Panels & Furniture Asia January/February 2024

www.panelsfurnitureasia.com 

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024

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Tel: +65 9621 4283 / +65 6266 5512 

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Bùi Thanh Tâm (Ms. Tina, Sales Manager) 

Tel: (+84)346 935 902 

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CONTENTS 

Contents 

Issue 1 / Panels & Furniture Asia 

January / February 2024 

36 

6 Editor’s Note 

8 News 

62 Calendar of Events 

64 List of Advertisers 

Market Report 

14 Why now is the best time to tap into Vietnam’s domestic 

furniture market 

18 US market export and challenges: Where the market is going 

(Part B) 

44 

Environmental Report 

22 Prefinished panels: Driving sustainability and efficiency in 

commercial interiors 

In Person 

25 “We want to gain recognition, even in the Western world” 

Product Highlight 

28 AquaVeg: New bio-based wax emulsion for wood panel 

industry 

30 “A beacon of innovation”: Biesse’s new ROS FT robotic system 

32 A new dimension for panel sizing 

33 CNC machining of unique furniture shapes 

34 Dürr launches new, standardised paint supply station for 

industrial applications 

Panel Manufacturing 

36 Reinventing wood panel production with Pika ReTech’s 

solutions 

38 Specialists in resin formulation and application 

40 Five-layer super particleboard: “A concept of greater end 

product flexibility” 

18 

Furniture Manufacturing 

42 Advanced manufacturing with HOMAG’s factory management 

system and full solution for automation 

44 Nesting processing centres: Ideal sizing mode for 

batch-size-one production 

46 Complete after-sales service with Tonsing 

47 “Automation must be accepted, and whoever accepts it first 

will succeed” 

Materials 

48 An introduction to how cross-laminated timber is produced 

Flooring 

50 AI at Unilin: Assess what there is and make improvements 

Structural Elements 

52 Monteco 

Columnists 

54 ‘Driving Nature Positive Impact’ 

Show Preview 

56 CIFF Guangzhou 2024 

Show Review 

58 Malaysian Wood Expo 2023 

4 PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA | JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024

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FROM THE EDITOR 

New year, new look 

Happy new year to all! 

Seasoned readers of this magazine will 

notice that the magazine has gotten a new 

look. Once in a while we try to freshen up 

the design so that it does not become stale. 

The last time we redesigned the layout was 

around four years ago; this time we have 

gone for a cleaner, tighter-looking layout. 

Let us know what you think of it. 

Speaking of new things, in this issue we 

featured a range of new products that 

cater to different segments of the wood 

and woodworking industry. On the wood 

panel industry end, we interviewed Emulco 

on their new AquaVeg bio-based wax 

emulsion, which is said to perform better 

than mineral wax emulsions for coating as 

well as in mass dosing of all kinds of wood 

panels (p.28). 

On the furniture industry end, Biesse 

has introduced their new robotic arm 

system ROS FT, which aims to streamline 

and optimise “the unloading process of 

machined parts from nesting machines, 

offering better speed, accuracy and 

adaptability in production” (p.30). 

For design applications, Dürr’s new 

EcoSupply2 Core is a modular paint supply 

station that makes painting in confined 

spaces easier (p.34). These are just a few 

examples — flip through the magazine and 

get a taste of the innovations companies 

have come up with. 

Of course, before we embark on the new 

year, this issue also rounded up some 

significant events in the last few months 

of 2023. We covered Andritz’s Customer 

Day for their medium-density fibreboard 

(MDF) customers, which took place in 

Bangkok, Thailand back in November 2023 

(p.8). The show review on Malaysian Wood 

Expo 2023 is finally out as well: Hear what 

some of the exhibitors have to say about 

the expo and its success (p.58). 

I think I can say for all of us that nobody 

ever knows how exactly this year will turn 

out. Who could say they anticipated how 

badly the year had turned out in 2023 for 

the industry — or, in fact, the entire world? 

Regardless, we still have to trudge on. 

New year brings new opportunities, as the 

saying goes. Let’s hope this turns out true 

for everyone. 

Yap Shi Quan 

EDITOR 

PABLO SINGAPORE 

William Pang • Publisher 

williampang@pabloasia.com 

Yap Shi Quan • Editor 

shiquan@pabloasia.com 

Pang YanJun • 

Business Development Manager 

yanjun@pabloasia.com 

Goh Meng Yong • Graphic Designer 

mengyong@pabloasia.com 

Shu Ai Ling • Circulation Manager 

circulation@pabloasia.com 

PABLO BEIJING 

Ellen Gao • General Manager 

pablobeijing@163.com 

PABLO SHANGHAI 

Gia Hou • Editor 

pabloshanghai@163.net 

Pablo Publishing & Exhibition Pte Ltd (Head Office) 

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NEWS 

"From A to Z": Andritz hosts Customer Day 

for South East Asian MDF manufacturers 

PROPRIETARY MDF REFINER PLATE 

TECHNOLOGY 

For the second talk, Martin Gaertner, 

regional product manager of MDF plates 

at Andritz, went in-depth into Andritz's 

proprietary technology for their MDF 

refiner plates. 

From traditional plate designs that 

come unsteady cutting conditions, 

high variation in fibre geometry, and 

higher energy consumption, Andritz has 

gradually improved their plate designs to 

include spiral, feed control curve (FCC), 

and quantum designs. 

The latter few designs aim to reduce 

variation in fibre geometry and achieve 

more uniform fibres, thus generating 

better quality, while also reducing energy 

consumption and enabling a smoother 

refining performance. 

The MDF Customer 

Day was held in 

Bangkok, Thailand 

On 9-10 Nov 2023, over 50 participants 

from 17 South East Asian mediumdensity 

fibreboard (MDF) plants 

gathered at Bangkok, Thailand to attend 

Andritz's MDF Customer Day. 

The Customer Day served to update 

Andritz’s South East Asian MDF 

customers — a majority of whom are 

from Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia 

— with their latest technologies and 

company performance. 

The event kicked off with a slew of talks 

on 9 Nov, which ranged from Andritz's 

latest developments in thermal and 

electrical energy savings to MDF refiner 

plate technology and their digitalisation 

and automation programme, followed 

by a round table discussion with Andritz 

specialists on 10 Nov. 

updates on Andritz’s sales, projects and 

acquisitions. 

Pertaining to Andritz's latest projects, 

Rupp said that Andritz recently supplied 

the world "largest" chip washing and 

pressurised refining system to date, 

the S2074, a 74in refiner, to Guangxi 

Chongzuo Lelin Forestry for their MDF 

plant. 

This means that "Andritz is in a position 

to supply equipment for highest 

capacity production too", declared 

Rupp. 

"The service and the support side from 

Andritz are well-proven. And I always 

like to say: We want to cover everything 

and support our customers from A to Z, 

as our name suggests," Rupp said. 

In particular, the quantum design has 

a longer-lasting lifecycle by evenly 

distributing fibres all over the plate-gap 

through its unique dam arrangement, 

which at the same time also benefits 

fibre homogeneity. 

Gaertner added: "Another advantage to 

the quantum design is versatility. With 

the quantum design, we have many more 

options to design the refiner plate, so 

now we can adapt to the customer needs 

and change the design accordingly." 

To help Andritz’s MDF customers 

better manage their refiner plates, the 

group has introduced two online tools: 

first, the Plate Change Calculator for 

customers to calculate the optimal 

lifetime; and second, the Plate 

Comparison Tool, which calculates 

and compares different Andritz plate 

performances. 

UPDATES ON ANDRITZ 

Michael Rupp, vice-president of 

Panelboard Systems at Andritz, 

welcomed the MDF producers with 

Andritz has also supplied equipment 

for the production of insulation boards, 

which is a relatively new type of woodpanel 

and insulation material. 

LIFECYCLE SOLUTIONS FOR WOOD 

PROCESSING 

True to Rupp's statement that Andritz 

provides solutions from “A to Z”, Heikki 


NEWS 

Valtokari, area sales manager of Wood 

Processing at Andritz, introduced the various 

kinds of solutions for the primary processing 

of raw materials. 

Michael Rupp, 

vice-president of 

Panelboard Systems at 

Andritz, presenting 

In particular, Valtokari referenced their 

chipping and debarking lines, which are 

made out of standard single equipment or 

components and can be varied on a case-bycase 

basis. 

These include log feeding, debarkers, 

log washing, chippers, chip storage, bark 

handling, including crushers and more. 

For instance, he explained that Andritz’s 

horizontal and drop feed disc chippers that 

are available in different sizes for different 

capacities can produce chips of much 

better quality than drum chippers. 

Andritz's chippers are also durable as the 

parts contact with wood is covered with 

changeable wear plates: Valtokari reported 

that the first horizontal fed disc chipper they 

supplied in 2003 still runs now. The total 

amount of supplied disc chippers is over 400 

pieces since 1980s. 

Andritz has supplied their chipping and 

debarking lines with chip and bark handling 

to Indonesia, South America, and in China, to 

name a few. 

IMPROVING LIFETIME PERFORMANCE AND 

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF EQUIPMENT 

Led by Andritz's South East Asian 

representative Thomas Brandl, sales 

manager of Andritz's Panelboard Service and 

Winston Lee, managing director of Malaysiabased 

Techstream, the second last talk of the 

day touched on Andritz’s efforts to maximise 

the performance of MDF equipment from 

virtually any OEM. 

(w): www.baillie.com 

(e): info@baillie.com 

(p): 716-649-2850 

Brandl and Lee emphasised to the 

attendees that it is no longer necessary to 

send the parts to the workshops, Andritz 

or copycat, for reconditioning by welding, 

especially in the case of the plug screw 

feeders, as the new devices are equipped 

with replaceable wear parts which can be 

easily exchanged directly on site. 

Spare parts repaired by copycats often come 

back to the customer with a different design 

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024 | PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA 9

NEWS 

as to the one originally sent in, which can have 

a major impact to the performance and the 

lifetime of the plug screw feeder equipment. 

Also, if the repairs are carried out with the 

wrong parameters, cracks can occur in the 

parts and also damage the surrounding 

equipment. 

Another point they stressed was that they can 

help customers using competitors’ refiners 

such as the L-, M-, Evo-Series by sending spare 

parts, carrying out refurbishments and also 

upgrading their refining equipment. 

One more new development presented by 

Andritz was the new adjustable plug screw 

feeder, with which the compression can 

be adjusted to the moisture content of the 

incoming material, be it softwood, hardwood, or 

a mixture. 

This results in maximising the dewatering 

performance and reduces the thermal energy 

— for example, natural gas — consumption 

drastically. 

Overall, innovative solutions were presented 

that aim to improve the overall efficiency of the 

production process and ensure smoother and 

longer-lasting production. 

DIGITALISATION AND AUTOMATION BY ANDRITZ 

The final presentation of the day was 

delivered by Genc Islamaj, the Panelboard 

Service product manager for Automation & 

Digitalisation at Andritz. 

Islamaj discussed the automation and 

digitalisation solutions implemented in 

Panelboard by Andritz. 

Attendees gained insight into the possibilities 

of classic automation upgrades, showcasing the 

modernisation of existing plants through the 

integration of state-of-the-art technologies. 

The main objective was to illustrate the 

flexibility and potential of upgrades, applicable 

not only to Andritz machines but also to those of 

competitors. 

In addition, Islamaj presented solutions for 

autonomous production, such as the MDFEye, 

an online measuring device for assessing 

fibre quality, or the DigitalWood, a product for 

assessing wood quality by tracking, detecting 

1 

2 

and monitoring the most important properties 

of incoming raw material. 

The advanced energy controls for the dryer and 

the refiner for reducing production costs and 

the Metris All-In-One platform, which enables 

the realisation of these new products, were also 

presented. 

DAY TWO 

The second day of Andritz’s MDF Customer Day 

gave the customers an opportunity to clarify any 

doubts or questions about Andritz’s solutions. 

Questions from the customers were diverse 

and covered a range of topics from all product 

groups present during the round table 

discussions. 

LEGEND 

1 Thomas Brandl (left) 

and Winston Lee 

(right) presenting 

on the AdvaProtect 

system 

2 Direct customer 

interaction on 

the Automation & 

Digitalisation round 

table, exchanging 

the newest process 

improvement 

solutions, with Genc 

Islamaj and Cheng 

Lock Beh on the right 

(Image: Andritz) 

Some of the topics, which customers could 

express their interest in advance, were: latest 

technologies on refiner systems; service 

centres in Asia; MDF refiner plates; energy 

reduction and fibre quality, mechanical and 

hydraulic trouble shooting of refiner machine, 

bark storage or bark crushing; finger blow 

valve and fibre diverter valve; digitalisation 

and automation; and lastly, new technology to 

improve production line. 

To that end, the round table discussions 

were “fruitful”, according to Andritz. All the 

customers were reportedly “very satisfied” 

with the customer day, especially with the fact 

that they were able to meet Andritz’s product 

specialists and sales colleagues in person 

again after a long time. P 


NEWS 

Productivity boost 

can come from 

strong domestic 

woodworking 

machinery sector 

The chairman of the Indonesian Furniture 

and Crafts Industry Association (HIMKI), 

Abdul Sobur, said that assistance with 

machinery restructuring and a consistent 

supply of raw material will lead to an increase 

in domestic sales of furniture and crafts, 

which could reduce the need for imports. 

Investing in advanced woodworking machinery can help to boost productivity 

He further said that to increase productivity, 

efficiency and capacity, companies need 

appropriate technology. He added that one 

of the keys to successful downstreaming 

is building a technologically advanced 

machinery industry. HIMKI sees the reason 

to China's success in building productivity 

in the fact that it is supported by a strong 

woodworking machinery sector. 

Sobur also pointed out that the furniture 

and crafts industry is expanding into new 

markets in response to declining demand in 

Europe and the US. The potential markets 

identified include the Middle East, India, 

China, Africa, Japan and other South East 

Asian countries. 

According to Sobur, a number of countries in 

the Middle East such as Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, 

and the UAE are accelerating infrastructure 

development, which will also have an impact 

on the need for furniture, crafts and home 

decor. 

Apart from the Middle East, the next target 

market is India, a country with rapid growth, 

according to HIMKI. African markets, such 

as Egypt, Morocco and other countries are 

potential markets to explore. Meanwhile, 

the South East Asian market, including the 

Philippines, is the next region that needs to 

be worked on seriously, said Sobur. P 

Source: ITTO 


NEWS 

Asia’s only wood materials trade expo, 

Sylva Wood Expo, returns in 2024 

Sylva Wood Expo, Asia’s only wood materials 

specialised trade show, is set to return from 

24-26 Jun 2024, once again bringing the 

global timber network under one roof in 

China. 

Jointly organised by the China Timber & 

Wood Products Distribution Association, 

the Shanghai Timber Trade Association, 

and Pablo Publishing & Exhibition, Sylva 

Wood Expo’s last edition was held in 2018, 

hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic and 

China’s strict travel restrictions. 

The support for Sylva Wood Expo remains 

strong however, with this year’s edition 

supported and endorsed by the likes of 

renowned international wood materials 

trade associations such as American 

Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), French 

Timber, Softwood Export Council (SEC), 

Canada Wood, Thai Timber Association, 

Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), National 

Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA), and 

more. 

As per past editions, Sylva Wood Expo 

2024 expects a strong visitor turnout, with 

the 2018 edition gathering around 3,800 

visitors. 

Sylva Wood Expo 2024 aims to be a pivotal 

event for industry stakeholders, offering 

an unparalleled opportunity to connect, 

collaborate, and explore the latest trends 

and innovations in the dynamic wood 

materials market. 

Interested visitors can look forward to wood 

and wood-based materials from all parts of 

the world, including but not limited to the 

US, France, North America, Russia, Thailand, 

Malaysia, China, and more. 

Alongside the three-day expo, visitors can 

expect a programme of keynote speakers 

who will discuss market movements and 

how innovation can be harnessed for an 

increasingly competitive and challenging 

landscape. 

1 

2 

For more information, please visit 

www.sylvawoodexpo.com or the Facebook 

www.facebook.com/sylvawoodexpo 

CHINA’S WOOD MARKET 

China is not only one of the world's leading 

exporters of wood products, but also one of 

the largest importers of wood, wood-based 

panels, furniture, flooring products. 

In particular, China’s furniture export 

trade has developed rapidly and become 

an important force in the global furniture 

industry. 

China's wood furniture exports far outweigh 

imports, with about 35.8 million pieces of 

wood furniture exported in 2021, amounting 

to US$76.85bn, according to statistics from 

China's General Administration of Customs. 

LEGEND 

1 Dignitaries and 

endorses gracing the 

opening ceremony of 

Sylva Wood Expo 2018 

2 The 2018 edition 

gathered around 

3,800 visitors 

In the domestic market, the wood furniture is 

also thriving. 

Besides the furniture market, the real 

estate sector remains at the heart of 

China's economy, accounting for 25% of the 

country's economic output, and at least 60% 

of household wealth is tied up in property, 

according to the National Bureau of Statistics. 

With the rapid development of China's 

economy and the improvement of people's 

living standards, people have higher and 

higher requirements for living and working 

environment. 

As such, the demand for interior design 

market continues to grow, covering 

residential, commercial and office, hotel, 

catering and medical and other industries. P 


MARKET REPORT 

Why now is the best time to 

tap into Vietnam’s domestic 

furniture market 

Known for their export furniture market, how 

does the domestic demand for furniture fare 

in Vietnam, especially in Hanoi? 

Studies and surveys done by the 

Vietnam Wood and Forest Products 

Association (VIFOREST) have shown 

that the domestic wood furniture 

market boasts a US$5-6bn demand. 

With a population of nearly 100 

million, Vietnam consumes furniture 

of around 6m Vietnamese dong 

(US$247) per household on average. 

Considering the fact that there 

are 70-80 million metres square 

of new houses built every year in 

Vietnam, this figure is easily met 

or even surpassed to satisfy the 

wood demand for applications 

such as furniture and furnishings 

in commercial properties, as well 

as for structural and interior design 

purposes, like scaffolding, flooring, 

roofs and trusses, and more. 

This figure might not be as 

impressive as the furniture exports 

for Vietnam, but it should not be 

looked down on, especially in light 

of the economic downturn for 

already the past year. If the US and 

Europe markets are not doing well, 

it is time to look inwards. Many 

businesses have affirmed that 

they turn to the domestic market 

in difficult times as an alternative 

source of revenue. 

The domestic furniture industry 

thrives in the mid-to-high end 

furniture segment, and is particularly 

well-received in the interior design 


MARKET REPORT 

space. Currently, the trends are developing 

towards minimalist styles, smart and 

intelligent furniture, and green furniture. 

To capitalise on its competitive advantage 

against export-oriented furniture factories, 

domestic furniture enterprises should focus 

on the quality of its design, manufacturing 

process, and material, and make sure 

the raw materials used are safe for the 

environment. 

From 2024 onwards, 

60 new projects with 

about 10,300 rooms 

will launch in Hanoi 

HANOI MARKET DEMAND 

In recent years, furniture shopping in 

Hanoi has been increasing. Hanoi people 

tend to buy furniture products with high 

quality and modern designs. In addition, 

with the rise of social media and online 

shopping, consumers are becoming more 

aware of the latest trends and designs 

in furniture and interior design. This has 

led to a shift towards modern and stylish 

furniture. Exposure to Western lifestyle 

has also affected local’s tastes, leading to 

Vietnamese consumers developing a taste 

for modern and contemporary designs. 

All these signal opportunities for furniture 

manufacturers focused on domestic 

demand. Furthermore, Hanoi has more 

than 350 urban areas with a scale of 2,500 

hectares. By 2022, there were 93 new urban 

and commercial housing projects in the city 

for a scale of 3,453 hectares with 34.7 million 

metres square of residential floors, the total 

investment of which roughly accumulated 

to more than US$105bn. These 93 projects 

provided the market with about 164,602 

apartments and 58,218 low-rise apartments 

for furnishing chances. 

It has also been announced by real 

estate service company Savills that the 

urbanisation rate in Hanoi is expected to 

reach 62% by 2025 and increase to 75% 

by 2030 from 49% currently. This means 

around 426,700 units between now and 

2025 will be raised. As more people move 

into urban areas, there is a growing need 

for functional and aesthetically pleasing 

living spaces. However, Hanoi’s Housing 

Development Program targets a total new 

housing area of 33.2 million metres square 

from now to 2025, which indicates a housing 

area per capita of 29.5m 2 per person. The 

figures show an estimated supply shortfall 

of 95,800 units. 

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MARKET REPORT 

The following is a list of real estate 

projects in Hanoi for the coming years: 

Social housing: With 40 social housing 

projects under implementation, Hanoi 

aims to complete 18 projects with 12,137 

apartments in the period of 2021-2025. 

The period after 2025 will complete 22 

projects with 22,400 apartments. 1 

Condominium: CBRE Vietnam 

forecasts that from now to the end of 

2023, the number of new apartment 

launches will improve, with about 6,300 

apartments to be launched, bringing 

the total new supply for the whole year 

to about 10,500 apartments. 2 

Hotels and resorts: In 2023, it was 

expected that eight new hotel projects 

with a scale of 1,300 rooms will be 

launched, and from 2024 onwards, 60 

new projects with about 10,300 rooms 

will launch in Hanoi, with international 

operators including Four Seasons, 

Lotte, Dusit, Wink, Accor, The Shilla, 

Hyatt, Marriot, Hilton, and Waldorf 

Astoria. 3 As of December 2023, Hanoi 

currently has, in progress, 28 resort 

villa projects with high-class equipment 

and furniture with many unique 

architectures. 4 

On top these three segments, public 

buildings like schools, hospitals and 

office buildings also require wood 

furniture and furnishings. To supply 

this demand, many domestic and global 

furniture companies have established 

operations in Hanoi, with 1,074 

businesses currently operating in the 

city and more than 2,000 businesses 

across the northern region of Vietnam. 

CHALLENGES 

In Vietnam, craft villages and smallerscale 

furniture enterprises supply 

domestic furniture, and large-scale 

wood enterprises typically focus on 

exports only. While domestic furniture 

does well in the mid-to-high-end 

segments, it faces a lot of competitors 

in the retail and more affordable 

sections, particularly from imported 

goods from China, Taiwan and Malaysia. 

Imported furniture is not only cheaper, 

but often comes in richer, more 

varied designs. Most furniture that 

Vietnamese consumes comes from 

China, which causes Vietnamese 

enterprises to lose out, even in their 

home advantage. 

Export-oriented furniture 

manufacturing factories usually 

only need a few export contracts 

to produce for half a year or a 

whole year, and they have a design 

template to follow, which means 

they do not need to worry about the 

design. In contrast, the domestic 

market does not follow a design 

standard, and the resale figures are 

not as much as export contracts. 

There is no distribution network of 

domestic wood enterprises as well, 

so retail competition becomes more 

difficult. 

OPPORTUNITIES TO IMPROVE 

To thrive in the domestic market, 

furniture enterprises can invest 

in better designs, higher quality 

production, and sales and services 

to catch the attention of local 

consumers. They can also invest in 

domestic channels of distributions. 

Segments to pay attention to 

include office, residential, and hotel 

furniture, or for construction and 

interior design spaces. 

Currently, the domestic wood market 

is developing in a spontaneous 

and fragmented manner. There 

must be investment, research and 

reorganisation of the domestic 

supply chain in a more standardised 

direction. In particular, there should 

be a separate trade promotion 

programme in the domestic 

market for timber enterprises 

instead of a joint promotion 

with other industries, such as 

creating a separate playground 

for timber enterprises to access 

the domestic market through 

specialised fairs, exhibitions as well 

as other connection programmes 

if necessary. These create more 

favourable conditions for domestic 

businesses, especially since most 

of the big trade fairs in Ho Chi Minh 

and Hanoi are focused primarily on 

exports. P 

References 

1. VTV News. Social housing projects in Hanoi to begin 

construction. 

3. Tap Chi Tai Chinh Online. Positive signs in Hanoi hotel 

market. 

4. Guland. Hanoi resort and village projects, December 

2023. 

BKG Viet Nam Investment Joint Stock Company 

Thang Long Urban Development And Construction 

Investment JSC 

Xuan Hoa Furniture Joint Stock Company 

Furniture Joint Stock Company 190 

MDF VRG Quang Tri Wood JSC 

Hoa Phat Furniture Joint Stock Company (The One) 

Vietnam Forestry Corporation - JSC 

Revenue 2022 (Billion VND) 

Revenue 2022 (Billion VND) 

Top furniture 

companies based 

in Hanoi and their 

revenue in 2022 

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 


MARKET REPORT 

US market export 

and challenges: 

Where the market 

is going (Part B) 

In this two-part article, commercial director 

Truc Ly shares with Panels & Furniture Asia all 

things US furniture market. Part B dives into 

market strategies on how to enter the US furniture 

market, as well as Truc’s personal dos and don’ts. 

By Yap Shi Quan 

PLATFORMS TO ENTER US MARKET 

Networking is an essential skill to thrive 

in the US market, according to Truc. 

Getting in touch with somebody through 

cold calling, e-mailing or texting usually 

do not yield results, and referrals from a 

trusted client to other potential clients 

are more likely to gain new projects. 

One platform for manufacturers to 

network is the tried-and-tested trade 

shows. Trade shows are designed 

to help manufacturers promote the 

latest products and connect with 

other companies, customers, and 

future partners in the same domain. 

Such events add to brand awareness, 

increase customer engagement, and 

boost sales. In the US, they are still 

one of the most successful B2B media 

strategies. 

Some popular trade shows in the US are 

the High Point Market in North Carolina; 

the Las Vegas Market in Nevada; and 

International Contemporary Furniture 

Fair in New York. Truc emphasised that 

it is better for manufacturers to go down 

to these trade shows themselves or 

send down representatives to increase 

outreach and showcase their factory’s 

capabilities. 

Another platform is through trade 

associations. Manufacturers can 

establish themselves in trade 

associations through memberships, 

conferences and social events to 

meet and network with other people 

in the US industry, and catch up with 

the latest trends, technologies and 

news. Such trade associations include 

the International Furnishings and 

Design Association; the Furniture 

Society; the Interior Design Society; 

the International Interior Design 

Association; and the International 

Home Furnishings Representatives 

Association. 

Instead of baiting and switching, try value engineering to convince clients of a lower-cost material 

GETTING A REPRESENTATIVE 

Language barriers and difficulty in 

communication are huge challenges for 

Asian manufacturers who do not speak 

English, since the US is an Englishspeaking 

country. 


MARKET REPORT 

US trade shows like 

High Point Market 

present networking 

opportunities (Image: 

High Point Market) 

Google Translate might help, but its 

translation ability is limited; it does not 

fully translate the nuances between 

languages, said Truc. He shared an 

example: 

“Chevrolet, an American automobile 

manufacturer, decided to introduce a 

new automobile model called Chevrolet 

Nova. In English Nova refers to a star 

showing a sudden large increase in 

brightness and then slowly returning 

to its original state over a few months. 

This sounds very fancy and impressive. 

However, when Nova is translated in 

Spanish, it became ‘No Go’. ‘No Go’ for 

a car was a disaster, and the sales for 

this model was affected significantly. 

Only after they changed the name to 

‘Caribe’ did the sales finally take off.” 

Language difficulties also extends 

to time zone and culture differences. 

Huge difference in time zones, 

especially between the US and South 

East Asian countries like Vietnam 

and Malaysia where there is at least a 

12-hour difference, might incur delays 

in information, production and getting 

approvals. 

The US working style can also be 

drastically different from Vietnamese 

or Chinese working styles: Truc shared 

that from his six years of working in 

the US furniture industry, US clients 

want constant communication and 

daily updates — whether the product is 

finished, not finished, whether there 

are mistakes or not. However, Asian 

manufacturers generally are hesitant 

are giving bad news. This might put 

of communication for weeks, and this 

ends up upsetting the US clients. 

To counteract this, Truc advised that 

hiring a representative — be it an 

individual or a business — can help 

bridge the client and manufacturer. 

It is better to get someone who is 

bilingual or even trilingual to be the 

middleman between both parties. 

This will minimise differences in 

communication and the time zone, 

and the representative can provide 

management support in terms of 

material samples, shop drawings, 

site inspections, shipping. The 

representative can also find more 

clients or strengthen existing 

accounts. 

REGULATIONS* 

However, before anything else, any 

furniture manufacturer looking to enter 

the US market must first be compliant 

with their regulations. 

Among the regulations that manufacturers 

should take note of, according to Truc, 

are the United States Department of 

Agriculture Animal and Plant Health 

Inspection Service (USDA APHIS), the 

Lacey act, the Toxic Substances Control 

Act (TSCA), and the Law Labels. 

USDA APHIS: Certain wooden products 

are regulated by the USDA APHIS. 

On their website is a list of approved 

manufacturers from China. If a certain 

manufacturer is not on it, clients in the US 

typically would not want to work them, as 

the manufacturer’s products might not 

enter the US legally. 

For a manufacturer in China to get 

approved by the USDA APHIS, the 

manufacturer must abide by a few 

requirements: 

First, manufacturers should have a 

production area that is neat and clean, 


MARKET REPORT 

with the roads and site surface paved 

and should have no standing water. 

They should have a reasonable plant 

layout, raw materials storage areas, 

with the packaging and finished 

product storage area divided. 

Second, there should be adequate 

pest control measures to control, 

manage, minimise or completely 

remove undesirable insects and 

other pests from the furniture 

products. This includes pesticide 

treatment that uses poisonous 

gas to kill pests inside the wood. 

The minimum temperature of the 

fumigation should not be lower than 

5 ̊C. 

Third, there should be a traceability 

system that ensures the production 

batch of finished products can 

be traced back to the quarantine 

treatment facility. This includes the 

registration number of production 

company and product batch. 

Lacey act: Administered by the 

USDA APHIS, the US Fish and 

Wildlife Service, and the National 

Marine Fisheries Service, this 

act assesses whether the plant 

products, which include timber, are 

illegally possessed, sold, taken or 

transported. The manufacturer has 

to submit a Lacey act declaration 

that determines the origin and the 

legitimacy of their products. 

TSCA: This act is administered by 

the US Environmental Protection 

Agency (EPA) that places restrictions 

on formaldehyde emissions and 

certification requirements for 

composite wood products. The 

emission restrictions vary according 

to the panel type. For example, 

hardwood plywood, its veneer and 

composite cores, should be less 

than 0.05ppm; medium-density 

fibreboard (MDF) less than 0.11ppm, 

thin MDF less than 0.13ppm, and 

particleboard less than 0.09ppm. 

To obtain the TSCA certification, 

manufacturers need to provide 

importer contact information, quality 

control manual as well as their test 

reports. 

Law labels: Law labels are used to 

inform consumers about the kinds of 

filling materials inside their bedding, 

stuffed products, and upholstered 

furniture. Although they are not a 

federal requirement, most US states 

however require a law label, and 

every state has their own label. For 

instance, manufacturers looking to 

export into California, US, will need 

to get a label specific to California, 

and cannot use this label in other 

states. 

DOS AND DON’TS 

Truc emphasised again that 

communication is key when it comes 

to project management. Clients in 

the US require constant updates 

and communication, whether it is 

through email, text, phone call. And 

they typically want it fast: A photo or 

a video of a product-in-progress will 

usually satisfy the client. 

“Put yourself in your client’s shoes,” 

Truc warned. “If, as a client, you 

do not hear anything from the 

manufacturer for a week, you would 

probably get worried and anxious. 

Because not only have you spent 

a lot of money, but you also have 

a deadline to meet. Whatever the 

deadline may be, you do not want to 

postpone it.” 

He added: “When there is a mistake, 

please let the client know as soon 

as possible. Be transparent. Let 

them know a mistake has happened, 

explain what happened, how long it 

will take to fix, and that you are in the 

process of fixing it. Let them know as 

well how you will avoid the mistake in 

the future.” 

This would allow the client to 

be more prepared rather than 

expecting the product to be done 

on a particular day; the client would 

rather to see a problem weeks 

before the deadline rather than two 

days before, so that both parties can 

come up with a solution together. 

Another thing that Truc cautioned 

against is the bait-and-switch 

tactic. This happens when a 

manufacturer uses an alternative 

option that can imitate the design 

intent of the project to save money. 

For instance, the manufacturer 

uses a local laminate instead of a 

laminate brand stipulated by the 

client to save costs and increase 

profits. “This is unethical because 

it is the same as tricking the client,” 

said Truc. 

Consequences of such a tactic 

might result in more than just 

the loss of a client: There might 

be potential lawsuits, and the 

manufacturer’s brand image might 

be affected as well. It is difficult for 

manufacturers to get another client 

in the US if they acquired a bad 

reputation. 

What manufacturers should do 

instead, in collaboration with the 

client, is value engineering. This is 

when the manufacturer discusses 

with the client an alternative option, 

propose another material with a 

sample available, and have them 

approve it. “The client will be very 

happy with the cut in budget,” said 

Truc. 

Quality control (QC) at the end of the 

project is also equally important. 

Manufacturers should try to provide 

internal QC reports to the client, 

allowing minor issues to be picked 

up during production. In doing so, 

fixes will be easier and less timeconsuming. 

Sometimes, clients 

might hire a third-party QC team to 

check the production as well. P 

*For more details on the regulations, it is 

advised to visit the relevant websites and 

stay up-to-date on them. 

Part A of this article was published in 

the September/October issue of Panels 

& Furniture Asia, and discussed market 

trends that have affected the US trends 

of late. 


ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT 

Prefinished panels: 

Driving sustainability 

and efficiency in 

commercial interiors 

No matter the design goal, architects and contractors typically negotiate 

the balance of efficiency and aesthetics. However, sustainability is a 

must, and prefinished panels come with environmental credentials if 

they are properly sourced and certified. 

PREFINISHED PANELS: A COST-EFFECTIVE 

SOLUTION FOR WOODEN INTERIORS 

Gone are the days when stunning 

interiors were reserved only for 

projects with extravagant budgets. 

Prefinished panels are revolutionising 

how architects and designers create 

beautiful spaces without breaking 

the bank. Whether they are dreaming 

of rich, natural wood textures or 

sleek looks, architects and designers 

are now offered an array of modern 

finishes and prefinished panels to 

suit their vision. This allows them to 

achieve the desired aesthetic without 

the exorbitant cost of customised 

wood applications. 

With its blend of 

environmental 

responsibility and 

human wellbeing, 

wood panels 

give all players 

in the design and 

furniture industries 

the benefits of 

incorporating wood 

into living and work 

spaces 

Wood has remained a top choice 

for commercial projects, not just 

for cabinetry or flooring but also as 

a unique treatment for ceilings or 

aesthetically pleasing wall effects. Its 

timeless appeal for interiors fits with 

design styles ranging from rustic to 

contemporary. Discerning customers 

also look for solutions that offer that 

warm and inviting aesthetic that 

brings the outside in. Some interiors 

are so eye-catching they make 

people stop and take notice when 

they walk into the room; others simply 

convey an atmosphere of calm by 

instilling a sense of comfort and ease. 

Furthermore, when properly installed 

and maintained, wood can last for 

generations. 

However, many projects shy away 

from using wood in interiors due to the 

perception that it comes at a high cost 

as compared to options such as tiles. 

This also means less messier and less 

time-consuming on-site finishing: 

Prefinished panels come ready to 

be installed, minimising the need for 

sanding, staining, and the inevitable 

clean-up. This then translates to faster 

project completion times and reduced 

labour costs, freeing up resources for 

other aspects of the build. From small 

renovations to large-scale projects, 

the manageable sizes of prefinished 

panels make them easy to transport 

and install, further reducing the 

logistical challenges associated with 

handling bulky materials. 



NATURE’S ECO-WARRIOR FOR INTERIORS 

Prefinished wood panels can 

help commercial projects achieve 

their sustainability goals — an 

increasingly important requirement of 

eco-conscious construction projects. 

With its blend of environmental 

responsibility and human wellbeing, 

wood panels give all players in the 

design and furniture industries the 

benefits of incorporating wood into 

living and work spaces. 

Wood stores atmospheric carbon 

throughout its lifespan, thus lowering 

a building project’s embodied carbon 

footprint compared to other materials. 

Certifications such as the Programme 

for the Endorsement of Forest 

Certification’s (PEFC’s) sustainable 

forest management standard ensures 

that any claims of sustainability 

about products made from wood are 

independently verified and held to 

rigorous international standards. When 

sourced from a certified sustainably 

managed forest, a vibrant future for 

these vital ecosystems is ensured, 

seeing to their long-term health and 

survival while allowing consumers and 

businesses to responsibly enjoy their 

resources. 

Managed in this way, wood is a naturally 

renewable resource, contributing to 

the circular economy where waste 

is minimised and resources can be 

reused multiple times. 

EFFICIENT UTILISATION OF RESOURCES 

AND REDUCED WASTE 

Prefinished wood panels transform 

what would otherwise be discarded 

wood scraps into valuable building 

materials, maximising the use of 

every tree harvested. Engineered 

wood products like plywood, 

medium-density fibreboard (MDF) 

or particleboard offer strength and 

stability while minimising the overall 

dependence on solid wood. A thin layer 

of real wood veneer, applied for the 

desired aesthetic, maximises the use 

of more sought-after timber — like oak, 

walnut and teak — that takes longer to 

grow to maturity. 

The benefits of prefinished wood 

panels extend well beyond functionality. 

Their layered construction minimises 

waste throughout the production 

and installation process, which thus 

minimises the need for on-site finishing 

and the associated chemical emissions 

and potential spills. Additionally, the 

responsible disposal or recycling 

of prefinished panels at the end of 

their lifespan can further minimise 

their environmental footprint and 

contribution to construction waste. 

THE SCIENCE OF SOUND MANAGEMENT 

It is difficult to separate the 

environmental benefits from the 

benefits of living or working in an 

environment filled with wood. Beyond 

their visual appeal and environmental 

credentials, prefinished wood panels 

possess optimal acoustic performance. 

Prefinished wood panels are 

specifically designed to absorb and 

reflect sound waves. Their layered 

structure, often incorporating natural 

wood fibres and air pockets, creates 

an acoustic barrier that mitigates 

noise. This results in a quieter and 

more comfortable environment, 

fostering improved communication, 

concentration, and productivity. 

Prefinished wood panels offer a 

tailored solution for diverse acoustic 

needs. In bustling restaurants, 

they absorb the cacophony of 

conversations and clattering dishes, 

creating a serene atmosphere for 

diners. Within open-plan offices, they 

reduce noise distractions and improve 

communication clarity, enhancing 

collaboration and productivity. Even 

conference rooms and auditoriums 

benefit from the enhanced acoustic 

quality, ensuring clear and impactful 

presentations. 

AESTHETIC APPEAL MEETS ACOUSTIC 

EXCELLENCE 

Prefinished wood panels therefore 

offer a blend of acoustic performance 

and visual aesthetic. Their natural 

beauty adds warmth and character to 

any space, while their range of colours, 

LEGEND 

1 Installing 

prefinished wood 

panels comes 

with the minimal 

need for on-site 

finishing and 

the associated 

chemical 

emissions and 

potential spills 

2 From small 

renovations 

to large-scale 

projects, the 

manageable sizes 

of prefinished 

panels make them 

easy to transport 

and install (Image: 

Anton Grassl) 

3 APP Timber’s Oak 

Vintage original 

Baltimore veneer 

(Image: APP 

Timber) 

1 

2 

3 



textures, and finishes allows for 

easier integration with existing design 

themes. This ensures that achieving 

a superior acoustic environment does 

not come at the expense of aesthetic 

appeal. 

APP Timber is a provider of PEFCcertified 

sustainable timber solutions. 

Their approach to prefinished panels 

allows customers to gain that 

true-solid wood feel that captures 

the essence of wood. Working 

exclusively with wood from 

sustainably managed forests for 

virgin materials, they also reuse 

materials like old oak beams to 

create veneers that extend their 

rustic look much further than 

applying them directly would allow. 

The acoustic benefits of prefinished 

wood panels extend beyond walls. These 

panels can be used for ceilings, furniture 

elements, and even custom-designed 

installations to create an integrated 

acoustic solution as well. This holistic 

approach ensures consistent and 

effective noise reduction throughout 

the space, maximising the comfort and 

wellbeing of occupants. P 

5 

4 

LEGEND 

4 APP Timber’s Oak Vintage intense 

Hoboken veneer, with an embossed 

texture (Image: APP Timber) 

5 APP Timber’s Oak Natural Adagio veneer 

used by Jaspers-Eyers (Image: Klaas 

Verdru/APP Timber) 

6 In bustling restaurants, prefinished 

wood panels absorb the cacophony of 

conversations and clattering dishes, 

creating a serene atmosphere for diners 

6 


IN PERSON 

“If you are looking to invest in a particular 

machinery for the long-run, I would 

recommend buying our machineries 

because they can last for many years 

in comparison to other manufacturers, 

enabling you to have a peace of mind 

when it comes to operation stability and 

consistency performance.” 

This statement by Brandon Lee, 

international marketing manager of 

Chinglun Machine Engineering, is his 

and the company’s usual response 

to potential customers who ask why 

their sanders and presses for plywood 

production are priced much higher than 

their competitors. 

Chinglun’s sanders 

“We want to 

gain recognition, 

even in the 

Western world” 

China-based Chinglun Machine Engineering 

wants to show the world their sanders and 

cold and hot presses for plywood production 

are here to stay for a good and long time, and 

beat allegations surrounding the poor quality 

of Chinese-made machines. 


“A lot of people over the years have 

had their scepticism towards Chinese 

machine manufacturers,” Lee 

elaborated. “But it is worthwhile doing 

business with us. We use good raw 

material and spare parts imported from 

international brands for our sanders and 

presses. The price is worth it to produce 

a good panel. Our technical specs are at 

the forefront of the game.” 

What Lee and Chinglun truly want 

to emphasise is they are not the 

run-of-the-mill Chinese machinery 

manufacturer that sells cheap and 

flimsy equipment; they are dedicated 

to making long-lasting, high-quality and 

reliable machines, and they are willing to 

put in the resources and effort. 

ALL THINGS PLYWOOD 

Originally founded in Taiwan, Chinglun 

moved to China back in the early 2000s 

because they saw the country’s huge 

potential. Chinese labour was cheap 

and there was a lack of machine 

manufacturers in China. To meet the 

growing demand for plywood there, and 

to avoid costly tariffs from exporting 

their machinery into the country, 

establishing themselves in there made 

more financial sense. 

Ever since then, Chinglun specialised 

in producing sanders and hot and cold 

presses, but it has also evolved provide 

plant design services for plywood 

manufacturing. If a customer comes 


IN PERSON 

wants to start a plywood mill with 

Chinglun’s help, Lee said that they 

are confident in providing what 

the customer wants “from A to Z”, 

tailored to their requirements. 

“First, we meet up with the customer 

and ask them what they need, to 

understand, for example, their target 

capacity, what kinds of products 

they are manufacturing, or what 

their working hours are like, because 

different factories have different 

working hours. Like in Indonesia, 

most factories are doing 10 hours 

a shift, with two shifts a day and 25 

days per month. Then we write up a 

proposal. Sometimes we ask them 

for a layout of their existing plan or 

factory, and we propose to them how 

it would be installed, so their flow of 

work would turn out smooth. Once 

everything is confirmed and after 

receiving the down payment, we 

will assign technicians to start the 

plant manufacturing and install the 

machines.” 

“DIFFERENT MARKETS REQUIRE 

DIFFERENT PROCESSING TECHNIQUES” 

Chinglun’s commitment to quality 

is evident from what goes into the 

production of their equipment. 

According to Lee, their presses and 

sanders are at least 30% heavier 

than other Chinese brands because 

of the good-quality spare parts they 

used in their sanders and presses — 

which accounts for their costliness. 

Although the company wants to 

convince the world of their quality 

Chinese-made machines, it is more 

than just that; Chinglun strives to 

keep improving their machinery to 

meet the ever-changing demands 

of the global market, and to keep 

improving their after-sales service 

and help their customers meet their 

production targets and quality. 

Lee pointed out, for example, that 

back when Chinglun first entered 

China, their presses and sanders 

sold to Chinese manufacturers were 

different from to South East Asian or 

European manufacturers. That was 

because the raw material in China 

in the past was much smaller than 

the hardwood in South East Asian 

or European countries, where the 

diameter of the lumber there could 

be taller than an average person. 

Sanders to China were therefore more 

heavy-duty and a lot more precise 

to compensate for the deficiency in 

the raw materials, while sanders to 

other countries were less heavy duty, 

since their raw material needed less 

processing. 

“Back in the day, for Chinese 

manufacturers to produce a 

controlled level or flatness of their 

panels — since their raw material was 

not that good — we needed a machine 

that was really efficient in getting the 

panel flat,” he said. “And that was how 

we gradually increased our rollers and 

our whole system of actually sanding 

it for these raw materials to become 

a final good product.” He added that 

the integrity and strength of today’s 

plywood is sturdier than before, and 

they are now providing a stronger and 

evenly distributed pressure in their 

press machines. 

Now things have changed, Lee said. 

Raw materials across the world, and 

not just China, has become smaller 

because they are plantation trees, which 

means Chinglun has to make all their 

machinery heavy duty. 

Chinglun tries to be sensitive to each 

region’s needs and culture. Take 

automation, for example. Automation 

has been touted as a megatrend in 

every manufacturing industry, but it is 

not exactly favoured in every region. 

Whether it is accepted depends on 

variables like the raw material, the 

workers, the habits and customs 

of plywood production, or even the 

technical specs of the plywood itself. 

“Different markets require different 

processing techniques, or as we call 

it, recipes. So, when you actually see a 

plywood equipment or production line 

from maybe Russia, or even Australia, 

Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, the 

process of production and the plywood 

construction itself differs greatly from 

one another.” Lee said. 

For example, Chinglun is now developing 

a fully automatic film laminating press 

machine for a Russian company. Lee 

explained that Russian manpower is 

expensive, so plywood manufacturers 

prefer to tap into fully or semi-automatic 

machines. The same goes for Mexico — 

or in general Western countries — where 

there is a culture of “give-or-take money 

1 


IN PERSON 

LEGEND 

1 Chinglun’s fully 

automated hot 

press 

2 Chinglun’s cold 

press 

2 

exchange”, with workers not willing to 

put in the extra manual work unless 

they are compensated accordingly. 

Likewise, in China, what used to be a 

preference for manual labour due to the 

cheap manpower has now given way 

to fully or semi-automatic machines 

because of the rise in labour costs. 

However, for some South East Asian 

countries like Indonesia or Vietnam, 

manual labour is still the preferred 

mode of production. 

“In China, everyone wants to go 

automatic now because labour is so 

expensive,” reported Lee. “Labour 

cost is around, let’s say, US$1,000 to 

$1,600, which is five times the wage in 

Indonesia or Vietnam. When you factor 

in everything like healthcare insurance 

for workers, it is actually better to just 

buy a fully or semi-automatic machine 

[for more developed countries].” On 

top of that, factories would also need 

to factor in the challenge of managing 

workers while taking into account 

their performance, compliance and 

wellbeing in the company. 

MAKING A NAME FOR THEMSELVES 

Spanning from South East Asian 

countries like Vietnam, Indonesia and 

Myanmar to as far as South America 

and Europe, Chinglun has supplied 

their equipment to various plywood 

manufacturers across the world. 

In traditional markets like China, 

Japan, Indonesia and Vietnam, Lee 

reported that Chinglun does very well. 

Even in Myanmar, they have supplied 

their machines to a big customer 

that is said to have “17 factories”. 

For developed countries like the US, 

Canada, the UK, and New Zealand, 

Chinglun has supplied what Lee called 

their add-on or 2nd-time processing 

machinery, which is a lightweight 

version of their typical equipment, 

but more for processing plywood into 

finished decorative panels, ready for 

end consumer’s use. 

Currently, Chinglun hopes to sell 

more into South East Asia, Africa, 

Russia, India and Brazil. In particular, 

South East Asia, Russia and Brazil 

have plenty of plantation material 

for plywood production that can be 

utilised more fully, and India has 

customers looking to purchase quality 

and reliable plywood manufacturing 

equipment. But what makes Chinglun’s 

global footprint more impressive 

is that they are not held back by 

unfamiliarity. Lee explained that the 

company dares to explore territories 

that are not even traditionally known 

for their wood panel market. They 

aspire to gain recognition everywhere 

in the world. 

“For example, if I tell my boss that we 

have an inquiry from some unknown, 

no man’s land, where nobody has ever 

done a project before, she will tell me 

not to worry and follow up with that 

particular region, even if we do not earn 

any money,” he said. “Our aim is to gain 

recognition, even in the Western world.” 

Of course, it is not that Lee and his 

team take uncalculated risks; at 

the end of the day, they are more 

concerned with building long-term 

relationships with potential and 

existing customers, rather than just 

one-off transactions. Lee concluded 

with one encounter he had with a 

customer in Indonesia: 

“We went to this factory before the 

COVID-19 pandemic, one that I have 

never been to in Indonesia before. The 

factory manager came out and told us 

they had three to four of our machinery. 

But I personally had never been to their 

factory before. The manager told us the 

machinery had been there for decades, 

even before 2000s when Chinglun was 

still manufacturing in Taiwan,” he said. 

“So, our machinery has been running 

there after so many decades. I was 

quite amazed.” P 


PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT 

AquaVeg: New bio-based 

wax emulsion for wood 

panel industry 

AquaVeg is the latest bio wax emulsion by Emulco, an emulsion company, 

said to perform better than mineral wax emulsions for coating as well as 

in mass dosing of all kinds of wood panels, including engineered wood. 

Jean Vanhoebost, CEO of Emulco, introduces it to Yap Shi Quan. 

How did Emulco and Sestec come 

up with AquaVeg, and what was 

Emulco’s role in this collaboration? 

Vanhoebost: Sestec and Emulco 

are two independent companies 

operating in the same market 

segment of the panelboard Industry. 

Sestec is a producer of bio-based 

resins, and Emulco produces a 

range of bio wax emulsions. If a 

panelboard producer combines a 

bio adhesive with a bio emulsion, 

the panel can be sold as a bio-based 

panel, with the emulsion as 99.8% 

bio content. 

AquaVeg 

What inspired Emulco to create an 

eco-friendlier wax emulsion? 

Jean Vanhoebost: It all started with 

our commitment to the production 

of sustainable solutions. It is time 

to move towards green solutions in 

the emulsion sector. Emulco has 

been focusing the last decade on the 

development of new emulsification 

techniques as well as the discovery 

of new molecules to emulsify. This 

has led to the development of our 

product family of high-end bio wax 

emulsions. 

Bio emulsions are a very good 

alternative to mineral emulsions. What 

is more, complex polymer emulsions 

such as polyisobutylene (PIB) and 

ethylene propylene diene momoner 

(EPDM) are now equally available as 

water-based emulsions. As such, 

the use of mineral solvents can be 

avoided to apply these interesting 

molecules in diverse markets, to the 

benefit of the environment. 

Some widely used mineral waxes in 

the panelboard industry have been 

identified by the European Chemical 

Agency (ECHA) as a potential health 

hazard. Bio-based wax emulsions 

offer a more competitive, safer and 

eco-friendlier alternative. 

Emulco and Sestec quickly found 

common ground as our products 

showed great compatibility and 

proved very effective when applied 

on panels. However, our products 

work independently from each other. 

The benefit in combining them for 

panelboard producers is that there 

is no added formaldehyde and no 

added mineral carbon material, 

resulting in a bio-based panel. 

How do particleboards and 

medium-density fibreboards (MDFs) 

made with AquaVeg perform better 

than with mineral wax emulsions, 

and what do panel producers have 

to take note when using AquaVeg? 

Vanhoebost: Industrial data as well 

as laboratory test results confirm 



consistent better performance of bio 

wax emulsions compared to mineral 

wax emulsions for water absorption and 

thickness swelling, while mechanical 

properties show comparable results. 

Mineral slack waxes contain quite a bit of 

light oils and volatile organic compounds 

(VOCs) and have a flash point around 

230°C, while bio waxes have no free oil, 

no VOCs, and have a typical flash point 

around 280-300°C. So, we believe that this 

would result in a lower evaporation loss 

once the emulsion is in the press at high 

temperatures, resulting in a higher net 

dosing amount compared to slack waxes. 

1 

LEGEND 

1 Bio-based wax 

emulsions offer a more 

competitive, safer 

and eco-friendlier 

alternative to mineral 

wax emulsions 

2 Bio waxes have no free 

oil, no VOCs, and have 

a typical flash point 

around 280-300°C 

3 Emulco has been 

focusing the last 

decade on the 

development of 

new emulsification 

techniques as well as 

the discovery of new 

molecules to emulsify 

Our AquaVeg emulsions are compatible 

with mineral wax emulsions and can be 

mixed without concern. At equal dosing 

levels for panel production or at equal 

film thickness for a surface coating, 

the AquaVeg emulsions are a perfect 

alternative for slack wax emulsions 

and they need no specific attention or 

considerations. 

Can you elaborate how AquaVeg can be 

used as a top coating for engineered 

wood products like laminated veneer 

lumber (LVL) and cross-laminated timber 

(CLT), and to what effect? 

Vanhoebost: In the ongoing quest to 

reduce carbon emissions, building 

materials such as LVL and CLT products 

are reintroduced to reduce the use of 

armed concrete, which is very carbon 

unfriendly in terms of energy needs when 

it is produced. 

2 

Prefabricated CLT and LVL elements have 

to be stored outside during construction 

phases on a building site. When exposed 

to the environmental elements such as 

sunshine, rain, hail or snow, the CLT or 

LVL elements can be damaged. To prevent 

such damage, a mineral wax coating is 

generally applied on the wood surface. 

Replacing this mineral wax coating 

with a bio wax coating which on top is 

bio-degradable is again a big step forward 

to protect our precious environment. No 

mineral wax will pollute the soil, and even 

when installed the bio wax coating will 

have a zero-emission effect inside the 

building while slack wax mineral emissions 

remain less healthy. 

What certifications or accreditations 

have been applied to AquaVeg, or are 

currently pending results for? 

Vanhoebost: The AquaVeg range can be 

sold as technical product and is certified 

as food contact safe — Emulco provides 

Food Contact Statement certificate — and 

has many certification levels, depending 

on the formulation and additive package 

used. 

3 

How does Emulco intend to push AquaVeg out 

in the market, especially to Asia and South 

East Asia? 

Vanhoebost: In the first stage, Emulco will 

export the emulsions to Asian or South East 

Asian markets directly. Once certain volumes 

are established, there will be a need for a local 

agent and preferably, a collaboration with a local 

producer; exporting big amounts of the liquid 

across the ocean is not a long-term option. P 



“A beacon of innovation”: 

Biesse’s new ROS FT 

robotic system 

tasks, including part recognition, sorting, 

and stacking preferences. This user-friendly 

interface reportedly minimises the learning 

curve and enables operators to maximise the 

system’s potential. With this programming 

interface as well as its gripping technology, 

ROS FT allows manufacturers to flexibly 

switch between different production runs and 

handle diverse materials without extensive 

reprogramming. 

Biesse’s new ROS FT 

In the evolving landscape of manufacturing, 

automation plays a pivotal role in 

enhancing efficiency, precision, and 

overall productivity, offering a solution to 

challenges such as labour shortages, rising 

production demands, and the need for 

consistently high-quality output. 

As industries continue to embrace 

automation, machine and integrated 

line manufacturer for multi-material 

processing Biesse strives for its newlylaunched 

ROS FT to stand as “a beacon 

of innovation”, paving a future where 

manufacturing processes are not only 

streamlined but also optimised for 

success. 

KEY FEATURES OF ROS FT 

Also known as the Robotic Operated 

System for Flexible Unloading, the ROS 

FT is designed to optimise the unloading 

process of machined parts from nesting 

machines, offering better speed, accuracy 

and adaptability in production. 

The heart of the ROS FT system lies in its 

robotic arm, engineered to handle a range of 

materials with precision. Its precision ensures 

the consistent and accurate unloading of 

machined parts, contributing to a higher 

quality end-product. This level of consistency 

is challenging to achieve with manual labour 

alone. 

According to Biesse, this robotic arm is 

equipped with advanced sensors and vision 

systems, enabling it to adapt to varying 

shapes, sizes, and materials of machined 

parts. The ROS FT further incorporates an 

adaptive gripping technology that allows the 

robotic arm to securely hold and manipulate 

parts of different geometries. This versatility 

ensures that the system can accommodate 

an array of products, making it suitable for 

manufacturers with diverse production needs. 

The ROS FT system is also equipped with a 

programming interface that facilitates easy 

setup and configuration. Manufacturers can 

define specific parameters for unloading 

For manufacturers with Biesse’s nesting 

machines, ROS FT can be integrated with 

them, thus creating a synchronised and 

harmonious workflow. The robotic arm 

unloads machined parts, allowing the nesting 

machine to continue its operations without 

unnecessary downtime. This integration 

enhances overall production throughput and 

reduces bottlenecks in the manufacturing 

process. The system also operates 24/7 

automatically, reducing the need for manual 

labour and enabling manufacturers to meet 

demanding production schedules, thus 

increasing the overall production productivity. 

Lastly, the system comes with real-time 

monitoring and analytics capabilities, 

providing insights into production efficiency 

and performance. Manufacturers can track key 

metrics, identify potential issues, and optimise 

their processes for continuous improvement. 

The ROS FT not only enhances efficiency 

and precision by addressing the challenges 

associated with unloading machined parts 

from nesting machines, it also aims to set 

a new standard for adaptability in the everevolving 

manufacturing landscape. While the 

initial investment in automation technology 

is significant, the long-term cost savings 

and returns on investment are substantial 

by reducing labour costs, minimising errors, 

and increasing the overall efficiency of the 

manufacturing process. P 



A new dimension 

for panel sizing 

Leuco’s diamond-tipped panel-sizing circular saw blades are said 

to achieve high cutting quality with long tool lives, and after being 

upgraded, they now perform better and are more robust. 

Leuco has further improved their DP 

panel cutting circular saw blades, 

introducing the two cut lines U-Cut and 

Q-Cut to complement the HW version. 

The U-Cut variant is ideal for classic or 

universal cuts while the Q-Cut version is 

used for high-quality finish cuts. Now, 

these saw blades are capable of cutting 

all particleboards and medium-density 

fibreboard (MDF) panels. 

1 

LEGEND 

1 The new 

diamond-tipped 

panel-sizing 

circular saw 

blades U-Cut 

with TR-F-FA 

and Q-Cut with 

G6 are on a par 

with the HW 

versions in terms 

of application and 

cutting quality, 

while achieving 

up to 20 times the 

tool life 

2 Thicker teeth with 

a bigger wedge 

angle reduce the 

risk of breakage 

to DP teeth 

2 

ROBUST CREDENTIALS 

According to Leuco, the DP variants of 

both cut categories have smaller gullets, 

and this makes the tools more robust. 

Thicker teeth with a bigger wedge angle 

reduce the risk of tooth breakage. Also, 

with their new grade of diamond, these 

saw blades can reportedly process 

all standards of wood materials. The 

strength achieved is also able to protect 

the fragile diamond-tipped tool from 

foreign bodies. 

MELLOW SOUNDS, LONG SERVICE LIFE 

The DP version of the Q-Cut line also has 

laser ornaments that are mounted in a 

specific sequence and are filled with a 

vibration-damping material. This means 

that the saw blade cuts more smoothly, 

delivering power and quality without a 

lot of noise. Additionally, Leuco reports 

that it does so consistently right across 

the service life of the saw blade, even 

after all sharpening operations. The 

new saw blades are said to be able to 

reach 20 times the tool service life of 

their HW counterpart, making them the 

equivalent of “marathon runners”, as 

declared by Leuco. P 

Images: Leuco 



CNC machining 

of unique furniture shapes 

1 2 

Ganzhou Kejiang Electromechanical 

Equipment specialises in developing 

computerised numerical control 

(CNC) machining centres as well as 

CNC-controlled lathes for milling 

and processing unique furniture 

shapes. In particular, they featured 

at Malaysian Wood Expo (MWE) 2023 

their MCJ13020 model can process 

various kinds of solid wood furniture 

— for instance, dining tables and 

chairs, uniquely shaped wooden legs, 

particular furniture shapes, solid 

wood crafts and accessories. 

According to a spokesperson 

from Kejiang, their MCJ13020 CNC 

machining centre can also carry out 

the automatic one-time clamping 

of workpieces that are challenging 

to process manually, especially for 

turning, milling, drilling and grinding. 

“Whether it is a simple curve or a 

complex engraving, our equipment 

can handle it with precision,” 

explained the spokesperson from 

Kejiang. “In the past, different 

processes needed to be carried 

out separately, with each process 

completed by different machines and 

workers. Now, our equipment can 

achieve composite processing, and 

one machine can integrate multiple 

processes, which greatly saves time 

and space costs. Our equipment 

is also automated, reducing the 

need for manual operations and 

increasing production efficiency and 

consistency.” 

On top of their CNC machining 

centres, the company also provides 

customised solutions according 

to the specific needs of each 

manufacturer: “When customers 

require specific processing 

solutions, we will provide detailed 

training materials and parameters 

to ensure that customers can 

make full use of our equipment for 

production.” 

At the moment, Kejiang has 

customers across South East 

Asia, including Vietnam, Malaysia, 

Thailand, and looking to expand 

to Indonesia in the future. The 

firm has a professional team that 

provides customers with training 

and technical support. This is part 

of their strategy of developing 

long-term relationships with their 

customers, regularly communicating 

with them, gathering their feedback, 

and making improvements 

accordingly. 

The company aims to differentiate 

itself from other firms by focusing 

on the R&D of equipment for specific 

processes of producing furniture 

— be it turning or milling or others. 

Currently, their machines already 

use advanced control systems and 

high-quality parts to ensure strong 

performance and longer lifetime. 

However, they are also committed to 

improving the accuracy and stability 

of their machines, believing that 

with better methods, higher-quality 

furniture can be produced: “Although 

the furniture industry has not seen 

much growth lately, we continue 

to improve on our equipment 

through incrementally adopting 

new manufacturing methods 

and developments. As a result, 

our equipment is selling well and 

growing.” P 

LEGEND 

1 Kejiang with the 

MCJ13020 CNC 

machining centre 

at MWE 2023 

2 Demonstrating the 

use of MCJ13020 CNC 

machining centre 



Dürr launches new, 

standardised paint supply 

station for industrial 

applications 

The EcoSupply2 Core delivers time savings 

on assembly, commissioning, and 

documentation. 

Dürr’s new EcoSupply2 Core is a modular paint 

supply station that integrates all the necessary 

components into a compact design. The 

space-saving, easy-to-use system is ideal for 

industrial applications where painting is done 

in a confined space. 

The EcoSupply2 Core is available 

now. Certified for the European, 

US, and Asian markets, the 

solutions saves integrators and end 

customers time on engineering, 

assembly, and commissioning. Once 

the pre-assembled complete package 

arrives on site, all that remains is to 

commission it. 

MINIMAL EFFORT DURING COMMISSIONING 

According to Dürr, the EcoSupply2 Core 

reduces the workload for integrators since 

the system only requires bolting to the ground 

and commissioning before use. As a result, 

almost all the assembly and engineering work 

is eliminated. Until now, the integrator had to 

document both stages. This requirement is 

no longer necessary, since Dürr will reportedly 

provide a declaration of conformity ensuring 

that the customer’s EcoSupply2 Core has 

undergone a technical inspection. 

DIFFERENT DESIGNS FOR DIFFERENT NEEDS 

The EcoSupply2 Core comes in different 

versions. It is the centre component of the 

station, and users can choose between a 

diaphragm pump for the low-pressure range 

or a piston pump for pressures up to 300 

bar, depending on the specific application 

technology and the paint type being used. 

Additionally, different flow and return 

regulators tailored to various flow rates and 

pressure ranges compatible with these pumps 

are available. 

EcoSupply2 Core is a modular paint supply 

station that integrates all necessary components 

into a compact design 

The EcoSupply2 Core is ideal wherever 

machines need a paint supply, be it for the 

woodworking or construction industries, in 

injection molding shops, or at automotive 

suppliers. The system combines multiple 

products: an agitator, pumps or pressure 

tanks that transport the paint, filters 

for material purification, and pressure 

controllers. In addition, sensors can be 

installed to display the fill level in the paint 

drum or lifters for easy drum replacement. 

“With the EcoSupply2 Core, we developed the 

first paint supply station as a standard solution 

that is also highly flexible. With its range of 

individual components, it offers customers 15 

individual configuration options,” explained 

Tom Reiner, a product engineer at Dürr. 

With the paint supply station, Dürr provides 

pressure tanks that can accommodate 

volumes of up to 60L. When using buckets or 

drums in variants of 30L, 60L, or 200L, the 

original container directly supplies the paint. 

FREELY SELECTABLE COMPONENTS 

While pumps, controllers, and tanks are 

available in various designs, there is the 

option to add other components as extras. 

For example, an agitator, filter, or lifter can 

be added which raises the pump for changing 

the paint container. Industrial companies can 

also utilise the EcoSupply2 Core exclusively as 

an agitator. When used in this way, a separate 

station agitates the paint, accelerating the 

paint changing process and minimising 

production interruptions. P 


PANEL MANUFACTURING 

Reinventing wood 

panel production 

with Pika ReTech’s 

solutions 

Sedat Balioglu, marketing, comms and sales at 

Pika ReTech, dives deep into the mechanics of 

the company’s solutions. 

such as glue-induced stains on the 

panels, resulting in the same or 

better mechanical panel values while 

the amount of glue is reduced and 

saved. ReFogger does not require 

maintenance apart from routine ones, 

and this minimises indirect losses 

due to clogging, deterioration, or 

production stoppage. 

To date, the ReFogger has been 

installed in 33 factories in different 

countries. It comes in two separate 

versions: the Plugin, which is the 

upgraded version for factories that 

already have a glue-saving system 

by Ecoresinator from Siempelkamp, 

ProJet from DIEFFENBACHER, or 

Schlick system nozzles; and the ACE 

version with full automation and 

content, recommended for plants that 

do not have a glue-saving system. 

REJIT 

Paraffin has been an essential 

component since the beginning 

of wood-based panel production. 

However, there has been no changes 

in this product’s method or usage 

methodology, in spite of studies 

and research carried out, until the 

last four to five years. This lack of 

change was a problem for panel 

manufacturers. At the same time, 

the price of using paraffin increased 

in the last few years, not least due 

to global challenges such as supply 

issues, changing purchasing costs, 

and dependence on limited suppliers. 

ReFogger 

REFOGGER 

ReFogger is a resin-saving system that 

aims to be a better interpretation of 

conventional resin-saving systems, 

reducing all raw materials used in the 

system — making it an example of a 

sustainable, environmentally friendly 

system. 

We developed ReFogger to be a 

straightforward system with its 

structure. It works with similar or 

common resin-saving systems, but its 

most important distinction, compared 

to other systems, is it turns glue into 

fog via steam in a small steam chamber 

outside the Blowline — hence the 

name ‘ReFogger’. The fibres move in 

the Blowline with high heat and speed 

to better disperse the fog cloud. This 

then provides a more homogeneous 

distribution of the fog by creating 

turbulence with its non-flat structure, 

which in Pika ReTech is called the ‘S’ 

Blowline. Thus, as the particle size 

shrinks, the number of particles 

increases, and the surface area 

expands. This minimises problems 

As such, we decided to take the issue 

seriously and started evaluating the 

situation and analysing user needs. 

Every manufacturer’s first and only 

problem was that the quality of the 

paraffin emulsion used was not 

stable. We therefore developed ReJIT 

— the JIT stands for ‘Just in Time’. It 

is a nano emulsion paraffin system 

that allows the user to work with wax 

or paraffin emulsion on a standalone 

line, without being connected 

anywhere, and to obtain a product 

that they can produce with their 

recipe and store as paraffin emulsion 

at the exit of the line. In the system, 



almost all the particle size in the paraffin 

emulsion obtained is in nano measurement, 

below 1µm. As such, a larger surface area can 

be covered due to the much smaller particle 

size, thus reducing paraffin consumption. 

ReJIT is not a highly complex machine, 

and the return on investment is within 

reasonable times, especially for the pricebenefit 

relationship in terms of ease of 

maintenance, spare parts advantage, and 

high capacity. Reducing consumption as well 

as the amount of toxic fumes released into 

the atmosphere makes ReJIT sustainable as 

well. More than 10 units of ReJIT has been 

sold worldwide as of 2023. 

REFLOT AND RETUNER 

Pika ReTech produces high-quality 

aluminium oxide for the laminate flooring 

industry. The reason we started in this field 

was due to customer demand. There is a 

strong laminate flooring production potential 

in Turkey, which was where our production 

centre was from the beginning. And now, we 

bring this technology globally, working with 

laminate flooring manufacturers. 

ReFlot 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. 

The shape and size of the aluminium oxide 

particles are the most crucial factors that 

ascertain the robustness of the material. 

We began producing the ReTuner powder 

scattering system because one of our 

customers could not find a suitable powder 

scattering machine for their conditions, 

and we tailormade a unique solution for 

them — which was ReTuner. The system 

spreads the aluminium oxide material over 

the overlay and decor paper smoothly and 

homogenously. We use aluminium for the 

body and cylinders of the ReTuner, so it can 

be manufactured according to the narrow 

areas requested by the customer and can 

lay and distribute the powder with high 

homogeneity. 

The ReTuner works with a vacuum 

suction or auger system in addition to 

feeding the aluminium oxide powder into 

a funnel-shaped chamber. The powder 

inside the feeding bunker is then poured 

homogeneously, and the level is kept 

constant during the scattering process. By 

using a specially prepared scattering roll, the 

formation of voids and the decomposition of 

the material are prevented during casting. 

The scattering roll is driven by a servo driver, 

mounted under the hopper, and is designed 

according to the powder size. The material is 

taken up by the scattering roll and stripped 

from a flexible doctor blade. Together with 

a modified oscillating brushing device, the 

There is a strong laminate 

flooring production potential 

in Turkey, which was where our 

production centre was from 

the beginning. And now, we 

bring this technology globally, 

working with laminate flooring 

manufacturers. 

scattering roll ensures that the required 

amount of the material (g/m 2 ) is properly 

and evenly distributed to the substrate. The 

doctor blade design allows the material to 

be dosed evenly over the entire scattering 

width. 

The ReTuner scattering system is available 

in different sizes and capacities, and can 

be supplied with a vertical or horizontal 

transfer system for easier cleaning and 

maintenance. 

REBOOST 

In the production process of all wood-based 

panels, wood and glue constitute the main 

cost item. Constant and correct dosing and 

mixing of wood particles and fibres with 

resin is the most important basic condition 

for obtaining a board with good mechanical 

properties. Intelligent and qualified chemical 

additives to be added to this process will 

contribute to meeting the target quality 

expectations of the panels produced. 

When Pika ReTech started R&D studies for 

our ReFogger glue-saving system in 2016, 

we decided to develop some chemicals 

that would be beneficial for panel 

manufacturers. Our ReBoost series of highquality 

additives emerged from this. The 

ReBoost performance additive programme 

aims to enhance the manufacturer’s ability 

to produce more qualified and targeted 

panels. As of the time of printing this 

article, Pika ReTech has on the ReBoost 

product range the Release Agent, 

the Panel Performance Additive, the 

Surface Performance Additive, and the 

Formaldehyde Catcher available. P 

To know more about Pika ReTech, read our interview with them in 

the November/December 2023 issue of Panels & Furniture Asia. 



Specialists in 

resin formulation 

and application 

As raw material prices increase and 

sustainability credentials become a 

trade requirement, how resins are being 

used in wood panel production should be 

reassessed as well. How can companies 

like CHIMAR, a resin technology developer, 

help to tackle these challenges? Charles 

Markessini, vice-president, R&D, introduces 

CHIMAR to Yap Shi Quan. 

formaldehyde (PF) resins. These resins are 

used predominantly in the production of 

particleboard, medium-density fibreboard 

(MDF), oriented strand board (OSB), and 

plywood panels. Lower volume applications are 

paper impregnation and insulation materials 

such as mineral and glass wool or fabrics. 

CHIMAR brings long-standing expertise 

on the subject and our team of 30 skilled 

professionals works and interacts strongly 

with every customer, striving to understand 

the local market and processes, to reach the 

beneficial targets, and always to achieve the 

fruits of a joint effort. 

What are your responsibilities as the 

company’s vice-president of R&D? 

Markessini: I am responsible for monitoring 

all research projects being executed. My 

personal favourite assignment is to scale up 

new technologies, take good results from the 

lab and implement the latter in the real world. 

I also take part in the technical support of 

customers on-site and try to inspire our team 

to develop technologies the market will be 

using in the next 20 years. 

Lab synthesis of PF resin 

Can you tell us more about CHIMAR? 

Charles Markessini: CHIMAR is a company 

active since 1977. It has expertise in over 100 

industrial sites around the world. Its most 

important function is to develop technologies 

related to the production and application 

of adhesives used in manufacturing woodbased 

panels. The company specialises in 

formulation development and the application 

of formaldehyde-based resins. Our customers 

use our technology to: increase their market 

share, product portfolio and profit margin 

in case they are active in the free — not 

captive — resin market; to reduce production 

cost, improve production speed, or reduce 

formaldehyde emissions; as well as to improve 

other product properties in case of integrated 

resin and panel production. 

It is important to note that we do not 

produce or provide industrial binders but 

rather the technology for their production 

and application. Our technology addresses 

all types of urea-formaldehyde (UF), 

urea-melamine-formaldehyde (UmF), 

melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF), 

melamine-formaldehyde (MF) and phenol 

Can you share how CHIMAR contributes to 

producers’ Deming cycle with your solutions 

and technical pre- and after-sales support? 

Markessini: As our relationship with any 

customer is always target-oriented, we fulfil, 

and in some cases exceed, our obligations 

by executing several improvement projects. 

These are represented by the (Observe)- 

Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle that is applied 

sequentially several times until the technology 

is fully launched and the results are obtained. 

As discussed above, this is done in strong 

cooperation with the local industrial team, a 

practice that reinforces the initial technology 

and enables its implementation efficiently. 

So in practice, all our technology transfer and 

technical support, including pre- and aftersales, 

evolves around the execution of several 

cycles till measurable targets are reached or 

surpassed. 

Can you tell us more about the lignin-based 

resin developed with UPM 1 , as well as the NAF 

binder developed with Ecosynthetix? 2 

Markessini: Lignin-based adhesives are 

mostly suitable for plywood, insulation and 

high-pressure laminate (HPL) industries. 

Their performance matches those of phenolic 



Our team of 30 has embarked on a tough but 

rewarding and satisfying mission to develop the 

wood adhesive technologies that will satisfy the 

future needs of this intricate and magnificent 

industry we all love. 

Charles Markessini, Vice-President, R&D, CHIMAR 

adhesives that the sector is using, and their 

cost is attractive while their carbon footprint 

is either close to zero or even in some 

cases negative as they can store carbon. 

This project, a very demanding one from a 

scientific point of view, has been successful 

on a commercial scale, to a degree that 

surpassed even the most optimistic scenario. 

The Durabind series of products developed 

with Ecosynthetix offers several advantages 

to industries that wish to produce no-added 

formaldehyde (NAF) particleboard, MDF and 

OSB by using polymeric methyl diphenyl 

diisocyanate (pMDI). Durabind products 

reduce the carbon footprint of the production 

but also offer economical and technical 

advantages. For instance, the production 

outcome is significantly increased while 

process benefits such as tack in particleboard 

and blowline cleanliness in MDF are observed, 

alongside greater machinability of the final 

product. 

Researching on 

UF resin 

already remarkable and it reduces the 

carbon footprint of the wood-based panel 

production process, we firmly believe that 

through innovation related to the production 

process of this material, its market value will 

be increased and its price will be reduced, 

enabling its widespread adoption by the 

industry. 

CHIMAR has worked with companies in 

Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. What 

was the experience like working with them, 

what extra considerations do you have to 

account for when working with companies 

in South East Asia? 

Markessini: The most important 

consideration is that the wood species 

in this region are different, so that alone 

poses a great challenge. The South East 

Asian market is demanding as high moisture 

resistance and low formaldehyde emissions 

are a prerequisite especially for products to 

be exported. 

market shows signs of improvement. These 

products can increase the line speed by a 

factor of up to 30%, while the cost increase is 

minimal. 

Lastly, do you want to add anything else 

about CHIMAR that has not been touched on? 

Markessini: Every project, from the short-term 

ones that demand swift reaction and agility in a 

matter of days, to the long-term ones that test 

our stamina and perseverance for decades, 

has contributed to our knowledge, and so have 

our partners from the industrial, academic and 

equipment manufacturing worlds. Our team 

of 30 has embarked on a tough but rewarding 

and satisfying mission to develop the wood 

adhesive technologies that will satisfy the 

future needs of this intricate and magnificent 

industry we all love. P 

References 

1. Chimar Hellas. Chimar – UPM: Lignin based Phenolic Resins. 

 

2. Chimar Hellas. Chimar – Ecosynthetix: No added Formaldehyde 

Binders. 

Can you also share CHIMAR’s progress on the 

micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC) research in 

wood panel production? 

Markessini: We are cooperating with 

several companies, research institutes and 

universities related to new forms of nano- or 

micro-cellulose. It is a fascinating material 

that acts as a rheology modifier and a polymer 

reinforcing agent. 

Although we believe it is one of the most 

promising materials available in the market 

today, its low solid content and relatively 

high price currently inhibit its widespread 

commercialisation in the low-cost 

commoditised market of formaldehydebased 

resins. Since its performance is 

CHIMAR has not been able to successfully 

transfer the aforementioned message about 

the continuous development to South East 

Asia yet. Probably the market barriers have 

had a negative effect on the efficiency and 

outreach of the message. Nevertheless, as 

this market is a focal point of the growth plan 

of CHIMAR, we are constantly evolving our 

messaging and we hope we can convince 

a large proportion of the producers to 

enter common development projects with 

CHIMAR — to enjoy the fruits that advanced 

technological developments yield in the 

realm of wood adhesives. Moreover, the new 

product line of CHIMAR, catalysts for pMDI 

bonded wood-based panels, is expected to 

sell well in the Asian market, as soon as the 

Charles Markessini, Vice-President, R&D, 

CHIMAR 



Five-layer super 

particleboard: 

“A concept of greater 

end product flexibility” 

What is the five-layer super particleboard (SPB), 

and how did IMALPAL develop it? 


properties. Its applications are similar 

to a normal particleboard and can be 

used for furniture and flooring, but it can 

also be used in areas where the typical 

particleboard is not strong enough,” said 

Nardin. 

But what makes the SPB stand out 

from a typical particleboard — even 

from other wood panel variants — is the 

flexibility in its production method. 

“The five-layer board allows the 

manufacturer to play with different 

product characteristics of the board 

that they would like to produce, 

according to the end user’s demands 

and applications,” Nardin elaborated. 

IMALPAL formed 

mats surface 

A particleboard plant in Hubei, China, 

owned by wood panel producer 

Ningfeng Group is reportedly the “first” 

facility globally to produce five-layer 

SPB. 

The IMALPAL Group signed the 

agreement to supply particleboard 

production equipment in May 2022, 

including equipment for producing 

five-layer SPB, and IMALPAL fully 

installed everything in June 2023. 

What is a five-layer super 

particleboard? According to Gabriele 

Nardin, sales manager of PAL, the 

five-layer SPB has the technical 

specifications and machinability of 

somewhere “between the typical OSB 

construction panel and the typical 

particleboard decorative panel”. 

In other words, it is multi-layer board 

stronger than the typical particleboard, 

and catching up to the robustness 

of an oriented-strand board (OSB) 

construction panel. 

“Thanks to its fine surface layer, 

a SPB board has high mechanical 

What this means is that when producing 

a five-layer SPB panel, the manufacturer 

can tailor the technical properties 

according to what the end consumer 

wants by playing with different board 

recipes — such as the flake size, flake 

distribution, and glue quality and 

quantity. “It is a concept of greater end 

product flexibility,” as Nardin put it. 

The reason for developing such a panel 

is because of market demand. Nardin 

explained that companies used to 

produce the same kind of board with 

the same board characteristics. But as 



customisation becomes a global trend, 

now end users prefer to have their own 

product. 

The secrets to the system that creates 

the five-layer SPB are high-quality 

flaking, maintaining the size of the 

flakes without generating dust, and 

gentle handling. And to do that, it 

is important to have a good-quality 

flaker. “For example, our Globus SRC 

Flaker has 690mm long blades which 

allow the manufacturer to use bigger 

chips and produce longer flakes than 

the standard ones.” 

LEGEND 

1 PAL forming line 

2 IMAL Glue Blender 

3 IMAL high-pressure 

resination 

technology 

“Gentle” drying of the flakes is also 

equally important, which can be 

achieved by IMAL’s Belt Dryer. “This 

is to preserve the good shape of 

the flakes throughout the drying 

process,” said Nardin. “After which, 

the screening is carried out first with 

PAL’s Quadradyn, and then with an 

oscillating screen; the combination 

of this two-step screening ensures a 

thorough and optimal screening of the 

different flake sizes without breakage. 

The production is completed by highpressure 

glue resination by IMAL, and 

a five-layer Dynaformer complete the 

system with the Dynasteam press. This 

results in properly glued flakes in the 

Dynaformer and gentle pressing with 

steam injection.” 

As of the time of printing this article, 

the Ningfeng plant is able to produce 

up to 2,300m3 of five-layer SPB per 

day, surpassing the expected daily 

output of 1,800m3 that IMALPAL had 

initially designed for Ningfeng. 

1 

2 

“We have to thank the Ningfeng 

team for their ability to operate the 

machinery to the best of their ability,” 

said Nardin. 

The other kinds of particleboard 

production equipment that IMALPAL 

supplied include the full Superscreen 

and Wind Sifter sets for screening and 

quality control of the flakes, IMAL’s 

dosing system with three blenders for 

the production of high-pressure, fine, 

large SPB core and the regular core. P 

3 


FURNITURE MANUFACTURING 

Advanced manufacturing 

with HOMAG’s factory 

management system and 

full solution for automation 

the production process helps companies 

track and locate responsibilities and achieve 

standardisation. 

Most companies are aware of the importance 

of digitalisation in advanced furniture 

manufacturing, yet many generally give 

priority to the setting up of enterprise 

resource planning (ERP) systems to meet their 

needs. 

It is undeniable that ERP integrates much 

of the information within corporations and 

provides the management a platform for 

decision making, planning, control and the 

evaluation of business performance. However, 

at the shopfloor ERP alone cannot meet the 

needs of information processing, collection 

and exchange in the production process. 

Some common problems at the factory 

include: The planning department formulates 

a good production plan but is not timely or 

effectively transferred to the shopfloor; 

the production crew at the shopfloor does 

not receive a feasible production plan and 

Cutting: As the production process changes, 

order optimisation must also keep up. 

Through a combination of CutRite, another 

of HOMAG’s software for cutting panelthe 

designated production process is 

unclear; the processing of orders is not 

communicated to the planning management 

department in real time, and when orders 

are completed they cannot be tracked; 

or the management or decision makers 

are confused about the production at the 

shopfloor and are unable to make a practical 

plan. 

The root of the problem lies in the 

misalignment between the planning 

management and the production at 

the shopfloor. The introduction of the 

manufacturing executive system (MES) 

closes loopholes in the ERP system. This 

fills in gaps in the process of production 

organisation, production execution, 

warehouse management, process 

management, equipment monitoring, cost 

accounting, quality management, among 

others. The exchange of real-time data in 

As a solution provider for smart 

manufacturing in furniture production, 

HOMAG developed a customisable MES 

product: the factory management system 

FMS, combining German advanced 

technology, localised interface and deeprooted 

experience to meet needs in 

order management, production planning 

management, production scheduling 

management, inventory management 

and production process control. Based on 

modularity for key needs such as delivery 

management, the FMS can help companies 

achieve personalised digital transformation. It 

reflects the companies’ real production status 

through scientific data and resolve their 

production ‘black box’. 

HOW HOMAG’S FMS OPTIMISES PRODUCTION 

The FMS is easy to operate and user-friendly. 

It offers several benefits to furniture 

production: 

Scheduling: According to HOMAG, their 

FMS can make precise scheduling plans 

based on data. The system automatically 

collects data in real time through smart 

terminals at the production line, analyses 

the processing method and processing time 

of each workpiece in combination with the 

actual situation of the order and machines, 

calculates the optimal process route, and 

automatically schedules production. 



LEGEND 

1 A sample of smart 

factory using FMS 

2 Sorting system 

managed through FMS 

1 

shaped materials, and FMS, the system 

automatically calculates the optimal cutting 

method and provides data to the panel saws 

and storage and sorting system. 

Packaging: Through packaging 

optimisation, the FMS system can 

automatically calculate each unique order: 

How to use the least, fastest, and most 

cost-effective way to package. The data 

can be provided to the manual packaging 

team in the shopfloor and also connected 

to the automated packaging machine and 

robot. The automated packaging line can 

prepare customised cartons and packaging. 

The above methods have been proven to 

save up to 30% of the material compared to 

traditional packaging methods, as claimed 

by HOMAG. 

Tracking: Additionally, the FMS will tag 

each board with an identification label 

from the moment the order enters the 

smart production process. This instructs 

the smart production line to carry out 

intelligent operations in sorting, cutting, 

edgebanding, drilling and other processes. 

Rework requirements are generated and 

circulated within the production process 

automatically. The smart process will also 

eliminate common pain points in panel 

usage and selection, including the use 

of less popular colours, missing panels, 

misplaced panels and low-quality panels. 

Integrating with ERP: As a production 

information management system, FMS is 

not an isolated system. It can be combined 

with the ERP system. As both systems 

now operate together, the data is centrally 

2 

managed. Real-time and accurate production 

data is readily available, and the management 

has a precise understanding of the updated 

production status. The companies can now 

make decisions with real data, combined 

with systematic analysis, so as to achieve 

transparency in the smart factory. 

IN CONCLUSION 

The FMS not only emphasises process 

integration, control and monitoring of the 

production, allocates and organises all 

resources, and improves the shopfloor’s 

response and processing ability to unexpected 

requests and random activities, but it also 

helps companies build a digitalised production 

management system characterised by lean 

production and intelligent manufacturing. 

And more importantly, the FMS is unlike 

any “off-the-shelf” standardised software, 

according to HOMAG. The key to the 

success of the FMS lies in the ability of the 

project team, to continuously improve and 

upgrade the system to better fit furniture 

manufacturers’ business needs. HOMAG has 

integrated FMS to solve the manufacturing 

problems of furniture manufacturers 

to achieve breakthroughs amid keen 

competition. 

Furthermore, with the continuous product 

development of recent years in HOMAG, 

the company is now reportedly able to 

offer more affordable solutions not just for 

cutting, edgebanding and drilling, but also for 

automation and software — for example, the 

combination of automatic storage systems 

with robot panel saw, edgebanding tandem 

line with automatic loop interlinked with highspeed 

four- and six-sided drilling machines, 

decoupling buffers, sorting robots for a range 

of products, as well as connected assembly 

and packing lines. P 



Nesting processing centres: 

Ideal sizing mode for batchsize-one 

production 

Nanxing Machinery’s 

NCG3021L production line 

During the sizing process of panel furniture 

production, panel dividing saws CNC nesting 

machines are the main equipment. The 

computer panel saw, popular relatively earlier 

in the industry than processing centres, 

can stack and cut multiple large panels at 

once, making it more efficient and accurate 

compared to traditional sliding table saws 

and reciprocating saws. However, the panel 

dividing saw tends to be more suitable for 

the mass production of finished furniture; 

its processing accuracy and flexibility 

cannot meet the requirements of high-end 

customised furniture. 

In contrast, nesting processing centres, 

driven by a digital control system and 

equipped with optimisation software, are 

more intelligent and flexible. These centres 

excel in accuracy, standardisation, and 

material utilisation. From several standpoints, 

they are ideal for cutting in batch-size-one 

and customised production: 

FUNCTIONALITY 

Take Nanxing Machinery’s production line 

NCG3021L as an example: It features 21 

vertical drilling heads, a 12kW automatic 

tool-changing spindle, and a 12-tool automatic 

tool-changing magazine. The entire stack of 

raw material boards is placed on the material 

lifting table, and the line can automatically 

complete labelling, feeding, vertical drilling, 

top slotting, milling, carving, hollowing, and 

cutting of rectangular and irregular boards in 

one go. It then automatically unloads, saving 

other processes. The 12-tool automatic 

tool-changing magazine allows the spindle 

to automatically change tools according to 

processing needs, providing greater flexibility 

in customised furniture production while also 

reducing a few of the subsequent processes. 

In comparison, a computer panel saw can 

only be used to cut rectangular boards, and 

each board needs to be manually rotated and 

positioned for cutting. Its advantages are 

better utilised in mass production mode. 

FLEXIBILITY 

The term ‘flexible production’ is frequently 

mentioned in the whole-house customised 

furniture industry because customised 

furniture involves personalised products — 

orders with batch-size-one. Without flexible 

production, there will be material waste, 

time-consuming difficulties, and increased 

costs. Flexible production involves merging 

multiple personalised orders through the 

furniture design software, optimising them, 

and processing them with flexible equipment, 

thus saving time and materials. 

Nanxing reports that their nesting processing 

centre has high flexibility. Its high-speed 

spindle allows flexible cutting of single large 

boards without restrictions. The in-built 

optimisation software uses algorithms to 

automatically optimise the best layout for 

processing orders received from the furniture 

design software, achieving the highest material 

utilisation rate of up to 92%. In contrast, 

panel dividing saws, although equipped with 

optimisation software, generally achieve 

utilisation rates of only around 85-88% and are 

not suitable for flexible production modes. The 

intelligent control system and optimisation 

software of processing centres thus make 

them more suitable for smart workstations or 

Industry 4.0 smart production lines. 

PRECISION 

In terms of structure, although computer 

panel saws rely on servo positioning — which 

allows a general precision and accuracy of 

0.02mm — the actual cutting involves the 

continuous movement of the panels, and many 

mechanisms, including pressure beams, saw 

carriages and machine vibrations contribute to 

mechanical errors. Even well-made computer 

panel saws have processing accuracy errors of 

0.2mm or more. 

In contrast, the CNC nesting machine uses 

vacuum pumps to fix the board securely to the 



working table, ensuring it does not move 

until the processing is complete. Each axis is 

servo-driven, and the digital control system 

sends signals as command information for 

automatic processing. The entire digital 

control system, with digitalised operations 

such as spindle start-stop, spindle speed 

change, tool advance and retreat, and 

relative displacement between tools and 

workpieces, improves the stability of the 

entire processing process, thereby improving 

positioning and processing accuracies. 

Errors can be controlled within 0.1mm, and 

if the cutting is done in two passes, the 

accuracy can be controlled to about 0.05mm. 

1 

STANDARDISATION 

Standardisation is an important element 

in the production of high-end customised 

furniture. Common panel materials like 

particleboard, plywood, and medium densityfibreboard 

(MDF) are all produced by gluing 

and hot pressing, and there will be internal 

stress inside the boards. When cutting with a 

computer panel saw, the edges of the boards 

will have banana bending due to internal 

stress, resulting in non-standard shapes. 

Some manufacturers with high-quality 

requirements may use a double-end milling 

or double-sided edgebander to square the 

boards. 

2 

However, when using a nesting processing 

centre for cutting, the tool cuts around 

the boards instead of a simple one-cut 

separation. Through two rounds of 

processing, the first rough cut leaves 5mm 

without cutting through, releasing the 

internal stress of the board and preventing 

small boards from moving. The second round 

then finely trims and cuts through the board. 

With proper equipment and this process, it 

ensures higher precision and squaring of the 

boards. Nanxing has tested its NCG3021L 

production line by cutting nine pieces of 

boards of the same size from a large board, 

and the standardisation of the boards was 

high, with errors within 0.2mm. 

In summary, the nesting processing centre 

provides another mode for sizing for the 

batch-size-one production of customised 

furniture. Its optimal flexibility, board 

accuracy, and standardisation make it a 

better choice than panel dividing saws for 

sizing high-end customised furniture. P 

3 

4 

LEGEND 

1 The NCG3021L 

features 21 vertical 

drilling heads 

2 The 12-tool automatic 

tool-changing 

magazine allows 

the spindle to 

automatically change 

tools according 

to processing 

needs, providing 

greater flexibility in 

customised furniture 

production 

3 Sizing mode of the 

boards is high with 

Nanxing’s NCG3021L, 

with errors within 

0.2mm 

4 Nanxing’s optimisation 

software uses 

algorithms to 

automatically 

optimise the best 

layout for processing 

orders 



Second, they aim to provide a 

complete after-sales service 

network. Peng backed up this claim 

during MWE 2023. For any furniture 

manufacturer that patronised 

their booth, especially Malaysian 

manufacturers, Tonsing has a 

proposition for them: After they 

ordered a machine from Tonsing, 

the equipment would be shipped 

back to China through Tonsing’s 

dealer. The technicians at Tonsing 

will subsequently scan the drawings 

and complete the base film and 

other work for customers in China, 

and then ship the required parts and 

materials to the Malaysian customer’s 

location. 

Tonsing at Malaysian Wood Expo (MWE) 2023, displaying their four-axis double-station machining centre 

Complete 

after-sales service 

with Tonsing 

Tonsing Machinery Manufacturing, a China-based 

manufacturer of woodworking equipment, 

aims to provide excellent after-sales 

service on top of advanced machinery. 

Over 20 years ago, Tonsing started 

as a manufacturer of hot and cold 

presses and waveguide machines. 

As market demands evolved, they 

shifted their focus to secondary wood 

processing equipment, such as three-, 

four- and five-axis CNC machining 

centres. Currently, 70-80% of their 

sales are made in China, while the 

rest are exported to South East Asia, 

including Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, 

and Thailand, as well as Kazakhstan, 

Russia, South America and other 

places in Europe. 

Tonsing seeks to distinguish itself 

in two ways. First, by prioritising 

R&D with a workshop dedicated to 

“exploring advanced wood processing 

technologies”, according to Peng Jian, 

the sales representative of Tonsing. 

For instance, during Malaysian Wood 

Expo (2023) they showcased their 

four-axis double-station machining 

centre. They want to offer customers 

machines armed with multiple 

functions and integrated solutions, 

instead of machines with only one 

capability. 

Going the extra mile can help their 

customers amid tough economic 

times, said Peng. Current market 

conditions are not optimistic. Rising 

raw material and rising manpower 

costs, combined with the lack 

of orders, have contributed to 

fiercer competition in the furniture 

manufacturing scene lately. 

As a result, manufacturers are 

reluctant to buy and upgrade to new 

equipment. Even during exhibitions 

like MWE 2023 where visitors can see 

and touch machinery, and examine 

the quality themselves, they are not 

easily convinced to buy. 

“Our service therefore tries to 

eliminate the customer’s worries,” 

Peng said. “They only need to carry 

out normal worker training and daily 

operations without worrying about 

complex technical issues.” 

It is not only during MWE 2023 that 

Tonsing focuses on their after-sales 

service. In general, Peng said, they 

provide integrated solutions for 

the overall process and production 

solutions, “different from the 

approach of some small companies 

that only focus on equipment 

sales and ignore the upstream and 

downstream production processes”. 

As a result, “95%” of their customers 

are reportedly satisfied, as stated on 

their website. P 



“Automation 

must be accepted, 

and whoever 

accepts it first 

will succeed” 

Panel Master Engineering, the Malaysian dealer 

for China-based woodworking machinery 

manufacturer KDT, believes that automation is 

the future of the woodworking industry. 

With the increase in manpower and raw 

material costs recently, many have said that 

digitalisation and automation are key to 

mitigating these challenges. 

This is true of Western countries, but here 

in Asia and South East Asia, the relevance of 

Industry 4.0 solutions is slow to take hold of 

furniture manufacturers. 

“Malaysian factories do not like to use 

automated solutions,” said Gavin Chan, a 

representative of Panel Master Engineering. 

“But the market trend favours automation. If 

you resist this change, are you willing to be 

eliminated from the competition?” 

Having been in the woodworking industry for 12 

years, Panel Master Engineering is the Malaysian 

dealer for KDT, a China-based developer 

specialised in producing computerised 

numerical control (CNC) machining centres 

and automated lines for furniture production, 

including edgebanding lines, panel saw 

machinery, drilling centres and more. 

According to Chan, KDT’s automated 

machines can increase production output 

while reducing manpower. Their machines 

are reportedly stable and do not require 

frequent maintenance as well. One machine 

they featured during Malaysian Wood Expo 

(MWE) 2023 was the CNC panel saw KS-832C, 

for the large-scale processing of chipboards or 

fibreboards and production of panel furniture. 

“After the customer purchases our machine, 

we transport the machine and install it in the 

customer’s factory. If there are any problems 

with it, we will help them solve it immediately, 

but we also provide after-sales services. We 

just opened another branch to be closer to our 

customers.” 

Although the Malaysian furniture export market 

has dipped over the last few months, the 

domestic market is still doing relatively fine, 

said Chan. Not all of Panel Master Engineering’s 

customers export their furniture goods, so those 

that make domestic sales can still upgrade their 

equipment to KDT’s machinery. “Some of our 

customers still purchase more equipment to 

reduce their manpower, since many factories 

want to reduce their manpower costs.” 

Traditional methods of manufacturing can 

cope with small orders, but for manufacturers 

to survive tough competition, and to keep 

up with the quality, output and productivity 

that automated solutions provide at half the 

manpower, Malaysian manufacturers should 

consider upgrading to Industry 4.0 solutions. 

“The equipment we sell follows the progress 

of the times and needs to be equipped with 

artificial intelligence (AI) and software,” 

concluded Chan. “So, automation must be 

accepted, and whoever accepts it first will 

succeed.” P 

LEGEND 

1 Gavin Chan (left) together with the rest of his Panel 

Master Engineering team at MWE 2023 

2 MWE 2023 visitors interested in the CNC panel saw 

KS-832C 

1 2 


MATERIALS 

An introduction to 

how cross-laminated 

timber is produced 

After sorting, these boards enter the production 

line and get vacuum de-stacked according to 

two different types of timber quality. Boards are 

then transported on cross chains into the infeed 

system of the finger jointing machine to be 

precision-cut and joined into lamellas for both 

crosswise and lengthwise layers. For example, 

in Element5’s line, the KONTIZINK L-S120 finger 

jointing line can process the boards with a 

capacity of up to 80 boards per minute, or 120m 

per minute. The processed boards are conveyed 

into the infeed system of the SUPERPLAN 4V- 

S350 planer for laminations for high speed and 

perfect finish. 

WHAT IS CLT USED FOR? 

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is an engineered 

wood product made by stacking layers of 

kiln-dried wooden lamellas. It serves as a 

fundamental building component, particularly 

ideal for constructing tall wooden buildings. 

Its prefabricated segments, including walls, 

roofs, floors, and ceilings, enable swift and 

precise and clean on-site installation. 

CLT finds versatile application across various 

building types, ranging from residential 

to office towers, making it especially 

appealing for the construction of educational 

institutions and community buildings. The 

utilisation of CLT and other mass timber 

elements like glue-laminated timber (glulam) 

contributes to the reduction of the carbon 

footprint associated with construction 

projects, as wood absorbs CO2 during its 

growth, aiding in the reduction of greenhouse 

gas emissions. 

HOW IS IT MADE? 

Typically, CLT panels come in three, five, 

seven or nine layers. These layers are 

arranged perpendicular to each other and 

glued together to form sturdy structural 

panels. The perpendicular alignment 

ensures exceptional structural stability 

in both horizontal and vertical directions, 

making CLT panels reliable for construction 

projects. 

How CLT panels are formed will be illustrated 

with a turnkey CLT line case study by 

Ledinek, a company specialised in delivering 

mass engineered timber production lines. 

Ledinek equipped woodworking company 

Element5 located in Ontario, Canada with 

a turnkey CLT processing line back in 

2021, now reaching production capacity of 

45,000m 3 per year and producing CLT panel 

sizes of up to 16 x 3.5 x 0.36m. 

The process of creating CLT starts with 

kiln-dried boards. These boards are 

pre-planed, machine scanned for defects 

and structural integrity and sorted based 

on their structural and if needed visual 

qualities. 

1 

These boards are then stacked in a multi-tray 

curing storage. The next step involves gluing 

these boards into single layer panels with the 

hotmelt edge gluing Z-PRESS. Longitudinal 

panels are placed into the multi-tray storage 

for longitudinal laminations. Some longitudinal 

panels are cross cut into the cross panels, 

stacked into packages and placed into the 

buffer storage for single layer cross panels. 

The following step involves arranging these 

layers alternately on top of one another. There 

is a vacuum assembly unit for longitudinal 

single layer panels, as well as one for the cross 

single layer panels. A computerised numerical 

control (CNC) glue application unit applies glue 

on these layers in between destacking of each 

layer. Afterwards the CLT cake is driven into the 

Ledinek’s X-PRESS 16 and is pressed together 

with at least 0.8N/mm² of pressure. 

Additional feature of the Element5 line is 

section for production of up to 16m-long glulam 

beams, including a glulam press and a Ledinek 

beam planer EUROPLAN 600 4V for cross 

sections of up to 600 x 300mm, and a CNC 

joinery machine. 

EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR CLT PRODUCTION 

CLT production varies based on the production 


MATERIALS 

capacity and the maximum panel 

size. Regardless of the scale, two key 

components are essential: the CLT press 

and the finger jointing line. Additional 

specific equipment needed depends on the 

production capacity. For industrial-level 

production beginning at 5,000m 3 yearly 

production, additional equipment includes 

planers, cross-cut saws, mechanization 

systems, and board and panel handling 

systems. Moreover, a sander and a CNC 

machining centre designed for large 

format panels are necessary for a complete 

manufacturing process. 

and then finger joint whole CLT panels into 

the appropriate lengths with a unique finger 

jointing block press. This allows various 

possibilities and reduces the entry price as 

there is no need to finger joint lamellas, and 

the cold CLT press is only 6m long. 

According to Ledinek, new entrants can 

start with limited means and later modularly 

upgrade it to more automatic functions, and 

thus raise the capacity of the line. With fully 

equipped line they can achieve production 

volume of up to 100m 3 per shift. P 

For smaller workshops, Ledinek supplies 

production equipment for narrow CLT 

panels. The company has an automated 

production line that aims at smaller and 

medium-sized companies interested to 

enter the CLT market. The main advantage 

of the line is the possibility to press panels of 

the same length as boards in the packages 

2 

LEGEND 

1 KONTIZINK L-S120 

finger jointing line 

2 Ledinek’s X-PRESS 

3 A diagram of how 

CLT is made 

3 


FLOORING 

AI at Unilin: 

Assess what there is and 

make improvements 

The key question for Unilin on whether to 

implement artificial intelligence (AI) in their 

processes is this: When does AI provide 

them with added value? 

that cannot be told apart from genuine wood. 

This requires a great level of detail, resulting 

in increasingly intricate production processes 

based on thousands of settings. The more 

complex the product, the more sources of 

variation arise, leading to greater risks of 

machine downtime and production loss. 

The processes are becoming too complicated 

for Unilin’s operators, which is why several 

departments at Unilin have been asking 

themselves how AI can support their operators 

and engineers. de Smet elaborated: “The 

days when the same product came off the 

production line for hours on end are long gone. 

We train our AI models with data to teach them 

how to handle variation in designs and colours. 

The more data, the greater the accuracy of your 

AI model. Today we also have the necessary 

infrastructure to store such data volumes and 

that was not the case 10 years ago.” 

One of Unilin’s Capture colours, Patina oak grey, for laminate flooring 

A global AI hype has taken the world by 

storm recently. Unilin was in no hurry to 

climb the bandwagon because they have 

been investigating the potential benefits of 

AI for all their processes for several years 

now. Meanwhile, some AI models have been 

integrated into their production process while 

others are currently being trained and tested. 

Still, others were found to be too unreliable 

after a test phase. 

But what is AI really? Tom de Smet, product 

owner within the Digital Operations team of 

Unilin Flooring, described it as follows: “AI is 

the capacity of a machine to imitate human 

behaviour. You could see AI as a child that 

learns by example but, contrary to a child, AI 

forgets nothing. Constant training makes it 

increasingly intelligent.” 

Unilin has been looking into AI for some time 

now, in line with their purpose: The company 

believes that AI can help them raise the bar and 

produce better products that will enrich the 

lives of their customers. 

MORE COMPLEX PROCESSES WITH THE HELP OF AI 

Product concepts and designs are becoming 

ever more complex. For instance, Unilin 

aspires to manufacture floors and boards 

STAYING AHEAD OF COMPETITION 

In 2019, the first AI stone was laid when Unilin 

Flooring went in search of the right external 

partner to help them implement AI in their 

production processes. This led to the launch of 

the first case in early 2020 and some of those 

initial projects have meanwhile been integrated 

into production. This makes Unilin a “pioneer” in 

the industry, as the company claimed. 

The approach implemented by Unilin Flooring 

is an example of how Unilin handles the 

development of an AI model, said Stijn Lioen, 

Domain Architect Data & Analytics at Unilin. 

“We started from an existing AI model by 

Google to detect errors but that model was 

not good enough at handling variations, so we 

adapted it. That is typical Unilin. We take what 

exists on the market and we make it better. 

This way we stay ahead of the competition and 

are able to develop better and more innovative 

products.” 


FLOORING 

“THE POSSIBILITIES ARE LIMITLESS” 

Both de Smet and Lioen are convinced that 

the possibilities of using AI are limitless. 

“I do not think there are any limits,” Lioen 

said. “For instance, with AI we can make 

decors from wood that does not exist. The 

trials are ongoing but right now they are 

still in the early stages.” 

de Smet agreed: “We can take these 

designs really far, but at the same time 

we verify whether the new product 

would fit our vision of ‘enduring beauty’ 

and ‘true to nature’.” He sees plenty of 

potential to interlink the data of the various 

departments. “At the moment we are 

capturing a lot of data we are not using 

yet. For example, interlinking process 

parameters across and within the divisions 

would greatly accelerate things.” 

THROUGH THE HYPE 

A major concern with AI is the potential 

loss of jobs. de Smet clarified: “I think it 

would be more accurate to say that AI will 

change the job content. Our industry faces 

huge shortages in terms of technically 

skilled personnel. We always have vacant 

positions. AI could take over tasks from 

roles for which it is already difficult to find 

new staff. AI can help us bridge the gap 

between the more complex production 

processes and less skilled personnel.” 

achieve this, they use cameras that perfectly 

position the wood texture and wood pattern 

in relation to each other. In conjunction with 

an external partner, they also introduced AI 

into this process. 

The AI model is based on deep learning and 

had to meet strict requirements. de Smet 

said: “In 99% of cases, our classic computer 

vision gives us a good result, but that final 

percent eludes us. This results in downtime 

and outages. So, the AI has to produce better 

results or the operator will not see the added 

value of working with it. That is why we 

strive for 99.9% or even 100%, results that 

would be outright impossible with any other 

technology. In addition, it has to learn to deal 

with different sources of variation, and it 

must be pixel-perfect and applicable on all 

machines.” 

The next step consists of expanding the 

solution to other production lines and new 

problems. From 1 million predictions per 

month, Unilin has now set their sights on 

more than 3 million predictions per month by 

the end of 2023. 

Argus: Several models have meanwhile 

demonstrated their added value and this leads 

to greater acceptance on the production floor. 

Lioen elaborated: “Argus is a quality detection 

system on the line that manufactures the 

Quick-Step Capture collection of Unilin 

Flooring. The deep learning AI model behind 

the system is also able to not detect the 

intentional imperfections in the design 

— which also occurs in real wood — as an 

error, which helps the operators to check 

every single board on the line. Before the 

introduction, spot checks were carried out 

every 20 boards, which led to more production 

loss. Now, Argus traces the smallest defect. 

Since March 2023, Argus has been deployed 

on all of our Capture colours and in that short 

period the operators have already indicated 

that Argus has become indispensable.” P 

This article was first published by Unilin, and is reproduced here 

with permission. 

One thing is for certain for Unilin: The 

role of AI will continue to grow, precisely 

because Unilin, as well as the rest of the 

world, are starting to embrace it: “That is 

one of the strengths of Unilin’s pragmatic 

entrepreneurship: investing in knowledge 

to see through the hype. We are not only 

given the time to thoroughly immerse 

ourselves in the subject matter but also 

the freedom to make mistakes so we can 

experience what does not work yet. If 

we are convinced a specific avenue can 

produce results then we continue to invest 

in it. Not every company would devote so 

much time and resources to this, but if you 

are going to move forward and innovate, 

they are absolutely essential.” 

TWO EXAMPLES OF AI IMPLEMENTATIONS AT 

UNILIN 

AI Finders: Unilin strives to create laminate 

that looks and feels like actual wood. To 


STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS 

1 

2 

Monteco 

Designed by Archi2000, Monteco 

is what is said to be the “tallest 

timber-structured office building 

in Brussels”, the capital of Belgium. 

This building excels in terms of 

sustainability, constructed from 

wood certified by the Programme 

for the Endorsement of Forest 

Certification (PEFC). 

Since the end of 2022, the Monteco 

has been in the news in Brussels’ 

European quarter. The new offices 

of private bank Nagelmackers 

have moved into the brand new 

Monteco in the heart of Brussels. 

A contraction of ‘Montoyer’ 

and ‘ecological’, the name of 

Monteco refers to its location and 

sustainability. The 3,674m² building 

has eight floors above ground. The 

top two floors are set back slightly, 

giving way to a panoramic terrace 

with a view of the capital. 

WOOD: AESTHETIC AND ECOLOGICAL 

ADDED VALUE 

The special feature of this building is 

its timber-frame design. Except for 

the prefabricated concrete core, the 

columns, beams, slabs and walls are 

made of visible wood. “A great deal of 

added value, both aesthetically and 

ecologically,” said Philippe Courtois, 

wood specialist at Wood Shapers, 

the company forming a cooperative 

with construction company BPC as 

general contractor on this project. 

Nextensa is the property investor 

and developer of Monteco. 

Architects: Archi2000 

Contractor: Wood Shapers, in 

cooperation with BPC 

Property investor: Nextensa 

Images: Eric Bouvier 

Text: PEFC 

THE RIGHT CONSTRUCTIVE SYSTEM IN 

THE RIGHT PLACE 

“At Wood Shapers, we invest in new 

construction methods. We focus 

on change and offer solutions for 

greater sustainability in the sector,” 

explained Courtois. The building 

is mainly made of solid wood. “We 

combined two timber technologies, 

cross-laminated timber (CLT) and 

the beam and column system,” he 

explained further. In total, some 

960m³ of timber were used. “The 

heart of the building is made of 

prefabricated concrete. The right 

materials and the right techniques in 

the right place.” 

DELIVERED IN NINE MONTHS 

The use of CLT and the beam and 

column structure meant that the 


STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS 

3 

5 

4 

Legend 

1 Monteco 

2 The rest of the building is made with prefabricated concrete 

3 The columns, beams, slabs and walls are made of visible wood 

4 The use of CLT and the beam and column structure meant that the 

building was completed in nine months 

5 Wood Sharpers combined two timber technologies, cross-laminated 

timber (CLT) and the beam and column system 

building could be completed in 

record time, in reportedly nine 

months. This rapid construction 

technique also had a low impact 

on the environment. The use of dry 

materials reduced dust, noise and 

transport. 

PEFC CERTIFICATION PART OF THE 

DNA 

The structure is made entirely 

of PEFC-certified European 

timber, sourced from within a 

500km radius of the site. This 

further reduces the transport of 

this natural raw material, which 

itself weighs less than other raw 

materials. All the wood products 

used in Wood Shapers’ structures 

have a sustainable management 

certificate and comply with 

the rules of the PEFC’s chain of 

custody. 

“This is not only important to 

us, but it is also a requirement 

that we set for our suppliers. 

Wood inspection is necessary. 

We ourselves have a chainof-custody 

certificate issued 

by PEFC, so we also undergo 

audits. PEFC certification has 

been part of our DNA for over 

10 years. Monteco has obtained 

BREAAM certification, awarded 

to sustainable buildings with 

minimal environmental impact. 

BREAAM also requires certified 

wood, which seems perfectly 

normal to us,” said Courtois. 

HEALTHY EMPLOYEES 

“This office space also focuses on 

employee health. The wood gives the 

rooms a peaceful atmosphere, and 

the floor-to-ceiling windows create 

a feeling of space and light. Offering 

this added value to employees is 

increasingly in demand. We hope that 

many other companies will follow this 

example,” elaborated Courtois. 

CHANGING MINDSETS 

By carrying out this project in terms 

of sustainability, Wood Shapers 

wants to make a mark. “On the 

private market, timber construction 

is becoming increasingly popular. We 

also want to change attitudes in the 

business world,” concluded the wood 

specialist. P 


SUSTAINABILITY 

‘Driving Nature 

Positive Impact’ 

In the quest for a sustainable 

future, IOI Corporation (IOIC) 

has adopted the theme ‘Driving 

Nature Positive Impact’ in its 

2023 Sustainability Report. The 

company has pledged to achieve 

net-zero carbon emissions by 

2040. This commitment extends 

beyond mere decarbonisation of its 

current activities; IOIC is seeking 

technologies and innovations to 

design future-proof operations that 

can minimise their carbon footprint. 

To achieve this goal, the company 

has doubled down on its efforts 

to promote the 7R’s sustainability 

framework: Rethink, Repurpose, 

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair, 

and Recover. 

In particular, IOI Palm Wood (IOI 

Palm Wood), a subsidiary of IOIC, 

aims to apply three out of the 7R’s 

principles: Repurpose, Rethink, 

Reduce. 

REPURPOSING OPT INTO PREMIUM 

PALM-BASED ENGINEERED WOOD 

PRODUCTS 

IOI Palm Wood was established 

to transform oil palm trunk 

(OPT) waste, which is sourced 

from local oil palm estates 

during their regular replanting 

schedules, into environmentally 

friendly palm wood panels. 

This approach not only locks 

the release of greenhouse gas 

(GHG) emissions into the panels 

but also offers a sustainable 

alternative to traditional timber. 

By reducing pressure on natural 

forest harvesting, IOI Palm Wood 

contributes to the preservation of 

habitats and ecosystems. 

The palm-based engineered wood 

products, commercially branded as 

OnCore encompass premium grade 

lumber core, blockboards, and palm 

wood panels. All OnCore products 

adhere to international quality 

and safety standards, ensuring 

their durability and longevity. This 

longevity extends their role for GHG 

storage as they continue to lock in 

carbon emissions even after their 

initial use. Moreover, at the end of 


SUSTAINABILITY 

1 2 

3 

4 

5 

LEGEND 

1 OnCore Lumber Core 

2 OnCore Cross 

Laminated Timber 

(CLT) 

3 OnCore Glue 

Laminated Beam 

(Glulam) 

4 OnCore Three-Layer 

Panel 

5 OnCore Blockboard 

with Laminate 

their lifecycle, OnCore products can be 

upcycled or used as bioenergy sources. 

This circular approach not only enhances 

the product’s sustainability but also 

boosts the commercial potential of the 

entire venture. 

among governments but also within the 

corporate sector. As the world grapples 

with the pressing threat of climate 

change, the adoption of net-zero targets 

has emerged as a pivotal strategy for 

mitigating its adverse effects. P 

RETHINKING WASTE MANAGEMENT 

Rethinking waste management in 

the context of transforming OPT into 

engineered wood products by using OPT 

offcuts as biofuel for energy plants is an 

environmentally responsible approach. 

This process aims to reduce the release 

of GHG emissions, ultimately contributing 

to the organisation’s commitment to 

achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 

2040 and promoting sustainability. 

REDUCING GHG EMISSIONS FROM 

DECOMPOSITION 

Traditionally, felled OPTs are left to 

decompose. In doing so this emits 

methane, a potent GHG that contributes 

to global warming. By transforming OPT 

into engineered wood products and using 

it as biofuel, the release of these GHGs is 

minimised. This action aligns with global 

efforts to reduce methane emissions. 

In conclusion, meeting the climate 

change challenge is a global responsibility 

that has garnered widespread 

recognition and acceptance, not only 

Inspiring the next “material revolution” 

by creating sustainable and highperformance 

materials from oil palm 

waste, Peter Fitch, together with IOI, have 

set up IOI Palm Wood to commercialise 

this untapped potential. 


SHOW PREVIEW 

CIFF Guangzhou 2024: 

New layout for upgraded fair 

Positioned as ‘Design Trend, Global 

Trade and Full Supply Chain’, the 

China International Furniture Fair 

(CIFF) Guangzhou is held annually 

from 18-21 and 28-31 Mar in Pazhou, 

Guangzhou, China. 

With an exhibition area of 

830,00m 2 , CIFF Guangzhou 2024 

will host over 4,000 brands from 

China and abroad, comprising 

home furniture, home decor 

and home textiles, outdoor and 

leisure furniture, office furniture, 

commercial furniture, and 

furniture producing machinery 

and raw materials. The exhibition 

typically draws more than 380,000 

professional visitors from more 

than 200 countries and regions. 

Dedicated to industry development 

and global trade, CIFF Guangzhou 

2024 aims deliver a dynamic 

celebration of extended space, 

optimised layout and upgraded 

show experience, presenting 

a testament to a new theme: 

‘Designing the Beauty of Homes, 

Embracing the New Paradigm’. 

CIFM/INTERZUM GUANGZHOU 

The CIFM/interzum guangzhou, 

scheduled from 28-31 Mar 2024 in 

conjunction with CIFF Guangzhou, 

will take place in Halls B and C 

of the Canton Fair Complex, 

targeting specifically the furniture 

manufacturing industry. With 

the theme ‘Linking the Industry 

Upstream and Downstream to 

Achieve New Developments’, this 

exhibition is dedicated to creating 

a comprehensive platform around 

production equipment, hardware 

and furniture materials. Efforts 

are underway to establish it as the 

foremost global event in furniture 

manufacturing. 


SHOW PREVIEW 

MACHINERY - Located at Halls 9.1-13.1 in Area B 

This zone brings together global smart furniture production 

technologies, showcasing digital transformation and intelligent 

solutions. 

Themed ‘Intelligent Living’, it creates a platform for smart 

manufacturing, exploring the new trends in intelligent production 

and craftsmanship. 

Furniture production machinery at CIFM/interzum guangzhou 

HARDWARE - Hall 9.3-11.3 and 12.2-13.2 of Area B 

Located in Hall 9.3-11.3 and 12.2-13.2 of Area B, the Infinite Space 

pavilion brings together international brands of furniture hardware, 

aiming to shape supplier-trade relationships and foster 

business opportunities. 

Furniture hardware at CIFM/interzum guangzhou 

FURNITURE MATERIALS - Expanding into the entire Area C 

The organisers of CIFF Guangzhou have announced an expansion 

of their exhibition footprint, growing from floors 1-3 to floors 1-4 

in Area C. Expanding in Area C is the upgraded ‘Source of Design’ 

pavilion at Hall 16.3, where home design aesthetics brands will be 

featured. 

This exhibition is presented as a hub for the entire spectrum of 

upholstered furniture and panel furniture materials, bringing together 

national and international brands. Under the theme of ‘Inspiration’, 

this space presents a curated platform for material selection, 

fostering creativity in the world of interior design. P 

Displays of raw materials in use at CIFM/interzum guangzhou 


SHOW REVIEW 

Malaysia Wood 

Expo 2023: 

A success story 

The Malaysian Wood Expo (MWE) 2023 

concluded on a high note, leaving an indelible 

mark on the timber industry while sparking a 

wave of innovation and collaboration. 

foreign buyers were plywood, mediumdensity 

fibreboard (MDF), veneers, wooden 

doors, wooden floorings, and furniture 

products. 

Another highlight was MTC’s Inbound 

Overseas Suppliers Programme (IOSP) 

where 21 companies placed orders worth 

RM6.4m for raw materials under this 

programme, while MWE 2023 exhibitors 

recorded sales of RM28.3m. MTC also 

offered special incentives for the purchase 

of machinery which included material 

handling equipment and software 

technologies. A total of RM26.12m in sales 

was generated through this incentive, 

surpassing the figures achieved in 2019. 

Expressing his satisfaction with the expo’s 

success, Tuan Haji Zainal Abidin Haji 

Abdullah, chairman of MTC, said MWE has 

proven to be a lucrative platform for business 

networking and trade opportunities: “We 

could not be prouder of our achievements 

which have far surpassed our previous 

success. We made a promise that MWE 2023 

would offer greater opportunities for our 

visitors, buyers, and exhibitors. I believe we 

have delivered on that promise.” 

He added that the success of MWE 2023 

reflects how the timber industry is gaining 

momentum globally with stakeholders putting 

forward strong investment plans, which is 

also creating demand for Malaysian-made 

products. 

MTC CEO Noraihan Abdul Rahman (left) and managing director of Pablo Publishing and Exhibition William Pang (right) 

Jointly organised by the Malaysian Timber 

Council (MTC) and Pablo Publishing and 

Exhibition, MWE 2023, held from 18-20 Jun 

2023 at the Malaysia International Trade 

and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), surpassed 

expectations and did better on all counts, 

generating more sales than its debut back in 

2019. 

According to MTC’s estimations, MWE’s 

sales in 2023 reached RM182.5m, marking 

an increase compared to its 2019 sales of 

approximately RM140m. 

With over 3,000 visitors and 124 local and 

international exhibitors, MWE 2023’s sales 

achievement was largely driven by its 

Incoming Buying Mission (IBM), which was 

one of the major highlights of the exhibition 

where it garnered sales of RM147.8m. 

Conducted in collaboration with Malaysia’s 

trade promotion agency Malaysia External 

Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), 

the IBM involved 88 buyers from 23 countries. 

A total of 773 business meetings took place 

during the event. According to a press release 

by MATRADE, the products sourced by these 

MWE 2023 was officiated by the Deputy 

Minister of Plantation and Commodities YB 

Datuk Hajah Siti Aminah Aching on behalf of 

the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of 

Plantation and Commodities YAB Dato’ Sri 

Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof. Also present at the 

opening ceremony were Secretary-General of 

the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities 

YBhg. Dato’ Haji Mad Zaidi Mohd Karli, 

ambassadors, trade commissioners, and 

other dignitaries. 

“I am delighted to see the robust comeback 

of MWE just a year after Malaysia re-opened 

its borders following the pandemic. Expos like 

MWE play a crucial role in bringing together 

global industry players to offer new solutions 

and concrete business opportunities for the 

advancement of the timber industry,” said 


SHOW REVIEW 

YAB Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof 

in his speech, which was read by YB 

Datuk Hajah Siti Aminah Aching. 

MWE 2023 showcased raw materials 

and wood products such as wooden 

flooring, mouldings, doors, door 

frames and windows, panel products 

as well as woodworking machinery 

such as cutting tools, combined 

machines, dust collection equipment, 

edgebanding materials and machines, 

handling equipment, abrasives, 

adhesives, coatings, timber-related 

equipment, and furniture production 

software, among others. 

“Much of the machinery and material 

handling equipment were purchased 

from local as well as overseas 

exhibitors with brands originating 

from China, Germany, Denmark and 

Taiwan,” said MTC CEO Noraihan Abdul 

Rahman. She further highlighted that 

the software technologies acquired 

comprised enterprise resource 

planning (ERP), management work 

element (MWE), manufacturing 

operating management (MOM), 

Internet of Things (IoT) system 

integration and software for custommade 

furniture. 

Apart from the IBM and IOSP 

programmes, MTC also held 16 pocket 

talk sessions with key industry 

specialists as speakers. Sharing the 

platform for knowledge-sharing was 

1 

the International Tropical Timber 

Organisation-Global Green Supply 

Chains (ITTO-GGSC) which conducted 

a seminar titled “Global Timber 

Index (GTI) for the Malaysian Timber 

Industry”. 

A Media Familiarisation Programme 

was also conducted concurrently 

with the expo, providing participants 

with a first-hand experience of the 

Malaysian timber industry from its 

forest management practices to its 

manufacturing and trade aspects. 

During the opening ceremony, MTC 

also recognised three companies for 

their participation in the council’s 

Factory Transformation Programme 

(FTP). The three companies, one 

wood panel producer and two 

furniture manufacturers, had 

upgraded their factory operations 

under the programme, integrating 

smart manufacturing processes and 

achieving Industry 4.0 in production. 

MTC believes that MWE 2023’s 

success will undoubtedly contribute 

to the growth and development 

of the Malaysian timber sector, 

fostering economic opportunities and 

reinforcing Malaysia’s reputation as 

a leading player in the international 

timber market. 

The next edition of MWE will be held in 

2025, according to MTC. P 

LEGEND 

1 YB Datuk Hajah Siti Aminah Aching at one of the machinery exhibitor’s 

booths (Image: MTC) 

2 The IBM recorded sales of RM147.8m (Image: MTC) 

3 According to MTC, MWE 2023 exhibitors recorded sales of RM28.3m 

4 Over 3,000 visitors attended MWE 2023 

2 

3 

4 


SHOW REVIEW 

Reviews for MWE 2023 

[MWE 2023] is as good as the 2019 

edition. The traffic and quality of 

visitors are good, and they meet 

our expectations. The first day was 

busy, and the second day slowed 

down a bit, but all these were within 

our expectations. 

John Chan 

Director of South East Asia and Greater China, 

American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) 

“We had a very positive experience. Even though 

MWE 2023 took place over the weekend and 

Sunday was Father’s Day, it was actually the 

busiest day so far. We have connected with 

existing and new customers. The visitor quality 

is good as well. They are either very interested or 

want to find out more over the next few months. 

Graham Rutter 

International Business Development, Smart Connected 

Solutions South East Asia 

“MWE 2023 is managed very well, especially the 

business meetings [at IBM]. The first day was full of 

people, the second day I only managed to attend half 

a day, so I cannot say for sure. I will consider coming 

for the next edition.” 

Ony Hindra Kusuma 

Board Member, Asociasi Panel Kayu Indonesia (Indonesia Wood 

Panel Association) 


SHOW REVIEW 

The show has been, overall, a big success. The quality 

of the attendees is the main reason for this success: 

This quality can be converted into potential sales, or 

you can network with industry players and gain market 

information or knowledge. Quality over quantity. More 

importantly, MWE 2023 has given us the platform 

to soft launch our brand, IOI Palm Wood, and get 

feedback and enquiries into our products. 

Hans Peter Fitch, CEO, IOI Palm Wood 

“I am very satisfied with MWE 2023. The biggest selling 

point of this show is the financial support from the 

Malaysian government. Besides that, the promotional 

activity for MWE 2023 was done well, which is why many 

overseas and domestic visitors came down. All in all, we 

have sold more than 10 machines worth RM2.5m in sales.” 

Jacky Tan, Founder, Yik Feng Wood & Machinery 

“Overall, the show is good. We had quite 

a lot of visitors, who enquired about our 

machines, especially our moulders which 

are on display. Thanks to MTC’s grant, we 

have sold 10 machines to visitors over the 

past three days.” 

Leslie Lye, Vice-General Manager, Sales, 

Michael Weinig Asia 

We attained good results from MWE 2023. The visitor 

traffic and quality were great. With high domestic 

demand for furniture in Malaysia, as well as financial 

support from the government to engage manufacturers 

to buy machines, we managed to sell at least six to 

seven machines, and might still sell more. 

Peter Liu 

International Sales Director, Nanxing Machinery 


EVENTS CALENDAR 

Events Calendar 



JANUARY 

January, 11 – 14 

DOMOTEX 

Hannover, Germany 

January, 14 – 18 

Imm Cologne 

Cologne, Germany 

FEBRUARY 

February, 22 – 26 

India Wood 

Bengaluru, India 

February, 26 – 29 

VIFA Expo 

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 

MARCH 

March, 01 – 04 

Malaysian International Furniture Fair 


Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

March, 05 – 07 

Dubai WoodShow 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

March, 06 – 09 

HawaExpo 


March, 18 – 21 


Guangzhou (Phase 1) 

Guangzhou, China 

March, 19 – 22 

Holz-Handwerk 2024 

Nuremberg, Germany 

March, 28 – 31 


Guangzhou (Phase 2) 


March, 28 – 31 

Interzum Guangzhou 


MAY 

May, 09 – 12 

Qingdao International Furniture Fair 

Qingdao, China 

May, 21 – 24 

Xylexpo 2024 

Milan, Italy 

May, 28 – 30 

DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR 

Shanghai, China 

May, 29 – June, 01 

Hanoi Wood Expo 

Hanoi, Vietnam 

May, 29 – June, 01 

Hanoi Fittings & Upholstery Expo 

Hanoi, Vietnam 

JUNE 

June, 24 – 26 

Sylva Wood Expo 


AUGUST 

August, 29 – September, 01 

Korean International Furniture & 

Interior Fair 

Seoul, South Korea 

August, 27 – 30 

VIFA ASEAN 

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam 

SEPTEMBER 

September, 10 – 13 

FMC 2024 




Shanghai 



Thailand International Woodworking & 

Furniture Exhibition 

Bangkok, Thailand 


IFMAC & WOODMAC 

Jakarta, Indonesia 

OCTOBER 

October, 04 – 06 

2024 NHLA Annual Convention & 

Exhibit Showcase 

Ohio, US 

2025 

MAY 

May, 26 – 30 

LIGNA 

Hanover, Germany 

OCTOBER 

October, 15 – 18 

VietnamWood 



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

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 

Index of Advertisers 

Panels & Furniture Asia (Issue 1) - January/February 2024 

COMPANY PAGE COMPANY PAGE 

American Hardwood Export Council 

OBC 

Baillie Lumber 9 

CIFF guangzhou 2024 

FC 

Dieffenbacher Industriemarketing GmbH 5 

Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd. 7 

Gau Jing Machinery Ind Co Ltd 63 

Hanoi Wood 2024 

IFC 

IMAL SRL 13 

interzum guangzhou 21 

Kuang Yung Machinery Co.,Ltd 11 

Lesnaya Industriya Journal 17 

Lih Woei Carpentry Machine Co., Ltd 15 

Nanxing Machinery Co., Ltd 2, 3 

OAV Equipment and Tools, Inc 35 

Sylvawood 2024 1 

Technik Associates, Inc 

IBC 

Waylong Machinery Industrial Co., Ltd 64 

Yalian Machinery Co., Ltd 31 

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