Sawn Timber Demand Forecasting Model

This project was undertaken for a major multinational company with sawmill operations in Australia. BIS Shrapnel developed a model, which forecast timber demand over the next 10 years.. The model is very flexible, allowing a range of scenarios for building activity, building material usage and building practices. The results of the model were very detailed, providing changing demand for 8 key grades of timber for each year of the 10 year period. The model has become an integral part of the company's short-term and long-term sales forecasting and budget planning.

Furniture Industry Association of Australia (FIAA) Timber Policy

This project was undertaken on behalf of the FIAA, as a strategic lobbying document. It included a series of recommendations to government and the timber industry on integrating the furniture and timber industries to maximise value added production.

Timber Market Survey

This project was undertaken for a consortium of state government agencies and forest managers. It involved the preparation of a report on timber supply, quality and pricing issues in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania. Information was gained from a survey over 100 timber merchants, which examined timber prices, issues relating to timber quality and supply and changing market conditions that affect timber prices.


Business assessment of one of Indonesia’s largest integrated forestry companies

This study, undertaken for a consortium of international banks, provided a comprehensive strategic and operational review of one of Indonesia’s largest integrated forestry companies, and advised the banks on their lending strategies to the company. The company utilized mainly tropical hardwood, and was a major player in the international market for tropical hardwood.

Market and Strategic Industry Options for the Red Gum Timber Industry

This private client study prepared for an Australian State Government agency provided an analysis of market opportunities and strategic options for the Red Gum timber industry. It involved a structured survey of participants in the Red Gum industry including crown sawmills, private sawmills and mobile sawmilling facilities and other timber harvesting operations based on the River Red Gum resource, as well as key end users and distributors of Red Gum.
From the survey results and discussion with industry representatives, a series of strategic options for the industry were developed. The study considered constraints on the resource, in terms of the volume and the quality of the wood available, and included analysis of the social impacts of any proposed market diversification.

Market Opportunities for Solid Wood Products from Hardwood Plantations

This private client study prepared for an Australian State Government agency identified market opportunities for solid wood (sawn timber and veneer) products from hardwood plantations. Species evaluated included blackbutt, spotted gum and flooded gum. The market size and projected market growth were quantified along with the share of hardwood products. Competitive threats were discussed along with the market outlook and price forecasts. Key market opportunities identified included furniture, kitchenware (cabinets, etc), window frames, staircases, doors and door-jams.

The Economic Impact of the Feature and Outdoor Furniture Industry

This private client study prepared for an industry association provided an economic impact analysis of the feature and outdoor furniture industries, and five year projections. The industry utilizes mainly hardwood species. The report was used as a lobbying document by the furniture industry.

The Australian Hardwood Flooring Market

This report was prepared for one of the largest hardwood flooring manufacturers in the United States. The report quantified the market size in Australia and segmented the market by construction sectors. Growth rates were compared between sectors. Distribution channels were discussed, and the major manufacturers were identified. The key product attributes and prices were also assessed.

Value Adding Development Opportunities for the Hardwood Industry

This study was prepared for the Commonwealth government and an Australian State government as part of the Regional Forest Agreement (RFA) process. It identified value-adding opportunities for the hardwood industry in an RFA region. Both solid wood and reconstituted wood products were investigated in terms of the resource suitability and processing requirements. Those with the greatest market potential were identified. International competitiveness comparisons were undertaken, and possible industry structures were projected for 2010 and 2020, along with market and price forecasts.

Viability of the Production of Hardwood Formply for Export to the Japanese Market

This private client study for a major Australian conglomerate tested a wide range of hypotheses to determine whether there were sufficient prospects for exporting hardwood formply to the Japanese market. The study involved the establishment of an executive team to undertake fieldwork in Japan interviewing senior executives including producers, distributors and trading corporations. The executive team also worked with a company assigned executive team and prepared a report with recommendations.