WoodTECH Update – Issue 33

Welcome to the latest issue of WoodTECH.News.

As the first issue of the year goes out, we’re reminded that COVID-19 still has a big part to play in 2021. At the time of publication, Perth has just entered a 5-day lockdown, as mutated strains of the virus create headaches for the teams attempting to stop the spread. New Zealand has just had a community case and Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne all had partial lockdowns in December. Small outbreaks may be the post COVID-19 normal for some time to come.

On a positive note, however, both the New Zealand and Australian economies are quickly bouncing back and international trade is expected to grow in 2021.

As mentioned in our last issue, we are currently developing the programme for this year’s WoodTECH 2021. This will be held in Rotorua, New Zealand and Melbourne, Australia on the 3-4 August 2021 at the same time with both venues linked for the first time. Make sure you mark this on your calendar. The focus is on the green mill and showcases new technologies and innovations in saw design & operation, mill maintenance, wood scanning, sawmilling and mill optimisation.

If you’d like to pick up the opportunity to present at WoodTECH 2021 or would be keen in picking up one of the spaces to exhibit, please contact us. More details can be found in the story below.

Also highlighted in this month’s issue, IWT-Moldrup has developed a new process for turning softwoods into premium hardwoods without the use of biocides. This is an exciting development, as a new plant in New Zealand is expected to be in operation in the first half of 2021.

In other news, the University of South Australia has set up a dedicated timber testing facility with the latest machinery from around the world. Researchers from the University of Tasmania are also seeking input from the industry on their experience in manageing timber moisture content within the supply chain.

And, finally, it is great to see new investments into the Australian wood processing industry. Parkside Timber is upgrading and reopening a local timber processing centre in Manjumup, Western Australia and Timberlink has also finalised the location of their new CLT and GLT manufacturing facility.

Read all the above stories and more in this month’s issue. Remember, you can also send through any contributions, stories or links that we can pass onto the wider community.