Forintek's
position in Canada's Forestry
Scene
BC
Scene Magazine's editors came face to face with Forintek
Canada at the 98th Annual Union of British Columbia
Municipalities Marketplace at the Vancouver Exhibition
and Convention Centre in September, 2001. This experience
set the stage for our visit to the company's Western
Headquarters at the University of British Columbia
campus, which proved to be a real eye-opener. The entire
building is a "showcase" for Forintek's efforts in a
variety of areas. Architecturally, the spacious cathedral
design of it main reception area and series of hallways
radiating outward, reflect a natural BC forest
environment. The Vancouver office and laboratory are
built entirely of wood species indigenous to western
Canada. Constructed in 1990, the building not only
displays the aesthetic beauty of wood and its
functionality in a nonresidential application, but also
to demonstrates the cost competitiveness of wood in
industrial applications. The tour we enjoyed took several
hours, and gave us a brief glimpse of the company's
impressive facilities and multi-faceted operations.
Similar tours anre conducted for groups from around the
world on a regular basis.
How
Competent is Forintek? Backed
by a team of scientists and technologists recognized
internationally for their expertise in various fields,
the company is involved in the following: Applied
Science; Biology; Forestry; Forestry Economics; Forestry
& Environment; Forest Products; Mechanical, Civil and
Electrical Engineering; Microbiology, Organic Chemistry;
Physical Chemistry; Wood Science; Wood Science &
Technology; Mathematics; Library Science.
Forintek has expertise
in resource characterization, solid wood conversion
technology (lumber, panels, drying and wood protection)
and building systems (structural safety, fire safety,
durability and environmental considerations.) Forintek
programs emphasize the effective transfer of technology
through industry workshops, seminars, sawmill improvement
studies, mill visits and communication within the
industry.
Who
belongs to Forintek?
Any organization engaged in the manufacture of wood
products in Canada whose application for membership has
been accredited by Forintek's Board of Directors, and who
pays the prescribed fees or assessments shall be deemed a
Forintek member company. For the purpose of this
definition an "organization" shall include all divisions,
subsidiaries, affiliates or associates manufacturing in
Canada that are normally consolidated into the
organization's financial statements. "Member" status is
also available to manufacturers of value-added and
engineered wood products, as well as 
remanufacturers.
Chemical suppliers and equipment manufacturers are
eligible to apply for "Associate Member" status. In the
case of "Members", assessments are based upon total
shipments or production, and assessment notices are
forwarded monthly. "Associate Member" assessments are
based upon a graduated fixed fee schedule according to
gross annual sales to the solid wood products industry.
What
about Marketing? Forintek's Market/Economic group has
recently completed a comprehensive market research study
on the use of wood products in Japan, both primary and
secondary. Combined with a trade-flow model, the group is
identifying areas of competitive advantage for Canadian
producers, both with existing products and technology and
with potential products and technology, leading to
direction a prioritization of research and development.
(Forintek
Continued)
Western Canada
Membership information: Phone 604-224-3221, Fax:
604-222-5690
