10 | Tech News
WPA/BRE field trial shows treated wood can provide long service life
average service life of less than five years. The study also notably shows that posts made from larch are failing faster than any other species.
“These results clearly show that untreated wood of any kind is not fit for purpose for ground contact applications,” said Neil Ryan, WPA director. “Only wood that has been correctly treated gives the performance required to ensure long-term success.
Above: Treated timber vs untreated timber 2025
Interim results of the largest independent assessment of British treated softwood ever carried out in the UK demonstrate that treated wood for ground contact applications such as fencing can be relied on to provide a long service life. The 10-year UK field trial of hundreds of wooden fence posts and test stakes was commissioned by the Wood Protection Association (WPA) and carried out by
the Building Research Establishment (BRE) at two test sites: at BRE Garston, Watford, and Birnie Wood, Elgin, in the north of Scotland. It shows a substantial improvement in durability and resistance to decay when compared to untreated timber products.
The majority of the untreated wood posts at the sites have now completely failed due to fungal decay, with data suggesting an
MiTek takes machine automation to the next level with Mark 1 Easyjig Press
MiTek is driving machine automation in the construction industry with the Mark 1 Easyjig Press.
“The Mark 1 Easyjig Press puts our customers at the forefront of technological innovation,” said Dave Thomas, commercial leader, EMEA Automation. “By driving efficiency and increasing output through automation, it helps manufacturers boost productivity.
“What’s more, the press is also fully compatible with MiTek’s design and production software, which means a connected experience for our customers.” The Mark 1 Easyjig Press uses the latest technology to improve efficiency for manufacturers, streamlining operations and boosting roof truss production. The press is quicker and more accurate. A user-friendly operation helps workforces while increasing production capacity.
TTJ | July/August 2025 |
www.ttjonline.com
Production is faster compared to non- automated presses, said MiTek. The Autojig feature reduces setup time by automatically positioning the jigs based on design specifications.
Customers particularly value the integrated Virtek laser system, which means manufacturing is exact, consistent and of a higher quality.
The Mark 1 Easyjig Press has an easy-to-use touchscreen monitor, and its inbuilt WiFi network connectivity offers a joined up and efficient experience for manufacturers. It’s intuitive design also means people can be trained quickly, operating the machine in a matter of weeks.
Preset tables are available in a range of sizes, so a truss can be outlined in 40 seconds, for easier, quicker and more precise production across the board.
“The study also dispels the myth that larch is durable and can be used in this way without a preservative treatment.” After 10 years, the preservative-treated posts in the trial are performing well, particularly incised spruce. Some opening of incisions and elevated moisture content has been noted, but without deterioration of the wood. Across all species and treatment types in the trial there have been only isolated failures of treated posts. “This is not entirely unexpected after 10 years,” said Mr Ryan. “These are clearly outliers on the bell curve of preservative performance, with others in the same species and preservative group rated zero – meaning they still have no visible decay present at all.” After the completion of the initial 10-year term, the project has been extended for a further five years.
Timber Coaters acquires Palmer Primer
Timber Coaters Ltd has announced the acquisition of Palmer Primer Ltd, a British manufacturer of specialist coating machinery for the timber industry. Timber Coaters, one of the UK’s largest independent timber coating specialists, said the strategic acquisition strengthens its market position by bringing in-house access to Palmer Primer’s advanced engineering and machinery technologies. Palmer Primer is known across the industry for its vacuum and primer coating systems. Palmer Primer will continue to trade under its established name, maintaining its identity and long-standing reputation, while benefiting from the resources, technical expertise, and operational support of Timber Coaters.
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