From left: Brett Hamilton (Techlam’s Managing Director), Dave Hollows (Techlam’s Quality Control & Compliance Coordinator), Dave Hare (Techlam’s Operations Manager) and Romain Meot (Scion’s Wood Process Engineer) with Jean Margerie.
When Jean Margerie arrived at Techlam’s Levin factory from France, he brought more than just his engineering expertise – he represented a unique collaboration between New Zealand’s wood industry and European technical education.
The partnership, connecting Techlam with New Zealand’s forest research institute Scion and France’s prestigious engineering school ENSAM, began with a straightforward goal: improving quality control for glulam beam production. What emerged was a story of cross-cultural exchange and technical innovation.
“It’s not often students get to work between research and industry,” Jean said, describing his split time between Techlam’s factory floor and Scion’s research facilities. “The first impressions were overwhelming, but the constant support from both Scion and Techlam teams made all the difference.”
Jean’s background made him particularly suited for the role. Having visited more than 20 countries with his teacher parents when he was younger, he developed an adaptability that proved valuable in New Zealand’s wood industry – an environment quite different from his European experience.
At Techlam, Jean’s primary focus was refining the company’s quality assessment methods. He spearheaded the implementation of a non-destructive testing device that could evaluate glulam beam stiffness without compromising structural integrity. The system allows technicians to assess beam strength more efficiently while maintaining production quality.
His work extended to the factory floor, where he conducted a comprehensive two-month analysis of production workflows. Working alongside manufacturing teams, Jean mapped out each step of the glulam manufacturing process, identifying bottlenecks and suggesting improvements to enhance consistency.
The research component of his role at Scion proved equally substantial. Jean devoted significant time to investigating hybrid beam technology, exploring how incorporating exotic woods and carbon fibres could enhance beam performance. This research aimed to push the boundaries of traditional glulam capabilities while maintaining practical manufacturing feasibility.
“Each day brought different challenges,” Jean explained. “One day I might be calibrating testing equipment, the next analysing production data, and the next running laboratory tests at Scion. This mix of practical and research work helped me grow my skillset tremendously.”
“In Europe, the building industry doesn’t rely as much on wood, or rather in a different way” Jean noted, highlighting a key difference between the regions. This observation carries weight, considering New Zealand’s significant forestry sector. According to the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries, the industry generated around $6.6 billion of annual gross income in the recent years, with volumes expected to be high for the decade (to 2030) as forests planted in the past are now reaching maturity.
ENSAM’s reputation for excellence in engineering education played a crucial role in the success of this international partnership. The institution’s approach goes beyond theoretical knowledge, emphasising practical problem-solving and project leadership skills that translate directly to industry needs.
Brett Hamilton, Techlam’s Managing Director, has been particularly impressed with this practical focus: “Jean’s ability to combine theoretical knowledge with practical problem-solving has brought a new dimension to our operations.”
Having completed his internship, Jean Margerie is now finishing a full-time position at Techlam. When asked about his long-term plans, he sees part of his future in New Zealand. “I could easily see myself here for quite a few years,” he said, though he added with a laugh, “but I do miss proper French cheese.” His openness to staying in New Zealand reflects both the opportunities he sees in the country’s wood industry and the welcoming environment he’s found since arriving.
For Techlam, the collaboration with Scion and ENSAM represents an investment in both innovation and the future of engineered wood technology. As New Zealand’s engineered timber industry continues its rapid growth, partnerships like these may become increasingly important for bridging global expertise and local innovation.
Read more about this exciting partnership programme on Scion’s website here.
