Our very first MASSLAM Open Day has come to a close and we are brimming with excitement as we look back on a day filled with mass timber discovery, innovation, and engagement.
An early rise and departure from Melbourne paid off for attendees as they got a rare and unprecedented tour of our entire MASSLAM production facility, soaking up all things mass timber from the best in the business.
Here’s a recap of the day’s events and key highlights.
Following their two and a half hour journey from Melbourne to Heyfield, which naturally included coffee and snacks, attendees were welcomed by ASH’s managing director, Vince Hurley. Kicking off their day of mass timber learning, comprehensive tours throughout MASSLAM’s state-of-the-art facilities were led by national business development manager, Daniel Wright and MASSLAM engineering designer manager, Nathan Benbow.
Included in the tour were ASH’s autolamitech line, MASSLAM infeed and pressing production lines, all three of our robotic CNC machines (the SpeedCut, K2i and RobotMax) and our MASSLAM finishing operations. Seeing these production facilities up close and in person provided unparalleled learnings of the precision and scale of ASH’s mass timber production capabilities, our cutting-edge technology and processes that underpin our innovative and quality-driven MASSLAM product.
An important part of the experience was watching live operations of our advanced machinery:
– Hundegger K2i: Participants witnessed the precision and efficiency of the Hundegger K2i in action. With almost unlimited machining capabilities, this machine is crucial for our production process. Getting to see it in operation is both impressive and fascinating.
– Hundegger RobotMax: Attendees were able to witness a pre-assembly CNC process carried out the Hundegger RobotMax on a MASSLAM member to be used later in the day in a live installation demonstration. Showcasing its versatility and flexibility, the RobotMax allows ASH to streamline our manufacturing process and set a new standard in mass timber production.
Easily the highlight of the day was watching a full-scale, live installation demonstration of MASSLAM’s bearing connection followed by our Advanced Timber Composite (ATC) Flooring.
– MASSLAM bearing connection: Participants observed the full-sized installation of ASH’s unique bearing connection between beams and columns which epitomises the synergy between design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) and structural performance.
By leveraging the inherent and unique strengths of the hardwood species used for MASSLAM at ASH, an optimal connection solution is achieved. This approach enhances load-bearing capacity and safety-in-design while celebrating the beauty in the simplicity of traditional timber-to-timber connection.
Seeing this installation unfold in person gave participants a true appreciation in real time for the speed and precision that can be replicated on any construction site.
– ATC cassette installation: Witnessing the installation of two ATC cassettes really was a sight to behold. Our Advanced Timber Composite flooring solution is a hybrid system utilising attractive MASSLAM members made from Australian-grown plantation hardwood, shear connections and a reinforced concrete screed (not part of the demonstration) to create an unbeatable composite floor.
Supported by a MASSLAM post and beam base structure (the first live demonstration), when combined with non-load bearing walls, ATC provides a cost and time efficient solution for high-quality, high-performing housing. Read more about ATC here.
At short stroll through our racking yards took us down to ASH’s vibrant Retail Centre, where attendees were able to see a fully completed example of ATC flooring with concrete screed and MASSLAM stairs. This visit offered a tangible sense of how our products are applied in real-world settings, providing valuable context to the design and manufacturing process.
As proceedings drew to a close, we gathered for afternoon tea and to bid a fond farewell. No tour is complete without leaving with a commemorative gift, participants heading home with their very own MASSLAM chopping board as a token of our appreciation. The bus ride back to Melbourne was filled with conversations about eye-opening learnings, key highlights and newfound connections.
Our inaugural MASSLAM Open Day has set the benchmark for future events. We are thrilled with the positive response and are excited to continue fostering mass timber innovation, collaboration, and adoption in both commercial and residential construction.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special day. Your enthusiasm and participation were key to its success. We look forward to welcoming more industry professionals in the future and sharing more advancements and learning opportunities with you.
A selection of feedback from participants:
“The most well presented and professional facility tour I’ve ever been on. A very interesting day with information about ASH and their products and uses covered in thorough detail. In particular, the assembly demonstration was extremely impressive. Highly recommend for anyone in the industry.”
“This was an excellent day that inspired and energised me. It shows what can be achieved if there is a good team working together and that we should all continue to try to think outside the box! Thank you.”
“Great to see ASH/MASSLAM opening up its doors and share their story. The Timber Construction Industry needs more of that.”
“ASH’s team of engineers and experts in mass timber help specifiers/designers feel more confident using their product. The organisation and speed of which ASH delivers their MASSLAM product and its assembly on site is both impressive and eye opening.”
“I have already recommended the tour to industry contacts and customers, a brilliant insight into Vic resource and capabilities.”
