Trade body merger created strong representation
5 April 2014There are challenges ahead for the German timber industry, says Norbert Buddendick, product marketing manager of Deutsche Säge-und Holzindustrie
A year ago the two German sawmill associations BSHD and VDS merged to become Deutsche Sägeund Holzindustrie (DeSH). This created a strong national association for the sector that represents the interests of both large and small enterprises. In the first year 14 new members have joined.
Our goal is a united national federation structure with the benefits of regional support. The close co-operation between the offices in Berlin (political communication), Wiesbaden (service department), Munich (legal advice) and the European Organisation of the Sawmill Industry (EOS) in Brussels ensures comprehensive support and representation of our members at all levels.
Germany's softwood market is mediocre at the moment and is still under pressure from high roundwood prices that can't be passed on in the highly competitive sawn timber market. German sawmills' combined turnover of €5.4bn last year was only slightly up on 2012. However, the forecasts for 2014 are cautiously optimistic.
Changes to Germany's forest, climate and energy policies pose challenges for the sawmill sector. The government is working on an amendment to the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) [which will see cuts to energy price discounts for industry]. This will cause problems for medium-sized companies in particular. Marketing activities for DeSH, in collaboration with other associations, include a recruitment drive, to attract young people to the sector, and a campaign to increase the use of timber in construction. The campaign is aimed at architects, designers, builders and policy makers and, at its core, is an internet portal to share marketing pictures, graphics, videos and data.
DeSH is also active in events for the sector. The International Congress of the Sawmilling Industry took place in Mannheim in March and, in collaboration with EOS and the European Timber Trade Federation, we will host the International Softwood Conference in Berlin on October 16-17. An exhibition on building with wood is also planned in Berlin.
