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BC Wood hosts 350 buyers from 18 countries
Sept. 7, 2016 - BC Wood Specialties Group (BC Wood) is hosting 350 international buyers at its 13th annual Global Buyers Mission (GBM) September 8-10 at Whistler, BC. With more than 300 wood manufacturing and sales representatives expected from BC and elsewhere in Canada, and 100 architects, the event is widely recognized as Canada’s largest and most important show for wood buyers and sellers.
September 7, 2016 By BC Wood Specialties Group
Each year the show generates about $40 million in new direct sales but according to BC Wood CEO Brian Hawrysh, “the larger benefit lies in the number of quality leads and relationships fostered for future sales, as well as the time and money saved by smaller firms who lack the critical mass to market overseas”. In addition to India, China and Japan, sizable delegations are attending from Korea, Pakistan, Taiwan, Jordan, the European Union, Mexico and the United States.
Notable in the Japanese delegation is participation from their general contractor community and their interest in the GBM’s private tour of the world’s tallest mass timber building, the 18-storey student residence at UBC (Brock Commons). As a result, exhibitors and specifiers at the GBM will have a unique opportunity to meet with and influence these buyers as Japan heads into a commercial building boom in the run up the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Other delegates chose to join the multiday mill tours focusing on either Coastal species or SPF in the North.
Demand for BC’s value-added wood products has grown exponentially since BC Wood’s first show in 2004, particularly in offshore markets. And market diversification for BC’s forest products has never been more important than with the US softwood lumber dispute again threating to restrict wood exports to the US.
Developed and managed by BC Wood, the GBM is supported by a combination of funding from government, industry and attending delegates. The government supporters include BC’s Ministry of International Trade (through Forestry Innovation Investment), Natural Resources Canada, Global Affairs Canada and Western Economic Diversification.
Founded in 1989, BC Wood is a nonprofit trade association representing BC’s value-added wood product manufacturers. Members produce millwork, furniture, cabinets, special lumber products, log and timber frame construction, pre-built structures and engineered wood products. Collectively, the sector represents about 600 companies employing 15,000 people in BC with more than $3.8 billion in annual sales. BC Wood assists their members by addressing key market barriers, providing market intelligence and engaging in market development activities in BC and around the world.
75% from Asia-Pacific markets including India, China and Japan
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