IWF Partners Agree on Buyout
By Mike Botta May 24, 2012 – The Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA) and the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA) have agreed to buy out the ownership interest in the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) that is...more »
General Tools Celebrates Milestone at National Hardware Show
By Mike Botta May 10, 2012 – General Tools & Instruments marked its 90th year in business during last week’s National Hardware Show, a show that company helped launch way back in 1946....more »
Xylexpo 2012: Woodworkers Heading for Milan
By Mike Botta Final preparations are under way for woodworking’s big Xylexpo 2012 show taking place May 8 to 12, 2012 in Milan, Italy. ...more »
Building Pros See Business Improving
By Mike Botta March 22, 2012 – As recent news reports indicate that consumer confidence is on the rise, building industry professionals say they are seeing an increase in revenue....more »
U.S. Challenges China to Play by the Rules
By Mike Botta...more »
Perennial Wood Now Targeting Outdoor Applications
By Mike Botta February 23, 2012 – The Eastman Chemical Company earlier this month introduced its outdoor line of trademarked Perennial Wood products to the building and construction trade. Targeted were makers of outdoor wood furniture and...more »
Affinity Tool Acquires HTC and Portamate
By Mike Botta January 26, 2012 — Affinity Tool Works, Troy, MI, has acquired tool and accessory manufacturer HTC Products Inc. and its Portamate business unit. The deal was effective January 14, 2012....more »
Knock on Wood for a 2012 Rebound
By Mike Botta January 12, 2012 – As we enter 2012, it’s looking a lot like 2011, 2010, 2009 and, dare we say, 2008. It’s tough to tell these days whether the news is good or bad. One day the word is that auto sales are healthy and...more »
Cabinet Makers Anticipate Growth in 2012
By Mike Botta December 22, 2011 – The nation’s cabinet makers and custom woodworkers are bullish on growth prospects for 2012, according to initial results of a survey conducted by the Milwaukee-based Cabinet Makers Association (CMA). ...more »
Wood Products Up Despite Economic Turmoil
By Mike Botta December 8, 2011 – While the deep financial troubles in Europe deepen and the fragile U.S. economy seems to be barely limping along, recent reports indicate some encouraging trends....more »
Carr Lane Mourns the Loss of Its Leader
By Mike Botta Carr Lane Mfg. Co. recently suffered a death in the family with the passing of longtime leader Earl E. Walker at the age of 91. The company reported last week that Walker continued working full time until a week before his death on...more »
Report: Manufacturing Outlook Brightens
By Mike Botta Most U.S. industrial manufacturers anticipate positive revenue growth for their companies over the next 12 months, according to issued July 28 by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). ...more »
Cabinet Makers Group Launches Certification Program
Las Vegas, NV - The Cabinet Makers Association last week introduced a professional credentialing program to the cabinet making and custom woodworking industry. Using both live and web based technologies, the program aims to allow industry...more »
Sourcing Overseas May Be Huge Mistake
By Mike Botta Is China the manufacturing miracle that countless global corporations believe it is, or have many of the same international giants simply been guilty of practicing “herd mentality”? Perhaps surprisingly, there’s a...more »
Knape & Vogt Bolsters Drawer-Slide Business; Will Close John Sterling
Grand Rapids, MI – Knape & Vogt (KV) is expanding its operations here by increasing its drawer-slide manufacturing capabilities and consolidating its newly acquired John Sterling Corp. operations currently located in Richmond, IL. ...more »
North American Furniture Suppliers Eye Exports
By Mike Botta Taking advantage of the weak dollar, pent up demand and a strong German economy, U.S. and Canadian companies plan to pursue export opportunities in Europe again, according to trade show organizer Koelnmesse Inc. More than 40 North...more »
What Happens in Vegas, Stays in the Shop
By Mike Botta Need a really good reason to plan a summer vacation in Vegas? What better reason than to line up new business opportunities. Nearly 20,000 woodworking professionals from around the world are expected to descend...more »
