WoodEX for Africa 2024: More than “just” wood

The annual WoodEX for Africa trade show co-located with the Big Five Construct Exhibition at Gallagher Convention Centre last month was well-attended, and although there were fewer South African exhibitors than in previous years, they agreed that the show was “worth it”.

This year, Gallagher was the headquarters of the Independent Election Committee, and because the exhibition occurred a week after the national elections, the security forces, officials and some politicians were still present. This meant that drastic changes were needed to the exhibition layout.

Disappointingly, no outdoor space was available, which meant regular exhibitors like Wood-Mizer, Pinnacle- SA and Kilns-4-Africa did not participate. A positive spin-off was the flow of attendees entering the Big 5 Construct exhibition and exiting the WoodEX hall.

There was a steady stream of visitors from when the doors opened on the first day until closing on the last day. “Usually, there are fewer visitors on the last day, but this year, we were kept on our toes”, was the unanimous refrain of surprised exhibitors.

The WoodBiz Africa stand, strategically located at the entrance of the WoodEX space and close to the washrooms, made it a drawcard for visitors wanting to hear more about the forestry and timber sector and pick up copies of the magazine and exhibition programme.

Sawmilling South Africa (SSA) shared our stand, and it was encouraging to see the interest in the SSA’s information pamphlet “9 Basic Timber Specifications and Design Tips” from architects, construction and joinery professionals, entrepreneurs and students.

COMMENTS ABOUT THE SHOW FROM EXHIBITORS AND VISITORS AT OUR STAND INCLUDED:

• We are pleased we came; it was really worthwhile.
• I thought wood was just wood. I didn’t know there was so much we could do with wood.
• I am a furniture manufacturer looking at technology options for my business. I flew from George to attend the show and was disappointed in the turnout of local suppliers.
• Seeing all the possibilities for developing a sustainable built environment has been motivating.
• I would have liked to see more about the role of wood in the circular economy.
• It is a pity there were no information sessions explaining things like why we need to use treated timber, where to study designing with wood, and what the machines do.
• I know wood comes from trees, but I didn’t know about the forestry industry and how it works.
• There is so much I don’t know about timber, trusses, wood preservation and sawmills.

Reasons for the poor turnout by South African technology and board manufacturers and suppliers include business priorities, the knock-on effects of loadshedding, and the slow performance of the construction and building industries on sawmills and furniture manufacturers.

The uncertain state of the economy and security before the general election exacerbated the situation. Nevertheless, seeing the hundreds of people who attended and enjoyed the two tradeshows was reassuring.

Wriiten by: Joy Crane

Source: WoodBiz Africa Magazine – June 2024 (Pages 9 – 10)

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