Accsys Tech Regulatory News (AXS)

15 Apr 2009 07:00



15th April 2009 AIM: AXS

NYSE Euronext Amsterdam: AXS

Accsys Technologies PLC

Accsys to expand Accoya® wood distribution in UK and Ireland

To meet the rapidly growing demand for Accoya® wood in the UK and Irish markets,

Titan Wood Ltd. ("Titan" or "the Company"), the wholly owned subsidiary of Accsys Technologies PLC ("Accsys"), is to expand its chain of distribution partners. The Company is currently in discussions with a number of additional distribution partners including, Timbmet Group, Brooks Bros. Ltd., and James Latham plc to further expand the availability of Accoya® wood across these markets. These will be in addition to its current distribution partners which include International Timber, Arnold Laver Timber World, Abbey Wood Timber, Vincent Timber and Russwood Ltd.

Additional distribution strategies are also under review to provide added service levels to the joinery, cladding, decking, and structural customer base throughout the region.

As part of this expansion strategy, Titan Wood will continue its long standing relationship with BSW Timber, but without an exclusive import and distribution agreement.

David Popejoy, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Titan Wood commented, "The opportunities for Accoya® wood continue to expand in each market we enter and we are keen to work with a number of partners to fulfill the potential of this outstanding product. We have spent a lot of time developing the UK market with BSW Timber and are now ready to move to the next stage of increased coverage and additional applications with a series of partners."

ENDS

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Notes to Editors: 

Accsys Technologies PLC (www.accsysplc.com) is an environmental science and technology company whose primary focus is on the production of Accoya® wood and technology licensing via its 100% owned subsidiary, Titan Wood Limited (www.titanwood.com), which has manufacturing operations in Arnhem, the Netherlands, a European office in London and an Americas office in Dallas, Texas. Accsys' operations comprise three principal business units: (i) the Accoya® wood production facility located in Arnhem, The Netherlands; (ii) technology development, focused on a programme of continuous improvements to the process engineering and operating protocols for the acetylation of wood which are currently under development and the development of technology for the acetylation of wood fibre; and (iii) the licensing of technology for the production of Accoya® wood and Tricoya™ wood elements across the globe.

Accoya® Wood (www.accoya.info) is produced by using a patented, non-toxic process that effectively converts sustainably grown softwoods and non-durable hardwoods into what is best described as a "new wood species" via acetylation. Distinguished by its durability, dimensional stability and, perhaps most importantly of all, its reliability (in terms of consistency of both supply and quality), Accoya® wood is particularly suited to exterior applications where performance and appearance are valued. Unlike most woods, its colour does not degrade when exposed to sunlight. Moreover, the Accoya® wood production process does not compromise the wood's strength or machinability. The combination of UV resistance, dimensional stability, increased coatings life, durability and retained strength means that Accoya® wood offers a wealth of new opportunities to architects, designers and specifiers. Leading applications include external doors and windows, shutters/shading, siding and cladding, decking, outdoor furniture/equipment and glulam beams for structural use. 

Tricoya™ Wood Elements (www.tricoya.com) is Titan Wood's proprietary technology for the acetylation of wood fibres, chips, and particles for use in the fabrication of wood based composites, including panel products. These composites demonstrate enhanced durability and dimensional stability which allow them to be used in a variety of applications which were once limited to solid wood or man-made products. Tricoya™ Wood Elements is lauded as the first major innovation in the wood composites industry in more than 30 years.

Wood Acetylation is a process, which increases the amount of 'acetyl' molecules in wood, thereby changing its physical properties. The environmentally responsible process protects wood from rot by making it "inedible" to most micro-organisms and insects, without - unlike conventional treatments - making it toxic. It also greatly reduces the wood's tendency to swell and shrink, making it less prone to cracking and ensuring that when painted it requires dramatically reduced maintenance. Acetylated wood's increased durability offers major carbon sequestration advantages, compared to other woods and man-made building materials such as steel, vinyl, and plastic.

Wood Composites include a range of derivative wood products which are manufactured by binding together the strands, particles, fibres, or veneers of wood, together with adhesives, to form composite materials. These products are engineered to precise design specifications which are tested to meet national or international standards.

ACCOYA® and the Trimarque logo are registered trademarks owned by Titan Wood Limited. TRICOYA™ and the Elements logo are trademarks owned by Titan Wood Limited. These may not be used or reproduced without written permission.