Thermally modified western hemlock gains traction in Vietnam
Giang Minh Co., Ltd., a well-established manufacturer of saunas and furniture, has expanded its use of B.C. wood by incorporating thermally modified western hemlock, thanks to support from FII Vietnam. This move builds on their use of sustainable B.C. forest products, complimenting their successful line of western red cedar products—which they have consistently imported since 2022.
Giang Minh exports their premium saunas to the UK, Australia, and the U.S., making them an ideal partner for expanding B.C. wood use. The company has been in an expansion mode, opening new factories in Binh Duong and Dong Nai, Vietnam.
Thermally modified western hemlock offers a range of benefits, making it an ideal choice for demanding applications like saunas. The wood undergoes a chemical-free heat treatment process that removes moisture, resulting in increased durability, with high resistance to moisture and decay. Thermally modified western hemlock also provides a visually appealing, cost-effective alternative, while offering long-term benefits through its high durability and low maintenance. Additionally, western hemlock is sourced from responsibly managed B.C. forests, ensuring the products’ environmental responsibility.
Leveraging Giang Minh’s positive expertise, FII Vietnam connected them with a Seattle-based importer specializing in high-end sauna and outdoor wood products. Founded by two brothers from Victoria, B.C., the U.S. company understands the advantages of B.C. wood species in premium markets. They expressed a strong interest in thermally modified hemlock and western red cedar, which perfectly complemented Giang Minh’s production capabilities.
Right away, it was a success. The retailer placed their first order for a container of saunas, with a mix of 90 percent thermally modified western hemlock and 10 percent western red cedar. The positive reception of this initial shipment has spurred discussions on scaling up orders to ten containers per month. This also creates opportunities for other B.C. wood suppliers, as the retailer and Giang Minh are actively exploring the development of additional product lines using B.C. wood species.