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Read More Articles by Bill Esler

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines.

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers.

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.

Woodworking Industry News

Hettich America Names Clemens Heinrici President, CEO

Clemens Heinrici, 45, has been named president and CEO of Hettich North America. The appointment was effective September 1.

By Bill Esler, October 2, 2015 | 1:03 pm CDT

Cabinets

Cabinets To Go Hires as It Expands

Cabinets To Go LLC, which sells ready-to-assemble cabinets to the construction market, and direct to consumers, is seeking warehouse personnel and salespeople as it expands. The national retailer, founded by Lumber Liquidator's Tom Sullivan, has over 48 company owned stores in 27 states selling hardwood kitchen cabinets.

By Bill Esler, October 2, 2015 | 11:00 am CDT

Almanac Market Data

Furniture Industry Active in Latest Purchasing Managers Index

The furniture industry ranked third in growth in September, second in employment growth, and was "the only industry reporting an increase in order backlogs," says the Institute for Supply Management. Furniture also reported the fastest growth in exports for September.

By Bill Esler, October 2, 2015 | 9:53 am CDT

Closets

Four Color Trends for 2016: Antidotes to Connected Life

One of the common trends we've continually found is how the hypnotic draw of technology and increased screen time have driven the need for authentic stimulation. These unique colors, textures and patterns, allowus a way to truly disengage and unwind. - Erika Woelfel, VP Color Marketing, Behr Paints, division of Masco

By Bill Esler, October 2, 2015 | 7:29 am CDT

Woodworking Industry News

Masonite Completes Acquisition of USA Wood Door

Masonite International Corporation (NYSE:DOOR) completed the acquisition of USA Wood Door, a wholesaler and fabricator of architectural and commercial wood doors in the Eastern United States providing door and hardware distributors with machined, re-sized, and value added additions to both unfinished and prefinished doors, in short lead times.

By Bill Esler, October 1, 2015 | 10:49 pm CDT

WMS News

U.S. Wood Industry Also Heads to Toronto for WMS 2015

The largest wood industry event in Canada -- Woodworking Machinery & Supply Expo – is officially bigger and better than years past. More than 200 exhibiting companies and thousands of woodworkers will converge on the International Centre near Toronto November 5-7 for this important global industry event. A favorable US/Canadian exchange rate and awesome conference program makes it a good time for U.S. woodshops to to neighboring Canada.

By Bill Esler, October 1, 2015 | 2:02 pm CDT

Closets

IKEA Tests Sliding Partitions, Aimed at Apartments

IKEA, which has been researching the tiny home movement, may be nearing launch of a movable system of sliding room divider panels. Products, which would likely use sliding hardware, are aimed at rapid repurposing of living quarters in multi-unit homes, where square footage in apartments and condominiums continues to decline.

By Bill Esler, October 1, 2015 | 12:41 pm CDT

Closets

3 Closet & Storage Concepts/More Space Place Franchises Open

Closet & Storage Concepts and More Space Place, two home storage franchises which joined following a 2013 acquisition, announced three new franchises. The newly-aligned brands gained momentum in 2014, and both national franchise brands forecast continued growth, says CEO Bob Lewis.

By Bill Esler, October 1, 2015 | 12:22 pm CDT

Pricing & Supply

New Lumber Division President Named at Conner Industries

National lumber processor Conner Industries, Inc. named Mike Hans as president of its Lumber Division. Conner provides industrial wood products and services to the industrial and materials handling industries, supplying cut lumber (softwoods, hardwoods, and panel woods) needed for pallet, crate and skid parts, and fully assembled products, such as pallets, crates, skids and industrial containers. C

By Bill Esler, October 1, 2015 | 12:59 am CDT

Pricing & Supply

Hardwoods Distribution Inc. Names VPs in Canada, and U.S. Lumber Imports

LANGLEY, BC - Hardwoods Distribution Inc. (TSX: HWD) named Jason West, Vice President, Canada; Brian Graham, Vice President, Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountain, and Texas; and Dan Figgins, Vice President, Imports. Garry Warner, current VP Canada, will be retiring at the end of this year after 37 years.

Concurrent with the above appointments, Dan Besen, currently VP of the California group, expands duties to include oversight for the Hardwoods's Lake States operations.

By Bill Esler, September 30, 2015 | 9:15 pm CDT