JUN/JUL 2020 DESIGN + MATERIALS + TECHNOLOGY - Elite Publishing
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JUN/JUL 2020
W O O D W O R K I N G
DESIGN + MATERIALS + TECHNOLOGY
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Contents Issue #206 | Volume 36 No 2
3
News Editor’s Note
4 Welcome to the June / July
Vale Giancarlo Morbidelli issue of Supplier Magazine.
Inside you will find our 2020
Manufacturing Product Showcase where, in the
absence of exhibitions and trade
8 shows, we provide a platform for
A positive industry slant companies to feature their new
products and equipment as well
Product Update as the very latest technologies
available.
17
Functionality combined with design by Hafele When it became evident that
the Coronavirus would become
Feature a major health issue affecting
manufacturing, most suppliers
18 acted promptly and with a total
2020 Product Showcase commitment to their employee’s
and customer’s safety. Philip
Talking Business Ashley spoke with key leaders
from the global woodworking
42 industry, who told us what they
A man of integrity did during the crisis and what
their view of the future is. It is
Design & Trends compelling reading.
44 Don’t forget to join our online
Interpreting design trends with Fenix community and visit us on
Facebook, Instagram and
Pintrest.
Until next time,
Michelle Cammiade
Front Cover Editor
Jobman
www.jobman.com.au
Find Supplier Magazine on:
@suppliermagazine @suppliermagazine @suppliermagazine
Supplier June/July 2020 www.suppliermagazine.com.au
News 4
Vale Giancarlo DECO Australia Announce New
Morbidelli Showroom and Innovation Centre
After a long illness, Giancarlo Morbidelli, DECO Australia has announced its The Innovation Centre will feature DECO’s
born 1934, has died. He was a very popular showroom in Minto, NSW, is undergoing full range of architectural building products
person, not only because he created the a massive redesign to help showcase the including their unique aluminium cladding,
Morbidelli company, but for his crazy passion company’s entire range of architectural batten and decking systems, as well as a
for motorbikes, which led him to shift his building products and finishes. number of new, soon-to-be-released product
focus away from woodworking machinery lines. Also on display will be the full range
to become one of the most charismatic and The new facility – renamed the ‘DECO of powder coat and sublimated aluminium
innovative figures of the two-wheel scene. Innovation Centre’ – will celebrate the finishes, including the premium timber-look
His woodworking machinery achieved company’s innovative spirit while creating DecoWood finish, and an operational kitchen
immediate success, and in fifteen years he a flexible, collaborative space that delivers a will feature DECO’s one-of-a-kind splashback
became the top figure of a company exporting premium customer service experience. product, DecoSplash.
to 40 countries, with 300 employees, and
one of the first significant takeovers by Scm. The DECO Innovation Centre has been DECO founder and director Ross Doonan
“To me and Alfredo, Giancarlo was like a architecturally designed by renowned believes the new centre will reflect the
brother”, said Adriano Aureli. “We went a architecture firm ClarkeHopkinsClarke to company’s core values of quality and
long way together, until in 1990 we acquired achieve a dynamic building and space that innovation. “The DECO Innovation Centre
75 percent of his business, as he had already will allow for continued development and will encourage our team to turn great ideas
decided that he want to dedicate most of his change as the family-owned manufacturing and concepts into products and processes. It
energy to motorcycling: he remained the business continues to expand. will be an educational facility for our partners
technical director of Morbidelli, as well as a and suppliers, and it will be an inspirational
business partner… “. He had started to build ClarkHopkinsClarke partner and architect space for our customers to come visit”.
motorbikes in 1965 and he never stopped: his Jordan Curran said his vision was to
racing department had bikes running in the transform DECO Australia's industrial The building structure will also include a
world championship from 1969 to 1981 and warehouse into an innovation centre by large architectural canopy, floor-to-ceiling
winning four world titles. A friend of Enzo using their world-class products in real life DecoWood windows, and other sculptural
Ferrari, he was depicted as David against applications. DECO elements to welcome visitors as they
Goliath, because he defeated the big Japanese enter the site. Inside the showroom customers
brands, such as Yamaha, and Kawasaki. “DECO is a very innovative company with will find an inspirational space where the
an extraordinary range of finishes and DECO team will help bring their design ideas
He died at the Fano hospital, leaving his products. They are constantly creating to life.
wife Augusta and two children, Letizia and and testing new material solutions for the
Gianni, the latter a Formula 1 driver. His built environment. For this project, we The DECO Innovation centre is expected to
heritage includes masterpieces like the 850 worked with the DECO team to shape a open late 2020. ❚
bike with V8 engine, a unique creation, with bright and flexible environment that would
a few examples displayed at the Guggenheim allow their client base to interact with and
Museum in New York, Bilbao and Las Vegas. ❚ understand the properties of their products.
In particular we wanted to display products
in natural light, exhibiting how they
behave throughout the day and in different
seasons. We also wanted to create a sensory
experience, positioning products where
people could get up close and even touch.”
said Curran.
Supplier June/July 2020 www.suppliermagazine.com.au
63mm
FREE SPACE
ENGINEERED BY HÄFELE
MODERN, COMPACT DESIGN EASY PUSH-ON MOUNTING OF FRONT
Minimal installation depth of 63 mm with an PANEL
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leaves more usable storage space in the removed quick and easy with toolless
cabinet. installation.
OPTIMISED LOGISTICS AND PROCESSING COMPATIBLE DRILL PATTERN
Less components reduces transport and The plug-in pins on the base plate suit
storage space. At the same time installation standard 32/37 mm line boring dimensions on
is less complex and more time-efficient. the side wall and allow for a pre-installation of
the fitting with just one hand.
SELF-EXPLANATORY ADJUSTMENTS HIGH VERSATILITY IN PLANNING
Intuitive and comfortable tension adjustment AND PRODUCTION
from the front. 3D flap alignment with One model series with a sustaining capacity
generous adjustment range. of up to 10.7 kg for 400 mm high flaps allows
Integrated opening angle limiter 107° for a wide application range.
to 90°.
info@hafele.com.au 1300 659 728 www.hafele.com.au
News 6
A National Survey of the Joinery Industry
During these past few months, Supplier 38% of respondents predicting automation
Magazine has been proudly supporting the to be among the biggest growth areas within option to cut spending where they could.
National Joinery Industry Survey. The team the next 5-10 years. Residential building work
behind the goCabinets online cabinetry also joined with 38% to be the equal highest The National Joinery Industry survey revealed
ordering platform organised and directly predicted growth area. The concerns and fascinating and insightful statistics and
sent this survey to over 7,500 cabinet makers, challenges of the industry were also raised information on our industry as well as into
installers, designers, and other industry as participants were asked to identify three the varying segments, ages, business sizes,
professionals nationwide as well as promoted of their top concerns for the industry. 55% of and states that make up this industry.
it online. respondents selected pricing pressures and
operational costs as a leading concern for There are thousands of components that
The start of June marks the release of the the future while competition from imported go a step towards improving the results
published findings report. The Report delves products was a very close second with 53% of of a business or helping them prepare for
into the demographic landscape of the respondents agreeing it was a top concern. the uncertainty of the future. Through
joinery industry including leading trends, publishing these results goCabinets hope
common practices and provides insight into The COVID-19 crisis in particular including that businesses will be able to find valuable
the concerns among members of the industry the effects felt by industry members was also information that will assist in their overall
including where they see it progressing in the tackled as 40% of recipients identified it as decision-making process as well as provide
years to come. one of their leading concerns for the future. useful insights into the direction our industry
More than 80% of participants highlighted is headed.
Notable findings include the importance the negative impact from COVID-19, yet
of computerisation and technology in this astonishingly 29% of those who were affected You can check out the full report by visiting
modern industry. 67% of respondents use claimed they had not implemented any new the goCabinets website. ❚
design, production or CAD-based software business measures to combat this problem.
within their business with this percentage
increasing to 89% for larger businesses with The importance of marketing during
more than 10 employees. The internet in this COVID-19 period also revealed some 3D Kitchen
particular also showed its importance as a interesting findings as 23% of those affected
large portion of respondents look towards by COVID-19 chose to increase their Software – winners
online ordering for their materials (59%), marketing and advertising efforts and 6%
hardware (49%), and flatpack (59%) needs. of those affected chose to decrease their announced
marketing and advertising. While some chose
Looking towards the future of the industry, to go on the front foot and compete harder for
technology once again had its presence with the market share, a minority saw their best In conjunction with Supplier Magazine,
Chris and Rose Adams of 3D Kitchen Design,
would like to congratulate the following
companies who have both won the fabulous
3D Software package:
the National • Potters Bathroom and Kitchen Centre
Joinery Industry • Joes Quality Country Kitchens
SURVEY So, to those readers who have considered
Powered by applying, please do not hesitate. For your
chance to win a 3D Software package go to
pages 28 and 29 for all entry details. ❚
Supplier June/July 2020 www.suppliermagazine.com.au
Manufacturing 8
A Positive Industry Slant
Story by Philip Ashley
COVID-19 hit Australia and the But behind all of this was some despair, online training as before. We had a small
World hard. But what is the especially in Italy where most of our drop in sales in the Australian market, but
feeling of industry suppliers imported machinery and equipment is this is beginning to pick up again.”
about the recovery? Are made, and where the virus hit hardest. Many
they optimistic or are they people known to customers in Australia died,
concerned? We asked a number
of suppliers of machinery,
and tears shed by many of the people who
have shared their thoughts for this story.
“The view of the future
software, and hardware both However, for others the impact was far less is definitely moving to
here and overseas to comment severe, especially here in Australia and New
and generally; the feeling is one Zealand. We’ve put together many of the a more positive one...
of optimism. comments from international and local
suppliers who told us what they did during we will return to a more
When it became evident that the Coronavirus
would become a major health issue that
the crisis and what their view of the future is.
We hope you find it compelling reading.
normal state and an
would affect manufacturing, most suppliers
acted promptly and with a total commitment 3D Kitchen
increasing confidence
to their employee’s and customer’s safety. Chris Adams, owner of 3D Kitchen, leading to future
Many companies set up management reflects, “From the onset of COVID-19, we
committees that followed the restrictions at 3D Kitchen assumed there would be a customer investment. ”
being imposed in their own countries and significant slowdown within the general
the Countries to which they were exporting. cabinet-making industry, and this would
Video conferencing; working from home have a negative effect on our own business. “The view of the future is definitely moving
(WFH); smart and safe working practices As it transpired this was far less than to a more positive one. It is sure the
and remote technical support all became anticipated. We have continued with the COVID-19 threat had a huge negative effect
important tools to ensure their customers’ same level of contact from our existing on the world economy, and this will be felt
needs were met. customers, providing remote support and for several years. But we are also sure that
as the restrictions placed on business are
gradually removed, we will return to a more
normal state and an increasing confidence
leading to future customer investment. One
way 3D Kitchen aims to help cabinetmakers
in Australia is to continue to offer our
software as a give-away in Supplier
magazine. We know this has been a great
boost to many and we are committed to keep
this going.”
Altendorf Group
Vit Kafka, is working in Germany this year
but said in regard to COVID-19, “At Altendorf
we all got to know ‘Zoom’ and ‘Teams’
very well during these challenging 10
Supplier June/July 2020 www.suppliermagazine.com.au
Manufacturing 10
times. We have done a lot of demonstrations everyone, but I am convinced that after
on-line to the point where customers send this time, there will be a recovery. We must
us their material for us to edge and produce work to be ready to take the opportunities
a sample. That has been successful. We that arise. We must take advantage of this
have also taken the chance to do a lot of accelerated cultural change that was already
on-line training for our customers, dealers, underway. The factory evolves, the processes
internally and with our subsidiaries. In late become more streamlined and automated
May we were working on the concept of the and Biesse Group focuses on activities with
Altendorf Virtual Tour.” greater added value. We will be even closer to
our customers, able to accompany them in
“Our service and spare parts have been this important cultural leap, cantered on the
uninterrupted 24/7. In Germany, the digitalization and automation of production
manufacturing is continuously running processes. Together we will do it”.
in both the Altendorf and Hebrock plants. I
have been always a firm believer that every Biesse Group Australia focused on remote,
downside has an upside and there is no online demonstrations and live software
difference with COVID-19. We have learned training. Positions were filled fast, and
something, and we have implemented new additional classes were needed, such was
ways. We are realistic that there is a long way the popularity of these events. Webinars
to go but we are prepared. In Australia, the were arranged by brand sales managers
footy season is on the way back and things and focused on different topics and shared
are looking up.” useful and educational information. Biesse
Group’s online tech talks included topics
Above: Working safely at Biesse Italy
Biesse Group with financial advisers on finance and the
Federico Broccoli is Biesse Group Wood government incentives as well as the new CDK Stone
Division Director. He said, “Today we are SME credit environment. Other topics from Jonathan Height, Joint Managing Director
rediscovering an unusual closeness based Brand Sales Managers included tips to of CDK Stone said, “When the COVID-19
on technology that leads us to place greater better perform technologies and the current situation arose, CDK Stone responded
value on connections and relationships. covid-19 situation. quickly and put in a range of measures that
Sure, there will be repercussions for ensured the safety of our clients and staff.
As a business, we investigated ways to work
remotely and leverage technology in our
“We will be even closer communication with clients. During these
times, we have ensured that our high level
to our customers, able of customer service and support has not
changed. We have taken steps to keep vital
to accompany them areas of our business open whilst remaining
in this important safe and contactless.”
cultural leap, cantered “We have seen a lot of interest in stone and
its application. We believe this will flow on
on the digitalization to support our clients and the wider industry.
Growing with the processes we have already
and automation of put in place, CDK Stone is developing more
production processes. areas of the business to better accommodate
our clients and raise our level of customer
Together we will do it”. service even higher. As we develop a deeper
understanding of how to better service
Supplier June/July 2020 www.suppliermagazine.com.auManufacturing 11
our clients, we have shared this with our to happen anyway. I consider video calls
customers to support the wider industry. especially useful, we save a lot on travel
Looking to the future, we have already seen and hotel expenses, but limited to non-
clients looking to invest in automation critical meetings. Preliminary contacts
technology and machinery plant and finalization meetings will still have to
equipment to leverage the opportunity be in person. My inborn optimism makes
in the booming renovation market and me believe, once again, Italians will get
to support their business when economic out of this crisis even stronger than before,
conditions improve.” leveraging our ability to make the best out
of impossible situations.”
HOMAG Group
Walter Crescenzi is Managing director, In Australia Director Ross Campbell sent
HOMAG ITALIA. He said, “Although this Homag salespeople home on 16th March.
emergency was unpredictable, our reaction Admin, spare parts, and service continued
was so quick that even our super-organized as normal but with workplace distancing,
German producers were amazed. While disinfecting, and sanitizing both at the
it is clear that personal relations with office and with customers. The sales team
people cannot be replaced by a video has been communicating digitally by
conference, the events we experienced phone, email, ‘Skype’ and ‘Zoom’. Ross
gave a boost to digital interactions, said, “This work has continued, and it’s
accelerating a transition that was going been really cool to participate, to learn
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and watch how everyone responded and seen as an essential service. In some cases, adapted and applied the requirements
embraced digital communications. I think our service people attended the customer at in order to continue working. The way
everyone has found that when effectively specific times to ensure that no persons were businesses have diversified and adapted will
used, these tools can be just as useful, it is placed at risk.” assist in our industry moving forward as
definitely more efficient on everyone’s time. restrictions are raised.”
I see the future with a fair degree of caution “Being wholly Australian owned, and our
but not without some optimism either. From machinery manufactured in Australia, SCM Group
the point of view of workplace practices, I we saw no impact on our production or Luigi De Vito is SCM Division Director
think COVID-19 has driven change, some of customer support. Owners of Multicam (Italy). He comments, “The social-economic
which I hope will become entrenched.” machinery had un-interrupted access to all impact of this pandemic is proving to be
service and spare part items. This also meant deep at world level, with repercussions which
Leda Machinery customers were able to take immediate could prove similar or worse than those
Leda Machinery’s Peter Schilling reports, advantage of government incentives to previously experienced during the 2008
“March 16th Leda Machinery implemented upgrade plant and equipment, putting them financial crisis. The biggest change we have
Phase one of our COVID-19 Strategy. In on the front foot as the recovery begins. seen is how we work and interact with our
preparation for a downturn in business we There is no doubt that recovery will take business partners, dealers, and subsidiaries
acted to immediately cease non necessary time, however we are optimistic that many around the world. In an international
spending and reduce expenses, basically businesses will emerge stronger, with a more context which has seen key industry events
going into ‘survival’ mode. We developed a diverse range of capabilities. Many have cancelled or postponed until possibly mid
COVID-19 policy to protect our employees and already adapted and taken advantage of new next year, we are discovering and taking
customers; limiting contact for technicians opportunities during the pandemic.” advantage other ways of doing business.
working on site and had some of our people These include conference calls, practical
working from home. The phones stopped Planit Cutting Edge demonstration, and on-line courses about
ringing and customer confidence was down Solutions our technologies with businesses of all
with the uncertainty of what was ahead.” Blake Cugley said, “We have been assisting levels, including artisans. With the ‘Maestro
customers’ transition to working from home connect’ platform we provide instant access
“However, after only a week customer through short term licence arrangements as to a vast range of services which allow wood
confidence was coming back and the phones well as ensuring our Tech Support team were industry operators to be assisted by the Scm
were ringing again. Two months later by available to assist customers who needed team even ‘virtually’ in order to maximise
mid-May we were back in full swing. After a assistance moving their software to a new all the service and maintenance activities.
slight delay with shipments from suppliers computer in order to take work home. Planit
we took delivery of 11 containers in May and has been able to transition all our face-to-
have a further 15 containers on order. With face events online, as well as all integrations
so many businesses and industries affected moved online to ensure customers continue
by COVID-19 we are thankful that the to move forward.”
impact to us has been relatively low and are
extremely optimistic for the future.” “It has been exciting to hear customers
mention new enquiries coming through,
Multicam aided by software such as Vortek Spaces,
Stephen Heusz said, “We have been allowing them to sell online. Some of their
operating more-or-less as normal during customers have moving their spending
the crisis. We worked with our customers to from travel to renovation and updating
ensure we followed all directives in relation their kitchens. Our industry needs to be
to hygiene and personal distancing and yet commended in both the way they supported
maintain the level of support our customers the community, but also the way they
required. Because the majority of our approached working onsite. The fact that
customers were able to remain in operation, many projects have been installed during
the backup and support we provided was this period is testament to how our industry
Supplier June/July 2020 www.suppliermagazine.com.auManufacturing
Interior Design &
Production Software
Complete software
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furniture design
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Above: Virtual reality from SCM
We all need to look at this crisis situation
CNC
as an accelerator for change, rethink our
working practices, improve our production
“The social-economic connection
sites, and make them safer, healthier, and impact of this pandemic in less than
a week
more comfortable. Many of our customers
stopped production but not their creativity. is proving to be deep
They are making the most of this period
to develop and implement new production
at world level, with
strategies, new business opportunities, new
smart working methods and communication
repercussions which Complete
with customers and suppliers which perhaps, could prove similar ERP system
in the past, they would have been unlikely to
have given any thought.” or worse than those
previously experienced
during the 2008
financial crisis. ”.
WOODSHOW (Dubai, Uae)
Rahul Ranka is assistant project manager
WOODSHOW (Dubai). He said, “Undeniably
this global pandemic has affected the
majority, if not all, of businesses and
industries all over the world. However, we CAD+T Australasia Pty Ltd
are optimistic that such negative impacts
are only short-term. For the most part, it
changed how businesses operated. Many Level 5, 23-25 O‘Connell Street
operated remotely and relied on digital NSW, 2000 Sydney
Phone: +61 (2) 800 620 67
E-Mail: office@cadt-solutions.com
Web: www.cadt-solutions.comManufacturing 14
technology to enable communication and And changing everything is the only way
collaboration. As an individual, I believe it to say that we have learned the lesson of
also changed people’s perspectives on life this emergency. Think about continental
and its vulnerability. There are different and intercontinental journeys, we will need
possibilities and changes that can happen to increase safety measures… I believe
in the future depending on how the this situation will have not only a strong
society and countries exit this crisis and economic impact as everyone fears, but
its repercussions. Preparation is the main also massive psychological consequences.
key to survive the ‘post COVID-19 world’. People will be afraid to go ‘back to normal’.
Businesses must be equipped to manage To go to a football match, travel in crowded
potential setbacks and threats. Hopefully, transportation, walk around in shopping
companies will take advantage of this malls packed with people. The quarantine
predicament to build strength and a more improved the situation, but we must wait for
solid management, and for people to foster a vaccine to be safer.”
better relationships and a more meaningful
lifestyle”. Andrea Bucciarelli is director Furniture
systems REHAU (Edge Banding tapes)
ITALIA. He said, “A great uncertainty
“Everything will characterizes the days we are living in and
unfortunately, even the post-Coronavirus
change. And changing scenarios are unpredictable and unknown.
everything is the only Before jumping to hasty conclusions, it will
be necessary to see how the Italian system
We are Italians, from Bergamo, and we are
businesspeople, so we never give up. In our
way to say that we have reacts. After all, national industries have a region, so many people have died that I
relevant export share, so we also depend on cannot even remember how many messages
learned the lesson of the epidemic progression in other countries. of condolence I have sent, but I am sure we
Extraordinary and incisive measures are will make it!”
this emergency.” necessary to face an unprecedented liquidity
crisis and to support our sector, which Stefano Mauri is Co-owner, GIARDINA
represents an essential supply chain for the GROUP, specialising in automated spray
More Comments economic and social stability of Italy”. lines and with equipment in Australia.
Anastasia Parlamentas said, “The COVID-19 Stefano said, “Most of all, we have learned
pandemic has certainly presented some Fabrizio Azzimonti is owner, Ormamacchine that emergency management, for any type
unique challenges to Nikpol. Normal face (Bergamo, Italy). He says, “I could never of emergency, should be one of the top skills
to face interactions have changed, these imagine I would have talked about, and in any company. The costs of this ‘crisis’,
changes look like they will endure long even less experienced, a situation that if you want to call it that, must be borne
into the future. The safety of our staff and can only be described with one word: by everyone: governments, which will have
customers had to become the key objective. apocalypse. The damage to the economy to do their best to support citizens and
This meant a change in the way we used and image of our companies will be businesses; companies, that will pay a price,
modern technology, to engage the market devastating, in the short term because we they must dare to invest and look ahead.
and to display and explain the solutions of cannot fulfill the existing orders, and in And there will also be costs for individuals,
our products safely. Social distancing rules the long term because there will be no people, families. I wish we can develop new
have meant that normal practices had to be new orders. This crisis is much worse than capacities to understand, share, act like a
evolved and refined. The future is unclear, September 11. As to my own company, we community.”
hopefully the worst is behind us.” have realized that we must increase our
digital transformation efforts and support Franco Tanzini is Co-owner VITAP
Andrea Volpato is President, Fravol (Vigonza, marketing, communications, service, (Poggibonsi, Siena). He said, “At first I was
Padua). He said, “Everything will change. e-commerce, and smart working practices. thinking about me being an animal in a
Supplier June/July 2020 www.suppliermagazine.com.auManufacturing 15
need to sign off that they are a safe workplace, in line with COVID
safety guidelines (e.g. no one on site is sick, travelled overseas
etc). During this time, we developed new OH&S guidelines to
incorporate increased hygiene measures and we will continue to
do this for as long as necessary. As far as we are concerned, it was
business as usual and we all continued working 5 days a week to
be there when needed.”
We Conclude
We are incredibly lucky to be living in Australia or New Zealand
and while there is some dissent over the measures taken to keep us
safe, both governments have done a great job. In times of crisis,
creativity will flourish, and the coronavirus pandemic will unleash
a new era of innovation. The comments from our suppliers have
reinforced the recent industry direction of digitalisation and in
many ways, we were already prepared for what most believe must
happen for our industry to prosper. Those that can learn and adapt
will survive to take advantage of better times in the future. Survival
will make way for more profitable times for both manufacturers
and workers as circumstances improve. ❚
cage, the paternal relationship with the company interrupted, and
“During this time, we developed
new OH&S guidelines to incorporate
increased hygiene measures and
we will continue to do this for as
long as necessary.”
all sorts of thoughts like these. In reality it was like a ceasefire in
what is a perennial battle of protecting the company, finding new
markets, making new products and all the subjects that daily are
on your desk. Everybody had to stop and stay in a time suspended
in the clouds. From a very personal point of view living in the
countryside with all my family around has helped me enormously
and I have been focused on the family much more.”
Katarina Partic said, “The Weinig Group (Australia) sales team
was grounded at home but worked diligently over the phone and
video conferencing calls. Weinig used the downtime to develop
staff with further training (online/video) with our German
product managers. The service team continued visiting customers
for breakdowns, training and installs, however the customer did
Supplier June/July 2020 www.suppliermagazine.com.auProduct Update 16
Introducing AvanTech YOU
Increasingly, the customisation megatrend and blends in with furniture as a design
is placing an even greater focus on the element. This permits handle less design in
individual user with their very own personal uncompromising perfection both inside and
preferences. Hettich, one of the world’s out. Given the ease with which a drawer can
leading cabinet hardware and fittings be customised in terms of colour, shape and
producers introduces the new AvanTech YOU material, manufacturers can stand out from
Above: Hettich - Purist perfection:
drawer system coming soon to the Australian the crowd. AvanTech YOU comes in three
AvanTech YOU can be used to create
market in 2020. Hettich not only takes drawer colours and five heights with aluminium or
exceptionally slimline drawers without cover
customisation to the next level but also wooden rear panels. The product range offers
caps or visible screw heads, even in XXL
furniture design. With its latest AvanTech designer profiles in stainless steel, chrome,
format without sacrificing convenience.
YOU platform system, Hettich is now forging aluminium look, walnut and oak look. The
ahead once again. As a pioneer, Hettich clever part is being able to use any chosen
presented the world’s first platform solution materials as well. This opens the potential Two drawers behind one front panel
for drawer systems with InnoTech, back in for kitchen and furniture manufacturers to reliably open parallel with each other and
1996. The latest AvanTech YOU platform now set themselves apart from the competition; close gently. Three-dimensional drawer
offers even more options for customising in with their own furniture design in different adjustment – in height, from side to side
terms of colour, shape and material. price segments, targeted response to customer and in tilt – guarantees perfect reveal
wishes and the system's cost effectiveness. alignment.
AvanTech YOU is designed to impress
with a sleek linear design, slender drawer AvanTech YOU provide the optimum solution What is remarkable is the ease in which
side profile and at an impressive 13 mm for anyone wanting to design generously the platform concept can be adapted to suit
thickness, the style is uncompromisingly proportioned, handle less furniture with manufacturing or buyers’ requirements; the
sleek. The purist design keeps all working exclusive materials. The previous limits drawer can be used on two different runner
components hidden into the slender drawer to creating handle less design as a result systems with the same cabinet body hole
side. There are no cover caps or holes to of extremely large front panel weights or pattern, creating a flexible and cost-effective
spoil the look of flawless beauty. The fitting formats are eliminated by Push to open basis for addressing different market segments
deliberately recedes into the background Silent with multi synchronisation. and fields of application. The components
within the platform can be easily combined
with each other. At the assembly stage, there
is no requirements to rout drawer bases and
install catches, nor is it necessary to use rear
panel corner connectors for wooden rear
panels. As the rear panels come in the same
width as the drawer base, this additionally
saves time and money. Wooden drawers can
also be used on identical runners without any
facing panel as a statement in a kitchen's
otherwise closed front panel look.
AvanTech YOU is a product concept with a
broad ranging line-up that makes it possible
Above: Hettich - Quickly transformed: AvanTech YOU designer profiles in wood, stainless to reduce the otherwise usual variety of stock
steel, aluminium or chrome look add an individualised look to the top of the drawer side items and permit individuality on all levels
profile and are simply clipped into place. in a cost effective and easy manner. ❚
Supplier June/July 2020 www.suppliermagazine.com.auProduct Update 17
Functionality combined with design by Hafele
Your project deserves the highest quality of hardware from hinge The handles are comfortable to hold,
to handle. Hafele’s, newly released handle range will support your there are no unpleasant corners or edges
work whilst helping to make your project stand out. The 14 different to impair the tactile experience, and
designs are fully aligned with current industry trends including; are made of zinc alloy, aluminium and
Textile, Nouveau Art Deco and Cube design. leather. The handles are suitable for any
type of opening, allowing easy openening
Handles are an important focal point of any project as they add a of heavy doors, like those on refrigerators,
visual centre to any cabinet. Just think about the different style of dishwashers or pull outs for kitchen
handles you would use for a farm-style kitchen versus an urban pantries.
kitchen.
With their hole spacing of 32 to 448 mm, they can be integrated in
Hafele’s new handle range has impressed on an international scale. an active production process without problems. All handles are tested
Being awarded with the Red Dot Design Award for the H1910 handle to comply with the industry standards in the kitchen industry as well
that features the Textile theme, shows international recognition for as with their German label to meet the highest standards of quality
exclusive trend design. and convenience.
Handles and knobs no longer just serve functionality, but need to also For more information visit Hafele.com.au ❚
meet high demands when it comes to different finishes and designs.
We see an increased popularity for black handles in vintage style
but also a consistent demand for the classics in brushed nickel and
polished chrome plate.
Spindle Repair,
Servicing &
Refurbishment, balance
& test as standard
Supply new:
HSD, COLOMBO, OMLAT etc.
HSD spindle repair specialists
SPINDLES NZ LTD
9 Larges Lane, Nelson
mobile 021 023 89028
email info@spindles.co.nz
www.spindles.co.nz
Supplier June/July 2020 www.suppliermagazine.com.au18
2020 Product Showcase
Story by Philip Ashley
Feature
July is normally an exciting
time for the Australian and
New Zealand furniture and
cabinet industries with new
and interesting equipment
and products at the bi-annual
AWISA exhibition. The show may
have been cancelled but your
preferred supplier is still eager
to provide you with the very
latest technologies available.
As I write this, I realise some manufacturers
would have been at Xylexpo in Milan this
last week in May, while most would be
looking forward to AWISA in early July.
Add the cancellation of Holz Handwerk in
Nuremberg early this year and it’s been a
tough year for trade shows. At Supplier we
don’t imagine anyone will be traveling to a
trade show until Interzum and Ligna, over
a year away now but still with questions as
to how many overseas visitors will actually
make the trip to Germany.
Analysts are saying business travel won’t
get back to normal for two more years so
the next show you can attend may very
well be AWISA in 2022. For now, most
machinery manufacturers would be
concentrating on Ligna next year as the
first major event to put their companies
back on the map. The COVID-19 crisis has
seen companies send most non-essential
workers home to work, and manufacturing
has been slowed. Delivery dates may be
longer than usual and of course, product
development has been affected. Almost no
supplier is likely to release new product
Top: Leuco Airstream. Above: Blum digital kitchen when no one is buying.
Supplier June/July 2020 www.suppliermagazine.com.auFeature 19
The world is in a temporary lull as the
current situation stabilises, but it is certain
that business will resume after the crisis.
Trade fairs have a special significance
because they serve as a driver and trendsetter
for industry. Beyond this, trade fairs create
space and encounters that cannot be depicted
virtually. The industry focus should perhaps
change as customers re-evaluate the way
they live and look at what is important in
their lives. Not only will the home be a space
for multifunctional living, consumers will
Above: Beck wood nail award also begin to rethink styling, layouts, and
proportions in line with changing behaviours
Companies will release new product between Xylexpo exhibition goes ahead but pundits and more time spent indoors.
shows, but there is nothing like a big bash see this as too soon. It could be a potential
and a major trade show is the perfect financial disaster if the conditions are not In times of crisis, creativity will flourish,
opportunity to get industry and the trade right. However, the German interzum and and the Australian industry is particularly
media together for a major new release. As Ligna show organisers are still proceeding as adept at giving the customer what they want.
far as technology is concerned, we may see if those events will take place mid-2021. We Carla Buzasi speaks for WGSN, the ‘World's
something new in November if the Italian will see. Global Style Network’ and says, “We are
(02) 4648 1268 Info@Ville-Tec.com.au
Woodworking Machinery,
Sales, Service & Spare Parts.
Australian Sole Agent for Costa, Striebig,
and Gannomat.
www.ville-tec.com.au Ville-Tec
Woodworking MachineryFeature 20
re-imagining what consumers will want in
a post-Covid-19 world. We need to imagine a
different future. Plan for multiple scenarios.
Design for a new kind of consumer.” One
particular suggestion is technology to
connect those at home via virtual means or
tech innovations. Some of the furniture and
cabinet hardware companies like Blum and
Häfele have already started to produce for
this purpose.
European machinery producers have been
through a few challenging years. 2016 to
2018 sales were on a high, but exports fell
almost double digits in 2019 with Australia
recording 38% fewer machines from Italy,
Above: Hettich multifunction living
our biggest source of new equipment, with “We are re-imagining
a value of just over 33 million Australian
Dollars. The Italian Acimall Studies office what consumers will Industry 4.0 will continue to be a focus
says this can only get worse after the for technological change. By 2021 Homag
dramatic events of the first months of 2020. want in a post-Covid-19 Group expects to be able to provide digital
In Germany, production generally continued
during the crisis. Australian suppliers like
world. We need to solutions for all customer groups. Biesse
Group has already committed to achieving
Multicam CNC; Ville-Tec; Harp Industries; imagine a different this goal. No longer the province of the
Kitchen King (New Zealand); Timber Tools; biggest Tier-one Australian manufacturer’s,
CarbiTool; Nikpol and Jobman (production future. Plan for multiple the typical 8-10 person small to medium
software) may still be affected in sourcing
overseas parts and products, but only
scenarios. Design for a Australian enterprise (SME) will be able
to make use of technologies from all the
marginally, and some may not affected at new kind of consumer.” major suppliers that only a few years ago
all. were just ideas. Things like virtual planning;
integration of machines; predictive
maintenance done with virtual reality.
As the crisis abates, there is still plenty of
good news starting with ground-breaking
machinery technologies released from
Altendorf and Felder. Egger (Nikpol) and
Fenix continue to break new ground with
surfaces. Prestigious awards went to the
Grass Kinvaro T-Slim flap lift system; BECK’s
innovative wood nail system and Leuco for
their Airstream tooling. Fully integrated
production cells can now be provided for
even the smallest enterprises by the major
suppliers Biesse; Homag; SCM and other
equipment brought in by agents. It’s going to
be an exciting time when things finally get
Above: Biesse Ray Force back to ‘normal’ whatever that may be. ❚
Supplier June/July 2020 www.suppliermagazine.com.auGERMAN ENGINEERING
AIR Where quality
becomes a brand
Nikpol is proud to introduce Blaupunkt Kitchen Appliances
to Australasia. Blaupunkt is a 100 year old European brand
synonymous with quality, innovation and value.
WATER As a sign for tested quality, the blue dot has jumped from headphones to car
radios and now to the kitchen. First as a newcomer entering the market from
the audio sector, the Blaupunkt brand has now also proved itself in the area of
electrical appliances for the kitchen. Look or function: Blaupunkt appliances
harmonise and communicate with each other, creating unique appliance
concepts. Whether it’s sizzling and steaming on the stove, something promising
is stewing in the oven with sophisticated operation and a large selection of
programmes and functions turn kitchen work into an experience.
Rediscover the kitchen in your trip through the worlds of Blaupunkt. Only
HEAT once each and every detail has been considered, each idea bears fruit and
everything works together perfectly – that’s when the greater whole comes
into being: the special kitchen experience worthy of the blue dot. Enjoy it!
Tel 1300 645 765 Head Office (VIC) QLD NSW
Web www.nikpol.com.au 6-12 Fairchild Street 19 William Farrior Place 2/5 Bessemer Street,
Email sales@nikpol.com.au Heatherton VIC 3202 Eagle Farm QLD 4009 Blacktown NSW 21484 Commercial Joiners reveal
how Empower Factory Productivity &
Scheduling Software has transformed
factory productivity and profit
By Sean O’Sullivan, B Com (Hons) Otago University
PEPPERTREE FURNITURE (ADELAIDE, SA) PREMIER FURNITURE (SYDNEY, NSW)
MARK TOZER, MANAGING DIRECTOR PETER LANGFORD, MANAGING DIRECTOR
“Empower Software has made a substantial improvement to factory
“At 10 weeks of using Empower Software we got 46% increase in productivity and bottom line and we would not be without it”
factory productivity, at 6 months we had got to a 86% increase and
at 3 years we had got a 100% increase in factory productivity. On Key Points
factory productivity increases alone generated by Empower Software
• Our factory staff have really stepped up to the mark and consistently
our annual profit has increased by approximately $200,000”
meet and beat the budgeted times on the factory PCs, using Empower
• Empower provides factory staff with a tool to be aware of their own
Key Points productivity
• Empower is the tool that our factory staff use to bring their jobs in • The software is brilliant at staff performance reviews
on budgeted time • We give individual factory staff reports on their weekly productivity.
• Our factory staff culture is far better as a result of being time and This is invaluable feedback to them to keep their productivity up
job focused • Empower gives us accurate times on jobs to allow us to carry out a
• Each factory staff member gets paid bonus for meeting their sensible job cost (ie back cost) on completed jobs so we can refine
personal productivity goals. This comprises capping their downtime our future budgeted labour in our costings and quotations
and meeting times on jobs each week • Empower is designed specifically for my role as production manager
• The brilliant thing about how Empower has worked for me from day to ‘track, report and substantially increase factory productivity’ and
it certainly works for us
1 of putting it in, is it simply reported area by area, in small bite size
• Empower times are the truth and accurate – with evidence on issues
pieces each issues that I could address, precisely where I needed to
I act immediately
start focusing to get things in order and up to scratch, which I simply
• Empower is the most positive thing we have done in 10 years
followed through on
• It certainly makes guys on the factory floor focus on their jobs and
• We have used Empower accurate actual times on products their times
to go back and accurately cost our labour and set consistent
margin across our products and quoting. This has enabled us to Core Products Manufactured Wide range of standard and custom office furniture
significantly increase our profit margin across our sales. (or Core Business)
Any Key Background 2009 Empower Software was recommended to
Core Products Manufactured (or Panel and Steel Tube Framed Furniture Information us, a factory productivity software and consultancy
Core Business) business, which had 10 years experience in our
Any Key Background Information We operate the largest retail outlet for industry and a solid track record of increasing their
commercial furniture in South Australia clients factory productivity by 15 to 80%.
# Factory Floor Staff 20 # Factory Floor Staff 15
# Total Staff 25 # Total Staff 20
Annual Revenue (approx) $4 Million Annual Revenue (approx) Confidential
Factory and Office Size m2 4100m2 Factory and Office Size m2 Large
# of CNCs We run two Sleco beam saws, two Biesse # of CNCs 2
borers, one SCM edge bander and a Stefani Geography Serviced All Australia
edge bander
Staff Times on Jobs Recording Our production manager Robert advised “prior to
Geography Serviced All States prior to Empower 2009 we were attempting to run our factory and our
Staff Times on Jobs Recording prior Our factory staff manually filled in their lie labour the manual way, which was no different to how
to Empower sheets at day end factories were run in Australia over 100 years ago.
Years in Business 35 Stepping up to using factory PCs and time tracking
software has been a quantum leap in professionalism
Staff Groups Tracked on Empower All Factory Staff and productivity for Premier Furniture
Years using Empower 9 years to date (at 2018) Years in Business Since 1959
Number of PC’s on the factory 8 @ 2nd hand PCs plus we have Empower on Staff Groups Tracked on All staff in all work centres throughout the factory
floor with Empower on our CNC machines Empower floor
Number of our Managers using 3 Years using Empower 12 months to date (as at Jan 2011)
Empower
Number of PC’s on the factory 4
Estimated Factory Productivity I thought that my factory was productive before floor with Empower on
Increase on Empower putting in Empower but really had no way of
knowing whether I was productive or not at Number of our Managers 2
the time. Looking back on it I now know that using Empower
my factory was terribly unproductive prior to Estimated Factory Productivity Substantial improvement to both our factory
Empower. Increase on Empower productivity and our annual profitTASKER JOINERY (SYDNEY, NSW) FINECUT JOINERY (SYDNEY, NSW)
GREG TASKER, MANAGING DIRECTOR MITCHELL BLACK - PRODUCTION MANAGER
“We have achieved a 25% increase in our staff and factory
productivity”
Key Points
• It has been much easier and more accurate for us to provide clients
“Using Empower we are getting 20% more joinery out the door each with an ETA, especially when using both Empower Time Tracking
month. Our business consultant confirmed that a 20% increase in and Job Scheduling Software
our factory productivity would increase our annual profit by an • Empower and the factory PCs force factory staff to be aware of their
estimated 60%” budgeted and actual times on each job and take responsibility for
jobs they work on
Key Points • Our factory staff are aware of how long they are taking on a job
• For the first time in many years I enjoy coming to work, because realise the importance of finishing on time
the Empower system has my entire business monitored and well • Empower has helped management and the sales team ensure
in control. I am no longer stressed as I used as I used to be, due that our prices are accurate as far as our labour component is
to inadequate monitoring. I now feel as if my management, office concerned
staff factory staff and site staff are now “in the same boat and
Core Products Manufactured (or Core White Good Appliance Displays mainly
rowing in the same direction” Business)
• At 2 years of using Empower our factory productivity has increased
% Production is custom made - one off 100%
by an estimated 20% designs (each job different to the last)
• When I finally retire I will be able to pass on to my son a business # Factory Floor Staff 5
with far better: systems and controls and a business that is far
# Total Staff 13
more: productive and profitable
Annual Revenue (approx) Confidential
Core Products Manufactured (or Core Interior fit outs, commercial joinery and Factory and Office Size m2 1000m2
Business) kitchens # of CNCs 1 CNC and 1 computerised panel saw
% of Jobs Custom One Offs 100% Geography Serviced Mostly Sydney and NSW, however we go
# Factory Floor Staff 8 nationwide
# Total Staff 13 Staff Times on Jobs Recording prior to No form of time tracking previously
Empower
Annual Revenue (approx) 2.3 Million approx.
Years in Business 18
Factory and Office Size m2 800 square metres approx.
Associations and any positions held FIAA
# of CNCs 1
Staff Groups Tracked on Empower Factory staff, pre production staff in office
Geography Serviced Sydney mainly
and site workers
Staff Times on Jobs Recording prior to Factory staff manually recorded their
Years using Empower 3 years
Empower times on jobs daily
Number of PC’s on the factory floor with 3
Years in Business 31
Empower on
Associations and any positions held Housing Industry Association
Number of our Managers using Empower 3
Staff Groups Tracked on Empower Office, factory and site staff
Estimated Factory Productivity Increase We have achieved a 25% increase in our
Years using Empower 2 on Empower staff and factory productivity. We have
Number of PC’s on the factory floor with 2 PC’s maintained production levels and not
Empower on had to replace 2 staff that left (1 position
in factory and 1 on site), so our current
Number of our Managers using Empower 3
8 staff are doing the workload of our 10
Estimated Factory Productivity Increase Using Empower we are getting 20% staff previously. This is a 25% increase in
on Empower more joinery out the door each month staff and factory productivity.
Please contact us anytime for an information package,
a software demonstration or pricing
Founding Director Sean O’Sullivan B Com (Hons)
+64 27 2284211, phone anytime
sean@manufacturingandengineering.co.nz FACTORY PRODUCTIVITY &
JOB SCHEDULING SOFTWARE
BE IN TO WIN FREE EMPOWER FACTORY PRODUCTIVITY
AND JOB SCHEDULING SOFTWARE!
Email your company name and contact details to vicky.cammiade@elitepublishing.com.au for your chance to win.
Conditions Apply.Feature 24
Empower - key benefits of software implementation
Empower Factory Productivity and “Early adoptors of tablets on the work 7. Of those 10% or less of Australian
Scheduling Software’s plan for AWISA shop floor and factory productivity and joiners who have invested in any form
2020 was to present key statistics from scheduling software commenced using or training in or adoption of Lean
the Australian Joinery Industry, on a this technology in the Australian Manufacturing, Industry 4.0 and
series of four 100 inch TV monitors. Daily joinery industry in 2006, 14 years ago”. Advanced Manufacturing the substantial
presentations detailing market indusrty majority have not invested in a tool
research into the way joiners operate and the 4. 95% of Australian joiners who use work and technology to collect labour and
benefits of implementing factory productivity shop completed manual time sheets to production information accurately
and scheduling software where the focus of record hours worked on their jobs or from workshop floor in real time to
Empower’s exhibit. those joiners who do not record their enable effective implementation of
labour hours on jobs at all take 20% to and effective on going use of Lean
The 8 key statictics are unpacked and 40%+ additional hours at 20% to 40%+ Manufacturing, Industry 4.0 and
addressed by Sean O’Sullivan from higher labour cost than those joiners who Advanced Manufacturing.
Empower below. use tablets on the factory floor and factory
productivity and scheduling software. 8. 27 business and management failings
1. 30% of Australian joiners still use work exist for those joiners who use work shop
shop staff completed manual time sheets “Furthermore, tablets on the work shop staff completed manual time sheets to
to record their work shop staff times on floor and factory productivity and record hours worked on jobs or for those
their jobs. scheduling software for a joiner with, for joiners who do not record their work
example 10 work shop staff, will generate shop staff hours worked on jobs at all.
“Manual time sheets were used in 80 hours additional production per week
Australian joinery and manufacturing and $6,000 additional revenue per week. “This list of 27 business and management
almost 100 years ago”. failings is available on request sean@
5. 10% or less of Australian joiners use manufacturingandengineering.co.nz
2. 60% of Australian joiners do not record some form of scheduling software to
work shop time on jobs at all. schedule forward work. If you wish to discuss the technology of
tablets on the work shop floor and factory
“This is mainly because joiners know 6. 10% or less of Australian joiners have productivity and scheduling software phone
that the information from work shop invested in any form of training in or email Sean at Empower.
staff completed manual time sheets is or adoption of Lean Manufacturing,
too little, too late and too inaccurate. Industry 4.0 or Advanced Manufacturing. web www.empowersoftware.co.nz ❚
Not recording work shop time on their
jobs occurred in Australian joinery and
manufacturing almost 100 years ago.”
3. 10% or less of Australian joiners use
some form of tablet, PC, bar code
scanner or other device on work shop
floor and some form of software to track
jobs, tasks and individual staff – to
provide accurate individual staff and job
tracking in real time.
Supplier June/July 2020 www.suppliermagazine.com.auYou can also read
