A technical mission to Interzum and Ligna in Germany was attended to view the latest technical developments in wood products processing equipment and to bring that information back to the Canadian industry where it will be used to help the industry become more cost competitive. Cost minimization through technical improvements in processing, reduced material usage, increased production, and the development of higher quality value products was the theme of the two shows.
Numerous developments in the equipment seen have direct application to the Canadian secondary wood products industry. These include machinery and processes that offer alternatives to chemically treating wood, material-handling equipment that improves productivity and lowers manufacturing costs, and new technical processes in glue application and pressing.
Equipment for the log home and timber frame industry was shown extensively. A number of cutting and profiling machines that ranged in price and sophistication. Many of these machines can be directly applied to the Canadian industry in a variety of settings.