Professional Documents
Culture Documents
44
18 36
panelsfurnitureasia.com
Editor | Lee Zhuomin
zhuominlee@pabloasia.com
THE
pabloshanghai@163.net
furniture purely for practical reasons. A desk to work Graphic Designer | Edwin De Souza
at, a bed for rest. Fast forward to 2018 today, it is edwin@pabloasia.com
clear we have now moved on to buying things that
WAY satisfy some area of psychological or emotional need. Admin & Circulation Manager | Shu Ai Ling
If you live in Singapore, Hong Kong or Tokyo, you circulation@pabloasia.com
would know how expensive it is to afford a shoebox
General Manager,
in the sky. Most apartments are tiny! Still, being
Pablo Beijing & Shanghai | Ellen Gao
LIVE home owners cope with the urban squeeze (p. 30).
In the past, furniture was mostly the work of a
wood craftsman. In fact, almost everything—from
chicken coops to cabinets—was made of wood,
Publisher | William Pang
williampang@pabloasia.com
It may also surprise you that a well-known figure in the panels industry spent a good
amount of time in Southeast Asia when he was a boy. Henning Gloede, Managing Director
of Siempelkamp Singapore, grew up in Jakarta. By the time he went back to Europe for
further studies, his Bahasa was perfect. On p. 18, he shares his life’s work and wisdom on
the current and future state of Southeast Asia’s wood-based panel industry.
Trading and manufacturing activity in Southeast Asia continues to climb. Just when you 3 Ang Mo Kio | Street 62 | #01-23 | Link@AMK
thought Vietnam’s potential had peaked, the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association Singapore 569139
of HCMC announced that the country’s wood products export turnover is expected to
Tel: (65) 6266 5512
jump 13 per cent to US$9 billion by the end of this year (p. 56).
E-mail: info@pabloasia.com
Vietnam’s demand for American hardwoods rose 18 per cent to 444,862m3 in 2017, Company Registration No: 200001473N
according to the American Hardwood Export Council (p. 42). It is now the second largest All rights reserved. Views of writers do not necessarily reflect the views of
market after China and the top market in Southeast Asia. Overall, 2017 business was good the Publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form
or by any means, without prior permission in writing from the Publisher
for the American hardwood industry. and copyright owner. Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy of
the information in this publication, the Publisher accepts no liability for
2018 has just begun, but with these expectations, it looks like it could be another damages caused by misinterpretation of information, expressed or implied,
within the pages of the magazine. All advertisements are accepted on the
good year. understanding that the Advertiser is authorised to publish the contents of
the advertisements, and in this respect, the Advertiser shall indemnify the
Publisher against all claims or suits for libel, violation of right of privacy and
copyright infringements. Panels & Furniture Asia is a controlled-circulation
bi-monthly magazine. It is mailed free-of-charge to readers who meet a set of
criteria. Paid subscription is available to those who do not fit our terms of control.
Please refer to subscription form provided in the publication for more details.
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Panels & Furniture Asia
is the official publication of
Malaysian MDF Manufacturers Association
D Y N A M I C C H A N G E S I N A U S T R A L I A’ S P B
SECTOR—IS THIS THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA?
By Mihai Daian, Margules Groome
AUSTRALIA’S wood-based panel sector Other major announcements some plants will alter the Australian PB
has continued on its dynamic changes in 2017 include Thai manufacturer sector structure and market dynamics.
that began in 2016. First, Borg Panels MetroPly’s acquisition of Alphine MDF With an average demand growth
announced its intention to invest in from Sumitomo Corporation, as well as of 1.9 per cent for the next 2 – 3 years,
new particleboard (PB) capacity in Borg Panels’ intention to acquire CHH’s incremental production capacity planned
Oberon, New South Wales; OneFortyOne PB plants in Mt. Gambier and Oberon. to come online in 2018 – 2019, assuming
Plantations unveiled plans to establish The PB market outlook remains both investments proceed, will create a
new PB capacity in the Green Triangle positive. However, the newly-planned 20 – 30 per cent production surplus (see
region. capacities and change in ownership for Fig. 1). Consequently, local producers will
have to find new export markets. This
will achieve the right balance between
product specifications versus production
cost in order to be regionally competitive.
The above scenario does not take
potential capacity consolidation or
rationalisation into account. The latter
may occur if Borg Panels’ proposed
acquisition of CHH’s Mt. Gambier and
Oberon facilities materialises.
How the current players will
respond to change, and how new
market entrants will compete against
its more established regional counterparts
remains to be seen. We may see a
“survival-of-the-fittest” situation or
perhaps a continuation of the status
quo. ℗
Fig. 1: Australian domestic PB market dynamics
Product
Highlight ELECTRONIC WOOD SYSTEMS ROLLS OUT NEW
INTEGRATED X-RAY SYSTEMS FOR PANEL PRODUCTION
ELECTRONIC WOOD SYSTEMS EWS systems are a key factor for Industry 4.0 speed flying measuring heads and
from Germany offers a complete range in panel production. - Intelligent foreign body detection
of quality inspection systems featuring Process control devices must take across the board by self-learning
high precision, system integration and into account environmental, material and algorithm.
low maintenance. process conditions. The plant of the future will be fully-
The measuring tasks in panel EWS has developed individual X-ray automated, with minimal operator
production are versatile and challenging, scanners suited to particular tasks in panel interaction.
and reliable inline measuring and control production. MultiEnergy Technology – a Hence EWS’ X-ray measuring systems
core feature of the latest EWS X-ray are self-adjusting, based on recipe
devices – enables variable measuring information, to provide consistently
parameters. high measuring precision over a wide
Electronic Wood Systems’ new production range.
EcoScan NEO for mat inspection in The new systems have been proven
the forming line was developed in already. They have been installed in OSB
cooperation with Siempelkamp and and particleboard lines in Germany and
offers one system with independent X-ray the USA. Because the new system attracts
devices for individual tasks. attention in the market, Siempelkamp
These comprise: recently ordered additional systems for
- High-precision area weight integration into their new production
measurement by self-adjusting high- lines to keep them up-to-date. ℗
Mass measurement and
foreign body detection
located after forming and
March
before the /hot
April 2018 • Issue 2 • PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA
press.
NEWS 7
THE Bank of Korea has raised South Consumer prices grew 1.9 per cent The total floor area of wood building
Korea’s GDP growth forecast for 2018 to in 2017 from a year earlier, marking the permits for the same period in 2017
three per cent on the back of domestic steepest gain in five years since 2012, on increased 5.8 per cent to 1,451,320m2
consumption recovery and robust the back of a strong industrial goods and but that of wood building starts slightly
export growth. financial services sector. decreased 3.8 per cent to 1,198,515m2
With minimum wages raised by 16 Unemployment stood at 3.3 per cent from a year earlier.
per cent to 7,530 Won (US$6.60)—the in December, up 0.1 percentage point from
biggest jump in about two decades— a year earlier. Lumber Shipments
starting this year, consumer prices are B.C. softwood lumber exports to South
expected to rise by 1.7 per cent. Housing Construc on Korea for the first 11 months of 2017
February’s Winter Olympics will Cooling measures on South Korea’s fell 5.7 per cent to 238,184m3 compared
also boost private consumption by 0.1 housing market have seen fewer to 252,651m3 during the same period in
percentage point in the first quarter of starts and building permits, especially in 2016.
this year. the new apartment market in Seoul. This is mainly due to the government’s
The Korean Won fell to a three- Housing starts fell 14.6 per cent efforts in limiting the supply of new homes
year low of 1,061.2 Won against the to 90,497 while the number of units (from August 2016), especially apartments
U.S. Dollar on January 2. Analysts say significantly decreased 23.2 per cent to in Seoul to keep household debt and rising
this will further fall below 1,000 Won 440,382 units in Nov last year. home prices in check.
if the geopolitical risk on the Korean Housing permits during this period However, the export value for the
Peninsula eases. also dropped 10.2 per cent and 13.2 per same period rose a slight 2.8 per cent to
cent respectively to 107,308 and 552,558 US$54.6 million (CAD$68.678 Mn) for the
2017 trade from a year earlier. same period in 2016.
Exports soared to an all-time high of While the overall residential Lumber prices in Canada have trended
US$573.9 billion in 2017, a 16 per cent construction sector is struggling, the upward for almost two years and reached
increase thanks to recovery in the global number of wood building permits issued 13-year highs in July, 2016. On the other
economy. in the 11 months of 2017 increased 1.7 per hand, Nordic lumber prices have been
Trade volume exceeded US$1 cent to 15,841 buildings from a year earlier. depressed in U.S. Dollar terms, resulting
trillion, as imports expanded 17.7 per Wood building starts, however, fell 6.5 per their current price levels to be the lowest
cent to US$478.1 billion. cent to 12,954 buildings during this period. they have been in eight years. ℗
"
Henning Gloede,
Managing Director,
Siempelkamp
Singapore.
PANEL MANUFACTURING 21
- Oversupply “unlikely”
Company Year estb. Planned investment value Annual capacity Some planned projects were suspended
(in RUB) (in ‘000 cbm) due to the difficult economy while others
Real-Invest Company - 12 Bn 400 stopped production all together.
That year, OSB imports rose 34.6
DOK Kalevala End 2018 3.2 Bn 300 per cent to 595,500cbm. Products
Kastamonu 2018 – 2019 - 575 were mainly from Belarus, which made
up 75.4 per cent of total shipments.
Kronoshpan 2018 - 500
Bashkortostan
China's share climbed from 12 to
(part of Kronospan) 13 per cent to 79,100cbm; German
imports were up five to seven per cent,
SibayPlitProm 2017 - 570 reaching 39,900cbm. On the other hand,
Ugra-Plit - - 250 Romania reduced exports to Russia by
58.5 per cent to 8,100cbm.
Fig. 1: Six new OBS lines and their planned investment value and annual capacity Also, in 2016, Kronospan, through
supplies from the Belarusian plant,
increased OSB sales to Russia by 4.66
per cent to 460,610cbm. Chinese
Company Year estb. Annual capacity (in ‘000 cbm)
company Linyi Consmos increased
Hillman 2012 30 exports to Russia by almost 29.5 times
Novovyatsky Lyzhny Kombinat 2012 100
to 70,800cbm. Glunz AG from Germany
(Novovyatsky Ski Factory) also returned to the Russian market,
selling a total of 36,700cbm
DOK Kalevala 2013 300
In 2016, Moscow region was the
Kronoshpan Yegoryevsk 2014 350 top importer in Russia, with total OSB
(part of Kronospan) sales rising 30.5 per cent to 109,200cbm
in volume terms. The region's share of
OSB Kurgan (SP Nevzorov) 2015 60
total OSB imports increased by four
Taleon Arbor 2017 500 percentage points to 22 per cent. The
(owned by Vnesheconombank)
greatest increase was observed in the
Republic of Crimea: almost 20.5 times, to
Fig. 2: Six main producers of OSB in Russia
75,800cbm; the region's share also grew
by 15 percentage points to 16 per cent.
PRICES
Average OSB board prices increased
by 5.7 per cent, to 13,365 rubles per
cubic metre in 2016. Throughout the
year, prices climbed gradually until
the end of the third quarter, and then
rapidly declined with a smooth rebound
towards the end of December. Prices
peaked in September 2016—17,905
rubles per cubic metre—due to a highly
active construction market before the
end of the season.
In 2016, the average price for
imported OSB increased by 15.1 per
cent to $179 per cubic metre (2015:
$155). Throughout the year, the price Fig. 4: Main exporters
for imported OSB was growing, although of OSB in 2016
there were sharp price declines in
Products preferred
all over the world
carry the signature of
Kastamonu Entegre
K astamonu Entegre, a Turkish panel
producer, today, has become
a major manufacturer with 18
production facilities in the country and
abroad since its first particleboard plant in
DOORPAN: OPENING
KASTAMONU ENTEGRE TO
THE WORLD
Doorpan door panels provide a modern
restaurants, cafeteria tables and counters.
They are humidity-proof thanks to a top
protective layer on the surface’s decorative
laminate, and special paper on the bottom
surface. It is also water resistant and can
and elegant look to your living space
1971. It manufactures raw and melamine- while its quality means it can be used for withstand vapours, heat, stains, scratches
coated MDF and particleboard (which many years. The Doorlam range, which and impact. Since it is also easy to clean,
are also fire- and moisture-resistant), are MDF panels coated with decorative it is also the top choice in areas where
laminate flooring, painted panels, honey- paper, come in five different colours. They hygiene plays an important role.
comb decorative panels, glossy panels, as are immediately usable after pressing.
well as worktop and door panels. They Doorlam door panels do not require any STEPPING INTO THE DIGITAL
are exported to the furniture, decoration additional treatment such as polishing or WORLD
and construction sectors in almost 100 painting, saving cost and time. Kastamonu Entegre is also one of the first
different countries. in the world to digitalise all its products.
REFLECTION: BRINGING The “IDS 3D (Interior Design Studio
FLOORPAN: INDISPENSABLE NATURE INTO THE HOME 3D)” mobile application makes choosing
IN CLASSIC AND MODERN The Reflection series was developed flooring, countertop, board and door
INTERIORS for melamine-coated products. It has surfaces convenient anytime, anywhere.
The Floorpan brand laminate flooring five different surface textures (stone, Users can select from numerous
carries wood’s natural texture and beauty geometric, golf, paint and veneer), colours and textures in the 3D chart
to the work and living space. It has an catering to those who want the positive section. The products can be projected on
easy locking system, is silent, static energy and endless patterns of nature in the screen in the desired dimensions. They
electric-proof, easy-to-clean, stain-proof, their living spaces. can be rotated 360 degrees and viewed
scratch-proof, and has heat retention and from multiple angles.
anti-bacterial properties. It also comes PRODUCTS THAT SET THE The mobile app also acts as a virtual
in a wide range of patterns and surface STANDARD showroom where different furniture,
alternatives for different tastes—Stone, The Technotop and Neotop brands surfaces and floors can be explored in
Deluxe, Elit, Natural, Register, Boutique, are used in kitchen and bathroom different combinations, allowing users to
Urban, Classic, Sun and Nova. countertops, as well as offices, envision their dream home. ℗
D ieffenbacher’s drum and flash tube dryers are recognised for their efficiency, FLASH TUBE DRYERS
reliability and ability to meet high safety standards. In total, Dieffenbacher Flash tube dryers from Dieffenbacher
(together with former Metso/Sunds and Schenkmann Piel Engineering) has should be the first choice for efficiently
sold 85 drum dryers and 196 flash tube dryers over the last 40 years. drying wood fibres for the production
Energy systems from Dieffenbacher with capacities of up to 120 MW thermal of MDF, HDF and THDF. Dryers with
capacity can use a wide range of biomass fuels to generate hot gas for the dryer, or a dry fibre throughput of more than
produce steam or hot thermal oil for various heat consumers. Together with former 60 t/h have been operating for many
Teaford, Dieffenbacher has sold 36 energy systems around the world. years. In addition to single-stage dryers,
Dieffenbacher also offers two-stage
dryers and single-stage dryers with
air recycling system, offering energy
cost savings of up to 15 per cent and
a significant reduction in the exhaust
gas flow. Additional benefits can be
achieved by adding the EVOjet M and
SGF or Z-sifter to the dryer and energy
system package.
ENERGY SYSTEMS
With their robust design and
low maintenance requirements,
Dieffenbacher energy systems allow
long operation periods without forced
shutdown. This provides high availability
and reliable operation.
The firing system consists of an
air-cooled reciprocating grate using the
coarse biomass fractions of the wood
panel production process (eg: bark,
wood chips, coarse trimmings) as fuel.
The system can be equipped with various
Drum dryer injection nozzles for the combustion
of dust and granulate fractions from
DRUM DRYERS screening, sawing and sanding as well
Dieffenbacher recently sold two drum dryers with 100 t/h mechanical throughput as additional gas burners. Generating
on a dry basis. These drum dryers are the ideal solution for drying wood fibre for hot thermal oil and providing hot gas
particleboard, strands for OSB production, disintegrated seasonal annual crops to the dryer system can be controlled
and other biomass. The dryer internals are designed according to the material’s independently of each other in order
characteristics for high thermal efficiency, low moisture fluctuation and low to meet individual peak load demands.
emissions. Recirculating hot gas from downstream
Energy system
INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS
The perfect integration and compact
design of the energy system and dryer
help to reduce operating costs and
create additional value for customers—
from the planning phase through the
complete lifecycle. The hot gas cyclone Integrated solutions
connecting the energy system and dryer
Cities may be expanding but our living spaces are now a fraction of
what they used to be. Ewins is going big on this trend by going small.
I t is hard to say how the world will look like in 2030. Going by Apparently we can, says Mark Yong, marketing director
current indicators, cities will burgeon alongside the middle of Ewins. “Singapore is used to being small and compact. But
class demographic. Consumption will increase, as will waste what makes us different here is that we are house proud, we
and global temperatures. still want comfort and we like to invite friends over to show
Oxford Economics predicts that 750 cities around the world off,” he says.
will receive an influx of 410 million more people, exerting Ewins offers multi-functional furniture ranging from
further pressure on the urban space crunch. By 2030, an extendable tables to beds that double up as study desks. These
additional 150 million will join the ranks of above 65s with new products, marketed under the Roomier brand, exploit the
demands on dignified living (or dying) and healthcare facilities. tiniest corner and basically free up more areas for lounging.
Governments in Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo have They can be designed, customised and installed at one go.
been dealing with these issues for decades, and will need to Arguably, space-saving furniture are not new. Some
address them now, soon. years back, Swedish furniture giant Ikea launched a 100m2
These days, we live fast, but don’t die young. Our ‘apartment home’ at both showrooms in Singapore. Other
apartments are higher, but they don’t accommodate enough. players such as Spaceman, Space-Saving Furniture Systems
Our parents want to enjoy life with their grandchildren but we and HWB also provide similar furniture for increasingly dense
want privacy. How can we have it all? and impermanent living quarters.
Addressing market competition, Mark range of materials such as anti-bacterial, “Basically, small tweaks can solve big
says, “We offer a competitive price range, low formaldehyde panel tops. Where problems in our daily lives,” Mark says.
we can build furniture to fit any room and it used to participate in trade shows, “Overall, you help patients get better, and
we can do it fast. Our components last too. Ewins has now moved into a new era caregivers are less miserable.”
“Being agile is important. I believe this of branding, preferring to target global Mark, who is also the president of the
is something the major retailers can’t do.” design showcases where collaborations Singapore Furniture Industries Council
with trend gurus can take them to new (SFIC), says his company's strategies
GOING BIG, GOING SMALL markets. are just some ways the local furniture
Ewins is 51 years old this year. It is as The team later identified three industry can adopt to remain relevant
old as Singapore and like its home city, mega trends that could also take their in today’s ephemeral tech-inspired
has been reinventing itself to keep up business forward—small apartments, globalised environment.
with modern times. The first generation dignified ageing and smart homes. The “You won’t last very long if you just
owners were mainly distributors of Roomier range was a product of this depend purely on manufacturing as a
hardware—taps, handles, fittings, slides research, targeting shoebox apartment business because the region will always
and so on. Subsequently, the company owners. be cheaper,” he says.
moved on to big-ticket items such as Having received positive reception Collaboration is key, he adds.
furniture because “we are likely to lose from the market, Ewins is now exploring "Working with the right partner can help
our competitive edge if we just stick to solutions for the elderly to live better. you communicate your niche to the right
the distribution business,” Mark says. In fact, the materials developed for audience.” He also advocates travel and
In 2011 Ewins opened a new Roomier can also be applied to hospital learning from others.
showroom in Sin Ming Lane, inviting furnishing. For instance, hypoallergenic, By seeing what is out there, what is
home owners to explore its range of breathable foam pads for bedding and clear too, is that a bed is not just for rest,
custom furniture solutions. Architects seating can help reduce the risk of but a piece of furniture reminiscent of the
and designers are also often invited for infection. They are also lighter, making times we live in now. ℗
product launches and talks. Ewins also it easier for caregivers to change the
worked with designers to develop its own sheets.
Azman Md Nor
designs with wood and has his
own practice, Arkitek Azman Zainal.
By Roberta Mutti and Franz Rivoira, ICON - Italian Consulting Pte Ltd
By Michael Buckley,
Red oak machines
to high precision for World Hardwoods,
furniture Singapore
Footnotes:
* “World woods in colour” William A. Lincoln ISBN 0 85442 028 2
Michael Buckley at World Hardwoods holds an MPhil for hardwood
research and is a fellow of the Institute of Wood Science in the UK. He
writes widely on hardwood subjects.
Red oak flooring showing typical grain and colour
Thermally
modified and
pressed, timura’s
products are
more than just
practical
By thermally processing and pressing ecologically
grown native wood, timura Holzmanufaktur offers
wood in the same durability class as tropical wood.
timura’s thermo
R enowned for their philosophy in design and
innovation as much as their commitment to
preserving the world’s tropical forests, timura
Holzmanufaktur GmbH, a wood manufacturer based in
Südharz, Germany, is dedicated to improving the lives of
wood technology
those around them in an ecologically sound way.
Certified by both the Forest Stewardship Council
(FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest
Certification (PEFC) Schemes, one of timura’s most unique
aspects is that they offer modified wood that is as durable
as the endangered and coveted tropical wood – but made
of sustainably sourced German wood.
“The initial idea was to save the tropical rainforests
here in Southeast Asia, which we can do as we have
enough resources in Europe, and especially Germany
where our forests have been sustainable for 300 years and
still growing,” Christian Pongratz, senior sales manager of
timura, explained. “We use ash, spruce, pine and beech
for our products, and do not add chemicals to improve
The wood before being heated, their lifespan.”
compressed and modified
THERMAL TECHNOLOGY
timura uses the vacuum press drying procedure to
press the wood flooring with a force of over 70 tonnes,
improving the heat transfer in the chamber and slightly
"
compressing the wood. Moreover, the vacuum encourages
mura’s modified wood is as the expulsion of volatile accessories while also keeping the
process gentle and precisely controlled.
durable as the endangered and Additionally, the thermal modification ensures that
on top of eliminating internal cracks, thus enhancing its
coveted tropical wood.
"
dimensional stability, timura’s products are homogenous
and each batch can be exactly replicated in terms of their
dryness and quality.
RESTRICTIONS
As the wood has been heated, compressed and modified, its water content brought down,
and rate of water absorption reduced, it comes with limitations for load-bearing, something
timura has overcome with the use of SenoFix.
“We don’t use screws on our wood, so we use the SenoFix especially in flooring where
there is high traffic,” Pongratz expounded. “SenoFix was specially developed for our thermos
wood.”
However, another disadvantage is that the wood does not come with light-fastness,
with constant exposure to sunlight leading to a greying effect, which can be combated with
maintenance or by applying a protective coating.
“Although the wood does not need to be oiled to extend its lifetime, if it is not maintained,
the wood will just turn slightly grey – much like teak,” Pongratz elaborated. “In essence, it
will take on the appearance of aged wood after about six months, giving it character.” ℗
BENEFITS
Because the wood has been
compressed, the weight and density
of the wood is not only reduced,
but crack formation tendencies are
lowered as well. The lower density,
in turn, leads to a decreased thermal
conductivity, resulting in improved
insulation as well.
Its water absorption and water-
binding properties also mean that the
durability and lifespan of the wood
flooring is enhanced, thus making it
suitable for all weathers as well as
interior and exterior decking.
“Mould normally grows on the
wood if the moisture is over 20
per cent, but we thermally modify
the wood and bring the moisture
down to around eight to nine per
cent,” Pongratz said. “Because the
moisture is halved in comparison to
'normal' wood, mould cannot grow on
the wood, its durability is also
enhanced.”
2018
T he countdown is on for the annual Sylva Wood. Now in its fourth year, the only specialised wood materials show in Asia,
with no machinery or finished products, has built a solid reputation in the region and set to be even greater.
Once again taking place in June, Sylva Wood remains the ideal place for industry players to meet while leveraging on the
opportunity to tap into the Chinese market.
“We are overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response. Sylva Wood has expanded its footprint over the years, and in this fourth
edition, we are looking at the interplay of big and small companies to bring the best in the industry to visitors,” said William
Pang, director of Shanghai Pablo Exhibition.
The show continues to be endorsed by the American Hardwood Export Council, American Softwoods, Canada
Wood, French Timber and Softwood Export Council. This year, it has also received the support from the Thai
Timber Association, Malaysian Timber Council and National Hardwood Lumber Association.
Visitors can also look out for the Russian Pavilion as it returns again for the second time along
with the Dongguan Veneer Alliance.
The Russian Pavilion will return again for the second time along with the Dongguan Veneer Alliance
“The show has been improving. It focuses on wood The country’s timber and forest products imports are expected
materials and is very useful for our members. We’ve got to increase by 60 million cubic metres by 2025, and will eventually
a pretty good number of visitors visiting and they are account for 12 to 13 per cent of global timber harvest.
professional timber trade people. The members are very As the only premier platform for the wood materials sector,
happy so I believe this is a quality show that is valuable for visitors and exhibitors can expect opportunities to explore and
us,” said John Chan, AHEC’s regional director. enhance productivity and competitiveness at this dedicated
business-to-business event.
EXPLORING CHINA’S POTENTIAL The world-class show will take place in Shanghai from June
According to RISI, a company specialising in providing 25 to 27 and a full programme of workshops and seminars will
information and data for the global forest products be held over the three days – with more details to be provided in
industry, China’s imports of softwood and hardwood logs the following months.
have jumped by 42 per cent in the last five years, while
imports of lumber soared by 81 per cent.
The country is the world’s largest importer of wood
fibre, and largest exporter of plywood, flooring, wooden
furniture and other related products. While rising labour
costs and other factors have been potential drags on
growth, 2017 still saw record-high imports of logs and
lumber.
In addition, despite the central government’s move
to aggressively reduce financial risk and pollution in the
country, the wood content of China’s primary forest
products imports will increase from an estimated 194
million cubic metres in 2015 to 254 million cubic metres
by 2025, reported RISI.
www.sylvawoodexpo.com
62 SHOW REVIEW
Conference participants (from left): Kevin Hill, PAM President Ezumi Harzani, Norihide Imagawa, Almaz Salma Abdul Rahim, MTC Deputy CEO Richard Yu,
JKR Civil and Structural Engineering Branch Director Ir Muhammad Azman Jamrus, Azman Md Nor, Boris Iskra and Andrew Waugh.
architects and engineers Andrew Datu Nasrun Datu Mansur officiated the we can emulate. Building regulations
Waugh, Norihide Imagawa, Kevin Hill and opening ceremony on behalf of Minister are also being revised, reflecting the
Boris Iskra. Malaysian architects YB Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong. Also successes accomplished in countries
Almaz Salma Abdul Rahim and present was MTC Chief Executive Officer which have constructed tall timber
Azman Md Nor, first and second prize Datuk Dr Abdul Rahim Nik. structures. Malaysia should embrace the
winners, respectively, of MTC’s inaugural Players in the construction industry advancements that timber architecture
Malaysian Wood Awards 2017, spoke on will find themselves in a transition period is offering,” Abdul Rahim said.
their winning designs as well as on their and will have to employ a different A mini exhibition was also held
other wood-based structures. attitude which would be a more nurturing in conjunction with the conference
The conference promotes the use one when they build with timber as the to showcase products such as doors,
of timber and highlights the need government institutes various initiatives flooring, decking, panel products,
to change the mindsets of those in such as the Industrialised Building mouldings and glulam. These enabled
the construction industry. About 300 System or IBS, said Nasrun, delivering a specifiers and users to know what is
delegates attended. speech on behalf of Minister Mah. available in the market. ℗
Deputy Minister of the Plantation “Under the IBS, components such
Industries and Commodities YB Datuk as timber frames will be prefabricated
ON
TI
CA
Jointly organised by
LO
HAWA CORPORATION
T
GH
Singapore 569139
NH
Email: williampang@pabloasia.com
www.vifawoodmacvietnam.com
64 WOOD CLINIC
Dear Mr Shim,
We are trying to make interior fit-outs, mostly furniture and
cabinets. They are usually pre-fabricated in the factory
according to the customised designs. However, we always
encounter problems; we can’t seem to communicate the
drawings with the craftsmen. There are also complaints that
the thin basswood veneer doesn’t stick well on the MDF. Can
you advise on the above?
Yours sincerely,
Mr Wu
indicated (see Fig. II). - Detailed sketch: Furniture can on materials and structure. This is
- Profile: The profile is drawn be complex and some have special sometimes indicated in the margin of
according to the orthographic requirements for their structure. In t h e d raw i n g to co nf i r m t h e
projection of the television cabinet general the structure can be construction is correct.
side. The width (depth) of the magnified to scale with the size of
cabinet profile can be determined the important parts indicated so that 4. Size indication: Although the
according to the width of the plan, the craftsmen can see clearly and drawing is drawn to scale, for the
as shown in Fig. III. ensure construction is accurate. For convenience of the craftsmen, the
- Cutaway view: Cut across a line in example, Fig. V shows a detailed actual size also needs to be indicated
any direction of the front view and sketch of the TV cabinet requiring for accuracy.
draw a cutaway view according to installation of slide rails.
the position of the cutting line. This (II) Staff training: Since workers’
will enable the craftsmen to see the 3. Other notes: The language and carpentry knowledge and skills
internal structure clearly, as shown graphics of the drawing provide all vary, intensive training courses
in Fig. IV. the necessary information should be provided on a regular
basis. This will enable them to
understand construction drawings,
improve carpentry knowledge,
operate machines and know-how to
exercise quality control.
Communicating in a common
language will also ensure that the
work is carried out smoothly and of
Heigth satisfactory quality.
Fig. V: A detailed sketch of the television cabinet shows slide rail installation.
BUZZ
new line enters the market it has a
THE
disproportionate impact on supply.
2. Demand projections are based
on robust global growth and strong
demand from both traditional and
emerging markets. Key demand
drivers will be the U.S., China and
India, any setbacks in these markets
will adversely affect demand. Some
MDF manufacturers are overly
dependent on risky Middle Eastern
T
markets; if these markets are
he New Year 2018 and the been made in Thailand, Vietnam disrupted, there will be a very large
Lunar Calendar Year of the and Indonesia. The main drivers for surplus supply volume potentially
Dog were heralded with great this growth have been the demand entering other markets.
fanfare and proclamations of for wood panel products required 3. Cost is relentlessly moving up
the virtues of the wood and for the automated mass production as other raw materials (especially
timber industry with headlines of furniture. The other important related to oil) and labour is gradually
such as: Timber Exports Continue factor is the availability of a relatively moving into an inflationary phase
Uptrend, Furniture Market Poised cheap, sustainable raw material from a previous deflationary scenario.
for Growth, Plywood Prices Sky – Rubberwood. These two factors The U.S. Dollar has, by and large
Rocketing, U.S. Lumber Outlook joined together have made South East depreciated against major Asian
Very Positive, Further Increase In Asia the most competitive producing currencies which has negatively
Timber Prices, GST Bears Fruit in region for MDF and particleboard in affected business particularly in
Indian Growth for Timber Products, the world today. Malaysia.
Second Largest Post-war Economic 4. The final critical factor is the
Expansion in Japan, The Dragon What lies ahead? availability of a sustainable and
Soars – Chinese Furniture Market, So what does all this mean for the relatively cheap wood-based raw
Bright Prospects for Wood Products MDF and particleboard market in material. In Malaysia we realised
Export, The World Prefers Wood Asia for 2018? Unfortunately it is not many years ago that the ‘Rubberwood
Products… I could go on but I think looking very good at all. As supply Era’ was fast coming to an end
you get the picture. raced ahead of demand, we saw a and this could be seen by the
These headlines are genuine dramatic softening of particleboard relatively small investments made
and by and large backed up by prices at the end of 2017 and a similar in Malaysia over the past few years.
statistics and data. For the timber oversupply situation developing for Malaysian Rubberwood is now the
industry as a whole, this has been MDF at the beginning of 2018. This most expensive in SE Asia and is
very welcome news. However if we does not bode well for the industry also in critical decline with regards
look more closely, in particular, to the and could result in dire consequences to availability. Thailand on the other
particleboard and Medium Density unless manufacturers act responsibly hand has, by far the largest planted
Fibreboard businesses in South East and with maturity. The situation is areas of Rubberwood in SE Asia,
Asia, the news is not as positive. Basic even more critical for Malaysian which has resulted in huge ongoing
economics comes into play and the manufacturers as costs increase due investments and a phenomenal
industry finds itself once again with a to a strengthening currency and higher increase in installed capacity. Thai
huge imbalance between supply and labour cost. MDF and particleboard is probably
demand. Assuming that the global economy the most competitive in the world
Over the past five years and for continues to grow robustly and the today. Investments in Vietnam have
the next three years, an average demand for furniture and panel been large and successful but they
of four new particleboard and MDF products remains strong the industry will quickly reach a situation where
lines have either started or will start will still face risks and challenges: Rubberwood will be in short supply
annually within South East Asia. 1. Investments in new plant and and prices will increase. Indonesia
The majority of this investment has capacity remains in place for at least has the second largest availability of
66
THE MALAYSIAN MDF MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION ( MMMA )
Rubberwood but investment has been across industries.
NEWSLETTER
slower due to other problems such as In summary, Thailand has
infrastructure and logistics. become, and will remain the most
competitive producer of MDF and
MARCH/APRIL 2018
A silver lining? particleboard within South East Asia.
The positives are that due to the This will continue for the foreseeable
imbalance of supply and demand future as it takes advantage of its
prices remain extremely competitive. available Rubberwood resources. It
This continues to be good news will be interesting to see if furniture
for furniture manufacturers as their production in Thailand increases as a About the Author
increasing costs are by and large result because currently the industry Peter Fitch is the founder of
being absorbed by the lower prices of is relatively small compared to its Segamat Panel Boards (Malaysia)
particleboard and MDF. This will act as neighbours. Thai manufacturers are and is currently the Chairman of
the Malaysian MDF Manufacturers
a catalyst to further stimulate demand. mostly big corporations that are able Association (MMMA) and Executive
We will see that more and more to utilise the latest technology and Committee Member of the Malaysian
producers of MDF and particleboard can afford substantial investments. Panel Manufacturers Association
(MPMA). Prior to working in Malaysia
will move ‘down-stream’ and start to To this end, manufacturers in he worked for Plantation Timber
add value by producing semi-finished Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam will Products (China) and Takeuchi MDF
materials or even venturing into struggle to compete. The Thai panel (Malaysia). Peter has been based in
manufacturers will drive the market Asia for more than 25 years and has
furniture production. Vietnam has the been in the wood panel business for
largest furniture industry followed by whilst the rest of us will only be able more than 20 years.
Malaysia in SE Asia, and one can to follow, if we can keep up!
foresee mergers and acquisitions
70 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2018
MARCH
7 – 10
| Vietnam Int’l Furniture &
Home Accessories Fair | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | www.vifafair.com
8 – 11 | Malaysian Int’l Furniture Fair | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | www.2018.miff.com.my
8 – 11 | IFFS | Singapore | www.iffs.com.sg
8 – 12 | India Wood | Bangalore, India | www.indiawood.com
9 – 12 | Export Furniture Exhibition | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | www.efe.my
11 – 14 | Indonesia Int’l Furniture Expo | Jakarta, Indonesia | www.ifexindonesia.com
12 – 14 | Dubai Woodshow | Dubai, UAE | www.dubaiwoodshow.com
18 – 21 | CIFF | Guangzhou, China | www.ciff-gz.com
20 – 23 | Domotex Asia/ China Floor | Shanghai, China | www.domotexasiachinafloor.com
28 – 31 | CIFM/ interzum guangzhou | Guangzhou, China | www.interzum-guangzhou.com
APRIL
2–5 | Wood Taiwan | Taipei, Taiwan | www.woodtaiwan.com
17 – 22 | Salone de Mobile Milano | Milan, Italy | www.salonemilano.it
MAY
25 – 28 | Qingdao Int’l Furniture Fair | Qingdao, China | www.qiff.net
30 – 1 Jun | Carrefour Int’l du bois | Nantes, France | www.timbershow.com
JUNE
20 – 22 | AHEC Annual Convention | Xi'An, China | www.americanhardwood.org
20 – 22 | Gabon Woodshow | Libreville, Gabon | www.gabonwoodshow.com
25 – 27 | Sylva Wood 2018 | Shanghai, China | www.sylvawoodexpo.com
SEPTEMBER
11 – 14 | China International Furniture Fair | Shanghai, China | www.ciff-sh.com
11 – 14 | FMC 2018 | Shanghai, China | www.fmcchina.com.cn
26 – 29 | IFMAC & WOODMAC 2018 | Jakarta, Indonesia | www.ifmac.net
OCTOBER
2–4 | NHLA Convention | Toronto, Canada | www.nhla.com
11 – 13 | Manufacturing World Technology | Manila, The Philippines | www.globallinkmp.com/mtw
25 – 27 | VIFA Woodmac Vietnam 2018 | Binh Duong, Vietnam | www.vifawoodmacvietnam.com
NOVEMBER
1–4 | MyanmarWood 2018 | Yangon, Myanmar | www.myanmar-expo.com/MyanmarWood
Calendar is accurate at time of print. Subject to change.
COMPANY PAGE
AHEC IBC
Anderson-Tully 43
Argos Solutions 49
Baillie Lumber Co 7
Dieffenbacher GmbH 9
Extend Light Machinery Co Ltd 35
Hardwood Market Report 67
Hoon Hsiang Ind Co Ltd 33
IMAL SRL FC, IFC
IMEAS spa 11
Jiangsu Baolong Electromechanical Mfg Co Ltd 57
Jowat 47
Kastamonu 27
Kuang Yung Machinery Co Ltd 51
Lesnaya Industriya Journal 69
Malaysian Timber Council 5
MyanmarWood 2018 68
Northwest Hardwoods 15
Plytec Oy 41
Sandvik S E A Pte Ltd 1
Scheuch GmbH OBC
Shanghai Woodbased Panel Machinery Co Ltd 25
Siempelkamp Maschinen-und Anlagenbau GmbH 3
Softwood Export Council 13
Steinert Co Ltd 17
Sylva Wood 2018 61
Technik Associates, Inc 71
Tong Fong Cutters Co Ltd 72
VIFA WOODMAC Vietnam 2018 63
Wilhelm Altendorf GmbH & Co KG 29
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