Over the past half century, we’ve developed quite an inferiority complex about Germany’s industrial performance. Hardly surprising when you consider that virtually everything it produces, from Bosch washing machines to Volkswagen beetles, are considered the epitome of manufacturing excellence. The country’s prowess at penalty shoot-outs has just rubbed it in.
This week, however, we learn that Finnforest has decided to site its new £3m I-beam plant in King’s Lynn rather than Bremen. Part of the reason for the strategic decision is the current slack state of the German construction sector. But Finnforest has also come to the conclusion that the UK will be one of the powerhouse markets for timber frame and engineered wood products in coming years. Just the week before, Finnforest chief executive Ari Martonen told TTJ that he expected the sector to grow faster than has so far been predicted, with demand for
I-beams in particular set to expand exponentially. It’s no coincidence that the company has also set up its Timber Academy training centre (TTJ June 30) in Boston.
Of course, we know it’s not all sweetness and light out there in the timber market place at the moment. Stocks high, margins low seems to be the complaint of the industry across much of Europe. But others are also looking to a healthier long-term
outlook. Moulding specialist W Howard is one, currently spending £1m to boost output. Another show of faith in the future of timber frame comes from the Beazer Partnership‘s management team, which is reported to be close to securing a buyout.
And more muscle is being put into the battle to win back market share from rival materials. Now the BRE is leading a major industry initiative to develop a wood composite that will knock PVC roof-line products off their perch. Vorsprung durch technik, as they say in Germany.
