The Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) hosted it’s inaugural Research & Development Forum Wednesday 17 October 2018 in Brisbane, Australia.
The forum focused on product development opportunities for engineered wood products and featured a range of researchers and industry presenters discussing topics such as connector research, timber & construction adhesives development, building industry research needs, research funding models and durability research.
The forum was designed to showcase current research activity to manufacturers, as well as to highlight industry needs amongst researchers, which stimulated discussion amongst the attendees on future opportunities for engineered wood products.
EWPAA CEO, Dave Gover, said that he was encouraged by the level of engagement from attendees at the forum, and the potential impact this would have on the engineered wood products of the future.
“We have had extremely positive feedback from our attendees and it was fantastic to see the industry so engaged with what is happening at the research and product development level,” Dave said.
“After the success of our inaugural forum, we intend to offer this event to industry every year,” Dave said.
The forum was attended by over 40 people from the Australian and New Zealand timber industries, many of whom were EWPAA members.
Presenters included Professor Keith Crews (Emeritus Professor of Structural Engineering at UTS), Bill Leggate (Product Development Manager at Koppers Performance Chemicals), Dr Rob McGavin (Facility Manager at the Department of Agriculture & Fisheries’ Salisbury Research Facility), Andrew Dunn (CEO of the Timber Development Association NSW), Dr Craig Cowled (Lecturer of Civil Engineering at QUT), Dr Robbie Currie (Development Chemist at Hexion New Zealand), Professor Jeff Morrell (Director of the National Centre for Timber Durability & Design Life at USC) and Dr Chris Lafferty (Research & Development Manager at FWPA).
Anyone who would like further information about EWPAA events is encouraged to visit the EWPAA website (www.ewp.asn.au), or contact the EWPAA via phone (+61 7 3250 3700) or email (inbox@ewp.asn.au).
The Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) is a member association for manufacturers of engineered and solid timber products across Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji. The EWPAA coordinates a market development program which includes product testing, product certification, standards and codes development, technical promotion, research and development, market maintenance; as well as education and training.
ENDS
Media Contact:-
Clair Borg
Communications Officer
Ph: +61 7 3250 3700
Email: clair.borg@ewp.asn.au
