Interbuild provided object lessons in what the timber industry is up against in the UK construction, DIY and garden products markets.
One supplier of PVCu wet-look glossy timber-grain effect doors proudly splashed them with stickers proclaiming ‘This is not wood’. Clearly not being timber is still seen as a sales plus in some quarters.
There were also indicators of how the PVCu sector is reacting to adverse environmental publicity. A garden furniture company made a big show of benches and picnic tables in recycled plastic stressing their combination of ‘maintenance free’ durability and eco-benefits. The sector is clearly hoping to trade off plastic’s murkiness at the manufacturing end against the repeated use benefits.
But, while it showed that timber is still in a slugging match in the building arena, Interbuild did demonstrate that it is increasingly punching its weight.
There was a strong representation from individual timber and joinery businesses and the wood. for good campaign put on its biggest exhibition display to date (TTJ June 22/29).
The aim of the latter’s stand, said campaign consultant John Fletcher, was partly to fly the wood. for good banner. But the main thrust was to promote the potential of actual timber and timber products.
Södra took the opportunity to show off its new SodraSinus prefabricated timber floor units featuring slotted beams and integral acoustic insulation which deaden sound. The company clearly has a weather eye to the tightening of Building Regulations Part E.
Per-Erik Eriksson, the co-ordinator of wood. for good’s ‘building with wood’ sub-campaign, said its Interbuild initiative had been a success. “It has been an ideal vehicle for the campaign to reach the construction industry professionals,” he said.
Mr Fletcher confirmed the stand had attracted sizeable numbers of architects, specifiers and builders.
Besides promoting individual products, the aim of the stand was to highlight Canada’s capabilities in supplying the UK with complete timber frame packages. A particular emphasis was the joint government and industry developed Super E timber frame system. The UK’s first Super E house has been built in Kent (TTJ April 27) and more will follow.
Vincent Timber was in positive mood about the reception for its Canadian cedar cladding and shingles. “We need to reach architects and specifiers with these products, so it’s the right show for us and we’ve had encouraging leads,’ said director John Vincent. “Our new Finnforest ‘thermowood’ cladding has also attracted interest.”
He added that the show was also attended by a fair number of self-builders.
Again targeting the specifier sector, beading and handrail producer Haldane made a feature of its fire-rated glazing beads and its status as the only bead supplier in the British Woodworking Federation‘s Certifire Fire Door Scheme (TTJ June 22/29).
Balcas Kildare was targeting builders with its new ‘click and turn’ window board fixing system. Decorative interior wood products manufacturer Winther Browne also saw Interbuild as money well-spent – “enjoying a constant stream of visitors every day” – as did Vicaima; according to the company’s Paul King the show “exceeded expectation in terms of visitor quantity and quality”.
Decking specialist Archadeck also reported “plenty of enquiries – which we hope to turn into orders”.
NEC Floor Show
Interbuild’s dedicated flooring section in Hall 5 was incongruously placed cheek by jowl with plumbing and bathroom fittings. And the presentations were variable. Listone Giordana’s display had all the flair of Italian design, but one distributors’ stand lacked even staff.
Overall, though, the exhibits did the job and certainly offered variety.
English Timbers made a particular splash of wide-board bespoke solid timber ranges. Canadian-owned Foresbec Inc emphasised the installer support it gives via its specialised outlets.
Hardwood Flooring Supplies showed its first laminates, but also highlighted developments in core engineered and solid products, including three new ranges from Junckers, a jatoba oiled board, a wide hardrock maple and a maple retailing at £150/m2!
Montague L Meyer unveiled new engineered parquet from Austria, available in 12 species and several grades.
Wood Floor Sales showed engineered and laminate flooring, but reported particular interest in the solid products. “This is definitely good for us as solid flooring is the direction we are increasingly taking,” said the company’s Stuart Greer.
Fryer talks Interbuild
Merchant correspondent Keith Fryer found his trip to the show well worthwhile.
“Is it worth a day to walk your feet off, going around miles of stands, most of which are of no interest to your business?
Strangely enough, I really think it is! Interbuild is THE place to find out what our customers buy. You have a chance to understand what they want from their suppliers and they love to tell you about how they buy products.
Interbuild shows the best and the worst of marketing and salesmanship; some stands look like a million dollars yet can have uninterested staff, while some side stands are family-run outfits using every angle to win you over.
You’ll find companies exhibiting from all over the world and it’s the easiest way to learn about new products, as well as meeting old faces. It’s a relaxed atmosphere and a good time to sort out any supplier niggles.
