 

Some factories are running well 

below 50% production capacity 

and large numbers of workers have 


MARKET REPORT 

been laid off around South East 

Asia. Others struggle to pay salaries, 

and some are forced to implement 

extended holiday periods where 

workers are sent home with reduced 

salaries to avoid layoffs. 

I predict workers shifting between 

factories in the near future. If one 

factory can offer $5 more per hour, 

it will result in a surplus of labour 

here and consequently a lack in 

other factories. The result will be the 

closure of several factories and even 

some mills. For a while, it will be the 

survival of the fittest in this industry, 

and we will be left with fewer but 

larger, more resilient players. But I 

do not see any major changes to the 

overall supply chain. 

A TURNING POINT IN THE HORIZON 

I used to be able to follow my gut 

feeling on market trends, but during 

this rollercoaster ride, my gut started 

suffering from motion sickness. 

At first, I was inclined to think that 

October 2023 would be our turning 

point. That by Christmas 2023, we 

would be laughing off this crisis. 

Needless to say, I was way off. 

Earlier this year, my conviction was 

that the period after Chinese New 

Year would be the long-awaited 

turning point. However, with all the 

negative input lately, I see the end 

of Q3 or Q4 2024 as a more realistic 

mark. 

I no longer imagine laughing off this 

crisis at any point — I now only hope 

to ride it out. 

A RAY OF LIGHT FROM INDIA 

The only bright outlook at the 

moment is India. 

This is a region where we are very 

active and have increased our 

business development over the last 

12 months. So, either we are lucky, 

or we are following the market trend. 

Maybe a bit of both. 

Let’s say we are skillful at riding the 

market trend. Here is my prediction 

for 2024’s glowing market: I believe we 

will see increased sales and purchase 

demand from Vietnam in particular. 

So much production from China has 

moved into Vietnam, that the slightest 

increase in demand of hardwood 

will affect Vietnam rapidly, and the 

supply chain will not be able to keep 

up. The perfect storm will develop, 

and hardwood prices will increase 

globally throughout the next 12 

months, reaching highs not seen for 

many years. The gap between demand 

and supply will be huge, the price 

difference between low and high 

qualities will increase, and pricing for 

thicker timber pricing will increase 

dramatically due to the nervous supply 

chain within the next 12 months. 

Customers often ask me when is a 

good time to buy sawn hard timber 

or lumber. My advice is now. Prices of 

low qualities are on a 10-year low but 

rapidly increasing. Build your inventory 

while prices are still reasonable and 

avoid the shortage of supply in the 

next six months’ time. 

WHAT IS TO COME? 

Travel lust has been on a steady rise 

since the end of COVID, and it has 

affected the industry greatly. 

Tourists are flocking to Asia again, 

hotels are getting their foreign 

workers back and start running at full 

occupancy soon, and those tourists 

are not investing in new flooring or 

furniture for their homes. They want to 

spend their money on adventures that 

they have been dreaming about the 

last few years locked up in home. 

I believe this trend will mellow out 

within the next 12 months, leaving 

room for more normal conditions, 

where the demand for hardwood 

goods will increase. 

The political climate in Asia is calmer 

than usual, and there are no indicators 

of unrest that could affect the market. 

This is in sharp contrast to much of the 

world, where war and a tense political 

climate is contributing to strained 

trade. 

Indonesia will have the romantic 

Valentines Day election in 2024, and 

hopefully start work on relaxing their 

complicated and bureaucratic heavy 

import system. 

Is the turning point just around the 

corner? No one knows. All we can do is 

be vigilant, follow the market and wait 

for the inevitable ‘return to normal’. 

Not everyone will make it, but the 

ones who do will come out leaner and 

more resilient than before. 

Everything is going to be fine. Unless, 

of course, we see the rise of another 

global pandemic in the next six 

months. P 

Per Friis Knudsen is the director 

of Global Timber Asia and is 

responsible for sales and trades in 

Asia. He has years of experience 

in the global wood industry, and 

is a qualified furniture maker with 

comprehensive expertise in the 

wood furniture business. Before 

joining Global Timber in 2013, 

Per worked and travelled across 

countries and cultures. With 

Asia being his greatest interest, 

he decided to settle in Malaysia 

from where he has worked with 

hardwood trade ever since. 


IN PERSON 

“We are moving to 

a customer-focused 

organisation” 

Press and coating technology specialist Robert Bürkle announced its 

corporate restructure and strategy realignment back in August to better 

serve the industries they are in. Matthias Picker, vice-president Division 

Woodworking of Bürkle, tells Yap Shi Quan why this move is timely, and 

how exactly it impacts the woodworking industry. 

Spray coating systems by 

Bürkle for carpentry 

Robert Bürkle is best known in the 

woodworking industry for their press and 

coating technologies, but its solutions are 

also harnessed and recognised elsewhere. 

Specifically, in the printed circuit board (PCB) 

and photovoltaic industries. 

In the past, Bürkle managed all these 

industries with a central organisation. “Bürkle 

was traditionally organised by functions, rather 

than markets, with a hierarchical arrangement 

of roles and responsibilities,” explained Picker. 

“Decisions were made centrally with a focus on 

all business segments.” 

Over time, however, Bürkle realised that 

such a way of serving their industries 

was inefficient. According to Picker, the 

requirements and investment cycles of each 

industry segment differed, and it was difficult 

to keep focus on all the requirements with a 

central organisation. Hence, they started the 

restructuring process towards an industryfocused 

organisation, a process “planned long 

in advance”. 

The result is a more customer-centric 

company, where instead of one central 

management, there will now be four 

independent business divisions covering the 

respective product segments: woodworking 

or surface finishing, photovoltaics, PCB, and 

lastly, a specific branch in Mastholte village 

in Germany which specialises in door and 

parquet lines, systems for the production of 

insulating elements, as well as automation 

and robotics. These four segments are 

managed by different management 

executives. Picker, of course, is in charge of 

the woodworking division. 

“In this new structure, we are moving to a 

customer-focused organisation,” Picker said. 


IN PERSON 

“We are ready to act 

flexibly according to 

market requirements 

and will always 

focus on our 

customer’s benefits.” 

Matthias Picker 

Vice-President, Robert Bürkle 

“We work in cross-functional teams 

with a focus on industry specific 

requirements; decision-making is 

faster, and the hierarchy is flatter. We 

are ready to act flexibly according to 

market requirements and will always 

focus on our customer’s benefits.” The 

company will strengthen customer 

relations and extend their technology 

portfolio in the industry. They 

also plan to improve their internal 

and external processes, such as in 

sales, application engineering and 

development, to provide a better 

customer experience. 

machine dashboard at LIGNA in 

Hannover, Germany, which helps 

customers to improve productivity by 

reducing downtimes and eliminating 

bottlenecks, make data-driven 

decisions for example on quality 

control, and reduce waste and 

energy consumption. Our digital twin 

enables the virtual commissioning 

of new manufacturing equipment 

or new workpieces. In both cases, 

customer can reduce their time to 

market, save money and make more 

business.” 

Speaking about current woodworking 

trends, Picker mentioned that energy 

efficiency and sustainability have 

become more and more important 

in recent times. LED technology, 

for instance, is used wherever 

possible; energy and consumable 

consumption are measured carefully, 

and manufacturing equipment is 

measured against its CO2 footprint. 

“Customers have improved their 

spraying process to a reduced 

overspray with our help. An optimised 

airflow as well as air-conditioning 

and cleaning technologies help to 

achieve these goals. Additionally, 

transfer rates of water-based coating 

can be significantly improved with 

our technology.” 

Besides sustainability measures, he 

added that every industry segment 

is currently experiencing a labour 

shortage, and therefore need 

to automate and become more 

efficient. “Both are areas of Bürkle’s 

expertise,” he said, referring to the 

division in Mastholte that specialises 

in automation and robotics. In this 

regard, Bürkle’s restructuring also 

helps each industry to learn from 

one another, since each division 

can benefit from technology from 

other industries. “At the end, our 

customers will benefit from better 

machine solutions, better software, 

and better services.” 

Over the past few years, Bürkle has 

had a robust performance in the 

woodworking market. They had a 

good order intake when COVID-19 

started in 2020 — which meant 

they were not affected too badly by 

the pandemic, although they still 

suffered from bottlenecks in the 

supply chain and from the increasing 

prices, as with everybody in the 

industry — and currently, they still 

benefit from a big order backlog in 

2023. 

“Bürkle has the big advantage of 

three main manufacturing places in 

Europe for woodworking equipment 

and a global supply chain. Therefore, 

we are able to balance assembly 

and manufacturing capacity easily,” 

concluded Picker. P 

Bürkle’s roller 

coating line 

Particular to the woodworking 

industry, Bürkle has opportunities 

to grow into new geographical 

areas and market segments, as well 

as into new applications. Using 

these opportunities, they plan to 

develop new sales channels and new 

technologies to fit the requirements of 

those markets. 

“We will grow our digital portfolio to 

enable seamless business processes 

for our customers,” elaborated 

Picker. “We have demonstrated our 


IN PERSON 

How can Taiwanese 

woodworking machinery 

manufacturers stand out? 

Competing against giants from Germany, 

China and Italy, what can Taiwanese 

woodworking machinery manufacturers do 

to differentiate themselves? Joe Chang, CEO 

of rip saw manufacturer Kuang Yung and 

chairman of the Taiwanese Woodworking 

Machinery Association (TWMA), offers 

some insight. 

By Yap Shi Quan 

also affected the supply chain. All of which, in 

turn, impact Taiwan’s exports of woodworking 

machinery. On top of this, Taiwan has to 

deal with competition from other countries. 

Taiwan currently ranks fourth in woodworking 

machinery exports, just behind Italy, Germany, 

and China. 

“This is a complex period, with supply chain 

changes and global economic conditions 

driving changes in the market. In this context, 

businesses need to manage spending and 

purchasing decisions more carefully to ensure 

their businesses can adapt to the changing 

environment,” Chang explained to Panels & 

Furniture Asia. 

“WITHOUT DIFFERENTIATION, IT WILL BE 

DIFFICULT TO COMPETE” 

To remain in the competition, Chang said 

that Taiwanese woodworking machinery 

manufacturers must remain credible and 

professional, and more importantly, to 

recognise their own strengths and uniqueness. 

In particular, he emphasised that Taiwan’s 

woodworking machinery industry has 

contributed to the international market in 

terms of their DIY equipment. Unlike Germany, 

Italy and China, Taiwan focuses on a niche 

segment of the global woodworking machinery 

market: that of the small- to medium-sized 

enterprises (SMEs) in the furniture industry. 

Nearly 90% of Taiwan’s woodworking 

machinery is exported. This figure, in itself, is a 

testament to how recognised the country is for 

their woodworking technology. 

For quite some time, the US is the biggest 

market for Taiwan’s woodworking machinery 

industry, accounting for 55-60% of their 

exports. According to Chang, Taiwan has 

been cooperating with importers, agents and 

distributors in the US for more than 20 years, 

and has developed a solid relationship with 

them. 

But recent US market news has not spelt good 

news for Taiwan: Rising interest rates and 

inflation in the US have led to drastic falls in 

furniture imports and exports, as well as in 

housing and renovation works. International 

events like the Russia-Ukraine conflict have 

“Having a unique positioning in the market, 

even if it only accounts for 1% of the global 

market, is enough to support the Taiwanese 

company’s survival and prosperity,” explained 

Chang. This uniqueness, he further said, can be 

reflected in the technology or in some special 

aspects that make it difficult for others to 

imitate. 

“Therefore, Taiwan needs to think about how 

to find its own way to survive. Woodworking 

machinery manufacturers do not necessarily 


IN PERSON 

need to pursue high-end automation, but 

they must find differentiation that matches 

market demand. Without differentiation, it 

will be difficult to compete. They must also 

find suitable customers and establish good, 

cooperative relationships with them.” 

As for smaller Taiwanese woodworking 

machinery manufacturers, Chang advised that 

they do not need to punch above their weight 

and try to compete with German or Italian 

firms, who are capable of developing industriallevel 

furniture production lines. Instead, they 

can develop their own equipment to ensure 

it is compatible with other production lines, 

that their equipment can work with others to 

produce furniture more efficiently. 

“In short, for small companies, the key is 

to find their competitive advantage against 

other competitors, and consider developing 

equipment that can improve production 

efficiency and flexibility. This will help them 

remain competitive,” said Chang. 

NETWORKING 

One question that Taiwanese manufacturers 

should ask themselves, according to Chang, 

is if they should invest in smart furniture 

manufacturing solutions. At present, 

woodworking machinery manufacturers in 

Asia and South East Asia are still learning how 

to apply automation or digitalisation to their 

solutions. Large-scale manufacturers have the 

capital to do so, but SMEs might not have the 

ability to invest. Big 

companies will get 

“bigger and bigger”, 

said Chang, because 

they can produce 

intelligent and automated 

systems, and they will be a step ahead of the 

competition, especially when considering how 

the furniture manufacturing industry is still 

relatively “conservative” compared to other 

manufacturing industries. 

Even so, Chang believes that as long as 

manufacturers can find the right market 

and find the right products, they can still 

survive. One way is through exhibitions, 

where Taiwanese woodworking machinery 

manufacturers can find the “right customers 

and markets” to present their solutions. 

Examples that he cited include WOOD TAIWAN, 

the Taiwan-based woodworking exhibition 

by TWMA; Hannover-based biannual trade 

exhibition LIGNA; and Smart Furniture Solutions 

Vietnam 2023, in which this interview was held. 

“It is important for manufacturers to show at 

the exhibition how their products adapt to 

future trends, especially in the field of smart 

furniture. Not just the technical features of the 

product, but how the product solves customer 

needs, such as solving staff shortages or 

improving production efficiency.” 

He added: “At the same time, the important 

thing is to be able to convince your customers 

“Without differentiation, it 

will be difficult to compete. 

[Machinery manufacturers] 

must also find suitable 

customers and establish good, 

cooperative relationships 

with them.” 

Joe Chang 

Chairman of TWMA and CEO of Kuang Yung 

WOOD TAIWAN recorded 

a high level of visitors 

this year 

that your new machine can help them 

solve current industry problems, such 

as manpower shortage, or the trend of 

customised furniture. Or you would have 

to improve your machines, such that they 

become easy to operate and learn.” 

Having said all that, Chang believes that 

Taiwanese machinery manufacturers do not 

lose out in competition, at least in terms 

of their experience, professionalism, and 

product quality. For instance, he compared 

China’s woodworking machineries with 

Taiwan’s. 

“China is competitive with their price point, 

especially in the initial purchase stage, but 

problems will usually appear after one to 

three years. Some customers may choose to 

purchase an equipment at a low price, but 

may later discover a lack of performance and 

durability, resulting in having to replace the 

device prematurely. Only then will Taiwan’s 

value become apparent.” 

As the market continues to evolve and the 

supply chain continues to change, this will 

also affect the exhibition industry. Rising 

costs means fewer furniture manufacturers 

will spend during exhibitions, and 

this means less chance for machinery 

manufacturers to convince potential 

exhibitor visitors to buy their solutions. 

However, at the same time, supply chain 

disruptions might be a silver lining for 

Taiwanese machinery manufacturers: 

Furniture manufacturers across the world 

might reconsider where they source their 

machines and start paying more attention 

to Taiwan, whose machineries are already 

highly regarded by the US market, said 

Chang. In other words, turning challenges 

into opportunities. P 


PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT 

aimi software system: 

Homogenous software 

on all machines 

IMA Schelling Group introduces its first production lines with 

homogenous software developed in-house: aimi will enable the 

visualisation and control of the machines and the entire plant. 

will soon be available for saws, edge processing 

and drilling machines, and storage systems. 

At present, the IPC.NET control system is still 

being used to network the machines. 

1 

“Both software systems complement each other 

very well. However, we are working hard on the 

universal use of aimi,” explained Stefan Rische, 

head of Software Development and Systems 

Control at IMA Schelling. 

Legend 

1 aimi, the homogenous 

software from IMA 

Schelling, that will 

map and control the 

entire production line 

2 When aimi is fully 

rolled out, the 

information on the 

entire plant will be 

available on every 

machine 

2 

aimi.DO – aimi.TALK – aimi.THINK: These are 

the three basic function modules in the new, 

homogenous software developed in-house by 

woodworking solutions provider IMA Schelling. 

According to the company, aimi.DO is the 

software installed directly in the machine 

and controls it. aimi.TALK is responsible for 

communication between the machines and 

with the customer. Modern technologies such 

as publish-subscribe services and web services 

for data exchange are used here. aimi.THINK 

comprises all preparatory and planning services 

such as order planning, optimisation methods 

and the primary production control module 

(FLS) functionalities for the overall transparency 

of processes related to the machines. 

In close cooperation with its customers, 

IMA Schelling is driving forward further 

development steps. 

The aimi.DO module will be gradually rolled 

out for all machine types by IMA Schelling and 

The new aimi.TALK communication module 

is being used in initial pilot projects. “The 

challenge here is the communication concept 

within a plant and the security functionalities,” 

explained Rische. Depending on customer 

requirements, IMA Schelling will offer different 

communication technologies in this respect, 

including a special interface directly to System 

Applications and Products in Data Processing 

(SAP). 

aimi.THINK contains important planning and 

optimisation functions, including the FLS. 

This visualises the production process with 

all preparatory and production-related work 

steps. It enables complete traceability of each 

individual order and allows for intervention in 

each individual production order right down to 

the single component level. 

When aimi is rolled out extensively and in full, 

this information and the intervention options 

will be accessible from anywhere, as claimed by 

IMA Schelling — from a central computer in the 

office as well as on any individual machine in 

the plant. P 

Images: IMA Schelling 


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được quản lý bền vững của tỉnh bang British Columbia, Canada.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT 

Camera-based system 

can prevent injuries 

even during rapid movements 

Due to their design, sliding table saws are among the machine types 

with a high risk of injury. Various manufacturers have taken on the 

development of safety assistance systems, but is there a system that 

not only mitigates injuries but also prevents them with a high degree of 

reliability? Fraunhofer IPA provides answers. 

only offers protection against serious injuries at 

slow working speeds. 

The camera-based system used in HAND GUARD, 

however, monitors a wide area around the saw 

blade. As soon as the camera system detects 

hands entering this space, the saw blade is 

lowered. This prevents fingers and hands from 

coming into contact with the source of injury in 

the first place. Even at approach speeds of 2m/s, 

the system triggers in time and prevents injuries. 

Up to 120 reportable accidents involving sliding 

table saws occur in Germany every month, 

according to Altendorf Group, a manufacturer of 

sliding table saws and edgebanding machines. 

The associated costs for lost work time and 

medical treatment are immense. An effective 

safety assistance system can bring benefits to 

craft businesses. The Fraunhofer Institute for 

Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA 

in Stuttgart, Germany, has taken a close look 

at two current safety assistance systems, one 

of which includes the Altendorf Group’s HAND 

GUARD system. 

The Fraunhofer IPA study is based on results for 

capacitive and camera-based safety assistance 

systems. Both principles use suitable sensors 

to first detect a hazardous situation and then 

remove the saw blade from the danger zone 

in the shortest possible time, thus preventing 

injury to the hand. Typical working speeds 

from practice were used in the investigations 

— 0.2m/s is considered a slow working speed, 

while up to 2m/s is considered the typical 

slipping speed. 

Since most accidents with serious injuries 

occur during rapid hand movements in 

everyday work, special attention was paid to 

this. Among other things, capacitive systems 

react to the presence of human tissue. If 

a hazardous situation has been detected, 

the system triggers the safety function. 

However, due to its short sensor range and the 

associated triggering threshold located only 

a few millimetres in front of the saw blade, it 

“Fraunhofer IPA has carried out measurements 

on different safety systems for sliding table 

saws: The two systems currently available 

on the market, capacitive and camera-based 

sensor technologies, were investigated. As a 

result, both the capacitive and the camerabased 

system reliably detected the test pieces 

under the selected test conditions and led to 

the lowering of the saw blades. However, only 

the camera-based system was able to avoid 

damage to the test specimens in all tests,” said 

Dr Birenbaum, group manager manufacturing 

systems, Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing 

Engineering and Automation IPA. 

Hearing this, Peter Schwenk, CEO of the 

Altendorf Group, is pleased: “We are the world’s 

only supplier of sliding table saws to offer an 

artificial intelligence (AI)- and camera-based 

safety assistance system on series machines. 

With the successful certification by the German 

Employers’ Liability Insurance Association 

for Wood and Metal, we are setting the future 

standard for safety in sliding table saws.” P 


PANEL MANUFACTURING 

Time to innovate: 

Developing eco-friendly 

products at UP-CYCLE 

IMALPALAB 

By Massimo Bergonzini, Electronic Production department manager, IMAL 

Bearing this in mind, it is essential to find 

technologies able to recycle materials 

that are both difficult and extremely 

expensive to dispose of and which are, of 

course, a potential environmental risk. 

Furthermore, it is also necessary to think 

again about how to recycle materials, 

considering the whole production chain 

and hence the processes that come after 

panel production. 

Clearly, tests and trials of this kind 

cannot take place at the production 

facility: Production volumes have 

become so large that test costs aimed 

at new technologies are unsustainable, 

consequently bringing research to a 

halt. 

UP-CYCLE 

IMALPALAB is 

designed for 

researching and 

innovative new wood 

panel production 

processes 

After years marked by exceptional 

events, by the pandemic in 

particular, that have impacted 

heavily every country’s economic 

policies, but which, paradoxically, 

have boosted the wood-panel 

field in which we operate, the 

market is now beginning to 

slow down; a decline which, 

unlike the past, almost all the 

continents are experiencing. A clear 

overproduction of panels has been 

reported in the majority of various 

geographical areas, accompanied by 

an inevitable fall in the selling price. 

It is precisely in conjunction with 

these stagnant periods that a strong 

incentive to innovate emerges. 

Leaving aside slogans and rhetorical 

good intentions on everybody’s 

lips, one cannot ignore the fact that 

to do business in times like this, it 

is necessary to review production 

processes to include the use of zerocost 

materials. 

It is known that innovative ‘pioneering’ 

often finds itself up against strong 

opposition in large consolidated 

companies. Furthermore, panel 

production processes have reached 

such high levels of optimisation that a 

technological revolution is needed to 

overcome periods like this. 

IMAL, a member of the IMALPAL 

Group and a developer of wood panel 

production equipment, has invested in 

the design and production of machinery 

for online and laboratory quality control 

equipment, through the application 

of instruments that can test a variety 

of materials but which, at the same 

time, consent to the technological 

control of the principal steps of work 



processes. 1 We have designed for example 

the MMW200, a device which uses millimetre 

wave technology to analyse density, moisture 

content and the dimensions of the mat on 

the forming line. 2 The target is to identify 

materials in a non-homogeneous flow which 

are unrelated to the work process. The first 

sensor, which is in the prototype stages, is in 

our laboratories. 

This kind of technology for identifying foreign 

contaminants in an unequivocal manner 

and separating them out on the basis of their 

chemical composition will dominate in the 

years to come. The materials removed from 

the workflow can be reused automatically 

and hence can be marketed once again. We 

are thinking of all the different types of plastic 

that there are, for example, and not only pure 

plastic itself. 3 

UP-CYCLE 

IMALPALAB is 

equipped with a 

complete miniature 

line capable of 

simulating industrial 

production 

Drying is another extremely critical stage in 

the work process when dealing with plastic 

contaminants. The dust from microplastics 

found in recycled wood particles for example, 

when exposed to temperatures of over 150°C 

— which is often the case with traditional 

dryers — can trigger micro-combustion 

processes leading to the consequent emission 

of toxic gases. IMAL has solved this problem 

with the design and supply of low temperature 

belt dryers, capable of temperatures below 

100°C. Dryers which furthermore ensure 

a reduction in power requirements with 

advantages in terms of environmental impact: 

Emission levels have become lower, and these 

benefits amplify when recycled materials 

are used. The concept can also be applied 

to drying plastic fibres in cases, for example, 

where materials recycled from the demolition 

of cars or tyres are used in the process. 

TWIN TABLE CNC MACHINING CENTER 

TABLE SIZE:2400X1600 (CUSTOMIZED AVAILABLE) 

雙檯面 CNC 複合加工機 

可客製檯面大小 

IMAL has, among its range of laboratory 

devices, a miniature version of its standard 

belt dryer which is used to run tests of this 

kind. And if required, it is possible to analyse 

the gases or fumes released. 

The IMAL laboratory is also equipped with 

various units for chipping and refining raw 

materials of vegetable origin and others. The 

material is then formed on the forming line 

by the laboratory lab former, LABFORMER100 

which can automatically handle particles and 

fibres, to form controlled and homogenous 



layers of the material. The former 

receives the material from the 

LGB laboratory blenders that have 

various capacities and glue injection 

configurations. 

The pressing phase comes next with 

the PL100 laboratory press, equipped 

with technology for differentiating 

and controlling the heating of the hot 

platens and the automation of the 

hydraulic cycles to make them more 

flexible in terms of speed and pressure. 

The temperature is taken inside the 

mat as it is cured and the details are 

used to analyse the trends. In addition, 

if required, steam may be injected 

during the actual press cycle. 

The next step is the cutting station, 

followed by the lab tests which range 

from standard dynamometer tests to 

the measurement of formaldehyde 

emission, sand content and x-ray 

density profiles. 

As one may have realised from the 

above, the centre is equipped with 

a complete miniature line that can 

simulate industrial production. 

This is how the UP-CYCLE IMALPALAB 

research centre originated. It is 

possible to carry out over 50 different 

kinds of tests in the centre, which 

are divided into tests on materials 

upstream of the production process 

and on the bonding mixtures, tests 

online during the production process, 

testing of the conditions for the 

production process — for example, 

air ventilation or flow measurement 

— tests on the end product and, 

as said previously, production 

simulation tests. All with the technical 

and technological support of our 

team who have acquired decades of 

experience in facilities throughout the 

world. 

The UP-CYCLE IMALPALAB research 

centre is located in Modena, Italy. 

Interested individuals can arrange 

their tests and visits on the UP-CYCLE 

IMALPALAB website. Lab technicians 

will then reply all enquiries and 

arrange the visit. All are welcome to be 

present when the tests are performed, 

or they can be performed by our 

technicians and in relation to the 

client’s research requirements. P 

Massimo Bergonzini is the 

Electronic Production department 

manager at IMAL, and a member 

of the Technical Management 

Committee of the UP-CYCLE 

IMALPALAB research centre. A 

firm belief in research has always 

been a constant throughout his 

working life, and this goal has been 

accomplished with the UP-CYCLE 

IMALPALAB research centre. 

IMALPALAB material 

and waste treatment 

research centre 

IMAL has recently invested in the 

expansion of its laboratory equipment 

to offer customers the possibility of 

conducting trials for the industry and 

developing eco-friendly products. 

References 

1. UP-CYCLE IMALPALAB. Mission & Vision. 

 

2. IMALPAL Group. Mwaves. 

 

3. IMALPAL Group. Mwaves for plastic. 

 


TROPICAL 

HARDWOOD 

DOUSSIE 

AYOUS 

SAPELE 

Botanical name: 

Afzelia bipindensis 

Origin: 

Central Africa 

Weight: 

about 700 kg/m 3 


Triplochiton scleroxylon 

Origin: 

West Africa 

Weight: 



Entrandrophragma cylendricum 

Origin: 

West Africa 

Weight: 


Global Timber is a thriving international company with more than 40 years 

of experience in the industry. The company headquarter and warehouse are 

located in Denmark. Our Asian office is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 

with local representatives around South East Asia. 

Per Friis Knudsen 

pfk@globaltimber.dk +60 111 429 7073 

www.globaltimber.asia


Manufacturing 

high-quality panelboards 

with increased 

recycled content: 

A case study by Tomra 

Jose Matas, segment manager wood at Tomra Recycling Sorting, 

speaks with the plant technician of what is said to be the “third 

largest panelboard producer in Europe”, shedding light on the 

benefits of wood sorting technology in panelboard production. 

wood chips and waste wood, and with 

success. Two years ago, we launched a 

new deep learning-based application 

that enables its detection and removal. 

This is a huge step forward, not only for 

us but for the whole industry. 

Here, we see that it works and that 

our customer can create pure wood 

products: The third-largest panelboard 

producer in Europe is equipped with 

Tomra’s latest x-ray transmission and 

deep learning-based wood sorting 

solutions. Above-expectations and 

reliable machine performances have 

enabled the panelboard producer to 

create pure fractions of non-processed 

wood that are used for the manufacture 

of wood products with up to 50% 

recycled content. 

The plant 

technologist (left) 

and Jose Matas, 

segment manager 

wood, Tomra (right) 

Having worked in the industry for 15 

years, I know that medium-density 

fibreboard (MDF) poses a lot of 

challenges in recycling. MDF is often 

found in waste wood. To further process 

wood chips, we must ensure that it is 

removed from wood chips and does 

not end up in the end product. 

At Tomra Recycling Sorting, we have 

invested a lot in the development 

of solutions to remove MDF from 

PROCESSING CLEAN WOOD 

FRACTIONS FROM WASTE WOOD 

The plant technologist of the 

panelboard producer introduced 

its company: “We are a leading 

manufacturer of premium engineered 



wood products, laminates and resins. 

We are in central Europe and close to 

our customers and provide quality 

products made in Germany. The 

satisfaction of our customers is at the 

core of our business, as is sustainability. 

We have been sorting and recycling 

wood chips for a long time to extend 

the lifecycle of wood.” 

The panelboard producer recently 

observed price increases of fresh food, 

and access to primary materials has 

gotten challenging. This made them 

decide to work with the materials 

available in the market. To do so and to 

meet their customer’s quality demands, 

they had to innovate their processes, 

and hence relied on Tomra and its wood 

sorting solutions. 

1 

“In our facility, we process both 

recycled wood and waste wood,” 

the plant technologist explained. 

“Local recyclers deliver us pre-sorted, 

unprocessed wood. As we require 

the purest materials to manufacture 

high-quality wood-based products, we 

let the materials run through another 

sorting step with Tomra’s X-TRACT. This 

allows us to remove any remaining 

contaminants such as metals, stones, 

plastic and many more.” 

She added: “When processing waste 

wood, the steps are more complex. 

The material we receive is a mix of 

processed and non-processed wood. 

Our task is to remove MDF from waste 

wood and create a clean wood fraction. 

We are glad that Tomra’s equipment 

makes this possible.” 

Once the plant technologist and her 

plant members have created the 

highest purity fractions, they use it 

for the production of particleboards 

and other wood-based materials with 

increased recycled content. As of the 

time of printing this article, the plant 

processes about 250,000-270,000 metric 

tonnes of wood per year. “Leveraging 

the latest sorting technology helps 

us keep wood in continuous use and 

live up to our customer’s requests 

without compromising on quality and 

profitability,” she said. 

MEETING CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS 

For the panelboard producer, delivering 

high-quality products to their customers 

is important: “In the last few years, 

sustainability and the use of secondary 

raw materials have become more 

important and essential for businesses. 

We have seen this as a valuable 

opportunity and wanted to become 

more sustainable too. Not only for us 

but also for our customers who are 

following the same goals: offering and 

using products with increased recycled 

content.” 

To live up to their goals and maintain 

high-quality levels, they made sure to 

remove all contaminants, including 

MDF. That is crucial for them because 

stones or metals, for instance, can 

cause damage to their equipment. 

Plastic can also lead to visual defects 

in the end product and MDF impacts 

2 

Legend 

1 Processed wood 

(left) versus 

unprocessed 

wood (right) 

2 Clean wood chip 

fraction 



4 

the highest-purity fractions of nonprocessed 

wood, we provided them 

with advanced sorting technology 

that featured the necessary 

technology to address complex 

challenges. Today, with Tomra’s 

X-TRACT and AUTOSORT with GAIN 

deep learning technology, we believe 

that the panelboard producer is 

well-equipped to meet their quality 

targets. 

Legend 

3 AUTOSORT 

and GAIN 

deep-learning 

technology 

for wood chip 

purification 

4 Removing 

impurities from 

unprocessed 

wood with the 

latest sorting 

technology 

quality levels. Thus, they strive to 

create the cleanest fractions. “Since 

we use Tomra’s sorting technology, we 

remove most impurities. This enables 

us to realise purity levels of up to 98% 

and manufacture products with up to 

50% recycled content,” said the plant 

technologist. 

“LITTLE DOWNTIME WITH HIGH- 

QUALITY OUTPUTS” 

The plant technologist’s facility has 

been using Tomra’s X-TRACT since 2017. 

However, with the need to remove MDF 

and separate wood by type, they had to 

innovate. This included investments in 

new sorting equipment for which they 

consulted us. As such, we helped them 

find the best solution — which was 

AUTOSORT and its add-on GAIN. 

“Since operating the machine, we are 

impressed by its results: we have little 

downtime and high-quality outputs. 

Also, as this smart technology removes 

as many impurities as possible, our 

machinery is less damaged, which 

means that it can run longer and 

require less cleaning effort. At the 

same time, we can process higher 

volumes and produce a clean end 

product. In a nutshell, the technology 

enables us to meet the industry’s 

standards while maintaining profitable 

operations. That is a win-win 

situation,” she said. 

COLLABORATING WITH TOMRA 

Tomra’s aim is to support our 

customers in meeting their goals. 

As our customer wanted to produce 

3 

The plant technologist has described 

their collaboration with us as having 

a “reliable partner at hand who 

follows the same mission: enabling a 

circular economy for wood”, and the 

collaboration has helped them “find 

a solution for a previously unsolved 

sorting challenge”. We at Tomra also 

believe we had so much potential we 

can unlock together, after working 

together with them for years. 

“In the early phases, we regularly 

visited [Tomra’s] test centre in 

Germany to test our materials on their 

machines. Based on these results, 

they proposed the best suitable 

solution for our case. Convinced of 

the results and their commitment, 

we decided to invest in their latest 

technology that makes it possible 

to increase our qualities and meet 

our customer’s expectations alike,” 

concluded the plant technologist. P 



Siempelkamp in China: 

“It is not the wind but 

the set of the sail that 

determines the direction” 

management effort. Siempelkamp 

Qingdao was awarded certification 

in accordance with ISO 9001 — the 

internationally most common standard 

for quality management — in February 

2023. It covers the primary production 

spectrum at Siempelkamp’s Qingdao 

location, which now includes the 

main components for the ContiRoll 

continuous press as well as pre-presses, 

bunkers and modules for the forming 

lines. 

Siempelkamp’s 

booth at the WMF 

exhibition in 

Shanghai 

Siempelkamp’s teams from Germany 

and China extended a warm welcome 

to all representative from the woodbased 

panel industry in Shanghai, 

China at their booth in the Shanghai 

International Furniture Machinery & 

Woodworking Machinery Fair (WMF), 

which ran from 5-8 Sep. Both teams 

worked as a coordinated unit and are 

‘setting sail together’, as a Chinese 

proverb would say — towards greater 

teamwork, quality and customer 

proximity. 

Siempelkamp has consistently 

and sustainably strengthened its 

commitment in China. The first 

successful collaborations with Chinese 

customers in the 1980s were followed 

by an office, and then production in a 

rented space. Since 2015, Siempelkamp 

has its own production facilities in 

Qingdao, and has established its 

production, sales and service in the local 

market. Whether it is quality assurance, 

project management or field services, 

Siempelkamp today combines the 

strengths of its European management 

with those of its Qingdao team. It is 

increasingly broadening its local valueadding 

chain while its Chinese team’s 

expertise is becoming more and more 

refined. 

INTEGRATED QUALITY MANAGEMENT 

An example of quality collaboration 

between German and Chinese 

colleagues is the joint quality 

Siempelkamp Germany and 

Siempelkamp China worked hand-inhand 

throughout the entire certification 

process. The common goal: To increase 

customer satisfaction in the Asian 

market. A major factor in achieving 

this goal is the establishment and 

continuous assurance of Siempelkamp’s 

quality policy in Qingdao. 

In total, 150 employees work for 

Siempelkamp in Qingdao. Nine of 

them work in the quality department 

headed by Nick Wang. The range of 

tasks is complex, as described by Wang: 

“Our quality control focuses on all 

the core processes in Qingdao — from 

incoming goods to manufacturing, the 

final product and the overall quality 

system. That raises the quality of all our 

performances to peak levels.” 

ON COURSE FOR SUCCESS: THIRD 

U-FLAKER FOR CHINA 

It is not only the teams at the 

headquarters in Krefeld and in Qingdao 

who are setting sail for a jointly 



determined direction. Other subsidiaries 

within the Siempelkamp Group also find 

themselves heading towards the same 

destination. 

One example of this successful 

teamwork: A U-flaker by Pallmann, a 

Siempelkamp subsidiary, was taken 

into operation at wood panel producer 

Jiangsu Huidian New Materials in June 

2023. This is the Siempelkamp Group’s 

third U-flaker for the market in China, 

with two others already producing at 

wood-based panel plants in Guangxi 

and Shandong provinces. 

Legend 

1 U-flaker for 

Jiangsu Huidian 

New Materials 

2 Siempelkamp’s 

Field Service 

Team at the 

Qingdao site 

3 Siempelkamp 

Qingdao: Team 

of internal 

auditors during 

the certification 

process 

According to Siempelkamp, the Asian 

market in particular sees the U-flaker 

concept as an ideal solution to the 

high value placed on hybrid board 

production. These hybrid boards 

combine a core layer that consists of 

long and particularly thin flakes with 

a thin surface layer consisting of fine 

flakes. Pallmann’s U-flaker is said to 

have set “new standards” for the quality 

of this type of board, because the highquality 

flakes create a positive impact 

on the board properties. Furthermore, 

the U-flaker allows wood with small 

trunk diameters to be used, making 

efficient use of resources. Large savings 

in raw materials can consequently 

contribute to competitiveness in pricesensitive 

markets. 

1 

2 

Siempelkamp’s teams from Germany 

and China jointly contributed their 

knowledge to the project to send the 

third U-flaker on its way to Jiangsu 

Huidian New Materials. The know-how 

of Pallmann’s size-reduction specialists, 

with accompanying support from 

colleagues in Krefeld and Qingdao, 

played a leading role here. As a result, 

the plant’s performance, product quality 

and local support were all “highly 

praised” by the customer, as reported by 

Siempelkamp. 

SIEMPELKAMP’S PROFILE IN CHINA 

What responses has Siempelkamp 

received regarding its involvement 

in the Chinese market? The company 

reports that feedback of their booth at 

WMF was “unanimously positive”. The 

Field Service Team, newly established 

and trained for the Chinese market 

at the Qingdao site following the 

pandemic, is particularly appreciated. 

Additionally, Siempelkamp’s specialists 

3 

can speak their customers’ language, 

are familiar with the market’s special 

aspects and requirements, and are able 

to translate Siempelkamp’s German 

standards into the Chinese market’s 

requirements. P 



Out with the old, 

in with the new 

At Pika ReTech, the phrase ‘reinventing the wheel’ is a commitment 

to customer success: The company wants to take old, established 

wood-panel production technology and make them anew and more 

sustainable, more efficient, higher-performing with their proprietary 

technology. Sedat Balioglu, marketing, comms and sales at Pika 

ReTech, shares more with Yap Shi Quan. 

for innovative solutions that met both 

ecological needs and sustainability 

goals. Although wood is a renewable 

resource, it has been acknowledged 

that traditional wood-based products, 

such as medium-density fibreboard 

(MDF), particleboard, oriented-strand 

board (OSB) and plywood, often have 

significant environmental drawbacks. 

Pika ReTech therefore aims to 

revolutionise this sector by developing 

technologies that are environmentally 

friendly while offering superior 

performance. We invested heavily in 

R&D to create technologies that enable 

the production of high-performance, 

environmentally friendly wood-based 

panels. Our primary goal is to ensure 

that these panels produced with our 

new technologies perform better 

than with traditional alternatives, 

while reducing the carbon footprint 

associated with their production. 

How did Pika ReTech come about? 

Sedat Balioglu: Pika ReTech was 

founded in 2017 by Aytekin Alpay and 

me. The company’s inception stemmed 

from market needs, industry expertise, 

and a passion for sustainability. We 

recognised the growing demand for 

innovative solutions in the woodbased 

panel industry, particularly in 

addressing the environmental impact of 

traditional wood-based products, and 

the need for industry people to renew 

existing technologies. 

Additionally, with a growing awareness 

of environmental issues and increasing 

regulations on sustainability, we 

identified that there was a demand 

What does ‘Reinventing the Wheel’ 

mean at Pika ReTech, and why 

does the company want to change 

the “status quo”, as stated on your 

website? 

Balioglu: We set out with this 

perspective and intention of 

‘Reinventing the Wheel’, which is our 

current main motto. We came back with 

a better solution based on interpreting 



what was asked or requested from us. 

We believe it is important to bring a 

better perspective or interpretation and 

solve it technologically in practice. We 

never had any intention of going against 

the status quo. What constitutes our 

field of action is expectations from our 

customers or the market. 

In fact, making existing technology 

better and more successful, and in an 

acceptable way rather than copying it is 

a challenging process itself. Of course, 

when we start such a process, we do 

not know what the result will be, but 

our belief in its necessity has enabled us 

to complete it successfully. Challenges 

bring opportunities, and a well-used 

opportunity allows progress. 

What we have done so far has received 

positive reactions. We have been able 

to do this properly so far, which is why 

we are able to sell our technologies to 

global wood-based panel manufacturers 

and, above all, we have established a 

strategic business partnership with a 

company like Siempelkamp. 

Can you briefly introduce Pika 

ReTech’s solutions and how they 

can be retrofitted to any brand or 

type of wood-panel manufacturing 

equipment? 

Balioglu: First, we have our ReFogger 

resin-saving system. It turns glue into 

fog via steam in a small steam chamber 

outside the Schlick Blowline pressure 

nozzle system. It aims to eliminate 

problems such as glue-induced stains 

on panels, and the technical values of a 

panel produced with ReFogger are the 

same or better even if the amount of 

glue is reduced. 

The ReFogger has two versions: the 

Plugin, which is the upgraded version 

for factories that have a glue-saving 

system, and the ACE version with full 

automation and content, recommended 

for plants without glue-saving systems. 

The Plugin version can only be adapted 

to machines with Ecoresinator by 

Siempelkamp, ProJet by Dieffenbacher, 

and Schlick nozzle systems. ACE system 

can be used in any business that does 

not have a resin-saving system or wants 

to replace its existing system entirely. 

Second, we have the ReJIT nano 

paraffin emulsion system that allows 

manufacturers to work with wax or 

paraffin emulsion on a standalone line, 

without being connected anywhere. 

The manufacturer can produce a 

product with their recipe and store as 

paraffin emulsion, which has a very 

long shelf life, at the exit of the line. The 

‘JIT’ in ReJIT stands for Just-in-Time. 

The system can be used anywhere 

and in every factory since it has a 

standalone structure, and it can work 

online or offline, and works with either 

wax or paraffin emulsion. 

Third, we have the ReFlot aluminium 

oxide for laminate flooring. It processes 

high-purity aluminium oxide to create 

abrasion resistance for laminate 

flooring panels. After being obtained 

in powder form, the aluminium oxide 

is applied on overlay or patterned 

papers during the impregnation 

phase, which is where the ReTuner 

powder scattering system comes in 

and spreads aluminium oxide over the 

overlay paper or decor paper smoothly 

and homogeneously. The ReTuner 

can be adapted to existing operating 

impregnation lines, with a minimum 

gap of 85cm, and new ones as well. It 

is also compatible with existing control 

systems. 

Lastly, we have the ReBoost product 

range of performance additives, each 

of which allows manufacturers to 

produce more qualified and targeted 

panels. We have the Release Agent, 

the Panel Performance Enhancer, the 

Surface Performance Enhancer, and 

the Formaldehyde Scavenger. 

What do wood-panel producers 

have to take note when using your 

solutions? 

Balioglu: Nothing special. Our 

solutions have well-prepared 

configurations and technology 

functions, and have simple operating 

principles. All I can say is that 

manufacturers should trust the 

technology, or should continue to use 

it for its intended purpose. Generally, 

our technologies provide ROI in a short 

term, for everyone to achieve their 

goal. 

ReFogger 



Can you share how much savings 

are achieved, and how much more 

productive your customers have 

become upon using your solutions? 

Balioglu: For ReFogger, although there is 

no single answer — due to reasons such 

as the capacity of the production line, the 

panel thickness and density, the types 

of wood used and the glue details — we 

know from experience that they exceed 

the 5% saving figure we guarantee in 

the ReFogger Plugin version over their 

existing machines. Similar results are 

obtained in the ACE model. 

The criterion we guarantee in the ReJIT 

system is that the particle size D97 (97%) 

of the paraffin emulsion obtained with 

the line operation will be below 1µ. In 

practice, a nano paraffin emulsion with a 

solid content of 33% should be obtained 

from the 45-60% emulsion used in this 

market. Accordingly, when working with 

emulsion, 30-50% savings are achieved. 

When working with solid paraffin in 

the same process, the savings amount 

reaches 50-60%. 

In addition to these savings, customers 

also feedbacked that both systems have 

improved the technical values of their 

panels. 

What is the whole process like 

collaborating with a customer, from 

initial stages of planning or discussing, 

all the way to execution and after-sales 

service? 

Balioglu: Our customer relationship 

begins primarily with companies that 

know or have heard of us. Even though 

we work in many countries, we do not 

have the opportunity to reach everyone 

or everywhere in the same way. Our team 

or agencies currently work in Turkey, 

Europe, North America, Brazil, South 

Africa, and India. Apart from this, our 

cooperation with Siempelkamp covers 

their new projects and all points where 

they provide after-sales service. 

current situation. For this reason, as 

a company that sells savings systems, 

we generally accept jobs where we can 

realise the amount we promised during 

the contract. 

Among the sales realised so far, we 

have not had any projects that were 

not accepted or did not reach the 

amounts we guaranteed. Therefore, we 

have not encountered any negative or 

controversial situations in the after-sales 

department. 

We do not experience different 

development stages in the sales process. 

Even though we are a new manufacturer, 

we have been in the wood-based panel 

industry for approximately 25 years, so 

we already have connections. As a result, 

our company, which started first in the 

local Turkish market, has begun to make 

a name for itself internationally in the 

last few years through producers in need 

of our technology. 

References from successfully executed 

local and international projects return 

to us as new businesses. In addition 

to a collaboration with Siempelkamp 

that started last year, we entered the 

international arena for the first time with 

the LIGNA exhibition. There will be some 

special events, symposiums, and fairs 

that we plan to attend in 2024. 

As I mentioned in my previous answers, 

these systems, which help customers 

save costs, also satisfy them in terms of 

maintenance and spare parts, as they 

do not cause any problems within the 

business. 

As a machine manufacturer, I would like 

to point out that we do not have much 

demand for spare parts. This is good 

for our customers. Considering this 

information, I can say that our after-sales 

service is also good. However, we are 

planning expand our service globally 

as we expand to different countries and 

geographies and increase the number of 

our machines. 

Lastly, are your solutions and services 

worldwide, including to South East Asia? 

Balioglu: Yes, we want to be a global 

supplier. We know we have a long way to 

go, but at Pika ReTech, we will not only 

stay with what we have done so far for 

our developed technology, but also bring 

the existing ones to a higher level. We 

want to take the motto of ‘Reinventing the 

Wheel’ everywhere with new technologies 

that have never been discussed before. 

But I want to state once again that as 

a company that strives to make our 

customers successful with our current 

technology, we also want them to succeed 

with new technologies and systems we are 

developing. P 

In our machine sales, we first begin by 

following customer requirements, or by 

asking customers technical questions 

of what they understand from their 

The Plugin version 

of ReFogger can be 

adapted to machines 

with Ecoresinator by 

Siempelkamp 


FURNITURE MANUFACTURING 

Pushing against tradition 

with FinChinaSoft 

The Chinese software developer wants to change the furniture 

industry by encouraging digitalisation, joint ventures, and the 

development of customised furniture. 

demand for customised furniture in China is 

gradually increasing, and this puts forward 

higher requirements for the management and 

informatisation level of furniture companies. 

However, different markets will have different 

styles and preferences for customised 

furniture. The company, having years of 

experience in the Chinese market, has a “good 

understanding of the development history of 

the custom furniture industry and can provide 

corresponding solutions for enterprises at 

different stages”. 

FinChinaSoft at 

Malaysian Wood Expo 

(MWE) 2023 

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in 

Guangzhou, China, FinChinaSoft develops 

integrated software solutions for furniture 

manufacturing companies across the world, 

from China, South Korea, across South East 

Asia, all the way to Brazil. 

The kinds of software that they provide 

include computer-aided design and 

manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems, 

manufacturing execution system (MES), 

computerised numerical control (CNC) 

software, and more, all to help furniture 

companies achieve intelligent and automated 

production. 

“For example, we use software systems 

to connect sales data from sales stores to 

factories, allowing factories to understand 

their sales status and future sales 

expectations in real time. This allows them 

to adjust inventory plans and develop more 

efficient production plans,” the spokesperson 

from FinChinaSoft at Malaysian Wood Expo 

(MWE) 2023 told Panels & Furniture Asia. 

“In this way, we help companies improve 

the utilisation rate of raw materials, and 

help them cope with challenges such as 

manpower shortages and rising raw material 

prices.” 

One particular furniture segment that 

FinChinaSoft is focusing on recently 

is customised furniture. According to 

FinChinaSoft, the demand for customised 

furniture is on the rise globally. “In the past, 

many furniture companies mainly targeted 

the US market. However, as the US market 

shrank, these companies began to pay 

attention to the local market. Especially for 

personalised products such as customised 

cabinets and wardrobes, the domestic 

market is more competitive.” 

FinChinaSoft believes that with the 

development of customised furniture, the 

market will start developing in the direction 

of cluster competition. The domestic 

Currently, FinChinaSoft is focusing on the 

field of customised furniture supply chain 

integration. What this means is they are 

looking to connect different enterprises 

in a network to achieve multi-enterprise 

joint manufacturing. In other words, a joint 

venture. 

“Traditional furniture manufacturers are 

usually used to completing all production 

aspects independently, but we believe that 

joint ventures with multiple companies can 

bring into play their respective advantages. 

This requires furniture companies to change 

their traditional thinking and accept a 

cooperation model similar to automobile 

or aircraft manufacturing. This change in 

thinking, however, is one of the biggest 

challenges.” 

The spokesperson concluded: “To cope with 

this challenge, we will continue to encourage 

furniture companies to upgrade themselves 

by digitalising and automatising. On our 

end, we will improve the management and 

informatisation level of furniture companies 

through education and training, to help them 

better adapt to market demand.” P 



Innovation: 

Six-sided CNC 

drilling centre for 

more possibilities 

In response to the demand for high-end 

customisation, Nanxing Machinery has 

developed the new FT2 model of six-sided 

drilling machine which can process panel 

furniture easily, and addresses one of the 

pain points of batch-size-one production: 

high precision in workpiece positioning. 

control (CNC) point-to-point (PTP) 

processing centres, which could perform 

complex operations like five-sided drilling, 

top slotting, engraving, milling, and cutting 

without manual intervention. However, 

PTP had strict requirements for board 

placement, especially for the alignment of 

the front and top edges of the workpiece. 

When working with different-sized panels, 

manual adjustments were needed for the 

table beam and vacuum pads’ positions 

every time. Furthermore, when rear drilling 

or slotting was required, operators had 

to manually flip the workpiece, affecting 

the overall efficiency and introducing 

unavoidable accuracy errors due to the 

repeated positioning. 

With the rapid growth of the panel furniture 

market, especially in the customised 

furniture segment, while striving for the 

continuous improvement of furniture 

design software and the maturation of CNC 

technology applications, a breakthrough 

in drilling technology occurred with 

the introduction of the CNC six-sided 

drilling centre. According to Nanxing, 

this innovation has reportedly solved the 

aforementioned pain point of batch-size-one 

production, and has gradually replaced 

some of PTP’s market share, becoming a 

popular choice in the market. 

During the production of customised furniture, 

the drilling process places high demands on the 

equipment’s flexibility and precision. Not only 

do panel specifications vary, but the positions 

of the holes, the diameters and spacing 

differ, on top of high precision requirements. 

Additionally, the need for high-end customised 

furniture features like hinges, light grooves, 

The new six-sided CNC drilling 

machine, NCB612FT2 model by Nanxing 

Lamello, and more adds further complexity 

to the processing requirements. The 

organisation of different processes directly 

also impacts production quality, efficiency, 

and costs. 

In the early days, most factories used beamtype 

vacuum table computerised numerical 

As the CNC six-sided drilling technology 

matures, it has also gained more functions. 

In response to the demand for high-end 

customisation, Nanxing Machinery has 

developed the NCB612FT2 model, which 

combines drilling and milling, making 

it easy to use and to process furniture 

boards. Its upper processing unit features 

an automatic tool change spindle with 

a c-axis, high-speed drilling blocks, and 

the left- and right-side of the unit are 

equipped with a two-position inline tool 

magazine. Equipped with a cross-angle 

head and adjustable angle head, the 

NCB612FT2 model can handle various 

concealed hole and slot positions required 

for high-end drilling and milling processes, 

including Lamello, bevelled Lamello, and 

hinges. What used to require at least three 

machines to complete can now be done in 

a single setup, with higher precision based 

on the same reference point, minimising 



additional processing steps. This thus makes 

batch-size-one production more efficient 

and improves output, as well as replacing 

the need for PTP processing. 

A breakthrough in the hardware lies in 

the left spindle, which features a c-axis 

rotation and automatic tool change. It can 

automatically switch between adjustable 

aggregates and cross-angle heads. The 

cross-angle head is equipped with four 

independent tools for easy installation and 

replacement. It can rotate 360° and perform 

multi-directional side milling. The adjustable 

aggregate is adjustable from 0-90° and 

is equipped with saw blade tools, which 

can also rotate 360° for multi-directional 

slotting and concealed slot processing. The 

right spindle in the upper processing unit is 

equipped with the eight-position inline tool 

magazine that allows quick and convenient 

tool changing. Combined with the optimised 

layout of the high-speed drilling unit, the 

drilling efficiency is improved with 3x2 drill 

bits in the x-axis and 2x2 drill bits in the 

y-axis of the board position, along with 18 

upper drill bits and a frog-jumping drilling 

path. 

In addition to hardware improvements, the 

smart control system and operating software 

of the six-sided CNC drilling centre combine 

the programme import, processing lists, 

graphic previews, programme processing, 

and the manual programming database 

management into one function. It can 

recognise various file formats like XML, 

MPR, and BPP, thus organising different 

components efficiently. It is user-friendly, 

and operators can process workpieces 

directly by making simple adjustments or 

scanning QR codes, resulting in a finished 

product from a single positioning. 

The six-sided CNC drilling centre has 

continuously evolved to meet growing 

market demands in just a few years, 

spawning a range of products with different 

functions within a single drilling and 

slotting machine. This wave of innovations 

has redefined the possibilities of CNC 

six-sided drilling, and Nanxing’s NCB612FT2 

multifunctional drilling and milling 

integrated six-sided CNC drilling centre is the 

newest addition to this wave. P 

1 

Legend 

1 The smart control 

system and operating 

software combine 

the programme 

import, processing 

lists, graphic 

previews, programme 

processing, and the 

manual programming 

database management 

into one function 



Synchronously 

adjustable jointing cutter 

for office and kitchen 

furniture production 

Office and kitchen furniture supplier Holtkamp Möbelteile places 

emphasis on high-quality standards in its production. This aspiration 

is supported by a synchronously adjustable jointing cutter from Leuco 

that ensures a high production standard for Holtkamp, while reducing 

setup times to a minimum. 

Ali Parlak, production manager 

at Holtkamp. “Our customers can 

rely on our on-time production 

and delivery. At the same time, 

we guarantee a high standard of 

products and the implementation 

of all customer requirements.” 

Parlak has worked for the furniture 

supplier since 2018 and has 25 

years of experience in the kitchen 

industry. The high standard at 

Holtkamp is reflected directly in 

the demands placed on the tools. 

“Since our customers have highquality 

standards, we routinely 

change the jointing cutters at 

defined intervals,” he said. All this 

makes setup time and tool costs 

important criteria in the supplier’s 

decision of what tools to procure. 

From left: Sven 

Marschner, LEUCO 

sales engineer, 

Holtkamp’s CEO 

Jan Holtkamp and 

production manager 

Ali Parlak 

Based in Melle, near Osnabrück, 

Germany, Holtkamp is a supplier 

of the kitchen and office furniture 

industry, with over 50 people 

employed and has 20,000m 2 of 

production and storage space. Its 

operations comprise, on the one 

hand, the large-scale production 

of several thousand furniture parts 

per batch and, on the other, the 

manufacturing of subcontracted parts 

in lots of one with just-in-time delivery, 

according to Leuco. 

“One of Holtkamp’s strengths is its 

unconditional delivery reliability,” said 

IDEALLY SUITED FOR IDENTICAL 

PANEL HEIGHTS 

This was therefore the reason 

why Parlak showed interest when 

Leuco informed him about the 

new synchronously adjustable 

jointing cutter DIAREX airFace 

and its advantages. The milling 



cutter is ideal when machining 

large quantities with a constant 

panel height, where the same point 

of the cutting edges is stressed 

all the time. This is because the 

synchronously adjustable jointing 

cutter consists of two tool parts 

whose distance from each other 

is set by an adjustment function. 

In this way, new and sharp cutting 

edge sections are always used, 

and the cutting edge width is 

utilised to the fullest potential, 

Leuco reported. Their diamond tips 

ensure a long edge life as well. 

At Holtkamp, the synchronously 

adjustable DIAREX airFace jointing 

cutter with a diameter of 200mm 

is primarily used for large-series 

production on a four-sided IMA 

Schelling Combima sizing and edge 

processing line, specifically on a 

unit with a 40mm shaft. Holtkamp 

mainly uses it to produce cabinet 

components made of 16mm 

particleboard with a precise narrowface 

coating of polyurethane reactive 

(PUR). 

1 

Parlak commented: “The 


cutter is excellent for use when 

working with identical panel 

thicknesses because you have a 

sharp cutting edge in the area of the 

panel surface.” 

HOLTKAMP: “THE SYNCHRONOUS 

MILLING CUTTER IS WORTH IT” 

Compared to a conventional jointing 

cutter, Leuco promised an extension 

in edge life ideally by a factor of 

five. Parlak confirmed it: “We adjust 

the tool 4-5 times on average. 

As a result, the edge life of the 

synchronous jointing cutter is five 

times longer.” 

Another advantage is the shortening 

and simplification of the setup 

process, which conventionally takes 

between 45-60 minutes. With the 


cutter, this means a short machine 

stop, readjustment with an Allen key 

in the machine without removing the 

tool, and no readjustment of the motor 

as the reference point remains the 

same as the tool parts move towards 

each other. All in all, a maximum of 10 

minutes of downtime, provided it is 

changed by an experienced machine 

operator. 

The production manager underlined 

the economic efficiency of the tool: 

“The synchronous milling cutter 

pays off for us from the moment 

the higher acquisition costs have 

been amortised by the reduced 

sharpening costs and saved machine 

downtimes.” 

Based on these positive experiences, 

Holtkamp wants to stay with this tool. 

According to Leuco, the company 

has already ordered a next set of 

synchronously adjustable jointers. P 

2 

Legend 

1 Minimal machine 

downtime, maximum 

cutting edge 

utilisation: A sharp 

cutting edge area is 

set with a small turn 

2 The efficiency of 

the synchronously 

adjustable jointing 

cutter comes to 

full bear in series 

production with 

the same panel 

thicknesses 



‘Saudisation’ leads 

to automation wave 

in furniture industry 

Amid governmental support in Saudi Arabia 

for modernising the country’s manufacturing 

capabilities, furniture manufacturer Al Joaib wants 

to remain competitive. 

By Peter Hartmann, senior consultant, Schuler Consulting 

On top of insights into 

the production of Al 

Joaib and the various 

project stages, the 

project was marked 

by cultural highlights, 

such as a visit to the 

King Abdulaziz Center 

for World Culture 

The government of the Kingdom of 

Saudi Arabia wants to develop the 

country’s manufacturing sector from 

relying on manual labour to a highly 

automated industry. The core of this 

‘Saudisation’ aims to drastically increase 

the cost of work permits for foreign 

production workers, so that companies 

hire more local skilled workers and 

invest in more efficient and automated 

manufacturing. In 2023, the five-year 

transition period for increasing the cost 

of foreign work permits ends. As a result, 

the competitiveness and profitability 

of many companies are now at stake. 

The Saudi furniture manufacturer Al 

Joaib has decided to act, relying on the 

support of Schuler Consulting. 

Al Joaib is a kitchen, bathroom 

and home furniture manufacturer 

specialising in the production, supply 

and installation of furniture for large 

housing projects. The project business 

is geared towards larger housing 

projects in the range of three- to fourdigit 

residential units. Al Joaib not 

only produces the furniture, but also 

carries out the assembly service on 

site. In addition, the manufacturer uses 

5% of the production capacity for the 

retail business and special orders in 

the high-end segment. Here, Al Joaib 

also cooperates with other European 

furniture manufacturers such as 

Bauformat Küchen and Noteborn. 

With a total of 82 employees, 33 in 

production and 49 salaried, Al Joaib 

produces around 20,000 cabinets per 

year in single-shift operation. The main 

products are Euro-style kitchens, vanity 

units and built-in cupboards. Until a 

few years ago, the manufacturer was 

recognised for its kitchens with solid 

wood fronts. This trend has changed: 

Today, flat, melamine-coated fronts are 

in demand. 

The first goal in the optimisation project 

with Schuler Consulting was to save 

personnel. In addition, Al Joaib wants 

to optimise resource use in production 

and implement new machinery in the 

factory. 



PROJECT STAGES 

First, increase productivity per 

employee: Al Joaib’s assignment to 

Schuler Consulting was to develop 

a future-proof production concept 

for manufacturing. The first step 

was not to increase capacity, but to 

increase productivity per worker: in 

other words, to achieve the same 

output with a smaller workforce. 

As such, the goal was to reduce the 

workforce by 30%. Through the 

analysis of all production processes 

and the optimisations derived from 

it, the target value was exceeded: 

The planned value in the optimised 

production concept became 37% less 

in manpower. 

The next step was to set up the 

production concept in a scalable 

way to enable future development 

steps. For example, Al Joaib could 

double the capacity in single-shift 

operation by investing step by step in 

known bottlenecks. Through these 

investments, Al Joaib was able to 

eliminate bottlenecks in production 

and was able to achieve double the 

output with a minimal increase in 

workforce. 

Second, optimisations in the area of 

cutting, edging, and assembly: In the 

cutting department, parts handling 

was made more efficient; fewer 

employees are now needed to stack 

the cut parts. In addition, a softwaresupported 

cutting optimisation with 

an import function from the work 

preparation should simplify and 

optimise the processes at the saw in 

the future. 

In the edgebanding step, the 

investment in a new edgebander is 

necessary because their edgebanders 

do not deliver satisfactory 

edgebanding quality, resulting in a 

lot of reworks due to the removal of 

adhesive residue in their current dayto-day 

business. A new edgebander 

can potentially eliminate this rework 

and also minimise setup times. In 

addition, a recirculation system is 

being implemented, which increased 

the efficiency in parts handling. 

The biggest structural change is 

taking place in assembly: Here, a new 

assembly concept, a flow production 

with carcase press, is currently being 

implemented. At the moment, the 

employees assemble the cabinets 

manually at different assembly 

stations in production. This is more 

flexible, but not efficient. In the new 

concept, the individual assembly steps 

in a flow production are arranged 

in optimised work areas along an 

assembly line. This includes separate 

pre-assembly for drawers and front 

fittings, as well as an optimised 

pre-insertion area, front and drawer 

assembly and attached packaging. 

Kitchen and bathroom cabinets are 

currently screwed together by hand 

during assembly. In the future, the 

cabinets can be pressed together 

using a carcase press with a pure 

dowel connection. There will also be 

a commissioning area for the carcase 

parts and fronts upstream of the 

assembly. Following assembly, the 

packaging has been designed in such 

a way that both assembled carcasses 

and flat packs can be efficiently 

packed. 

In the future, Al Joaib will also 

consistently use a transport 

and buffer system in the form of 

roller conveyors for logistics in 

prefabrication. Currently, transport 

is done manually with lift trucks. 

In addition, there is a lack of buffer 

spaces between processes, which 

is problematic when it comes 

to balancing out production 

fluctuations. Newly arranged, fixed 

buffer locations allow, on the one 

hand, simpler intermediate storage 

of components between processes, 

and on the other, they can limit the 

production quantities in upstream 

processes and thus prevent 

overproduction. The new logistics 

concept simplifies the material flow 

in production so that parts can flow 

through production more efficiently 

and in a more regulated manner. This 

regulation enables better control 

of the production process and also 

creates more transparency in the 

production performance. 

Third, flexible drilling concept for 

production: To improve flexibility, 

accuracy and quality in drilling, Al 

Joaib is investing in new drilling 

machines. Although the investment 

The first goal in 

the optimisation 

project with Schuler 

Consulting was to 

save personnel 



AI Joaib is a kitchen, 

bathroom and 

home furniture 

manufacturer 

in these new machines requires a 

similarly high level of employee 

input, the added value here lies 

in more flexible and efficient and 

qualitatively better component 

machining. In particular, the setup 

processes are minimised, and 

the rework caused by inaccurate 

drilling is eliminated. Although 

Al Joaib operates in the project 

business, the production volumes 

do not justify the acquisition of a 

high-performance drilling machine. 

For this reason, and to maintain 

scalability, a more flexible drilling 

concept is used, which can efficiently 

handle the entire spectrum of parts. 

Flexible machining allows batch sizes 

to be minimised. This creates more 

flexibility in production planning and 

subsequent delivery. 

In the optimisation project with 

Al Joaib, the Schuler team has 

uncovered a lot of potential. The 

furniture manufacturer wants 

to build on this foundation and 

push ahead with further projects 

together with Schuler, such as 

the digitalisation of production 

and work preparation. Among 

other things, the implementation 

of a new computer-aided design 

and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) 

system and the use of Digital Value 

Stream Optimization by Schuler 

are on the list. These investments 

in digitalisation are paying off 

especially at the present time 

in Saudi Arabia, where the state 

subsidises projects that fall under 

Industry 4.0, with up to 75% from 

various funding sources. 

A wave of modernisation, 

digitalisation and automation is 

rolling towards Saudi Arabia that 

will not only produce winners. The 

message is clear: Those who do not 

follow suit and modernise to be 

competitive will have to discontinue 

their business in the long term. 

Al Joaib has set the course for its 

future together with the Saudisation 

wave, but it remains to be seen 

whether other companies will 

follow. P 

OUTLOOK 

The managing director of AI Joaib, 

Mohammed Al Joaib, is satisfied 

with the results of the project and is 

pleased with the support of Schuler 

Consulting: “I am very happy that we 

were able to win Schuler Consulting 

for the improvement of our furniture 

production. The expectations are 

high and we look forward to working 

together to achieve these goals. The 

project is part of our continuous 

development to increase customer 

satisfaction.” 

As such, the cooperation between 

Al Joaib and Schuler Consulting 

continues. Sales manager Ahsraf 

Anwar also confirmed: “My wish is 

to create a well-organised furniture 

factory that is able to achieve our 

production targets and meet the 

delivery times demanded by our 

customers. Schuler Consulting 

provides us with the roadmap to 

success — the professional advice 

online and especially on site as well 

as the know-how make the decisive 

difference.” 

Peter Hartmann is a senior 

consultant at Schuler Consulting 

and is active in Europe and South 

East Asia. He supports companies 

in the furniture and timber 

construction industries in setting 

up and implementing efficient, 

modern factories. 



“The most innovative 

technologies are, 

on their own, not enough” 

Desicor chose Cefla 

Finishing as their 

partner to install a 

new finishing line 

Desicor, a Portuguese producer of 

furniture and decorative panels, wanted 

to renew its production line and obtain 

high-quality surface finishes: deep 

matte, hard-wearing, and scratchresistant. 

It manufactures over 40,000 

pieces a week and exports 99.8% of 

them worldwide via its Oneskin brand. 

To achieve this goal, it was necessary 

to merge the most recent drying 

technologies with those already used by 

the company, and help workers get used 

to the new system. 

A NEW PLANT AND FINISHING LINE BY 

CEFLA FINISHING 

Desicor chose Cefla Finishing as its 

technological partner for surface 

finishing operations. To be more 

specific, Desicor was interested in 

Cefla’s flat panel and 3D-finishing 

technologies, which provide ultramatte, 

soft-touch, anti-fingerprint 

and scratch-resistant finishes. 

Furthermore, the company wanted 

to produce self-healing surfaces and 

edge finishes that match the panel 

surface to perfection. 

To achieve those goals, Cefla Finishing 

came up with a customised solution 

that could be combined with the 

existing technology to give rise to 

a new production line. The new 

finishing process starts with cleaning 

of the panel, which has already been 

prepared with a primer. Then comes 

the spray application of the finish, 

followed by an evaporation stage and 

final drying with an excimer oven and 

UV lamps. 

The result? Integration of Cefla 

Finishing’s Exydry oven into Desicor’s 

existing coating line has allowed the 

manufacturer to provide the market 

with ultra-matte products, even 

with objects that have complex 

shapes. With the new finishing 

line, Desicor is now able to offer 

retailers higher-quality products 



and strengthen the reputation of its 

Oneskin brand. Furthermore, the 

company has overcome pitfalls of 

integrating new technologies into an 

existing production framework, and 

personnel are now skilled, trained and 

able to use the new line confidently. 

By partnering with Cefla, Desicor has 

surmounted a prickly transition phase 

and can now enjoy the advantages of 

a high-performance plant. The results 

stemmed from close collaboration 

between Cefla and Desicor all the 

way up to the full adoption of the 

new plant, an approach designed to 

continuously maximise productivity, 

according to Cefla. 

“The Desicor case study is no 

simple success story in which new 

technologies lead to exciting results,” 

commented Christian Giovannini, 

product manager at Cefla Finishing. 

“Here, there is a deeper message: 

The most innovative technologies 

are, on their own, not enough. Such 

technologies, instead, need to be 

paired with a change management 

process that leads to seamless 

inclusion of the new plant within the 

corporate ecosystem.” 

The decision to renew production 

facilities is always tricky for a 

manufacturer. On the one hand, there 

is an awareness that technological 

innovation will yield competitive 

advantages, such as higher 

productivity, better-quality products, 

or a broader product range to offer the 

market. On the other hand, companies 

will need to carefully consider the ROI 

and the impact new production lines 

can have on established business 

processes. 

Cefla aims to deliver straightforward 

ROI estimates: Simulations performed 

in their LAB, a space dedicated to 

running R&D tests on their machines, 

allow their solutions to be tested 

with the customer’s products, thus 

streamlining calculations. However, 

that same mathematical precision 

cannot be applied when calculating 

the impact of the new line on the 

company’s production ecosystem. 

To respond to this uncertainty, Cefla 

Finishing reportedly offers customer 

service and assistance throughout 

the lifecycle of the new line. While 

there is no mathematical formula 

to support this statement, there are 

plenty of case studies they can turn 

to, such as Desicor, that offer proof 

of it. 

INTRODUCING A NEW 

PRODUCTION LINE INTO A 

CONSOLIDATED SETTING 

Getting a new finishing line up and 

running offers a great opportunity 

to boost productivity and ensure 

higher-quality results. However, 

in spite of the enthusiasm for the 

new plant, the production startup 

process was demanding. A 

combination of innovative coatings 

and complex technology proved 

to be a significant challenge: This 

was particularly evident in certain 

product categories, such as doors 

with glass panes or doors pre-drilled 

for hinges. So how should this 

challenge be addressed to ensure the 

new plant becomes a true asset as 

opposed to a hindrance for company 

and workers? 

That said, it is important to understand 

that this process often requires 

significant commitment and effort 

on the part of the entire organisation. 

That is why it is vital to choose a 

technological partner who can 

1 

The first goal in 

the optimisation 

project with Schuler 

Consulting was to 

save personnel 

2 



provide close support throughout 

this transition phase. Cefla believes 

that their own strength lies in the 

relationships it establishes with 

customers. Being an ideal partner, 

not just a supplier, means sharing 

and cooperating, not just to identify 

the most advantageous technological 

solution but also, above all, to 

overcome difficulties and solve 

problems companies can encounter. 

“In Cefla there is always an expert 

available, well-prepared on the latest 

technology and ready to help,” said 

Pedro Ramos, process engineering 

manager at Desicor. 

3 

Legend 

1 Close 

collaboration 

between Cefla 

and Desicor all 

the way up to 

the full adoption 

of the new plant 

is designed to 

continuously 

maximise 

productivity 

2 The Exydry oven 

can dry objects 

that have complex 

shapes 

3 Desicor’s Oneskin 

brand supplies 

lacquered boards 

A PARTNERSHIP RENEWED YEAR 

AFTER YEAR 

After almost 10 years of partnership, 

Ramos believes the just-described 

challenge has further strengthened 

the trust between Cefla and Desicor. 

According to Cefla, this success 

depends on more than the advanced 

technologies and high performance 

that they provide. What makes Ramos 

confident that Desicor and Cefla will 

remain partners for a long time is 

the assistance he and Desicor have 

received over the years. It is, then, 

this partnership philosophy in Cefla 

Finishing that guides each project and 

relations with each customer, creating 

a solid, lasting bond based on mutual 

trust. P 


MATERIALS 

Freedom to experiment 

in American hardwood 

Jarrod Lim’s designs for IFMAC & WOODMAC exhibition demonstrate 

the variety of aesthetics, uses and species of American hardwoods. 

diverse selection of colours and grain 

patterns, American species are also 

favoured by manufacturers. The 

consistently high quality of species 

available in the Asia-Pacific region, 

from the popular red and white oaks 

to the newly fashionable maples and 

cherry, means the timbers are easy 

to work, easier on machines and less 

likely to split or damage equipment, 

which can often be an issue with lower 

quality timber on the market. 

Jarrod Lim 

at IFMAC & 

WOODMAC 

Experimentation matters if design and 

designers are to continue to develop. 

Jarrod Lim is no stranger to an open 

brief and it is one of the reasons he 

was unfazed by the request from 

AHEC’s director for South East Asia 

and Greater China John Chan to create 

a booth for the International Furniture 

Manufacturing Component Exhibition 

(IFMAC & WOODMAC) in Jakarta, 

Indonesia — a design that “showed 

the creative possibilities of American 

hardwood species”. 

“I am often asked by clients to show 

them a range of designs, and it can 

be the opportunity for me to explore 

what works and what does not, and 

try things I have been thinking of and 

bring them to life,” said Lim. 

Lim is an award-winning designer 

based in Singapore. His studio, Jarrod 

Lim Studio Design, was established 

in 2011 to provide a range of design 

services, from product design through 

to branding, art direction, interiors 

and exhibitions. 

The American red oak structure 

created by Lim housed a range of new 

furniture pieces made from different 

American hardwoods, including a 

dining table and chairs, stools, a 

lounge chair and a carved ottoman in 

thermally modified American red oak. 

Lim described working with American 

species as ‘second nature’. Favoured 

by designers around the region for 

the variety of species with an equally 

Working with skilled craftspersons 

at Omega Mas in Surabaya, Lim was 

able to experiment with thermally 

modified red oak to create the Kyan 

Ottoman and Side Table. Thermal 

modification is a process in which the 

timber is baked almost to the point of 

combustion, thus changing both the 

cellular structure and the colour of the 

timber. 

‘‘It was important for me to show that 

it was not a surface treatment applied 

to the timber. That is why I decided 

that carving out chunks would better 

showcase how thermal modification 

changes the properties of the material 

right through. Cooking the wood 

removes moisture, resulting in a timber 

which is more suitable for the humidity 

of the South East Asian climate,“ said 

Lim. 

Showcasing his specialty in designing 

for each market’s needs, Lim created 

the Maldives lounge chair with 

a slightly wider, thicker frame to 

account for the robustness favoured 

by North American markets. He said 

of the design: ”While I tend to favour 


MATERIALS 

1 

1 

3 

2 

4 

2 

5 

Legend 

1 Squarish Stools in American red oak 

2 Kyon Ottoman and Side Table in carved, thermally 

modified American red oak 

3 Kellan Dining chair in American white oak 

4 Torii chair in thermally modified American red oak 

5 Maldives Lounge chair in American white oak 

a minimalistic style, North American 

customers tend to look for furniture 

which feel sturdier. Even if the original 

design is robust enough, I deliberately 

add visual and design cues to highlight 

the feeling of solidness and strength. 

While this is a slight departure from my 

design style, this also encourages me 

to step outside of my comfort zone and 

reassess my approach to design.“ 

Lim further experimented with the 

seemingly simple Kellan dining chair. 

‘‘If you look closely you see will multiple 

joint lines, as this was an ongoing 

process to achieve the look that I was 

aiming for. I do have experience as a 

maker, so I was able to get hands-on 

with an angle grinder and tools to 

demonstrate to the craftspersons what I 

wanted in terms of outcome.“ 

Lim concluded: “As a designer, it matters 

to spend time to really understand 

your material. Different timbers come 

in different sizes, thicknesses and 

lengths and each species has its unique 

qualities. By knowing the material 

well, you can design to reduce wastage 

and minimise production costs while 

concentrating on beauty, strength and 

sustainability.” P 


MATERIALS 

Timber laminating 

adhesives market projected 

to worth US$1.331bn by 2028 

According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the 

timber laminating adhesives market exhibits 

high growth potential and is projected to reach a 

market size of US$1.331bn by 2028 from $957m 

in 2023, at a CAGR of 6.8%. 1 

Europe is the one of the largest markets for 

timber laminating adhesives, but Asia-Pacific 

posts the largest growth. The demand for timber 

laminating adhesives is increasing in the floor 

beam, roof beam, window and door header, and 

trusses and supporting column segments. The 

demand from developing nations, such as China, 

India, Brazil and Argentina are expected to drive 

the global timber laminating adhesives market. 

FLOOR BEAM SEGMENT TO ACCOUNT FOR 

LARGEST SHARE OF MARKET 

The MarketsandMarkets report states that the 

application of timber laminating adhesives for 

floor beam accounts for the largest share in 

the market in terms of both value and volume 

in 2023. Timber laminating adhesives facilitate 

the creation of strong and lightweight floor 

beams that can support significant loads 

while offering design flexibility. This aspect is 

particularly appealing in various construction 

ATTRACTIVE OPPORTUNITIES IN 

THE TIMBER LAMINATING ADHESIVES MARKET 

 

 

 

 

ASIA 

PACIFIC 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

projects, including residential, commercial, and 

industrial buildings, where optimised structural 

performance and reduced construction weight 

are essential. 

Moreover, advancements in adhesive 

technologies have played a significant role 

in driving the adoption of timber laminating 

adhesives for floor beam applications. 

Modern adhesives reportedly offer superior 

bonding strength, durability, and resistance to 

environmental factors, ensuring the long-term 

stability and safety of engineered timber floor 

beams. These innovations have bolstered 

the confidence of architects, engineers, and 

builders in using timber laminating adhesives in 

critical load-bearing applications. 

RESIDENTIAL APPLICATIONS HOLD LARGEST 

GROWING SEGMENT IN OVERAL MARKET 

The residential end-use industry holds the largest 

share in terms of both the value and volume 

in the overall timber laminating adhesives 

market. The increasing emphasis on sustainable 

building practices is driving the demand for 

timber laminating adhesives in residential 

construction. Homeowners and construction 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

professionals share a common interest in finding 

environmentally conscious options, and timber 

laminating adhesives can offer a solution by 

enabling the production of engineered wood 

items. This helps decrease the reliance on 

conventional materials that have greater carbon 

emissions. Timber laminating adhesives also 

contribute to efficient construction practices. 

Engineered wood components are prefabricated, 

allowing for quicker assembly and reduced on-site 

construction time. This can lead to cost savings 

and minimised disruption to homeowners during 

the construction process. 

Furthermore, the increasing global population 

is directly contributing to a surge in demand 

for timber laminating adhesives within the 

residential construction sector. According to 

the report, as urbanisation intensifies and more 

people seek housing solutions, the residential 

construction sector faces mounting pressure to 

accommodate this population influx. Traditional 

construction materials may struggle to keep 

up with the pace of demand, prompting a shift 

towards innovative alternatives like timber 

laminating adhesives. These adhesives enable 

the creation of engineered wood products 

that can be rapidly manufactured off-site and 

assembled on-site, expediting construction 

processes to meet the escalating need for 

housing. 

ASIA-PACIFIC LIKELY TO BE FASTEST 

GROWING REGION 

Rapid urbanisation and industrialisation 

are occurring across various Asia-Pacific 

countries. As economies flourish and urban 

populations surge, there is an escalating 

demand for efficient construction solutions to 

accommodate this growth. Timber laminating 

adhesives can be an alternative as they enable 

the construction of durable and aesthetically 

pleasing structures while optimising resources 


MATERIALS 

Investors or Funders 

Timber Laminating 

Adhesive Manufacturers 

Product R&D and Production Distributors/Suppliers End Users (OEM) End Users (Aftermarket) 

Prominent Companies 

Small and Private Enterprises 

Joint Ventures 

(Prominent Companies 

and Startups) 

Direct/indirect distribution is preferred by major Carbon 

Researchers/Organizations Regulatory Bodies Nanotubes manufacturers to cover more geographic area 

Regulatory Bodies 

and construction time. The Asia-Pacific 

region’s rapid urbanisation, cultural affinity 

for timber, sustainability considerations, and 

the expanding middle class all contribute to 

its position as the fastest-growing market for 

timber laminating adhesives. As these factors 

continue to converge, the demand for timberbased 

construction solutions in the region is 

expected to remain robust. 

• Prominent Companies 

• Small- and Medium-sized 

Enterprise Suppliers & 

Retailers 

• Residential 

• Non Residential 

• Government Contractors 

• Private Contractors 

STRINGENT REGULATIONS RESTRICT 

GROWTH OF MARKET 

According to the report, the principal 

challenge that the timber laminating 

adhesives market faces is the implementation 

of stringent regulatory policies. As 

environmental and health considerations take 

centre stage, governments and regulatory 

bodies are tightening their grip on the 

use of various chemicals and materials. 

These regulations can include volatile 

organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde 

content, and overall chemical composition. 

Manufacturers and suppliers might need to 

reformulate their products to comply with 

these new standards. 

Fluctuations in raw material prices also limit 

the growth of the market. Price volatility 

affects the overall stability of the solution; 

the market’s susceptibility to these shifts 

arises from its dependence on specific 

materials used in adhesive formulations. As 

such, when raw material prices increase, so 

do the cost structure of producing timber 

laminating adhesives. Manufacturers might 

struggle to retain competitive pricing while 

dealing with unpredictable expenses of the 

core ingredients, which in turn affects 

profits. P 

Reference: 

1. MarketsandMarkets. Timber laminating adhesives market. 

 


STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS 

1 From Image 2 of 

the BIM rendering to 

Image 1 of the finished 

site, a third of the typical 

construction time was 

taken to construct NTU 

ABS with prefabricated 

construction, also 

known as Design for 

Manufacture and 

Assembly (DfMA) 

Image 1: Steeltech 

Industries 

Image 2: Stora Enso 

2 

Nanyang Technological 

University Academic 

Building South 

Nanyang Technological University’s 

Academic Building South (NTU ABS), 

also known as Gaia, breaks records 

in construction not just for its sheer 

size, positive health benefits and 

sustainability, but also because it 

proves wood construction is doable 

in rain-soaked climates. 

Location: Singapore 

Architects: Toyo Ito & Associates, 

Architects; RSP Architects Planners 

& Engineers 

Client: Nanyang Technological 

University (NTU) 

Mass timber and 

steel subcontractor: 

Steeltech Industries 

Specialist timber engineer: Eurban 

CLT: 7,700m³ Sylva by Stora Enso CLT 

Walls, Floors, Roofs and Stairs 

Glulam: 6,000m³ glulam by WiEHAG 

Date of completion: 2022 

Text: Stora Enso 



The NTU ABS in Singapore is one of the first 

timber landscrapers in the world with an 

enormous 42,000m² footprint. Stora Enso claims 

that the horizontal megastructure would be 

the 2nd tallest building in the world if stacked 

vertically, and it is their largest delivery to a single 

building — living proof that replacing concrete 

at scale is viable. With 13,000m³ of mass timber 

certified by the Programme for the Endorsement 

of Forest Certification (PEFC) used for the 

construction, NTU ABS is now also said to be 

Asia’s largest mass timber building too. 

3 

Legend 

3 The entrance 

to NTU ABS 

(Image: Steeltech 

Industries) 

4 With Sylva, work 

site injuries 

are minimised 

(Image: Steeltech 

Industries) 

Named Gaia after the Greek goddess of Earth, the 

six-storey development is a space for learning, 

research and innovation, where NTU students, 

faculty and staff can meet and connect to 

uncover new opportunities for collaboration and 

discovery. 1 

4 

Singapore is one of the wettest places on Earth. 

Located near the equator, abundant daily rainfall 

and high humidity pose serious challenges. 

During this construction, Singapore experienced 

the most rainfall in 40 years. It is safe to say that 

NTU ABS can be a water ingress and moisture 

management test case. 

If wood stays wet over extended periods, mould, 

cracking, or swelling can occur. Although wood 

is highly resilient and can even withstand being 

waterlogged, unlike many building materials, 

it is best kept dry within a moisture content 

range of 11-15% during the transport, storage, 

construction, and in-service stages of a building 

to prevent such issues. 

Wet weather is not typically an issue as 

contractors either erect a protective weather 

cover for dry storage and protection during 

assembly. NTU ABS is nearly the size of Windsor 

Castle, so a construction tent was not feasible. 

However, Sylva by Stora Enso, a kit of custommade, 

prefabricated structural elements, 

delivered an efficient and scalable solution. 

Austrian millworkers flat-packed the equivalent 

of three Olympic swimming pools of Sylva crosslaminated 

timber (CLT) Walls, Floors, Roofs and 

Stairs into 29 shipments. If each container was 

placed end-to-end, they would stretch 2.8km 

long. Each piece was put in the correct loading 

sequence, with trackable labels and ready to be 

assembled without being exposed to moisture 

for a moment longer than necessary. 

That may sound like a headache or the ultimate 

game of Tetris, but with Sylva it was easy, 

according to Stora Enso. The entire delivery was 

completed in 639 days, between September 

2019-June 2021, despite the pandemic and 

blocked Suez Canal. 

HOW WAS THIS POSSIBLE? 

In the conception phase of NTU ABS project, 

Stora Enso worked closely with the project team. 

Using building information modelling (BIM), a 

digital 3D modelling tool, everyone involved 

could visualise the infrastructure and break it 

down into components. The Stora Enso Project 

Support Center calculated how to machine cut 

16m by 2.95m CLT with millimetre precision 

for maximum raw material optimisation — a 

cost-saving and sustainability must for most 

developers. 

Before shipping, Stora Enso protected 

Sylva elements by adding Axil 3000p+ BS, 

an insecticide treatment, to protect against 

insects and termites, as well as an End Grain 

Varnish to the narrow sides for protection from 

water ingress, stains, swelling and shrinking. 

Additionally, all exterior vertical fins, for instance 

the Sylva CLT Columns on the exterior area, 



were clad double-sided in larch for an 

aesthetically pleasing visual surface and 

pre-coated for weather protection. 

An internal look of 

the NTU ABS (Image: 

Steeltech Industries) 

Sylva CLT Floors were pre-fitted with 

metal inserts from RAMPA to facilitate 

easy crane lifting. Sylva CLT Walls were 

fitted with steel plates and screws too 

so the crane operators could quickly 

and safely grip onto the installed metal 

anchors and slot them into position, 

again reducing time exposure to 

moisture. The lifting devices had the 

additional benefit of reducing accidents 

for contractors working at height 

because precise geometry in a factorycontrolled 

setting optimally placed the 

devices for balancing. 

With Sylva, work site injuries are 

minimised. Heavy equipment for 

cutting are performed at ground level 

and coatings applied in well-lit, dry 

and well-ventilated conditions in Stora 

Enso’s mills. Given falls from height are 

still the main cause of fatal accidents 

and injuries within the workplace, safety 

is one of the key reasons developers are 

switching to Sylva. 

Since this project, Stora Enso has 

invested €9m in a new automated 

coating line in their Ybbs sawmill Mill 

in Austria to offer simple and effective 

coatings to protect the Sylva CLT 

elements against moisture, UV radiation 

and insects. The highest quality 

water-based coatings from Ybbs mill, 

which are available both for non-visual 

and visual surface qualities in three 

standard colour tones, ensure minimal 

environmental impact, according to 

Stora Enso. 

BUILDING IN THE RAIN 

A body of knowledge about building 

timber skyscrapers 2 now exists, but 

the science of building horizontally is 

still developing. NTU ABS can inform 

first-hand how design and construction 

decisions can improve moisture 

management at scale. 

NTU ABS was built in nine sections, split 

over two segments, levels 1-3 and levels 

4-roof and 15 installation sections, to 

reduce moisture exposure of the 8,000m² 

floor plates. 

Within only a few short months, it was 

apparent that the exposed internal edges 

of each zone were vulnerable to water 

ingress. 

Contractors started each day sweeping 

off pools of water from the wood, 

and would repeat after the afternoon 

showers. Industrial-sized vacuum 

cleaners were also used too. In total, they 

removed 3,300mm of rain. 

Project plans were adapted quickly. 

Levels 4,5 and 6 were built up in one 

go, preventing exposure to moisture 

and enabling swift waterproofing of the 

50-over balconies, terraces, bridges and 

skylights. 

The overall result is a learning 

environment with exposed solid 

structural sustainable wood. The design 

look and feel supports the university’s 

interactive learning model, with 25 

smart classrooms for technological 

advancement and interactive 

collaboration. 

LOW-CARBON BUILDING 

ACHIEVEMENT 

“Stora Enso is extremely proud of our 

part in helping Singapore reach their 

ambitious net-zero emissions by 2050,” 

said Hope Chuah, technical sales 

engineer with Stora Enso. Singapore 

aims to reduce 60 million tonnes of 

climate-damaging carbon dioxide 

(CO2e) by 2030. 3 

Given the construction industry is 

responsible for nearly 40% of all 

climate-damaging emissions, one of 

the fastest ways for Singapore to reach 

their goal is by encouraging the use of 

sustainable construction. And wood 

is a natural carbon capture storage 

solution. Sylva by Stora Enso alone 

reportedly removed 5,845 tonnes of 

CO2e from the atmosphere while the 

trees were growing, and will store all of 

that safely in NTU ABS for the duration 

of the building’s lifecycle. 

NTU ABS is a 100% PEFC-certified 

mass timber building: 7,673m³ Sylva 

by Stora Enso and 6,000m³ WiEHAG’s 

glue-laminated timber (glulam). 

Transportation emitted 422 tonnes of 

greenhouse gases, since wood is light 

to transport. 

This article was first published by Stora 

Enso, and is republished here with 

permission. 

References: 

1. NTU. Gaia, the largest wooden building in Asia, 

launched. 

2. BBC. ‘Plyscrapers’: The rise of the wooden skyscraper. 

 

3. National Climate Change Secretariat Singapore. 

Singapore commits to achieve net-zero emissions 

by 2050 and to a revised 2030 nationally determined 

contribution; public sector and Jurong Lake District to 

lead the way with net-zero targets. 


高境機械工業有限公司 

台灣台中市豐原區朴子街 355 巷 33 號 

No.33, Lane 355, Pu Zei St., Feng Yuan 420, Taichung, Taiwan. 

Tel.: +886-4-2527-4116 (Rep.) 

Fax: +886-4-2528-2376 

http://www.gaujing.com 

http://www.foursidesplaner.com 

E-mail: g8664278@ms47.hinet.net

SUSTAINABILITY 

“Who cares wins” 

Palm fruit bunches 

are usually the only 

thing harvested from 

oil palm trees 

Inspiring the next “material 

revolution” by creating sustainable 

and high-performance materials 

from oil palm waste, Peter Fitch, 

together with IOI, have set up IOI 

Palm Wood to commercialise this 

untapped potential. 

The phrase “who cares wins” is a 

parody on the popular saying “who 

dares wins”, which is often associated 

with the British Special Air Services 

(SAS) motto. It embodies the spirit of 

courage, determination, and taking 

calculated risks to achieve success, 

particularly in challenging and highstakes 

situations. 

In the context of environmental 

leadership, “who cares wins” 

emphasises the critical role of genuine 

concern, empathy, and proactive 

action in addressing environmental 

challenges and achieving sustainable 

solutions. 

Environmental leadership refers to 

the practice of guiding and inspiring 

individuals, organisations, and 

communities towards sustainable 

and environmentally responsible 

actions. Companies who aspire 

to environmental leadership and 

ownership, such as IOI Palm Wood, can 

play a crucial role in addressing pressing 

environmental challenges, such as 

climate change, biodiversity, pollution, 

and resource depletion. 

We aim to promote and implement 

solutions that minimise negative 

environmental impacts while fostering 

a more sustainable and resilient 

future. One of IOI Palm Wood’s notable 

commitments is the dedication to 

sustainable practices and innovation 

within the timber and oil palm 

industries. The transformation of 

oil palm trunk into core products 

is a compelling demonstration. By 

finding innovative uses for previously 

underutilised resources, IOI Palm Wood 

aims to reduce waste and promote 

sustainable resource management. This 

not only benefits the environment but 

also contributes to a more sustainable 

and resilient future, aligning with the 

principles of environmental leadership. 


SUSTAINABILITY 

as needed to navigate complex and 

evolving environmental issues. 

Ethical and transparent conduct: 

Integrity and transparency are essential 

for effective environmental leadership. 

Leaders set a positive example by 

adhering to ethical standards and being 

transparent about their actions and 

decision-making processes. 

Leadership is important, and leaders 

who truly care about the wellbeing of 

the planet and its inhabitants are more 

likely to make a positive impact on the 

environment and inspire others to do 

the same. Here are some of the ways 

“who cares wins” can be applied in 

environmental leadership: 

Vision and goal-setting: Environmental 

leaders have a clear vision of what a 

sustainable future is and set meaningful 

goals to work towards it. They articulate 

a compelling and inspiring vision that 

motivates others to take action. 

Knowledge and awareness: Effective 

environmental leaders stay informed 

about the latest scientific research, 

environmental issues, and best 

practices. They continuously educate 

themselves and raise awareness among 

their employees about the importance 

of environmental conservation. 

Empowerment: Leaders empower 

individuals and communities to take 

ownership of environmental initiatives 

and projects. They create opportunities 

for involvement and collaboration, 

ensuring that diverse perspectives are 

considered. 

Collaboration and networking: 

Environmental leadership often involves 

working with various stakeholders, 

including governments, businesses, 

NGOs, and local communities. 

Leaders build strong networks and 

collaborations to leverage resources and 

expertise for a greater impact. 

sustainable policies and practices 

at local, national, and global levels. 

They engage in dialogue with policy 

makers, participate in environmental 

forums, and use their influence to 

promote positive change. 

Innovative solutions: Leaders 

in environmental sustainability 

encourage the development and 

adoption of innovative technologies 

and practices that reduce 

environmental harm and support 

sustainable development. 

Resilience and adaptability: 

Resilience must be demonstrated in 

the face of challenges and setbacks. 

Leaders must adapt their strategies 

Knowledge and 

Awareness 

Empowerment 

Collaboration 

and Networking 

Vision and goal 

Setting 

Advocacy and 

Policy Influence 

Long-term focus: True environmental 

leadership involves taking a long-term 

view rather than seeking short-term 

gains. Leaders prioritise solutions with 

lasting impacts and consider the needs 

of future generations. 

Education and awareness: Engaging in 

educational activities, raising awareness 

about environmental issues and the 

importance of sustainable living is 

crucial. 

Overall, “who cares wins” in 

environmental leadership suggests that 

leaders who prioritise the wellbeing of 

the planet, its inhabitants, and future 

generations are more likely to achieve 

meaningful and positive change. P 

Education and 

Innovative 

Solutions 

Awareness 

“who cares wins” 

Long-term Focus 

Resilience and 

Adaptability 

Ethical and 

Transparent 

Conduct 

Advocacy and policy influence: 

Environmental leaders advocate for 


SHOW PREVIEW 

CIFM/interzum 

guangzhou 2024: 

Shaping Asia’s 

furniture future 

is making a comeback at interzum guangzhou 

2024. 

Lilian Shen, brand director of Renolit in China, 

said: “interzum guangzhou has an outstanding 

influence and is a professional exhibition for 

foreign brands to expand into the Chinese 

market. Renolit will take this opportunity to 

introduce our new products, technologies and 

solutions to industry professionals and build 

and strengthen relationships with suppliers, 

customers and business partners.” 

At the same time, new participants will 

invigorate the show with fresh perspectives, 

energy and innovative products. Exhibitors like 

Neodecortech, Pessotto Reti, Saviola and VIBO 

from Italy, as well as Eurocom Expansion from 

Romania, will debut at the exhibition. 

The event will continue to feature a lineup 

of strong supporters from across the globe, 

including but not limited to: AICA; Decospan 

from Belgium; Linak from Denmark; 

DewertOkin, impress, Interprint, Kleiberit, 

Leitz, limoss, Rehau, Renolit, and Schattdecor 

from Germany; Bacci, Freud, IF, SCM, Sige, 

and Union Plast from Italy; DIC from Japan; 

KingSlide; Printech KR from Korea; Munksjö 

Group; Reggar; Shang Gong Group; LamiGraf 

from Spain; Robatech, Senosan and Simalfa 

from Switzerland; Cyber Lock from Thailand; 

the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) 

and American Softwoods from the US; Boyteks 

from Turkey; as well as Lien’A from Vietnam. 

CIFM/interzum guangzhou 2024 is expected to attract more than 150,000 trade visitors globally 

The upcoming edition CIFM/interzum 

guangzhou will be held at the Canton Fair 

Complex in Guangzhou, China from 28-31 Mar 

2024. With around 160,000m 2 of exhibition 

space that can occupy 1,200 exhibitors, the 

event is expected to attract more than 150,000 

trade visitors, offering international exhibitors 

access to the Chinese market and beyond. 

SEIZING CHINA’S ‘DUAL CIRCULATION’ 

OPPORTUNITIES 

Statistics forecasted that the global furniture 

market has passed the US$600bn mark in 

2022 and is expected to continue growing at 

a CAGR of 5% over the next four years, from 

2023-2026. 

As the global furniture market continues to 

grow, CIFM/interzum guangzhou will seize 

opportunities presented by China’s ‘dual 

circulation’ strategy to facilitate international 

brands’ entry into China’s market — which, 

according to the organisers, ranks first in 

the world in terms of furniture production, 

consumption and export — while promoting 

the globalisation of domestic brands. 

OLD AND NEW PARTICIPANTS 

The organisers of interzum guangzhou 

reported that nearly 200 international 

companies have confirmed their participation 

in the upcoming edition. For example, Renolit, 

a global specialist in high-quality plastic films, 

SUPPORTING INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITORS 

Since its debut in China in 2004, interzum 

guangzhou has been held annually in March 

alongside the China International Furniture 

Fair (CIFF). The interzum brand family include 

interzum in Germany, interzum guangzhou in 

China, interzum bogota in Colombia, and the 

newly launched interzum forum italy in Italy, 

which is scheduled to have its premiere in 

2024. 

With its international platform, CIFM/ 

interzum guangzhou supports both domestic 

and international exhibitors by creating a 

global ecosystem for the industry chain and 

by establishing a global hub for innovative 

products and technologies. International 

exhibitors will have access to global furniture 

development opportunities. P 


SHOW REVIEW 

Driving success for 

Indonesia’s furniture 

manufacturing and 

woodworking industries 

their durability, beauty, and characteristics. 

Similarly, made by skilled craftsmen, Indonesian 

furniture is sought-after for its precision and 

creative designs, on top of its high quality 

and competitively-priced characteristics that 

can be better manufactured with the latest 

technologies.” 

The opening ceremony of IFMAC & WOODMAC 2023 

Indonesia furniture manufacturing and 

woodworking trade show IFMAC & WOODMAC 

2023 concluded on a positive note on 23 Sep, 

“exceeding expectations” with 12,150 trade 

visitors from 28 countries, according to Wakeni, 

one of the organisers. 

Two hundred and twenty-five companies 

from 23 countries and regions exhibited, from 

Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Finland, 

France, Gabon, Germany, Hong Kong, India, 

Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, 

Romania, Singapore, Slovenia, South Korea, 

Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the US. They 

showcased various furniture and woodworking 

machinery, accessories, assembly tools and 

components, software for furniture design, 

raw materials and solutions for interior works, 

adhesives, abrasives, paint, coatings and fittings. 

Complementing the exhibition are industry 

seminars and presentations, which featured 

thought leaders and industry specialists 

answering problems that have arisen in 

the Indonesian furniture and woodworking 

industry, as well as providing the latest insights 

on global furniture trends to Indonesian 

industry players. 

According to Alex Kam, technical sales manager, 

Techbond Manufacturing: “The exhibition has 

been very consistent since day one. Most of our 

potential customers are local and there are some 

from overseas as well. Our future plan for IFMAC 

is to have a bigger booth and make a bigger show 

for the industry players in Indonesia.” 

Similarly, Ahmet Gokhan Sonmez, export 

area manager from Kayalar Kimya expressed 

his satisfaction: “Next year we would like to 

participate again because there is a huge 

potential in Indonesia. It is a highly developing 

country and I am sure that we will catch better 

opportunities here.” 

IFMAC and WOODMAC 2023 has also garnered 

support from the Directorate General of Agro 

Industry, Ministry of Industry of Republic of 

Indonesia and industry associations. Additionally, 

Abdul Sobur, chairman of Indonesian Furniture 

and Craft Industries (HIMKI), commented: 

“Indonesia’s unique selling points as a global 

furniture market supplier are rooted in its natural 

resources, skilled labour, competitive pricing, 

cultural diversity, and sustainable production 

practices. Its abundant natural resources 

with a variety of woods are sought-after for 

This statement was also supported by the 

chairman of the Presidium Indonesian Sawmill 

and Wood Working Association (ISWA), Wiradadi 

Soeprayogo: “The Indonesian furniture industry 

has enormous growth potential, and we are 

committed to supporting its development 

through strategic partnerships and collaborations 

such as with Wakeni in organising IFMAC & 

WOODMAC. With the introduction of advanced 

technologies and innovative solutions from 

global companies, we can enhance the 

competitiveness of our local furniture businesses, 

while also creating new opportunities for 

investment, employment, and economic growth. 

With the technological injection, Indonesia’s 

furniture manufacturing industry is capable of 

delivering high-quality, eco-friendly products.” 

Sofianto Widjaja, director of Wakeni, concluded: 

“Local businesses and international market 

leaders gathering at IFMAC & WOODMAC 

highlights Indonesia’s flourishing position 

as the centre of the global furniture industry 

development. The trade show exemplifies 

the push for innovation and technology 

advancement that Indonesia has been investing 

strongly to ensure the furniture industry’s growth 

as a key economic driver for the country.” 

The next edition of IFMAC & WOODMAC will take 

place from 25-28 Sep 2024 at JI Expo Kemayoran, 

Jakarta, Indonesia. Space bookings are now 

open. P 


EVENTS CALENDAR 

Events Calendar 2024 

DOMOTEX 2024 

Hannover, Germany 

India Wood 

Bengaluru, India 

2024 

JANUARY, 11 – 14 

FEBRUARY, 22 – 26 

MARCH, 01 – 04 

Malaysian International Furniture Fair 2024 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

MARCH, 05 – 07 

Dubai WoodShow 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

MARCH, 06 – 09 

Holz-Handwerk 2024 

Nuremberg, Germany 

China International Furniture Fair 

Guangzhou (Phase 2) 

Guangzhou, China 

Interzum Guangzhou 


Xylexpo 2024 

Milan, Italy 

MARCH, 19 – 22 

MARCH, 28 – 31 

MARCH, 28 – 31 

MAY, 21 – 24 

Sylvawood 

Shanghai, China 

AUGUST, 29 – SEPTEMBER, 01 

Korean International Furniture & Interior Fair 

Seoul, South Korea 

China International Furniture Fair Shanghai 


IFMAC & WOODMAC 

Jakarta, Indonesia 

JUNE, 24 – 26 

SEPTEMBER, 11 – 14 

SEPTEMBER, 25 – 28 

HawaExpo 

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 

MARCH, 18 – 21 

China International Furniture Fair 

Guangzhou (Phase 1) 


MAY, 28 – 30 

DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 


OCTOBER, 04 – 06 

2024 NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit 

Showcase 

Ohio, US 


INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 

PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA • November / December 2023 

COMPANY PAGE COMPANY PAGE 

American Hardwood Export Council 

OBC 

Lih Woei Carpentry Machine Co., Ltd 27 

Baillie Lumber 9 

Berndorf Band GmbH 1 

CIFM/interzum guangzhou 2024 61 

Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd. 23 

Nanxing Machinery Co., Ltd 2, 3 

OAV Equipment and Tools, Inc 7 

PLYTEC OY 49 

Softwood Export Council 5 

Gau Jing Machinery Ind Co Ltd 57 

Global Timber Asia Sdn Bhd 29 

Sylvawood Expo Shanghai 

Technik Associates, Inc 

FC 

IBC 

Hoon Hsiang Ind Co., Ltd 53 

Waylong Machinery Industrial Co., Ltd 64 

IMA Schelling Group Asia Pacific 

IFC 

Yalian Machinery Co., Ltd. 25 

IMEAS spa 13 

Kuang Yung Machinery Co.,Ltd 11 

Lesnaya Industriya Journal 33 Scan to download eBook 

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