WOOD 100

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Optimizing production with new and existing technology: In order to be profitable and productive in today’s economy, woodworking facilities need to optimize their resources: equipment, supplies and their workforce. Many companies have done so through investments in new technology and production methods, including lean and sustainable manufacturing methods.

Thinking outside the box: Developing products that tap changing lifestyle trends, or with an altogether new value proposition for commercial applications, opens opportunities.

WALKING THE WALK ON GREEN: As adoption of sustainable operations become pervasive, a parallel move is afoot among woodworking firms to adopt corporate social responsibility. This steps beyond concerns about wood sourcing, VOC emissions or industrial pollution, to embrace longer-term impact of manufacturing on workers and communities.