Read More Articles by Larry Adams

Larry
Adams
Editor
Larry Adams is a Chicago-based writer and editor who writes about how things get done. A former wire service and community newspaper reporter, Larry is an award-winning writer with more than three decades of experience. In addition to writing about woodworking, he has covered science, metrology, metalworking, industrial design, quality control, imaging, Swiss and micromanufacturing . He was previously a Tabbie Award winner for his coverage of nano-based coatings technology for the automotive industry. Larry volunteers for the historic preservation group, the Kalo Foundation/Ianelli Studios, and the science-based group, Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST).
A 57-year-old worker at a Wisconsin-based pallet company was killed in an industrial incident Tuesday, Dec. 5.
US LBM acquires Dallas-Fort Worth truss manufacturing operations of ZyTech Building Systems
Leading building materials distributor acquires Dallas-Fort Worth truss manufacturing operations of ZyTech Building Systems.

By
Larry Adams,
December 5, 2023 | 12:28 pm CST
Blackford Capital acquires third patio platform in 12 months
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.— Blackford Capital, a lower middle market private equity firm, acquired LTD Online Stores, Inc., a patio furniture e-commerce business and wholesale distributor that markets and sells middle-to-high-end furniture through wholesale/drop-shipping, a direct-to-consumer website and a retail storefront located in San Diego.

By
Larry Adams,
December 5, 2023 | 12:08 pm CST
Mill where two died in 3 years has license revoked for 'fire code violations'
Phenix Lumber Company on Cutrate Road in Phenix,Alabama, has had its business license revoked due to “fire code violations,” according to news station WRBL. The decision was made at a City Council meeting on Tuesday morning.

By
Larry Adams,
December 5, 2023 | 11:18 am CST
JPI acquisition completed by Sumitomo Forestry America
JPI, a leader in the development of Class A and attainable multifamily communities, and Sumitomo Forestry America, Inc., a comprehensive housing and wood products subsidiary of Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd., has successfully completed the acquisition of JPI’s operating platform.

By
Larry Adams,
December 5, 2023 | 11:04 am CST
Nathan Cressman elected AHFA chair
The American Home Furnishings Alliance announces Nathan Cressman, president and CEO of Magnussen Home, was elected chair of the American Home Furnishings Alliance Board of Directors for 2024 during the organization’s Annual Meeting & CEO Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, November 2-5.

By
Larry Adams,
December 4, 2023 | 3:44 pm CST
American Woodmark sees second quarter sales drop, income increase
While second quarter net sales were down at American Woodmark, the decrease was partially offset by operational improvements in its manufacturing facilities, a stabilizing supply chain, and reduced overhead spending.

By
Larry Adams,
December 4, 2023 | 12:59 pm CST
Manufacturing down again in November
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in November for the 13th consecutive month following a 28-month period of growth, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business. Wood and furniture continue contraction.

By
Larry Adams,
December 4, 2023 | 12:31 pm CST
Weyerhaeuser launches $96 million mill project to reduce carbon emissions
The facility will also add a new trimmer, sorter and stacker to improve mill efficiencies and help reach production targets.

By
Larry Adams,
December 2, 2023 | 9:28 am CST
Building products suppliers expand partnership
DULUTH, Ga. and CHICAGO — Specialty Building Products, LLC, a leading distributor of specialty building products in North America, will expand its distribution partnership with James Hardie Building Products, the world leader in fiber cement siding and backerboard solutions.
SBP will now carry the entire range of James Hardie siding and trim products in its Oklahoma City, Kansas City and St. Louis distribution centers, increasing its number of stocking distribution centers to 14.

By
Larry Adams,
December 1, 2023 | 1:00 pm CST