Download - Supplier Magazine May-June 2013

H I G H G L O S SD E C O RPA N E L S

zenolite.com

REFLECT IONV IS IONINNOVAT ION

Z E N O L I T E ®

MA

Y/JU

NE

2013

Advanced technology and innovative features combine to bring you Häfele’s sophisticated range of appliances, sinks and taps. Designed around the user, our appliances, sinks and taps provide complete peace of mind.

With a bold & innovative design, our stainless steel range is simply beautiful and will complement the most contemporary kitchen design.

For more information on the Appliance, Sinks and tap range from Häfele contact your nearest sales office or visit www.hafele.com.au

OUTNOW

Ä SMART CHOICE FOR ALL KITCHENSHÄFELE APPLIANCES, SINKS & TAPS

The Akron 400 series of edgebandersare highly versatile and flexible.

With features suitablefor up to 12mm solid timber, and processing times of up to18m/min Akron Edgebanders are second to none.

Biesse makes the Nesting decision EASY– start with stand alone nesting machine

and upgrade to automatic loadingand unloading machine or fully

automated labelingcells at anytime.

Akron 400 SERIES

SkillG FTSERIES

Two position scraping unit for automatic processing of 1mm and 2mm edge strip Glue joint scraping unit Hot air blower unit

NSW E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] P: +64 (0)9 278 1870 E: [email protected]

Call 1300 BIESSE

We have a BiesseShowroom near you!

Windows based touch screen controlInnovative glue pot technology - requires no greasing!Quick melt gluing systemHigh quality HSD electrospindle CNC 4 motor servo-driven trimming units Two motor corner rounding units with automatic 4 position set up via control

Edgebanding Solutions

Table sizes from 2400 x 1200mm to 3600 x 1800mmWindows based PC controlAutomatic table zoning 10 vertical spindle drill head

On board tool change – 12 positions300 m3 Oil cooled vacuum pumpSensors on all stop pinsFull Yaskawa digital drive system (patented) HSD 16HP electrospindlePresetter for the measurement of the tool lengthEasy to use and fully integrated software Including BiesseWorks and BiesseNest

Advanced technology and innovative features combine to bring you Häfele’s sophisticated range of appliances, sinks and taps. Designed around the user, our appliances, sinks and taps provide complete peace of mind.

With a bold & innovative design, our stainless steel range is simply beautiful and will complement the most contemporary kitchen design.

For more information on the Appliance, Sinks and tap range from Häfele contact your nearest sales office or visit www.hafele.com.au

OUTNOW

Ä SMART CHOICE FOR ALL KITCHENSHÄFELE APPLIANCES, SINKS & TAPS

Upfront

Welcome to this edition of Supplier magazine - one that is full of all the information you have wondered about, as well as some you have asked us to find out for you – and all of which is essential in helping you in your daily business activities.

In this issue we explain what a QR code is. You have all seen them – they are those little boxes full of squiggles, but now we take the mystery out of them so that you can use them effectively in all your promotional campaigns. QR is the abbreviation of “Quick Response” so read the article on page 30 and put it into action!

In this issue you can go into the upgraded draw to win a 3d kitchen special package. Now, in every issue of Supplier magazine, Mr Chris Adams, director of 3d kitchen is offering this package free to one reader drawn from those who respond by email. So check out the full details on page 37 and enter today!

Also on page 59 you can now download Supplier Woodworking magazine onto your phone homescreen and take it with you everywhere!

And for those readers who would like to receive the magazine as a digital issue delivered to their inbox – just email [email protected] and in the subject line put “UPDATE 2013”. It’s that simple!

Look out for the next issue when we will have a full round-up of Ligna and interzum 2013.

Meet the team

Vicky Cammiade - Publisher Ph: 03 9890 0815; Fax: 03 9890 0087 or

Email: [email protected]

The only specialist business publication servicing the Furniture, Kitchen, Shop/Office Fittings, Cabinetmaking, Joinery and the related timber and panel product industries in Australasia for over 26 years!

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

ContentsMAY/JUNE 2013 vol. 29 no.3

Vicky Cammiade Publisher

Sean O’Sullivan Advisory Panel Member

Jennifer Curtis Group Managing Editor

Ashley CooperGroup National Sales &

Marketing Manager

Phil Ashley Advisory Panel Member

Member of the International Woodworking and

Furniture Supplier Magazine Association

☞News 5 Minister opens sawdoctor school

6 Australian architects, American hardwoods

8 Wood industry safety kit launched by WorkCover

10 HVG and EGR release new 2013 Zenolite range

☞Design & Trends14 CMA Awards 2013

18 Being relevant in today’s market

20 Three Sisters table

☞Training23 Australian apprentices shine

☞Business30 Getting a quick response

☞Software38 3d Kitchens promo offer upgraded

☞Manufacturing42 Ligna 2013: showing SCM’s passion for woodworking

44 GOSA increases production efficiency

48 Leitz: making processes more intelligent

50 Putting their win to good use

☞Front CoverEGR Decor Group

SupplierMay/June 2013 | 5www.suppliermagazine.com.au

News

THE latest information released from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows 2012 to have been a successful year for exports of American hardwood to Australia.

Figures show 8,556 m3 of American hardwood lumber exports to Australia in 2012 marking an increase of 11% over 2011 and a value of USD7.24m.

As in 2011, American white oak dominated in 2012 accounting for 75% of the total volume of lumber shipped to Australian shores. However, ash exports grew and red oak and tulipwood were shipped to Australia for the first time in 2012 as demand for a greater variety of species has risen.

Matthew Lee from Sydney’s Specialty Timber Traders said: “American hardwood species definitely gathered momentum in 2012. We have experienced a consistent demand from different sectors of the market and particularly in specified joinery applications. The fact that the American species have strong environmental

credentials certainly appears to have helped”.

Roderick Wiles, Director for the American Hardwood Export Council for Oceania said: “These figures are very encouraging. Australian architects, specifiers and designers are increasingly well versed in what American hardwoods have to offer in the context of the market. The fact that these customers have the reputation for being discerning and environmentally conscious in their choice makes us particularly pleased that American hardwoods are being selected with greater frequency in Australia”.●

PLANIT recently put the finishing touches on its new Melbourne office and training centre.

The new training centre in Westmeadows reinforces and strengthens Planit’s commitment to its Victorian and Tasmanian customers. The office provides a state-of-the-art training facility for Planit’s fundamental and in-house training as well as its monthly tech days.

The new office is located close to the Tullamarine Freeway and in close proximity to Melbourne Airport, which

allows easy access for customers including country and interstate visitors.

Leigh Swalling, Planit’s Territory Manager for Victoria said: “The newly completed additions to the premises have made it a great facility for our customers.

“The new premise supports Planit’s philosophy of integrating its solution into a customer’s business and equipping them with the knowledge and skills to utilise the software properly to gain the best return on investment possible.”.●

THE 19th of April was a busy day for the Honourable Peter Hall, Minister for Higher Education and Skills.

Not only was he guest of honour at the Victorian Furnishing Industry Training Awards in Melbourne, he also officially opened the National Sawdoctor Training school in Creswick, Victoria.

As usual, Creswick turned on a brisk Autumn day for the minister who attended the specialist forest industry training provider to open Australia's one and only sawdoctor training shop after a $250,000 upgrade.

The centre will train up to 80% of Australia's saw doctors over the next five years and stimulate interest in the forest industries.

The sawdoctor facility is located alongside Timber Training Creswick's own fully-working sawmill and tool and cutter grinding workshop, a move that is a first in Australia. This co-location will allow the students to work with the saw-millers and see the results of their saw doctoring skills.

TTC manager Rob Rule welcomed the announcement. Chairman of the board Tim Goodall of Warrnambool Timber Industries said the forest industries were going through rough times and the new centre was a positive move by the State Government.●

American Hardwoods put in solid performance

Minister opens sawdoctor school

Minister Peter Hall talks shop with Tim Goodall of Warrnambool Timber Industries

Planit opens new Melbourne office

6 | SupplierMay/June 2013 www.suppliermagazine.com.au

News

THE Construction Outlook Report for 2013/2014 reveals the ambiguous state of the market.

BCI Media Group**, a leading group of construction information services in the southern hemisphere, has released its annual construction outlook report, titled Ambiguous markets – Succeeding in the New Normal – Australian Construction Market Outlook 2013/2014.

The report provides critical analyses on the current state of the construction industry in Australia and reveals information on construction volumes by key sectors and states.

Damian Eastman, Chief Operating Officer BCI Australia and New Zealand, commented: “Over the past year the Australian construction industry has continued to struggle with limited growth and it is a very similar picture for the year ahead. However, the multi-residential and commercial

sectors are showing signs of positive progression, which allow for some reassurance to the market”.

Key findings• The total construction

projects market (building and infrastructure projects, excluding the detached housing sector as well as mining, oil and gas) is expected to grow 2% in the upcoming 2013/2014 financial year. This compares with a rise of 0.14% for the current fiscal year ending 30 June 2013.

• The first quarter 2013 saw a welcome bounce-back on building commencements. Since then, the most notable pattern is stability. The 2013/2014 year of construction will be marked by the evenness of work throughout the four quarters – it is neither growing nor shrinking any longer.

• Across all states, aged care construction continues to grow. There will be a 10% increase in 2013/2014

to bring the total value of aged care construction to $2 billion.

• Almost every state is expecting a significant augmentation of hospitality projects to start construction in 2013/2014. It is expected to be worth $1.6 billion, growing 45% from 2012/2013.

• The multi-residential construction market is still the biggest in Australia. The 2013/2014 pipeline has $8.3 billion of projects queued up, almost recouping the shortfall experienced in 2012/2013. The eastern states dominate this traditionally population-based market – the biggest growth moving into the next financial year is in NSW/ACT, which is forecast to increase by 30% to $2.8 billion.

• Nationally and in most states, the retail construction sector has been expanding. Overall, there was a 19% increase in the value of

work in 2012/2013 compared with the previous financial year. We can expect another 10.5% increase in 2013/2014 – totaling $4.2 billion of construction. This puts it ahead of the commercial sector in construction investment and second only to multi-residential.

• Construction sentiment in early 2013 showed encouraging signs – current workload was described as ‘fair’ and the expected order situation in 12 months was a consensus of cautious optimism.Availability of finance

remains the biggest detractor of growth.

By analysing 350,000 projects, BCI Media Group was able to identify the market segments set to take off, those set to trend sideways and areas that may fall over in the next twelve months.●

**BCI Australia services the building and construction industry, reporting on construction projects, tenders, fit-outs and contracts.

THE American Hardwood Export Council enjoyed a successful trip to Australia in April where they presented to 10 of NSW’s top architecture practices.

Roderick Wiles, Director for AHEC Oceania, and hardwood expert Criswell Davis visited the firms to discuss the relative advantages of the variety of American hardwoods with what they found to be very receptive audiences.

“We tend to find Australian architects have a great understanding of wood given the range of indigenous

species. They are acutely aware of the environmental credentials of their materials and are well placed to evaluate the relative benefits of American hardwoods,” commented Wiles.

The trip also included presentations at Britton Timbers and a visit to the Sturt School for Wood in Mittagong where some of Australia’s top furniture designers have learnt their craft.

AHEC will be back in NSW in August as sponsors of Saturday in Design in Sydney and will also be travelling to Victoria.●

IN an age where Green building is increasingly popular, consumers and professionals alike are looking to use materials which are certified to reduce their footprint.

DuPont Corian has always been at the forefront of innovation and has invested heavily in research and processes to ensure the most sustainable outcome including zero landfill from production, Greenguard, and NSF certifications, to name a few.

In March 2013, CASF Australia attained Global Greentag Certification

for all Corian products including adhesives.

Greentag is the only ACCC national accredited green building mark. It is Green Building Councils of Australia and New Zealand recognised. A Greentag certified product is a product that can be trusted for its performance and environmental responsibility.

The Green Star Materials Calculators developed by GBCA make it easy to specify products to achieve the minimum number of points for Green Star and other green building rating tools Certification.●

Construction market news ambiguous

Australian architects, American hardwood Corian is certified green

SOFTWARE dkitchen

KITCHEN DESIGN SOFTWARE

Rob Carson WA 0405-267-941

Tony Adwan NSW SA VIC TAS 0417-453-735

Karl May QLD NT 0414-869-736

d KITCHEN LEADING YOU TO HIGHER PROFITS

DESIGN COSTING PRODUCTION CNC NESTING YOUR CHOICE. YOU KNOW WHAT WE DO AND… WE DO IT BETTER. e: [email protected] w: www.dkitchen.com

SOFTWARE


THE Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) has announced its 2013 annual General Assembly will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 13 November, to be followed by the Stakeholder Dialogue meeting and related workshops.

PEFC, in co-operation with the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) will host a week long program of events including a conference, workshops and visits to be unveiled shortly. Up to 200 delegates are expected to participate from all over the world, with a special emphasis placed on attracting strong representation from forest sector representatives in Asia.

PEFC is the world’s largest forest certification system, and it continues to make great strides in Asia. Building upon PEFC’s endorsement of Malaysia’s certification system, the assessment is now underway for endorsement of China’s certification system.

Additional progress is on-

going in national certification system development in a number of countries including Indonesia, Japan, South Korea and Myanmar.

Alongside national system growth is an increase in private sector interest for pursuing Chain of Custody certification, stimulating further demand for certified forest products. PEFC hopes to further cultivate this positive dynamic by hosting its annual event in the Asia region and putting the spotlight on issues of importance for the region.

Speaking at the organisation’s Geneva headquarters PEFC’s Secretary General, Ben Gunneberg said: “The Malaysian Timber Certification Council’s scheme, MTCS, was the first natural forest management certification standard in a tropical country to be endorsed by PEFC.

“Malaysia is a leader on tropical forest certification both in the region and internationally, and it is therefore most fitting that we meet in Kuala Lumpur this year.” ●

PEFC annual General Assembly slated for Kuala Lumpur

NewsPEFC Certified Plywood

from Malaysia.

Certification Assessment Audit Team in Malaysia.

MORE than 2,100 NSW businesses in the wood products manufacturing industry will have received safety kits from WorkCover NSW as part of a program to improve safety in one of the state’s highest risk industries.

The Safety Kit is part of WorkCover’s recently-announced action plan that focuses on reducing workplace injuries and illnesses and improving injury management across the wood products manufacturing industry. There were 1,965 workers compensation claims in the three years to 2010 at a cost of $19.5 million to the NSW workers’ compensation scheme placing it among the State’s 10 highest risk industries.

The industry is comprised of businesses involved in the manufacture of wooden doors and windows, kitchen cabinets, frames and trusses as well as joineries with the majority employing less than five workers.

General Manager of WorkCover’s Work Health and Safety Division, John Watson said the Safety Kit featured a range of resources to help business improve safety and injury management.

“Businesses within this industry are time and resource poor, and require assistance to improve safety cultures,” Mr Watson said.

“The most common injuries and illnesses include muscular injuries when carrying or putting down timber and wounds from industrial guns or saws.

“The Industry Action Plan identifies five key issues businesses need to address to improve safety and injury management, these include manual tasks at the workshop; manual tasks at client sites; guarding on machines

and powered hand tools; occupational disease from exposure to wood dust and noise; and delayed return to work of injured workers.

“Industry has told us that to enable businesses to address these issues they need simple and easy-to-use information and resources.

“The Wood Products Manufacturing Industry Safety Kit does just that, featuring a CD on Safety in the Wood Products Industry which outlines how to manage the five major issues, flyers on our Safety Coach Program and Wood Products Rebate as well as a WorkCover poster and postcard.

“Over the coming weeks, WorkCover inspectors will be visiting wood products manufacturing businesses throughout NSW to explain how the Kit can help them make their workplaces more productive, healthy and safe.

“The Safety Kit provides information and advice in a simple and easy format which will help businesses improve safety and I believe it will be well-received across the industry.”

The Wood Products Manufacturing Industry Program is part of WorkCover’s Focus on Industry Program which involves working with businesses to make their workplaces more productive, healthy and safe.

As part of the Program WorkCover is working with its six industry action plan partners, the Furnishing Industry Association of Australia, Timber Trade Industrial Association of Australia, Timber and Building Materials Association, Housing Industry Association, Master Builders Association and the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union’s Forestry and Furnishing Products Division.●

Wood industry safety kit launched by WorkCover

Reconstructed veneers are not all equal.

Elton Group has been supplying Eveneer to the Australian furniture industry for over 50 years. Manufactured in Italy and tested for Australian conditions Eveneer and Eveneer Essentials, quality you can trust.

eltongroup.com 1300 133 481

Available on board from

Associated Panel Products 08 8947 1144 Capital Veneers 02 6299 1557 J H Wilberforce 08 9340 6222 & 03 9793 7099 Laminex 132 136 Legno 02 9645 2137 Plyco 03 9499 4997 Processed Forest Products 02 9771 5155 Revolution Wood Panels 07 3205 9182 Sharp Plywood 07 3271 4511 Specialty Woods 02 9725 2277 Timberwood Panels 03 9769 0177 Veneer Panels 08 8281 3444 & 0414 691 093 Yates Wood Products 02 9618 3499

Eveneer__Campaign_Ad-Suppler-1121.indd 1 21/11/12 5:49 PM


News

THE US Department of Commerce has issued preliminary anti-dumping duty rates ranging from 22.14% to 63.96% in its ongoing investigation of Chinese-made hardwood plywood. (Source: Furniture Today)

The duties, which won't be finalised until mid-July, could fall on top of the preliminary countervailing duties of 22.63% or 27.16% announced in March.

The duties stem from an investigation sought by US hardwood plywood producers last September into the pricing tactics of Chinese producers. The US manufacturers, also known as the Coalition for Fair Trade of Hardwood Plywood, allege that Chinese producers are shipping similar goods to the US at

unfair prices below market value. The US International Trade Commission

has determined this has caused injury to the US producers.

"The coalition's petition, and the US laws that address unfair trading, are not punitive but remedial," said Jeff Levin, an attorney for the coalition. "We are not looking to punish anyone."

The hardwood and decorative plywood addressed in the case is used in cabinetry, shelving, RVs and boats and some furniture.

The coalition said that based on the DOC's findings, imports from all but two Chinese producers are subject to these preliminary duties. It added that the companies subject to duties account for more than 90% of the total hardwood plywood imports from China.●

HARN, an emerging brand for drawer runner systems from Asia, has returned from its successful trade show at recent Interzum Guangzhou 2013.

The show, which took place from 27 to 30 March, saw 1,095 exhibitors including 251 international companies from 28 countries taking part in one of Asia's most comprehensive

woodworking machinery, furniture production and interior design trade fairs.

This is Harn's tenth consecutive year of participation in CIFM and it was once again very successful for Harn. The interest in the products exhibited is supported by the relatively good sales results of Triomax soft close drawer system from the worldwide market.●

EGR has named HVG Decorative Building Products, as the exclusive national distributor of the Zenolite range of products.

EGR has invested many months into developing a comprehensive collection of solid colours and patterns that will appeal to a broad cross section of the market.

The fundamental values of Zenolite remain the same – lightweight, cost effective, ease of installation, impact resistance and short lead times, making Zenolite a compelling choice for specifiers and builders where a premium interior high gloss wall finish is desired.

Zenolite was first released in 2008, and has already taken hold as a premium interior high gloss wall product in the commercial and residential markets. Some five years on, the Zenolite wall panel has improved versatility with 12 solid colours and eight exciting prints.

According to David Maltby, HVG’s Decorative Building Products Business Manager, the 2013 range is very impressive.

“Our sales team has never been more excited about the Zenolite product range, and with the introduction of new colours and industry efficient sheet sizes there really isn’t a wall application in any sized project we cannot enhance with Zenolite,” David said.

The new 2013 Zenolite range was designed from the ground up with Australian renowned colour consultancy Colourways working closely with the team at HVG to better understand the ever changing market requirements.

“We worked intensely on the colours and new patterns to create a vibrant range that is as subtle as it is dramatic. We wanted to ensure the colours were strong when used unaccompanied, but were cohesive as a range,” said EGR Group Décor Manager, Amy Smith.

Zenolite range is available from HVG distribution centres in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth as well as from their HVG regional distributors.●

Chinese plywood faces anti-dumping in US

Successful exhibition for Harn

HVG and EGR release the new 2013 Zenolite range

First by choice § Specialist distributor of essential products for the kitchen,

shop fitting and furniture industries § Convenient single source of everything you need § Innovation and inspired design § Extensive range of original and distributed

world-class brands § Our prices are genuinely competitive § Full manufacturer’s warranty on all items § Reliable and extensive support network § Nearly 60 years experience exceeding our clients’

expectations § Australian family-owned company § Personalised service

NEW to NovEr! § Krome Drawer Systems § Rhino Ply Premium TX HPL Panels § Quartzstone 7 mm Stone Range § Corelight Waterproof WPC Panels § Prolight Foam Core Panels

ComiNg sooNA full hardware offering from a well-established, Europeansupplier who has created, developed and manufacturedfittings for over 50 years.

SPECIALIST DISTRIBUTOR



KITCHENS

SHOP FITTINGFURNITURE

CONVENIENCE

INNOVATION

INSPIRED DESIGN

EXTENSIVE RANGE

COMPETITIVE PRICES QUALITY KITCHENSIMPECCABLE

REPUTATION AUSTRALIAN & FAMILY OWNED

AUSTRALIAN & FAMILY OWNED


OUTSTANDING SERVICE

OUTSTANDING SERVICE

IMPECCABLE REPUTATION

CONVENIENCE

INSPIRED DESIGN



SPECIALIST DISTRIBUTORFURNITURE KITCHENS

KITCHENS

KITCHENS


FURNITURE CONVENIENCE

INNOVATION

INSPIRED DESIGNINSPIRED DESIGN

INSPIRED DESIGN EXTENSIVE RANGEEXTENSIVE RANGE

EXTENSIVE RANGE

COMPETITIVE PRICES

COMPETITIVE PRICES QUALITY

QUALITY





KITCHENS

OUTSTANDING SERVICE

OUTSTANDING SERVICE

OUTSTANDING SERVICE OUTSTANDING SERVICE


OUTSTANDING SERVICE


CONVENIENCE IMPECCABLEREPUTATION

IMPECCABLEREPUTATION


INNOVATION KITCHENS

SHOP FITTING


FURNITURE EXTENSIVE RANGE


INNOVATION



KITCHENS


CONVENIENCE

INNOVATION

INSPIRED DESIGN

EXTENSIVE RANGE





OUTSTANDING SERVICE

OUTSTANDING SERVICE


CONVENIENCE

INSPIRED DESIGN




KITCHENS

KITCHENS


KITCHENS

KITCHENS



INNOVATION

INNOVATION


EXTENSIVE RANGE

EXTENSIVE RANGE


QUALITY

QUALITY









OUTSTANDING SERVICE

OUTSTANDING SERVICE


OUTSTANDING SERVICE



CONVENIENCE

CONVENIENCE

CONVENIENCE

CONVENIENCE




INNOVATION


FURNITURE KITCHENS

EXTENSIVE RANGE


INNOVATION

KITCHENSINNOVATION




KITCHENS


CONVENIENCE

INNOVATION

INSPIRED DESIGN

EXTENSIVE RANGE






OUTSTANDING SERVICE

OUTSTANDING SERVICE


CONVENIENCE

INSPIRED DESIGN


SPECIALIST DISTRIBUTORFURNITURE KITCHENS

KITCHENS

KITCHENS



INNOVATION


INSPIRED DESIGN EXTENSIVE RANGEEXTENSIVE RANGE

EXTENSIVE RANGE

COMPETITIVE PRICES


QUALITY





KITCHENS

OUTSTANDING SERVICE

OUTSTANDING SERVICE

OUTSTANDING SERVICE OUTSTANDING SERVICE


OUTSTANDING SERVICE

OUTSTANDING SERVICE


CONVENIENCE IMPECCABLEREPUTATION



INNOVATION KITCHENS


FLEXIBLE EXTENSIVE RANGE


INNOVATION


FLEXIBLE


CONVENIENCE

INNOVATION

INSPIRED DESIGN

EXTENSIVE RANGE




OUTSTANDING SERVICE

OUTSTANDING


CONVENIENCE

INSPIRED DESIGN




FLEXIBLE

KITCHENS


KITCHENS

KITCHENS



INNOVATION

INNOVATION


EXTENSIVE RANGE

EXTENSIVE RANGE


QUALITY

QUALITY









OUTSTANDING SERVICE

OUTSTANDING SERVICE


OUTSTANDING SERVICE



CONVENIENCE

CONVENIENCE

CONVENIENCE

CONVENIENCE




INNOVATION


FURNITURE KITCHENS

EXTENSIVE RANGE


INNOVATION

KITCHENSINNOVATION

more than just a supplier

FOr DEtAiLs ON OUr EXtENsiVE rANGE AND LOCAL PrEsENCE CONtACt Us1300 668 371 e [email protected] w www.nover.com.au

47057 NoverAd_forSupplierMagazine.indd 1 16/05/13 3:43 PM


Design & Trends

Colours, materials,

functions: it’s often the

detail that makes things

special.

colour options, materials, design lines and shapes, supplemented by a wide range of top-quality add-on and organising systems – all harmoniously co-ordinated – are the ingredients for individuality, comfort and stylish living. Grass has now expanded this variety to include a top-class add-on system for glass – part of the DWD XP full-range drawer program – which can be used in countless applications, wherever the elegant aesthetics of glass is a design requirement.

Glass is also behind another addition to the Nova Pro drawer system – the glass option Nova Pro Crystal is now available for the Nova Pro Classic drawer slide, which ensures stable yet easy movement and is the ideal choice for handle-free opening and closing with the innovative comfort systems from Grass.

Stylish black is the colour that inspired the new shade option Nova Pro Night. The attractive double-wall metal add-on Duowing for Nova Pro simply slides on over the railing and can be used for both Nova Pro Classic and Nova Pro Deluxe.

Dynapro concealed slide now with integrated TipmaticGrass has now optimally combined the versatility of the concealed slide system Dynapro with the touch-activated opening mechanism Tipmatic by incorporating it in the slide beneath the drawer. As a result, no additional assembly and no extra space are required. The system is based on a modular design.

Tipmatic can be used with or without

synchronisation as the synchronisation mechanism permits simple, tool-free retrofitting. Synchronisation is recommended for drawer widths of 700 mm and above to ensure activation at virtually any point on the front of extra-wide drawers.

An entirely new option is the floor mounting of Dynapro.

Tiomos hinge A Tiomos version with 120° opening angle reduction clip and integrated damper is now part of the Tiomos hinge range. For door thicknesses up to 27 mm, Grass offers a Tiomos 90˚ hinge. Furniture makers can look forward to creating even greater colour harmony in their product lines as Grass is now offering Tiomos in additional colours. This means the hinge can either provide a striking contrast or subtly blend in with the furniture design.

To prevent the Tiomos hinge from being inadvertently released from the mounting plate, Grass is now introducing an additional protection feature. This consists of a small plastic clip, which is simply inserted at the end of the hinge to lock it in place. The clip can be conveniently removed by means of a screwdriver and ensures that everything remains securely seated.

With the protection clip, the risk of the hinge being accidentally separated from the mounting plate – for example by children playing with the cabinet – now becomes a thing of the past.

Fine-tuning its portfolio to cover broad-based uses in the future is all part of the Grass philosophy. ●

Perfect isn’t enough for Grass

By continuously improving and expanding its proven movement systems, Grass is able to offer customers greater scope for creative design. At interzum 2013, Grass presented new versions of many of its products, inspiring the market with trendy colours, solutions for tricky installation requirements and options for enhanced safety.

Virtually every product family in the comprehensive Grass range boasts new additions, providing an ever-growing choice of colours and materials as well as enabling the use of successfully proven movement systems in non-standard situations with special requirements.

All new developments are subject to the highest quality standards and are expected to meet the high demands that Grass sets for its products in terms of functionality and tasteful design. As a result, furniture manufacturers and designers are able to push the envelope further and further when creating their own products and can use the premium movement systems consistently throughout all their furniture lines, however individual those may be.

Double-wall drawer systemsThe drawer systems feature a host of additions that make the products more versatile than ever. Different

By continuously improving and expanding its proven movement systems, Grass is able to offer customers greater scope for creative design. Virtually every product family in the comprehensive Grass range boasts new additions.

Grass Australia/New Zealand Pty. Ltd.

Australia: New Zealand: Phone +61 3 9421 3048 Phone: +64 9 273 7491Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

The advantages of the Nova Pro cabinet slide can be felt - during each movement. It is the feeling touch that conveys the sense of quality, of fi rm but free-running operation.

The elegant, complete drawer programme for the utmost in comfort. A choice of colours, materials, design lines and shapes, supplemented by a large number of side elements and organizer systems – all harmoniously coordinated – these are the ingredients for individuality, comfort and quality living.

Novapro Tipmatic Plus – the synchronized open-by-touch system – for drawers without any hand-les opens the Novapro drawers gently and evenly.

With Sensotronic the unique electronically con-trolled slide system drawers open and close in response to a gentle tap. They move loads of up to 70 kg uniformly open and shut at the set speed.

NOVA PRO DRAWER SYSTEM

The elegant and complete drawer system with precision and individuality.

www.grass-australia.comwww.grass-newzealand.com

AD_HDL_NovaPro_Allg_210x297_NZ_AUS_ENG.indd 1 22.05.13 09:22


Design & Trends

The inaugural Australian Cabinet Maker of the Year Awards held

6 April 2013 presented an opportunity for cabinet makers and

designers to be recognised and rewarded for their skills and expertise.

The Cabinet Maker of the Year Awards conducted by the Cabinet Makers Association in Victoria have been the peak awards in that state for industry recognition in the design and manufacture of kitchens, bathrooms and fitted furniture for a number of years.

Many Victorian cabinet makers have used their success at the Victorian awards as an opportunity to promote their business. The prestige and recognition that the independent panel of respected industry judges affords is an asset to any business’s marketing.

With the introduction of the Cabinet Makers and Designers Association in 2012, the decision was made by the inaugural committee to introduce the Australian Cabinet Maker of the Year Awards. These awards are expected to bring together innovation and a national focus on future trends and superior workmanship. The benefits to the industry will be enormous and there will be significant opportunities for all involved.

CMA Awards 2013

de Wacht Cabinets and Design – winner – Best Kitchen $15-$25000 category.

Bottom: Cabinet Maker of the Year – L T Nickson and Burke.


Enquiries 1300 850 [email protected]

• Training specifically designed for the home improvement and building industry

• Australia wide, accredited training• Certificate IV in Small Business Management• Certificate IV in Design of Kitchens, Bathrooms

and Interior Spaces• Professional Development short courses (CPD points)• Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

DT-QuarterPg-Ad-0313.indd 1 21/03/13 5:00 PM

Judging of the awards was conducted by an independent panel of respected individuals from a range of backgrounds including design, manufacture, compliance and consumer perspective.

One judge, Carl Fletcher of The Laminex Group loves being part of the judging team for the awards.

“I have now been involved each year since 2007, said Carl. “During this time there has been a massive change in kitchen styles and colours and I have seen trends come and go.

“I have certainly enjoyed putting my 12 years’ experience as a qualified joiner as well as the 13 years I have worked in sales at The Laminex Group to good use in each of the decisions made in judging the CMA awards.

“I thought that the calibre of the entries this year was quite high although I would have liked to see more entries. The hardest category to judge was the high dollar value jobs (Kitchens over $40,000). There were quite a few entries to work through in this category and all were of a high standard.

“Some of these beautiful pieces of work would have taken quite a while to produce let alone work out what the client actually required.”

Another judge, Sylvia Dziuba, the National Sales Manager for EQ Software was involved in the judging process for the first time this year. “It was great to see a high number of submissions with great variety of designs within the different price structures,” she said.

“It was also good to see a new trend evolving, where the kitchen furniture is starting to blend in with the living environment around it and coming away from the all-white trend, which has been present in the Australian scene over the last 10 years or more.

Left: L T Nickson and Burke – winner – Best Kitchen $25 to $40000 category (top).L T Nickson and Burke – winner – Best Bathroom or Laundry category (bottom).

Right: Orana Designer Kitchens – winner – Best Built in Furniture.

Top: de Wacht Cabinets and Design – winner – Best Kitchen less than $15000 category.

Above: Melbourne Contemporary Kitchens – winner – Best Kitchen over $40000 category.


Design & Trends

WINNERSBest Kitchen under $15,000 de Wacht Cabinets & Design Pty Ltd

Best Kitchen $15,000 to $25,000 de Wacht Cabinets & Design Pty Ltd

Best Kitchen $25,000 to $40,000 L T Nickson & Burke

Best Kitchen over $40,000 Melbourne Contemporary Kitchens

Best Bathroom or Laundry Cabinetry L T Nickson & Burke

Best Built in Furniture Orana Designer Kitchens

Best New Member Entry Melbourne Contemporary Kitchens

President’s Award Smith & Smith Kitchens

Australian Cabinet Maker of the Year L T Nickson & Burke

SponsorsBlum (Premium Platinum) Hafele (Gold)Lincoln Sentry (Silver)First Super (Pre-dinner drinks sponsor)Wiseman Institute (Supporter)ForestWorks (Supporter) ●

16 Industry Leaders speak on

16 Industry Leading Kitchen, Cabinet, Shop Fitting, Furniture, Window and Joinery Manufacturers throughout Australia and New Zealand talk about their productivity increases, KPIs, factory secrets and use of Empower Software – live on YouTube NOW. All are short videos a few minutes each. Factory productivity increases profiled on YouTube range from 17% to 160% - the average increase in factory productivity across 21 manufacturers is 47.5%.

Go to www.youtube.com now and search empower time tracking software.

Diary note to view YouTube again in 3 months time: an additional 16 leading manufacturers who use Empower Software will be on YouTube.

Empower Manufacturing Software Modules• Time Tracking/Labour Management Software (using 2nd hand PCs on the factory floor)• Job Scheduling Software• Quoting, Materials, Job Management Software

Phone, e mail or go to our web site - and we will send you a FREE information package including a proposal to implement Empower Software in your business - [email protected] or www.empowersoftware.biz

Sydney (02) 8011 3281, Melbourne (03) 9016 2537, Adelaide (08) 7200 1132, Auckland (09) 307 1115

Go to www.youtube.com now and search empower time tracking software

Greenmount Manufacturing “Substantial increases in factory productivity” - $10 million annual turnover, 45 staff, in commercial fit outs, kitchens and camper van fit outs – using Empower for 8 months (Auckland)

Comace Interior Fit Outs “We have achieved well in excess of 30% increase in factory productivity” – 27 staff business using Empower for 4 years (Adelaide)

Rose and Heather Furniture “100% increase in factory and staff productivity using Empower Software” – 20 factory staff and using Empower for 5 years (Auckland)

Central Joinery “Our goal is for Empower to increase our factory productivity by 25%” – $10 million annual turnover, 45 staff, using Empower for 3 years (Auckland)

RH Page Shop Fitters International Shop Fitter seriously committed to lean manufacturing and Empower Software – 30 factory staff using Empower for 2 years (Auckland)

Peppertree Furniture 1 “45.25 % increase in factory productivity - using Empower for 10 weeks” – 20 factory staff (Adelaide)

Peppertree Furniture 2 “86% increase in factory productivity ¬ using Empower for 6 months” – 20 factory staff (Adelaide)

Montage Kitchens “17% increase in factory productivity in year 1” – 20 man kitchen shop using Empower for 8 years (Hamilton)

Modulink Joinery “$6 million annual turnover, 30 staff, in hotel fit outs, kitchens and office furniture – business and turnover has grown ten fold in 6 years and Empower has controlled that growth and profitability over the 6 years” (Christchurch)

Barrett Joinery “30% increase in Factory Productivity” 18 factory staff using Empower for 5 years (Timaru)

Phoenix Aluminium Windows “160% + increase in factory productivity. 26 factory staff down to 10 staff and output increased” - $13 million annual turnover, one of New Zealand’s most productive and progressive aluminium window Manufacturers (Auckland)

Vogue Kitchens “Significant increases in factory

productivity within 2 weeks of Empower Software implementation” – 9 factory staff (New Plymouth)

Total Timba “25% factory productivity increase - and Empower Software worked from day 1” - 8 factory staff using Empower for 4 years (Auckland)

PJT Cabinets “We used to use time sheets that our staff filled in their times on jobs at day end. Empower proved the time manual sheet times were highly inaccurate. We have made significant productivity gains in the factory and office on Empower and I highly recommend it”

MARS Heavy Road Transport “Empower turned our factory productivity on its ear increasing it by an absolute minimum 30%, and turned my business around” - 35 man engineering shop using Empower for 3 years (Riverland, SA)

Home Plus Southland “160% increase in factory productivity. 9 factory staff reduced down to 5 staff in year 1 – same output. Then 5 factory staff doing twice the turnover and work load that the 9 staff had been completing previously” - using Empower for 5 years (Invercargill)


Rex Hirst, National

President of the KDBi

and for many years a

committee member for

both the HIA and CMDA

talks to Supplier Magazine

about the challenges

facing the industry and

what he is doing to ensure

the future of his business.

Cabinetmaking is all about making boxes but Rex believes that, in order to succeed in today’s market, cabinetmakers need to think outside the box. And this is exactly what he is doing.

The opening of a brand new showroom for his long established business, Let’s Talk Kitchens, in Canterbury, Victoria, is testament to Rex’s beliefs. He has even changed the name of his business to Let’s Talk Kitchens and Interiors to accomplish this.

The move to new premises was part of Rex’s ongoing strategy to broaden the scope of his business and keep moving it up market.

“For ten years I have wanted to change the focus of the business from

just kitchens to broader interior design. These new premises allow us to display more than just kitchens. It is all about lateral thinking – there are plenty of rooms in the house where cabinetry is used and we have many of these on display along with a variety of kitchen styles.”

The premises are also situated in one of the more expensive suburbs of Melbourne and this allows the business to aim at the upper price bracket.

In a beautiful, large heritage listed space are kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, entertainment units, built in robes, study/small office and more on display – showing the scope and variety of projects available to the cabinet maker.

Being relevant in today’s market

Design & Trends


“The challenge in today’s market is to be relevant,” said Rex. “My advice is don’t be cheap, be different.

“If you try to get work by quoting a low price, all you are doing is competing with the likes of Bunnings and Masters. Instead, you need to be different – set yourself apart from the crowd.”

Rex went on to say that the average cabinet maker lives under the thumb of the builder, who will always be pushing for the lowest possible price. The trouble is that continually trying to cut prices to get the work inevitably leads a business to fail.

“To run a successful business it isn’t enough just to cover wages, you need to get a return on your investment.

“My business focuses on the best outcome for the customer at the best price possible,” he said. “We discuss all options with them upfront and explain that while we are not necessarily the cheapest we will give them what they want so that it satisfies them long term.”

“We actually charge for our designs,” said Rex. “I have found that people place more value on something they have to pay for.”

The new showroom also includes an actual working kitchen where twice monthly cooking demonstrations will be held by Smeg along with a large space for samples of laminates, other

surface materials and a training room in which he trains his design staff.

“Training is vitally important to our industry – in fact, the more training the better,” said Rex. “The KBDi has a separate training division called Designer Training and I would encourage all cabinetmakers to have a look at it. They really need to learn more about designing if they want to succeed. There are even government grants to help subsidise your staff training costs.”

The official opening, which took place in early May, was attended by over 100 people including representatives of many industry suppliers including Blum, Hettich, Hafele, Lincoln Sentry, Borgs, Laminex, Amerind, Tesrol, Mitchell Laminates, Caesar Stone, Quantum Quartz, Corian, Staron, E&S Trading, Qasair, Southern Cross Splashbacks and Melbourne Safety Glass, as well as interior designers, builders, and all of the Let’s Talk team. ●


Design & Trends

Husband and wife team Luke Novotny and Louise Hugo-Hamman of Technicart Architects recently completed a wooden table for the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre in Katoomba, Sydney, Australia.

The Blue Mountains border the Sydney metropolitan region and are formed from an ancient sandstone plateau that has spectacular valley, gorge and cliff formations. The area has a distinct environment, history and culture, which the Cultural Centre displays to great effect.

Technicart was commissioned to produce a reception desk for the Katoomba Art Gallery situated within the new Blue Mountains Cultural Centre. The desk draws its inspiration from the immediate geographical surrounds exploring topography, stratification and erosion.

The table concept was presented as part of an open invitation to artists and designers.

Using the digital modelling tools, Rhino and 3D Studio Max, Technicart proposed an organic and fluid form with the intention of having the piece milled using a 5-axis milling machine.

“Once commissioned to produce the piece we began to rationalise the competition form,” explained Luke. “We spoke with two fabricators, one with a 5-axis machine and one with a 3-axis machine. Alex Rosemont of Rosemonts & Co was enthusiastic and willing to provide his machining expertise and advice, which was critical to developing the digital model into a buildable object.

“We refined our design to work with his SCM Pratix NTS 48 3-axis

machine. This meant we were careful to avoid any undercuts in the form. Rhino’s draft angle analysis tools (typically used for mould design) allowed us to refine the shape and avoid any undercut surfaces.”

Luke produced eight 1/10 scale models of the evolving design using laser cut plywood assembled to produce contour models which were then presented to the client and used to gauge aesthetics, stability and ergonomics. The digital model was also digitally rendered throughout the design process to ensure the surface they were developing was continually smooth.

“With final sign off of the design we sliced the model into horizontal sections at 30mm intervals having decided to mill the table from 30mm birch plywood supplied by DMK Forest Products,” said Luke. “The resultant parts were nested within standard board sizes using Rhinonest software, minimising material usage. Eleven 30mm ply sheets were used in total.

“Tool paths were generated using two techniques. For surfaces with

steep inclinations horizontal contours were derived at one millimetre intervals from the nested models. This allowed the machine to trace the contours quickly saving machining time. For shallow surfaces, STL meshes were written out from Rhino and fed into AlphaCam where diagonal tool paths traced the surface resulting in a smoother result.

“All output to the milling machine was controlled through AlphaCam by Alex Rosemont.

“The pieces were assembled in manageable parts and glued with a vacuum bag where possible. Once glued together the table was sanded using rotational and hand sanding. This took 30 to 40 hours of sanding time.

“A drawer was fabricated by John Gallagher of Piece furniture using hand techniques and the table was finished with a clear polyurethane coat.”

The Three Sisters table now forms a permanent part of the Katoomba Art Gallery collection.●

Three Sisters table

Photos by Sarah Rowlands and Luke Novotny.


New European hardware offer from Nover

Nover has secured the

exclusive Australian rights

to a premium quality, well

established European

supplier, which has been

creating, developing and

manufacturing fittings and

components for over 50

years.

As a business, they were recently approached by a number of European brands and are now pleased and excited to announce that after much research, discussion and consultation, they have successfully secured a brilliant European supplier.

In addition to being in the industry for over 50 years, this new supplier has a strong commitment to research, new product development and quality, and is a leading company in the European sector.

With several production plants in Europe, with all items being

developed and manufactured in Europe, and a network of distributors in over 20 countries, Nover is excited and proud to be partnering with them.

This partnership is a very exciting landmark for Nover as an organisation and works in well with the company’s objective to become a more independent supply partner for your business – with a comprehensive, quality range that offers you convenience and the ability to save money by sourcing everything you need from one supplier.

Nover’s new European hardware offer will be extensive, well priced, high quality and competitive. Nover plans to go to market well prepared to make your decision to choose Nover for all of your hardware as easy as possible.

Nover will be launching the new offer in August 2013 with more specific product information to be released in the coming weeks and months. Until then, they would like you to know that a quality and competitive new offer is on its way – and it’s fantastic.

New Nover cooktopNover’s all new Platinum Induction Cooktop will be available from June 2013. This new 600mm cooktop features the latest induction technology and comes with four zone boost feature.

The cooktop is extremely energy efficient and both safe and easy to clean. The addition of a four zone boost feature means the cooktop can also provide instant, intense heat to all four cooking zones, for super quick meals.

It comes with a full two year manufacturer’s warranty and will be offered as part of a package Nover complete with an Induction cooktop, fan forced oven and slideout rangehood at a special low price.●

Some of the attractive, modern and high quality product from Nover’s new European hardware offer, which is set to rival any in the market.


Design & Trends

Thoughtful designs for a kitchen that flows

Appliances, sinks and taps from Häfele

They say the kitchen is the social hub of any home – which makes choosing the finishing touches absolutely crucial. Everything has to just work.

Thankfully, those who choose from Häfele’s extensive range of appliances have it pretty easy. No one has to wait hours for a roast to cook; no one has to worry whether the fridge they specified will meet the demands of a busy lifestyle – they just choose Häfele and move on.

That’s because Häfele appliances have thoughtfully built around the needs of a functional home, combining advanced technology with bold innovative design for modern living.

These elegant solutions promise years of high performance living. From clever cooktops, to streamlined sinks, from multifunction ovens to integrated refrigerators, Hafele really has thought of almost everything. These kitchen solutions can fit any style home and will look just as good tomorrow as they do today.

And the best part is – everything just works and life in the kitchen flows.●


The annual 2013 Victorian Furnishing Industry

Training Awards (VFITA) were recently

held at the Plaza Ballroom, Melbourne in

celebration of the achievements of the next

generation of furniture craftsmanship.

The best of Victoria’s furnishing trainees were nominated by employers, teachers and registered training providers for their pieces, which included glass top coffee tables, intricately carved desks, tables and chairs, creative picture framing, occasional pieces, sideboards and a customised DJ booth.

Respected sports journalist and ex-AFL player Michael Roberts brought the night to life as MC by engaging industry panellists Christian Cole, Jeff Maas and Ewan

McEoin who inspired guests with great insights into the past, present and future of the furnishing industry.

The People’s Choice Award was awarded to Philip Emeny of South West Institute of TAFE for his multifaceted computer desk and the prestigious Andrew Kossenas Award this year went to Colin Roberts from Holmesglen with his Carolina sideboard.

The awards not only recognise the outstanding efforts made within the industry but are also an

Australian apprentices shine

Main image: Andrew Kossenas Apprentice of the Year, Colin Roberts with Holmesglen TAFE representative, Philip Ashley and Minister Peter Hall.

Left: (Top) Winner of the Certificate II in Furniture Making award, Sally Smith from NMIT with sponsor Carjo Furniture.(Bottom) Certificate III in Cabinet Making winner, Philip Emeny, South West TAFE, with award sponsor, CMA.

24

Training


Training

excellent platform to acknowledge the industry as a whole and highlight the career and business opportunities available in this varied and vibrant industry.

“Acknowledging our up and coming craftspeople is essential for supporting and encouraging them to continue to build their passion for the industry,” said Australian Furniture Association CEO, Patrizia

Torelli. “The team of employers, registered training organisations and teachers, who work diligently behind the scenes to support the trainees, provide the much needed guidance, direction and motivation to keep the industry alive and thriving.”

The VFITA dinner was held on the 19th April at the Plaza Ballroom, Melbourne. ●

Left: Employer Excellence in Training Small to Medium Enterprise winner, Mark Heydon of Creative Framing with David Galloway of First Super.Above: Special guest, Minister Peter Hall and the President of AFA, Joe Mimmo.Below: Furnishing Design and Technology Award winner Joshua Bourke from RMIT School of Design with sponsor, Kangan Institute representative, Philip Pringle. 23


Product Update

HIDE laundry, store extra linen or use as a removable washing basket – the new Laundry Hamper from Hideaway Bins is a high quality storage solution for the home.

Featuring air vents to reduce moisture and a robust steel frame designed to withstand the weight of wet washing, this innovative new system keeps laundry off the floor and hidden away.

Fitting behind a 450mm door, each bucket has a 60 litre capacity. Multiple hampers installed side by side are ideal for separating laundry.

Features• Single bucket holds up to 60ltrs.• Buckets made from recyclable

polypropylene. • Moulded handles for easy removal.• High quality construction with

robust 1.2mm zinc treated steel frame work is powder coated for durability.

• High quality German ball bearing self-close tracks create a controlled close through the use of an air vacuum dampener that protects the unit from slamming. The tracks over-extend for easy removal of bucket/s from beneath the bench top and have a dynamic weight loading of 45kgs.

Additional features include pitch adjustment, air vents for ventilation and a solid base to prevent dripping laundry.

Top mounted with additional side mount supports, an optional door pull is available.

The unit comes in Arctic white with dimensions of 418mm wide by 650mm high by 519mm deep.●

High quality storage solution


Product Update

ONE year after the launch of Arbortech’s TURBOPlane the company has released a smaller version, the Mini-TURBO.

The Mini-TURBO is a revolution in wood sculpting. It can be used either directly on the Arbortech Mini Grinder or directly fitted to an angle grinder using the supplied extension adapter. The tool is smooth and controlled, while the limited side exposure enables optimal safety for the user.

It is ideal for free hand shaping and also suitable to be used with guides and templates for accuracy. Shapes that were previously impossible to cut are now made possible.

The Mini-TURBO is designed so that it is ideal for deep internal profiles and leaves a smooth finish, which requires minimal sanding. Sold as part of a kit it comes with replaceable and/or resharpenable carbide teeth and is perfect for medium sized carving projects from go to finish.●

Arbortech launches the Mini-TURBO

Another integrated solution from Planit

A new screen-to-machine solution from Planit will assist in automating business and help you save more time.

Solid Essential with S2M Essential is an ideal launch platform for the small cabinet manufacturer wanting to streamline their business. This new level of screen to machine now gives businesses four complete design and manufacturing solutions that allows business to take the next step.

With Solid Essential as the drawing front end you are able to produce

high quality renderings with Photo Vision; design your own library of cabinets with Wizard based set-up; easily and quickly create assemblies with the cabinet editor; translate important production information to the shop floor as well as shaping capabilities with countertops and at part level.

Some of the key features include:• begin automated manufacturing by

connecting with your CNC machine – combining everything into the one program helps reduce the need

to be using multiple programs to complete the one job;

• basic tool path simulation helps ensure manufacturing efficiently and helps reduce wastage;

• intelligent small part handling (with nesting) gives greater control when producing small parts for the job;

• produces integrated part labels and reports – provides information from the job and has the functionality to print labels to clearly cut components ready for edging and assembly. ●

AXOLOTL Timber is a world first and offers an unlimited design canvas with its ability to combine any Axolotl metals onto a vast range of timbers.

Whether coated on brushed solid timber to create Ingrain, or coated as a design onto a range of veneers to create TimberLink, the organic warmth of the timber grain contrasts with the industrial lustre of the metal to stunning effect.

The two instances of Axolotl Timber, Link and Ingrain, individually offer a truly bespoke surface for particular conditions. Ingrain applications include flooring, cabinetry or feature

walls while TimberLink is optimally designed to be used for feature walls or furniture.●

Axolotl Timber

1 FIX is a commercial door manufacturer that has been in business for over 20 years.

Its door designs range from standard office doors to oversize sliding doors in sizes from 900 to 4000mm.

1 Fix has launched an exciting innovative development in the manufacturing of its partition doors. Due to the demand from its clients and architects for a user friendly, health and safety friendly product, the company has developed the Ultra Core door, a standard office door that is approximately 50% lighter while still exhibiting all the same quality as its heavier counterpart.

This unique and innovative product, which consists of ultra light, 100% FSC certified plantation balsa wood bonded to MDF faces, has opened many more avenues for larger size doors within a safe lifting environment, reducing labour costs and potential issues with health and safety.

Sandwich structures using balsa create a particularly light and strong product. Its end-grain configuration creates optimal physical properties due to the honeycomb like cell structure.

This construction has extremely high strength and stiffness to weight ratios, and achieves an excellent bond with all types of resins and adhesives. It is compatible with a variety of manufacturing processes and is resistant to temperature changes, or exposure to fire, or chemicals. It has excellent fatigue behaviour

The materials used to manufacture the door meet the Green Star standard.

1 Fix is also using this ultra-light balsa wood in the construction of feature timber battens, bulkheads and anything that needs a lightweight product. It is also used in various other applications such as the marine industry, wind energy, aerospace and defence, etc.●

Ultra Core door


Product Update

THE beauty of natural timber in interior spaces continues to be sought after and, with 14 new decors added to the Laminex Finished Designed Timber Veneers (FDTV) range, designers, specifiers and architects can embrace the design potential of timber veneers.

Along with the new decors are three new textured finishes – Grained finish, Rough Cut finish and Matt finish – to further expand the decorative nature of timber veneers.

Laminex Timber Veneers Marketing Manager, Vivienne Rosta said the updated FDTV range saves on fabrication costs and time with its pre-finished and textured panels.

“With more than 17 decors and a variety of finishes and grain options to choose from specifically selected for the Australian market, specifiers, designers and architects will truly be able to explore the application of timber veneers across joinery, bespoke furniture or retail and

hospitality fitouts – the options are endless,” Vivienne said.

The latest additions to the Laminex FDTV range capture the intricate detail, beauty, texture and colours of nature, creating a natural palette of soft tones, including charred, ebonised and ashen decors, like Como Rigato, Chalked Slate, Allure Ash and Seasoned Ash.

Soft natural browns like Weathered Boxwood, Blackbutt Wave, Spotted Gum Wave, Tasmanian Oak Wave and Wild Pecan also feature in the updated range and are the perfect fit for commercial projects.

Embodying the real look of timber, Sandy Oak adds flair and style to any space with its soft coloured appeal.

The updated Laminex FDTV range can be used across a range of horizontal and vertical applications and is available in two sheet sizes – 2240 x 1220 and 3050 x 1220.

The range is durable, easy to maintain and comes backed with a seven year limited warranty.●

Inspired by nature

TRIOMAX, Harn’s soft close drawer system has new improved systems T3 and T6, which come in 35kg and 60kg load ratings.

The improvement in the Triomax drawer system marks an important step in Harn’s plan to continue to upgrade the performance of its drawer system by meeting the customer’s increasing expectation for high quality products.

Aside from the distinct characteristics of Triomax with its Sylent integrated cushioning system and super smooth sliding action, there are a number of key improved

features that have been introduced for the betterment of the product and higher performance results:• a robust spring system for efficient self-closing

mechanism;• an improved damper system for smooth, non-abrupt

closing even when drawer is fully loaded;• a new bracket holder with flexible drilling hole position; • high lateral stability with side pad guided by anti-skew

roller on side profile;• durable end stopper to secure stability of drawer when

closing;• easier drawer attachment and detachment with new

reinforced spot welded rear hook. Triomax comes in 83mm and 115mm heights

with lengths from 270mm to 550mm. There are four epoxy finishing colours in white, grey, grey metallic and anthracite (black metallic) to choose from to suit individual taste.

Triomax offers a full extension drawer system that allows for full drawer view and maximum space optimisation. It also offers a wide variety of pull-out solutions including inner drawers, under sink drawers, document filling drawers, etc.

Complementing the Triomax drawer is the OrganisePlus series of drawer content management accessories to provide endless storage solutions.●

It’s what’s inside that counts


QR codes are a fairly recent phenomenon but one which is rapidly catching on with businesses.

QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response Code) is the trademark for a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional bar code) first designed for the automotive industry in Japan. (Source: Wikipedia)

The code consists of black modules (square dots) arranged in a square grid on a white background. The information encoded may be made up of four standardised types (modes) of data (numeric, alphanumeric, byte/binary, Kanji) or,

through supported extensions, virtually any type of data.

A QR code is read by an imaging device such as a camera or camera phone, and formatted algorithmically by underlying software until the image can be appropriately interpreted. Data is then extracted from patterns present in both horizontal and vertical components of the image.

The applications for use can vary from product tracking, item identification,

time tracking, document management and general marketing purposes.

UsesOriginally designed for industrial uses, QR codes have now also become common in advertising. Smartphone users can install an app with a QR-code scanner that can read a displayed code and convert it to a URL, directing the smartphone's browser to the website of a company, store or product associated with that code providing specific information.

The QR code has quickly become a focus of advertising strategy, since it provides quick and effortless access to the brand's website. Beyond mere convenience to the consumer, it increases the chance that contact with the advertisement will convert to a sale by coaxing qualified prospects further down the conversion funnel without any delay or effort, bringing the viewer to the advertiser's site immediately, where a longer and more targeted sales pitch may continue.

Although initially used to track parts in vehicle manufacturing, QR codes are now used over a much

wider range of applications, including commercial tracking, entertainment and transport ticketing, product/loyalty marketing and in-store product labeling.

Many of these applications target mobile-phone users (via mobile tagging). Users may receive text, add a vCard contact to their device, open a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI), or compose an e-mail or text message after scanning QR codes. They can generate and print their own QR codes for others to scan and use by visiting one of several pay or free QR code-generating sites or apps. Google has a popular API to generate QR codes and apps for scanning QR codes can be found on most smartphone devices.

QR codes storing addresses and URLs may appear in magazines, on signs, on buses, on business cards, or on almost any object about which users might need information. Users with a camera phone equipped with the correct reader application can scan the image of the QR code to display text, contact information, connect to a wireless network, or open a web page in the telephone's browser.

Getting a quick response

Business

Supplier Woodworking magazine


Diamond Tipped (P.C.D.) Router Bits. Diamond Tipped (P.C.D.) Wood Drills & Hinge Boring Drills. T.C.T. & H.S.S.

Brad Point Drills. T.C.T., H.S.S., Solid Carbide & Replacable Insert Router Bits.

Also TCT Saw blades (up to 630mm) • Wood drills • TCT Hole Saws • TCT & HSS Buzzer Blades and Corrugated Back Knives • Planer Blades

• Drill/Countersinks • Bandsaw • Handsaws • “3D” Router Carver

Router Depth Gauges, Step Gauges, Contour Gauges, Adjustable Circle Cutters, Auger Bits, Expansion Drill Bits, Masonry Drill Bits, Step Drills, Glass & Tile Drills,

Sharpening Stones, Specialised Cutting Lubricants.

ROUTER BITS

CARB-I-TOOL (AUST.) PTY. LTD12 Levanswell Road,Moorabbin, VIC 3189 AustraliaPh: 03 9555 2966 Fax: 03 9555 8695Email: [email protected]: www.carbitool.com.au

This act of linking from physical world objects is termed hardlinking or object hyperlinking. QR codes also may be linked to a location to track where a code has been scanned. Either the application that scans the QR code retrieves the geo information by using GPS and cell tower triangulation or the URL encoded in the QR code itself is associated with a location.

During the month of June 2011, according to one study, 14 million mobile users scanned a QR code or a barcode. Some 58% of those users scanned a QR or bar code from their homes, while 39% scanned from retail stores; 53% of the 14 million users were men between the ages of 18 and 34.

QR Codes can be used on:• print advertisements;• the back (or front and back)

of your business card;• brochures and other

marketing materials;• the sides of trucks and

trailers;• product tags and

packaging;• convention and event

nametags;• restaurant menus;• event ticket stubs;• point-of-sale receipts.

QR Codes could link to:• company websites;• YouTube clips showing, for

example, product uses;• installation instructions;• sources for replacement

parts and service;• directions to your business;• the process for hiring your

professional services;• valuable coupons and

special offers;• recommendations for

complementary products

and services;• free mp3 downloads;• customer feedback forms.

How you can maximise your effectiveness with QR codes:• provide explanations about

their use and benefits;• encourage actions that

support your marketing plan;

• assuage the fears of the technically challenged;

• give reasons to come back;

• experiment with the size, location, and color of your QR codes;

• study your analytics;• make the process fun, such

as a QR code scavenger hunt;

• experiment.

The potential for QR Codes is limitless. What’s most exciting is how they take what social media is doing well now, bringing people together with technology, and extending it to enhance the experience.

The next generation of barcodes will hold even more information – so much that an Internet connection will not even be necessary. The content will be effectively embedded in the code.

Imagine scanning a digital code to manifest physical reality?

It’s amazing to consider where this can go. How about you? How can you use QR codes to take advantage of this phenomenon?

Sources:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-qr-codes-can-grow-your-business/ ●


Part two of a No Nonsense IP seminar series by Tim O’Callaghan and Tim Clark of Piper Alderman.

IntroductionIn the first of our No Nonsense IP seminar series, we introduced a way for business decision-makers to evaluate costs and potential advantages of a particular intellectual property (or IP) protection measure. This method considered the aims of the business as a whole and the assets it needs to achieve those aims.

The IP strategy has to feed into the whole of the business strategy. IP that is important to support the aims of the business needs to be prioritised. IP that does not – we call this Nonsense IP – should be given less attention.

So how does this apply to Trade Marks?

When applying this approach to trade marks, the business decision-maker needs to consider:• What is the business

trying to achieve?• How do trade marks fit

into those aims?• Which trade marks add

value to the business? How do they add that value?

• Which trade marks could the business do without?

• Is the cost, risk and benefit involved in a particular proposed

trade mark protection appropriate, having regard to the answers to the above four questions.

What are trade marks?A trade mark is a badge of origin. It is a sign which is used to distinguish your goods or services from the goods and services of others.

People refer to trade marks in different ways. Some call them “brands”. Some call them “trade indicia”. When some talk about “trade marks” they are referring to only those trade marks that are registered.

We will discuss the difference between registered trade marks and unregistered trade marks a little later. In this seminar, we refer to all of these as trade marks.

We use trade marks to allow the consumer to short cut a decision-making process. If you didn’t have a trade mark, you would have to stand in the shopping centre next to your goods and explain to every potential consumer things about yourself and about your goods in order to help the consumer decide whether or not they want to buy your product. You would have to tell them things like:• Qualities of the goods so

that the consumer has an

idea of what it tastes like, etc.

• History of the goods, so that the consumer can know that it’s been around long enough for any problems to be corrected.

• Your history so that the consumer knows that you have got enough expertise to be able to make a good product.

• Your size and financial standing so that the consumer knows that they can find you if something goes wrong with the product.We use trade marks

so that we can educate the consumer about these things en masse and then the consumer can find the product and can connect with it by recognising the trade mark.

Trade marks can take a number of different forms.

Think about your own business and the different trade marks that you have. This will include primary trade marks, secondary trade marks, product names, tag lines, logos, staff uniforms, colours and designs on buildings, to name a few.

Choosing a trade markConsider how easy each

trade mark will be to protect and to enforce. Search the

trade marks register before you settle on a choice of trade mark. If it is already taken, your easiest and cheapest bet is to choose another trade mark (if the trade mark is already registered your use may infringe that registration).

Full trade mark searches are sometimes not warranted. It might be better to apply for registration and request expedited examination. The Trade Marks Office will provide an examination report within about a month, which will indicate whether the same or a similar trade mark has already been taken.

Checking for unregistered and registered rightsSome trade marks have been used by traders to such an extent that the trader has rights in the trade mark to prevent other people from using it even though it is not registered. Those rights might be protected under the Australian Consumer Law (which prohibits misleading and deceptive conduct) or under the common law (passing off).

How can these unregistered trade marks be searched? The most obvious

No nonsense trade marks

Business


Highest productivity with unique automation

SCHELLING AUSTRALIA Pty. Ltd.

WA - 6090 MALAGA

T (+61) 0418 953 [email protected]

www.schelling.com

The Schelling vs Board Storage

System meets all of your needs…

Operator-free material storing

with in-time commissioning and

automatic feeding of cut-to-size

saws and/or CNC-Nesting

Machines. Smooth & efficient

Rest-Part Handling.

All that ensures highest cost

savings and a fast return-of-

investment.

Convince yourself & visit us at:

LIGNA 2013 Hanover

06.05. - 10.05.2013

Hall 26 # D 82 & Hall 11 # D 49

thing to do is to check the internet using the word as a search term and seeing how many times it comes up and in what context it comes up on search results.

But that is usually not enough. If, for example, you are choosing a brand for a wine, you should check the relevant wine directories to see whether there are other wine labels that have that or a similar name. The fashion industry in Australia has a similar directory. When we conduct searches for clients, we also look at telephone directories and company/ business registers to try to identify use of the trade mark by others in Australia.

Protecting difficult trade marksSome trade marks are difficult to register. There can be a number of reasons for this. One of the most common is a lack of distinctiveness.

If the trade mark is, to some extent, descriptive of the goods or services that the trade mark is intended to be used for, the trade marks office will not accept an application to register that trade mark, unless you show that it has in fact become distinctive of your goods and services.

In effect, this means that you have to establish that you have used the trade mark to such an extent over such a period that consumers would associate the trade mark with goods or services coming from you and not other traders.

The Trade Marks Act will not allow one trader a monopoly over something which other traders should be able to legitimately use.

So, why would anyone try to register a descriptive trade mark.

There is a tension between what makes great a trade mark from a legal perspective (very non-descriptive trade marks such as XEROX for photocopiers and ORANGE for telecommunications) and what makes a great trade mark from a marketing perspective (more descriptive trade marks such as APP STORE for downloadable applications).

Marketers like trade marks that evoke some characteristic or quality of the goods or services for which they are used or that “tie up” use of a new term to describe products. However, they can be difficult to legally protect.

List all trade marksIt is important to look at all of the trade marks that your business uses and consider whether or not some or all of those trade marks should be registered. Your budget may not permit the registration of all of those trade marks.

As a rule of thumb, you might assume that it will cost about $1,500 to $2,000 to register each trade mark (although costs may be more if registration is for a broader range of goods and services). The long term objective should be to register all of the important trade marks in your business.

What is an important trade mark?

Ask yourself the question: “What damage would it do to my business if I were to be required to stop using that trade mark overnight or if a competitor were to be allowed to commence using that trade mark overnight?”

How does this fit with the aims of your business? Does your business sell goods or services using the same trade marks season in, season out? Or do you sell products for a season with branding that will be out the next season? Do you sell no-brand products – where the most important selling point is the price and capacity to ship product? Or do you sell products to a sophisticated market where the products are not bought based on branding but on detailed specifications and part numbers (with branding almost irrelevant)?

The answer to these questions will tell you which are the important trade marks in your business and which are not.

Benefits of registering a trade mark

We register trade marks for a number of reasons:

• A registered trade mark is infringed when someone uses the same or a similar trade mark in respect of the same or similar goods or services.

It’s not necessary to show that you have a reputation in the registered trade mark. In fact, it’s a good idea to get your trade mark registered before you go to the 34


Business

time and effort of establishing reputation in the trade mark.

• A registered trade mark is infringed without having to show that consumers are likely to be misled or deceived. All you have to show is that the infringer’s trade mark is substantially identical or deceptively similar to the registered trade mark and that it’s being used in respect of the same or similar goods and services.

It is enough that consumers might be “caused to wonder” whether there is connection between the competitor’s goods or services and yours.

• Having a trade mark on the trade marks register is an important part of trade mark protection because most people will check the register before they choose their own trade mark.

If they see your trade mark on the register, they are likely to choose a different trade mark.

• Registered trade marks are personal property and can be sold or transferred without having to sell the whole business. This is difficult to do with unregistered trade marks. This means that the registered trade mark has some intrinsic value in its own right and a company that has a portfolio of registered trade marks can point to that fact as a sign of its value.

• Trade marks are valuable and can be used as security.

Registered business name versus registered trade markRegistering a business name means nothing when it comes to obtaining trade mark protection for your brand.

Business names are governed on a state by state basis by business name

registration legislation. It is a requirement under each of those acts that you register your trading name if you trade under a name that is not your legal name.

Your own personal name is a legal name and the name of a company is a legal name. If you trade as a sole trader or in a partnership and you trade under any name other than your own personal name or the names of each and all of your partners then you must register your trading name as a business name.

If you trade under any name that is not your real name, then you must register the trading name as a business name.

The business or trading name must be registered in each state or territory where trading is undertaken. This is a legal requirement, to allow those who deal with your business to know who they are dealing with. It is completely separate from the issue of building, protecting and maintaining your brand.

As an example of this, consider this situation: You decide to set up a new business division in your company. You register the name as a business name and settle down to getting the new business ready to open. You prepare the stationary, place the advertisement in the telephone directory and then open for business.

Before you open the doors, it comes to your attention that a trade mark application has been filed and the trade mark that is the subject of the application is your name!

If the trade mark application is accepted, then your use of the trade mark, by using your new business name, may be trade mark infringement and you may

have to go back to square one before you even open the doors!

What can you do about it? The answer is – very little. Your business name registration gives you no rights that are useful in attacking the trade mark application. There may be other options for attacking the trade mark application or defending yourself against any allegations of infringement that follow successful registration, but the business name registration in and of itself cannot help you.

If you want to protect your position in a new market, you need to obtain trade mark registration at an early stage.

Check before using overseasYou need to make sure that you do this in every country where you intend to trade. This is a big issue when businesses begin to export goods overseas.

It’s relatively easy to sell a particular good into an overseas market, but that the use of that trade mark on that product overseas could amount to infringement of a right overseas.

So, ideally, you should not only check the trade marks register and for any common law rights overseas but you should also try to register your trade mark overseas before you start to sell into that market.

The importance of registering trade marks overseasA lot of people forget that, when they register trade marks, their rights only extend within the territory in which they are registered. So if you have your trade mark

registered in Australia, it gives you rights to prevent other people using the same trade mark for similar goods and services only in Australia. It does not give you any rights overseas.

Trade marks law differs from country to country and first to use does not always have the best right to registration as is the case in Australia.

For example, in Europe a person registering the trade mark without having used it may have a better right than a person who has previously used the same unregistered mark.

You should apply for trade mark registration overseas in all countries in which you intend to market in the short term.

Monitoring infringement of registering trade marksHaving spent the time and money on protecting your trade marks, it is important to be vigilant in monitoring infringements of your trade marks in the marketplace.

One of the most important advantages of actively monitoring trade mark infringements is that it can be far more effective and less expensive to take on infringers earlier in the infringing activity.

If you wait until an infringer is selling in the marketplace and it comes to your attention through normal business dealings, you risk the infringing activity becoming well established and the infringer may be reluctant to cease the infringing activity (having spent for example significant amounts of money on advertising or printing brochures).

33

36

Rover

TECH- SUPPORTHOTLINE

A G FT SERIES

Simple to use software included:- Advanced BiesseWorks enabling multisite application (machine & office)- BiesseNest, perfectly integrated with BiesseWorks makes nesting of any shape simple

Customise your label functionality:- Fully automatic system or;- Touch-screen label systemHSD 12Kw main spindleRevolving tool changer with 16 places9 x NC Controlled Independent VacuumAreas + Multizoning

Customising your production

Biesse Group is proud to offer the highest quality of immediate support via telephone and remote login to optimize return on investment from your Biesse machinery.

Support from fully qualified Biesse technicians can greatly reduce technical errors, cut service costs, minimise machine downtime and improve productivity.

Machine operators receive the professional assitance to diagnose requirement and availability of spare parts, improve maintainance of machines and systems and guide onsite electricians or programmers through difficult situations.

Remote support via telephone or remote login of machine PC (internet connection required)

Significantly reduce failuresand machine downtime.

Drastically cut servicecosts and call-out fees.

Improve maintenance of machines and systems.

Diagnose spare part requirements and availability, and pre-order prior to any technical intervention.

Remote assistance foroperators fitting spare parts.

Programming assitanceand advice.

A Biesse solutiondedicated to nesting high quality components in a flexible production environmentwith options for fullautomaton ofmaterial withloading andunloadingsystems.

*Available for selected machine models only.

Call 1300 BIESSE

NSW E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] P: +64 (0)9 278 1870 E: [email protected]

Call 1300 BIESSE

We have a BiesseShowroom near you!


On the other hand, if, through more active monitoring, you are able to identify an infringer at the early stages of the infringing activity, they may be more willing to cease.

How can monitoring of infringements be achieved?• The people in your business who are out there and dealing in the marketplace, are a useful set of eyes and ears. They are likelwy to see promotions that are targeted at your customers, which may infringe your trade marks (and may even be tipped off about such promotions by your customers).

It is important to remind the business about your trade marks and to report any suspected infringing use they might see.

• A regular watch of the trade marks register can be useful in letting you know what your competitors are up to. For some clients, we will conduct regular searches of the trade marks register to see whether anyone has applied for any trade marks that might conflict with our client’s trade marks. We can do this on a monthly, quarterly or six monthly basis.

For trade marks that are identified by these watching services, these can be followed up by investigations into whether the trade mark is actually being used, letters of demand can be sent or we can monitor whether the trade mark is accepted and, if accepted, then oppose the acceptance of the registration of the trade mark.

• Regular monitoring of the marketplace through internet searches can be a useful way to monitor infringements

of your trade marks. Again, for some clients, we

will conduct regular searches of the internet to see whether anyone is using any trade marks that might conflict with our client’s trade marks.

Having identified potential infringers, appropriate letters of demand can be sent.

Infringement action: you need to weigh up whether it is worth the fightThere are numerous ways in which your trade marks may be infringed.

An infringer may be using a mark which infringes your trade mark as part of a business name, in respect of specific products or services, as part of domain name, on its website (either in the body of the text or as part of the metadata of the website), as a keyword or AdWord on a search engine, as part of Twitter handle or a Facebook page.

As was discussed in Part One: “Introduction to No Nonsense IP”, business decision-makers should evaluate costs and potential

advantages of a particular IP protection measure and evaluate these against the aims of the business as a whole and the assets it needs to achieve those aims.

The intellectual property strategy has to feed in to the whole of the business strategy. IP that is important to support the aims of the business needs to be both protected and enforced vigilantly. Other IP can be given lesser priority.

How does this work in practice?Trade mark infringement cases are expensive, both in terms of legal costs and also in terms of the amount of business resources and focus that it requires.

Before embarking on a case for trade mark infringement you should ask yourself these questions. Of course these are in addition to the questions that are always asked of lawyers: “How much will it cost?” and “Are we likely to win?”:• How important is this

trade mark to our business objectives?

• To what extent is the infringer competing in the same market?

• How similar are the marks?• Are our consumers really

likely to be misled?• Are we a market leader or

a market follower?• Is the infringement an error,

or does it appear that the infringer has deliberately tried to come as close to us as possible in order to trade off our reputation?

• Is there a business objective to demonstrate to not just this competitor but others that we will not tolerate others copying us?

• Is the other guy a “bigger fish”? ●

Business

Summary When thinking about a choice of trade marks:• Consider how easy

each trade mark will be to protect and to enforce. For example, there are good marketing reasons for choosing a descriptive word as a trade mark, but these are not easy to protect.

• Search the trade marks register before you settle on a choice of trade mark. If it is already taken, your easiest and cheapest bet is to choose another trade mark. Full trade mark searches are sometimes not warranted. It might be better to apply for registration and request expedited examination.

• Conduct common law searches for any unregistered rights.

• Keep a list of all of your trade marks.

• Try to register your primary and secondary trade marks if possible (depending on the complexity and cost).

• If registering a trade mark is likely to be difficult, you should weigh up whether registration is worth it.

• Check or register your trade marks overseas before using them in any country.

• Monitor infringements of your trade marks.

• When considering infringement action, weigh up whether it is worth the fight.

"A regular watch of the trade marks register can be useful in letting you know what your competitors are up to."

34

SOFTWARE dkitchen

Win a free 3D Kitchen SOFTWARE package With EVERY ISSUE of Supplier magazine!!

The offer includes… 3D Kitchen QT software producing…

⇒ Floor plans ⇒ Elevations ⇒ High quality 3D images ⇒ Full real time motion 3D render-

ing (same as using gaming soft-ware)

♦ Easily create your own unique

cabinets ♦ Complete customized system

(cabinet library built to your own specifications)

♦ Full product support (12 months) - broadband internet required

Supplier

DESIGN + MATERIALS + TECHNOLOGY

Readers of Supplier Woodworking magazine are invited to apply to be in the draw to win a free copy of the industry leading software 3D KitchenTM. The offer is being made jointly by 3D KitchenTM and Supplier Woodworking magazine.

There must be a catch??

1. You must be a reader of Supplier Woodworking Magazine 2. You must be a manufacturing cabinetmaker 3. You must not already have design or production software 4. The offer does not include future software updates 5. Email applications to… [email protected]

… subject “Free Software 2013”

… supply full business name and contact details


Software

Derek De Betta of Mr Cabinets said: “I would recommend any small to large company wanting to refine their systems, make life easier or to grow their business to invest in EQ”.

“EQ is used by over 6,000 of their colleagues worldwide. We work hand-in-hand with our customers by offering value-added solutions to help them run their businesses professionally and more cost effectively,” said a spokesperson for EQ Software.

“EQ is written by industry experts making sure our integrated software is easy-to-use with one system, which covers all the functions of your business.”

• EQ has a 14 strong team of data processors professionally managing

catalogues such as Laminex, Polytec and Hafele etc. This means you have accurate and up-to-date products and prices so you can produce accurate quotations in minutes.

• With links to CAD systems and optimisers, our software professionally manages all aspects of your business.

• Our CRM system provides instant access to all customer interactions, so you can produce accurate reports on trends and opportunities and make cost-effective marketing campaigns.

“EQ can offer plenty of eCommerce solutions to help you expand your business online, increase footfall in your showroom and enhance your company image.

EQ has launched a Partner Program scheme to make payments easier.”●

Chris and Rose Adams of 3D Kitchen are

now offering their latest 3D Kitchen-QT

version to readers of Supplier Woodworking

magazine.

3D Kitchen has well and truly established itself in the industry with an impressive record of success.

Chris and Rose began their kitchen design software business back in 1993, so they are now in their 20th year. The latest version of their software incorporates a state-of-the-art user interface (main design screen) as well as fully interactive 3D motion for finished designs. This enables users to display to their customers in high resolution, smooth motion, real-time 3D movement.

As well as this, 3D Kitchen is still offered in three distinct versions, so you have the option of choosing whichever one your business requires. This ranges from the 3D Pro Design version through to 3D Pro Toolpath CNC Nesting version.

Together with the 3D improvements, developments have also occurred on the production side to make translation from design to CNC machining completely automatic.

“There is no machine we can't run from 3D Kitchen,” explained Chris Adams. “The results and accuracy are well proven.

“The policy of 3D Kitchen has always been to offer full featured software at the most affordable price. This does not mean 3D

Kitchen is inferior because of its affordability – quite the opposite. 3D Kitchen has no hidden costs. Clients get everything clearly explained and receive the total, uncompromised package at the best possible price. There are no nasty shocks later when you find you have been sold only half of what you really need.”

Despite the very high costs intrinsic in software development, 3D Kitchen has still been able to keep end-user prices down.

“This is purely as a result of having a large and loyal customer base together with continuing high levels of sales to new customers,” said Chris. “We are very grateful for your solid support.”

3D Kitchen, in conjunction with Supplier magazine, has offered a free giveaway of their software each year for the past four years. This year they are stepping this up with the new software release.

3D Kitchen are now offering the 3D-QT Pro Design software package free of charge to one applicant with every issue of Supplier magazine for 2013. Conditions apply, so please read carefully.

*For a preview, go to the website at www.3dkitchen.com and click on the 3D Kitchen-QT link. ●

Make life easier 3d Kitchens promo offer upgraded

WA, Perth (head office) 08 9445 0700VIC 03 8359 8400 QLD 0439 901 646 NSW 0422 237 409 SA 0400 219 634

freecall 1800 818 448Australia-Wide, New Zealand and Asia Pacific

for full details: www.ronmack.com.au

[email protected]

Panel SawsHigh quality Italian Casadei, incredible range from

low cost entry level to 5-axis.

EdgebandersQuality Italian Bi-Matic & Casadei – now at

reduced prices. Unbeatable value for money!

Panel SawsCheck out the Romac range, check out the

SP400E – our deals are unbeatable!

Surface PlanersQuality Casadei or Winner, unbeatable deals.

ThicknessersWe have the best range available.

Wide Belt SandersEvery size available, both Casadei and Boarke.

Planer / MouldersWinner Pioneer, from low cost 4 spindle to high

spec 9 spindle – every configuration.

Radial Arm SawsHuge range – everything available.

Spindle MouldersBest range from Casadei & Xcalibur,

NC control & feeders.

CNC RoutersA full range, great value from Busellato,

C-Nest, Boarke.

Dust CollectorsAn extensive range of Romac dust collectors in

stock from single inlet 850 cfm to 4 inlet 7,500 cfm & 6 inlet 8,500 cfm.

Used MachineryMassive range of panel saws, edgebanders, beam

saws – everything available.

40 | SupplierMay/June 2013

Timber

The passion, knowledge and local interest of the Malaysian culture has inspired the two directors of Colonial Trading Company, Nicolas Chiew and Michael Geraghty, to set up the importation of recycled Malaysian timbers.

Both have a long and close relationship with Malaysia. In the case of Nicolas Chiew, his father and family originate from Kuching, Sarawak, whilst Michael Geraghty lived and worked in a number of locations such Alor Setar, Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur over a period of 15 years, commencing in 1993.

A chance encounter evolved into a business relationship and a unique opportunity, which has been transformed into a commercial viability – procuring discarded timbers from South-East Asia and the Indian Ocean rim and recycling them for the Australian market.

The launch of Colonial Trading Company showcases timbers that have been meticulously sourced and selected from traditional fishing boats, kampong houses and ‘go-downs’.

Colonial Trading Company has been created to tap into the Australian timber market that is demanding the use of more organic and sustainably sourced natural products. Australian grown timber has become a limited resource for the construction industry, and whilst local milled timber is available, Australian hardwood timber is expensive and difficult to source in large dimensions. For this reason South American countries such as Brazil, Chile and Argentina export large quantities of plantation grown softwood timbers to Australia.

However, this type of ‘factory processed timber’ does not appeal

to all industry players and, frustrated by not having dramatic hardwood timber to utilise, many architects, builders, designers and their clients have turned to recycled timber to provide their homes or offices with the organic and natural feel, which only hardwood timbers can provide.

Unfortunately Australian recycled timbers are also

very expensive, and whilst it is a growing sector of the industry, the cost remains prohibitive to the mainstream market. Until now.

Colonial Trading Company proudly boasts that they can now offer their beautiful range of exotic recycled hardwoods, including hardwood floorboards, in a wide range of dimensions and at affordable prices. ●

Indonesia has a thriving timber trade and has worked hard to implement its timber legality assurance system (known in Indonesian language as SVLK), which is now up and running and ready for an independent audit.

A seminar held during the international furniture fair IFFINA in Jakarta was organised to raise awareness of the system and to assist SMEs in the wood industry to get ready for timber legality certification.

The EU and Indonesia agreed on a Voluntary Partnership Agreement in April 2011 as a joint effort to combat illegal logging and related trade. Central to this bilateral agreement is a timber legality assurance system (SVLK). The system will ensure that timber products from Indonesia are produced and exported in compliance with the laws of Indonesia.

Throughout the seminar, which was well attended by mainly Indonesian delegates, the point was made that the

SVLK is credible because it is based on Indonesia’s own legislation, and the country has full ownership.

The event was opened by Indonesia’s Furniture Industry and Handicraft Association (ASMINDO) President Ambar Tjahyono who said that there were many questions with regard to the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) and Indonesia’s timber legality assurance system (SVLK), from producers and buyers, and he hoped the seminar would answer these.●

Exotic recycled timbers from Malaysia

SVLK heart of Indonesian timber industryBy Michael Buckley, Wood Industry Consultant

PICK.. MOVE.. FEED.. boards or benchtops or doors or ..

Move BenchtopsFeeding on and off a Biesse

Light design trackarm systems for ease of move

The down-shopGantry installation

Head Office VIC - Tel: (03) 9457 8260 Fax: (03) 9457 7695

www.kockumsbulk.com.auSupplier1011E

TAWI systems are the original and still the market leaders. A very wide range of standard systems are available to 270kg. Special adapted feet and systems are developed in Melbourne.

An example for doors...........>

Highly efficient and rugged

vacuum pumpsare used for the

connection and the grip.

Request an on-site trailer demonstration,showing an erecting column and track arm!

<

For direct specialist contact, call....In NSW Vince on 0417 132 313In QLD Karl on 0435 433 974

Southern states Bryce on 0417 350 526

>

Be confident using our highly experienced team!

See us at Queensland

Safety Show 18-20 June


The keyword that the SCM group built their Ligna 2013 exhibit around is passion.

With a stand that covered three separate halls, and over 2600 m2 the SCM Group its their passion for woodworking machinery.

Complete manufacturing cells were a focus, with visitors able to view a manufacturing process from start to finish. One of the most popular of these is the newly released window frame and solid wood machining

cell. A highly automated solution – designed for the small to medium size manufacturer, this cell opens up CNC machining to all timber window and door manufacturers.

A passion for making complex things simpleIntuitive machine use – a simple idea that drives everything that SCM does. Latest advances include:• the Tecpad controller:

making CNC control

systems easier than ever•Watch system line

controllers – the seamless integration of machinery into production lines and cells.

• upgraded edgebander controllers and motorised working groups to give quick and simple set-up times.

Technology and passionAfter making 60,000 sliding table panel saws, the SCM Group confidently states its

product is second to none. The beautifully smooth sliding tables run on a patented system, which also incorporates self cleaning technology.

In fact, SCM is so passionate about its panel saws they are now offered with a 10 year guarantee on the sliding table.

The Pratix S nesting machines were also well received, particularly with their technological upgrades. This focus fits its status as one of the most popular nesting

Ligna 2013:

Manufacturing

showing SCM’s passion for woodworking


machines in the world. The new releases included

loading and unloading systems, increased tool change capacities, automatic labelling solutions and a new 3600x1800 bed size.

Image Universal NBLigna saw the introduction of a unique feature, particularly

for organisations looking to reduce their manufacturing costs as well as their carbon footprint.

Built around the philosophy that Lower Consumption = Lower costs = More Competitive, the SCM Save Energy packages deliver a defined and measurable reduction

in machinery operating costs.

The package reduces waste by using energy only when it is needed. The process utilises a 16 point checklist and procedure to maximise machining efficiently.

A passion for innovation – 5-axis technologyQ. What is the best advertisement for 5-axis CNC technology?

A. When the finished component looks like a bespoke, handmade, craftsmen built piece.

Two cubic metres of timber machined into a total finished surface area of over 12 m2. 5 axis CNC technology combined with optimised software generating a tool path to remove the most material with the least effort.

The result? A bespoke

designer piece entitled The vaulted table that shows the pinnacle of SCM’s 5-axis machining technology.

A Passion for beautiful designThe Europeans are known for their passion for the automobile. Italians in particular have a long motor racing heritage.

SCM combined this heritage to further showcase the capacities of its 5-axis CNC machines. A full size model entitled the Pininfarina Cambiano, manufactured on a range of SCM machines is a majestic sculpture, reproduced on a 1:1 scale, of an Italian concept car, which captured the attention and curiosity of show visitors.

At the show, smaller scale models were machined to demonstrate the technology used. ●


To help achieve its goal it has recently invested in a second CNC Holzher edgebanding machine, also supplied by Weinig Australia, including a cartridge glue loading station and an automated barbaric work handling system, which stacks, un-stacks, returns and rotates the board so that it is orientated correctly for stacking or for reintroduction to the machine.

The new facility, which is just next door, will give them ‘ahead of time’ manufacturing capability, empowering them to provide their clients with guaranteed on time delivery.

GOS Australia (GOSA), formerly known as Graphic Office Systems, was started 25 years ago by Collin Ellul. Today, it is a highly productive modern facility occupying 3500m2 of shopfloor space at Heidelberg Heights, Melbourne. It manufactures a wide range of commercial joinery for major apartment fit-outs, hospitals, hotels, universities and laboratories.

The machine shop comprises numerous high speed CNC sawing tables, flatbed routing machines, enclosed spraying equipment and, of course, the two Holzher edgebanders, which sequentially square up the edges of each panel before applying glue.

To help GOSA manage the complex logistics of running such a diverse company, they have developed a very sophisticated in-house data base, which allows them to reliably track any job going through the system. There are no shortcuts, in keeping with the company’s general philosophy and GOSA treats all projects the same regardless of size. Furthermore, everything is traceable down to who listed the job, cut it, made it, delivered it and installed it, right the way down the line.

Having gained a better understanding of why GOSA would benefit from increasing its level of automation I went on to ask Charles (Charlie) Caruana what had attracted him to purchase Holzher edgebanders in the first place.

“We were well aware of Holzher’s range of edgebanders. We knew their capability as they have had a presence in the market for some time now. In fact, our very first edge bander was a Holzher,” said Charlie.

“Craig Stevens, Holzher’s technical sales representative, came to see me and showed me Holzher’s cartridge system, which can easily utilise PUR and coloured glues, and that got us thinking about

how it could complement our edgebanding line.

“We went to see the machine in action at the AWISA show in Sydney a couple of months later and, based on the demo and the chat we had with the representatives at Holzher Australia, we purchased the Arcus1336 on the spot.“

Holzher Australia, which is based in Sydney, NSW, is 100% part of the Weinig group and not simply an Australian agent, allowing it to offer all the advantages of its international German parent company. The company has premises and technical staff in both Melbourne and Sydney, which handle all business in Australia directly.

This was GOSA’s first machine with a cartridge system, which has many advantages over the more traditional glue pot system, including less mess, shorter heat up times, PUR glues and a range of colours. PUR glues are water-proof, heat

proof and solvent proof and have a much stronger bond. They are also insensitive to weathering, have a near invisible glue line, do not require primers for laminates or solid timber and can also be used with aluminium edging.

Charlie said they had bought it with a view to buying a second one if everything worked out as expected. They were planning a new line for the newly acquired facility with an automated work handling system. In fact, everything worked out so well that within four months GOSA had the second machine, an Arcus 1334, up and running in the new facility. The machine works in conjunction with the automated barbaric sorting loader, which enables it to be operated effectively with just one person.The first edgebander remains in the main workshop and is kept in constant use.

GOSA increases production efficiencyAs part of GOS Australia’s plans to expand its joinery business into 4500m2 of new storage facility, the company is making major efforts to increase its level of automation and improve throughput and batch changeover times.

Manufacturing


Perfect edging

Zero joint with thin film technology

Hightech for perfect edging

More automation. More flexible. More stable.

■ Glu Jet hybrid technology Ultra-fi ne glue line with peer-less flexibility

■ More automation Up to 20 NC servo-axes with a positioning accuracy of 1 / 100 mm

■ More flexible Six series and more than 30 units for your application profi les

■ More stable Exceptional stability – welded base frame design

■ Profit from 50 years of HOLZ-HER technological leadership in edgebanding

Weinig Australia Pty Ltd Phone +61 2 9609 5911Email [email protected]

“We needed something that was easy to set up, easy to change and adjust and also took advantage of the cartridge system”, continued Charlie. “Because of the reduced labour required and the ease of set-up, it will give us a quick return on our investment.

“Reliability was also a key factor. Although we only had the first machine for a few months before buying the second, we had already seen the potential of the machine and that they were well designed and easy to maintain.

“Holzher has successfully introduced CNC server motor control systems, typically only seen on larger machines, which is fantastic. Everything is nicely organised with ample space between each of the stations.

“Switching between PUR and standard glue is straightforward; you simply

put a purging cartridge in front of the glue cartridge you wish to change over to. This flushes the system through ready for the new glue cartridge – there is no mess.

“Another huge advantage of Holzher’s cartridge glue system is the reduced start up time required. You can come in on a cold morning, start the machine up, and within a few minutes you are ready to go. With machines reliant on a glue pot, you have got to wait a good 20 minutes for the glue pot to heat up before you can effectively use the machine. Coloured glues can also be easily utilised, by simply changing over slugs.”

Charlie believes having true CNC control is also a great advantage over more traditional analogue systems with pneumatic actuators. It makes set-up and fine adjustment straightforward.

“With the machine as it is we can do minor adjustments on the fly. We do not have to stop the machine, wait for the pneumatic locks to disengage, open the doors, adjust it, close it, re-start the machine and do this all again if it is no good,” said Charlie. “At the end of the day the operator does a bit of maintenance, which includes cleaning the combs, a general blow-down of the machine and then anything that needs doing from the general maintenance

schedule such as greasing any actuator slides.”

The installation was carried out smoothly and successfully. All the training was done in-house on actual jobs using the same materials used in larger batch runs.

At present, GOSA are edging between 22,000 and 30,000 metres a month using the two machines, but it really depends on what they are doing. If, for example, there are many different colours and glue changes, it might be less, but if they are doing runs on carcases, which is where the metres soon add up, it works out to about 1200m per day. Because the glue cartridges are held in a four to five cartridge magazine, there’s never any need to stop the machine.

“Operating the machine is simple and can be done by a general labourer, but you need a skilled operator to get things up and running if there is ever a problem,” said Charlie. “Sometimes problems can be fixed with a simple call to Holzher, for example, if the drive software needs tweaking.

“We have been very pleased with Holzher‘s after sales service, which was a key factor in our decision to purchase these machines. Of course, this is very important, if these machines are not working, there is no work being sent out to the fitters.

“We limit the risk by having the second edgebander but, in our experience, any issues we have had have been dealt with immediately and effectively,” concluded Charlie.●

Seriously consider the points below, which should be tabled at your next management meeting. The information you gather could

positively transform both your business and your role

in that business.

Reality check

Are your key people sure of the benefits to your company of recommending and investing in time tracking and production software?

Consider the following:• managers are too busy, have too many other daily priorities – so never find the time to consider new

developments;• individual managers are unsure who should consider or propose the software to the boss;• managers not thinking like a business owner; • managers not wanting any change – “everything is OK’;• managers sometimes intimidated by the perceived risk of learning a new tool and implementing it;• managers not wanting a system that accurately reports their individual performance to the boss;• not wanting a system that reports and shows up how poorly the factory has been operating to date;• managers not wanting the stress and worry of driving the factory to weekly production and productivity that

is 20% to 50% higher than current levels (thinking this will just increase the number of clients on thephone screaming for their orders);

• not understanding some basic key financial figures of a manufacturing business such as: o $70 to $90 is the average overhead cost per staff member per hour (this is the cost of one lost hour per staff

member); o in a standard 38 hour working week, staff can only work on jobs and be charged out for some 23.5 hours; o a 10% increase in productivity = an estimated 30% increase in annual profit; o a 20% increase in productivity = an estimated 60% increase in annual profit; o downtime per staff member per week can approximate six hours of a 38 hour week; o stolen time by staff, at day start, both sides of smoko, both sides of lunch and at day end, approximates half

an hour a day = 2.5 hours per staff member per week (ie. unless you have PCs on the floor to time track staff live);

• the “non believers” – those who have no direct experience with time tracking and production software, yet do not believe reported increases in factory production and annual profit are possible;

• 25 business owners and production managers are on www.youtube.com stating they have used time tracking software for up to 11 years and have made substantial gains from it.

Calculations of all the above key financial figures are available on request, free of charge from Empower. We welcome sending them to you. Contact Sean O’Sullivan – Managing Director of Empower Software phone: +64 27 2284211 email: [email protected] or complete an information request form

on the internet www.empowersoftware.co.nz/requestempowerinfo

Go in "the draw" to win $15,000 of manufacturer’s software!You get to choose the Empower product that suits you!

You can select:-1 Time Tracking Jobs & Staff -

Labour Management Software (using 2nd hand PCs on factory floor)

2 Job Scheduling

3 Quoting and Materials (incl: costing, bill of materials, CRM, ordering, stock control, job cost)

4 Manufacturers ERP / MRP system (can link to your finance / payroll software)

www.empowersoftware.biz

Vicky Cammiade

states “Now you can

have the tools to help you measure,

monitor and manage your daily business

tasks in real time, simply by going into

"the draw"..... because: Empower Software

understands that the pressure for profitabilty is an

ongoing and unrelenting task in today's climate, and bottom

line efficency is a day-to-day, 365 days a year business essential!”

To EnterEmail your applications to

[email protected] or fax 61 3 9890 0087

In the subject line nominate Empower Product 1, 2, 3 or 4 ....and provide full

business name and contact details.

Check out the November 2013 issue of Supplier Woodworking Magazine to see

if you have won!


Manufacturing

At the Ligna 2013 exhibition, Leitz released several new products utilising the theme “making processes more intelligent”. The experience of over 135 years as a pioneer in the design and manufacture of high quality tools for industrial wood processing industries provides Leitz with the knowledge to produce tools for efficient production, process optimisation and process acceleration.

The new VectorCut panel sizing sawblade has been developed by Leitz to increase production efficiency when sizing single panels and panels in stacks. Designed with new tooth and gullet geometry, the tooth shape remains constant from the first to the last cut and is re-sharpenable up to 15 times.

The tooth shape with a reduced abrasive area of 50% both lowers the power consumption and increases the performance time. The innovative gullet geometry ensures efficient chip clearance and up to three dB(A) in noise reduction. The VectorCut panel sizing sawblades with their intelligent tooth and gullet geometry achieve 30% higher performance time and 10% energy saving.

Leitz has unveiled the new WhisperCut PLUS pre-milling cutter. The existing de-sign of the WhisperCut cutter has been improved for even greater efficiency taking it to the next level. The re-sharpening area of the replaceable diamond knives has been substantially increased so they can be sharpened up to 10 times.

Leitz: making processes more intelligent

SALES 1300 135 127Order online:

www.leitz.com.auAll items plus GST

EVERYDAY PRICING

300xZ60 Hollow Tooth 300xZ96 Triple Chip

300xZ72 ATB

all one price

Nesting Routers

$185HSK-F63

from $150

Marathon Coated Roughing Finishing

$99FREE FREIGHTALL INTERNET ORDERS OVER $50

from $59.50

www.leitz.com.au


The reduced weight of the reusable aluminium tool body combined with the optimisation in body shape creates a considerable noise reduction of up to five dB(A). It also lessens the spindle load protecting the spindle bearings.

DFC technology guarantees trouble free chip ejection and excellent chip collection in excess of 95%.

The new Leitz Marathon ProfilCut knives are setting the benchmark for efficiency and profiling cut quality. The Marathon high performance coating significantly increases the performance time with a longer lasting, consistently high, finish cut quality. The longer knife lifetime results in reduced running costs. Machine down time is decreased, replacement knives are purchased less often and the raw material consumption of tungsten carbide is diminished.

Leitz has developed the new generation of DT Hogger PLUS for even greater efficiency with guaranteed excellent cut results on all materials and surfaces. With an increase in the sharpening area it is now resharpenable up to 12 times.

The DT Hogger PLUS maintains a constant cutting width over the hogger’s total life cycle. The new cutting and gullet geometry with irregular pitched teeth reduces noise by up to three dB(A). This new geometry together with the stable tool body design also reduces vibration. DFC technology ensures reliable chip clearance and outstanding chip collection on all materials.

The new Leitz HeliCut cutterhead produces tear free cut results with and against feed, along and across the grain. The turnable tungsten carbide knives not only in-crease performance times four-fold, but are easy to use. The tool body is designed with standard knife fixing without wedges making the knife changes safe and simple. The precision balancing and light weight of the aluminium tool body also reduces wear on the machine bearings.

Leitz has introduced the Duo Multi Profile scrapers – two knives sharing the work for a perfect edge. They are a solution to the “stress whitening“and dulling that can occur on plastic edge banding materials during the scraping process.

Plastic edges tend to “creasing” and have a matt finish when machined by standard scrapers, especially noticeable on darker edging. The Duo Multi Profile scrapers yield a colourfast, high-gloss polished, glued edge without marking the workpiece.

The scrapers, consisting of two knives working together, can be used on all conventional edge banding materials. The pre-cutting edge controls the edge protrusion while the finish edge is arranged to take a very thin constant chip. Both combine to create a profiled area of minimal roughness. ●

SALES 1300 135 127Order online:

www.leitz.com.auAll items plus GST

EVERYDAY PRICING

300xZ60 Hollow Tooth 300xZ96 Triple Chip

300xZ72 ATB

all one price

Diamond Pre-milling Cutter

from $185Collet Chuck SK-30

V-Groove Cutter

$99FREE FREIGHTALL INTERNET ORDERS OVER $50

from $657.00

www.leitz.com.au

from $179.70


Cabinets by Webb is a locally owned company based in Wangaratta, Victoria. Two enthusiastic brothers, Blair and Dean Webb, joined forces to create Webb Constructions in August 2006 to put to use their 30 years of joint trade experience in carpentry and cabinetry.

In 2009, driven by a passion to lead the industry, Webb Constructions changed its name to Cabinets by Webb and set about producing the highest possible standard of joinery and cabinetmaking as well as embracing new technologies. This included a 3D designing software program that they won through Supplier Woodworking magazine.

Each year, 3D Kitchen, in conjunction with Supplier Magazine, runs a promotion for cabinet makers to win

their software program valued at $15,000. In 2010, Cabinets by Webb was lucky enough to win this prestigious software program.

Blair and Dean were so excited about winning that they made the decision to go the next step and also invest in 3D Kitchen’s special 3D ToolPath program so they could link it with their Multicam CNC machine.

“Since then, making cupboards has never been the same,” said Blair Webb.

Cabinets by Webb is now in the process of building a 1628m2 shed, providing 1380m2 of new workshop space. With a growing number of employees, commercial work and a demand for quantity as well as quality, Dean and Blair decided that this is the right time to extend their workspace.

The new building will provide more workspace for each employee, as well as ample room between the machinery – from the Multicam CNC machine to the Homag edgebander, from the Blum hinge press to the Altendorf panel saw.

Cabinets by Webb has always had its doors open to the young members of the community by providing an opportunity to gain work experience as a joiner.

“This helps young people decide what trade they would like to pursue and gain knowledge of local work and opportunities, which might encourage them to stay in the area once they finish their schooling,” explained Dean Webb. “Cabinets by Webb also has a special relationship with the local Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE (GO TAFE) in

Wangaratta whereby we invite trade classes to visit and to experience how the business operates.”

Being a licensed fabricator of Corian, Staron and Laminex’s solid surfaces has opened up more opportunities to fulfill client requests. The company thrives on unique designs and having to master new skills.

With a great team behind them, they can complete all varieties of joinery need. They utilise high quality products from Blum and Harn as well as the latest CNC technology and software programs.

Cabinets by Webb will be having an open day in July/August 2013 where suppliers, contractors and residential customers will be welcomed to explore the new facilities and services they can offer. ●

Putting their win to good use

Manufacturing


Not many companies can boast that, after 30 years of continuous operation, they still have the passion and the focus to give the same high level of service to their customers they did from day one. Then again, there aren’t many companies out there like Eximo either.

Founder and Managing Director Roger Marriott, who has been in the dust and waste removal game longer than he cares to admit, says that without great customer service and top quality products, you really don’t have a company.

“I firmly believe that service and quality are not just convenient catchwords but in reality, core values that should be part and parcel of any successful business venture”, says Marriott.

Founded 30 years ago as SpeedLock, the company was originally set up to service the then large and vibrant local woodworking industry. With the changes that have occurred in woodworking, SpeedLock, which eventually adopted its newer moniker of Eximo

seven years ago, went on to service just about every industry under the sun.

However, it is woodworking where Eximo/SpeedLock still does a significant amount of business and where its German-made ducting still proves its worth. This is despite the avalanche of technical and economic changes that have taken place in the wood turning field.

“One reason why Eximo/SpeedLock modular steel ducting is still very popular in the wood making industry is because of its reliability, strength and quality – all attributes that are critical with the spread of CAD/CAM manufacturing, which has led to turning speeds and volumes increasing massively over the years,” said Marriott. “This has directly impacted on the exponential increases of the amount of dust that is being generated in what are now fully-computerised workshops.

“Secondly, there is the issue of OH&S regulations becoming tougher and more widely-enforced over the

years, meaning dust removal has become a regulated activity.

“And lastly”, said Marriott, “there is the huge increase in the use of MDF and particleboard over the past 15 to 20 years. This particular type of wood profile produces massive amounts of dust when it is worked, which means you really need the most efficient ducting system available to ensure you have a clean and safe workplace.

“If our ducting was just ordinary, it would not last as long as it does with all these new challenges it faces in the woodworking field. We are also continually researching, developing and testing new products to ensure that, as wood manufacturing techniques advance, we have the ducted disposal solutions to meet any specific woodworking requirements.”

Thanks to its versatility, SpeedLock modular steel ducting can be used for everything from pine and maple types of wood, MDF, hardwoods of all

types, plantation timbers, old growth and rainforest timbers and to everything in-between.

“We sell everything from faster, more efficient particle and fume removal, all the way up to ways to simultaneously remove waste without interrupting a wood production line running at break neck speed.”

Since SpeedLock modular steel ducting is manufactured using only smooth bore technology, it greatly minimises the risk of wood waste settlement and system clogging.

“Furthermore”, points out Marriott, “since SpeedLock is machined to such exacting tolerances, we can guarantee a perfect fit between the existing and any additional sections. This also means no cleaning is required thereby keeping maintenance and downtime costs to a negligible level. Moreover, for applications where some clogging is unavoidable, the system’s easy access makes cleaning and maintenance literally a breeze.” ●

Eximo still has passion


Founded in 1981, Subiaco Restoration specialises in supplying a large range of timber products providing enormous choice to the

builder or renovator.The company has recently

installed a galvanised roller racking system, which is the first of its kind in WA.

It enables more efficient loading and unloading of timber using a conveyor belt.

This improved handling system means Subiaco Restoration can now offer 160 pack timber stock holdings, which can be easily unloaded onsite.

Said Subiaco Restoration’s Trade Services Manager, Nick Stokes: “We stock a large range of jarrah flooring, weather and lining boards, as well as composite timber products including low-maintenance decking made

from Australian and Asian hardwoods. We can also provide timber mouldings for skirtings and architraves, finials, verandah components, traditional doors and hardware, picture rails, fence posts and pickets and a number of LOSP pine products including balustrades and handrails.”

Subiaco Restoration’s in-house manufacturing capability also means builders can order custom-made timber doors, windows, timber mouldings and joinery. ●

Cabinets Online has defied South East Queensland trends and uneasy market confidence with outstanding growth in all key KPI measurements.

For example:• organic existing customer

base sales have increased by over 15%;

• new business customer creation above 15% per month;

• factory throughput maintaining growth without lead time compromise;

• cost of sale reduction – 5%;

• cost of production stayed well within required margin buffer.

Why and how?“Most people reading this article would agree that our industry is going through possibly its largest ‘forced (I suggest needed) evolution seen since the introduction of CNC equipment back in the early ‘80s,” explained Cameron Cox of Cabinets Online.

“The combination of a world recession (GFC) now in its sixth year, and the proceeding incursions into our traditionally small business type market place of big brands like Ikea, Bunnings and now Masters is being felt. To top the incredible powerful marketing clout that those brands have, we have a massive manufacturing competitor base in China capable of sending kitchens Down Under at prices that make the average small business owner shake their heads in wonder.

“Just to make life harder for us, the internet now puts amazing amounts of research material right in the lap of any consumer who is interested. They can now make what they perceive as a good decision, often well before they have even sourced a cabinet maker or designer. The amount of available research figures on how much a consumer is influenced by online

presence, whether that be first generation websites, social media, web directories etc is just endless and the numbers continue to grow.

“The Queensland Chamber of Commerce and its tech division called CCIQ recently published a survey compiled over many months and covering many industries. The results are not just astounding but a serious wake-up call for any small business in Australia. (http://www.cciq.com.au/assets/Documents/Digital/DigitalReadiness-Report-final-web.pdf)

“Cabinets Online has bucked all these trends and statistics because we have made an investment in developing a business process system in the ‘clouds’, long before (five years) the use of this term was as common as it is today.

“The size of this investment in both real dollars and time were not small by any means. Without them, however, we would surely

be part of the statistics of many small business in Australia, being marginalised by the strong dominance of these large brands and the ever increasing marketing influence of the internet.

“The next 12 months will most likely see us move to a larger factory to accommodate the growth we are currently enjoying. We are also looking forward to the potential increase of approximately 30% capacity that could be achieved when we reinvest in a new nested based CNC.

“To quote Malcolm Gladwell, author of many best selling business books including The Tipping Point: ‘little things can make a big difference’.

“Our industry is at such a state as this book suggest and the business to business platform that Cabinets Online offers and the quality of process we have been able to achieve is how we have seen the great growth results that we continue to have.” ●

Everything timber

Bucking market trends at Cabinets Online

ManufacturingSubiaco Restoration’s recently installed roller racking system – the first of its kind in WA – means faster and safer loading.


Barrett’s manufactures all forms of joinery including kitchens, cabinets, timber windows and doors and solid timber machining. Most joinery is quoted, one-off, custom joinery to clients’ designs. The business employs 27 full time staff – 17 on the factory floor and 10 in the office.

In 2006, our management team decided we needed to advance our tracking and reporting of jobs and staff on the factory floor. We opted for Empower Software as it was specifically developed for our industry. The investment in cables, cabinets and second hand PCs cost us less than $1,000.

Since then our factory staff have accessed their assigned jobs and logged start and finish on all jobs using the PCs. We also set up Empower Software on our CNC machinery screens for our CNC operators to access their assigned work.

The live production and productivity screens and reporting provide invaluable information for me in production management. The live tracking and reporting is a huge step up from our previous manual system.

We have had Empower Software now for coming up seven years. Within the first two years of using Empower we had increased our weekly factory output by 19%, with

the same staff and same hours worked. This substantial increase in weekly output and productivity enabled us to lower our labour times, therefore lower our costs on jobs, and consequently become more competitive with our quotes in our local market place. We have made good gains in production and productivity over the seven years.

One main advantage of Empower is that our factory staff now see their budgeted times on each job just before they start. So, for example, at 8 am our staff know that if they have a job with a two hour budget they must come back to the PC to finish the job on or before 10 am – that way they plan the job in their head and then they work to achieve the goal.

Our staff also know that the two hours is what we have priced the job for – so they are committed to see the job completed on budget without blow-out of time and cost.

When our staff finish each job, Empower advises them of the actual time they achieved on the job, the budgeted time and any variance in time – over or under. Displaying this to factory staff on all jobs keeps them highly aware, accountable and focused on meeting their times.

Empower tracks and automatically generates,

when selected, a one page report of summary and detail hours worked by each staff member for weekly payroll. If staff get sloppy with taking too long to start work at their benches or machines, and too long around smoko and lunch time, or they their leave their benches too early at day end, then Empower reports this slippage in production time.

Empower tracks and reports a wide range of production and productivity reporting including our daily, weekly and monthly:• times and productivity on

each job and job cost;• rework, which we

benchmark month to month;

• variations logged onto each job. This enables us to determine which variations can be charged out;

• forward work, so we can see what weekly resources

of staff and machine hours we require this and next week etc.At staff performance

review time, Empower is certainly helpful to me in my role as production manager. It allows me to present each staff member with their individual Empower reports confirming their performance in terms of:• manufacturing jobs;• downtime jobs;• rework;• time and attendance.

We recently paid bonuses to a number of our factory staff based purely on their individual performance reported in Empower.

In summary Empower Software has been a very good production and labour management tool for us, enabling us, on the same staff and same wage cost, to significantly increase our weekly production.●

Barrett increases productivityA case study interview with Glenn Sherborne, Production Manager of Barrett’s Joinery, a 27 staff business that invested in job tracking and production software in 2006.


Manufacturing

Since Plasquip started in 2004, it has established an enviable reputation for the supply of quality CNC router bits and tool-holding systems to the plastics industry throughout Australia. This includes both solid-carbide and diamond-tipped tooling sourced globally from a variety of internationally recognised suppliers.

With the launch of the Plasquip On-Line-Shop in May 2013, this has now been extended to a wide range of CNC tools for the woodworking and panel processing industries, as well as saw-blades for every application.

The on-line shop tab at www.plasquip.com.au allows you to browse

and purchase 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This includes some of the industry’s most innovative tooling, such as the Xtreme Performance Series, which provides an extended tool life (as much as three to five times) in difficult-to-cut material.

“The most popular tools for the woodworking

industry are the compressions, which are fantastic for through-cuts on melamine and laminated materials,” said Plasquip’s Ken Craddock. “Vortex Series 3100, 3100M, 3100XP, 3200, and 3400, and the Series 1300 and 1900 are used extensively for great results with dado cuts.”●

How would you like to kit out your workshop with a new nesting machine, a new edgebander, tooling and dust extraction - all for under $97,000 plus GST*?

This is a complete turnkey package, ready to run. Genuine European designed and manufactured machines built to suit the demanding Australian market.

Until the end of the financial year, Gabbett Machinery can offer you:• an SCM Pratix series

2400 x 1200 nesting machine;

• nesting tooling package;• an SCM K260

edgebander (including nesting upgrades at nil charge);

• dust extraction systems to suit both machines;

• easy to use nesting software.In fact, everything you

need to automate your workshop, reduce your manufacturing times, reduce your labour costs and ensure that your accuracy is 100%.

By taking advantage of Gabbett Machinery’s great finance packages your outlay is less than $410 per week.

The big advantage? You’ll streamline your production. You (and your employees) will be able to spend less time in your workshop, and more time onsite installing – completing jobs quicker and with less headaches – at less cost.

*Terms and conditions apply with limited

stock numbers available. ●

Plasquip introduces smarter CNC tooling

End of financial year package deals


Expos

FMC China 2013, together with the China National Furniture Association, will put an emphasis on the linkage of upstream and downstream industry chains. FMC will include over 100 kinds of woodworking machinery products and furniture raw materials. It is the largest woodworking machinery products and furniture raw materials show for the furniture industry in the second half of the year in China.

FMC China 2013 will be held in two venues: the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre (SWEECC) and the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre (SNIEC).

The main venue, the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Centre (SWEECC), will contain woodworking machinery and tools, furniture

hardware and fittings, furniture inspection design and services, cabinet/wardrobe fittings and furniture lighting accessories, furniture panels and surface deco, furniture fabric and leather, upholstery furniture components and supplies, semi-finished furniture, office furniture supplies and gas spring, furniture coatings, adhesives and chemicals products.

The second venue, the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre (SNIEC), will display the first leading brand collection in the global furniture manufacturing industry. The collection will gather 15 industry-leading exhibitors and showcase 20 high-tech groups, in addition to more than 40 international leading technologies, more than 70 leading internal technologies and a number of self-developed products.

Eight associations and groups have confirmed their participation, including the States of North Carolina and Pennsylvania Hardwood Pavilions, the American Hardwood Export Council, the Swedish Trade and

Invest Council, the French Timber Industry Association, the Taiwan Woodworking Machinery Association, the Yuhang Home Textile Industry Association and the Asia Start International Furniture Materials Trading Centre.●

The next two editions of Xylexpo, the biennial international exhibition of wood technology and furniture industry supplies, will be held again in the traditional fairgrounds in Milan.

According to an agreement signed by Acimall and Cepra president Ambrogio Delachi

and by Enrico Pazzali, managing director, Fiera Milano spa the FieraMilano-Rho expo centre will host the exhibition in 2014, from 13 to 17 May, and in 2016, again in May, with exact dates to be identified later on. Cepra spa also placed an option for 2018.

“This agreement is the

natural consequence of the decisions made by most Acimall member companies and the feedback we got from several exhibitors and industry professionals attending our event,” Ambrogio Delachi said.

“The association of Italian manufacturers, which is the owner of the exhibition,

opted for continuity and considered the central position of Milan and easy access to the city ensured by an excellent infrastructure including airport, railway and roads, plus efficient logistic operations that make the Milan trade fair system one of the most modern and efficient worldwide”.●

FMC China 2013

Xylexpo signs new agreement

Furniture Manufacturing and Supply China

2013 (FMC China 2013) will be staged at

the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and

Convention Centre (SWEECC) from 11 to

14 September, 2013 concurrently with FMC

Premium 2013 and Furniture China.


Classifieds

FACE AND EDGE SANDING SOLUTIONS FOR WOOD, PLASTIC AND STEEL.

Available DIRECT from Kory Dubay Manufacturing Aust. P/L Ph. +61 (03) 9311-1113 www.korydubay.com [email protected]

EDGE SANDING MACHINES

BELT SANDING MACHINES

BRUSH SANDINGSimply register to receive email alerts, telling you when the latest FREE edition of Supplier Magazine is available online.

Supplier Magazine delivers to you the latest in design trends and innovative products PLUS valuable insights into how to give your business the edge.

Just in case you haven’t heard, Supplier Magazine now has an electronic version (in addition to the printed edition) and is available for you to download or read online at your convenience.

Plus, you can add your staff and colleagues to be “Registered Readers” at absolutely no cost, which means everyone can have their own copy.

Register NOW Simply go to www.suppliermagazine.com.au and click on the “Free Registration” tab.

Events Advertisers

Officially supported by:

• CabinetmakersAssociation

• AustralianFurnitureAssociation(AFA)

• AustralianWoodPanels Association

• DecorativeWoodVeneersAssociation

• TheFurnisher’sSocietyofVictoria

• NationalAssociationFurnitureAgents

Proudly produced and printed in AustraliaPublished bi-monthlyELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTDABN: 27 006 876 419PO BOX 800, Templestowe, Victoria, Australia 3106Ph: + 61 3 9890 0815Fax:+61398900087Email: [email protected]: www.suppliermagazine.com.auwww.elitepublishing.com.auPUBLISHERVicky CammiadeEmail: [email protected] MANAGING EDITORJennifer CurtisEmail:[email protected] PANELPhilip Ashley, Sean O’Sullivan, Dave Kahle, Michael Buckley, Dr Greg ChapmanNATIONAL SALES MANAGER Ashley [email protected] MANAGERGeorgia Gilmourgeorgia.gilmour@elitepublishing.com.auPRODUCTIONForartworkandproductionenquiriesplease email: [email protected] DigitalPRINTED BYProminent Press Pty Ltd

OVERSEAS REPRESENTATIVESRepresentative Agent for Taiwan,China and Hong Kong, Robert Yu,WorldwideServicesCoLtd,11F-B,No.540WenHsinRoad, Section 1,Taichung, 408, TaiwanTel: +886 4 2325 1784Fax:+886423252967Email: [email protected] PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD PUBLISHERS OF: SupplierMagazine,FBMagazine,FlooringMagazine,

Members of the Publishers Australia Association

MemberoftheAustralianFurnitureAssociationSouth West

ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD (established 1985) All rights reserved - No part of this publication maybe reproduced, transmitted or copied in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without the express prior written consent of Elite Publishing Co Pty Ltd. Viewpoints, opinions, claims, etc expressed in articles appearing in this publication are those of the authors. The Publishers accept no responsibility for the information supplied or for claims made by companies or their representatives regarding product performance, etc or for any errors, omissions, misplacement, alterations, or any subsequent changes, or for any consequences of reliance on this information or this publication.

Contact Us

Member of the International Woodworking and Furniture Supplier Magazine Association

JUNE 20136-9 China Furniture, Woodworking,

Components 2013 International Furniture Exhibition,

International Woodworking Machinery Exhibition, International Furniture Components & Raw Material Exhibition

Dalian, China www.sinoexhibition.com

13-16 Wood Tech India 2013 Exhibition on Wood & Woodworking

Industry. Woodworking Machinery, Timber & Lumber, Wooden Doors & Windows, Flooring, Power Tools, Fittings & Accessories, Parquetry, Furniture & Furnishing, Fixtures, Raw Materials

Chennai, India

JULY 20133-5 Kitchen & Bath Expo 2013 International Trade Show and

Conference for the Kitchen & Bath Industry

Sao Paulo, Brazil www.kitchenbathexpo.com.br

18-21 Furnitex 2013 Furniture and furnishing trade

show Melbourne, Australia www.furnitex.com.au

18-20 Woodmach Cebu 2013 Manufacturing Technology Exhibition:

Wood, Woodworking, Furniture-Making Machinery, Furnishings and Accessories Exhibition

Cebu, Philippines

24-27 AWFS Fair 2013 Woodworking products, services, new

technologies Las Vegas, United States http://awfsfair.org/

29 Jul-2 Aug LVM Las Vegas Market 2013 Furniture Show & Decorative Accessories

Market. Summer Edition Las Vegas, USA www.lasvegasmarket.com/

AUGUST 20132-5 Furniture World China 2013 China International Furniture,

Woodworking Machinery & Wood Products Exhibition

Beijing, China

21-24 Aseanwood Woodtech 2013 ASEAN International Woodworking

Machinery, Timber Processing and Furniture Manufacturing Supplies Exhibition

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia http://tradelink.com.my/woodtech

***For more information on the fairs or to confirm dates, please check the individual websites.

3D Kitchen Design 7 & 37

Biesse Group 3 & 35

Carb-I-Tool 31

Designer Training 15

EGR Decor Group Front Cover

Elton Group 9

Empower Software 17, 46 & 47

EQ Software 38

FMC China 55

Gabbett Machinery 43

Grass Australia/NZ 13

Hafele 2 & Back Cover

Kitchen King 25

Kockums Bulk Systems 41

Kory-Dubay 57

Leitz 48 & 49

Michael Weinig 45

Multicam Systems 57

Nover 11

Prodeco/Harn 27

Ron Mack 39

Schelling 33

Solu 19

You can now have all the latest information about your industry in your pocket ...

Add www.suppliermagazine.com.au

to your Home Screen in just 4 easy steps

1After you have

opened the Supplier website tap the

Share button at the bottom of the

Safari screen.

2Tap the icon labeled

“Add to Home Screen.”

3Tap the Add button in the upper right

corner.

4Launch the website

from your Home screen by tapping

its icon.

OUTNOW

INVISIBLE AND EFFECTIVEGRASS DYNAPRO UNDERMOUNT

DRAWER SYSTEMS FROM HÄFELE

GRASS Dynapro undermount drawer system from Häfele offers the designer a variety of options such as handle-free, high front panels and wide drawers. GRASS Dynapro is the world’s first fitting to come with synchronisation. This mechanically-synchronised movement for each rail guarantees the high-end comfort that customers will be familiar with from all GRASS drawer systems. With Dynapro, the guide rails move without noise or resistance, which makes using the guide system attractive for furniture as well. Even heavy loads do not affect the outstanding running properties of Dynapro.

For more information on the GRASS Dynapro range from Häfele contact your nearest sales office or visit www.hafele.com.au