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Read More Articles by Karen Koenig

Karen M. Koenig has more than 35 years of experience in the woodworking industry, including visits to wood products manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As senior editor, her responsibilities include writing and editing for Woodworking Network publications FDMC Magazine and Closets & Organized Storage Magazine, as well as the website. She also oversees many of Woodworking Network's special projects and programs, including Red Book: Resource Guide for Best Practice, FDMC 300, 40 Under 40, and the Wood Industry Market Leaders. She can be reached at [email protected].

WOOD 100 Honorees

How to Market Your Wood Products: WOOD 100 Strategies for Success

Doing your homework is key in developing a successful marketing strategy and getting your company’s brand before customers, whether as a franchise or independent firm. Community service efforts, improved digital marketing and participating in TV and local showcases are just some of the ways these wood product manufacturer stay in the forefront of customers’ minds.

By Karen M. Koenig, August 28, 2015 | 3:50 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

6 Tips to Attract Customers: WOOD 100 Strategies for Success

Success depends on how well you get the word out to consumers about your products. Strategies such as contests and e-commerce are among those put in place by these WOOD 100 firms.

By Karen M. Koenig, August 28, 2015 | 3:35 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

Business Strategies for Successful Woodworkers: WOOD 100

There’s no single recipe for developing a sound business plan. Keeping in mind that flexibility is key to formulating a winning strategy, some of the methods put in place by wood products companies include diversification of product lines, outsourcing, and conversely, insourcing. Read more profitable strategies.

By Karen M. Koenig, August 28, 2015 | 3:12 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

How Woodworkers Improve Productivity: WOOD 100 Strategies for Success

Oftentimes thinking outside the box can lead to improved productivity, and help a company gain that all important edge on the competition. Lean & green manufacturing, and investments in R&D, infrastructure and technology, have all played a part in these wood products firms' success. Read how.

By Karen M. Koenig, August 28, 2015 | 2:29 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

Woodworkers Integrate with Technology: WOOD 100 Strategies for Success

There’s no countering the impact technology can have, whether it's a small or big job, it's all easier with technology. Investments in technology, whether CNC or standard equipment, can help shape a woodworker's success, no matter the marketplace.

By Karen M. Koenig, August 28, 2015 | 1:20 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

Wood Products that Grab Attention: WOOD 100 Strategies for Success

A good idea mixed with a dash of ingenuity and persistence can form a recipe for success. Check out some of these memorable projects that have taken the ordinary and made them extraordinary.

By Karen M. Koenig, August 28, 2015 | 1:09 pm CDT

WOOD 100 Honorees

11 Tips for Improving Customer Service: WOOD 100 Strategies for Success

A good plan to grow your company's sales and marketing efforts must include a customer service strategy that is backed up by good quality, delivery and attention to detail. Read some of the strategies put in place by these manufacturers of closets, cabinetry, furniture, components and other wood products.

By Karen M. Koenig, August 28, 2015 | 1:00 pm CDT

Furniture

Baltic birch plywood Kinetic Cabinet makes waves

Fantastic and functional are just two of the words that come to mind when viewing the furniture “sculptures” of New York artist and designer Sebastian Errazuriz.One of his latest creations, the kinetic Wave Cabinet, is no exception. Available in baltic birch wood and white laminate, the cabinet is composed of a multitude of slats, each of which “pull” the one adjacent to it, for a variety of configurations.

By Karen M. Koenig, August 27, 2015 | 4:17 pm CDT

Pricing & Supply

Highland Pellets Places $30 Million Biofuels Plant Order

Astec Industries Inc. said it has entered into an agreement to build, deliver and install the first production line of a new turnkey wood pellet production facility for Highland Pellets LLC. Astec (Nasdaq: ASTE) said the initial $30 million order could total $143 million if additional equipment and services are ordered.

By Karen M. Koenig, August 26, 2015 | 12:37 pm CDT

Pricing & Supply

RedBuilt Engineered Lumber Facility Doubles Capacity

In a move which will double its capacity, RedBuilt LLC is adding a laminated veneer lumber line at its Stayton, OR, facility, one of four manufacturing plants by the Boise, ID-based company. RedBuilt manufactures engineered structural wood products for commercial and multi-family applications.

By Karen M. Koenig, August 26, 2015 | 11:24 am CDT