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Specialty
Wood Products Network
Bill Downing
One
of the positive aspects of our softwood lumber dispute with
the United States is that it has encouraged us, individually
and collectively, to consider how British Columbia’s
wood products industry will compete in the future. As pointed
out in the recent report by the BC Competition Council, primary
manufacturers of commodity lumber products are facing considerable
challenges on the coast and in the interior. Although secondary
manufacturing is also facing competitive challenges, the BC
Government has recognized the opportunity for secondary manufacturing
to grow and play an increasingly significant role in maintaining
or enhancing the competitiveness of British Columbia’s
wood products industry.
The
challenge has been to come up with a strategy to grow the
sector. There is no shortage of opinions on how to enhance
competitiveness in secondary manufacturing. We have all heard
buzzwords such as “volume to value”, “outsourcing”,
“clustering”, “optimizing the value-chain”
and so on. Although these ideas all have merit, the real key
to success is to foster innovation. We need to tap into the
entrepreneurial wealth of our industry and assist our manufacturers
to bring innovative new products and processes to reality.
We need to lower the risk of persuing new opportunities by
making it easier for our manufacturers to access knowledge
and services. In response to these needs, BC Wood and Forintek
are proposing to join forces and create the “Specialty
Wood Products Network”.
For
BC’s manufacturers, the Specialty Wood Products Network
(SWPN) will offer a single point of contact to access all
the sector-specific resources available to you, to grow your
business. The SWPN will be a platform that brings together
all the services currently offered to secondary manufacturers.
These include marketing, technology transfer, product development,
raw material sourcing, skills training and business planning.
Some of the services, such as marketing and technology transfer,
will be delivered directly by BC Wood/Forintek, while others
will be delivered by partners of the SWPN.
Over
the next several months, BC Wood and Forintek will be asking
for your input, beginning with a full description of the SWPN
concept that you will receive shortly. Please take the time
to familiarize yourself with the concept and provide us with
your ideas and feedback.
We
anticipate that the Specialty Wood Products Network will be
launched on April 1st, 2007, with a multi-year funding arrangement
from both the provincial and the federal governments. This
will be the most significant investment in our industry this
decade, and it is recognition of the importance of our industry
to British Columbia’s economy.
If you have any questions, please contact Bill Downing at
bdowning@bcwood.com
Europe
Program Update
Ludger
Spohr
After
months of preparation, it is hard to believe that the BC Wood
Global Buyers Mission 2006 has come and gone. I had the pleasure
of meeting some of you in Whistler, B.C., and one would think
there is nothing more to talk about, however, this is not
the case!
As
many of you know, we hosted a group of European wood buyers
to Whistler for the annual GBM. Our buyers were able to network
with many manufacturers, and almost all of them had an opportunity
to visit a good number of companies before and after the GBM.
Through personal meetings and follow up by e-mail and telephone
calls, I have a pretty clear picture of their high level of
satisfaction. That’s also thanks to you, our members,
who have received them well, shown them around your respective
businesses and quoted them on site. I am glad to see more
and more business transactions between Canadian companies
and European buyers.
That
said, I have an outstanding project, which needs your support!
Maria Gracia Panella, MGP Consulting, brought plans for two
schools to the GBM. After a first glance at the plans, no
one was interested in quoting on it, stating that this project
was too big. Anyone with experience in larger units/public
buildings is welcome to contact me directly regarding this
exciting opportunity.
As for upcoming events, we will have a solid presence at the
show “Salon Maison Bois” in Angers, France in mid-October,
followed by a trade mission in France and Italy.
If
you need assistance to follow up with any of the European
buyers you met at the GBM, please contact me at lspohr@bcwood.com.
Thank you in advance for your continued support.
Nikkei
2007
Jim Ivanoff
Last
call for Nikkei Show 2007 exhibitors! While the show isn’t
until the first week of March, October 12th is the deadline
to apply for space at the Nikkei Show 2007. With over 270,000
visitors at the 2006 edition, this show’s profile within
Japan’s architectural community keeps growing and growing.
Exhibitors value the large number of architects and industry
professionals looking for high-end and innovative products
that this show attracts. In fact, it is the only building
products show in Japan that actually has a waiting list for
space.
Luckily,
due to Canada Wood’s large annual presence at the show,
we get first access to space each year. However, we only have
until October 12th to act. This year the Canada Wood pavilion
will be anchored by the new Products Showcase that is currently
being built in conjunction with our FII and Canada Wood partners.
The new pavilion will only be used in the Japanese market
and will thus be designed exclusively for Japanese design
tastes. This will be a huge advantage to members participating
in the show as the displays will show how Canadian products
can be used in modern Japanese designs. The pavilion will
also highlight many Canadian wood species and how Canada’s
forestry practices are ensuring that there will be a continued
supply into the future.
With
BC Wood’s new membership structure, we have been able
to reduce the booth space cost at the show to only $3400 per
booth! To
take advantage of this great opportunity, please contact Jim
Ivanoff at ivanoff@canadawood.jp
J.C.
Lee - BC Wood's Representative in Korea
Brian
Hawrysh
BC
Wood is pleased to announce that we have engaged Mr. J.C.
Lee to serve as an in-market representative in South Korea.
Mr. Lee has an extensive background in Korea’s residential
wood frame construction and building products sectors, and
will be a valuable asset to BC Wood members interested in
developing a presence in the Korean marketplace. In addition
to JC’s work with BC Wood, he will also serve as CMHC’s
representative in Korea. JC will be actively involved in identifying
export opportunities for both BC Wood and CMHC clients.
Do
not hesitate to contact JC at bcwoodkorea@hanmail.netwith
any questions you have regarding the Korean market.
Housing
Brand Fair 2007
Brian Hawrysh
The
focus of BC Wood’s promotional activities in Korea this
year will center on participation in the Housing Brand Fair
(HBF) scheduled for Feb 25th - March 1st, 2007. The HBF, Korea’s
newest building materials & construction exhibition, was
well attended last year and has quickly developed as the premier
industry showcase in Korea.
BC
Wood participating members may also have the added benefit
of being part of the impressive FII Building Products Showcase.
Negotiations are underway for the Showcase to be present,
promoting the Canadian brand. Members that would find value
in participating in this program include those companies supplying
pressure treated and Western Red Cedar lumber products, engineered
wood products, finished building materials and perhaps most
importantly, pre-built housing.
BC Wood will organize member’s participation in the Housing
Brand Fair and coordinate a series of customer visits and
match-making opportunities with qualified Korean distributors
and construction firms.
Please
contact me at 604-882-7100 or if you are interested and want
more information on BC Wood’s program in Korea.
US
Program Update
Dave Farley
I
would like to take the time to thank all the members and International
buyers who attended this year’s GBM in Whistler. The
response from the group was extremely positive and solid business
contacts were made during the event.
Many
of those in attendance had the opportunity to meet with our
new in market representative for the Western US, Mr. Derek
Poag. Derek is based in Honolulu Hawaii and has over 20 years
of experience in the residential and light commercial building
products sectors, working on numerous projects in Hawaii,
California and Washington State. His insight and knowledge
of these states and in particular the residential construction
sectors should prove beneficial in allowing our members to
gain a foothold in these markets.
Derek will be working with BC Wood on a part time basis and
will be available to discuss market development and access
issues with our members. The easiest way to contact Derek
is by email at thepoags@usa.net or through me at the office
and I will arrange an appropriate time for both parties.
As
a side note for those members interested in the Hawaiian and
Northern California markets, BC Wood currently has two market
studies available that highlight the numerous opportunities
within these markets. Of particular note is the recently completed
I-80 corridor study that focuses on both the Coastal and Interior
wine regions of Northern California. These areas have been
a hotbed of activity in the residential construction market
and unlike other regions in the US, are less susceptible to
being affected by the projected downturn in the housing market.
Those
interested in obtaining a copy of these studies please contact
me at dfarley@bcwood.com
or at 604-882-7100.
Anchorage
Home Show
September 15-17, 2006
In
mid-September, BC Wood attended the Anchorage Home Show. This
was the first time we have attended this event, targeting
consumers in the Anchorage area interested in building log
or pre-fab 2X4 homes, both of which are quite popular in Alaska.
Three members joined us: Pacific Log Homes, Viceroy Homes
and Canada’s Log People.
Over
the three days, we hosted a steady stream of consumers. We
generated some good leads, the majority of which were people
looking to build retirement or vacation homes north or south
of Anchorage. Alaska continues to be an excellent market for
BC Wood members of pre-built structures; it has tripled in
the last several years and now ranks third in exports behind
Washington and California. The short building season, limited
local choice and high disposable income are positive factors.
In addition, Alaskans hold our manufacturers in high regard
and generally have a propensity to do business with British
Columbia.
BC
Wood will be back in Anchorage in March with a larger contingent
of members to attend the Anchorage Home Builders Association
Show. If you think you have products suitable for the Alaskan
market, and would like to join us in March, please give Daryl
Holmes a call at 604-882-7100 or e-mail him at dholmes@bcwood.com.
Welcomg
to BC Wood!
NEW
MEMBERS
Vin
de Garde Cellar Systems
Vin de Garde Cellar Systems offers a certified Sommelier and
AutoCad technician to complete wine cellar designs specific
to client requirements. Vin de Garde designs and builds complete
wine storage systems, customized to suit specific wine collections
in existing and unfinished spaces by addressing both feasibility
and cost for the builder, and function and aesthetics for
the user. www.vindegarde.ca
Mountainview
Designs
Mountainview Designs is a manufacturer of quality wooden windows
and doors. Mountainview manufactures all of their own products
and can accomodate both standard and custom designs. www.mountainviewdesigns.ca
Daizen Joinery
Daizen provides timber frame structures manufactured with
CNC machines in Douglas Fir, KD timbers with up to 12 x 18
dimensions. www.daizen.com
Jager
Engineered Wood Products
Jager Engineered Wood Products’ JSI™ joists are
engineered structural joists, widely recognized as one of
the industry’s most innovative solutions to floor and
roof framing requirements. www.jagerbuildingsystems.com
Western
Heritage Overhead Door
Western Heritage Overhead is a manufacturer of garage doors
as well as entry door systems. They offer a varied selection
of solid wood panel and carriage house garage doors in softwood
and hardwood species. www.westernheritageoverheaddoors.com
Oregon
Canadian Forest Products
Oregon Canadian is a remanufacturer specializing in Douglas
Fir/Hemlock and Western Red Cedar, rough or dressed. Currently
exporting to the UK, Japan and the US.
Calico
Log Inc.
Calico Log Inc. is a manufacturer of milled log homes, wood
windows and doors, with over 25 years experience in the log
home building industry.
Mid
Valley Lumber Specialties
Mid Valley Lumber Specialties is a remanufacturer of high-line
WRC products including: fascia, decking, timbers, fence boards,
rails, posts, fence panels and lattice screens.
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2006
GBM Show Report
Randi Walker
We
are pleased to report that BC Wood's 2006 Global Buyers Mission
was yet another great success for British Columbia's value-added
wood products industry. We thank you for your continued support
and participation in what has become a truly international
event.
We
also need to thank our partners Western Economic Diversification,
Natural Resources Canada Wood Export Program, British Columbia's
Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd., Canada Mortgage and Housing
Corporation, International Trade Canada, Export Development
Canada and Industry Canada for their financial contributions
that make this event possible.
- This
year's GBM attracted 477 participants, including 208 company
representatives and 190 buyers from around the world.
- Again
this year exhibit space was sold out with 89 participating
companies.
- We
are pleased to say that this year, we attracted 70% new
participating buyers from China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam,
Pakistan, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Netherlands, Austria,
United Kingdom, Croatia, Belgium, Italy, Mexico, and the
United States.
- The
Honorable Rich Coleman, Minister of Forests and Range officially
opened the Global Buyers Mission on Friday morning. Ardath
Paxton Mann, Assistant Deputy Minister for Western Economic
Diversification provided a keynote address at Friday's luncheon.
Peter Hall, Deputy Chief Economist, Export Development Canada
addressed the BC Wood members.
- On
Thursday, September 7th, BC Wood delivered international
market reports from our in-market representatives, which
was well received by all participants.
- Although
the majority of participating manufacturers were from British
Columbia, we also had representation from across Canada
including companies from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario,
Quebec and Alberta, making this a truly Pan-Canadian event.
Again, manufacturers were given the opportunity to develop
new export markets, as well as source new fibre suppliers
and potential partnerships with other Canadian companies.
- Buyer
groups from Mexico, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Europe
participated in extended mission programs that toured BC
Wood members' production facilities, attended sustainable
forestry practice presentations and viewed applications
of value-added wood products at construction sites.
- All
buyers surveyed to date expect to purchase Canadian wood
products within the next year.
- Media
and industry publications were represented from, Japan,
Europe and the US and we anticipate not only positive feedback,
but also excellent exposure and promotion for next years
GBM.
2007
Global Buyers Mission
September 13th - 15th, 2007
Buyers
and Exhibitors alike have asked that BC Wood continue holding
the Global Buyers Mission in Whistler, where structural and
value-added wood products are showcased throughout the village.
For
the complete show report, click here.
New
Ties to the Japanese Building Industry
Jim Ivanoff
As
a part of BC Wood’s strategy to build deeper ties with
Japanese industry, we have begun joining key industry associations
in Japan. With the help of Japanese log home importers, in
June BC Wood was able to join the Japan Log House Association.
This group represents about 130 major log home builders across
Japan and is recognized as the voice of the industry. Over
the past few years, they have undertaken exciting new initiatives
such as gaining fire certification for machine cut log homes.
Now the group is embarking on testing to achieve the same
certification for handcrafted log homes.
By
working with the Japan Log House Association, BC Wood hopes
to support the Japanese builders in growing the log home market
for both residential and recreational log structures. With
Japan’s baby boomers set to begin retiring and the market’s
shift toward "woody houses," we believe that the
market for log homes is set to grow again in Japan. The association’s
work on overcoming fire code restrictions is opening up great
new possibilities for log homes as primary residences. By
being part of the association’s efforts, we look forward
to creating new matching making opportunities for individual
BC Wood members.
In
addition, on September 28th, BC Wood also became a Supporting
Association of the newly created Imported Building Materials
Forum. This association was established in June by a group
of leading importers in order to deal with any new regulatory
threats that could create obstacles for imported building
materials. With the nightmares created by the implementation
of Japan’s F**** certification system for VOCs still
fresh in their memories, these importers became alarmed by
the proposal of a new window labelling system. By creating
an association, this group of importers realized that they
could force the Japanese government listen to their concerns.
To
increase their credibility with government organizations,
the group asked BC Wood and other foreign industry groups
to join them.
The
Forum’s main function will be to gather and disseminate
information on any possible regulatory changes affecting imported
building materials. We hope that by being a part of this group,
we will be able to more quickly provide BC Wood members with
information on any changes that might affect their business
in this market. However, the Forum’s meetings also give
us another networking opportunity to promote Canadian products
to the key importers in Japan. We have already begun discussing
bringing a special delegation from the group to next year’s
GBM in Whistler and see many other opportunities on how we
can bring their members together with Canadian manufacturers.
For
more information, contact Jim Ivanoff at ivanoff@canadawood.jp
Upcoming
Mission to Mexico
David Pao
With
a strong presence of Mexican buyers at the 2006 Global Buyers
Mission in Whistler this year, it has become increasingly
evident that potential opportunities exist for BC Wood members
in Mexico. The buyers that recently participated in the GBM
expressed interest in Canadian lumber products for the furniture,
construction, and packaging industries. Hardwoods such as
Pacific Coast Maple and Alder, and softwoods such as Hemlock
and Douglas fir were of particular interest to these buyers.
To
further explore this interest, BC Wood will be leading a trade
mission in early February 2007 to the Guadalajara region in
Mexico. This will be an excellent opportunity for BC Wood
members that are interested in developing, or already doing
business in Mexico. We will organize networking meetings,
seminars, site visits, and translating services for participants.
Please
contact David Pao at dpao@bcwood.com
or 604-882-7100 if are interested or would like more information
on this activity.
China
Program Update
Brian
Hawrysh
The
Follow Up to a Successful GBM
The
delegation from China to this year’s GBM included 32
companies, with 28 new attendees to the GBM. This group was
larger and by all accounts better qualified than our 2005
contingent. Congratulations are in order to Jeff and Robin
in our Shanghai office for a great job recruiting a strong
group of qualified buyers for this year’s event.
BC
Wood plans to follow up the successful GBM, by taking advantage
of the growing interest from Chinese buyers and participating
in the Woodbuild-China 2007 in Shanghai on March 20-23rd of
next year. WoodbuildChina is one third of a mega show including
WoodmacChina, focusing on new woodworking technologies and
FurniteckChina, which showcases machinery and accessories
for furniture production. The WoodbuildChina and FurnitekChina
shows attract over 20,000 qualified industry representatives.
Exhibitors at WoodbuildChina showcase timber and wood products
for furniture and construction industries.
The
rapid growth of imports of wood products into China, feeding
the domestic construction and export oriented manufacturing
sectors, feature growing opportunities for BC’s manufacturers.
BC Wood members finding value in participating in this program
include those companies supplying pressure treated and Western
Red Cedar lumber for outdoor applications, lumber and components
for furniture, interior finishing and giftware manufacturers,
log homes, timber frames and pre-built housing that focus
on resort projects
BC
Wood will organize member’s participation in the WoodbuildChina
show, along with company introductory seminars and one-on-one
match-making meetings with qualified Chinese buyers.
Please
contact me at 604-882-7100 or bhawrysh@bcwood.comif
you are interested participating, or would like more information
on the WoodbuildChina program.
Got
Something to Say?
If
you have any questions, comments, or would like to contribute
to BC Wood News On-line, please contact David
Pao at:
BC
Wood
#200 - 9292, 200th Street
Langley, BC
Phone: (604) 882-7100
Fax: (604) 882-7300
Toll Free: 1-877-422-9663
or email dpao@bcwood.com
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