Columbia Forest Products, which has 22 plants in the US and Canada producing hardwood decorative plywood, is a major importer of panel products from key producing countries.
MCI Timply managing director Mike Cater said Columbia has made considerable investment in development of its plywood business in China. A strong team is in place devoted to inspection controls at the mills and logistical support, and the initial thrust of the new Anglo/UK business relationship is plywood from China.
Mr Cater said: “UK buyers can purchase with confidence in the knowledge that the Columbia and MCI systems are in place to monitor orders from production and inspection at the mills to arrival in the UK.”
Mr Cater said work is also in progress to try to develop lines of environmentally accredited product from Chinese mills.
MCI is also now offering a decorative plywood panel manufactured in Canada by Columbia.
Mr Cater said: “The plywood has a glue bond which is completely formaldehyde free and is supported by Forest Stewardship Council certification, giving it the finest environmental credentials.”
