A Challenges in Wood Industry event at the Slovenian national fair, Ambient, recently hosted a panel discussion on the development of the wood processing sector.

The discussion was attended by Alex Brownlie, BSW Timber's commercial director and the chairman of BSW SI's Board of Directors.

The speakers agreed unanimously on the potential of the wood processing industry and that it should aim to create the highest possible added value.

Jože Prikeržnik, director of the Wood Industry Directorate at the Ministry of Economy, Development and Technology, pointed out the development of all actors in the forestry wood chain.

Jože said: "We support all actors in the forestry wood chain and not just the furniture industry as we often hear. We also strive to update the ´Wood is Beautiful´ national action plan."

Mitja Piškur, from the Slovenian Forestry Institute, stressed the importance of major investments and shared his belief that even more quantities of timber should come to the market in the coming years than before.

He believes that in the coming years the harvest will remain at a very high level, which will also allow for very large stocks: "Most likely, in the future, the demand from the wood processing industry, from lesser quality logs to more quality timber, will change."

Alex Brownlie emphasized the long-term relationship that BSW wants to build with Slovenian companies, stating: "This will provide all actors with reliable supplies and long-term stability, which is necessary for investment in the entire wood industry supply chain.

"In addition to creating jobs, the our company's strong position in international markets allows us strengthen the domestic business environment."

The panel discussion, moderated by Dr Nike Krajnc from the Forestry Institute of Slovenia, also included Milan Milavec, director of the Wood and Furniture Industries Section of the Chamber of Commerce; Edo Oblak, director of the SLOLES Institute; Bogdan Božec, director of Marles; Kaja Zoran from Solis Straža; Alojz Seliškar, director of Melu; and Dominika Gornik Bučar, from the Department of Wood Science, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana.