About the Creator

Ron Batty stands at the forefront of WoodWise Panels, a newly established Australian company that’s quickly making its mark with advanced structurally engineered composite wood panels.

As the sole designer and developer, Ron’s vision and dedication are the driving forces behind the company’s innovative approach to wood panelling.

Before venturing into the realm of wood panelling, Ron honed his expertise in the aviation industry, a background that instilled in him a profound appreciation for precision, safety, and innovation. His journey into wood panel manufacturing was inspired by his significant involvement in the wood-related business and house construction in Canada, where he developed a deep understanding of Canadian building codes, which share similarities with American codes, particularly in their emphasis on wood frame construction utilizing composite structural panels.

Ron’s professional experience spans Canada, the USA, and Japan, giving him a global perspective on wood practices and transportation. Now based in Australia, Ron applies this international insight to local challenges—recognising the urgent need for innovation in wood panelling that suits Australian conditions, regulations, and sustainability goals. With workshops and laboratories operating in both Canada and Australia, Ron is deeply committed to advancing timber manufacturing, with a strong focus on solutions tailored to the Australian building industry.

Although hundreds of Australian wood species work very well, Tasmanian Blue Gum holds a special place in Ron’s professional heart, cherished for its dense fibre and remarkable flexibility. His fascination with this wood species underscores a broader interest in Tasmania’s renewable energy sources, which aligns with his sustainable vision for WoodWise Panel. Ron’s ambitions stretch across continents, with plans to penetrate markets in Europe, the UK, and the USA, and he envisions expansion across Victoria and South Australia, as well as eastern and central Canada.

Innovation at WoodWise Panels is ongoing. Ron is focused on new products such as assembling the panels using MDI based expanding foam that will lead to an optimal fire rating. He is also developing concepts to use his corrugated panels as the structural components for prefabricated walls, floors and rooves in modular home construction. Additionally, the trapped airspaces within our panels contribute to their insulating properties making them a more attractive option for construction projects aiming for energy efficiency. At the heart of WoodWise Panel’s innovation is a profound respect for the environment and efficiency, encapsulated in the motto “doing more with less.” This philosophy extends to waste management, where Ron aspires to significantly reduce the company’s environmental footprint compared to its competitors by utilising all by-products.

Ron is not just creating wood panels; he’s fostering a culture of sustainability, innovation, and respect, both for the environment and for the individuals who bring his vision to life. Through WoodWise Panels, Ron is shaping a future where construction materials are not only advanced and efficient but also deeply respectful of our planet and its resources.