3rd February 2025, Pune: The British Columbia (B.C.) provincial government’s crown corporation, Forestry Innovation Consulting India Pvt Ltd (FII India), popularly known as Canadian Wood, successfully hosted a unique educational seminar and live woodworking demonstration in Pune. The event, titled ‘Canadian Wood – The Sustainable Solution and A Live Demo by Expert trainer’, with a unique format focussing on practical application and showcase of various joinieres with Canadian wood species. This seminar in Pune was a collaborative effort by Canadian Wood, Creaticity-The Land of Furniture and Furniture & Fittings Skill Council (FFSC).
The educational seminar also brought together architects, designers, and woodworking enthusiasts to explore the benefits of Canadian Wood species and its versatile applications. Highly interactive, the event was divided into two parts – a knowledge-sharing segment and an engaging live woodworking demonstration.
The first half of the seminar featured presentations by experts from Canadian Wood, including Mr. Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director of Canadian Wood; Dr. Jimmy Thomas, Assistant Director – Technical Services of Canadian Wood; and Mr. Gajanan Patankar, Assistant Director – Business Development of Canadian Wood. They highlighted the history behind the sustainable wood sourcing, its versatility, and the advantages of using Canadian Wood species in various project and designs.
The keynote addresses from Dr. Mahesh M, CEO of Creaticity, Mr Bharat Phatak, Consultant BPS Modular Solutions and Mr. Rahul Mehta, CEO of FFSC were also among the highlights of the educational seminar. The Q&A-session that followed, allowed attendees to engage directly with the speakers and address specific queries.
The second part of the event provided a hands-on learning experience with an engaging live demonstration by an expert trainer Mr. Hritik Patra from FFSC. Showcasing Canadian Wood species on his machining tools, the carpenter demonstrated fundamental joinery techniques and furniture-making basics. This interactive session highlighted the practicality and workability of Canadian Wood species, inspiring attendees to envision new design possibilities.
Commenting on the unique educational seminar, Mr. Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director of Canadian Wood, said, “The rising interest in solid wood extends beyond aesthetics—it is increasingly valued as a sustainable and eco-friendly choice. As the world moves towards certified wood, Canadian Wood advocates responsible consumption by ensuring that we replenish more than we take. Pune, with its strong community of architects and manufacturers, is at the forefront of advanced solid wood processing. We are committed to sharing expertise, enhancing skills, and fostering greater awareness of sustainable practices. The enthusiastic industry response reaffirms this shift towards sustainability and innovation in wood craftsmanship”
Seconding Chibber, Dr. Mahesh M, CEO of Creaticity-The land of Furniture, added, “This collaboration is more than just a partnership—it’s a coming together of like-minded individuals to showcase the limitless possibilities of solid wood. With 18 years of experience in Pune, working closely with retailers, manufacturers, and designers, we identified an opportunity to introduce Canadian Wood not just as a brand, but as a movement. Even if a small percentage of people recognize the true potential of wood, we consider it a meaningful impact. Through this platform, we aim to spotlight the superior quality, versatility, and creative potential of Canadian Wood, opening new avenues for design and construction“
Mr. Rahul Mehta, CEO of FFSC, also said, “Our longstanding partnership with Canadian Wood has evolved beyond manufacturing to encompass skill development, driven by a shared mission to bridge the knowledge gap in India regarding wood usage and its vast potential. Through the Furniture Fitting Council, we support various initiatives—from ensuring raw material availability for projects to conducting specialized training programs that equip professionals with practical skills in design, production, and business development. Our seminars play a crucial role in dispelling myths about wood, highlighting its sustainability and versatility. By fostering awareness of the immense opportunities within the furniture industry, we aim to showcase how hands-on, machine-assisted craftsmanship is not only transforming careers but also addressing unemployment“
The event, which witnessed full industry participation from around pune, was well-received by those who appreciated the blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. The educational seminar effectively stressed on the importance of sustainable practices in design and encouraged the use of Canadian Wood species as a viable and environmentally-responsible solution.
FII promotes five major wood species in India, all sourced from the sustainably managed forests of B.C., Canada. These species—Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, Yellow Cedar, and Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF)—are recommended for a range of applications and are available in 17 cities across India through a robust network of over 30 stockists.
