With both the timber, building and construction industries set to face significant challenges in the months ahead, Simpson Strong-Tie Australia says faster-to-install screws will help to reduce build times and costs for professionals in the trade, while increasing productivity with reliable fasteners. Simpson Strong-Tie is a world leader in structural product solutions, helping customers build safer and stronger structures. Recently, the company has seen a notable trend towards structural screwed connections replacing lighter gauge connectors in timber framed construction, says Matt Smith, Fi ..read more

While tech savvy consumers often enjoy implementing high-tech safety and security products into their homes, for some consumers, having all the bells and whistles on a smart lock can be overwhelming. Today, digital lock options are proving to be an easy and stress-free alternative.  ASSA ABLOY’s Director of Innovation Andrew Williams says this is why it is so important that a wide range of applications are on offer to cater to all levels of usability.  ..read more

Trading directly across the road from a large Bunnings warehouse, Port Lincoln Mitre 10 is up against some of the fiercest competition in Australia. But it seems the store is holding up well against the big box after the store underwent an extensive transformation and also implemented a new Total Tools store. Business: Port Lincoln Mitre 10 Owners: Fiona Rosalia Location: Port Lincoln, South Australia Buying Group: Independent Hardware Group (IHG) After working in the hardware industry for most of her life, store owner Fiona Rosalia said it was a dream come true when she purchased Port Lincol ..read more

Big River Group acquires Specialised Laminators (SLQ) Big River Industries has announced its recent acquisition of Specialised Laminators (SLQ), a renowned panel products company based in Brisbane. The strategic move is expected to not only enhance Big River’s panel product offerings but also strengthen its presence in the industry. John Lorente, CEO Big River Industries. The acquisition will allow customers to access an expanded range of premium panel solutions through Big River’s Timberwood Panels division nationally.  ..read more

Although Pioneer Hardware once serviced much of the independent hardware sector, the well-known merchandiser has now chosen to exclusively service Bunnings, and focus all of its resources and energy into the big green box. Pioneer Hardware General Manager Michael Sutton says the business has continued to evolve by offering its clients a broader and more diverse service to accommodate their needs as required.  “An example of our service includes the implementation of quick response projects which provide data to our clients so they can implement sales-focused plans ..read more

Serving both the independent and big box markets, A Team Merchandising is excited for the year ahead as it continues to grow and evolve to meet local market demands. In A Team’s early years, clients were strongly focused on both the independents as well as the big box. Although this focus was followed by an almost single-minded attention on Bunnings, the pendulum is now swinging back again. “The meteoric growth of Bunnings once saw our clients strongly focused on meeting their needs ..read more

When Gary Kozhushnik first launched his online tool business, www.discounttrader.com.au, 17 years ago, he never would have imagined the impact it would have on the industry or predicted the rapid growth and impressive evolution it would undergo in such a short time. Business: Discount Trader (www.discounttrader.com.au) Owner: Gary Kozhushnik Location: Notting Hill, Melbourne Buying Group: Hardware and Building Traders (HBT) Establishing an online tool business in an industry dominated by brick-and-mortar stores is no mean feat ..read more

AFWI and Albanese Government launch $100 million project  The future of sustainable forestry recently received a significant boost with the official launch of the Albanese Government’s $100 million Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) program. AFWI is a collaboration between the Albanese Government and the University of Tasmania, committed to advancing research and innovation in Australian forest and wood products. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, said the University of Tasmania AFWI Headquarters in Launceston would support a local AFWI research cen ..read more

High-quality building products that are hard-wearing and long-lasting is just one of the prominent trends expected to come out of the building industry this season. The growing need for high-quality products has become particularly evident in the impressive performance of VUETRADE’S high-quality stainless steel range which continues to gain momentum, according to VUETRADE’s National Key Account Manager, Jason Shedden. “The need for quality products has become evident with the continued growth of our T-Blade and Cap System, which uses the VUEBOLT, and is popular for larger posts on decks and p ..read more

As some of Australia’s largest industrial facilities move to eliminate carbon emissions under the Australian Government’s Safeguard Mechanism, Cement Australia is just one of many companies that will undergo major changes in support of the legislation. Introduced just last year, the Safeguard Legislation has targeted Australia’s top 215 industrial facilities to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. Cement Australia’s Packaged Products and Marketing Manager, Marc Furlong, says as a big energy business, Cement Australia will ensure its manufacturing is more sustainable, and will also off ..read more