The year in headlines — A few events
that shaped the past year
By David Welch
dwelch@randallpub.com
It is not necessary for us to tell you that this has been one of the more unusual years in recent memory. I was prepared to use this space in an effort to discuss what a Bush or Gore presidency means to our industry, but as of the printing date of this magazine, there is no way of knowing which candidate has the better lawyers.
So instead, let’s take a look back at some of the events that made headlines in Modern Woodworking in the year 2000.
Ergonomics
Modern Woodworking began its coverage of this hotly debated topic in January with a reaction from the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association. KCMA Executive Vice President Richard Titus expressed concern that new ergonomic regulation would “burden small manufacturers.”
In September, Modern Woodworking reported again on the impending ergonomic regulations. This time it was the American Furniture Manufacturers Association speaking out against it. AFMA representatives tell OSHA in this report to, “let the woodworking industry regulate itself.”
Mergers and Acquisitions
Weyerhaeuser became the largest producer of engineered wood when it acquired a controlling interest in TJ International, it was announced in February’s Modern Woodworking. TJ International was a 51 percent owner and managing partner to Trus Joist MacMillan.
In a flurry of activity late in the year, Weyerhaeuser made a $7 billion bid to buy Willamette Industries. Willamette quickly rejected the proposal. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if Weyerhaeuser upped the ante in the coming weeks.
Cabinet manufacturer Norcraft acquired UltraCraft, it was reported in our September issue. Norcraft representatives are quoted as saying its long-term goal is to become one of the top five players in the industry. The acquisition puts Norcraft’s sales at over $150 million per year.
IWF
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the International Woodworking Fair. Verified attendance figures indicate that 29,260 buyers and 17,859 exhibitors attended, which breaks Fair records for both categories. Exhibit space was sold out and with plans in the works to expand the Georgia World Congress Center, there is reason to believe that the 2002 Fair will break all of the records set this summer.
.com news
As reported in the October issue, a study conducted by the American Woodworking & Furnishing Suppliers revealed that Internet related sales are expected to rise 54 percent in 2001.
As if spurred by the AWFS survey, it was reported in October that the WMMA announced its participation in www.woodmachinerycommerce.com — a comprehensive online business for buyers, suppliers and manufacturers.
Last summer saw the demise of Living.com, an internet based furniture retailer that filed for bankruptcy in August. In November of this year, the industry saw another e-tailer log off. Furniture.com called it quits leaving GoodHome.com as the last “pure-play” e-tailer in home furnishings.
So there you have it, a few snippets of news from this past year as it appeared (or is set to appear) in Modern Woodworking. On behalf of the staff here at Modern Woodworking we hope 2000 was a great year for all of you, and here’s hoping 2001 will be even better.
David Welch
Phone: 800-633-5953
Fax: 205-391-2081
e-mail: dwelch@randallpub.com
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