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The Official Magazine of the Specialised Textiles Association
Citation preview
SPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSOCIATION INC. Vol 12 No 6November • December 2012 • January 2013
STA member newS | induSTry eVenTS | memberS in The SpoTlighT | rTos
All manner ofbaNNers
large market for geomembraNes
Tomorrow’s industry leaders
uNite today
Fabric structures committee sets the standard
www.hvgfabrics.com.au
Blend in with your environment using the Pilbara Canvas outback range
Aussie Tough, Aussie Value,Aussie Made!
Aussie Tough, Aussie Value,Aussie Made!
For more information
on the Pilbara Canvas range see page 44.
NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2012 • JANUARY 2013 · 1
CONNECTIONS magazine is published on behalf of the Specialised Textiles Association Inc. by CommStrat Limited.
Publisher CommStrat
editor Nicola [email protected]
design & Production Annette [email protected]
national sales Manager Yuri MamistvalovPhone: 03 8534 [email protected]
contributors Jamie Howard, Roger La Salle, Beatrice Moonen, Dhani Narejo and co, and Holly O’Dell.
coMMstrat ABN 31 008 434 802
Level 8, 574 St Kilda RdMelbourne Vic 3004www.commstrat.com.au
sPecialised textiles associationSuite 201, 22 St Kilda Road,St Kilda Vic 3182Phone: 03 9521 2114Local call: 1300 555 787Fax: 03 9521 2116www.specialisedtextiles.com.au
Disclaimer: Except where specifically stated, the opinions and material published in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or the STA Council.
contents
A S S O C I A T I O N
association Matters2 Report by STA President 4 STA office update16 Young Leaders Conference Priming the next generation of industry
leaders 33 Fabric Structures Committee
report by Beatrice Moonen 42 STA welcomes new members
neWs corner8 Members' news
suPerb structures18 Novel and unique structures Showcasing member talent
sPecial Features12 Gargantuan geomembranes The size of the market continues to
expand
26 All manners of banners All that matters: the right ink, print and
timely delivery30 Using geosynthetics to
stabilise soils In a remote Pacific location34 Innovation Roger la Salle uncovers the ‘third eye’ 36 Truck cover and tarp markets
pick up speed Banners on the move
sPotlight on MeMbers44 Members’ products and services
training and eVents48 Industry events and RTOs subscriPtions
to subscribe to Connections for just $75 inc gst annually contact ruth spiegel [email protected]
16
1210
4226
2 · CONNECTIONS
a few words from the President
STAMATTERS
Thank you to
all who put up their hand to be involved in a committee and
thank you to those already working
hard in the already well established
Fabric Structures Committee.”
Another couple of months have flown past since my last
missive in this magazine. A lot has been happening in
STA land and much of it has already been mentioned in
various newsletters from the office or from me.
The most notable event of course was the recent
Young Leaders Conference held in Melbourne during
the middle weekend of October. Nineteen young
leaders attended the event, which was hailed by all who
attended as a great success. This event is fast becoming
a feature of our calendar, an envied one at that.
Recently I was travelling overseas on business and our
Young Leaders Conference and subsequent challenge
was known to my overseas contact (via our STA
e-newsletters) and very favourably commented upon to
me and all I was with.
One comment was along the lines: ‘I wish we had
something like this here.’ It is rare to find any industry
association that does what we do in this regard.
Congratulations and thank you to all who attended,
Young leaders, Legends and members of COM. None
of it would have been possible without all of the work
and organisation of our hardworking and long-suffering
association Manager Ana Drougas. Thank you Ana for
another winner.
Sell out successWhile we are talking of highs, the Super Expo 2013 on
the Gold Coast is selling out fast. Recently an additional
hall was hired to allow for additional exhibitors. We now
have four halls at the Gold Coast Exhibition Centre. At
the time of printing, I understand 85% of the booth space
has been sold. I also understand that all, or at least
all but the sponsorship on offer, has been taken up. It
certainly appears that the industry at large is very keen
on the idea of the combined expo.
Training agreementOther good work has been done (quietly and in the
background) by Kent Williamson in relation to the
agreement with NSW TAFE and their input and training
delivery of the Certificate 2, Installation of Blinds and
Awnings Course. STA has received NWDF funding.
The process took a little longer than expected but with
the agreement in the bag we should be in a position to
commence the first lot of training in February 2013.
Fabric structuresOur Fabric Structures Committee has also been working
busily and now the consumer checklist document has
been finalised it will soon be circulated to members,
along with the licensing document. In addition a letter
to the Queensland Coroner has been prepared and sent
offering technical and expert assistance for the coronial
inquiry into the recent tragic fatality at Lismore involving
a shade structure.
The Young Leaders’ Conference
Much of the work done by the STA is not as high profile
as the expo/convention or the Young Leaders Program
but it does not mean it is any less important or valuable.
We are very fortunate to have a very dedicated
Manager and COM, who work hard to make the
organisation something of value, something to be proud
to be involved with.
We are getting better all the time and much work is
continuing, such as the accreditation program, setting
up of various committees, for example the editorial
committee to give direction and ideas to the editor
who produces the association magazine; and also the
awards committee which is tasked to look at the awards,
categories, judging criterion etc.
Thank you to all who put their hand up to be
involved in a committee and thank you to those
already working hard in the already well established
Fabric Structures Committee.
Remember you only get out of any organisation what
you put into it. Get involved, have your say and reap the
rewards of membership of STA.
N AT I O N A L D I ST R I B U TO R S O F I N D U ST R I A L & CO M M E R C I A L T E X T I L E S
Ricky Richards (Sales) Pty Ltd 16 Park Road Homebush NSW 2140 Phone: 02 9735 3333 Fax: 02 9735 3311 www.rickyrichards.com.au
Contact our team today to find your fabric solution!
For 30 years Ricky Richards has assisted fabricators across Australia with solutions for a
multitude of fabric applications. Our extensive product portfolio, technical expertise and
friendly, efficient staff ensures that Ricky Richards offers the highest quality of service
available to customers today.
Tarpaulins
AwningsShade Sails
PVC
SignsMarquees Fencing
Canvas
Annexes
Marine
Blinds
Motor
Tension Structures
Sports Equipment
TentsWindow Furnishing
Luggage
PolyethyleneGround Covers
Cotton Modules
Covers
Swags
Dam Liners
Jumping Castles Interior and Exterior
Structure and Membrane
Awnings
Hay Stack Covers
Backpacks
Fencing
Roller Blinds
Panel BlindsBags
NylonBanners
Grain Covers
Truck Side Curtains
fabric solutions foraustralian applications
RR ACASPA ad 2012.indd 1 16/02/12 3:01 PM
4 · CONNECTIONS
Super Expo
The Super Expo has generated enormous
interest and support from sponsors and
exhibitors. Sponsorship was taken up so
enthusiastically that it had to be extended -
and still some may be disappointed. Most of
the exhibition booth space has been taken up,
so an additional (hence fourth) exhibition hall
will be used to cater for the huge demand.
This Expo is shaping up to be bigger than
Ben-Hur and clearly what our industry is
clamouring for.
GreeneFox has been appointed project
manager for SuperEXPO 2013 and will
handle much of the marketing, bookings
etc. In addition to Greenefox, Exponews
has been engaged to organise and manage
registrations, provision of ipad apps, scanners
for exhibitors etc. We are really moving into
the 21st century with some of the initiatives
for next year’s Expo.
A dedicated website for the SuperExpo will
soon be up and running. This is where you
will find all relative information on sponsors,
exhibitors, events, accommodation etc.
During our recent member sessions across the
country, a number of members expressed the
desire for the STA Awards night to continue as
an independent event at next year's combined
expo. This was discussed with the SuperEXPO
committee and all agreed. However, the
overall format may be a little different. We are
establishing an Awards Committee to review the
categories and other administrative details, but in
essence it will be similar to past practices.
The SuperEXPO 2013 program will probably
feature a welcome reception on the Tuesday
night, the awards night on Wednesday, a free
night on Thursday and the Gala Dinner on the
Friday night. A committee will organise the social
side of the expo.
specialised textiles association The STA diary
The Young Leaders’ Conference
The Young Leaders Conference is in its
second year and was an enormous success.
Our young leaders are an integral part of our
industry's future and as an association we are
committed to supporting them and guiding
them along the way.
This year, COM decided to charge a nominal
fee to attend the YLC, with the bulk of the costs
being met by the association. The YLC is an
expensive program to run and we will be
looking at opening the event to sponsorship or
a greater contribution by attendees (members)
in the future. Irrespective of the proportion
of costs met by the association it is a very
worthwhile project and one that deserves the
support of all employer members. It is so very
worthwhile for the young leaders who attend
and is a program that we all can be proud of.
Our two Young Leader groups have now
started working on their challenge which will
be presented at the SuperExpo 2013.
See pages 16-17 for a fuller report
STAMATTERS
Fabric Structures CommitteeThe Fabric Structures Committee is
committed to keeping our industry clean,
transparent and skilled. To this end the
committee is working on a consumer
checklist to facilitate the ‘right’ questions and
comparison of installers.
A properly installed fabric structure is an
investment in lifestyle. The committee is
interested in ensuring that consumers, both
domestic and commercial, who invest a lot
buying a fabric structure, are getting the best
product built by the best installer. After all a
happy customer is the best marketing tool a
fabric shade installer can have and this in turn
reflects well on our industry.
Presenting consumers the right questions
to ask is the critical first step, enabling
consumers to secure a contractor who can
operate and complete work according to
standards, regulations and best industry
practise. And deliver a shade product that will
exceed expectations.
If you would like to know more about the
work of the Fabric Structures Committee or
have any questions, please contact Beatrice
on email [email protected]
See Beatrice Moonen’s report on page 33.
Connections inaugural Editorial Committee
The Connections Editorial Committee is
now on board and was scheduled to meet in
late October.
The Committee will determine major
themes and supporting articles to appear in
each issue. The 'new look' Connections is to
become effective from issue 1, 2013 and will
set the tone for Connections for future years.
Our young leaders are an integral part of our industry's future and as an association we are committed to supporting them and
guiding them along the way.”
A recap on recent and upcoming association activities.
Sydney – (02) 9669 3333 • newcaStle – (02) 4957 7766 • Melbourne – (03) 9545 5588briSbane – (07) 3387 8500 • adelaide – (08) 8260 1055 • Perth – (08) 9376 2666
darwin – (08) 8981 1555 • www.NolanUDA.com.au
We’ve always got you covered!
• Blinds & Awnings • Covers & Tarpaulins • Marquee & Tenting • Banners & Billboards • Shade Sails & Structures
• Architectural Fabrics • Motor & Marine • Solar Protection • Sporting Equipment
• Fasteners, Fittings & Accessories
Looking for a supplier to solve your industrial fabrics requirements...
the answer is
6 · CONNECTIONS
STAMATTERS
Update on Accreditation ProgramWork continues on the STA's accreditation program.
The proposed approach and draft model was
presented at member information sessions at cities
across Australia in late July/early August and was well
received by members in attendance.
Although there was some initial wariness, members
on the whole understand the importance of
encouraging higher standards in our industry and feel
positively disposed to self-regulation.
Members at these sessions were also provided with
a copy of a draft accreditation application form and
asked to provide feedback on the proposed areas to
be accredited as well as standards and points to be
applied to each.
Feedback from these sessions is currently being
collated and used to define and shape further the
content of the detailed accreditation application form.
Once this process has been completed, we will
circulate the proposed approach and draft application
form to the wider membership base for comment.
Awards for Excellence committee
Three members have volunteered to start this
committee which is separate to our judging
committee, and will just be required to revise the
award categories, entry process and judging criteria.
For this committee to have a good cross section we
require two more members, preferably those with
experience in blind and folding arm awning, tent/
annexe/camping and or trimming product.
The expected commitment is a total of three
meetings of about one hour each between now
and the end of this year. This committee will then
'hibernate' until the time or need to resurrect it arises.
Meetings will take place via telephone, Skype
and email.
If you are interested in joining this committee, please
email me at [email protected]
Training committee updateWe have three volunteers so far, representing WA, Vic
and NSW. We are now looking for representatives who
are based in Qld, NT, SA and Tasmania.
The training committee will work with training
institutions across Australia to identify gaps and needs
in our industry training.
If you are passionate about training in our industry,
contact our office and join the training committee today.
Expected commitment: one hour each month with
meetings to take place via telephone, Skype and email.
If you are interested in joining this committee, please
email me at [email protected]
National Workforce Development Training
By now, you will all know that we were successful in our
submission for funding towards Certificate II in Blinds
and Awnings
Members who have registered interest to participate
in this training will be advised shortly on the
commencement dates and procedure to follow. We
are currently working with NSW TAFE on a plan that
will see the first group/s of trainees commence their
training early in the New Year.
If your workplace missed out on the first round of
expressions and you are now interested in taking up
the training, we are pleased to advise that training
positions have become available. Please contact our
office to place your name on the training list.
If your company has identified a training need in the
installation of blinds, awnings and shade structures,
wasn't part of this round of funding and you would like
to know more, please contact me on 1300 555 787
(local call) or email me for further information.
Bright Future campaign for NSW work placements
The Bright Future Campaign is a NSW Government
initiative established to promote the concept of
school-based apprenticeships, traineeships and
work placements to employers around NSW. School
Based Apprenticeships, School Based Traineeships
and Structured Work Placements are all excellent
opportunities for students to gain valuable
experience in workplaces while still at school.
These opportunities provide a platform for
students to explore an industry area and get a
head start in their career while still completing
their Higher School Certificate. They also give
employers a chance to start working towards the
future skills base of their business.
To find out more about the Bright Future
campaign or express your interest in gaining a
school-based apprentice/trainee student for 2013
visit www.sbatinnsw.info
STA COUNCIL OF MANAgEMENT
SPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSoCIATIoN INC.Suite 201, 22 St Kilda RdSt Kilda, Vic 3182 Ph: (03) 9521 2114Local Call: 1300 555 787Facsimile: (03) 9521 2116Email: [email protected]
Web: www.specialisedtextiles.com.au
ASSoCIATIoN MANAGERana drougas Email: [email protected]
PRESIDENT lance st hill Fabric Solutions Australia Pty Ltd PO Box 6283 Yatala DC Qld 4207 Mobile: 0400 103 534 Ph: (07) 3807 0200 Fax: (07) 3807 8217 Email: [email protected]
CoUNCILLoRSKent WilliamsonRoyal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)25 Dawson Street Brunswick, Vic 3056Ph: (03) 9925 9182 Fax: (03) 9925 9129Email: [email protected] www.rmit.edu.au
gary smithCampbell & Heeps5/125 Highbury Rd, Burwood, Vic 3125 Mobile: 0419 311 899Ph: (03) 98086911Fax: (03) 9808 3148 Email: [email protected]
tom gastin Pattons—Textile Fabrication80 McDougall St, Kirribilli, NSW, 2061 Mobile: 0414 952 007 Ph: (02) 9955 2563 or 1300 799 980 Fax: (02) 9959 3158 Email: [email protected]
david burtonRicky Richards16 Park Road, Homebush NSW 2140Ph: 02 9735 3333Fax: 02 9735 3311Email: [email protected]
Jamie howardTotal Shade Solutions4 Aldinga St, Brendale QldPh: 07 3889 7200 Fax: 07 3889 8865Email: [email protected]
ConneCtions MAGAzINEAdvertising submissions: [email protected]: 03 8534 5008
Editorial: Nicola [email protected]
The committee is interested in ensuring that consumers, both domestic and commercial, who
invest a lot buying a fabric structure, are getting the best product built by the best installer. After all a
happy customer is the best marketing tool …”
Untitled-2 1 1/03/2012 2:31:14 PM
8 · CONNECTIONS
MeMber neWs
Halifax Vogel Group (HVG) has further
strengthened its NSW sales team with the
appointment of Steven Bell as Account
Manager – HVG Fabrics.
Steven brings more than 10 years of
experience in sales, having previously
worked in real estate and for the past
6 years in the industrial and decorative
fabrics markets in NSW.
Prior to joining HVG, he worked
as Business Development Manager at Nolans/UDA, where his
responsibilities included maintaining existing accounts and
developing new customer relationships.
This experience will prove invaluable in his new role as Account Manager
– HVG Fabrics, as he will be tasked with developing customer relationships
and encouraging sales growth of HVG’s extensive range of fabrics products
for the agricultural, domestic & commercial shade and transport industries.
“I am looking forward to building long-lasting relationships with
customers in NSW and demonstrating the solutions that can be
achieved with our cutting-edge range of fabrics products,” Steven said.
HVG’s Fabrics products portfolio includes Tarpee® Polyfabric a high
grade Japanese woven coated PE fabric for grain and cotton covers,
Flex PVC for transport covers including side curtains and roll tarps,
Duraskin® PVC for tension membrane structures, and Extrablock
Shadecloth ideal for both commercial and domestic shade sails.
Steve Simiana, National Sales Manager, HVG Fabrics said Steven’s
appointment would help ensure the company expanded its fabrics
products presence in NSW.
“Steven brings to us not only a strong background in customer
management and an enthusiasm for the fabrics products market, but
also a wealth of experience and knowledge of the fabrics industry in
NSW,” Steve Simiana said.
hVg appointment
Steven Bell of HVg
relocating from west to east
Greg Barnett from D&R Tarpaulins
recently managed to lure Fred
Tarbotton over from Western
Australia, where Fred worked for
Sail City.
Fred provided this snapshot of his
career to date, which commenced
when he was just 15 years old:
“I started in the Canvas/PVC
industry in southwest WA in
November 1978 and the company
was very diverse covering all
industry aspects including tarpaulins,
marquees, annexes, blinds, awnings
and general covers.
“At the end of 1981 I took three years out of the industry but on return
began learning cutting, sewing, welding etc of all the industry had to
offer, including liners tarpaulins and blinds etc. I spent four years in
Perth before returning to Bunbury where I was appointed leading hand,
responsible for up to eight staff and dealing with customers measuring
and quoting etc. From there I accepted a job in Perth as factory
manager in a small Tarpaulin General Canvas manufacturing company.
“Having moved to live near Fremantle, I decided to move closer to
my new home and for the next four years managed a department in a
large company manufacturing many textile products including awnings,
blinds, marquees and some specialised bedding and medical products.
“I convinced the company to become more involved in the industry
and its association, then called ACASPA, and I was nominated to join the
ACASPA Council – one of the best decisions I have ever made. My main
focus was training and helping the WA government to set up trainee/
apprenticeships in the light manufacturing industries. We achieved
our goals and now have a fully recognised training/ apprenticeship
available through the TAFE system in every state.
“During this period I launched my own general canvas manufacturing
business in Fremantle which I successfully ran for two decades.”
Fred recently crossed the continent to take up an exciting new role at
D&R Tarpaulins.
D&R Tarpaulins is located at Shed /84 Anton Road, Hemmant in
Queensland and Greg can be contacted on 07 3393 3477 or by
email [email protected] | www.drgroup.com.au
Fred Tarbotton
on the moveStructureflex recently packed its bags and is now in a new location.Details as follows:7/7 Lakewood Boulevard, Carrum Downs, Vic 3201Phone: 03 8796 5400Fax: 03 9708 2797www.structureflex.com.au Alan Stewart’s email remains unchanged at [email protected]
TexConnex/Hiraoka has also upped stumps and relocated to
2/37 Rimfire Drive, Hallam, Vic 3803
Phone: 8795 7322 or 9702 3778
Until recently the premises was occupied by Australian Solar manufacturers
– which promotes itself as the only manufacturer of solar panels. Bob
secured the site as it is bigger and better placed as a base for his expanding
operations (see Bob's insights in the Geomembranes feature).
5-7 June 2013 Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition CentreShowcase your business at Australia’s largest trade exhibition for the window furnishings and specialised textiles industries.
Inspira t ion in design & tex t i les!EXPOSUPER 2013
A S S O C I A T I O NBLIND MANUFACTURERS’
ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
Presented by
superexpo2013.com.au
HURRY
LIMITED SPACE!
Ensure your company is on show by booking your space today.contact Brett Greene on 07 3262 3114 or email [email protected]
Window Furnishings Specialised Textiles Shade Produc ts Machiner y
Equipment Components Accessories Ser vices
10 · CONNECTIONS
southside Memorial PoolMakMax Australia proudly announced its contribution to the
redevelopment of Rockhampton’s landmark Southside Memorial Pool.
The $17 million Federal, State and Regional Council funded project
will feature a 4000 square metre tensile membrane roof over the main
50 metre pool manufactured and installed by Brisbane based MakMax.
Partnering with Brisbane’s Liquid Blu Architects and Rockhampton
builder JM Kelly (Project Builders) Pty Ltd, MakMax will manufacture
the Architectural Membrane roof in Serge Ferrari® PVC (Poly-Vinyl
Chloride) fabrics , providing both shade and rain protection over
the 50m pool and 650 seat grandstand. Fabrication of the membrane
is scheduled to take place at MakMax’s Brisbane facility later this
year with installation of steelwork scheduled for January 2013 and
membrane to follow.
The new state of the art facilities will service Central Queensland as
the only facility of its kind in the region equipped to handle State and
National swimming events. The Liquid Blu designed pool will comply
with the highest FINA rating “Olympic and Championship Standard”.
International swim teams are expected to be seen at the site during
the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
MakMax Australia’s Director of Sales Daniel Cook says “We are
extremely pleased and excited to be awarded this contract; it was very
much a team effort. The knowledge that our project team demonstrated
throughout the tender and post-tender process was second to none and
converted into a successful outcome. Now the real work begins”.
The project team is currently detailing workshop drawings for
manufacture of the steelwork, membrane and hardware. The structure is
scheduled for completion March 2013.
MakMax makes a splash …
MeMber neWs
new lambton bowls club gets sun smartEarly in November MakMax Australia started work at New Lambton
(Wests) Bowls Club in Newcastle, New South Wales. As part of a
complete redevelopment of the club house and facilities MakMax will
supply more than 2600 square meters of tensile membrane roofing in a
variety of applications.
Partnering with Graph Building and Altis Architecture, MakMax will
provide three separate structures on site. The key feature to this project
will be the main roof structure over green number one - a 1,600 square
metre leaning arch/bowstring arrangement.
NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2012 • JANUARY 2013 · 11
In addition to the large PTFE membrane structure over green number
one, the site will feature an inverted, semi-conical, double cantilevered
PVC walkway structure surrounding green number two, additional
cantilevered PVC awnings which interface with the main roof structure,
and a custom designed PVC membrane structure to provide coverage
to the outdoor BBQ area adjacent to the clubhouse. It is anticipated that
the project will be complete by mid January 2013.
For more information visit www.makmax.com.au
Connections correction On page 42 of the September/October
issue of Connections we ran a piece about
MakMax’s creative installation at Cairns
airport car park.
It turns out that the fabric was supplied by
Serge Ferrari, not Mehler.
Ruwini Perera who is Marketing Services
Manager with Innova International said MakMax
has acknowledged and apologised for the mix-up.
Wire balustrade regulations stay putMiami Stainless has advised that the Australian Building Codes Board
(ABCB) recently announced it will no longer be supporting proposed
changes to wire balustrade provisions in the National Construction
Code (NCC) for 2013. This means the wire balustrade regulations will
again remain unchanged.
The proposed changes detailed in NCC 2013 draft included
provisions that would see the implementation of an offset rail design
for horizontal wire balustrades between two to four metres above the
surface beneath.
The ABCB has acknowledged there were significant stakeholder
concerns with the new regulations including deficiencies in injury data,
assumptions used in the RIS, the potential negative impact on industry,
lack of targeted consultation, underestimation of the cost impacts, and
problems associated with the proposed balustrade solutions.
The ABCB has indicated there is a need for further analysis and
careful review of the concerns raised in the public consultation process
before any changes can be introduced.
“Although this is great news for the industry there will still be the
need for further involvement in the consultation process … and Miami
Stainless has and will continue to work closely with the ABCB through
future consultation and decision-making processes,” Matt Gisler said.
Mark of Miami Stainless would like to receive any feedback or
opinions as well as hear from anyone who may be interested in the
ABCB’s public consultation process. He can be contacted on 1800 022
122 or by email at [email protected].
12 · CONNECTIONS
SPECIALFEATURE
Spurred by increasingly stringent environment regulations in mining, agriculture and landfill, the market for geomembranes is enjoying a stellar trajectory. By all accounts the market looks set to remain healthy, and some savvy businesses are reaping the rewards of moving into the sector.
By Nicola Card
Life in the fast lane
The shape of the world has shifted considerably during the past four
years. A black man was sworn in as US president, waves of recession
reverberated across the globe, a nuclear plant was uprooted in Japan,
Greece went bankrupt, several dictators were toppled, and the world
population hit seven billion.
And in that same time frame, the geomembrane market has moved
apace. In the words of Dr John Scheirs, Principal Consultant of
ExcelPlas “The geomembrane market is very much the hot topic …
things have moved swiftly due to the mining boom, coal seam gas and
landfill … for example the Victorian EPA mandated double linings for
landfill following the Cranbourne disaster.”
Remember that debacle? Built decades ago, the large landfill was
devoid of any form of polymer lining. “They just used sand and as
the weight decomposed the methane generated migrated through
the sand and accumulated in underfloor cavities of new houses in the
nearby community,” Scheirs explained. “It was a costly process – the
fire brigade took gas samples and found that lower explosive limits
were exceeded which meant houses were at risk of blowing up if there
was an ignition source, so residents had to be evacuated.”
The EPA which lacked data bases relating to older landfills then had
to establish a register and double liners for landfills was mandated;
predominantly high density polymeric material separated by a leak
detection system. This has increased demand for quality membranes.
Soon after, Best Practice Environment Management was published,
setting rigorous standards and higher reliance on conformance
(pre-installation testing). Also Construction QA placed demands on
welds, leak testing, holes and tears. Other states have taken note of the
tightening of controls.
Testing times
That snapshot helps illustrate why the ExcelPlas Laboratory is
constantly conformance testing plastics, polymer and geomembranes
(HDPE, LLDPE, fPP, PVC, EIA-R, EPDM) for properties such as tensile
strength, weld strength, tear strength, puncture resistance, stress
cracking resistance, oxidative induction time (OIT), UV ageing
resistance, multiaxial burst strength, truncated cone puncture, carbon
black content and carbon black dispersion.
Why the need? Given that many materials are manufactured in hot,
humid non air-conditioned plants in the tropics (including Thailand
and Malaysia) it is not always possible to maintain consistencies and
that affects the properties of the material which invariably come with a
design life of 50-100 years.
“There’s a saying by engineers that ‘It is always the two dollar
component that lets down the million dollar project’. Not unlike the ‘o’
ring on the space shuttle,” Scheirs said.
Much is at stake, given the magnitude and function of geomembrane
applications: water management/irrigation, coal seam gas and
associated water/containment ponds; acid leaching of base and precious
metals and other mining applications, as well as landfill plus energy or
biogas capture from landfill and sewerage treatment plants. While each
sector is booming, coal seam gas is steaming ahead.
Streaming gases During the past four years Queensland has seen “unprecedented
levels of activity” in coal seam gas (CSG), with Max Brady of Darling
Downs Tarpaulins stating the geomembrane industry is “still very
much driven by the coal seam gas sector.”
captivating business
NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2012 • JANUARY 2013 · 13
Along with extraction of gas from wells comes salty sub-terranean
water from aquifers. The toxic hypersodic or hypersaline water
destroys matter in contact, hence enactment of legislation for water
containment and treatment via large container dams and brine ponds,
with desalinated and potable water then pumped back into the aquifer.
Thus the strong demand for polyethylene liners.
The tally of Australian CSG wells is believed to be around 2000
but within 15 years the number is likely to swell to 20,000, creating
enormous demand for water management – and subsequently, a strong
flow of orders for geomembranes.
Scheirs explained the processes surrounding leachate collection
process for iron ore enrichment which involves containing and
separating acids from the environment through a series of processing
ponds. Suffice to say huge areas – hectares – are involved, spawning
enormous demand for leach pads.
Lisa Doolan of Tex Connex stated that the mining industry, from base
metals to nickel, copper, gold and all in between, has to be particularly
careful to avoid negative publicity in a world far more conscious of
environmental damage.
“Mining companies are increasing their demands; these days two
or three layers of geomembrane systems are being installed, instead
of one or two,” said the trained civil engineer. “They may have a leak
protection layer such as a geonet and another liner to detect damage
with methods of picking up leaks in a liner.”
Wet or dry, a flood of work Strong demand also stems from the shift in weather patterns from
drought to floods, with Scheirs saying “In the past irrigation channels
were collecting precious water, but in times of excess rain they manage
the flow of water as well as erosion.”
Whatever the weather, it’s a win-win for the lining industry with a
flurry of activity surrounding channel upgrades or remediation of
existing infrastructure involving millions of square metres of liners.
Reflections on a watershed The past four years have been a watershed with many activities
underpinning the use of geomembranes, hence pressing demand for
ExcelPlas services in Construction QA and testing fusion welding, load
testing and more.
Keeping a keen eye on all local and global developments, John
captures and collates notable events through his monthly newsletter
GSN geosynthetic news (visit www.excelplas.com). One avid reader is
newcomer Graham Brown of Garden City Geotech.
Very proudly Australian made Australian family business Garden City Plastics invested millions developing
Garden City Geotech manufacturing facilities in Heatherton, Victoria.
Business Development Manager Graham Brown explained the
business was reviewing avenues for diversification and up popped
geomembranes on the radar; a market surveyed on behalf of the think-
tank Industry Capability Network (ICN) Victoria.
“We considered which types of membranes would be best for the
market, and settled on the flat T-die dual extrusion calendared process
…only two places in the world make the calendared sheet lines; the
machinery is massive, each of our three rollers weighs 25 tonnes, is
nine metres wide and one meter in diameter enabling widths of up to
eight metres,” Brown explained.
“There’s a saying by engineers. ‘It is always the two dollar component that lets down the … million dollar project.’ Not unlike the ‘o’ ring on the space shuttle.”
Dr John Scheirs of ExcelPlas
“There is lots of competition but the risk of low-cost producing countries is short-cuts taken with raw ingredients … it is important to use high grade resins in the design of geomembrane applications otherwise product will not last long enough to give satisfactory performance in the field.”
Bob Cahill of Tex Connex
14 · CONNECTIONS
Equipped with a Honeywell gauge control system and Zumbach
pinhole detector, materials are mixed in Moretti gravimetric
weigh scale blenders to ensure even dispersion of stabilisers and
carbon black. The advantages of flat sheet extrusion process for
geomembrane is gauge control to within +/- 3% compared to the
blown film process thickness variations of up to 10%.
Tech specs: Garden City Geotech sources Chevron Phillips K307
natural resin for the GRI GM13 HDPE geomembrane, due to its
“excellent stabiliser package and outstanding stress crack resistance”
and the company claims the broad fusion range results in more
consistent welds than with most other materials.
“The standard is the Geosynthetic Research Institute’s GM 13 and we
easily exceed that benchmark which is used in mining and by landfill
and authorities for water channel lining and other applications,” Brown
told Connections.
Australian made carbon black masterbatch (M248) – with its very fine
milled particle size which provides long term UV resistance – is used in
the black geomembrane.
“This is quite thick material; it is flexible to a degree but basically strong
material … previously this type of material was all imported,” he said.
Heavy transport Shipping containers or contract carriers criss-cross the continent
transporting Geotech rolls, each weighing one and a half tonnes.
Representing around 60% of business, traditional mining and coal seam
gas form the bulk of Geotech’s three markets.
“Landfill is significant too, with municipal tips requiring a double
lining to help prevent toxins seeping out; also dams are big business
… but our first break was in the northern Victoria irrigation program in
the sandy channels from rivers to the Murray Darling food bowls area,”
Brown, a chemical engineer, explained. “They were losing lots of water
as the river flats are sandy and we won the tender to line the channels.”
The family company has invested several million dollars in machinery
and upgrades. “Had we bought via the United States we may have secured
slightly higher quality equipment but timing was a consideration, it would
have taken two years to arrive and we wanted to move more quickly to
secure our position as the first in Australia to produce this line.”
It did not take long for Garden City Geotech to gain a foothold in the
geomembrane market whose import statistics clock in at 60,000 tonnes
annually. The company has the capacity to produce 20,000 tonnes a
year and their operations “Have the benefit of removing dependence
on imported material which reduces uncertainty associated with
imported supply and shipping delays,” Brown said
Few would disagree that in a nation whose manufacturing base is fast
shrinking it is refreshing learning about a quality, home-grown start-up
that has quickly forged a significant presence.
on a rollAbout the time Geotech first flicked the switch on its giant rollers,
newcomer Tex Connex was rolling up its sleeves for business, with
Bob Cahill appointed agent for world renowned geomembrane
manufacturer Layfield Environmental in mid 2011.
SPECIALFEATURE
“The geomembrane industry is still very much driven by the coal seam gas sector and mining generally.”
Max Brady of Darling Downs Tarpaulins
NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2012 • JANUARY 2013 · 15
With his qualifications in Agricultural Science, experience with a
polypropylene company and years spent dealing with fabricators,
Cahill was a natural for the role and in common with Geotech found a
ready market helped by the three-decade strong reputation built by
Layfield which is regarded as a leader in the field, supplying top quality
products from superior grades of parent resins.
“The risk of low-cost producing countries is short-cuts taken with raw
ingredients, it is important to use high grade resins in the design of
geomembrane applications otherwise product will not last long enough
to give satisfactory performance in the field,” Cahill told Connections.
“Ours is a mix of HDPE and LLDP which has slightly different
properties so it can be moulded and prefabricated. That is our market
niche, we can supply material that can be fabricated in the workshop
which gives the fabricator greater control of the welding conditions,
but realistically some work has to be done on site. Our materials just
provide more flexibility,” said the man who until last year had limited
involvement in geomembranes.
“It’s not too far a stretch from tank liners to dam liners,” quipped Cahill
who is now immersed in effluent and waste control at piggeries and
dairies, dam liners and floating covers for water storage/reservoirs
(which reduce evaporation and maintain water quality and keep blue
green algae at bay through reduced sunlight) and in mining and
coal seam gas applications for salt water containment. Also liners for
molasses and other crops.
CSG Advisory Committee An Independent Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Developments was recently developed to equip governments with “the best scientific advice available” when making decisions about coal seam gas and coal mining projects, and to scope and advise on bio-regional assessments with sci-entific analysis of the ecology, hydrology and geology to assess the potential risks to water resources as a result of the direct and indirect impacts of coal seam gas development
For more information visit www.environment.gov.au/coal-seam-gas-mining
Cahill notes a bank’s recent upbeat advisory on agribusiness, with
demand for farm commodities anticipated to bolster the economy for
several years, and good long-term opportunities stemming from healthy
crops after years of drought. The welcome term “bumper harvest” is
being bandied around.
The crew at Tex Connex have certainly jumped on the bandwagon at
a timely moment and are set to enjoy the journey.
“It’s a diverse market and there is lots of competition. But whether it’s
mining or molasses each project is treated on an individual basis and
we carry out a detailed assessment of what the material is trying to
contain, for example certain chemicals may be aggressive toward the
liners and shorten their life, otherwise a normal lifespan would be up to
25 years.”
> CONTINUES PAgE 23
Left: Lights flash when a silo runs empty, alerting operators to change the pipe-work to a full silo.
Top: geomembrane stock ready to be exported.
NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2012 • JANUARY 2013 · 23
SPECIALFEATURE
Tex Connex Colleague Lisa Doolan who boasts years of experience
in geomembranes and geosynthetics added that when solvents or
oil based products are involved great care needs to be applied in
matching lining to product and that “When anything is questionable
we get testing done before getting approval. Either Layfield or
independent testing lab such as ExcelPlas, who are gurus in testing.”
The years aheadWhat sort of a future awaits? Cahill believes the tighter regulatory
controls in livestock management coupled with a strong agribusiness
sector and need to tighten up waste collection practices paint a relatively
rosy picture.
“With our 15 years of drought followed by two good years of rain it has
looked like a boom, but that will drop off with drier weather [anticipated]
over the next two years. However lots of momentum is being generated
around Australia becoming a major food supplier to the Asia Pacific
region, hence the strong signs of agricultural investment.”
For his part, Graham Brown of Geotech “Cannot foresee a stalling
in the mining market and China is still growing at an enormous rate,
growth may be steadier rather than frantic, but lots of orders are still
coming through the pipeline.”
Max Brady of DDT says “Despite the negativity that assails us through
the mainstream media these days I’m a little surprised and impressed
by the apparent resilience and strength of the mining and energy
sector.” He reckons there is still “plenty of ongoing investment by
the mining and energy sector – which includes coal, CSG, and base
metals,” and observes only a minor downturn in mining margins.
Dr Scheirs concurs, saying “There is now a little softening of demand
in base metals but not in the area of CSG with gas exported to India,
China and elsewhere for use in domestic heating or cooking rather
than manufacturing. And environmental safeguards for bio-gas are very
strong so it is still a good time for membranes.
“It is like a perfect storm – and that puts demand on supply. Hence
the development of new manufacturing plants here and overseas. More
plants will continue to be built, until we reach oversupply.”
For more information:
www.gardencityplastics.com
www.gseworld.com
www.layfieldenvironmental.com
www.excelplas.com
www.ddt.com.au
< CONTINUED FROM PAgE 15
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