Component Product and Raw Material Showcase
Modern Woodworking talks with Steve Lawser, president of the Wood Component Manufacturers Association, and Tom Julia, president of the Composite Panel Association, addressing the issues facing the wood component and composite wood products industries


Custom Shop
Having found a successful niche in commercial food service projects, Columbia, Md.-based HMC has developed the capability to design, engineer, manufacture and install complete food service systems as well as provide all mechanical work and general construction for those projects from start to finish. This custom turnkey operation has allowed the company to flourish in a strong, competitive market.

Finish Line
Getting the same finish each and every time requires more than just your memory. If an individual can see millions of color shades, it is difficult to visualize that same color each time. Sure you can write down the steps you took, but if you change species or the wood color changes slightly, then you have a color change.

The First Word
Every year in February, Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America representatives and committee members descend on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. to meet with their respective senators and congressmen and discuss issues near and dear to small businesses.

Hot Gear
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Material Issues
What is the outlook for some of the more popular North American hardwood species?
“Red Oak markets will take on a softer feel over the next few months,” says Barrett “Upper-grade Red Oak will be especially difficult to move, and common-grade Red Oak shipments will slow to flooring plants, many of which will stop purchasing #1 Common altogether. Lower prices will lure Far Eastern, Mexican, European and Middle Eastern buyers to the table and lift Red Oak out of the doldrums during the second half of the year.

Mid-Atlantic Expo Extra
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Production Line
There are companies that serve the high-end custom cabinet market, and then there are companies like Midland Cabinet – companies that go above and beyond good business practices in pursuit of perfect part quality and the best working conditions for their employees.

Proving Ground
“Our goal has always been to be a lean, fast-throughput, high-volume facility since we started operations in March, 2006,” says Mark Bennett, director of operations for The Millwork Company, a division of Source One Distribution. The Albuquerque, N.M.-based manufacturer produces fixture packages for large restaurant chains.

Sanding Sense
There are several factors that affect a widebelt sander’s ability to hold a close thickness tolerance (at least +/- .005”). With a new sander and proper operating procedures, any rigid orifice-type machine should reasonably hold +/- .005” tolerance.

Stiles
Driven by international environmental awareness, the regulatory environment is becoming more stringent toward VOC regulations. Most Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) that fall under these regulations are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) like those generated in woodworking paint/stain operations. If a facility is located in an area where the emissions limits are routinely exceeded, it falls under the regulations and emissions must be addressed. With regulations, come strict formulas and training requirements.


Supply Side
Whether purchasing new cabinetry or remodeling old, consumers are experiencing the best in form and function with the latest technology in hinges. Susan Lund, a San Anselmo, Calif.-based kitchen and bath designer and accredited member of the National Kitchen and Bath Design Association, says most of her clients have become more particular about hinges and definitely want fully adjustable ones.

Think Lean
Participating in the quarterly board meetings of the Association for Manufacturing Excellence, www.ame.org, is always interesting. The AME management and board, all unpaid volunteers, share a genuine passion for manufacturing enterprise excellence.

Trends
LEED compliance becomes more accessible to commercial furniture manufacturers.
With the gaining momentum in demand for green buildings, commercial furniture manufacturers are increasingly looking for profit-making opportunities by filling the new green buildings with furniture that is compliant with the LEED for Commercial Interiors EQ 4.5 low-emitting furniture credit.

Trends Extra
Woodworking equipment purchases cool slightly in 2005. While most categories held steady or increased, overall acquisitions of woodworking equipment decreased by 3 percent in 2005 over 2004 numbers. A healthy economy along with continuing strong housing and remodeling markets bode well for 2006 increased buying power.

Trends Wood Bits
The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association recently introduced the Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP). ESP certification allows cabinet manufacturers and industry suppliers to voluntarily demonstrate their commitment to sound environmental management and practices.