For years, Spruce has been the go-to species for structural timber in the UK. With its pale colour, consistent grain and reliability in engineered applications, it’s dominated the market. However, pine (European redwood) is now taking an increasing share of the UK construction timber sector. A bark beetle infestation has devastated large areas of European forests, particularly in Spruce-dominated regions. This damage has reduced available Spruce stock and forced many sawmills

Mirka UK Ltd is launching the Mirka® ToolChanger, a new automated tool-changing system developed specifically for robotic sanding and polishing applications across a range of sectors. The system has been designed to address one of the most persistent challenges in automated surface finishing: enabling fast, reliable tool switching without interrupting production. The ToolChanger is a mechanical plug-and-play system consisting of two modules. The upper unit is mounted on the r

Surface preparation has never been easier, smarter, cleaner or more efficient than with Mirka UK Ltd’s cutting-edge tools, abrasives and extractor systems, which are transforming the finishing process. On stand E72 at the upcoming Professional Woodworking Expo, Mirka UK will showcase its latest innovations and run live demonstrations throughout the show, allowing attendees to see first-hand the tools’ performance benefits. Mirka® DEROS II & DEOS II The tools on show and avail

They are the UK’s finest young engineering professionals – the future of our workforce– and now they stand ready to compete on the world stage in a contest as intense, demanding and prestigious as any global sporting event. Team UK has been officially announced for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, the international competition known as the “Skills Olympics,” where the world’s most talented apprentices and young professionals go head-to-head in a high-stakes test of skill, precision

HUBTEX is taking the ergonomics and user-friendliness of its multidirectional forklifts to the next level with a new operating and control concept. Developed through extensive real-world customer feedback and in response to the growing integration of advanced assistance systems, the new concept brings these elements together in a unified, intuitive interface. Ergonomic joystick at the HUBTEX operator station: all buttons are within easy thumb reach, with illuminated function

Workwear trends may come and go, but some gear only improves with time. Carhartt’s bib dungarees, first introduced in the late 1800s, have been shaped by generations of workers and remain a go-to choice for durability, comfort and practical storage on site. The Iconic R01 Duck Bib Dungarees (102776), made from heavyweight cotton duck, are built for toughness. Reinforced kick panels, double-layer knees and stretch side panels provide durability and ease of movement. The relaxe

The Dutch Joinery Alliance (DJA), a partnership of six leading Dutch suppliers to the door and window industry, has officially launched with a mission to simplify and modernise production for manufacturers across the UK and beyond Bringing together expertise from across the entire joinery supply chain, the DJA offers a complete, integrated production solution, which covers CNC machining, automation, surface treatment, coatings, sill systems and wooden door blanks. By uniting

Leading UK timber supplier Premier Forest Products has confirmed the full relaunch of the National Timber Systems (NTS) Sheffield manufacturing site, following its acquisition of NTS out of administration at the end of 2025. The 25,000sq.ft facility, which has supplied innovative timber engineering products to housebuilders and contractors for more than two decades, is once again producing roof trusses and engineered joists. Its return restores a key hub within NTS’s national

MILWAUKEE® expands its industry-leading M18 FUEL™ range with the introduction of the M18 FUEL™ 165 mm Deep Cut Circular Saw, engineered to deliver fast, controlled cutting performance in its class. Designed for users who require deeper cuts without compromising power or portability, the M18 FUEL™ 165 mm Deep Cut Circular Saw offers a maximum cutting depth of 66 mm at 90°, enabling efficient cutting through engineered timber, thick sheet materials, composites and construction-

Biesse has announced the appointment of Chris Arend as Chief Commercial Officer UK, a role that will also see him coordinate the country leadership team. Chris Arend – newly appointed Chief Commercial Officer UK at Biesse With extensive experience in the industrial sector, gained both at Biesse and in other organisations, as well as in-depth expertise across a range of materials and sectors, Chris brings a practical and strategic vision to support the company’s development in

Dust extraction specialist Extractly UK has announced the resignation of Director Jake Oldfield. The decision, made with the full support of the Board, means the company will continue under the leadership of the remaining two Directors, Graham Day and William Kenyon, who remain fully committed to its long-term growth strategy and continued dedication to its customers. Extractly UK will continue under the leadership of the remaining two Directors, Graham Day (pictured right) a

Premier Forest Products has reinforced its commitment to social responsibility by becoming the first private sector company to sign the Welsh Government’s Corporate Parenting Charter. Dawn Bowden and Terry Edgell with the Corporate Parenting Pledge Working in partnership with Newport City Council, Premier Forest provides paid work placements for up to six young people each year. Opportunities are offered across departments including finance, operations, logistics and manufact

Regulatory changes, supply constraints, rising fuel prices, broader cost pressures, and ongoing economic uncertainty are set to create some of the most challenging conditions for the wood pallet and packaging sector in the year ahead. TIMCON President John Dye with speakers and attendees at the TIMCON general meeting, March 2026 Speakers at the recent Timber Packaging & Pallet Confederation (TIMCON) general meeting, held in Manchester in early March, provided updates on forth

In today’s unpredictable global landscape, few things are certain – except rising pressure on manufacturing businesses. Ongoing geopolitical instability, particularly in the Middle East, continues to disrupt energy markets, driving volatility in fuel prices and leaving businesses exposed to forces beyond their control. For the woodworking sector, where tight margins and rising operational costs are already part of daily life, this instability is more than background noise; it

OVVO has been recognised at the Interzum Guangzhou Award 2026 for its tool-free furniture assembly technology. This marks the seventh time the company has received an Interzum innovation award, reinforcing its leadership in furniture connector design and assembly solutions. The latest recognition highlights OVVO’s continued commitment to advancing modern furniture manufacturing. Its technology stood out for delivering both technical innovation and strong global market relevan