WWP September 2011

This vertically integrated startup is already making its mark in the sign and fixture industry.

Vacuum provides the best method for capturing wood dust when working with portable tools.

What do Boston, Chicago and New York have in common when it comes to important North American woodworking events?

A sign of the times, it became breaking news when, a little more than a year ago, Stanley Furniture ceased Asian production of its Young America youth line to move it back to the United States. At a time when manufacturing was fleeing to lower cost offshore production — even Stanley’s other furniture lines — it was refreshing to see jobs coming back.

The North American wood products industry gears up for Canada’s largest woodworking show.

Websites and phone numbers for advertisers in the September issue of Wood & Wood Products

flooring the competition — All across North America, wood products manufacturers are distinguishing themselves from global and domestic rivals by quality control measures put in place, sustainability efforts, and most importantly, by high levels of customer service.

With sustainability at the forefront of concerns today, woodworkers continue to seek new ways to lower emissions, green their products and reduce their carbon footprint.

Healthy market segments today require new products that will entice and inspire the audience, yet are adaptable to fit any situation.

Communication plays an essential role in product development. Talking to customers, consumer studies and creative minds can result in merchandise guaranteed to bring sales.

Preparing for the economy to pick up, wood products manufacturers stepped up the pace to take advantage of new opportunities. They are building new plants, expanding existing operations, or in some cases acquiring companies.

Investments in new machines and software — and in the employees who use them — are helping to open the doors to new product developments and market opportunities in both the solid wood and panel processing arenas.

Maximizing capabilities through the use of technology integration, is helping spur wood products manufacturers to new levels of productivity and flexibility in the workplace.

Making a case for success: This involves networking, developing relationships and a willingness to diversify into new products or niche markets — while keeping a tight reign on costs.

The blueprint for a successful business requires managing costs and funding issues, obtaining and retaining skilled labor, customer service and of course, a little creativity.

The art of negotiation — whether it concerns product and/or material costing, labor issues or some other component — has become an all too important technique in doing business. But if done correctly, the successful strategy, like a jigsaw puzzle, will have all the pieces fitting into place.

Successful strategists are those that use innovative ways to engage the consumer. New apps, touchscreens, mobile showrooms help these companies stand out from the competition.

The sky’s the limit for innovative woodworking firms when it comes to their development and implementation of marketing strategies to grow their businesses. Whether it’s by relying on social media and the internet for promotion and sales, creating or expanding product lines, or taking the uncommon position of selling machining and millwork capabilities to competitors, the companies in this year’s WOOD 100 have all demonstrated the initiative it takes to successfully market and make sales — and get the job done.

I am constantly amazed by the strength of the companies in the woodworking industry. More so than perhaps any other market, they have been hard hit by the economy — and they are doing whatever it takes to not only survive, but succeed.

“Better than expected,” appeared to be the overriding comment by exhibitors following the close of the 2011 AWFS Vegas Fair. Although final figures were not available at publication, initial projections suggest it will be higher than that of the prior biennial show, though lower than initial projections of 19,000.

Click here to view the digital edition of the September issue of Wood & Wood Products.