BC Wood just recently received confirmation that the funding for our 2013-2014 trade show activities has been approved. We began this year’s proposal writing with some concerns over just how much our members would want to take on in the coming year. Our early December sector meetings with member companies provided some good input on how much companies wanted to do this year and where they wanted BC Wood to focus its’ efforts.

BC Wood took this input and put together a comprehensive package of market development activities. Upcoming activities will focus on expanding market share in the United States while maintaining the hard won presence we have gained in Asian markets and Eastern Europe. Recognizing the possibility of a new and emerging market opportunity in India, BC Wood has scheduled a mission and participation in a trade show in Bangalore in February 2014. The Global Buyers Mission, our 10th, will be a highlight, with over 200 buyers coming to Whistler in early September.

I would like to recognize and thank the staff of BC Wood for the extra effort they put towards writing these funding proposals. The result was that BC Wood has another strong program of approved trade event activities for 2013-2014. For those of you wanting to see the updated list of trade show activities, please visit the BC Wood website at www.bcwood.com and select Trade Events from the Programs & Services tab. Any comments or questions regarding these planned activities can be directed to me at bhawrysh@bcwood.com or by calling our office at 604-882-7100.

This week I had the opportunity to meet with a very interesting company; Vancouver Urban Timberworks. They specialize in producing products from hard and softwoods. What sets them apart is that their products are made from discarded trees around the local area.

In and around Metro Vancouver, there are hundredsof trees that are coming down for various reasons which could be quite costly for the individual or company to discard. Starting out in their North Vancouver driveway three years ago, Eric and Danny began retrieving these fallen trees free of charge. They then transformed these trees into unique wood products including large slabs, furniture, and other custom products.

One of their projects included producing a boardroom table made out of reclaimed and salvaged timber from the Squamish Valley in BC. After retrieving the tree, they reclaimed the usable timber, milled it into slabs, transported it in their biodiesel powered trucks, kiln dried it, CNC’d it flat, and finished the table. Click here to watch a quick video on the production of the table.

With the support of their community, they have moved their business out of the driveway and into a retail location that will soon house an exquisite showroom. They are steadily adding and upgrading their equipment and inventory to increase their capacity and meet a high demand.

For more information on Vancouver Urban Timberworks, visit their website: http://vancouverurbantimberworks.com and their facebook page: facebook.com/pages/Vancouver-Urban-Timberworks/245145348849853

The 8th Annual IDSWest show was held in the New Vancouver Convention Centre, September 27th to 30th, 2012.  The Interior Design Show West (IDSwest) is Western Canada’s annual premiere residential design show featuring over 300 exhibitors showcasing quality cutting edge and original design products and services to an audience of industry professionals, architects, designers, consumers, and media. This is about a 30% increase in exhibitors from the past year and all the participants agreed, it was the finest one yet!

An amazing array of both internationally renowned and local designers (including a fab fashion show), critics, and popular magazine editors spoke throughout the course of the event, drawing standing room only crowds over the weekend.

We had good representation of BC Wood members participating in our joint booth this year, including:

Brent Comber Originals
Coulson Mfg.
Kettle Valley Moulding & Millwork
vin de garde cellar systems
Wide Plank Hardwood Ltd.

The overall displays were great, offering the 30,000+ audience lots of ideas and opportunities to see what exceptional talent we have here in BC. Results received from members to date make it one of the most successful Canadian activities that BC Wood participates in. Congratulations to all our members for their hard work and ingenuity.

A special display sharing our space this year was the Picker’s Shack, designed by UBC students in Michael Green’s program. The fruit stand was designed for a Naramata orchard that wanted to increase their on-farm produce sales. They wanted something functional, well shaded, naturally ventilated, and moveable. The student’s goal was to rethink the modest fruit stand to attract more drive-by customers. The concept is a functional box with subtle complexity. Protection from the elements, display space, views, and seating are all accomplished through an operable wall system made from custom cut pine beetle infested lumber. The roof is made from reclaimed Canada Place roof fabric. When in its closed state, the fruit stand shows hints of the operable elements. When open, the operable elements reveal colourful surfaces that relate to the families heritage and the colours of agriculture. It was a hit at IDSWest, particularly the fresh apples, pears, and cider that were distributed by the students throughout the event.

To see the program and speaker highlights, as well as listings of all the exhibitors, visit their website at www.idswest.com

With the GBM over, BC Wood’s Japan office is now working on bringing members into the market through two major fall shows. One of course is the famed Japan Home Show (Nov 14^th – 16^th) that has been welcoming overseas suppliers for more than three decades. The other, the Osaka Living and Design Show (Oct 24^th -26^th), is a new show for us and is a part of our continuing efforts to brand Canadian wood products in the high-end, Japanese commercial construction and interior design market. This is the last chance for members looking to take advantage of these exciting programs. Only a few spaces remain so please act fast if you are interested.

Osaka Living and Design Show

After a long absence from taking members to trade shows in Osaka, BC Wood will be organizing a Canadian pavilion at the new but highly regarded Living and Design Show. Over the past few years we have participated in Tokyo Designers Week, but decided to change to L&D as it is more focused on B to B for interior design and also gives us a chance to target the lucrative but underserved Kansai region in Japan (all foreign competitors go to Tokyo). This area that includes Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe has a larger economy than all of Canada and is also experiencing a flourishing commercial construction sector. Another benefit of this show for members is that it better covers building products such as flooring and millwork.

Japan Home and Building Show

BC Wood will once again be organizing the Canadian wood products pavilion at the annual Japan Home Show. This year the show will return to its traditional November schedule and run from the 14^th through the 16^th at Tokyo Big Sight.

The JHS typically attracts about 90,000 industry people ranging from importers and distributors to builders and architects and has long been the highest profile building products show in the country, particularly for imported products. This year the organizers have decided to strategically partner with JAPANTEX which is one of Japan’s largest interior trend shows for professionals. With the JHS and JAPANTEX collocated together in Big Sight’s East Hall, it is expected that JHS exhibitors will see a dramatic increase in designers working on non-residential projects.

Also, we expect positive synergies from the HOSPEX show, catering to the owners/operators of medical and elderly care facilities, which will be run concurrently by the same organizers in an adjacent hall. Elderly care facility operators have been adopting 2×4 buildings more and more in recent years because of the perceived therapeutic benefits of wood framed buildings. COFI’s Japan Office has been very active in targeting this market on the structural side and we are endeavouring to find more opportunities for value-added products on such projects.

BC Wood will also be working with the Canadian Embassy on a program timed around the show to target the reconstruction efforts in the Tohoku region. As a result, members attending the JHS will also be able to take part in some match-making activities targeting local companies working on both non-residential and residential projects in the tsunami devastated communities.

This show offers a great opportunity for companies looking to enter the Japanese market and take advantage of the many positive trends we are seeing.  Products sectors covered: cabinetry, engineered wood, millwork, log and timberframe, packaged homes, as well as reman and specialty lumber including WRC.

For more information about either of these shows please contact Jim Ivanoff at ivanoff@canadawood.jp.

Last November, BC Wood, with a small group of member companies, completed a very successful trade mission to Moscow to explore opportunities for value-added wood products in the Russian market, and to participate in the Fall Holzhaus trade show.

BC Woods’ members showcased log home and timber frame structures, factory built homes, high quality millwork, and specialty Western Red Cedar building materials. Members were able to engage with industry professionals from all over Russia and surrounding countries. Developers, architects, builders, distributors, importers, and designers were all in attendance at the show, many of whom came specifically to the show to speak to the Canadian manufacturers.

Based on the success of last year’s program, BC Wood is planning to return to Moscow and the Holzhaus show this coming fall, November 1st- 4th. Space will be available for BC Wood members wanting to participate in the Holzhaus trade shows and I would encourage any companies interested in more information to contact me at bhawrysh@bcwood.com or in BC Wood’s offices at 604-882-7100.

A reminder of BC Wood’s presence at this year’s Interior Design Show West (IDS West) – September 27-30th. Over the past couple of years, the IDS West has become the venue to see the best of international and local designs. BC Wood will bring together local companies that produce a full range of design-oriented products; everything from custom furnishings and architectural millwork, to cabinets, doors, mouldings, and flooring.

The objective will be to feature the individual companies by drawing more traffic to a centrally located “Design BC” pavilion. The pavilion will be an 1800 square foot of exhibition space, with BC Wood covering a good portion of the hard costs for this sector wide display.

If you plan to participate in the IDS West show this year, please contact me to see how we can save you money and ensure you higher visibility through the “Design BC” pavilion. Call 604-882-7100 or email me at  bhawrysh@bcwood.com.

BC Wood will once again be organizing the Canadian wood products pavilion at the annual Japan Home Show. This year the show will return to its traditional November schedule and run from the 14^th through the 16^th at Tokyo Big Sight.

The JHS typically attracts about 90,000 industry people ranging from importers and distributors to builders and architects and has long been the highest profile building products show in the country, particularly for imported products. This year the organizers have decided to strategically partner with JAPANTEX which is one of Japan’s largest interior trend shows for professionals. With the JHS and JAPANTEX collocated together in Big Sight’s East Hall, it is expected that JHS exhibitors will see a dramatic increase in designers working on non-residential projects.

Also, we expect positive synergies from the HOSPEX show, catering to the owners/operators of medical and elderly care facilities, which will be run concurrently by the same organizers in an adjacent hall. Elderly care facility operators have been adopting 2×4 buildings more and more in recent years because of the perceived therapeutic benefits of wood framed buildings. COFI’s Japan Office has been very active in targeting this market on the structural side and we are endeavouring to find more opportunities for value-added products on such projects.

BC Wood will also be working with the Canadian Embassy on a program timed around the show to target the reconstruction efforts in the Tohoku region. As a result, members attending the JHS will also be able to take part in some match-making activities targeting local companies working on both non-residential and residential projects in the tsunami devastated communities.

I am very excited about this year’s Japan Home Show as the housing market overall has been strong this year and the show organizers have been working hard to bring more value to exhibitors. This show offers a great opportunity for companies looking to enter the Japanese market and take advantage of the many positive trends we are seeing.  I will be booking booth space soon so for more information please e-mail me at ivanoff@canadawood.jp.

For over 30 years the Japan Home & Building Show has been one of the most important events in marketing calendar of foreign companies selling into Japan. However, this year there were many challenges facing the event, some resulting from the 3/11 earthquake while others were self-inflicted.

Several years ago the show organizers decided to change the date of the 2011 show so as to time it with the planned UIA event at Tokyo Forum. I personally expressed my concerns over this numerous times as I have seen how such date changes have hurt other shows. Especially with the JHS’ long history, everyone expects it to take place in November. However, they believed that holding it in conjunction with the UIA event would inject new energy into the show.

These plans were greatly complicated by the March earthquake. By having bumped up the show, the organizers also bumped up the recruiting period of the show to late spring, which was still the dark period when no one knew what tomorrow would bring. As a result, purse strings were tightened and I am sure the JHS had trouble signing up exhibitors.

The earthquake and the nuclear disaster also worried the expected 10,000 overseas UIA attendees. In April there was even talk of cancelling the UIA event. However, they moved ahead with it as the situation in Fukushima gradually improved.

As we set-up for the show, I wondered and worried about how it would turn out. As feared, the attendance fell dramatically, from 87,000 to 43,000. Luckily though the quality of the visitors greatly increased as many more architects came to the show for the first time. This was undoubtedly due to the cross-marketing with the UIA event. We even received many overseas guests who came for the UIA event. Overall, even though the overall numbers were down, we felt just as busy as last year since the architects were spending more time with us asking questions about products.

The other thing that I had been wondering about was how much traffic we would receive related to reconstruction efforts in the Tohoku area. Over the three days we met with many builders, developers, and distributors from the earthquake/ tsunami affected areas and they seemed to be getting themselves prepared for the big reconstruction projects. I learned that developers from across the region and even other parts of Japan are buying up all the available elevated land near the coast for such projects. However, they are experiencing labour shortages and are thus looking at overseas suppliers that can help with packaged homes and other solutions.

Despite the drop in attendance I was very pleased with the results of the show. We were able to make a great number of new contacts including ones involved in the reconstruction efforts. This helps us prepare for the Nikkei Show next March where reconstruction projects will definitely be taking center stage.

By Annette Carberry,Executive Assistant, Kalesnikoff Lumber Co. Ltd.

In 2000, Kootenay Innovative Wood Ltd (KIW), a modern 30 million bf capacity re-manufacturing plant, first broke ground and began operations. Their goal is to create 100% natural softwood products for home enhancement, protection, and beauty, while maintaining the highest standards of product quality and Forest Stewardship.

Using locally harvested fibre supplied by Kalesnikoff Lumber Co. Ltd., KIW was soon producing superior products and sales began taking off. 12 years later, KIW is going strong, providing local, national, and global markets with softwood flooring, paneling, decking, and exterior home siding products. Located in the heart of British Columbia’s Southern Interior, KIW is surrounded by some of the finest softwood forests in the world yielding over 13 commercial softwood species.

Sustainability and Forest Stewardship are a top priority for KIW working closely with Kalesnikoff Lumber as a supplier of premium fibre both companies achieved FSC Certification in January 2010. All KIW product lines are now available with the FSC Mark guaranteeing the highest standard of forest stewardship today.

Production:

Kootenay Innovative Wood’s state-of-the-art equipment combined with the expertise of the crew, graders, and QC team easily assures the accuracy and consistency of its numerous product lines. Growing to an annual capacity of 30 million bf in 10 short years, KIW is excited about plans to expand further to support an increase in production and services. The 35,000 sq. ft. plant boasts a Weinig 8 head Jointed Moulder, Leadermac Moulder, Custom OSI End-Matching Line, and a McDonough Re-saw, all of which allow KIW a wide range of versatility for production and custom processing. Their on-site grinding room allows for the sharpening and custom cutting of knives for specialty orders.

KIW offers many choices for species and natural wood blends which produce unique colors and machine well to accept superior finishes. Their ESLP blend of 30% Engelmann Spruce and 70% Lodgepole Pine yields a strong, flexible exterior home siding in many styles and is currently their most popular species for interior paneling. Well known for their 2×6 Douglas Fir T&G decking, in 2010 KIW responded to market demands by adding 3×6 double T&G Douglas Fir decking to their product line. They are currently exploring the option of providing pre-drilling for the 3×6 decking in the future.

Products:

Kootenay Innovative Wood offers a variety of products including siding, flooring, paneling, and Douglas Fir finished products. They are constantly monitoring the trends and adding to their product lines in accordance to these demands.

Please click here for detailed descriptions for some of their main product line and to read the entire article

Looking ahead to 2012, Kootenay Innovative Wood Ltd. is excited to expand on new products and species, such as their Idaho White Pine Paneling introduced in 2010. Idaho White Pine is currently sought after by fine furniture makers around the world and Kalesnikoff Lumber Co. Ltd. is one of only a few mills in Canada currently producing White Pine products. Having exclusive access to this exceptional fibre has allowed KIW to create this new paneling line.

A new website is also on the list for 2012 for KIW, please visit them at www.kiwood.com and watch for the new website changes coming soon.

A few comments, suggestions, and insights that may be of interest to industry…

I was in Seattle last week to meet with David Leavengood, principle of Leavengood Architects. This firm designs high-end public and residential projects for clients across the Western United States. Of particular interest to Leavengood is the redesign and renovation of historic lodges. He has worked on numerous projects for federal and State parks across the US and is currently working on the redesign of Crater Lake Lodge in Oregon.

According to Leavengood, “There’s the whole fantasy-storybook aspect of lodges. That has a lot to do with people searching them out. They go on vacation, exploring, spending relaxing time with family. It’s an opportunity to put fantasy into their lives. Lodges — the good lodges — always communicate that aspect.”

The firm believes in being true to the original design as the hand-hewn quality of lodges often has to do with the fact that the designers are not always professionally trained.  “In remote regions, the builders are ranchers — cowboys who get a notion into their head, seek out available materials nearby, and assemble it as simply as they can without the refinements that architects might bring to it”.  The firm’s vision brings considerable sophistication to the rough-and-tumble functionalism of Western ranch-home tradition.

“I got discovered while teaching in Montana. You do one log, heavy-timber building with stonework and a rusticated vocabulary and your name gets passed around. Small cabins grew into bigger personal lodges, then into ranches with horse barns and outbuildings. These are communities, and we are doing all the infrastructure and land reclamation, along with designing the buildings.” The firm has a branch in Jackson, Wyo., and does more work in Wyoming, Oregon, California, and Montana than it does in Washington.

The good news for members wanting to work with creative talented architects such as David Leavengood is that he is planning on attending the GBM in Whistler this September. For more information on his firm check out his website at www.leavenarch.com

Some interesting developments on the Suncadia resort development. For background, Suncadia is a 6000 acre semi private resort community located in Roslyn Washington in the Cascade Mountains – a 1 hour drive outside of Seattle.

The development was conceived by the Jeld-Wen company, the huge window and door manufacturer located in Klamath Falls, WA. After some considerable pain and financial restructuring due to the recession, The Suncadia development is back and a decent number of residential and light commercial construction projects are currently underway.

The resort resembles Whistler a few decades ago with Mountain inspired homes situated around two golf courses a small village center and an owners lodge and fitness center.

Good opportunity exists for manufacturers who produce heavy timbers, millwork, and finished wood products that lend itself to the Mountain design. That is, if you have sold product in Whistler you may want to keep an eye on the Suncadia development over the next while.

For more information on Leavengood architects, Suncadia, or other opportunities in the Western US please feel free to contact me at dfarley@bcwood.com

The Japan Home and Building Show is the most famous building products show amongst foreign exhibitors. Every year companies from Canada, the US, across Asia, and many parts of Europe come to this show to find new Japanese partners or build on their existing market presence. Even companies that do not participate directly time their business trips to Japan around the middle of November so that they can at least visit the show or take part in related receptions.

This year, however, many companies will be surprised to find out that the JH&BS will be held from September 28th through 30th and not in November. This is because the UIA is holding their “World Congress of Architecture” in Tokyo in and the JH&BS organizers agreed with the UIA organizers to tie the two events together. The UIA’s website explains their event in the following way:

“Described as the “Olympics of Architecture,” the UIA World Congress is a major international architectural event that attracts around 10,000 architects, engineers, researchers and students.Since the inaugural World Congress in Lausanne, Switzerland in 1948, it has taken place triennial in 23 different cities around the world.”

By adding these international guests to the JH&BS’ already large audience of Japanese industry professionals, the show organizers are expecting that exhibitors will be able to reach a much wider audience than in the past. This will be of particular interest to those who are looking to begin marketing to other parts of Asia as an event of this calibre in Tokyo will be sure to attract the top people in architecture from neighbouring Korea and China. Considering the bleak outlook that some people foresaw after the 3/11 earthquake, this added vibrancy to the JH&BS is a welcome development.

Another point in this year’s JH&BS’ favour is that some major wholesalers have decided to cancel their own private trade shows in the summer and fall. This means that the JH&BS will be the only venue for buyers, builders, and architects to see new products this fall. It is expected that the strong resulting interest amongst attendees will overcome any confusion resulting from the change in dates.

BC Wood now has its funding in place for the new fiscal year and as a result I am able to accept applications for show space. Please contact me for more information on this year’s event as well as on how to apply.

West Wind Hardwood Inc. is located in Sidney, BC (Vancouver Island) and was established in 1978 as a father (Ove Nielsen) and son (Jan Nielsen) partnership under the name West Wind Woodwork. During this time, Jan completed his apprenticeship under the guidance of his father. This was the culmination of generations of old-world woodworkers and craftsmen.

Through the decades, as the economic climate waxed and waned, West Wind grew to meet the needs of their customers. From custom renovations and furniture to marine products and boats, West Wind Woodwork evolved into West Wind Hardwood Inc., sourcing and stocking fine domestic and exotic wood species.  At this point, Ove’s youngest son, Lars, joined the company.

Just as the human condition does not reach a plateau and remain stagnant, nor has West Wind Hardwood. They advanced into the flooring market with both custom and brand name flooring. They also expanded their on-site machinery to enhance their ability to meet the clients flooring needs with complementary architectural millwork and the ability to offer European wood finishes.

West Wind Hardwood now offers fine hardwoods, quality softwoods, exotics, specialty plywood, veneers, and specializes in boat lumber and Coastal Softwoods, marine plywood, and ipe decking.  They also offer custom wide-plank, brand name, solid and engineered, finished, and unfinished wood floors.  They produce custom architectural millwork and offer FSC certified products.

They continue to pride themselves in providing quality lumber, flooring, and wood-related products with friendly, efficient service to their wide range of national and international customers.  They ship their products all over the world with their main focus on Canada and the US.

When asked what sets West Wind Hardwood apart from the rest, they replied with:

“With an accumulation of 125+ years of hands-on knowledge of wood, we understand wood completely.  In today’s highly competitive world markets, we are but a slender shaving on the floor, but we have a personal interest in wood – with a passion for woodworking in all forms. It’s in the genes. Nothing is more pleasing than to see a creation develop, whether it has aesthetic or practical value. By providing quality lumber and individualized customer service, we hope to share in this sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Thus as West Wind Hardwood Inc. evolves and continues, there is a sense of history and a desire to influence the future.”

West Wind Hardwood has a strong sense of community and are supporters of many different associations and projects that promote education and growth in the community.  They also had many unique projects over the years including shipping over 2000 pieces of Western Red Cedar veneer to Dubai to use on the home of the designer, Versace.  In the near future, they are planning on opening up a gallery in North Vancouver to showcase their wood flooring.  Stay tuned for more updates on the new gallery!

For more information on West Wind Hardwood Inc, please visit: www.westwindhardwood.com, www.flooringbywestwindhardwood.com, and www.hardwaxoil.ca.

Be sure to check out their Twitter page (@westwindhw) and their Facebook page (West Wind Hardwood Inc fan page).  Also, you can sign up for their bi-monthly newsletter at http://www.westwindhardwood.com/newsletter_subscribe.php.

BC Wood is currently wrapping up the Request for Proposals to our funding partners and as such, I wanted to bring to BC Wood members’ attention an exciting opportunity to develop new sales in the Northern California market.

This spring, with funding approval, we will organize and participate in a trade event and market mission to Lake Tahoe to influence the architect, design, and building professionals in this market and increase sales for member companies.

The Lake Tahoe region in the Sierra Nevada’s is a vacation and resort market with a wealth of affluent consumers who are interested and able to build with the latest in green, high-end, energy saving building products and systems. The Truckee Builders Show is a trade event that has been at the forefront of the move toward renewable and sustainable living in the home construction process for many years. The event, in partnership with the Contractor’s Association of Truckee Tahoe (CATT), organizes a Regional Green Building Symposium to provide educational and networking opportunities for architects, construction professionals, and the general public. BC Wood will partner with CMHC and WoodWorks US in the coordination and delivery of a seminar presentation on the benefits and applications of new “green” energy saving building materials and high-end finished products to this target market. The trade event will provide an excellent opportunity for BC manufacturers to connect with builders and architects who service the regional market.

Following the show, BC Wood will coordinate a number of site visits to high-end residential and specific multi-unit project sites currently underway in the region. We will focus on the Martis Camp development which is an ultra high-end members only resort development with over 30 vacation homes currently under construction and another 60+ homes at the design stage.

Do you manufacture high quality products in these sectors:

• Heavy Timber, Post and Beam
• Cabinets
• Millwork and interior finished products
• Exterior Cladding and trim components

If so, then this event should be seriously considered as part of your sales and marketing campaign for this year. For more information on this event or this market please feel free to contact me at dfarley@bcwood.com

This week’s Member Spotlight features Mario Sabjlak Design. Mario Sabljak started “Flavour Furniture” in a small shop in East Vancouver. “I was building limited edition hand crafted furniture. The name changed and the projects got a little bigger.” Six years later Mario Sabljak Design was launched. They now fabricate custom interiors for residential spaces in the Lower Mainland. They also design unique commercial settings, such as boutique retail store fronts, restaurants interiors, and still build limited edition furniture.

On Mario’s experience with BC Wood, he responds with:

“I met with David Pao and we had a great conversation about the benefits of joining BC Wood. I was really interested in exploring the design markets in different cities and David assured me that BC Wood was here to help promote my company. I just joined BC Wood this Summer and recently returned from Japan after doing Tokyo Designers week.

From day one, landing in Tokyo, Jim Ivanoff and Miho Ohashi were helping promote all of the Canadian designers. Those two really helped me get the most out of my first overseas trade show (and I can’t forget my interpreter “Mio” who helped out at my booth). I also had the pleasure of spending time with B.C.’s biggest designers: Brent Comber, Judson Beaumont, Martha Sturdy, and John Ross. They were all very helpful, engaging, and shared plenty of stories during our week in Tokyo. Going to Japan with BC Wood has introduced me to the right people and helped me plant a seed in a new market.”

This week’s member spotlight is on Acorn Wood Design Ltd. Having recently celebrated its 25^th year in business, the company grew from a back yard garage into a 15,000 square foot facility (including shop and offices) on Mitchell Island in Richmond, British Columbia. Linda Wray from Acorn says “in the old garage, my husband would have to go out into the laneway to cut a 4 x 8 sheet of ply. Amazingly the neighbours never complained!!”

Acorn Wood Designs Ltd. now has four working partners leading a talented team. Each of them bring a unique expertise to a singular goal – “to ensure that our customer service is beyond exemplary and that every commission is the very best it can be.” Throughout the 25 years in business, Acorn has focused its expertise in turning their client’s visions into realty.

By combining state-of-the-art technology, meticulous shop drawings with established cabinetmaking techniques, Acorn manufactures and installs architectural millwork exactly as specified. Over the years, they have worked with “very high end restaurants, having done several in the last 12 years, which makes us the leader in this domain,” states Robin St-Pierre from Acorn.

At Acorn, they embrace projects of any scale, specializing in innovative designs for the commercial sectors. Taking care of every detail, their team works diligently with key specialists and suppliers to provide the most elegant and efficient solution for each commission.

Recently, they celebrated 25 years in business with a party which was very well attended.  Linda thanks the industry, “It was a pleasure to have a chance to celebrate something positive in business and express our gratitude to our customers, suppliers, designers, and friends of Acorn.”

2009 – AWMAC Gold Award for Excellence of Service for the Keg Restaurant in Tempe, Arizona

2010 – AWMAC Gold Award for Excellence of Service for the Earl’s Restaurant in Bellevue, Washington

For more information on Acorn Wood Design Ltd, please visit their website: acornwd.com

Canada is one of the world’s six biggest producers of wood flooring strips, alongside China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil and Russia.  The major part of Canada’s wood flooring production comes from some one hundred businesses based mainly in Quebec (two-thirds) and Ontario (one-third).  Canada’s overall production in 2007 was approximately 400 million square feet of which 75% was exported (90% to the USA).

The Canadian industry has faced increased competition in recent years.  Emerging countries (especially China) are lower-cost producers who have quickly positioned themselves in the Canadian and American markets.  For example, Amercian imports from China went from $100 million in 2002 to over $1 billion in 2007.  China’s worldwide exports quadrupled between 2002 and 2006 to over $2 billion.  This trend significantly impacted Amercian flooring imports, which were assessed at $2.7 billion in 2007 as compared with $1.2 billion five years earlier.  A similar situation occured in the Canadian market when imports (Chinese and others) increased by 600% over the past decade.

Note that Chinese production, the main threat to North Amercian producers, in mainly (75%) destined for domestic use within China.  Engineered wood flooring, a product that sets the North Amercian industry apart from its rivals, is also undergoing tremendous growth.  It now represents over half of China’s production capacity, equal to 807 million sq. ft. (75 million m2).  This means that engineered wood flooring strips comprise a greater proportion of products imported from China.  The growth of China’s engineered flooring strip industry in attributed to the difficulty of procuring enough hardwood to make solid flooring strips. Of China’s exports, most goes to Europe (40%) followed by Canada (13%) and the United States (26%).

To read more about the North American Situation, Engineered Wood Flooring Strips (multi-ply), Wide Strips, Innovations in Finishing, the Green Revolution, Esthetic Trends in Raw Material, and Changes in Distribution Channels, please click here

Source: Woodworking – Vol 24, No 2, March/April 2010

The Malaysian Timber Council will be organizing the MTC Global Woodmart (MGW) 2010 from October 19-20, 2010 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).  This will be the first event of its kind in South East Asia and will serve to provide a one-stop selling, buying and networking platform for all suppliers and buyers of timber products from Malaysia and abroad.  The MGW will also facilitate business among local and/or overseas wholesalers, manufacturers, importers, distributors and ancillary providers in the timber industry and trade and promote and encourage the wider application and use of timber from Malaysia as well as international sources.

Reasons why you should participate in teh MTC Global WoodMart 2010:

1. Enables buyers and manufacturers of wood products to source their product needs through a dedicated event
2. Created trade opportunities for timber industry members by bringing together international buyers and sellers from around the world
3. MTC, HQ, and their offices in London, Shanghai, and Dubai will undertake marketing efforts to bring prospective buyers from traditional markets (ie, Europe, USA, Japan) and emerging markets (India, Middle East, Eastern Europe) for business matching with timber industry members from around the world.

Exhiborts who sign up before May 30, 2010 will qualify for an Early Bird Discount.  For further information, please visit www.globalwoodmart.my.

Click here to view invititation letter.

Click here to view the page 1 of brochure.

Click here to view page 2 of brochure.

Last week, BC Wood along with FPInnovations and CAWP went to Victoria to discuss the Business Innovation Partnership program and meet with value-added wood manufacturers.  I got a chance to visit Swifsure WoodWorkers, M-Time Developments, Vintage Woodworks, and Douglas Grant Cabinetmakers with Randi Walker from BC Wood and Brian Ehrecke from FPInnovations.

The first company I visited was Swiftsure Woodworkers in Victoria with Randi Walker and met with Peter McCutcheon, the President of Swiftsure Woodworkers.  Swiftsure Woodworkers designs and manufacturers cabinetry for fine homes in the greater Gulf Islands region of BC.  They have received multiple CARE awards and GEORGIE awards.  The CARE award recognizes the winning efforts of Vancouver Island’s professional builders, developers, architects, interior designers, and sales and marketing professionals.  The GEORGIE award by the Canadian Home Builders Association of BC recognizes excellence in home building.  We also got a chance to check out the shop and see a CNC machine at work.  This was the first time I saw a CNC machine at work and I was amazed.

Peter also mentioned they employ Joiner and Carpenter Apprentices from Vancouver Island University’s apprenticeship program.  This is a great way to get hardworking and enthusiastic workers, and help develop the skill of the next generation of craftsmen.  I do encourage all of the value-added wood products manufacturers to follow Peter’s footsteps in employing BC apprentices.

For more information on Swiftsure Woodworkers, please visit their website: www.swiftsurewoodworkers.com.

The next morning, I met with Dave Miller of M-Time Developments with Brian Ehrecke. They produce a number of different value-added wood products including panel wall homes. Their goal is to operate an ecologically and socially responsible milling operation which purchases the bulk of its logs from local, sustainably managed (and certified) sources. Dave talked to us about some interesting projects he has worked on and is currently working on.  I don’t think I have ever met someone so enthusiastic and passionate about what they do as Dave Miller is.  It was great meeting someone with so much enthusiasm.

For more information on M-Time Developments, please visit their website: www.m-timedevelopments.com.  Also be sure to check out Dave’s new website: www.bamfield-millworks.com.

I then visited Vintage Woodworks with Brian Ehrecke which is located in what used to be a hotel decades ago.  Vintage Wookworks is BC’s heritage millwork supplier.  They specialize in providing restorations and restoration products for historic windows, doors, moulding, and brackets.  Brian has been working on a technical project through the Business Innovation Partnership program with Vintage.  I got a chance to go on a shop tour and see all of the different machines they use for producing different products.  The most interesting part was seeing all of the improvements that were made through the project.

For more information on Vintage Woodworks, please visit their website: www.vintagewoodworks.ca.

The last company I visited was Douglas Grant Cabinetmakers in Victoria with Brian Ehrecke.  This is another company located in a unique building.  Douglas Grant Cabinetmakers provides quality finished kitchens, bathrooms, built-in furniture, and more.  Douglas gave us a tour of his shop and showed us a gorgeous cabinet he was working on that showcased his attention to detail.

For more information on Douglas Grant Cabinetmakers, please visit their website: www.douglasgrantcabinetmakers.com.

I want to thank all of these companies for their time and interesting stories.  I also want to thank Randi and Brian for taking me with them to visit the companies.  I learned a lot about the value-added wood products industry look forward to meeting more companies!

While most of us aspire to a debt-free life with maybe a good steak to eat every once in a while, there are others, the multi millionaires of the world, who aspire to belonging to an exclusive members only playground where private ski lifts and putting greens await.

For the ultra elite, the Yellowstone Lodge in Big Sky is their choice to indulge in their lavish lifestyle. This gated resort community occupies over 13,000 acres in the Southwest corner of Montana and counts Microsoft’s Bill Gates among its members.

Among its numerous amenities, the Yellowstone Lodge offers members a private ski resort, golf course, and equestrian centre for its members. Custom residences in the resort are available, selling for $4.8 million to $16 million. The average cost of new home construction is over the $500 per square foot range.

I have come across some information that suggests that the market in Yellowstone is beginning to turn and could provide some significant opportunity for our members. Following the economic crisis and through a nasty divorce proceeding between the original owners, the Yellowstone Club emerged from bankruptcy protection last year with new ownership and direction.

A reliable source who has worked on the design stage of the project commented that over $100 million in real estate transactions have taken place in Yellowstone in the past 4 months. This means that a number of high-end residences are currently either at the architectural stage or will be coming out of the ground this summer.

According to the source, manufacturers of quality custom and architectural millwork products including, doors, windows, cabinetry, and finished products have an opportunity. Also, the design and style of the Yellowstone Club and residences lends itself to the type of heavy timber construction that a number of our members specialize in.

Check out their website www.yellowstoneclub.com.  You will find a listing of a number of builders and architects that are active in the Yellowstone project. I will travelling in that region over the next few weeks and will give a report on my findings in an upcoming Wood Connections issue, or feel free to contact me at dfarley@bcwood.com.