Jul 11, 2012. /Lesprom Network/. Germany’s largest carpentry/timber construction association says total sales for its membership are expected to increase by 3% to Euro 6.15 billion in 2012, as TTJ reported. Timber Construction Germany (formerly called the Association of Master Carpenters) says the growth follows a 10% sales growth in 2011 to Euro 5.97 billion. The association said the growth was equally divided between residential and non-residential sectors. Nearly half of turnover was accounted for in modernisation/improvement work. It said a stable labour market, rising incomes and investment in real estate because of uncertainties in financial markets were all positive contributing factors. Employee numbers in the carpentry/timber construction trade reflect the growth, with 1,781 more workers in the industry during 2011 compared to the previous year. Some 61,526 were employed in 11,010 companies during the year. Nearly 85% of companies had 10 staff or fewer, while the proportion of trainees was just over 2,000 - 7.5%, about twice as high as the national average training rate. Timber Construction Germany operates through 14 state associations.