Read More Articles by Karen Koenig
Karen
Koenig
Editor
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].
December's 6% increase marks eight straight months of year-over-year gains with two-thirds of survey participants reporting increased orders for new residential furniture. For calendar 2023, new orders were up 5% over 2022 figures.
Woodworking Industry 40 Under 40
Searching for 40 wood industry standouts under 40
The 40 Under 40 award program recognizes achievements in productivity, profitability, social good, ingenuity, innovation, peer inspiration, product development, organizational leadership, or other areas. Submit a nomination by May 13.
By
Karen M. Koenig,
February 19, 2024 | 8:37 am CST
Fellowes to close former Trendway plant
Workplace furnishings giant Fellowes announced a number of changes to its Contract Furniture division, formerly known as Trendway, including the closure of the Holland, Michigan, production facility in 2024 and the discontinuation of a portion of its furniture product offerings, including systems, casegoods, filing, storage and tables.
By
Karen M. Koenig,
February 9, 2024 | 9:54 am CST
Residential furniture orders continue double-digit rise for year-over-year
New orders for residential furniture rose 26% in November compared to 2022 figures, marking seven straight months of double-digit percentage growth over the prior year. Year-to-date new orders were up 4% compared to a year ago, according to Smith Leonard's latest issue of Furniture Insights.
By
Karen M. Koenig,
February 1, 2024 | 9:08 am CST
Millions of furniture tip-over restraints recalled
The plastic restraints can become brittle or break, allowing the furniture to detach from the wall and a tip-over and/or entrapment hazard to result.
By
Karen M. Koenig,
January 11, 2024 | 8:55 am CST
Stylex acquired by 9to5 Seating parent Flokk
Commercial furnishings manufacturer Stylex has been acquired by Flokk, a leading European office seating and furniture manufacturer. Stylex will continue to operate independently as a brand in the Flokk portfolio. Terms of the transaction, expected to close Jan. 31, were not announced.
By
Karen M. Koenig,
January 4, 2024 | 10:07 am CST
Smith Leonard founder Ken Smith retires
Smith Leonard is a leading Triad-based accounting and consulting firm that also produces the monthly Furniture Insights for the residential furniture industry, which Ken Smith spearheaded along with the conducting of annual furniture surveys.
By
Karen M. Koenig,
January 4, 2024 | 8:56 am CST
Cabinet sales drop in November month-over-month comparison: KCMA
Overall cabinet sales of were down 9.6% for November 2023 compared to the same month in 2022 according to KCMA's Trend of Business report.
By
Karen M. Koenig,
January 3, 2024 | 11:49 am CST
New residential furniture orders continue to be mixed bag: Smith Leonard
While new residential furniture orders were up 12% in October 2023 compared to the year prior, it's tempered by the fact that 2022 numbers were down from October 2021, which in turn was down from 2020 numbers.
By
Karen M. Koenig,
January 3, 2024 | 8:56 am CST
Zepsa names Steve Ballenger new president
Steve Ballenger takes over as president of the large architectural woodwork firm effective Jan. 1.
By
Karen M. Koenig,
December 21, 2023 | 2:49 pm CST