Federal regulators increased enforcement activities in the woodworking industry, as OSHA cited a number of woodshops and lumber concerns over safety violations. Topping the reports was one of the highest OSHA fines on record: $1.9 million against Phenix Lumber, though the company says it has been addressing safety concerns and making progress since another OSHA action earlier this year.

Applications for 3D room renderings, some with startlingly realistic detail, made headlines thsi week. And auctions also continued around the industry, and were among the most viewed stories. Among the most viewed stories at woodworking network this week's wood industry news:

Phenix Lumber, a sawmill in Phenix City, AL, and its principal, John M. Dudley, have been slapped with penalties totaling more than $1.9 million by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A fine of over $400,000 was previously levied there by OSHA when a worker was killed in forklift accident.

Another OSHA action in the wood industry last week:

Thomasville Lumber Co. Inc., which specializes in the manufacture of yellow pine products, has been issued 24 alleged safety and record keeping violations in its wood mannufacturing by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

As wood plant auctions are announced at a steady clip, including Hudson Solid Surfaces and McConnell Cabinets, the face of the U.S. wood manufacturing industry is being transformed. New equipment makers such as Stiles Machinery and Biesse have jumped in to manage the realignment of woodworking machinery.

Another auction in the wood industry last week:

  Wood inventory and routing tools were sold.

Office furniture and decorative panel manufacturing giants jump on board with new software that adds 3D visualization to furnishings design and presentation process. Schattdecor, Sudekor, and 20-20 Technologies have shown new developments.