The FTMA State Seminars have once again solidified their place as an integral event in the fabricator calendar, bringing together fabricators, expert speakers, and our valued partners.
We have so far run State Seminars in SA, NSW & QLD in collaboration with our three Principal Partners, Mitek, Multinail & Pryda, who have all run their own morning sessions.
The morning nail plate sessions were an invaluable opportunity for fabricators to engage directly with their nail plate companies—Multinail, MiTek, and Pryda, and their fellow fabricators.
Showcasing the latest developments in their software, services, and machinery, providing crucial insights to enhance fabricators’ operations. With dedicated time to explore innovative advancements, attendees will gain knowledge essential to staying competitive and efficient.
The feedback from the morning sessions has been overwhelming, with a few asking if they could bring more staff to another state, as the training was so pivotal.
After lunch, the FTMA State Seminars kicked off and for 3 hours, delegates not only had the opportunity of listening to the following speakers but also participated in workshops to provide crucial feedback on key industry initiatives.
Dr. Lou Wallis in discussion with manufacturers regarding reserach into removing nogs
Tim Woods presenting on Fabrication’s critical role in solving Australia’s housing supply crisis
Tim Woods and Jim Houghton recently completed a major study for the Australian industry, funded, supported and launched by Forest & Wood Products Australia. The More Houses Sooner – Finding the Australian Dream report provides clear clues and scenarios that show a pathway for fabricators and the timber supply chain and explains why that is vital to Australia’s future prosperity.
Members have been left shocked when they realise that it has been 40 years since we have been able to build enough homes for Australian’s. We used to build roughly 60 homes for every 100 Australian’s; this has now dropped to only 23 homes for every 100 person. It’s simply not good enough.
Breaking New Ground in Training for Timber Systems Designers – Andrew Jones
Timber Systems Design Training has been a training package that has been decades in the making, and members were keen to see a first draft of the online training. Andrew Jones showed the wonderful career videos he has already received, but we need more videos, timelapse of building sites, or simple images that depict our industry. Andrew was blown away with how open the fabricators have been, including those who have invited him to their plant to take as many photos and videos as possible. The TSD Online training is due before the end of 2025.
Louise Wallis presented on the AFWI projects, including the Future Framing Inititiave
The Australian Forest & Wood Innovation program offers an unbelievable opportunity for our industry, in fact, in my opinion this will be groundbreaking and will change our sector for the better.
Removing many deemed to satisfy requirements is one key objective, as is removing nogs from our frames. There are over 11 projects specifically focused on the lightweight timber frame and truss sector, and FTMA is pleased to be working with the universities and researchers on these projects.
Louise and her colleagues from many universities ran workshops, which on every occasion so far had to be stopped as we would have run out of time. It was encouraging to see everyone provide so much feedback for Louise, and I know she was pleasantly surprised at how forthcoming everyone was with information.
Siu Kong Fox, from Multinail, forming part of the Tech Talk presentation
Andrew Kidd, Chair of the Frame & truss National Safety Council has presented on the benefits of the safety council whilst addressing key safety issues
Andrew definitely has a knack for presenting, and had fabricators enthralled in his presentation. Andrew outlined that the objectives of the Frame &Truss National Safety Council, which has over 120 years of experience at the table. Andrew addressed key safety issues and also went through some great successes we have already had.
At the end of each State Seminar, Andrew was one many headed to, as they wanted to follow up with their own safety questions, or invite him to site to assist with audits of their plants.
Nail Plate engineers presented on the breakdown of what Warranties actually mean
Fabricators are always asking what their obligations are when it comes to warranties, as it is a confusing web. Our trusty engineers from MiTek, Multinail & Pryda have broken down the obligations for builders, fabricators and nail plate companies, and have produced an outstanding table for easy identification.
This is a table that should be printed out and displayed in every office. If you haven’t had a chance to attend a State Seminar yet, and would like this information, please email me at kersten@ftma.com.au.
I cannot thank MiTek, Multinail & Pryda enough. Their key marketing people, Christiaane Davis, Lisa Tenitti and Andrew Rossiter have been outstanding in their support of FTMA as we organise the State Seminars.
The Victorian date is set for 5 August at RACV Healesville, and the WA State Seminar is booked in for 28 August 2025 at Crown Perth. We hope to see you there.
Kersten Gentle
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