- TIMBERBIZ.COM.AU - A La Une - 02/Jul 00:39

FTMA State Seminars in SA, NSW and Qld

The FTMA State Seminars have solidified their place as an integral event in the fabricator calendar, bringing together fabricators, expert speakers, and valued partners. Source: Timberbiz State Seminars have been run in SA, NSW & QLD in collaboration with three principal partners, Mitek, Multinail and Pryda, who have all run their own morning sessions. The morning nail plate sessions were an opportunity for fabricators to engage directly with nail plate companies – Multinail, MiTek, and Pryda, and fellow fabricators and showcasing the latest developments in software, services, and machinery, providing crucial insights to enhance fabricators’ operations. With dedicated time to explore innovative advancements, attendees gained knowledge essential to staying competitive and efficient. After lunch, the FTMA State Seminars kicked off and for three hours, delegates not only had the opportunity of listening to the speakers but also participating in workshops to provide crucial feedback on key industry initiatives. Tim Woods presented on fabrication’s critical role in solving Australia’s housing supply crisis. Mr Woods and Jim Houghton recently completed a major study for the Australian industry, funded, supported and launched by Forest & Wood Products Australia. The More Houses Sooner – Finding the Australian Dream report provides clear clues and scenarios that show a pathway for fabricators and the timber supply chain and explains why that is vital to Australia’s future prosperity. Members were surprised when they realised it has been 40 years since we have been able to build enough homes for Australians. We used to build roughly 60 homes for every 100 Australians; this has now dropped to only 23 homes for every 100 persons. Timber Systems Design Training has been a training package that has been decades in the making, and members were keen to see a first draft of the online training. Andrew Jones showed career videos he had received, but more are needed – time lapse of building sites, or simple images that depict the industry. Mr Jones was blown away with how open the fabricators were, including those who invited him to their plants to take as many photos and videos as possible. The TSD Online training is due before the end of 2025. Louise Wallis presented on the AFWI projects, including the Future Framing Initiative. There are more than 11 projects specifically focused on the lightweight timber frame and truss sector, and FTMA is pleased to be working with the universities and researchers on these projects. Andrew Kidd, Chair of the Frame & truss National Safety Council presented on the benefits of the safety council while addressing key safety issues. Mr Kidd outlined that the objectives of the Frame & Truss National Safety Council, which has more than 120 years of experience. Nail Plate engineers presented on the breakdown of what warranties actually mean. Fabricators are always asking what their obligations are when it comes to warranties. Engineers from MiTek, Multinail and Pryda explained the obligations for builders, fabricators and nail plate companies, and produced a table for easy identification. The State Seminar for Victoria is set for 5 August at RACV Healesville, and the WA State Seminar is booked in for 28 August 2025 at Crown Perth. For more information visit https://ftmanews.com/