| 23
To this end, in 2024 we made significant investments in servitisation and digitisation. We’ve rolled out advanced services like Maestro Connect software and WinMes manufacturing execution software, a tool which enables companies to optimise production processes in real time, to small, medium and large companies. These will continue to be a priority in 2025 and beyond.
SCM’s main objectives remain to continue to grow market share and broaden the scope of the customer relationships through excellence both in technology application consulting and provision of after-sales services.
Following our Windorflex high productivity door and window centre, 2025 machine launches for the solid wood sector will include our new high- performance moulder Topset XXL. In terms of performance and solutions adopted, this will outperform our quick change over and highly reliable superset nt. The aim is to expand the range of moulding machines that SCM is able to offer, meeting new customer requirements. Increased working sections, spindle speeds of up to 12,000rpm, compositions customisable to all customer requirements, and feed tables with micrometric settings for optimal tooling set- up are just some of the innovative features of the new machine, which will be in action at Ligna 2025.
Another successful introduction has been the Oikos XS CNC range for timber construction, a more compact and competitively priced version of the Oikos XL.
SCM will continue to invest in innovative solutions for timber construction and CLT panels machining, helping facilitate the growth of eco-housing and the use of wood as the central renewable material for the construction industry. ■
With regards to the choices made by SCM over the years, we remain convinced that it is not enough to act as a technology partner. It’s paramount to continue investing in services and skills to support customers long term
Alastair Kerr Wood Panel Industries Federation director-general
The script for the current economic outlook was written over the past three or four years and is shaped by the cumulative impact of both global and regional geopolitical events and some national self-inflicted impacts which still weigh on the country post Brexit. Whatever your political leanings, you would normally expect a boost to the economy when a party wins a significant majority, but unfortunately that doesn’t seem to have materialised this time round and some of the autumn Budget announcements only add to industries’ costs and don’t seem to have improved consumer confidence. The latter is particularly important because 80% of UK consumption is domestic.
Looking to 2025 there is some optimism, but this really needs to be seen against the backdrop of gloomy 2024 numbers where UK GDP and inflation bounced around. Energy costs remain challenging and private and public house building slowed (down 9-10% on 2023). For the panel sector, housebuilding, refurbishment, repair and maintenance are key market segments where growth will drive demand for panels either within the building structure or in subsequent furniture. Whilst the government seems committed to it, no one on the Construction Leadership Council believes that the government target of 1.5 million new homes by 2030 will be met because there isn’t a quick fix to some of the key structural inhibitors such as planning and skills shortages. Targets aside, there is an expectation of modest growth in these sectors in 2025 and the key for business will be to see (however modest) steady but sustained growth, as it is this which helps with investor confidence. The feedback from the Construction Products Association is that there is improvement in housebuilding under way, albeit from a very low base, with new sites opening and brick deliveries and forward orders improving. New homes are having to meet tighter energy efficiency standards, which should help play to timber frame’s strengths. Nearly every major housebuilder has a timber frame facility within their portfolio, so we can hope that the percentage of timber frame homes in England will progressively increase from the 16% estimated by NHBC (2023). The export market is being hampered by equally subdued demand in Europe particularly in Germany. The European Commission’s economic sentiment indicator in October was 3% below the long-term average and looks set to continue flat lining into 2025. Certainly, the first half of 2025 looks to continue with the challenging market conditions, but progressive companies often invest when market conditions are difficult, either to enhance their offering or to prepare for growth in better times. I see signs of this within the panel sector. ■
The feedback from the Construction Products Association is that there is improvement in housebuilding under way, albeit from a very low base, with new sites opening and brick deliveries and forward orders improving
www.ttjonline.com | January/February 2025 | TTJ
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69
