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Karen Koenig
Editor

Karen M. Koenig has more than 30 years of experience in the woodworking industry, including visits to wood products manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As editor of special publications under the Woodworking Network brand, including the Red Book Best Practices resource guide and website, Karen’s responsibilities include writing, editing and coordinating of editorial content. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media. She can be reached at [email protected]

Woodworking Industry News

KCMA survey: Cabinet sales up 1.8% in July

RESTON, Va. - Cabinet sales rose 1.8% in July compared to 2016 figures, continuing a third straight month of year-over-year growth. According to participating members in the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association's (KCMA) monthly Trend of Business Survey, stock cabinet sales in July grew 4.5% and semi-custom sales increased 0.6%, while custom cabinet sales decreased 3.4% compared to the same period last year.

Event Coverage

Wood components group WCMA elects new officers

GRAND RAPIDS - The Wood Component Manufacturers Association elected new officers to its board of directors at the annual Fall Conference and Plant Tour Event, held Aug. 21-23 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Elected to the WCMA board of directors are Todd Dennison of Brown Wood Inc., Mark Paisley of Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers.

Woodworking Industry News

Residential furniture orders up 8% in May

HIGH POINT, N.C. - Residential furniture orders rose 8% in May compared to the year prior, and 7% higher than April orders, according to the latest Furniture Insights survey of residential furniture manufacturers and distributors from Smith Leonard. New orders were up for 58% of the surveyed participants. Year-to-date increased 7% over last year, with shipments up 4% for the year-over-year.

Woodworking Industry News

Carter Lumber to open $10 million manufacturing facility

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.  - Carter Lumber will open a $10 million Kight Home Center manufacturing facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky, creating 50 jobs in the area. Founded in 1932, in Akron, Ohio, the family-owned Carter Lumber is reportedly the fifth largest lumberyard in the United States, operating 150 locations across 12 states under four branded divisions: Carter Lumber, Holmes Lumber Co., Kight Home Center and Kempsville Building Materials.

Canadian News

West Fraser expands in U.S., acquires Gilman lumber for $430 million

VANCOUVER, B.C. – West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. continues its expansion into the U.S. lumber market with the $430 million acquisition of the Gilman Companies. The acquisition includes six sawmills and a fingerjoint mill in Florida and Georgia, as well as an administrative office in St. Marys, Georgia. Vancouver, B.C.-based West Fraser's agreement with the Howard Gilman Foundation and other shareholders was announced July 26. The deal, which is subject to U.S. regulatory approvals and customary conditions, is anticipated to close in the third quarter of 2017.