The Frame and Truss Manufacturers Association (FTMA) is to merge with the Wood Processors Association (WPA).
FTMA executive chairman Ian McGregor says it is the right time to merge two organisations who undertake similar activities on behalf of their members.
“It is a logical step towards improving services to both parties’ members by improving efficiency,” Mr McGregor says.
Frame and Truss Manufacturers produce the wall and roofing components for the housing and light commercial sector.
FTMA membership includes fabricators, as well as those organisations such as nail plate manufacturers, sawmillers and merchants who service the fabricators.
WPA chief executive Peter Bodeker says his organisation represents sawmillers producing in excess of 80% of New Zealand’s structural lumber.
“As the vast majority of structural lumber is processed through frame and truss plants, a merger of the activities of both organisations is a logical step,” Mr Bodecker says.
Many of the issues facing sawmillers, such as product quality, the dissemination of technical information, changes to regulations and occupational health and safety also affect frame and truss plant operators.
Additionally, through the NZ Wood programme, improving quality standards of the finished product is a priority for the entire industry.
The merging of the two organisations will assist in enabling this to occur.
