The WCMA conducts a Fall Conference & Plant Tour Event each year. The Fall Conference presents an excellent opportunity for WCMA members to network and have an open discussion on common concerns. Members also tour the production facilities of several dimension, component, cabinet, furniture, millwork and related woodworking companies.

These plant tours provide WCMA members with a unique opportunity to observe innovative woodworking manufacturing operations and discover new manufacturing techniques, exchange ideas and learn about alternative manufacturing methods. Everyone comes away with at least one good idea that can be implemented in their own plants.

2014 Fall Event Details

The 2014 WCMA Fall Conference & Plant Tour Event will be held on September 14-16 at the Best Western/Country Cupboard in Lewisburg, PA. Tours of several outstanding woodworking operations are planned, including: Tilo Industries in Lewisburg, Heister House in Pleasant Mills, two Conestoga plants in Beavertown and Beaver Springs, Wood Mode in Kreamer, and Bingaman & Sons, also in Kreamer.

We are also very excited to include three hours of educational sessions this year, with a variety of speakers from Penn State. Topics covered include “Green is the New Lean,” “Bio Renewable Opportunities and Changes,” “Sticking Points – The Basics of Wood Adhesion,” and “Dirty – Why Surfaces are Never Clean and How This Impacts Coating/Finishing Operations.”

The WCMA Educations and Programs Committee has been working hard to ensure that there is something for everyone, so be sure to make plans now to have plant managers and other key personnel in attendance.

Also in 2014, the WCMA is excited to partner with the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA). All WMMA members are encouraged to attend the WCMA Fall Conference and Plant Tour event, and then take advantage of free transportation to the WMMA Public Policy Fly-In and Committee meetings in Washington, DC. The Fly-In event is highlighted by a day on Capitol Hill for WMMA members and other industry representatives to meet with their elected U.S. representatives and senators to discuss issues of importance to the health and vitality of the U.S. woodworking industry.

In addition, we will be holding the Wood Technology Expo, which connects leading providers of woodworking machinery, equipment, supplies, software and business solutions with WCMA members. WCMA members and Technology Partners will have opportunities to connect with others in the industry and can share solutions to manufacturing challenges. There will be a sit down dinner with round table discussions, as well as two receptions where exhibitors will display tabletop exhibits with information on their companies.

A listing of WCMA Technology Partners is available by clicking here, as well as in the digital edition. These companies are a great source for all your woodworking machinery, tooling, software, and business solutions.

Program details and registration for the WCMA Fall Conference & Plant Tour event are now available. For additional information about participating in this event, contact the WCMA office at [email protected] or visit WoodComponents.org today.