Then there is the matter of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and it seems to be a fair accomplishment that this will come into effect on the 1st March 2018. However in the opinion of certain labour experts it is unlikely that the deadline of the 1st March will be achieved but the NMW will be implemented at some time this year. This is likely to be extremely taxing on the smaller rural members of the sawmilling fraternity.

Other bad news is that the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) seem to be ramping up their inspections of all businesses including sawmills and so many mills can expect a visit from officials of the DEA at some time in the first half of the year. Please make sure you have all your required registers up to date and on hand. 

That’s as far as the bad news goes so what about the good news?

The biggest news of all has to be the change of President in South Africa and with it the expectation that corruption and reckless state spending will be brought under control. This in turn may well lead to the economy strengthening and the growth rate picking up. This will undoubtedly result in increased building activity which will certainly improve things for us sawmillers.

More good news is that the Exco of SSA met during the month and they have agreed to fund an investigation into the effect that light gauge steel has on the traditional wooden roof truss market. We have all known for some time that LGS is making headway in our market but no one has been able to put a figure on it until now, so SSA will be funding a professional and high level investigation into the situation which will hopefully give sawmillers a positive idea as to how serious this threat is and how we can counter it.

At the SAFCOL conference held late last year their chairman Mr Mabece referred to South African sawmill recovery being only 28%. This was seen as an indictment against the local industry so we commissioned Crickmay to do a study for us on “actual” sawmill recovery.

This study has revealed that whilst local sawmills may not be in the class of European mills when it comes to the recovery of square sawn board, we certainly do recover a great more than the average person believes, in fact the figure is close to 93% if all products are taken into account. We will be distributing a leaflet to this effect to all government departments and any other interested parties. If you would like a copy of the leaflet please just drop us a mail and we will send you one.

On that note please keep cutting straight and drying flat, until next month

Roy Southey

Gateway to Africa's timber trade under one roof
 

 

As the largest timber trade exhibition on the continent, WoodEX for Africa is considered the gateway to Africa’s timber trade. From the biggest CNC machines to the smallest screws, from the loggers of the great outdoors to sleek laminated flooring, WoodEX for Africa plays host to the most specialised, yet comprehensive range of equipment, tools, machinery and wood products available on the market. 

While WoodEX for Africa’s exhibition is a focused event, its showing has been carefully cultivated over the years to include a wide-ranging representation of products and services.

According to WoodEX for Africa Organiser, Stephan Jooste, “From the start of WoodEX in 2012, the show carried both indoor and outdoor exhibition areas to showcase products optimally, with big names like Wood-Mizer, CMC Woodworking Machinery, WoodTech, Geerlings, Bosch, De Walt and Vermont Sales, among others, proudly taking space at the show.”
 
“Heavy forestry and wood-processing equipment and machinery are best positioned outdoors, not just for practical reasons, but for exhibitors to demonstrate their equipment and machinery put to the test in its natural environment. The outdoor exhibit has always had a special vibrancy of its own with highlights over the years including exciting portable sawmill demonstrations, three-wheeler testing as well as a chainsaw wood carving competition.” 

Indoors at the well-equipped Gallagher Estate in Midrand, WoodEX for Africa showcases large CNC machines, woodworking machinery and equipment, veneering equipment, ply woods, tooling, fixtures and fittings as well as paints and coatings, and industry associations, making the show the most inclusive showcase of timber and related products and services on the continent.
 
Rounded off with its highly-anticipated Timber Talks, WoodEX for Africa has something on offer for every timber professional looking to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the trade.

 “WoodEX for Africa’s well-rounded offering to both exhibitors and visitors alike makes for a multi-faceted exhibition of the top timber and related products and services available on the market, underpinned by industry expertise and a trade looking to the future,” says Jooste, concluding, “We are delighted to announce that Early Bird bookings for exhibition space at the show are now open and we encourage our exhibitors to secure their space early to unlock maximum exposure for their brands.”

WoodEX for Africa will be taking place from 11-13 July 2018 at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.

Early Bird bookings for the event are now open. Exhibitors are encouraged to secure their space early to unlock maximum exposure leading up to the event.

For more information about exhibition space, contact Annelize on +27 (0)21 850 8846, +27 (0)81 775 5859 or email info@woodexforafrica.com.