A Few Minutes With...
A Few Minutes With… Jeff Meyer, President
Baillie Lumber Company, Hamburg, NY
Differentiation is the challenge.

Custom Shop
Continuously adding value to existing products, while at the same time developing new ones, is the way Daiek Woodworks sets itself apart from the competition. That philosophy is why the Sterling Heights, Mich.-based architectural millwork company strives to offer a total package to its clients. It also sets the stage for a major revamping of its production strategy.

Finish Line
What are finishing system manufacturers doing to address the demands of a changing marketplace? Modern Woodworking interviews Adam Verse, president of Giardina Finishing, to gain his insight into issues surrounding today’s finishing systems.

Hot Gear
Get descriptions and request information about products from our participating companies.

Drying and Roughmill
Some comments on hand-held moisture
meters in hardwood lumber drying. Dr. Fred Lamb examines the different types of moisture meters and their role in hardwood drying.

Material Issues
Hard maple and soft maple ride the wave of white wood popularity.

Production Line
John C. Daniels, president of Regal Craft, a Smithville, Tenn.-based mantel manufacturer, decided to take a proactive business approach when he was faced with stiff pricing competition from offshore producers. After studying other market segments, he began manufacturing closets, seeing the simplicity of the manufacturing process compared to mantel and kitchen cabinet production.

Process of the Month
For Ernst Cabinet Works in Hamburg, Pa., the implementation of an advanced software program has simplified the complicated designs associated with high-end custom kitchen cabinetry, along with streamlining its production process. Meanwhile, Top Drawer Component in Apache Junction, AZ, has improved its margins with new optimization software.

Proving Ground
Most people would look at the fiery total destruction of their woodworking plant as a tragedy. Cliff Neal, owner of Cozy Kitchens in Kitty Hawk, NC, looks at it as the impetus to build a new state-of-the-art facility.

Sanding Sense
Bottom side sanders present major problems and challenges that will negate any perceived production advantages to employing them, says sanding expert Howard Grivna. Read why he believes you are better off turning parts over and always sanding on top machines.

Supply Side
Decorative hardware manufacturers keep pace with cabinetry and furniture trends with expanded variety and new finish options.

Target Technology AWFS Vegas
Get a sneak peek at the products exhibitors will be showcasing during the AWFS Vegas tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nev., July 27-30.

Think Lean
Traveling along the “Lean Journey” can be trying at times, and if you go it alone, quite lonely. Lean manufacturing expert Ken Rolfes has found being able to network with peers in the same and different industries to be invaluable. One such source of peers is the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME).

Trends
Tom Moser, a successful manufacturer and marketer of fine furniture and speaker at the Wood Component Manufacturers Association’s 76th annual meeting in Destin, Fla., shares his insight and gives recommendations on what it will take for wood products manufacturers to survive and thrive in the today’s market.

Trends Extra
AWFS announced it would once again be sponsoring up to 40 teachers, covering their travel and hotel expenses in order for them to participate in this year’s WoodLINKS Teachers Forum to be held at the AWFS Fair in July.

Words of Wisdom
A wood industry leader and a politician mirrored each others beliefs about U.S. manufacturing when I had the privilege of hearing both of them speak within the same week this May.