By Bill Esler | Updated: 03/29/2012 10:00:00 AM
A cabinet shop air tank exploded during maintenance, injuring two and drawing the attention of OSHA, topping wood industry news this week. And NCAA Final Four puts Connor Sports Flooring on CBS. Read more
Week's Top Stories: Friday March 23
A table saw safety law introduced in California's assembly was the most-viewed item this week at Woodworking Network. As the economy recovers, wood industry retooling and refinancing reports drew lots page views, including an online marketing initiative by MasterBrand Cabinets aimed at consumers - most of whom start their cabinetry planning online, according to research by MasterBrand.
Also drawing a lot of interest: a flood of news about exhibitor plans at the August 22-25 IWF 2012 woodworking show in Atlanta; and the SIBO 2012 woodworking show returns to Montreal Oct. 18-19.
On the financial front, cash-generating cabinet and flooring firm Armstrong Industries weighs a half-billion dollar dividend, while cabinetry giant Masco refinances $400 million in debt and fields complaints on prior years' executive pay. Here are the week's top stories:
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Table Saw Safety Law for California
By Bill Esler | Updated: 03/15/2012 11:23:00 AM
Table saw safety legislation that would require an electronic braking device to stop saw blades, similar to SawStop technology, has been introduced by Assemblyman Das Williams.
Read more
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$656K Aid for ex-Andersen Window Workers
By Rich Christianson | Updated: 03/21/2012 1:27:00 PM
Approximately 150 workers laid off late last year by Andersen Windows & Doors are covered in a $656,098 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to provide employment-related assistance. Read more
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LEED 2012 Proposal Fails Lumber Industry, says FSC
By Bill Esler | Updated: 03/18/2012 10:49:00 AM
The third draft of LEED 2012, open for comment, falls short by not encouraging more use of lumber and other wood products, says Corey Brinkema (left), president of FSC-US. Read more
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Universal Forest Products Adds Tool Tracking System
By Bill Esler | Updated: 03/20/2012 11:43:00 AM
UFP Granger, LLC, an Indiana lumber and millwork firm, has implemented Intooligence software system to track its moulder template library, machine setups, and the complete life-cycle of its tooling. Read more
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Armstrong Weighs $500 Million Dividend
By Bill Esler | Updated: 03/18/2012 1:49:00 PM
Cabinetry, flooring and construction materials firm Armstrong World Industries (NYSE: AWI) board is considering a half billion dollar special cash dividend for shareholders payable May 1.
Read more
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Video: Capstan Table Automatically Expands
By Bill Esler | Updated: 03/16/2012 4:09:00 PM
The Fletcher Capstan Table expands automatically from small to large in seconds. Powerized and manual versions are offered.
Read more
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Why Custom Woodworker Fought OSHA Penalty
By Rich Christian | Updated: 03/10/2012 10:45:00 AM
Two-part story: 1.) Victory Woodworks had a choice: Accept an offer from OSHA to have its fine eliminated or continue spending time and money on an appeal. 2.) Here's the background on why.
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More Wood Machinery Firms Sign On to IWF 2012
Biesse, Stiles, Benz, Schelling/IMA, Weinig Holz-Her, SCM Group this week announced exhibit plans for IWF 2012. The International Woodworking Fair (there are 623 companies listed at the IWF site). It is the largest U.S. show for wood manufacturing industries. Read more in Woodworking Network's IWF 2012 News Channel
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SIBO, Quebec’s Woodworking Show, Returns This Fall
By Rich Christianson | Updated: 03/16/2012 11:00:00 AM
LAVAL, QC - Quebec’s premier industrial woodworking event, Salon Industriel du Bois Ouvré, will be held October 18-19, 2012 at Forzani Place in Laval. Read more
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MasterBrand Cabinets Site Aims at Consumers
By Bill Esler | Updated: 03/19/2012 11:10:00 AM
MasterBrand Cabinets targets the 60 percent of consumers who start cabinetry searches online. It links to dealers for its Aristokraft, Decorá, Diamond, Dynasty, Homecrest, Kemper, Kitchen Craft, Omega and Schrock. Read more
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Week's Top Stories: Friday March 30
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