BC
Wood's 2010 Project
Bill Downing, CEO
 The
Canada Wood Council (CWC) recognized that the 2010 Winter
Olympics in Vancouver would represent a significant opportunity
to incorporate the use of wood in the Olympic venues (e.g.,
convention centre, speed skating oval, Olympic Village etc.)
and have been actively promoting wood as a structural alternative
to concrete and steel. At BC Wood, we also saw the opportunity
for non-structural uses of wood in both the Olympic venues
and the ancillary construction and renovation projects that
are scheduled between now and 2010. The key, we felt, was
to connect the architectural and design community with our
members.
To
take advantage of the Olympic opportunity, we submitted a
joint proposal with CWC to both Forestry Innovation Investment
and Western Economic Diversification that included three high-profile
activities. The activities include the development of a "2010
Wood Product Specifiers Book", a "2010 Wood Products
DVD", and a "2010 Day" for architects, designers
and developers to be held in Whistler, in conjunction with
BC Wood's Global Buyers Mission.
The
"2010 Day" will have two components. In the morning,
BC Wood will escort a group of architects on a tour of several
sites in Whistler that incorporate products manufactured by
BC Wood members. The group will then spend the afternoon at
BC Wood's Global Buyers Mission, where the architects can
connect with BC Wood members.
The
2010 Wood Product Specifiers Book will include sections on
millwork, furniture, engineered wood products, log and timber
frame homes, cabinetry and remanufactured products from BC
Wood members. Distribution of the book will be targeted to
the architectural, design and construction community who will
play a role in the development of the 2010 Olympic infrastructure.
This beautiful book will be professionally designed and will
incorporate a wood cover, leather binding and high-quality
graphics. Approximately 200 copies of the book will be printed
and distributed to select firms throughout British Columbia.
As
a companion to the 2010 Wood Product Specifiers Book, BC wood
is developing a 2010 Wood Products DVD. The DVD will showcase
the world-class wood products that are manufactured by BC
Wood members and will inspire the architectural/design community
to use wood as both structural and decorative material in
their projects.
If
you are interested in participating in the Specifiers Book
and DVD, please contact Dave Farley at 604-882-7100 or dfarley@bcwood.com.
If
you have any thoughts or comments, please give me a call at
604-882-7100 or
email me at bdowning@bcwood.com
BC
Wood's Guide to Investment Capital
Bill
Downing, CEO
In
much the same way that BC Wood assists our members to link
with buyers, we will soon offer a guide to assist our members
to link with investors. The "Guide to Investment Capital
for Value-added Wood Product Manufacturers" will be a
useful tool for every secondary wood product manufacturer
in BC, regardless of sector, geographic location or size.
Specifically, this pragmatic guide will help those value-added
firms that need to access capital to increase or improve their
production capabilities, and who already have a business plan
in place. The guide will have four sections:
1)
Financing Options - This section will describe the various
types of debt and equity financing and the pros and cons of
each type.
2)
Determining the Right Financing - This section will provide
worksheets and flowcharts that help you determine the best
option for your firm.
3)
Preparing the Business Case - This section will include templates
to assist you in preparing the best possible business case
for the lender.
4)
Directory of Lenders - This section will provide you with
a directory of lenders organized by the various types of financial
instruments. Individual contacts at each lender will be provided.
BC
Wood has contracted D.E. Mawhinney and Assoc. to develop the
guide and we have assembled an impressive group of financial
experts to act as an advisory board to ensure that the guide
is both relevant and easy to use.
BC
Canada House in Torino Italy
Bill Downing, CEO
In
July, the BC Minister of Economic Development announced that
Sitka Log Homes (BC Wood Member #156) had been awarded the
contract to design and build BC Canada House for the upcoming
Olympic winter games in Torino, Italy. We are proud of Sitka
Log Homes and congratulate them on their success. The challenge
now is for our industry to take advantage of this high-profile
venue to promote British Columbia's value-added wood products.
BC
Canada House will be located in downtown Torino, close to
the train station, unaccredited media centre and medals plaza.
BC Canada House and the adjacent existing structure will offer
about two thousand square feet of display space from January
to March 2006, at no cost to associations.
BC
Wood is in the initial planning stages of an exhibition designed
to showcase member products to European buyers. The target
market will be the resort market in the Alpine regions of
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France and Italy. We believe
that this market has strong potential for BC Wood members
and is an excellent fit with our previous market research
and current market development activities for Europe.
The
key to a successful exhibition in Torino is to drive the right
traffic to it. We will start this process at BC Wood's Global
Buyers Mission (GBM) in Whistler. Many of the buyers attending
this year's GBM specialize in the Alpine developments and
Torino will be an excellent opportunity to follow up with
these buyers. Following the GBM, BC Wood will be actively
promoting the Torino exhibition at the Salon Masion du Bois
in Anger - the pre-eminent housing tradeshow for the Alpine
market in Europe. Finally, our In-Market Representative in
Europe, Ludger Spohr, will be recruiting architects and developers
to visit BC Canada House during our exhibition. In all, we
expect an excellent group of buyers to meet with members interested
in the European alpine market.
If
you are interested in participating in the BC Canada House
wood products exhibition, please call Daryl Holmes at BC Wood
at 604-882-7100 or e-mail him at dholmes@bcwood.com.
For more information on this market, ask Daryl for a copy
of BC Wood's "Review of the Resort Hospitality Market
In Continental Europe - With Focus on the Alps Region"
Aloha
From the Hot Construction Marketplace of Hawaii!
Daryl
Holmes, Program Manager
A
recently completed market research project revealed that temperatures
are not the only things on the rise in the Hawaiian Islands.
Construction of high-end residential homes, town homes, and
condominiums are also increasing which spells "Market
Opportunity" for our BC Wood member companies.
Mention
of Hawaii immediately brings to mind miles of beautiful, sandy
beaches, lush rainforests, surfing; it's a tropical paradise.
While Hawaii's reputation as the ultimate vacation spot is
deserved, it is also one of the most overlooked housing markets
in the building industry. Based on the emergence of the baby
boomer generation reaching retirement age, and a strong migration
from the mainland for resort and secondary homes, the housing
market for the island state of Hawaii is booming. Median house
prices continue to gain momentum, with many areas setting
monthly records.
The
Big Island, Oahu and Maui continue to command the most growth
and highest prices, but as available land becomes more costly
in familiar areas such as Kona, Waikiki and Honolulu, alternate
areas of the islands are being developed. In addition, previously
overlooked islands such as Kauai and Molokai are becoming
targets for residents looking for an alternative to the busy,
urban areas. Very little value added products are actually
produced on Hawaii, and the majority of building product producers
supplying the housing boom are coming from the Pacific Northwest,
out of the Port of Seattle.
BC
Wood manufacturers are well positioned to compete in the Hawaiian
market for high-end building products, including Pre built
housing, decorative building products and cedar products.
Given that Canadian manufacturers enjoy a strong reputation
for unique, quality designed and produced wood products, and
have access to an unparalleled fibre supply, we are ideally
located in the Pacific Northwest to service the Hawaiian marketpl
For BC Wood manufacturers to become competitive, we must create
a presence in the market, through partnerships with professionals
such as local architects, builders and associations. Attendance
at trade events sponsored by associations such as the AIA
Honolulu is an excellent way to conduct market research as
well as network, as many of the members of professional associations
are also active architects and builders in Hawaiian marketplace.
If
you are interested in the Hawaiian marketplace take time to
view the complete market study available to members on our
website or give Dave Farley a call to discuss upcoming Hawaiian
trade events on our 2005-2006 calendar.
For
more information on ICFF, please contact Dave Farley at dfarley@bcwood.com
or call 604-882-7100
Dream
Home Canada
David Pao, Project Coordinator
In
early 2005, the Dream Home Canada (DHC) demonstration centre
opened its doors in Shanghai, and became a major presence
for BC forest products in China. As a partnership between
the BC and Canadian Governments, provincial government’s
Forestry Revitalization Plan, DHC is aimed to help introduce
BC wood products to the one of the fastest growing economies
in the world. Home to many Canadian wood professionals and
associations, the collaboration at the DHC demonstration centre
makes it the ideal facility for events and activities in Shanghai.
BC
Wood recently spoke with Mike Hogan, Forest Innovation Initiative's
(FII) Vice President of China Operations in Shanghai.
"Since
opening, Dream Home Canada has had 1400 visitors and hosted
16 events. This facility has quickly become a focal point
and the main contact between Canadian manufacturers and their
customers."
An
added benefit of the facility is having the staff of the different
wood products associations located in one place. Hogan says"
the synergistic effect is amazing… there is not one technical
question that we respond to that does not turn in to a marketing
opportunity for one of our trade association reps."
 Dream
Home Canada's FII staff and the wood product associations
work together to identify new marketing opportunities. Mike
confirmed that "through our collective effort we have
uncovered a totally new market and it's one not subject to
the same intensive competitive pressure we see in many other
sectors of the Chinese market. Regional governments are mandating
up-grades to 15-35 year old multi-family apartments. They
will require roofing systems, strapping, exterior finishings,
windows and doors; the whole package. In Beijing alone, the
cost of these renovations is expected to exceed 9 billion
RMB ($1.4 billion CDN)."
Members
of BC Wood are invited to use the DHC Demonstration Centre
facilities for all of their events or activities in Shanghai.
Whether your organization is based in China or planning a
business visit, DHCs' exhibition hall, classrooms and meeting
facilities offer an ideal environment for promoting products
or services. For inquiries related to booking the DHC facility
please contact BC Wood's representative in Shanghai, Jeff
Li at 8621-50301126 or by email at li@canadawood.cn.
Check
back in our next issue as we continue to bring ongoing updates
on the Dream Home Canada demonstration centre in Shanghai.
For more information, please contact Brian Hawrysh at 604-882-7100
or bhawrysh@bcwood.com.
A
New BC Wood Presence in Korea
Brian
Hawrysh, Director, Remanufactured and
Engineered Wood Products
BC
Wood is currently reviewing the potential of establishing
an in-market representative in South Korea. Similar to BC
Wood's in-market reps in Europe, China and Japan, this new
contract employee would be tasked with the responsibility
of reporting market conditions, developing, qualifying and
communicating new business leads, providing assistance to
member companies with market entry activities and coordinating
BC Wood's in-market missions and trade events.
A
recently completed BC Wood study highlights value-added opportunities
in Korea and indicates that there is a strong short to mid-term
opportunity for our members in this rejuvenated market-place.
At the same time, BC Wood has been asked by CMHC and the Canadian
Consulate to participate in a new and more focused building
materials trade show, the Housing Brand Fair, scheduled for
February 15-19th, 2006 in Seoul, South Korea.
Your input is vital to making a decision to go forward with
a proposal to our federal and provincial funding partners
for a new Korean in-market representative. Please contact
me at 604-882-7100 or bhawrysh@bcwood.com
with your thoughts on the opportunities for BC Wood members
in Korea.
Welcome
New BC Wood Members!
NEW
MEMBERS
Bakerview
Forest Products Inc.
Bakerview Forest Products Inc. is a remanufacturing company
situated in the Central Fraser valley of British Columbia.
Incorporated in 1981, the company has established itself as
a leader in remanufacturing Western Red Cedar, Hemlock, and
Douglas Fir. Products are transported to customers in Japan,
Canada, Australia, United States, and Europe with shipments
of 17 million board feet annually. Bakerview is a past member
of the BC Wood Specialties Group and a long-time member of
the Independent Lumber Remanufacturing Association, a recognized
and respected group of lumber remanufacturers. A small and
dynamic company, Bakerview Forest Products Inc. focuses on
being innovative and flexible in delivering clients a consistent
supply of high quality lumber products.
Trans
Pacific Trading
Trans Pacific Trading's (Trapa) initial success focused on
custom cuts tailored to the Japanese market. Trapas's sixth
decade of successful trading has expanded worldwide to include
all softwoods. Trapa currently employs a full-time log buyer
who travels extensively to ensure only the highest quality
products are purchased. Inventories are kept in dry and green
products. Environmental concerns are paramount, an integral
part of each transaction.
Western
Forest Products
Western Forest Products Inc. is an integrated Canadian forest
products company and the second largest coastal woodland operator
in the province of British Columbia. Principal activities
include timber harvesting, reforestation, sawmilling logs
into lumber and wood chips, value-added remanufacturing and
NBSK pulp. All of the Company's operations, employees, and
corporate facilities are located in the coastal region of
British Columbia and its products are sold in 30 countries
worldwide.
Taiga
Forest Products
Since inception in 1973, Taiga Forest Products has evolved
from a wholesale lumber trading company to a diversified multi-product
distributor with remanufacturing and lumber treatment facilities
throughout Canada. Today Taiga encompasses fifteen distribution
centres from coast to coast with approximately 30% of their
product destined for the US market.
Holland
Industries
Holland Industries, Inc. is a wood contract manufacturer of
quality residential furnishings and home office furniture.
Holland Industries, Inc., a family owned business, has been
in continuous operation since 1946. Current production includes,
but is not limited to, entertainment centers, computer workstations,
and a variety of cabinets in multiple species and finishes.
Long
Hoh Enterprises
For more than two generations, Long Hoh has been a producer
and exporter of top quality lumber products into Japan. More
recently, with the addition of Long Hoh Enterprises Canada
Ltd. in 1998, their first sawmill in North America, the company
has been able to diversify and target other niche markets.
Since diversifying, Long Hoh has been producing top quality
Douglas Fir posts & beams for the 'Traditional' Japanese
housing market as well as other markets including Europe,
Asia and North America. Long Hoh knows the importance of strict
quality control as the Japanese market is very demanding in
terms of quality, appearance and all-around customer satisfaction.
Over the past four years, Long Hoh has made great strides
in these areas and now sets the standard for quality among
its competitors.
TF Sawmill Inc.
TF Sawmill Inc. in Cumberland, BC, is a high value-added operation
with an environment-friendly philosophy targeting production
of sustainable, 100% certified, wood products. TF cuts Douglas
Fir, Yellow Cedar, Red Cedar and Sitka Spruce to spec for
individual orders. The plant's production line, designed for
accuracy, mills product from veneer to 60' timbers. Primarily,
TF supplies the finest quality timber-frame material to North
America and complete temples to Asia. Lumber for curved bridges,
wood carving, musical instruments, airplanes and boats (from
kayaks to tall ships) is also produced.
West
Peak Wood Products Inc.
West Peak Wood Products is a Chilliwack based manufacturer
of quality wood products for clients with custom order projects
and retailers of Do-It-Yourself products. Their main program
focuses on Do-It-Yourself screen door kits manufacturered
from kiln dried Pine and Western Red Cedar. These kits are
easy to assemble for the consumer and convenient for the retailer
to warehouse and display. These doors have been sold through
many retail outlets across Canada and the US including Home
Depot Canada and Menard Inc.
Bosco
Housing Inc.
Bosco
Housing Inc is one of the most experienced manufacture of
wood frame house packages and suppliers of finished materials.
They are specialists in wood frame construction and their
precision manufactured wall panels and precut building components
exceed industry standards for strength, accuracy and quality.
NEW
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Business
Today USA
Business Today has developed a wide range of board based simulations
which are utilised world-wide as an innovative vehicle for
providing staff with a working knowledge of business and finance.
These numerous simulations are built around different types
of businesses across many industries, and they incorporate
the financial and other business drivers of that type of business.
Any topical company issue, organizational direction or problem
can be built into the simulation process. These simulations
have been applied at all levels within companies in many different
industries and have played a major role in changing peoples
attitudes towards their companies' financial performance.
Greensward
Co Ltd.
Since 1981, Greensward Co., Ltd. has been well known for supplying
manufacturing solutions to their global customers from either
its proprietary factories or by outsourcing through it's trading
division.
Meyers
Norris Penny LLP
Meyers Norris Penny (MNP) is Canada's seventh largest accounting
and professional services firm. MNP focuses on serving small
and medium size companies in the value-added wood product
sector and have developed strong professional relationships
within the communities served.
Other
Related News and Events
Custom
Global Foreign Exchange
We're changing everything!
Custom
House Global Foreign Exchange, North America's largest independent
foreign exchange company has made some changes to provide
BC Wood members with even better service! We now have 2 locations
to assist you with your foreign exchange transactions! Not
only is Abbotsford ready and willing to help but now you can
also draw on the assistance and expertise of the foreign exchange
traders in our White Rock location! Custom House handles more
than $10 million annually in wire transfers, currency exchanges,
forward contracts, bank drafts and cheques for over 45,000
businesses around the world.
Call today and see how we can help you save both money and
time!
White
Rock 604.535.6325 or 1.866.255.6407
Abbotsford 604.556.3999 or 1.800.549.1199
Business
Today Simulation
Ron Neil, Business Today
Managing
a business today is more complex than it has ever been. It
seems that the best most of us can hope for is to understand
our portion of the business, be it production, sales/marketing,
administration, human resources or finance. With everyone
so busy, how do we get the training we need to understand
the whole picture and make the best decisions for our business?
As
a senior manager for M&B, Interfor, Fletcher Challenge
and Mitsui Home Canada, I personally took many management-training
courses and have evaluated many others. Recently, I came across
what I believe is the most effective management training program
available at any price. A South African company, Business
Today International, has developed a training program that
gives you a complete perspective of your business and how
your departments relate.
I
particularly like their training philosophy. Participants
discover, as opposed to being told, the key business realities
and relationships. A stronger sense of team and business alignment
will develop as managers begin to function more effectively
toward common goals. After participating in two sessions in
2004, I joined the company with the goal of providing this
training opportunity to the wood products industry.
I
am pleased to announce the first opportunity for BC Wood members
to attend a Business Today simulation training session. The
three-day session will take place at Vancouver Airport Conference
Resort on October 18th to 20th. At the end of the session,
you will have:
-
Created draft income statements, balance sheets and cash flow
statements
- Identified and measured the drivers of business performance
and analysed the impact of actions on business performance,
such as Shareholder Value and ROC
- Identified and analysed market opportunities and implemented
market strategies
- Analysed financial statements using powerful diagnostic
tools
- Reported on actual results compared to other teams, conducted
variance analyses and developed strategies for managing budgets
- Differentiated between types of costs according to behaviour
(fixed vs. variable)
- Conducted a breakeven analysis and much more….
As
an added incentive for this first BC session, I have arranged
for the company founder to teach this course and I have negotiated
a special rate of $1,200 for BC Wood members - that's a 20%
discount. By the end of the three days, I guarantee that you
will satisfied with the training and ready to reap the real
benefits - a better run and more profitable business.
To
sign up, or request additional information, please give me
a call at 604-948-0872 or e-mail at fias@telus.net
|
 |
2005
GBM Update
Randi Walker, Manager, Member Services
BC
Wood is delighted to announce that the recruitment for the
2005 Global Buyers mission is going extremely well and that
booth space has almost completely sold out. Representation
from wood products manufacturers will likely exceed 200 participants
with companies coming from all across Canada.
Currently,
we are expecting over 150 pre-qualified buyers coming from
around the globe to source new suppliers of wood products.
There will be large contingents of buyers coming from China,
Taiwan, Korea, Mexico and Japan, as well as many representatives
from the European Union including Spain, Germany, Switzerland,
France, UK, Austria, Romania and Italy. Closer to home, there
is also a significant group coming from the US and Eastern
Canada. In addition to meeting our initial goal for incoming
buyers, we are continuing to receive new applications and
are working hard to best accommodate their requests.
All
of the incoming buyers groups are participating in extended
mission programs before and/or after the event, visiting BC
manufacturers sites and facilities throughout the province.
The opportunities presented to our manufacturers by the extended
mission programs is unequalled in benefits. Member response
so far has been extremely enthusiastic.
For
more information on the 2005 Global Buyers Mission, contact
Randi Walker at 604-882-7100 or rwalker@bcwood.com.
Information is also available online at the GBM website
at www.bcwood.com.
BC
Wood AGM
Bill Downing, CEO
Annual
General Meeting
BC
Wood's Annual General Meeting is fast approaching and I want
to invite all members to attend. The meeting will be held
at 3:00pm on September 15th in the Garibaldi Room of the Whistler
Convention Centre. We have made it very convenient for those
participating in the Global Buyers Mission to attend the AGM
but encourage all members to attend. The AGM will take place
after booth set-up and before registration/reception for the
Global Buyers Mission.
The
business portion of the meeting will take approximately one
hour, where we will review BC Wood's annual report and financial
statements and elect a new board of directors. In addition,
a very important resolution will be presented to the membership.
If passed, this resolution will allow BC Wood to officially
adopt a new, sector-based business model and set the stage
to expand membership to Alberta.
As
an added incentive to attend the AGM, BC Wood is very pleased
to have Don Thomson presenting to the membership. Don Thomson
is one of the world's leading sales professionals with over
30 years experience selling to major corporations and SME's.
Don has consulted with hundreds of companies and trained thousands
of sales professionals. I was fortunate to work for Don back
in the early '90's and I can personally vouch for his rigorous
and systematic approach to sales. He recently authored and
published a book derived from this selling approach entitled
"Keeping the Funnel Full", which is now a Bestseller
and available at Chapters and Indigo. Don will have a special
offer on his books for BC Wood members, after the AGM.
Please
join us for the AGM and help BC Wood embark on a new era and
learn something from a master in sales and marketing, Don
Thomson.
Log
and Timber Frame Mission China - November 2005
Brian
Hawrysh, Director, Remanufactured and Engineered Wood Products
The
great mystery of the Chinese market…. are the market
opportunities real, or smoke and mirrors?
While
the answer to this question for most of BC's value-added manufacturers
is often "it depends", for manufacturers of log
and timber frame homes I would say the answer is a resounding…
"Yes".
As a result, BC Wood will be taking a group of members to
China in mid-November to further explore opportunities in
the log home and timber frame sector.
As a follow-up on our report on a Market Entry Strategy for
Canadian Log Homes and Timber Frame Structures in China, I
recently met with a number of developers of resort properties
in Shanghai. Their interest in products from BC was genuine
and from all appearances, their product requirements are substantial
and in the short to mid term. A number of factors are driving
this interest in Canadian Log and timber-frame structures;
- The
dramatic growth of the Chinese economy has created a wealthy
middle and upper class with disposable income and a desire
for recreation. This new interest in recreation has translated
into increased investment in resorts and usage of golf,
ski and hot springs resorts.
- Developers
report that they need to differentiate their properties
from the many others resorts that coming on stream in order
to provide value to investors and to maintain on-going interest
from rental end-users. The Canadian style log and timber
frame structures are seen to provide the unique qualities
the Chinese developers are looking for.
- Recent
environmental concerns expressed by the Chinese government
and citizen's groups provide a distinct advantage to Canadian
manufacturers. The Canadian style is seen as compatible
with a natural environment, healthy living and the green
concerns of energy efficiency and building with renewable
resources.
The
difficulty in China is the competitive nature of the marketplace.
Chinese developers recognize that their business is attractive
to both domestic and foreign suppliers. For Canadian companies
hopeful in supplying log homes and timber frame structures,
this means providing price concessions, extended terms and
potentially becoming involved in joint venture agreements
with the developers.
Our
week-long mission to China will focus on the Shanghai area
and will consist of a one-day seminar at the Dream Home Canada
facility and a series of resort site visits. The seminar will
bring together developers, builders, architects specializing
in the domestic resort sector. Mission participants will have
the opportunity to present a short overview of their company
and what they hope to achieve in the Chinese market-place.
If
you are interested in joining this mission please contact
me at 604-882-7100 or by email bhawrysh@bcwood.com.
I would be pleased to provide copies of the executive summary
for the report on a Market Entry Strategy in China for Canadian
Style Log Home and Timber Frame Structures.
"Our
Booth in the Beijing show earlier this year was hugely popular;
lots of people stopping by asking if we were looking for reps
in the market. All in all, our first entry into the market
has been encouraging and we are looking forward to seeing
what BC Wood is planning for their November mission."
- Chris Young, Canada North Log Homes
Japan
Market Update
Jim Ivanoff, Program Manager - Japan
Japan
DIY Homecenter Show 2005 Report
The Japan DIY Homecenter Show is the biggest DIY related show
in Japan and the 2005 edition was held at Makuhari Messe just
outside of Tokyo from August 25th through 27th. This year's
show attracted 589 exhibitors taking up 1,419 booths. Despite
a massive typhoon hitting Tokyo on the evening of the 25th,
the show attracted 71,072 visitors over the three days.
As
the name implies, the Japan DIY Homecenter Show acts as a
showcase for companies targeting Japan's growing Do-It-Yourself
market. The giant homecenters across Japan have been increasingly
catering to this market by stocking more lumber and building
products as well as offering expert advice on home renovation
projects much like Home Depot in North America. This market
has grown from basically nothing over 30 years ago, to 3,910
stores across Japan producing almost Y4 trillion (C$44 billion)
in sales during 2004.
Several
years ago BC Wood participated in the Osaka version of the
show which was considerably smaller and much more regional
in focus. However, this was the first time for us to exhibit
at the national show in Tokyo. BC Wood, the Quebec Wood Export
Bureau (QWEB), and Sauder together took 3 booths under the
Canada Wood banner.
One
of the most intriguing aspects of this show for foreign exhibitors
is "Home Center Trade II." This business discussion
space allows exhibitors to schedule one-on-one appointments
with the buyers of the major homecenters. If necessary, the
show organizers can even provide free translation services.
While each appointment lasts only 15 minutes, being able to
meet and show your products directly to buyers is an incredible
opportunity for foreign companies.
I
took the opportunity to meet most of the buyers present and
was warmly received. Many of them are looking for new products
to set their stores apart. This is especially true of innovative
wood products that cater to sub-urban DIYers looking for small
projects to do around their homes on weekends. In addition,
many of the homecenters are now developing "reform departments"
(renovation departments that bid on home-owner's renovation
projects, providing both the products and the installation).
Some of the larger chains are also increasingly targeting
local home builders by stocking professional materials in
store. The products that these buyers and the visitors to
our booth showed the most interest in were: WRC decking systems,
paneling, flooring, and short-length clear lumber of various
species for use in home DIY projects.
As
one might expect, the Thursday and Friday of the show were
geared to industry people, including homecenter buyers, Japanese
distributors selling product to the homecenters, smaller retailers,
gardening/ landscaping companies, as well as builders and
architects. On Saturday the show was opened up to the general
public so many DIY enthusiasts swarmed the show looking for
new products and ideas. As the show organizers allow for retail
sales on the last day, this could be a great way to test-market
DIY products with end-users. Results from such an exercise
could prove very useful in sales efforts to the homecenter
buyers.
Based
on our success at this year's show, I can highly recommend
participating in future Japan DIY Homecenter Shows to our
members. I hope that we can increase the number of BC Wood
booths at next year's show and take full advantage of the
show's Home Center Trade II service. Hopefully we can expect
better weather next year!
Contact
Jim Ivanoff at Ivanoff@canadawood.jp
for more information.
Upcoming
Shows and Events
Global
Buyers Mission
Whistler, BC
September 15-17, 2005
The
2005 Global Buyers Mission is scheduled for Whistler, September
15 to 17, 2005. We are expecting over 150 buyers of wood products
from all over the US, Europe, China, Taiwan, Mexico, Japan
and Korea, to meet with 85 manufacturers from Canada, whose
products include finishing materials, building supplies, and
remanufacturing products. For more information, visit www.bcwood.com
Salon
Maison Bois
Angers, France
September 30 - October 3, 2005
Salon
Maison Bois is the largest event solely dedicated to wood-frame
housing construction in Southern Europe. Over 40,000 attendees
from all over Europe came to the show last year to see the
latest developments in wood design and building. Attendees
include architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and
interior designers. For more information, please visit:
http://www.salon-maison-bois.com/
International
Wood Building Forum 2005
Vancouver, BC
September 14-15, 2005
The
University of British Columbia's Timber Building Technology
Group and a consortium of international partners will be holding
a major conference on the latest technical and market developments
in wood construction. The conference is based upon the highly
successful Holzbau Forum wood building event that takes place
annually in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and attracts audiences
in excess of 1200 people from around Europe and the world.
The
Vancouver event will examine changing technologies and increasing
automation in the building industry. It will also highlight
emerging opportunities for Canadian companies due to the rising
interest in sustainability, green buildings, and the Vancouver-Whistler
2010 Olympics. Linking with the Holzbau Forum conference series,
the Vancouver Forum also features several prominent industrialists
from Europe.
For more information, visit:
http://www.iwbfvancouver.com
Plan
Expo and Housing Mission
Ireland
October 1-5, 2005
Plan
Expo is Ireland's showcase for the building and construction
industry. Plan Expo is fully endorsed and supported by the
Construction Industry Federation and by the Royal Institute
of Architects in Ireland, a testament to the seriousness with
which the industry views the event. Attendees include architects,
specifiers, builders, developers, interior designers, and
remodelers. For more information, please visit http://www.expo-events.com/planexpo/
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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