Read More Articles by Bill Esler

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Bill Esler
ConfSenior Editor

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.

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Cabinets

Grey Paint Number One Request in Kitchen Cabinets, says Merillat

A new grey kitchen cabinet paint color debuted at Merillat Cabinetry, the Ann Arbor unit of Masco. Shale was launched following increasing demand for strong base colors from customers, says Lori Lewandoski, Design Services Manager at Merillat. Shale fits a unique space within the grey spectrum, a 'new neutral.'
By Bill Esler, September 29, 2015 | 10:00 pm CDT
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WMS News

Work Cell Robotics: Automating Muskoka Cabinets Plant

Muskoka Cabinets added robots to load and unload CNCs, under the control of its its enterprise-wide computer system. Working with Quebec-based Automatech Robotics, Muskoka Cabinets is the first cabinet manufacturing company to use this type of robotics in manufacturing. President Luke Elias will explain the technology project at the Conference at WMS 2015 November 5.
By Bill Esler, September 29, 2015 | 12:11 pm CDT

Project Gallery

A Cypress Chicken Coop - Designed for the Rustic Haves

A high-end chicken coop (it seems to be in cypress), priced beginning at $5,200, is being sold by Frederik Roijé, a design agency located in Amsterdam. A large version sells for $8,200.Roijé pushes the limits of the chicken coop concept, but the design makes sense - the typical homemade chicken coop is usually slapped together from pine 2 x 4s and 2 x 2s with a lot of chicken wire nailed or stapled to it. That can cause a clash of styles when placed adjacent to a high end home. 
By Bill Esler, September 29, 2015 | 8:10 am CDT
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WMS News

Massuni To Launch Furniture On Demand System for China

Massuni, a customizable furniture order and manufacturing start-up, says it plans to launch a version of its system in China in January. An updated version of the "furniture configurator" for North America will also be launched, says Jeff Wilson, founder and CEO. Wilson will present an update on Massuni's technology and business plans at WMS 2015 in Toronto.
By Bill Esler, September 28, 2015 | 11:33 am CDT
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Management

Woodworking Machinists Union Lobbies for Pension Protections

WASHINGTON-- A trade union group that includes woodworking businesses has joined a legislative effort to protect multiemployer pension plans from cuts.
 
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers joined the Pension Rights Center, AARP and other pension advocacy groups in Washington, DC at a lobbying day and media event at in Washington DC to call for passage of the Keep Our Pension Promises Act of 2015.  Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep.
By Bill Esler, September 26, 2015 | 6:20 pm CDT
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WMS News

3D Wood Manufacturing Technology at WMS 2015 Conference

Samir Shah is developing an out-of-the-box additive wood manufacturing technology that would bypass steps in th lumber milling process to convert wood into furniture, cabinetry, doors, and home furnishings. At the Conference at WMS 2015, he'll explain the concept, and how far he has come in the development of his 4 AXYZ machinery.
By Bill Esler, September 25, 2015 | 4:01 pm CDT