Industry News

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  • There have been multiple articles, newsletters, presentations and alerts over the years regarding LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) and EWP’s (Engineered Wood Products), including more recent FTMA Tech Talk articles this year such as “Nailplate – Determination of characteristic load ca... Tech Talk - Ed. 82 30th April 2026 There have been multiple articles, newsletters, presentations and alerts over the years regarding LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) and EWP’s (Engineered Wood Products), including more recent FTMA Tech Talk articles this year such as “Nailplate – Determination of characteristic load ca... ... more
  • 2026 FTMA National Conference & Trade Expo!The biggest event in the Australian Timber Frame & Truss Manufacturing Industry is happening on 19th May 2026. Don't miss this opportunity to catch up with other manufacturers to explore the opportunities and challenges across your industry. What's On At The 2026 FTMA Expo? 30th April 2026 2026 FTMA National Conference & Trade Expo!The biggest event in the Australian Timber Frame & Truss Manufacturing Industry is happening on 19th May 2026. Don't miss this opportunity to catch up with other manufacturers to explore the opportunities and challenges across your industry. ... more
  • For Glen Opie, majority owner of TrussTech SA, growth hasn’t come from chasing volume — it’s come from building the right systems around the business. TrussTech SA: Scaling Through Smarter Systems and Practical Decisions 30th April 2026 For Glen Opie, majority owner of TrussTech SA, growth hasn’t come from chasing volume — it’s come from building the right systems around the business. ... more
  • The frame and truss manufacturing industry does not stand still. New products enter the market, engineering solutions evolve, and the range of options available to fabricators continues to grow. Keeping across all of it, while running a busy manufacturing operation, is a challenge that does not get ... One Place for Everything: How Meyer Timber is Making It Easier to Stay Across the Full Range 29th April 2026 The frame and truss manufacturing industry does not stand still. New products enter the market, engineering solutions evolve, and the range of options available to fabricators continues to grow. Keeping across all of it, while running a busy manufacturing operation, is a challenge that does not get ... ... more
  • Ezequote is pleased to be exhibiting at the 2026 FTMA Trade Expo, where we will showcase how our global team continues to support the Frame & Truss industry through reliable, scalable estimating and detailing solutions. Ezequote – FTMA Trade Expo 2026 29th April 2026 Ezequote is pleased to be exhibiting at the 2026 FTMA Trade Expo, where we will showcase how our global team continues to support the Frame & Truss industry through reliable, scalable estimating and detailing solutions. ... more
  • RAT Chat - April 2026 # 3 Frames and Trusses – the Original Pre-fab 29th April 2026 Welcome to RAT Chat number 3. This edition is all about pre-fabrication. Pre-fabrication or pre-fab has been a trending topic in Australia. With a housing crisis, a National Housing Accord and a commitment to build 1.2 million well located homes by 2030, I am not surprised.  ... more
  • Safework Health (SWH) is a leading Australian provider of workplace health and compliance services, supporting businesses across transport, logistics, resources, construction, and safety-critical industries nationwide. Visit our team at the FTMA Australia National Conference to discuss how Safework ... Safework Health - Latest Expo Exhibitor for the FTMA Trade Expo 29th April 2026 Safework Health (SWH) is a leading Australian provider of workplace health and compliance services, supporting businesses across transport, logistics, resources, construction, and safety-critical industries nationwide. Visit our team at the FTMA Australia National Conference to discuss how Safework ... ... more
  • As Australia’s construction sector continues to evolve, so too must the skills that underpin it. In the timber frame and truss industry - where precision, efficiency and innovation are critical - the role of high-quality education and training has never been more important. Find out what is on... Education Pathways Strengthening the Frame & Truss Sector 29th April 2026 As Australia’s construction sector continues to evolve, so too must the skills that underpin it. In the timber frame and truss industry - where precision, efficiency and innovation are critical - the role of high-quality education and training has never been more important. Find out what is on... ... more
  • The Future Framing Initiative (FFI) is an industry-led collaborative project managed by Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA). It aims to improve the conditions for greater use of lightweight timber framing in mid-rise construction across Australia. Reframing the Future: The Future Framing Initiative and the FTMA Conference 29th April 2026 The Future Framing Initiative (FFI) is an industry-led collaborative project managed by Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA). It aims to improve the conditions for greater use of lightweight timber framing in mid-rise construction across Australia. ... more
  • As an FTMA Member, it's imperative you understand that employee record keeping isn’t optional – it’s a legal requirement. Fair Work Australia sets clear rules around what records employers must keep, and non compliance can result in serious penalties. The good news? Getting it righ... People Matters - with HR Central 29th April 2026 As an FTMA Member, it's imperative you understand that employee record keeping isn’t optional – it’s a legal requirement. Fair Work Australia sets clear rules around what records employers must keep, and non compliance can result in serious penalties. The good news? Getting it righ... ... more
  • Insolvencies continue to hold at historically high levels post the insolvency catch-up. March numbers remained near the record high from last year, as the big four banks saw a resurgence in Court recoveries. Monthly Risk Credit Insights by Alares 29th April 2026 Insolvencies continue to hold at historically high levels post the insolvency catch-up. March numbers remained near the record high from last year, as the big four banks saw a resurgence in Court recoveries. ... more
  • HR Central are pleased to be attending their first FTMA Conference and look forward to connecting with FTMA members and staff, in person.  Supporting People, Protecting Businesses: Why HR Compliance Matters 17th April 2026 HR Central are pleased to be attending their first FTMA Conference and look forward to connecting with FTMA members and staff, in person.  ... more
  • AFWI is Australia’s $200m+ national research institute to transform, diversify and grow the forest and wood products industries through the delivery of R&D, innovation and Australian-made solutions. AFWI Driving National Innovation Across the Forest and Wood Products Value Chain 17th April 2026 AFWI is Australia’s $200m+ national research institute to transform, diversify and grow the forest and wood products industries through the delivery of R&D, innovation and Australian-made solutions. ... more
  • As supply chains grow more complex and customer expectations rise, the last mile has become the most critical and most challenging stage of delivery. At this year’s FTMA National Conference, Radaro is showcasing how businesses can take control of that complexity and deliver better outcomes at ... Deliver Better at Every Mile: How Radaro is Transforming Last Mile Logistics 16th April 2026 As supply chains grow more complex and customer expectations rise, the last mile has become the most critical and most challenging stage of delivery. At this year’s FTMA National Conference, Radaro is showcasing how businesses can take control of that complexity and deliver better outcomes at ... ... more
  • Synthetic-Papers.com is bringing a smarter, more durable printing solution to the Frame & Truss industry with a premium range of synthetic media, purpose-built for plans, documents, and job-site forms. A Smarter Way to Print Frame & Truss Plans 16th April 2026 Synthetic-Papers.com is bringing a smarter, more durable printing solution to the Frame & Truss industry with a premium range of synthetic media, purpose-built for plans, documents, and job-site forms. ... more
  • Established in 1998, NTHA Training (FITEC Australia Pty Ltd, RTO 5343) is a not-for-profit organisation owned by the National Timber and Hardware Association. This close industry connection ensures training is not developed in isolation but shaped directly by employers and grounded in current workpl... Building Skills for the Future: How NTHA Training is Supporting Australia’s Timber Industry 15th April 2026 Established in 1998, NTHA Training (FITEC Australia Pty Ltd, RTO 5343) is a not-for-profit organisation owned by the National Timber and Hardware Association. This close industry connection ensures training is not developed in isolation but shaped directly by employers and grounded in current workpl... ... more
  • Kamion is a modern logistics technology platform built specifically to solve the real world transport challenges faced by manufacturers moving bulky, high value products. Together with MUVE Logistics, we’re proud to support Australia’s frame and truss industry as it continues to scale, m... Building Smarter Logistics for the Timber Construction Industry 15th April 2026 Kamion is a modern logistics technology platform built specifically to solve the real world transport challenges faced by manufacturers moving bulky, high value products. Together with MUVE Logistics, we’re proud to support Australia’s frame and truss industry as it continues to scale, m... ... more
  • Julia Hall is no stranger to the frame and truss sector, and now she is back with Twenty-Nine Ideas, her own business dedicated to helping manufacturers strengthen their marketing and grow their sales. With over 25 years of experience, Julia understands the challenges businesses face across manufact... Taking you from Invisibility to Influence 15th April 2026 Julia Hall is no stranger to the frame and truss sector, and now she is back with Twenty-Nine Ideas, her own business dedicated to helping manufacturers strengthen their marketing and grow their sales. With over 25 years of experience, Julia understands the challenges businesses face across manufact... ... more
  • The frame and truss industry relies on precision, efficiency and, above all, safety. At Palfinger Australia, we work closely with manufacturers to support these priorities every day. Our lifting solutions are used across the full workflow, from unloading packs of timber to placing roof trusses safel... Palfinger: Supporting Safety, Efficiency and Growth in the Frame & Truss Industry 14th April 2026 The frame and truss industry relies on precision, efficiency and, above all, safety. At Palfinger Australia, we work closely with manufacturers to support these priorities every day. Our lifting solutions are used across the full workflow, from unloading packs of timber to placing roof trusses safel... ... more
  • The timber industry is progressively finding new ways to optimise the use of wood fibre and design stronger structures. Of particular significance is the evolving landscape of Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). Tech Talk - Ed. 81 27th March 2026 The timber industry is progressively finding new ways to optimise the use of wood fibre and design stronger structures. Of particular significance is the evolving landscape of Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). ... more
  • Introducing the new Chair of FTMA's National Safety Council - Simon Williamson. Simon has a background in manufacturing, transport, construction and project management, underpinned with a passion for safety. Simon continues this passion through the NSC and via his consulting business, helping member... A Conversation with Simon Williamson, Chair of FTMA’s National Safety Council 26th March 2026 Introducing the new Chair of FTMA's National Safety Council - Simon Williamson. Simon has a background in manufacturing, transport, construction and project management, underpinned with a passion for safety. Simon continues this passion through the NSC and via his consulting business, helping member... ... more
  • Porta has entered a new era, bringing some of Australia’s most trusted building brands together under one roof. A House of Brands. One Porta. Building Solutions you Can Rely On 26th March 2026 Porta has entered a new era, bringing some of Australia’s most trusted building brands together under one roof. ... more
  • With 1 July approaching, now is the time to make sure your business is ready for Payday Super. Under the new rules, employers will need to pay super at the same time as salary and wages, and contributions must be received by an employee’s super fund within 7 business days of payday. Payday Super is Coming: 3 Checks to Make Now 26th March 2026 With 1 July approaching, now is the time to make sure your business is ready for Payday Super. Under the new rules, employers will need to pay super at the same time as salary and wages, and contributions must be received by an employee’s super fund within 7 business days of payday. ... more
  • Following his 50-year tenure with Hyne, fifth generation James Hyne has announced his retirement. James Hyne Retires - 50 Years’ Service 26th March 2026 Following his 50-year tenure with Hyne, fifth generation James Hyne has announced his retirement. ... more
  • In the timber frame and truss sector, most businesses do not see themselves as part of the heavy vehicle industry. However, under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), if you design, manufacture, pack, schedule, load, transport or receive frames and trusses, you are part of the heavy vehicle supply... Safety Matters # 9 Why HVNL Chain of Responsibility Matters for Frame and Truss Manufacturers 26th March 2026 In the timber frame and truss sector, most businesses do not see themselves as part of the heavy vehicle industry. However, under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), if you design, manufacture, pack, schedule, load, transport or receive frames and trusses, you are part of the heavy vehicle supply... ... more
  • Cyber Security in the Frame & Truss Industry: What Members Need to Watch For 26th March 2026 Data is often described as the “new oil” and in today’s digital environment, cybersecurity has become a critical issue for businesses of all sizes, including those in the frame and truss industry. Cybercrime is reported every six minutes in Australia ... more
  • For readers of FTMA News, the value of timber framing is clear. Strength, durability, familiarity, thermal properties and supply chain efficiency are well understood within the industry. But for many builders, articulating the sustainability benefits can be a harder story to credibly share. Industry Tool Elevates the Timber Framing Narrative 25th March 2026 For readers of FTMA News, the value of timber framing is clear. Strength, durability, familiarity, thermal properties and supply chain efficiency are well understood within the industry. But for many builders, articulating the sustainability benefits can be a harder story to credibly share. ... more
  • Frame and truss manufacturing is a precision business. Your cutting tolerances are tight, your delivery schedules are unforgiving and a missed component can hold up an entire build site. Are You Still Doing Manual Stocktakes? 25th March 2026 Frame and truss manufacturing is a precision business. Your cutting tolerances are tight, your delivery schedules are unforgiving and a missed component can hold up an entire build site. ... more
  • Working from home (WFH) is increasingly common, but currently there is no automatic legal right for employees to work remotely unless an eligible employee has an entitlement to flexible working arrangements under the Fair Work Act.  People Matters - with HR Central 25th March 2026 Working from home (WFH) is increasingly common, but currently there is no automatic legal right for employees to work remotely unless an eligible employee has an entitlement to flexible working arrangements under the Fair Work Act.  ... more
  • Insolvencies remain at historically high levels even though the insolvency catch-up is now well and truly complete. While January numbers were slightly below last year's, February numbers were again higher than last year, despite an ongoing drop in small business restructuring appointments and a co... Monthly Risk Credit Insights by Alares 25th March 2026 Insolvencies remain at historically high levels even though the insolvency catch-up is now well and truly complete. While January numbers were slightly below last year's, February numbers were again higher than last year, despite an ongoing drop in small business restructuring appointments and a co... ... more
  • FTMA is issuing a safety alert as a support to the industry to increase safety standards, and commitments form members. Safety Alert - Working Safely From Heights 19th March 2026 FTMA is issuing a safety alert as a support to the industry to increase safety standards, and commitments form members. ... more
  • The 2nd in the series of articles featuring women in leadership within the frame and truss sector Australia, celebrating International Women's Day 2026 Balancing the Scales One Truss at a Time - International Womens Day Special 17th March 2026 The 2nd in the series of articles featuring women in leadership within the frame and truss sector Australia, celebrating International Women's Day 2026 ... more
  • The 2026 FTMA National Conference and Trade Expo dress theme has been announced. Find out what the dress opportunity is for this year's not to be missed Conference Dinner. From Survivor to Superstars – The Themes of the 2026 FTMA Conference Social Events 16th March 2026 The 2026 FTMA National Conference and Trade Expo dress theme has been announced. Find out what the dress opportunity is for this year's not to be missed Conference Dinner. ... more
  • This International Women's Day 2026 we explore the theme IWD Balance the Scales: Leadership, Family and Finding Strength in the Frame and Truss Industry 06th March 2026 This International Women's Day 2026 we explore the theme "Balance The Scales" with Jacqui Taylor, Executive Director of Redland Bay Roof Trusses. ... more
  • Have you ever wondered about how the nailplate capacities were accurately determined? Let’s take this opportunity to explain some of the basis of nailplate testing here and it would be our pleasure to present the 80th article of FTMA Tech Talk. FTMA Tech Talk – Ed.80 26th February 2026 Have you ever wondered about how the nailplate capacities were accurately determined? Let’s take this opportunity to explain some of the basis of nailplate testing here and it would be our pleasure to present the 80th article of FTMA Tech Talk. ... more
  • In every truss plant across Australia, there is a familiar conversation taking place. Input costs are rising, labour is harder to secure and margins feel tighter than they did a decade ago. Yet when the topic of upgrading machinery comes up, the instinctive response is often hesitation. New equipmen... Has Your Machinery Outlived Its Return on Investment? 26th February 2026 In every truss plant across Australia, there is a familiar conversation taking place. Input costs are rising, labour is harder to secure and margins feel tighter than they did a decade ago. Yet when the topic of upgrading machinery comes up, the instinctive response is often hesitation. New equipmen... ... more
  • The full program for the 2026 FTMA National Conference & Trade Expo has now been confirmed, and it reflects exactly where our industry stands today, at the crossroads. 2026 FTMA National Conference & Trade Expo Program Announced 26th February 2026 The full program for the 2026 FTMA National Conference & Trade Expo has now been confirmed, and it reflects exactly where our industry stands today, at the crossroads. ... more
  • Australia’s frame and truss sector is entering a new era—one defined by supply chain certainty, renewable materials, and industry wide collaboration. As a strategic partner of FTMA, Vida Wood Australia is proud to help lead this transformation, backed by global strength, local investment... Framing the Future Together: Vida Wood Australia & FTMA 26th February 2026 Australia’s frame and truss sector is entering a new era—one defined by supply chain certainty, renewable materials, and industry wide collaboration. As a strategic partner of FTMA, Vida Wood Australia is proud to help lead this transformation, backed by global strength, local investment... ... more
  • Red Activities Day Fun: BLAST or Cruise! 26th February 2026 Red Activities Day has become a much-loved fixture of the FTMA National Conference. And this year, the fun continues with some great activities including golf, gel blasting, and a Bushtucker Cruise in Mooloola. ... more
  • AGrade Fasteners began as an idea of owner William Jin more than two decades ago. William arrived in Australia with little to his name, and built everything you see today from the ground up — starting with nothing more than a car, a few boxes of nails, and a determination to make it work. Twenty Years of Doing Business the Right Way 26th February 2026 AGrade Fasteners began as an idea of owner William Jin more than two decades ago. William arrived in Australia with little to his name, and built everything you see today from the ground up — starting with nothing more than a car, a few boxes of nails, and a determination to make it work. ... more
  • The newest regular column for FTMA News, written by Rhianna Robinson, National Research and Technical Manager for FTMA. RAT Chat - February 2026 # 1 26th February 2026 The newest regular column for FTMA News, written by Rhianna Robinson, National Research and Technical Manager for FTMA. ... more
  • Members’ voices are being heard - Late last year, FTMA became aware of two important issues that had the potential to significantly impact our industry. Find out how we responded, and coordinated actions to counter these significant matters, for the recognition of the industry. Members’ Find Their Voice 26th February 2026 Members’ voices are being heard - Late last year, FTMA became aware of two important issues that had the potential to significantly impact our industry. Find out how we responded, and coordinated actions to counter these significant matters, for the recognition of the industry. ... more
  • Residential housing and low-rise commercial buildings across Australia continue to rely heavily on timber. Yet it’s rare that we stop and consider the depth of work that goes into manufacturing them, preparing them for the market, and ensuring they will reliably perform the function they are i... It’s More Than Just a Stick of Wood 26th February 2026 Residential housing and low-rise commercial buildings across Australia continue to rely heavily on timber. Yet it’s rare that we stop and consider the depth of work that goes into manufacturing them, preparing them for the market, and ensuring they will reliably perform the function they are i... ... more
  • This month marks a remarkable milestone for our sector as we celebrate the 80th edition of Tech Talk - a publication that has become one of FTMA’s most trusted technical resources since its launch in 2018. What began as a simple idea to strengthen knowledge-sharing across the frame and truss c... Celebrating 80 Editions of Tech Talk: A Legacy of Knowledge, Collaboration & Industry Excellence 25th February 2026 This month marks a remarkable milestone for our sector as we celebrate the 80th edition of Tech Talk - a publication that has become one of FTMA’s most trusted technical resources since its launch in 2018. What began as a simple idea to strengthen knowledge-sharing across the frame and truss c... ... more
  • For those in the know, Dindas is an Australian institution. With distribution centres in Victoria (head office in Clayton South), Queensland, and New South Wales, the family-owned timber wholesaler and importer has partnered with sustainable manufacturers to supply significant volumes of engineered ... Doing it for Dindas 25th February 2026 For those in the know, Dindas is an Australian institution. With distribution centres in Victoria (head office in Clayton South), Queensland, and New South Wales, the family-owned timber wholesaler and importer has partnered with sustainable manufacturers to supply significant volumes of engineered ... ... more
  • ForestEdu, the new networking platform aimed at bringing the industry's workforce together, has launched a group specific for Timber Systems Designers - aimed at establishing an innovative community, a sharing of resources, and a space for all levels of TSD to connect from across Australia. Timber Systems Designer Online Group Launches 25th February 2026 ForestEdu, the new networking platform aimed at bringing the industry's workforce together, has launched a group specific for Timber Systems Designers - aimed at establishing an innovative community, a sharing of resources, and a space for all levels of TSD to connect from across Australia. ... more
  • Hundegger have been producing promotional videos, featuring their collaborations with innovative customers, find out about Episode 6, as they take to the road and visit Australian Sustainable Hardwoods, in Heyfield Victoria. ASH Shaped by Hundegger 25th February 2026 Hundegger have been producing promotional videos, featuring their collaborations with innovative customers, find out about Episode 6, as they take to the road and visit Australian Sustainable Hardwoods, in Heyfield Victoria. ... more
  • Australia’s groundbreaking new TV series Epic Builds: The 90 Day Challenge launches this week, offering a captivating look inside the accelerating world of offsite prefabricated construction Epic Builds: The 90 Day Challenge - Unmissable 25th February 2026 Australia’s groundbreaking new TV series Epic Builds: The 90 Day Challenge launches this week, offering a captivating look inside the accelerating world of offsite prefabricated construction ... more
  • Australia’s timber industry has taken a major step towards reshaping the future of lightweight timber construction with the launch of the Future Framing Initiative (FFI) in March 2025. This national collaboration is designed to streamline compliance, reduce costs, and expand the opportunities ... Future Framing Initiative: Transforming the Future of Timber Construction Across Australia 25th February 2026 Australia’s timber industry has taken a major step towards reshaping the future of lightweight timber construction with the launch of the Future Framing Initiative (FFI) in March 2025. This national collaboration is designed to streamline compliance, reduce costs, and expand the opportunities ... ... more
  • The first month of 2026 saw most risk indicators remain on par with 2025, the two key exceptions being a continued increase in winding up applications and ATO tax debt reporting. Monthly Risk Credit Insights by Alares 25th February 2026 The first month of 2026 saw most risk indicators remain on par with 2025, the two key exceptions being a continued increase in winding up applications and ATO tax debt reporting. ... more
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