A concerted effort by TRADA to raise the profile of timber at Interbuild 2006 is receiving strong backing from leading timber industry companies.
And interest is so high that the organisers have hinted that they may have to increase the area set aside for the new Timber Zone.
Five companies, including Eleco plc, Sikkens and the Malaysian Timber Council, have booked space in the Timber Zone with firm promises from a further four, while Vincent Timber and American Softwoods have committed to taking stands alongside.
TRADA group marketing manager Rupert Scott believes the association’s involvement would help increase the number of architects and engineers visiting, as would the detailed programmes of seminars designed to run throughout the five days of the show.
CPD talks by TRADA will be given in a purpose-built seminar theatre in the centre of the zone and CPD certificates will be provided. Other features of the zone will include a case study gallery of 2005 Wood Awards entrants, and TRADA experts able to answer technical questions.
Interbuild event director Gordon Thomas said the Timber Zone was proving to be a good decision and added: “In the past, timber companies have tended to be spread far and wide within the halls but the new development will not only make the area more high profile for the smaller companies but also give larger exhibitors who produce timber products the chance to locate themselves on the fringes of the zone.”
