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ISSUE No. 54September 2013

I think it is fair to say that therather prolonged run-up to thefederal election has had negative effects on consumerand business confidence. Theuncertainty associated with theminority government has alsomade both households andbusiness much less willing tocommit to major financial decisions and I think this hascertainly impacted unfavourablyon the housing market.

With the federal election now behindus and a new government in place, Ithink we can look forward to a higherdegree of certainty and confidence inthe building industry in the future.

Although the residential constructionindustry in Australia is starting toshow some signs of recovery in certain states, the economic andhousing forecasters are predicting aneven stronger market in the latter partof 2014.

In the short term it seems likely that the unemployment rate may continue to rise according to theReserve Bank, but the reduction ininterest rates should in time have a stimulatory effect. In some statesthere are already signs of improvement with the strengtheningof house auction clearance rates andrising new house approvals, althoughfrom a low base.

I think we can consider the currentsituation as a period of transition froman economy with a strong miningindustry and strong governmentinvestment, to one where the miningindustry is in a contraction phase andan environment of fiscal restraint inthe government sector.

I guess this means that we'll continueto have a soft period of growth for a

As I see it. while, but the prospects beyond thistransition certainly look like being significantly stronger.

The economic and housing conditionsin the other markets for which I'mresponsible have also been difficult inrecent years, but I'm pleased to saythat there have been improvementsover the last few months, particularlyin New Zealand and South Africa. As a result, our customers in thosemarkets are experiencing a strongrecovery in sales.

The same can't be said about ouroperation in Asia and we've taken adecision recently to re-structure ourAsian supply arrangements.

Lastly, many of our Australian customers would be aware that oneof our longer serving staff members,Andrew Scane (State ManagerVictoria) has accepted the position asManaging Director of Platinum Globalin Vietnam, a company that providesa great service to many of ourAustralian fabricators.

Platinum Global and MiTek have avery close relationship and I have no doubt that the two Andrews,Andrew Scane and Andrew Carr (theowner of Platinum Global) will be a formidable team and will take thatbusiness to even greater heights.

The theme really set the tone for this year's MiTek Queensland, BrisbaneConference. And there couldn'thave been a more relaxed,comfortable venue than in theCaptains Room in the MathewHayden Stand at the AllanBorder Field cricket ground.'This would be a great spot towatch a match,' said WayneHondow, marvelling at the viewacross the ground throughlarge ceiling to floor windows.

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Blazing new trails.

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The Pavilion, as it is more commonly known, flanks acricket oval more in keepingwith an English County groundthan any of those concretemonsters we see on TV.

But, unfortunately, attendees weren'tthere to watch ball hit willow - therewas work to be done! A 9am startmeant most didn't have to wake tooearly to get to this conveniently located venue just north of theBrisbane CBD. After Wayne welcomed the, nearly 40 attendees, it was straight down to business withCameron Wake the first presenter.Cameron covered many topicsincluding some of the latest developments in machinery. 'Theequipment landscape is changingand it is important fabricators areaware of what is out there, what is onthe horizon…and, more importantlyhow it might impact their operations,'said Cameron.

Of particular interest was Cameron's'sneak preview' of the about-to-be-released, MiTek MatchPoint BladeLinear Saw. 'A beta version of thesaw has been operating in a plantnear Milwaukee WI (USA) for sometime now - and the resulting outputfigures are quite impressive,' saidCameron. 'Costs are reduced andproductivity is increased, so it isbound to be well received upon its

Blazing trails continued

release.' Cameron went on to cover some new developments inEuropean equipment and finishedwith the new MiTek IO Link; a devicewhich helps improve machine integration with MiTek OptiFlow.

A short break and chance to catch up for a quick chat then it was back to business as Paul Lees and Mark Sewell launched into their

With the completion of the2012 season now behind us,the winners of the popular andhotly contested MiTek QLDNRL Footy Tipping competitionfor that season were:

In first place - Rob Taylor- RedlandBay Roof Trusses pictured with TobyHolloway receiving a full BrisbaneBroncos Membership for season 2013.

In second place - Donna Burrows -Currumbin Roof Trusses with her prize of Gold Coast Titans FourHome game Gold flex membership

And in Third Place - Ashley Coytefrom Hervey Bay Roof Trusses, pictured here with Mal Willocks,receiving his chosen NRL team jersey.

QLD fabricatorNRL tipping for2012.

SAPPHIRE™ update presentation.This comprehensive insight into thestatus of SAPPHIRE and introductionto some more of its features and benefits consumed the next 2 hours.There's never a shortage of things to say about SAPPHIRE and theenthusiasm for its pending releasehasn't waned. Many of the guestsexpressed their surprise at the powerof SAPPHIRE and how it continuedto amaze.

The information appetite had beenwhetted, now it was time to satisfythe stomach; a delicious buffet-stylelunch was next. Andrew Bricknell, inparticular, used this part of the conference to mingle with fabricators,catching up and listening to their

feedback. 'These conferences areinvaluable opportunity to bring ourfabricators up to date with the latestdevelopments at MiTek,' saidAndrew. Wayne agreed - but wouldlike to see even more fabricatorsattending next time. 'We offer theseconferences as an information-basedresource to fabricators…an addedadvantage to their business. There'ssomething for everyone at these conferences,' added Wayne. MattArmstrong from Australian Timber &Trusses certainly got more out of theconference than he expected…hewon the door prize of an iPad2.

Wayne was keen to recognise thework of Toby Holloway coordinatingthe whole event.

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There are some things that justseem to go together perfectly:Martin & Lewis, Posh &Becks…Queensland & Golf!And this year's QueenslandMiTek golf day lived up toexpectations - idyllic weather;blue skies and not even azephyr of wind to blame for anyball alternating from its intended course (slices &hooks don't count). Held at the Redland Bay Golf Club, situated on the foreshores ofMoreton Bay, this challenging18 hole course never fails todeliver. 'It's always such a fantastic day,' said MiTekQueensland State Manager,Wayne Hondow. Every year we seem to be blessed withideal weather, plus KayleenSchwartz and Toby Holloway(both MiTek) go to a lot of trouble to ensure it's a hassle-free day…and lots of fun.'

Players were asked to be up brightand early for a 7am registration. Hot coffee and Bacon & Egg rollswere welcome by all - with someneeding the coffee a bit stronger thanothers to fire up. Teams were organised with the format - as usual:4 ball ambrose. Even though thecourse wasn't too undulating andoffered a rather pleasant stroll for theseasoned golfer, carts were supplied.This helped move the teams throughthe course at a steady pace - after all,a sumptuous lunch, some merrimentand official presentations werescheduled.

Kayleen made sure everyone hadsome sustenance during play though- as she weaved her way around thecourse with a refreshments cart…andcamera in hand should a photoopportunity arise.

More than 40 participants took on thecourse - a number Wayne would liketo see grow next year. 'This is anexcellent opportunity to catch up withwork acquaintances and old friendsin a laid-back, fun environment,' said

Wayne. 'We only do this once a yearand the same people keep comingback - because they know just howenjoyable it is. It would be great tosee some new talent to challenge afew of the better golfers though.'Alas, this is not a group Wayne seeshimself a member of…having wonthe NAGA award last year. 'But I didn't win it this year…so I must begetting better,' exclaimed a delightedWayne - before conceding he 'might'have found himself paired with someof those better golfers.

Winners: Craig Klinge (MiTek Qld),Glen Jerome (Northside Trusses &Frames), David Ball & Greg Carey(Panelbuild) with a net score of 57.38

Runners up: Toby Holloway (MiTekQld), Bob McMaster & Alex Wolter(Redland Bay Roof Trusses) with anet score of 57.84

Beautiful one day, par-fect the next.

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NAGA award: Brad Ridolfi (MiTekQld), Peter Badenhorst (Panelbuild)& Corey Kerr (Versace Timbers) witha net score of 71.50

Nearest to the pin 6th Hole: DaveRuddy (Big River Group) 265cm

Nearest to the pin 13th hole: AlecParker (Redland Bay Roof Trusses)61cm

Nearest to the pin 16th hole: JohnWeerden (MiTek Qld)

Longest Drive on the 1st hole: JohnWeerden (MiTek Qld)

Straighest Drive 18th hole: AlexWolter (Redland Bay Roof Trusses)

Lucky door prize (bottle of ChivasRegal) won by Jay Roy (MiTek Qld)

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prefabrication and timber engineeringin general in the WA market,' saidPeter. After lunch Richard returnedwith most of the rest of the day SAPPHIRE focussed. All of the attendees agreed: seeing many ofSAPPHIRE'S features and benefitsfirst hand proved invaluable.

The MiTek staff that made the longtrip west also used it as the perfectopportunity to go and see a few customers. Tim had even set up afew meetings with some StateGovernment departments and helpeda few plants with a couple of specificengineering issues. For Andrew itwas the perfect chance to continuehis quest to try and get to see asmany MiTek fabricators in Australiaas possible. 'WA is a unique marketwith its own set of challenges andopportunities. I've found the best wayto gain knowledge and strengthenour relationships with our fabricatorsis face-to-face.'

Peter's closing speech at the conference summed up MiTek'sapproach to WA very well. 'Webelieve there's huge potential in thismarket and want to help our fabricators take advantage of everyopportunity that comes their way.'

Several WA fabricators couldnot attend the SAPPHIRE™launch, held early in Novemberat Queensland's famousHamilton Island Resort - due to work commitments, timingand/or the tyranny of distance. So MiTek's annual WAConference scheduled for early2013 held even greater significance as it gave many achance to come up-to-speedwith the latest SAPPHIREdevelopments. Those to makethe journey west includedAndrew Bricknell, PeterHutchison, Tim Rossiter, andRichard Moulton where a comprehensive overview ofwhat transpired at FRAME(held in Melbourne mid-year)was also on the agenda.

The conference was held in thePagoda at the Esplanade RiverSuites Hotel in Perth, overlooking themajestic Swan River. Registrationwas at 9.30 am with more than 15fabricators and their staff gettingthere early for a refreshing coffee ortea and a quick chat before the official part of the day got under way. After Peter welcomed all,Richard launched into a series of presentations including: a pre-preparedpresentation from Amanda Ling onthe MiTek HelpDesk and an updateon OptiFlow Scheduler. A shortbreak, then the Buildsoft programwas presented, highlighting itsstrength and how it could work in synergy with MiTek software.

Peter proudly informed: 'there were alot of follow-ups required after thispresentation.'

Tim Rossiter then covered many ofthe latest changes to buildingcodes…and FRAME! 'Tim has playeda pivotal role in helping fabricatorsgain acceptance for timber

MiTek’s commitment to WA on show.

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Keeping fabricators up-to-datewith the latest developmentshas always been a focus ofMiTek conferences - but theyare also seen as a valuableconduit for getting customerfeedback. That's why thetheme 'Partners on Purpose'was developed for the latestseries of conferences. MiTekhave always sought to workhand-in-hand with fabricators tohelp improve their businessesand grow relationships. So, whilst the Northern NSWConference would bring everyone up-to-speed withSAPPHIRE™, other very important topics (includingOptiFlow Scheduler and aninsight into the benefits of theMiTek HelpDesk) were also onthe agenda.

The event was held in April at thebeautiful beachfront, 4-star, OpalCove Resort in Coffs Harbour - avenue boasting a 9-hole golf course

‘Partners on Purpose’ - Northern NSW.

and numerous watersport and leisureactivities. There would be no time forany of those facilities though as theMiTek team had a cram-packedschedule for attendees.

Nearly 25 guests came from nearand far - with the official registrationset for 12 noon. Peter Hutchison,MiTek State Manager NSW, Victoria& WA welcomed all…then it wasstraight down to business. RichardMoulton, National Software SupportManager introduced a recorded presentation titled 'From theHelpDesk.' This comprehensiveinsight into the HelpDesk by FSM,Amanda Ling got the day off to agreat start. Bruce Wells followed withan update on OptiFlow Scheduler.Bruce demonstrated how OptiFlowScheduler could give fabricatorshands-on-access to information andhow that constant stream of knowledge could impact their businesses. Gauging from the discussion it raised, this proved avery popular segment indeed.

Next: a presentation by HaydenCarroll, Sales Manager from

Buildsoft. Not only did Haydendemonstrate the features and benefits of Buildsoft…he also wenton to show how it could work in conjunction with MiTek software; inparticular: SAPPHIRE. Tim Rossiter,Chief Engineer, NSW covered thenext two topics. First: new productdevelopments, then a review ofFRAME Australia. As most attendingthis conference weren't able to getdown to Melbourne for FRAME, hispresentation proved invaluable.

Time to stretch the legs, grab a cuppaand have an informal chat.

Richard Moulton returned to give a(slightly shorter) version of hisHamilton Island presentation:'Change Vs Progress.' Like Tim'sFRAME review, all welcomed this, asmany weren't able to make theSAPPHIRE launch late last yeareither. Naturally no conference wouldbe complete without a SAPPHIRESuite update…a role Richard relishes,as he has never wavered in hisenthusiasm for this awesome program.

Peter returned to welcome questionsand wrap-up the official part of theday. But that wasn't the end! Next onthe menu?...a sumptuous BBQ dinner, including the backdrop of aglorious sunset over the nearbybeach. For some, partners arrived tojoin them, - others, who weren't ableto make the conference, turned up to mingle and chat with fellow fabricators and MiTek staff. 'We wanted to ensure this conferencewas more than just about software -we wanted to focus on the advantages of all the tools MiTek can offer to fabricators to help growtheir business,' said Peter. 'Theseconferences are also a great way to reaffirm our commitment to customers. After all: we are partners!'

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MiTek Australia Ltd.ABN 98 004 564 587 New South Wales 02 8525 800046 Monash Drive Dandenong Sth Queensland 07 3861 2100Victoria 3175 Australia South Australia 08 8234 1326Telephone 03 8795 8888 Western Australia 08 9412 3534Facsimile 03 9702 9464 New Zealand 09 274 7109Web site www.mitek.com.au

Over the past year the following MiTek fabricatorsachieved a significant milestonebirthday and presentationswere made to them as theopportunity arose.

Peter Giles and Peter Thomas -Austam Homes - 15 years

John Jeffrey - Cypress Supplies PtyLtd - 15 years

Bill Trengrove - Bartruss Pty Ltd - 15years

L to R, Tracey Smith, Tayla Jennings, Jordan Williams, Norm Golding, MeganSouth and Chris Suciu - Blackbird Timber - 10 years

Maurice Mondolo - Truss Frame - 10years

Don Gynther, Wayne Hondow andGreg Dummer - Northside Trusses &Frames - 20 Years

Ross Simon - Sid’s PlaceToowoomba - 30 years

Paul Scarsi - Elliot Timber Sales PtyLtd - 15 years

Fabricator milestones.