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WoodTECH 2020 programmes now out

In Issue23, WoodTECH by FIEALeave a Comment

We are pleased to announce the programmes for this year’s WoodTECH 2020. This FIEA technology series is running in Rotorua, New Zealand on 19-20 August 2020 and in Melbourne, Australia on 25-26 August 2020. Two years ago, the WoodTECH technology series achieved a record turnout of local wood manufacturing companies. Over 350 delegates from all major wood manufacturing and dry-mill operations …

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Commercial trial of RF technology

In Issue23, WoodTECH by FIEALeave a Comment

A technology that uses dielectric heating and radio frequency energy to destroy destructive pests lurking within wood products is closer to reaching the marketplace after a recent commercial trial at Penn State’s University Park campus. The 17 December demonstration, which was observed by regulatory and wood products industry professionals from the U.S. and Canada, validated the effectiveness and cost efficiency …

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MASSLAM passes fire tests

In Issue23, WoodTECH by FIEALeave a Comment

Australia’s first 120 minute Fire Resistance Test (FRT) and Fire Resistance Level (FRL) has been successfully completed on exposed glue laminated timber members manufactured in Victoria by Australian Sustainable Hardwoods Pty Ltd (ASH). The members, not encapsulated with a fire resistant board, are intended for ‘seen structural’ applications and manufactured under the brand name MASSLAM. A number of different MASSLAM …

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New Contra Flow Kiln (CFK) open in Tarpeena

In Issue23, WoodTECH by FIEALeave a Comment

Timberlink Tarpeena’s major upgrade project reached a key milestone on with the first load of timber rolling into our brand new Contra Flow Kiln, the second of its kind at the site. The kiln’s advanced drying technology assists with product consistency, reduced emissions, and streamlining the production process. The kilns use an ingenious system of circulating air through two 80 metre long …

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Nature’s Flame completes significant expansion

In Issue23, WoodTECH by FIEALeave a Comment

Nature’s Flame’s facility, ideally located in Taupo, New Zealand has recently undergone a significant expansion with an investment from parent company Norske Skog of around NZD$8 million. This has enabled production to increase to 85,000 tonnes of premium quality wood pellets per year, all from sustainably sourced fibre residues. “Utilising local, unused geothermal energy we have eliminated bottlenecks and more …

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Impacts of bush fires reviewed at Tumbarumba

In Issue23, WoodTECH by FIEALeave a Comment

Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Michael McCormack MP, NSW Member for Albury, Justin Clancy MP, Snowy Valleys Mayor, James Hayes and Deputy Mayor John Larter have all visited the Hyne Timber Tumbarumba Mill to further understand the impacts of the bushfires on the softwood industry. Timber from the Tumbarumba Mill supplies 1 in 4 new homes across the NSW market …

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CHH closes Whangārei sawmill

In Issue23, WoodTECH by FIEALeave a Comment

CHH Timber chief executive Clayton Harris confirmed a final decision had been made to close the mill, with the loss of 111 jobs, after consultation started in January. Workers at Carter Holt Harvey’s Whangārei mill are “disappointed” with the company’s announcement confirming the mill’s closure, union representatives say. The closure was disappointing and a “double-whammy” for the industry which is …

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Timberlink to build a CLT and GLT operation

In Issue23, WoodTECH by FIEALeave a Comment

The Timberlink Board has approved plans to enter the growing mass timber market enabled through building a state-of-the-art Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) & Glue Laminated Timber (GLT) manufacturing facility that will service this growing market segment. Timberlink Chief Executive Officer Ian Tyson said “CLT and GLT products are used as the structural elements for building residential housing, medium density and …