INDUSTRY BODIES AIM TO WORK TOGETHER
What a great idea by the AFI to organise the ‘Timber in Ground Contact’ conference in Newark recently! This was one debate that had to be had and proved to be a useful, bridge-building exercise that augers well for the future of the fencing industry.
The issue had to be addressed. A growing number of contractors are experiencing fence post failures and it was clear that these ongoing problems required an industry-wide response with a number of options showcased as a way ahead.
The event was held at the Newark Showground at the start of November with over 90 contractors and industry representatives in attendance. The format involved 9 separate presentations over the course of the day with a talk from Gordon Ewbank of the WPA kicking off the proceedings.
Informative presentations followed from Howard Waghorn of Hahn Plastics, Simon Pears ofScanpole, Chris Hambridge of McVeigh Parker, Jonathan McGovern of Duralock, Albin Baecker of Postrans, Mark Naylor of Birkdale Durapost and Stephen Uphill of Arxada before the summing up.
AFI CEO Pete Clark commented, “The wood conference closed with a dual presentation from M&M Timber and James Jones & Son. This was another opportunity for contractors to listen to the work of treatment companies but also directly pose their concerns and issues.
“Fraser Hall noted that M&M Timber adhere to auditing by WPA to ensure they meet treatment standards. However, the monthly testing schedule requires only 16 products out of 150,000 giving a 0.01% test rate. In comparison to the number of posts being installed by contractors on a weekly basis this was not viewed as an accurate reflection on timber in use. M&M Timber do offer a warranty scheme to give contractors greater confidence, as long as the warranty is registered for each product purchased within 3 months of the purchase date.
“Graham Blyth from James Jones & Son initially commented on a lack of understanding within the fencing of UC4 which was quickly rebuffed by those present. The wealth of knowledge in the room was then recognised with Graham noting that it was an advantage for James Jones & Son to be with so many experienced fencing contractors and gather direct feedback, including being made aware of issues within Highways where requirements are to use specifiers.
“With 11 million cubic metres of timber in use in the UK annually, with 12% within fencing, it was clear to all that resolving the timber issues is essential for all contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers. Everyone attending agreed that all want to work together to solve the problems that have plagued the industry for so long and hope this is the first step,” added Pete.
Gordon Ewbank of the WPA added: “WPA members were well represented at the conference with two presentations given covering, firstly, how wood preservatives and treated wood are field tested before commercialisation and, secondly, how the production and quality of treated wood fencing is controlled at the mills/treatment operations.
“WPA members were unanimous in being pleased to have attended the event and, hopefully, to have made a significant contribution. Apart from the benefit of all parties hearing direct from each other and so better understanding some of the challenges we face through the supply chain, there were a number of one-to-one discussions started between suppliers and contactors which we can now follow up. Getting to grips with the details of complaints will help us all to better understand the root causes and so help find solutions.
“In parallel, WPA & AFI have committed to continuing our dialogue and exchanging ideas on how we can better cooperate to build on the momentum generated by the conference to the benefit of our members and the broader supply chain. At the end of the day, we all want to see timber fencing as a reliable, cost-effective product option for contractors,” added Gordon.
Pete Clark concluded: “The AFI will be arranging further meetings with key representatives and we aim to make the Timber in Ground Contact Conference an annual event to continue to keep all within the industry connected.”
