Read More Articles by Bill Esler

Profile picture for user billesler
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.

Lumber-Liquidators-MDF-Flooring.jpg

Woodworking Industry News

Weekly Watch: Lumber Liquidators, Gingrich Woodcraft Union Shutdown

Lumber Liquidators could win as the California Air Resources Board changes its laminating panel formaldehyde testing recommendations, says an analyst at Seeking Alpha. Also watching what's happening to lumber futures pricing as China's building market and its leaders try to avoid having the economy shift into reverse. And what about Gingrich Woodcraft's decision to fire everyone and close down after workers voted to unionize?
By Bill Esler, August 23, 2015 | 4:05 pm CDT
GS-Composite.jpg

Woodworking Industry News

First Wood Plastic Composite Pellet Plant for Russia

A pilot production plant for wood-plastic composites in Ulyanovsk, Russian will make pellets incorporating hard plastic, designed for furniture part production and other composite wood products. The higher strength, elasticity and moisture resistance, UV-stabilized and decay-resistant: packaging, construction and furniture parts, along with elements of construction formwork
By Bill Esler, August 21, 2015 | 11:12 am CDT
american-woodmark-corporate-building.jpg

Cabinets

American Woodmark Cabinetry Net Income Rises 65 Percent

Cabinetry manufacturer American Woodmark Corporation first quarter sales increased 9% to $231.2 million, with growth in both the dealer and new construction channels during the first quarter of fiscal year 2016. Amerian Woodmark says 45 percent of its sales are from Lowe's and The Home Depot.
By Bill Esler, August 20, 2015 | 10:55 pm CDT

Components & Sourcing

Conestoga Wood Specialties Rebrands

Contestoga Wood Specialtis has rolled out new branding. It includes a logo and tagline that embody Conestoga’s core values as well as exhibit new advances. Conestoga says this transition is a key part of a series of initiatives taken to position the company for meeting future market needs.
By Bill Esler, August 20, 2015 | 2:18 pm CDT

Woodworking Industry News

Masonite Buys and Sells European Door Manufacturers

Masonite International Corporation (NYSE: DOOR) completed the acquisition of National Hickman, the UK-based supplier of doorkits (similar to fully finished prehung door units) and other millwork; and Performance Doorset Solutions Limited, a supplier of custom doors and millwork in the United Kingdom. Earnings were hit by foreign exchange.
By Bill Esler, August 20, 2015 | 12:57 pm CDT

Project Gallery

Mahogany Laser Cuts Succeed in Kickstarter Campaign

Gabriel Schama launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for a laser cutter. He succeeded. Contributors received his stunning layered relief sculptures, which he rapidly cut on his new laser machine. But demand for his work has increased, and Schama notes in his web postings that he can't keep up with orders.
By Bill Esler, August 20, 2015 | 7:57 am CDT
84-Lumber.png

Pricing & Supply

84 Lumber Reopens Store in St. Augustine, FL, Closed Since 2011

84 Lumber, the largest privately-held building materials wholesaler 84 Lumber Co. in the U.S., will reopen a St. Augustine, FL store, closed at the depths of the downturn in 2011. Serving professional residential and commercial contractors, "We were always optimistic of being able to return as the housing market rebounded,” says 84 Lumber president Maggie Hardy Magerko.
By Bill Esler, August 18, 2015 | 9:31 pm CDT