WoodTECH Update – Issue 22

Welcome to the latest issue of WoodTECH.News.

This is the first issue for 2020 and we, like you, are looking forward to another big year. The annual technology event, WoodTECH 2020, is taking place in August this year. Alternating every year between green and dry-mill operations, this year‘s series will focus on timber manufacturing, dry-mill optimisation and robotics & automation.

We’ve been working with some pretty amazing technology developers from around the world to develop the programme for industry along with technical troubleshooting specialists who are being brought in this year. We’re hoping to launch this within the next few weeks.

New digital technologies are causing one of the largest step-changes since the start of the industrial revolution 250 years ago. In order to reduce production costs and to remain internationally competitive, it’s essential that local wood processing and manufacturing companies evolve with it.

There have been a number of mill upgrades announced recently along with a few unfortunate mill closures. This month we are highlighting the recent investments in technology and safety at Timberlink’s Bell Bay. The Tasmanian mill upgrade is continuing the company’s long-term vision and is expected to help create an additional 650 jobs for the local community.

To better utilise forestry residues and wood waste as an energy source, we also cover a new report produced by Scion on the New Zealand forestry sector. By mapping out the country’s forestry, energy resources and fossil energy-using industries, it has identified areas where wood processors could be established to act as an energy source for surrounding industries like meat and dairy processing.

Check out all the articles below and enjoy this month’s issue.