SFIC TAKES OVER CHAIRMANSHIP OF ASEAN FURNITURE INDUSTRIES COUNCIL

Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) has been formally handed the reins of the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council (AFIC) starting 8 November 2008. Taking over from the Philippines, Singapore will act as the Chairman, Secretary General and Secretariat for AFIC from 2008 to 2010. The other member countries of AFIC are Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand.

The Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) Executive Committee has appointed Mr Jerry Tan as Chairman of AFIC for the two-year term. Mr Tan is the Vice President of SFIC and Managing Director of JACO Singapore Pte Ltd. He is a well known figure in the regional furniture circles and has tremendous experience in the organisation of international furniture trade exhibitions and missions. He has extensive contacts with major furniture players and regional furniture associations throughout the ASEAN countries. His wealth of experience in regional furniture trade issues will put him in good stead to play a key role in fast tracking AFIC’s strategic initiatives to accelerate the growth of the ASEAN furniture industries.

He said: “I am honoured to take on this new role as Chairman for AFIC. The past committees have established a strong foundation for AFIC and we will work towards cementing even stronger ties and partnerships between the ASEAN furniture communities.  I am confident that collectively with our partner members; we can forge ahead and make the ASEAN furniture trade more prominent in international markets and visible worldwide.”

To further strengthen the committee’s knowledge and expertise, the SFIC Executive Committee has appointed Mr Steven Chew, Executive Director of Sitra Holdings (International) Limited, as Secretary General of AFIC. Mr Chew has over a decade of experience in the furniture and timber industries.  He is also a strong supporter of the green movement and brings with him a wealth of industry experience in sales, purchasing, operations and finance functions.  Together with Mr Jerry Tan, he is expected to play a key role in further strengthening AFIC and instilling it with a renewed sense of purpose.

“In these challenging economic times, AFIC plays an even more important role, that of ensuring healthy intra-ASEAN trade and an enhanced competitiveness to stay buoyant amidst the sea of fast-moving global players who are increasingly focused on speed and value. ASEAN integration is our primary focus and I hope to see immediate results in the form of a smoother, more cohesive and effective ASEAN furniture exhibition circuit.” adds Mr Jerry Tan.

AFIC member countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand hold annual furniture trade fairs, namely International Furniture &  Craft Fair Indonesia (IFFINA), Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF), the Philippine International Furniture Show - Manila (PIFS), Cebu International Furniture and Furnishings Exhibition (Cebu X), International Furniture Fair Singapore in conjunction with ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS), and Thailand International Furniture Fair (TIFF). The ASEAN Furniture Show held in conjunction with IFFS in Singapore adds to the vibrancy of this circuit, bringing the best of ASEAN players together in a dynamic and comprehensive trade event annually.

AFIC will work with member countries to devise a more efficient exhibition timetable and route for exhibitors and buyers alike. This will bring about better efficiency in terms of time and expenses for all exhibitors and visitors, and encourage higher participation and greater visibility for member countries. AFIC is also keen to support effective design and value propositions in a bid to offer the global market a bigger, newer and more innovative ASEAN show. 

In the next two years, AFIC will continue to roll out initiatives to promote closer relations and cooperation between furniture manufacturing business communities in member countries and regional and international organisations. Actively making recommendations on trade incentives and measures to benefit the ASEAN furniture industries, AFIC aims to further accelerate and harmonise the growth and progress of the furniture and fixture industries regionally with a global consciousness.

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C&F ENTERPRISES TO OPEN LAS VEGAS SHOWROOM IN SEPTEMBER ‘09 FASHION-FORWARD GIFT LEADER TO EXHIBIT IN TEMP SPACE AT FEBRUARY 2009 MARKET

C&F Enterprises, Inc. leased a 10,540-square-foot showroom in Building C at World Market Center Las Vegas. C&F Enterprises is one of the leading designers and producers of giftware, decorative accessories, quilted bedding and needlework, everyday linens and holiday merchandise.

The permanent showroom, C-599, will open in the fall of 2009 and will showcase the C&F  line, Gallerie II, and licensed lines such as April Cornell and Colonial Williamsburg. In the interim, C&F will exhibit in temporary space for the Winter 2009 Las Vegas Market in February, according to Jimmy Fang, executive vice president of the Newport News, Va.-based company, who said the Las Vegas showroom will be his company’s first corporate showroom in the western half of the United States.

Fang said the attraction of the growing gift segment in Las Vegas along with the adjoining home furnishing showrooms was a strong attraction to his company.  “Under normal circumstances, we’d grow our business by adding some customers while growing with our existing customers.  In this difficult economy, we need to reach new customers to maintain and grow our business.  We’ve had many requests from customers that no longer attend other shows, asking us to open a Las Vegas Showroom”

This seemed like an ideal time for us to expand into the Las Vegas Market and we’re doing it in a big way.  This will be our 2^nd largest showroom and gives us an opportunity to show our entire line to stores in the western US, many of whom have never had a chance to see our entire line.”

Fang added, “Las Vegas is a destin ation for not just the western half of the U.S. but the entire United States and the rest of the world. They get a lot of international buyers there. We expect the Las Vegas Market to be successful because people are excited to go to Las Vegas, not just for the Market, but for the city itself.”

C&F Enterprises sells to higher-end retailers, including better department stores, small gift stores and catalogs.  “We certainly expect to broaden our customer base with this new showroom,” Fang said.

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TULIPWOOD CREATES A STUNNING SHOWCASE FOR WOOD AT DUBLIN’S PLAN EXPO

With a brief to create a flexible stand design for the Irish Wood Marketing Federation at this year’s Plan Expo, architect Ciaran O’Connor set about creating a design which would make a strong visual statement about wood, allowing visitors to experience all its special qualities. And he chose American tulipwood to do it. 

Bringing together a group of companies from the wood industry to present the diversity and adaptability of this uniquely sustainable material, the structure of the 110m2 stand is made up of 1.2m wide tulipwood slatted panels which form three individual spaces of varying sizes, each using space and light in a different way.  The smallest of these (2.4m2) at the front of the stand is an enclosed space where a simple wood sculpture by Michael Warren is enhanced by the shafts of light coming through discreet openings in the panel roof.  The architect intends this space to provide visitors with some relief from the exhibition hubbub – providing the calm and contemplative atmosphere that wood is uniquely capable of creating. The second space (3.6m x 2.4m) has two entrances with five structural fins spanning the open top for maximum light.  This space features product displays and samples from the participating companies in a light open area.  The third and largest space (3.6m x 3.6m) provides more exhibition area.  Its roof, accessed by stairs – all in American red oak - provides a ‘viewing platform’ – an area where visitors can indulge in a spot of ‘people watching’ or get together for an informal meeting.  Another American hardwood – maple, is used throughout for the floor.

Ciaran O’Connor is, of course, passionate about wood.  Past projects, such as the Marine Institute in Galway, are testaments to his commitment to a material which he believes, above all others, reacts with the human psyche to create an atmosphere of warmth and calm.  When it came to specifying the wood for this exhibition stand he chose a species that is beginning to make its mark with architects and specifiers as both versatile and attractive, reversing the trend for what might be seen as more glamorous species.  “American tulipwood is strong and flexible and it’s readily available because it grows so abundantly.  And I immediately saw its potential for a structure like this, with its crisp look, attractive grain and varying colour hues, to create something which would make a strong statement.  There is huge diversity in timber and inevitably fashion and trends will influence our choices.  Here was an opportunity to show how a species which has been traditionally regarded as rather utilitarian can really come into its own in creating space and sensory experiences in the context of a busy exhibition where visitors are bombarded with information.  My love of wood is very much based on its ability to connect with us in a way that many other materials simply cannot.  I also wanted this wood to speak for itself, outside of any cultural or fashion influences, to provide a strong but simple effect.”

Simplicity is certainly the keynote of the stand design.  An important element of the brief was that the stand could be built and broken down quickly and easily.  The uniform and interchangeable panels of 100mm wide tulipwood slats are simply bolted to the uprights top and bottom and easy break-down and storage will give the stand a long and useful life.  The wood has been treated to maintain its appearance and withstand the inevitable wear and tear caused by stand visitors.

The idea behind the coming together of organisations on the Irish Wood Marketing Federation Stand is to tell the whole wood story – the qualities and versatility of timber, how to specify on the basis of ‘fit for purpose’, timber supply;  the technology and treatments available and innovations in engineered timber – all demonstrated with examples of outstanding projects.  The idea is that the stand will provide a real

centre of excellence for information and advice for architects, specifiers and builders about specifying wood as the exhibitors come together in one place. 

Says Donal Magner of the Wood Marketing Federation: “We want to get our audience thinking about timber in ways that they have not before.  New joinery techniques and innovative treatment technology are advancing the uses and applications for timber very quickly and in a world where sustainability is the watchword, timber is more relevant for a wide range of applications than ever before. We want to tell the timber story.”

 This is the second major showcase project for American tulipwood this year.  Architect David Adjaye chose the species for this year’s Size + Matter Project for the London Design Festival, using new treatment technology for this large exterior project – the ‘Sclera’ pavilion which was situated on London’s South Bank in September.        

As visitors wander through the different spaces of Ciaran O’Connor’s stand at Plan Expo he wants their senses to be calmed by the atmosphere and spatial experience of the stand as they absorb information and view projects. And its simple tulipwood that sets the tone for what should be an uplifting experience.

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A NEW BOOST FOR ZOW IN ITALY
ROMANO UGOLINI IS THE NEW SURVEY MANAGING DIRECTOR IN MILAN

On 1 November 2008, Romano Ugolini took up the post of Managing Director of Survey Marketing + Consulting s.r.l., Milan. Since 2001, Ugolini has been the Sales Manager at Survey Marketing + Consulting for the regions of Southern Europe, France, Great Britain and America. Under his management, the Italian Survey team is now enthusiastically launching into the task of preparing for ZOW 2009 at the new venue in Verona.

Romano Ugolini (52) has been involved in the wood processing industry for 30 years, where he held several management positions; he was General Manager for the American subsidiary of the Italian SCM Group in Atlanta and Sales Manager for Koch Maschinenfabrik (Leopoldshöhe/Germany). Since 2001, Ugolini has been the Sales Director at Survey Marketing + Consulting for the regions of Southern Europe, France, Great Britain and America, and is one of the pioneers and guarantors of the international success of the numerous Survey exhibitions.

The main drive and incentive for Romano Ugolini in his new position as Managing Director in Milan are convincing growth rates in the various countries and the positive results of ZOW. “I’ve been travelling the world for many years and am very familiar with the global markets. I'm convinced that we can still do a lot more to bring people and countries together. I can’t think of a better job than working together with my team to make this objective a reality.” For Ugolini, the current sense of crisis in the markets is no reason to give up – quite the contrary. “As exhibition organisers, we have an extremely important role in supporting the economy in every possible way during difficult times. We take this job very seriously, so we’re now supporting the sector in a more disciplined and ambitious manner. ZOW is an effective tool with great potential to achieve this. It’s in times like this that the ZOW philosophy shines through. The motto ‘back to the roots’, which ZOW traditionally follows, will prove to be a future-proof exhibition concept and it also provide the furniture supplier sector with an effective market platform in the long term because this motto focuses on people, products and communication.”
 The future of ZOW in Italy lies in Verona

The course is set for the future. Ugolini is delighted that ZOW in Italy is moving to Verona next year: “ZOW in Verona will be the top event in 2009 for the supplier sector in Italy and the Veronafiere venue will set new standards.”

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PROLIFIC DESIGN LEGEND, CARLTON VARNEY,TO SHARE STORIED CAREER DESIGN 5 AT LAS VEGAS DESIGN Center’s FIRST FRIDAY SERIES

One of the best-known interior and restoration designers will be featured Friday, December 5 during First Friday at the Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center Las Vegas.

Carlton Varney of Dorothy Draper & Company will speak from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. during the monthly First Friday event.  His presentation will take place in the Las Vegas Design Center (C-184) of World Market Center’s Building C, 475 South Grand Central Parkway in Las Vegas.

Varney is president of New York-based Dorothy Draper & Co. Inc., one of the oldest established interior design firms in the United States, named after the company founder who was one of the doyennes of interior design from the 1920s to the 1960s. Continuing Draper’s tradition, his design philosophy stresses the use of bright colors and the rejection of all that is impractical, uncomfortable and drab.

Varney plans to share his history, recount stories about celebrity clients, offer design tips and cover the topic of design as a business. 

“I will speak about decorating around your personality and how you can find who you are in the rooms in which you live,” Varney said. “I will also talk about many of the personalities I have worked with.” Attendees will leave with a knowledge of Dorothy Draper and why she was an icon.  What Coco Chanel was to fashion, Dorothy Draper was to interior design, Varney said. He will share the company’s methods for bringing components of residential design into the framework of commercial projects so they never look “cookie cutter.” 

Varney’s newest book, Houses in my Heart (An International Decorator’s Colorful Journey) was released in October. The lavishly illustrated book features many of the interior design projects from throughout his career.  

Following his "First Friday" presentation, attendees are invited to join Varney and his colleague, Brinsley Matthews of the European office of Dorothy Draper,  in the Robert Allen | Beacon Hill showroom (C-101) where he'll sign copies of Houses In My Heart, amidst the Dorothy Draper Collection of furniture by Kindel Furniture Company.Robert Allen | Beacon Hill offers a wide array of fabrics, furnishings and accessories for the home.

“Houses in My Heart is not so much an autobiography as an illustrated memoir,” writes Varney in the introduction to this lavish book, which celebrates the interior designer’s colorful career.  

Varney has decorated and restored countless hotels and resorts all over the world, including Adare Manor, Dromoland and Ashford Castles in Ireland; The Waldorf Towers and Plaza Hotel in New York; and The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla. He also was the design consultant to the Carter Presidential Library and numerous White House functions.His fabric designs are found in the homes of entertainment, fashion and business superstars.

About First Friday at Las Vegas Design Center
A not-to-be missed shopping day for local and out-of-market design professionals, “First Friday” at Las Vegas Design Center features educational opportunities, unique showroom specials, hospitality and other exclusive offerings for the trade.

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AS DEMAND FOR AMERICAN HARDWOODS SOAR, AHEC PREPARES FOR A SUCCESSFUL DELHIWOOD EXHIBITION

Next February 14^th to 17^th, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), which represents the US hardwood industry, will take part in the inaugural Delhiwood show at Pragati Maidan Exhibition Centre, New Delhi.  Following two successful Indiawood exhibitions in Bangalore, AHEC aims to take advantage of this important forum for the wood trade and to service the rapidly growing demand for American hardwoods in the Indian market.

Now, more than ever before, American hardwoods are becoming increasingly well-established in India’s rapidly developing market for imported hardwoods. According to the latest data available, US$3.3 million worth of hardwood logs, lumber and veneer were shipped from the USA to India during the first eight months of this year. This marks a staggering increase of 83.3% on the same period in 2007, when imports only reached US$1.8 million. Of the total value imported this year, hardwood logs accounted for US$1.3 million, hardwood lumber for US$0.96 million and hardwood veneer US$1.1 million.

While demand for US hardwood logs still remains higher than for lumber, the increase in imports of US hardwood lumber this year has been nothing short of exceptional. In fact, over the January to August period, shipments of hardwood lumber from the United States to India grew from just US$281,000 in 2007 to US$959,000 this year, marking a rise of 241.3%. This increase in demand for lumber signals changes within the Indian wood sector, both at the level of increased awareness of US hardwoods, as well as in terms of how the furniture and interiors manufacturing sector is becoming more modern and mechanised.

This trend, as well as the overall growth in US hardwood demand is expected to continue for the remainder of 2008 and, in fact, for the foreseeable future. While many parts of world are now entering a phase of economic uncertainty, the Indian market continues to enjoy a period of relative fiscal buoyancy and overall economic expansion. One obvious outcome of this period of economic growth has been the onset of a construction boom, which has led to an urgent and substantial need for building materials, including wood products, which cannot be supplied from within India itself. As a result, imports of wood products have surged in recent years. American hardwoods have benefited directly from this increase in demand. They perform well in interior applications and their wide variety of colours and grain patterns, as well as their sustainable credentials and availability in a range of specifications have meant that Indian architects, joiners and furniture manufacturers are beginning to turn to them for high end projects, both commercial and residential.

It is hoped that the Delhiwood show will create another specialised forum for the wood sector in India’s northern region and AHEC looks forward to an opportunity to showcase American hardwoods, to distribute technical information and to network with the industry.

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AMERICAN HARDWOOD LUMBER GRADING Q&A SERIES BY BOB SABISTINA - GRADING CONSULTANT TO THE AMERICAN HARDWOOD EXPORT COUNCIL

The Grading Rules for North American hardwood lumber were established 100 years ago by the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA), which is now headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. I have been writing a series of articles for the eighteen months, answering a variety of questions pertaining to the application of those grading rules. This month’s article answers some of the questions I have received over the past few months. These questions come from all over the world, as the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) has been distributing this article from Europe to Asia.

Question 1: Can you explain how the American suppliers get the wood from the forests to me?

Answer 1: Yes. There are three main steps, which I will outline as follows:

1.     The Forest

American hardwood forests comprise a wide area, right from the northern states to the East and then into the far South. They are made up of broadleaf or deciduous trees, which shed their leaves each year, as opposed to softwoods or conifers, such as pine. Think of building the structure of a house out of softwoods, such as 2x4 and then furnishing the interior with hardwoods, such as oak, cherry, maple and walnut.

US hardwood forests are approximately 70% privately owned in a wide variety of acreages and for numerous end uses. One such use is for commercial hardwood lumber production, where the landowner works closely with a sawmill to manage the trees and selectively harvest the mature ones, thus promoting the growth of the younger trees, until they, in turn, are harvested and the cycle repeats itself. The process of selective harvesting can also promote the species mix in the woodlot and increase the value of the timber stand for generations to come. Once the trees have been cut, they are loaded on to a truck and taken to the sawmill for processing.

2.    The Sawmill
Most hardwood sawmills today are second or third generation family businesses, which are scattered throughout the hardwood growing regions. Once the logs are at the mill, they are sorted by species and cut to manageable lengths for processing. Any potential veneer logs (very high grade and defect-free logs) are taken out and the rest are stacked up awaiting their turn through the mill.

Logs that are ready for the mill are first sent to a de-barking machine. The bark is then recycled to produce garden mulch and bedding. Today, most sawmills use a band saw for cutting the logs in to lumber of various thicknesses and widths, depending on species and future order files. Every effort is made to minimize waste throughout the milling process, from edging and trimming, to collecting and chipping any by-product that is produced from converting a round log in to square boards. Even the sawdust is collected and sold as bedding or fuel.

3.    Grading & Drying
The lumber that’s comes out of the mill is sorted in to various stacks depending on grade and thickness. Some will be sold as green or fresh sawn and the remainder will be stacked on to thin drying sticks, or stickers and prepared for the dry kiln. All hardwood destined for use in interior applications, such as furniture, flooring and mouldings etc. must be kiln dried. This is a highly skilled procedure, which can take anywhere from several days to over a year, depending on the species and thickness. In the United States, lumber is dried to a moisture content of around 6 to 9%, which is about equal to the moisture or humidity level inside most American homes. This drying process helps the wood to maintain its shape when manufactured in to a product.

Once dried, the lumber is graded for a second time to remove any downgrade material and to get an accurate measurement for sale. Most sales are made by truckload in the domestic market or stacked in to a 40 foot sea container for export. Depending on the species, a typical container will hold approximately 12,000 board feet or 28.3 cubic metres.

Question 2: I recently attended a grading seminar and you discussed the various hardwood growing regions of the United States. Can you go over this again, please?

Answer 2: There are four main hardwood growing regions in the US, as per below. For a pictorial reference, please see www.ahec.org, where you can either view online or order the free Species guide.

Northern: This area is made up by the Lake States, such as Minnesota and Michigan, as well as the New England States, such as Vermont and New Hampshire. The climate in these areas is characterised by long winters, heavy snow, a cool spring and autumn and a short, hot summer. The predominant species are hard maple and red oak, as well as beech, ash, white oak, birch and soft maple. The trees are generally slow growing, with smaller diameters than in the other regions, but the colour of the wood is often very uniform.

Midwest: This area is made up by the states that run south from Wisconsin to Missouri and West, from Ohio to Iowa. The climate of this area is more moderate, with cold winters, mild springs and autumns and hot summers. The predominant species are red and white oak, hard and soft maple and walnut, as well as ash, cherry, hickory and others. The trees, which have larger diameters, tend to be scattered throughout the region, since farming corn and soybean is the main industry here. This is probably the best growing region for American black walnut.

Southern: This is a vast area of the country, which ranges from Texas to Florida. It enjoys mild winters, a short spring and autumn and long, hot summers. The predominant species are red and white oak, pecan and ash, as well as cottonwood, gum, sycamore and tulipwood. The trees are fast growing, tall and have large diameters. Because of the long growing season, a wide variety of sub-species within a particular species also grow to produce merchantable timber.

Appalachian: This is another vast region, which extends from Georgia in the South, right up to Maine in the North. The Appalachian Mountains dictate the climate, growth rate and species makeup here, due to a variety of elevations within the overall growing region. Just about every major species grows in this region and this is truly the bread basket of American hardwoods.

This explanation offers only a brief description of the growing regions and species available in these areas. I cannot include every species available, nor must you draw any definitive lines demarcating any specific region. Which is the best region of America to buy from, depends on a variety of factors? One needs to consider the finished product that you are looking for, the relationship that you make with your supplier and the species you need.

Question 3: Can you explain the sapwood requirement for No.1 Common hard maple graded as No.1 and 2 White?

Answer 3: The key here is that the sapwood is required in the clear cutting area that establishes the No. 1 Common grade. For example, a 12 foot board needs to have a minimum of 8 feet clear to grade as No.1 Common. To meet the White maple requirements, we are only concerned about these 8 feet. Both faces and both edges of the No.1 Common clear cuttings need to be sapwood for No.1 White, while one face and both edges of the No. 1 Common clear cuttings, with at least 50% sapwood on the reverse side are needed for No.2 White. Realistically, the worst case on this 12 foot board could have 8 feet of sapwood on the best face and 4 feet of sapwood on the reverse side and it would still make a No.1 Common, No.2 White hard maple board. Once again, it is not the whole board we are considering here; it is just the clear No.1 Common cuttings.

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ITALIAN WOODWORKING TECHNOLOGIES FOLLOW THE GENERAL GLOBAL TREND-
THE THIRD QUARTER 2008 SHOWS A NEGATIVE SITUATION

The negative period that has been characterizing the industry since the beginning of the year - after three years of constant growth - has accelerated during the third quarter due to the global financial and economic crisis, the actual relevance of which has been perceived since September. According to the figures of the survey carried out by Acimall - based on a statistic sample that represents the entire industry in terms of company size and product categories - there isn’t any doubt: the Italian woodworking machinery and tools industry recorded a reduction by 18.1 percent as compared to the period July-September 2007. This figure is the result of reduced business on foreign markets (-13.2 percent) – which have always been very interested in “made in Italy” products – added to the significant slowdown of the Italian market (-32.6 percent as compared to the same period of 2007).

According to the survey by Acimall, prices have increased by 2.6 percent on average and the months of ensured production, at the end of the third quarter, were 2.4. The quality survey reveals the general attitude of interviewed entrepreneurs: 49 percent of the sample indicates stationary production volumes, 48 decreasing and only 3 growing. Available stocks are stationary according to 52 percent, decreasing according to 23 percent and growing according to the remaining 24 percent. Employment is considered as stationary by 79 percent of the sample and falling by 21 percent. No growth signals have been recorded.

Forecasts for the next period are obviously influenced by the general industry situation and by the economic scenario, so they are not oriented towards optimistic visions. Foreign orders are expected to remain stationary according to 18 percent of the interviewees, to shrink for 70 percent and to increase for 12 percent (negative balance -58). As for the Italian domestic market, expectations for the upcoming quarter see no variation for 36 percent and a further worsening for the remaining 64 percent (negative balance –64).

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       THE NEW “TOP FOUR” ALPIKORD VENEERS 2009

         AT THE CENTRE OF ATTENTION AT ZOW PORDENONE 2008

Architects, interior decorators, agents and importers from many foreign countries, buyers and journalists did not miss the chance to take a close look at the new high-pressure laminated veneers in the Alpikord Range 1 collection.

This series – a preview of which was offered for the first time at the Zow 2008 held in Pordenone, from 15-18 October, includes new high-pressure laminated veneers developed over a long period of research and prototyping carried out by the Research and development division of Alpi, a manufacturing group and international leader in the wood processing sector. The project has demonstrated, for many years now, the incredible potential of multi-laminar wood technology, both in the reproduction of natural wood and in the development of new aesthetically impressive veneers.

These veneers originate from a careful analysis of the most significant trends worldwide and are then manufactured using Alpi proprietary technology that, with certified wood as a foundation – the company recently obtained FSC certification for Alpi poplar – allows for the creation of unique surfaces, merging quality and performance with highly contemporary ambiances, colours and textures.

The four 2009 “top themes” which were on display in Pordenone have one thing in common: an intense connection with nature. Two of them draw inspiration from oak: Bog Oak derives from an oak which grows in humid environments, thus absorbing substances that produce a remarkable and unique dark colouring; Rovere Titanium, instead, is tinted in a particular shade of grey reminiscent of titanium. Both the “reproduction” of Ziricote, a wood from Central America characterised by a remarkable aesthetic impact, and bleached Walnut, with its exceptionally refined and elegant nuances, embody a supreme natural beauty.

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NEW SHOW DATES FOR DELHIWOOD EVENT RESCHEDULED BY TWO DAYS

“DELHIWOOD” the largest International woodworking TRADE FAIR for NORTHERN INDIA is now rescheduled by two days, the exhibition will now be held from the 14-17 FEBRUARY 2009  at HALLS 14 & 18,PRAGATI MAIDAN, NEW DELHI, INDIA.

The organiser, PDA TRADE FAIRS, explains the change in schedule: “Delhiwood has drawn a phenomenal response in its inaugural edition from the originally planned one hall i,e., Hall 18 & has grown to a 16000 sqm event & includes Hall 14 now. In spite of this tremendous growth we were unable to provide more than the initially planned 2 days as build up period to exhibitors as the venue was not available, the event was sandwiched between two other exhibitions. The venue authorities (ITPO, Pragati Maidan) have informed us that due to some changes in the bookings, we would now be able to extend the dates.

We now wish to utilize this opportunity to offer our exhibitors one more days move in time, we also know from experience it is imperative for an event of this size to have a minimum of 3 days build up. Since, we can now, extend the booking days we are providing a 3 day build up time. Hence the exhibition opening is being moved ahead by two days. DELHIWOOD therefore will now be held from 14-17 FEBRUARY 2009. 

Mr.Pradeep Devaiah, Chairman & CEO, PDA TRADE FAIRS adds “a look at INDIAWOOD’s growth reflects the way the Indian wood working industry has matured. In 2002 INDIAWOOD was a platform that showcased the advantages of technology & mechanization.For the first time in INDIA a complete wood processing line was showcased in INDIAWOOD 2004 & by then the event was facilitating the conversion of INDIA’s woodworking industry from manual carpentry to mechanized production. By 2006, the market dynamics positioned INDIAWOOD as the most fulfilling sourcing ground for the woodworking Industry in India, which reflects the extent to which the market had matured since 2002. Thanks to the industry’s growth & the rapid modernization of woodworkers in INDIA, INDIAWOOD 2008 set a new bench mark for woodworking industry shows outside USA & EUROPE, the event showcased besides state of the art panel processing & Solid wood processing machinery, semi finished products, fittings, accessories, Raw materials, Plywood mfrg machines, lamination machines, lumber & timber from around the world. The show was a whopping 30,000 Sq Mtrs exhibition & drew over 18,000 visitors. “INDIAWOOD” had arrived in style”. 

Mr.Pradeep opines that DELHIWOOD is a logical brand extension of INDIAWOOD. Given the GEOGRAPHICAL size of INDIA & the unprecedented growth the country is witnessing, there is a latent need for a comprehensive exhibition to address the needs of the NORTH INDIAN markets requirements. Leveraging INDIAWOOD’s experience we announced DELHIWOOD aiming to showcase the latest in wood processing technologies like sophisticated CNC machines, accessories and tools from all over the world.  It also aims to bring together a comprehensive range of materials and fittings to help give an impetus to the growth of industry in this region.  This will also go a long way towards the creation of new entrepreneurs to enter this arena.”

The Delhiwood team is also upbeat about the event & a team member says   “Indiawood’s proven track record of attracting the biggest machinery companies with live displays of production lines attracted pan Indian visitors and visitors from South Asia and South East Asia.  The industries’ trust in our ability to deliver similar audiences is amply reflected in the response to Delhiwood within a short span post the announcement”.

The press release by PDA TRADE FAIRS also states visitors can hope to see industry majors such as BIESSE, JAI INDUSTRIES, HOLZHER, HOMAG, HBR, SCM, WEINIG, WOODTECH as well as Country Pavilions from Taiwan, Italy and Germany and groups from Malaysia, Turkey and China. Special efforts or on to attract Architects & Interior decorators to provide additional value to Non-machinery exhibitors such as HAFELE, REHAU, Asian Paints and others .

In keeping with our philosophy of delivering complete value to exhibitors, the DELHIWOOD PROJECT TEAM will target visitors from the following segments: Furniture Manufacturers, Particle Board Manufacturers, Architects and Builders, Manufacturers of Wood-Based Articles, Craftsmen, Forestry Officials, Plywood Manufacturers, Interior Decorators and Saw Millers.           

PDA is committed to sparing no effort and money to ensure that exhibitors leave Delhi Wood with their order books full, like in the past with India Wood says Mr.Pradeep Devaiah.

He adds to drive home the point “In the face of uncertainty in most markets, due to the global economic meltdown, INDIA is in a unique position to offer scope for companies looking to gain from INDIA’s internal requirement. One such sector that still has enormous potential due to INDIA’s internal requirement is the woodworking industry. The tremendous response the first edition of “DELHIWOOD” India’s largest International woodworking exhibition in North India is adequate testimony to the Indian markets stability & strength of internal requirement. 

The Delhiwood team looks forward to welcoming all to another woodworking industry “MEGA EVENT.”

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EXHIBITION SPACE AT DELHI WOOD ALMOST SOLD OUT

Mr. Pradeep Devaiah, Chairman and CEO of PDA Trade Fairs say’s the response to the INAUGURAL edition of DELHIWOOD has been overwhelming & the entire exhibition space in HALL 14 & HALL 18 UPPER & LOWER LEVELS is almost sold. Going by the current trend & considering the fact that we have a phenomenal number of enquiries yet to be addressed, PDA TRADE FAIRS the organizers say, they are exploring the possibility of additional hall/s to accommodate new bookings.

It would be important to note here says Mr. Devaiah “the phenomenal response should be attributed to the value INDIAWOOD has been delivering to the exhibitors, the response to DELHIWOOD is a direct reflection of the faith the industry has placed in our ability to deliver value as promised. We understand the exhibitors had the option of choosing another event, but have chosen to repose their faith in the experience & expertise of PDA TRADE FAIRS”.

 With the successful experience of Indiawood, over 85% of exhibitors from INDIAWOOD have confirmed participation at DELHIWOOD, of the envisaged 350 + exhibitors there are over a 100 new exhibitors both from INDIA & from overseas DELHIWOOD has already attracted. These companies influenced by the success & the delivery of INDIAWOOD have confirmed participation to tap into the enormous potential the Indian market offers & are making a foray into the Indian market or are consolidating their position via DELHIWOOD.

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ZOW COMES TO SHENZHEN: PREMIERE IN MARCH 2009 SURVEY ORGANISES
SECOND FURNITURE SUPPLIER FAIR IN CHINA

Between 19 and 22 March 2009, the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Centre will play host to its first ZOW supplier fair for the furniture and interior design industry. ZOW is taking place at the same time as the Shenzhen International Furniture Exhibition (SIFE), held every March, which brings together the decision-makers in the furniture industry in this important economic hub in southern China. The organiser is the Shenzhen Trade Furniture Association (SZFA), one of China’s most influential furniture associations. The organiser of ZOW, Survey (Asia) Marketing & Consulting, is delighted at this new strategic partnership and is confident that in SZFA it has found the optimum partne r in Shenzhen.
Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center Las Vegas (495 S. Grand Central Parkway) is a design resource open year-round. Featuring nearly 100 home furnishings showrooms on the lower floors of World Market Center's buildings, the Design Center showcases fine furniture, fabric, lighting, floral, accessories, rugs and wall décor.

Since being declared a special economic zone in the 1980s, the Shenzhen region has undergone rapid development. Boasting 12 million inhabitants and the highest income per capital in China, the city is situated in the south of Guangdong province, in the Pearl River delta, just a few kilometres from the international financial hub of Hong Kong. Guangdong is the centre of the furniture industry in southern China and with its economic growth; it offers promising sales prospects for international furniture suppliers. With its excellent connections in the Chinese and overseas markets, SZFA sees itself as a promoter of international contacts and investments – the perfect host for a second ZOW in China! 

In Shenzhen, the organiser Survey is looking to apply once again the successful formula of ‘Creating Close Contacts’, which has become ZOW’s trademark around the globe. At the heart of this unique trade fair is the clear presentation of exhibits and the communication between exhibitors and visitors, which is encouraged by specially designated functional areas. Only company decision-makers are invited to attend, so exhibitors can engage in profitable discussions with customers. Ready-made complete packages for exhibitors, an open stand layout, and comprehensive visitor services such as free admission, parking and catering make ZOW an attractive proposition for everyone attending while encouraging the creative workshop aspect of the event.

 The Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Centre is one of the most modern trade fair venues in southern China, easily reached from either Shenzhen International Airport or Hong Kong International Airport. At ZOW, visitors can expect to see the full range of products from the furniture supplier industry all in one place: surfaces and fittings, recess and lighting systems, panels and profiles, built-in and semi-finished parts, adhesives and glues, and much more. Innovative product ideas and the opportunity to make excellent business contacts in a relaxed atmosphere make ZOW a popular meeting place for the industry

But Shenzhen itself also has plenty to offer ZOW visitors in terms of both business and pleasure. SZFA maintains a variety of institutions here, including the Design Institute, which offers a fascinating insight into Chinese furniture design.

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                              GULF INDUSTRY INVESTING $300 MILLION IN SOFTWARE

                              GCC industrial growth fuelling demand for ERP software,
                            say organisers of region's leading manufacturing exhibition

With Arabian Gulf countries embarked on major investment in expanding the domestic manufacturing sector, demand is growing for industry-related software - a market forecast to hit $300 million by next year, according to industry observers.

"Recent years have seen huge expansion in the economies of the Gulf Co-operation Council countries fuelled by oil and gas revenues and successful moves into large scale property development and tourism ventures," said Tim Wilson, Exhibition Manager of the Middle East Manufacturing Exhibition MEMEX), which takes place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 23 to 25 November 2008.

"The manufacturing sector expansion, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, is leading to increasing demand for what are known as enterprise resource planning (ERP) software solutions," he added. "Research indicates ERP spending in the GCC rising faster than the projected world average to around $300 million by 2009 and leading IT companies are competing for a share."

ERP software solutions are critical in manufacturing industry for production, scheduling, on-time delivery, maintenance, quality control, inventory, warehousing, and purchasing.

The Gulf countries are seeking to decrease economic dependencies on oil and gas by setting up industrial zones to stimulate large-scale growth in manufacturing. Zones Corp – the Abu Dhabi Higher Corporation for Specialised Economic Zones - is headline sponsor of MEMEX. Gold sponsor is General Holding Corporation of Abu Dhabi.

According to a recent report, manufacturing companies in Saudi Arabia are posting an average 6% annual growth rate with the contribution of manufacturing industry to non-oil GDP increasing from 7.8% in 1975 to 17.3% in 2006.

The manufacturing industry plays an equally important role in the economy of the UAE. Manufacturing is the third largest job provider in the UAE, employing about 13% of the workforce, and about 17% of UAE gross fixed capital is created in the manufacturing sector, the second highest after transport and communications.

MEMEX is the leading manufacturing, production and industrial trade show held in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi, providing a platform for suppliers to the manufacturing industry to meet with importers, distributors and decision makers from the regional manufacturing sector.

MEMEX features a series of pavilions showcasing machine tools; warehousing and materials handling; health and safety; information technology; process and control; welding, joining and heat treatment; automation and robotics; air technology; and engineering.

Industryscape, a dedicated exhibition and conference for the industrial, manufacturing and production real estate will take place alongside MEMEX. Run by the organisers of Cityscape, the world’s largest business-to-business real estate event brand, it will bring together international investors, developers, governments and investment authorities, leading architects, designers, consultants and professionals involved in the industrial, manufacturing and production real estate industry.

The first edition of MEMEX in 2007 attracted over 100 exhibitors from 16 countries and trade visitors from the Middle East and North Africa. An exhibitor survey shows that the vast majority of exhibitors reported MEMEX had generated anything from six to 50 business leads and new contacts for future sales.

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SCHENKMANN-PIEL-ENGINEERING GMBH SUPPLIES TO KIM HOCK
CORPORATION THE FIRST DRUM DRYER FOR WOOD PELLETS

After the very successful commissioning of almost 20 dryers and air graders for the production of wood panels in the last five years in South East Asia and China, the company SPE has received the first order for a drum dryer for drying sawdust for the production of wood pellets. Kim Hock Corporation Pte Ltd, a Singapore scrap recycling company, has installed a wood pellet mill plant next to their wood-fired boiler/energy plant. This plant will supply energy for the new pellet mill plant and the boiler flue gas residual heat will be used for drying the raw material for these wood pellets in the SPE drum dryer.

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INTERNATIONAL WOOD & WOOD PRODUCTS TRADE CONFERENCE IN CHINA WILL COMMENCE FROM 13TH NOV 2008

“The 5th China International Wood & Wood Products Trade Conference” is sponsored by mujiaohui.com and Asia Green--Culture Association. Since May, wood trade committee has already sent invitation letters to about 300 thousand lumber industries all over the world, and got substantial support of related government officer and Medias within and out of China. Foreign government and organizations include: Russian Irkutsk Government, Burma Forest Bureau, Asia Green--Culture Association 、Japan Forest Research Institute, Japan Forestry Association, TIMBERHUNT. COM, Foreign Medias: Nippon Keidanren Committee on Nature Conservation, ASIAWOODWEB.COM , INDIAPLYWEB.COM, TimberWeb, WOODY.LT, DEALWOOD, world panel industry and so on.

According to the Wood trade committee, this conference will host a summit forum on trade policy, home and abroad business situation report. And also Wood trade committee will organize trade negotiations, exhibitions, wood market and factories visiting around Guangzhou. There are 4 areas of the exhibition: A, B. C. D. They are raw material and processed materials area, board area, woodworks area, FSC products area. The conference create a special “International Certification Products Area” ( FSC CoC, PEFC certification products, FM Approvals) in order to help domestic wood production companies build up distributing channels for certification materials and facilitate foreign companies to buy. Up to now, the conference have received about 500 letters and calls all over the world The workers of conference have answered all the questions for the inquirers and helped those who needed further help in order to meet buyers and sellers’ needs. More than 10 enterprises have already reached an agreement although the conference hasn’t begun.

The meeting is drawing near, foreign enterprises have been signing up one by one. The State Forestry Administration has registered 2 international telephones in order to serve for the foreign friends at anytime. Till now the registered foreign enterprises are mainly from Germany, Canada, Singapore, Portugal, Russia, Burma, America, New Zealand, Finland, Japan and so on. In addition, this conference is also improved a lot in language. The working language on forum is Chinese and English, simultaneous interpretation will be provide on site, and we could also provide French and Japanese according customers’ need.

This conference is sponsored by mujiaohui.com and Asia Green--Culture Association, relying on numerous experience of undertaking professional wood products exhibition of Organizing Committee, this conference will be the largest conference in China, and will bring participating enterprises limitless business opportunity and heavy harvest

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THE 5TH CHINA INTERNATIONAL WOOD TRADE CONFERENCE

China International Wood and Wood Products Trade Conference”is the high-end trade fair oriented for
the international purchasing and supplying of wood material and wood products The conference using the new “order form” pattern: making sure the purchasers’ name and the purchasing list, arrange the purchasing agents and the suppliers have a face-to–face discussion, looking at samples. It is designed to build up a public platform for wood technology exchange and trade of wood and wood products.

The 5th China International Wood and Wood Products Trade Conference will be held on November 13-15, 2008 in Guangzhou, P.R.China.Relying on the powerful wood industry chain in Pan-Pearl River Delta led by Guangzhou, Shunde, Dongguan and the powerful wood markets, such as Yatai, Yuzhu, Jilong, The conference content mainly contains: Summit Forum, Trade Negotiation, Displaying and Exhibition, Market Visiting, Business Banquet. Leaders of domestic and overseas wood and wood products industrial associati ons, procurement groups and chain stores are invited to the event, and contacts between buyers and sellers, information release and cooperation opportunities will be arranged for participants to seek business opportunities.

This conference is sponsored by State Forestry Administration and Zhonglin Huida International Exhibition Co., Ltd, relying on numerous experience T of undertaking professional wood industry exhibition of organizing committee, this conference will be bound to bring participating enterprises limitless business opportunity and heavy harvest. Welcome the wood industry traders and media to attend and cooperate.

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DELHI WOOD – PHENOMENAL INDUSTRY RESPONSE TO INAUGURAL EDITION OF “DELHI WOOD”

DELHI WOOD – PHENOMENAL INDUSTRY RESPONSE TO INAUGURAL EDITION OF “DELHI WOOD” slated to be held between 12-15 February 2009 at Pragati maidan, NEW DELHI.....
The organisers of Indiawood – Asia’s Largest Sourcing Ground for Woodworking Machinery, Tools, Accessories, Raw Materials and Products PDA TRADE FAIRS have announced another woodworking industry platform –“DELHIWOOD” scheduled between 12th and 15th February, 2009 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Industry sources say response from the Industry to the Inaugural event has been phenomenal, 85% of space in Upper & Lower Level of Hall 18 & Hall 14 has already been sold

Mr. Pradeep Devaiah, Chairman & CEO, PDA TRADE FAIRS says DELHIWOOD 2009 is a comprehensive exhibition envisaged to address the needs of this growing market. It aims to showcase the latest in wood processing technologies like sophisticated CNC machines, accessories and tools from all over the world. It aims to bring together a comprehensive range of materials and fittings, to help give an impetus to the growth of industry in this region. This will also go a long way in creation of new entrepreneurs’ to enter this arena.
 Delhiwood will create a hub for exhibitors and woodworking entrepreneurs from Northern India, Central India, Eastern India, North Eastern India South and South East Asia in a single platform in the country’s capital city. To keep abreast of the technological advancements in the woodworking industry, Delhiwood is being organized between two Indiawood events.

“INDIAWOOD’S” proven track record of attracting the biggest machinery companies with live displays of production lines attracted pan Indian visitors & visitors from South Asia & South East Asia. The industries trust in our ability to deliver similar audiences is amply reflected in the response to “DELHIWOOD” within a short span post the announcement says Mr. Devaiah.

“Delhi wood” has received a tremendous response already from the Industry. Bookings opened with HALL 18 of Pragati Maidan, the Industry response necessitated expansion into Hall 14 & the Upper level of Hall 18. With the industry majors such as HOMAG, HBR, JAI INDUSTRIES, WOODTECH CONSULTANTS, TAIWAN PAVILION, ITALIAN PAVILION, GERMAN PAVILION, Groups from MALAYSIA, TURKEY, CHINA having confirmed participation 85% of space is already sold. Non-Machinery, Fittings & accessories giants such as HAFELE, ASIAN PAINTS also have continued to place their trust with the Organizers of INDIAWOOD & have confirmed participation in “DELHIWOOD”.Further expansion will be planned on a need based manner in temporary hangers within the vicinity of halls 14 and 18, since the other halls are too far from these existing halls.
Mr. Devaiah also stressed that the visitor promotion team at PDA TRADE FAIRS would target to acquire visitors from the following segments: Furniture Manufacturers, Particle board Manufacturers, Architects & Builders, and Manufacturers of wood based articles, Craftsmen, Forestry Officials, Plywood Manufacturers, Interior Decorators and Saw Millers

A comprehensive visitor promotion plan for “DELHIWOOD” is being put in place & would ensure attendance of quality visitors through advertisements and articles in industry specific magazines, major dailies and other media. The activity will also include mailing of invitations and visitor information brochures to a large database (close to 150 thousand) compiled from the successful 5 editions of Indiawood. All these along with strategic support from furniture, wood and related industry associations would ensure attendance of the right quality of visitors to Delhiwood.
Stating that exhibitors were thoroughly dissatisfied with the visitor turnout in past exhibitions in Delhi, Mr. Devaiah stressed that PDA is committed to sparing no effort and money to ensure that exhibitors leave Delhi Wood with their order books full, like in the past with India Wood.

It would be important to note here that Mr. Devaiah’s take on how the organizers are now in a unique position to offer participants at both Indiawood & Delhiwood added advantages. “WOOD NEWS” India’s leading Industry publication is now owned & Published by PDA TRADE MEDIA a division of PDA Pvt Ltd. WOOD NEWS will now target readers beyond the Indian boundaries & would reach Furniture manufacturers in South ASIA & South East ASIA. As the official Publication for the event “WOOD NEWS” would provide exhibitors the opportunity to leverage their participation VIA carrying profiles of participants in the edition coinciding with the event. This would ensure visibility for participants not only amongst the buyers in India but also buyers from the neighboring countries. Besides, extensive event publicity through WOOD NEWS will drive quality visitors to “DELHI WOOD”

With the experience of Indiawood, PDA Trade Fairs is ideally placed to guarantee the type of visitor profile that makes the exhibition a success for the exhibitor. Given the background of the success of consecutive INDIAWOOD shows, one can fairly assume that every effort is being made and no cost spared to make Delhiwood the most successful and premier exhibition catering to the North, East & Central India.

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WOODWORKING MACHINERY: NEGATIVE RESULTS ALSO IN THE SECOND QUARTER 2008

The negative trend of wood technology orders, already recorded in the first quarter of the year 2008, worsened in the April-June period. After 3 years of growth, the usual quarterly survey shows that, as compared to the same period of 2007, orders from the Italian market decreased by 17 percent, 10.7 percent from abroad.

The total reduction is therefore equal to 12.5 percent on a year-to-year basis. From January to June, prices went up by 2.3 percent, while the period of ensured production, at the end of the first half of the year, went down from 3 to 2.4 months.

Based on the indications of the sample companies, the quality survey gave the following results: 76 percent indicate stationary production, 9 percent growing and 15 percent decreasing. Available stocks are stationary according to 61 percent, decreasing according to 9 percent and growing according to the remaining 30 percent. Employment is considered as stationary by 88 percent of the sample, increasing by 6 percent and falling by 6 percent.

Forecasts for the next period are the following: international orders will be stationary according to 46 percent of the sample, further decreasing according to 51 percent, and increasing according to 3 percent (negative balance -48). Looking at the Italian market, in the coming months it is expected to have a constant situation according to 42 percent of the sample, a slowdown for 46 percent and a growth for the remaining 12 percent (negative balance, -34). 

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