A SUCCESSFUL Dubbo company with a showroom akin to an art gallery has won Australia's top award for excellence in the timber industry.
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The Timber Building Materials Association acclaimed Ramien's Timber Co as the best timber merchant in the nation at a gala event held at Darling Harbour in Sydney.
Company owners Max and Heather Ramien proudly acknowledged the praise as "positive affirmation of what we do".
The Ramien family has been in the timber industry for more than half-a-century. During that time they have operated sawmills, frame and truss plants and transportable homes.
In more recent years the business has evolved to become a highly regarded timber merchant and joinery, specialising in cypress and offering a large range of furniture timbers.
A 1000m2 showroom, completed three years ago, displays a magnificent collection of timber, furniture, artwork and a library of books providing inspiration for builders, home owners, renovators, DIY enthusiasts and skilled craftspeople.
A 2000m2 drive-through warehouse is open to traders and public.
"Most of our customers come from the western region," Max said.
"But we also regularly deal with people from all over Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Kangaroo Island.
"We are able to match mouldings, floorboards, weatherboards and linings and have the equipment and skills to replicate doors and windows and other architectural features.
"Our timber and joinery is in demand for new homes and commercial fit-outs as well as extensions, renovations and restorations. We have done some interesting work for National Trust properties."
Max and Heather said a timber business had been located on their site at 1 Cobborah Road, Dubbo for 60 years.
Ramien's started at Cobar in 1962 when Max Ramien Senior bought the Cobar sawmill.
The business thrived and the Dubbo sawmill and timber yard run by the Tipping family was purchased in the mid-1970s.
"We don't operate a sawmill any more," Max said.
"Our raw material comes in as sawn or dressed timber. In some cases the timber is remanufactured through the joinery which has a focus on bench tops and furniture.
"Our timbers come from throughout Australia and around the world. We are able to source anything customers want.
"The showroom allows people to see and touch a wide range of timbers. A large table is available for people to lay out plans while they work with different timber samples."
Max said timber is prized as a renewable, natural product that looks good and works well, particularly inside.
"Timber has become a feature of many new homes and commercial premises," he said.
"Building practices have changed and wonderful things are being achieved with timber applications and features.
"There have been so many advancements in the industry and I am proud to say that Australia has the most beautiful and durable timbers in the world."