Laguna Tools has named Matthew Thackray as its president, which became effective April 1, 2026, and as its chief executive officer, effective June 1, 2026.

A sawmill that once stood as the largest east of the Mississippi River in the 1990s has reopened, offering relief to Georgia’s timber industry as it struggles with mill closures, Hurricane Helene damage, and recent wildfires, according to a report from WRDW.com.

WASHINGTON — The national March not seasonally adjusted construction unemployment rate was 6.7%, a 1.3% increase from March 2025, according to a state-by-state analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today by Associated Builders and Contractors. The analysis found that only two states—Louisiana and Ohio—had lower estimated construction unemployment rates over the same period, four had the same rate and 44 had higher rates. All but six states had construction unemployment rates below 10%.

Siena Home, a U.S.-based luxury furniture brand specializing in bespoke interior solutions, has announced the expansion of its fully custom furniture offering, reinforcing its position in the premium home furnishings market through handcrafted, made-to-order production.

RESTON, Va. — On May 4, the Coalition for a Prosperous America and the Alliance for Trade EnforcementNOW sent a letter to the House Judiciary Committee urging passage of the Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act (PAIL Act), a bipartisan, bicameral bill that the groups say "would strengthen the Department of Justice’s enforcement against trade-related crimes."

Lockers Manufacturing, a custom storage systems producer, is expanding its operations in Batesville, Mississippi. The company says the project represents a $9.7 million corporate investment and will create 25 new jobs.

A probe is underway to determine the cause of a silo explosion and massive fire at a Searsmont, Maine, lumberyard that claimed a firefighter and caused injuries to at least 10 other people, including firefighters.

WOOLWICH, ONT. — A significant dust explosion and fire occurred at a woodworking business in Woolwich Township, Ontario. The incident occurred in one of the machines near the dust collector, resulting in damage. One 16-year-old employee was hospitalized with minor injuries and has since been released. According to news reports, emergency crews responded around 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, to an industrial business on Arthur Street North near Sandy Hills Drive after employees reported a loud bang coming from machinery inside the building.

The House of Representatives released on May 14 an amended version of the “21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.” The bill includes 57 provisions related to housing supply, manufactured housing, mortgage financing, rural housing, veterans’ housing, and community banking.