| Project Staff |
Assoc. Prof. Barbara Ozarska, University of Melbourne, Australia
Dr Mihai Stelian Daian, University of Melbourne, Australia
Gerry Harris, University of Melbourne, Australia
Assoc. Prof. Latsamy Boupha, National University of Laos
Mr Douangta Bouaphavong, National University of Laos
Mr Vassana Kheomany, National University of Laos
Mr Khamtan Phonetip, National University of Laos
Mr Yothin Vatsaphavong, Lao Furniture Industry Association
Mr Shaykham Phanthavong , Pakpasak Training Center
Mr Peter Fodge, Burapha Company
Mr Philip Ashley, Holmsglen Institute of TAFE
Mr Roy Tyrrell, Holmsglen Institute of TAFE
Mrs Michelle Pataki, Pataki Design
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| Collaborating Institutions |
- National University of Laos, Laos
- Burapha Agroforestry Co Ltd, Laos
- Lao Furniture Industry Association, Laos
- Ministry of Industry and Handicrafts, Laos
- Pakpasak Technical School, Laos
- Holmsglen Institute of TAFE, Victoria, Australia
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| Project overview |
Plantations of eucalypts and teak are grown in parts of Laos. Some of this timber is processed locally for furniture manufacture, with most timber sold for export. Few products are made, as the Lao timber processing industry is relatively new. The majority of timber is cut down in local sawmills then exported to Vietnam and Thailand. Opportunities exist to expand Lao timber processing and manufacturing so more value adding can be carried out and the returns captured locally. Enhancing the range, quality and value of products produced from locally-grown timber will be conducted through the development of appropriate timber processing, the introduction of new technologies and application of quality controls.
The aim of this project is to enhance the range, quality and value of products produced from plantation grown timber in Laos, in particular from plantation eucalypts and teak. Underpinning objectives will be:
- To improve timber recoveries through development of enhanced but appropriate timber processing, drying and manufacturing methods and systems.
- To broaden wood product design options by testing and adapting new technologies.
- To develop appropriate quality control procedures.
Integral to all of these will be the enhancement of Lao capacity in processing, especially R&D, education and training, at National University of Laos, and within the private sector.
Outputs will include a functioning industry network, relevant technical procedures and recommendations, new designs and products, targeted teaching and training programs, and improved capacity within industry and the organisations involved in the project.
Project methodology will include analyses of existing activities and capability of a range of manufacturers that are determined to be suitable and willing to participate in an industry cluster, introduction and testing of a range of technologies, development of new designs, and development of relevant education and training programs and materials.
Project Newsletter No. 1 March 2009 |
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| Project Progress |
Project Progress Report: Year One
(Link to Project Report, pdf 752MB)
The project is progressing well and complies with the project objectives.
The major activities during the 1st year of the project duration are as follows:
- The formation of "The Industry Cluster", a network of 9 furniture companies and 1 sawmill which will be actively participating in the project's on-going activities (link to photos of factory visits). The Cluster was selected by the Project Steering Committee according to strict criteria, with two major requirements being the use of plantation timbers and sustainable production (link to photos of project members meetings).
- A detailed analysis of the current capabilities of the companies involved in the Industry Cluster was undertaken. This allowed the identification of relevant strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the timber and furniture industry in Laos (see report - pdf 752kB). The results of the assessment formed the basis for the development of recommendations on improved processing, drying and manufacturing processes applicable in Laos. These include:
- Production methods: efficient sawing of timber, drying, machining, gluing, joining, finishing and assembly into final products, as well as occupational health and safety procedures.
- Improved infrastructure which is vital to the industry in order for it to meet the recommendations (purchasing new machinery, equipment, tools). - Provision of technical skills and training.
- An efficient and optimal supply chain system designed specifically for the Laos forestry and timber industries.
The results of the industry assessment and the proposed recommendations for improvements were presented at the workshop organised in February 2008 in Vientiane. The workshop involved the members of the Industry Cluster, all participants of the project and relevant government representatives.
- The analysis of current and future plantation timber resources (teak and eucalyptus) was undertaken. The study included tree planting techniques, volume per hectare for various tree ages and growing rate. The report provides important data for the Lao timber industry on the future availability of plantation timbers for the production of high value wood products.
- Young plantation timber (teak and Eucalyptus camaldulensis) was selected and transported to Melbourne. The University of Melbourne will undertake testing of physical and mechanical properties as well as processing characteristics of these species. This data is essential for designing wood products and for developing production parameters.
- An intensive training in Australia was provided to twelve Lao trainees who represented the project's participating organisations. The training was undertaken in wood processing (at the Timber Training Centre, Creswick) and in furniture manufacturing (at the Victorian Furnishing Industry Training Centre, Melbourne) (link to photos of training program).
The major outcome of the 1st year project activities has been the identification of area where improvements can be made and further developments are necessary to make the Lao timber and furniture industry internationally competitive. With these changes the industry has a good chance of succeeding. A pleasing indicator is the strong commitment from the Lao government to support the industry in maximizing timber value adding opportunities, which should be highly commended. This commitment, combined with the enthusiasm of the companies to change and modernise their production processes promises positive outcomes. |
| Publications |
- Ozarska, B., Daian, M., Harris, G., Ashley, P., Boupha, L., Phonetip, K., Bouaphavong, D., 2008, Detailed Analysis of the Current Capabilities of Companies Involved in the Industry Cluster and Recommendations on Improved Processing, Drying and Manufacturing Processes Suitable for Application in Laos. Report submitted to the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research/ ACIAR as requirement of the project Value-adding to Lao PDR Plantation Timber Products (pdf 752 KB)
- Daian, M., Ozarska, B., 2007, Overview of the Vietnamese Furniture Industry, Report submitted to the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research/ ACIAR as requirement of the project Value-adding to Lao PDR Plantation Timber Products (pdf 1.64MB)
- Boupha, L., Khamphilavong, K., Phengsopha, K., Sichaleune, O., Ozarska, B., Daian, M., 2008, Survey of Teak Plantation in Luangprabang and Xayabury Provinces and Eucalyptus Plantation in Central and Southern Part of the Lao PDR, Report to be submitted to the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research/ ACIAR as requirement of the project Value-adding to Lao PDR Plantation Timber Products
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| For further information contact: |
Dr Mihai Daian
Department of Forest & Ecosystem Science
Melbourne School of Land and Environment
University of Melbourne, Burnley Campus
500 Yarra Boulevard, Richmond, VIC, 3121
Phone: +61 (0) 3 9250 6882
Mobile: +61 (0) 439156328
Email: mdaian@unimelb.edu.au |
