The International Woodworking Machinery and Furniture Supply Fair (IWF) was held on August 26-29 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia (Figure 1). The IWF presented more than 1,200 exhibitors related to the secondary wood processing sector. The primary purpose of the IWF is to offer the unique opportunity of showcasing a wide variety of exhibitors all under one roof.
As a buyer, or observer, one has the unique opportunity to see thousands of square feet of the latest technology, new machinery, suppliers, raw materials and services, as well as the most current technology available to the marketplace. Most major woodworking machinery manufacturers in the world were present to talk and meet with industry leaders; see the machines in operation, and learn about all the new advancements in technology being shown for the first time. This opportunity is unmatched in our industry. The IWF venue also brings together industry trade associations and educational resources to help with the day-to-day challenges facing the industry.
Representatives of the Eastern and Western laboratories of Forintek Canada Corp. attended IWF 2004. The purpose of the mission was to view and gather technical information on the latest equipment and processes related to the secondary wood products manufacturing industry and bring the relevant information back to value added products industry of Canada. This mission was also useful to find technical information relevant to Forintek research projects supported under the National Research Program (NRP).
The mission report presents information on leading-edge technologies, new products, and knowledge and services that could be considered to increase the productivity and competitive level of secondary wood manufacturers in Canada.