Conference looking for the silver lining

THE NEW Zealand Pine Manufacturers Association 2009 wood industry conference will be held in Wellington on 8-9 October.
The annual conference, with the theme this year being Global Storm Clouds – Identifying The Silver Lining, has developed a reputation for challenging the business paradigms under which the wood industry operates and, according to NZPMA chief executive officer Lawrie Halkett, this year will be no different.
“Now more than ever the forest and wood products industry needs to explore ways to move out of the commodity products trap.
“One way ahead for the NZ industry is to differentiate its product offer and one way to do this is through collaboration and/or differentiation. Much differentiation comes through taking a different approach and moving up the value-added curve,” said Halkett
He also said that innovation was not just doing good fundamental research, it also entailed commercialisation – translating the idea into something the market wanted.
Conference attendees will be given examples of companies that have successfully made the transition from just one-of-the pack to niche manufacturer, and how northern hemisphere wood manufacturers had developed successful construction systems that are taking Europe by storm.
“There is no reason why these systems cannot be replicated in the southern hemisphere, or in NZ for that matter and in the process potentially see our wood products market double,” Halkett said.
Commentaries on New Zealand’s two major export markets – Australia and USA – will be presented by in-market specialists, and companies that have blazed successful international pathways, through innovation, will be profiled.
Conference enquiries should be directed to Debbie Fergie on 03-5441086 / 027 211 7745 or email:[email protected]