Timbmet, Holz Schiller and UKWoodchain (UKW) have met to discuss establishing industry benchmarks to safeguard confidence in engineered wood products.
According to UKW, inferior laminated material has been found in stores and on sites around the UK, leading the three organisations to come together to “counter the potential loss of confidence in engineered wood products among architects and main contractors”.
Timbmet, Holz Schiller and UKW plan to develop National Occupational Standards and technical qualifications that will aid manufacturers and their supply chains in maintaining high standards.
Material delaminating in store or on site is one of the main problems highlighted by UKW, with spokesman Bill Robertson adding that it is essential the market “is not compromised by inferior supplies and shoddy production”.
“Inferior materials are appearing just when engineered wood products are becoming the preferred option in construction,” said Mr Robertson, speaking on behalf of the three companies.
“Market confidence is high and the opportunities to prove the credentials of laminated wood and interfacing products are exceptional. We have to work together on this right now.”
Mr Robertson added that the qualifications and standards being developed by the trio will “support sales growth” and “drive the design of new, high-performance engineered materials and products”.