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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.

Almanac Market Data

Latest Interior Designer Billing Index Remains Positive

The latest American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Second Quarter Interior Design Billings Index reached 57.1 in June - indicating that billings remain essentially unchanged from their 1st Quarter score of 57.7 in March.

By Bill Esler, September 2, 2015 | 7:29 pm CDT

Components & Sourcing

Osborne Wood Products Records Seasonal Surge in Table Slide Sales

Wood components firm Osborne Wood Products says it is developing an appreciation sale to capitalize on seasonal surge in tale slide sales. It researched data from two years of ordering patterns in planning its promotion.

By Bill Esler, September 1, 2015 | 4:39 pm CDT

Woodworking Industry News

U.S. Wood Pellets To Fuel British Subsidized Power Plant

A new biofuel plant subsidized by the British government expects to source its fuel in part from U.S.sustainably sourced wood chip and wood pellet producers.

By Bill Esler, August 31, 2015 | 4:38 pm CDT

Closets

Green Products Could Lead to Mould in Closets, Cabinetry

High humidity can lead to mould in cabinetry and closets built and finished with green materials, says a building forensics firm. While waster-based materials are appropriate in most settings, in some regions of the U.S. green panel and cabinetry has lead to catastrophic failures in multi-unit dwellings, according to Liberty Building Forensics, a construction consultant.

By Bill Esler, August 30, 2015 | 6:35 pm CDT

Furniture

Sold Out: Claro Walnut River Table Back-ordered on Surge in Sales

"From my inspiration to the final finishes, my furniture making process begins and ends with the beauty of a slab of wood," says Greg Klassen, who has gained notoriety follow profiles in influential design blogs Colossal and Core and in the August 28 Wall St. Journal.

By Bill Esler, August 29, 2015 | 9:57 pm CDT

Woodworking Industry News

Weekly Watch: China Lumber Effect; Ethan Allen Takeover, Wood 100

The Weekly Watch is tracking the China market crash's impact on U.S. wood manufacturing businesses. While lumber and log prices could fall in the U.S., the weakened yuan also gives China a sales advantage. Also on the watch: Ethan Allen furniture, which will face a challenge from an activist investor. And the Wood 100 list for 2015 has been published: are you on it?

By Bill Esler, August 29, 2015 | 8:41 pm CDT

Woodworking Industry News

White Oak Shortage Crimps Jack Daniel's Profits

Whiskey distiller Brown-Forman said the rising cost of oak for its whiskey barrels has cut into profits. With one of the most advanced barrel making plants in the world, the company is still running into a shortage of oak barrels as Jack Daniel's bourbon production rises.

By Bill Esler, August 27, 2015 | 4:58 pm CDT

WMS 2015, Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo

WMS News

Woodworkers Gear Up for WMS 2015

Technology and workforce development for expanding markets are themes for the most extensive educational program ever presented at WMS 2015. When the Woodworking Machinery & Supplies Expo runs November 5-7, it will be accompanied by a concurrent conference schedule in two-tracks: business, and technology.

By Bill Esler, August 27, 2015 | 11:50 am CDT

Closets

Home Design Centers on Moveable Interior Cabinetry Storage

Architects PKMN (it's pronounced "Pacman") used oriented strand board and industrial storage hardware - the kind used in rolling record storage shelves - to remake a cottage for a work-at-home professional. The storage components were built by carpenter Alfred Merino CaldasThe design allows the interior space to continuously adjust to the owner's daily activities, with fold-down work center, sleeping quarters (a Murphy Bed arrangement) and kitchen and dining area.

By Bill Esler, August 27, 2015 | 9:16 am CDT

Canadian News

Unifor Complaint Says Gingrich Woodcraft is Union Buster

Canada's Unifor union says it filed complaints against Gingrich Woodcraft, alleging the Devlin, Ontario wood components manufacturer is engaging in a lock out to keep its workers from forming a union. Leon Gingrich closed his firm August 17 following an August 12 voted by 69 percent of the company's 25 employees that resulted voting to unionize. A hearing is scheduled for Monday, August 24.

By Bill Esler, August 23, 2015 | 6:02 pm CDT