The Timber Packaging & Pallet Confederation (TIMCON) has confirmed that Fergus Ewing MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Connectivity, will give the keynote speech at its agm in September.
The event will take place in Edinburgh on September 3rd and 4th and feature a session by the Forestry Commission and presentations on Brexit and other crucial updates. The European Federation of Wooden Pallet and Packaging Manufacturers (FEFPEB) will be attending and presenting on developments affecting the industry across Europe.
John Dye, president of TIMCON, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Fergus Ewing MSP to our agm and hearing his thoughts on the pallet and packaging and other forest-based industries in the modern economy. TIMCON events have been increasingly well attended by speakers from government agencies and other high-profile organisations. This demonstrates not only the high regard in which our industry is held, but also the fact that sectors like ours that have sustainability and care for the environment at their heart are increasingly significant to decision makers at the very highest level.
“TIMCON has put together another excellent agm programme, which will provide essential up-to-date information on the issues affecting our industry. It promises to be one of our best to date.”
Meanwhile, TIMCON’s membership continues to grow, with Coillte, the association representing forest-based business in Ireland, the latest to sign up. The state-owned body, which runs core forestry, land solutions and wood panel businesses in Ireland took part in TIMCON’s general meeting earlier this year. It joined CONFOR at the meeting, which focused on collaboration and information sharing and attracted a record attendance from those in and connected to the wooden packaging and pallet business.
Des O’Toole, market development manager for Coillte, said: “Coillte are delighted to become members of TIMCON. The pallet and packaging sector is vitally important for our sawmill customers and supports many jobs across the supply chain in both Ireland and the UK. The UK is forecast to remain a net importer of timber and the sector, along with TIMCON, must work together to preserve smooth trade after Brexit to ensure we negate any potential customs delays.”
Dye added: “Following TIMCON’s recent and ongoing activities in Ireland, including our agm in September 2017, we have been joined by a number of new Irish members, and we are really pleased to welcome Coillte.
“This year we have also been joined by Kronus, a packaging manufacturer based in the Baltics, and wood drying and control systems business Bes Bolmann from the Netherlands. These are some of the signs that membership of TIMCON is increasing viewed as a vital conduit and resource for the forest-based industry in the UK, Ireland and further afield. We are continually making further links with other European based companies on the back of our continued support and involvement in promoting the benefits of wooden pallets and packaging.”