Product trials have emerged as a highly successful means to engage with and motivate Indian manufacturers to try something different—and then convert or augment existing or new production to Canadian species. In 2016/17, the number of product trials grew to include several new manufacturers including:
Abbas Designer Door
Location: Mangalore
Company description: Abbas manufactures solid doors, wooden sofas, wardrobes, dining tables and other furniture.
Species trialled: In 2016/17, the company trialled western hemlock in place of teak, jackfruit and other hardwood species.
Products produced: Living room set including sofa and chairs.
Results: The manufacturer ordered western hemlock for full-scale commercial trials.
Dormak
Location: Jaipur
Company description: Dormak manufactures fl ush doors, solid wood doors and door frames.
Species trialled: In 2016/17, the company trialled yellow cedar in place of meranti and radiata pine.
Products produced: Door frames.
Results: The manufacturer placed a commercial order for yellow cedar.
I.EVO
Location: Udaipur.
Company description: I.EVO is a large-scale manufacturer active in many product areas including indoor and outdoor, structural and appearance, wood and non-wood.
Species trialled: In 2016/17, the company trialled western red cedar in place of European pine and spruce.
Products produced: Pergolas, outdoor furniture and panelling.
Results: The company has made numerous commercial purchases from local wholesalers and has agreed to use western hemlock in a hotel room mock-up. The company also constructed FII India’s DelhiWood 2017 exhibition booth using all Canadian species with an emphasis on SPF.