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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).
Wandelbots, the German-based no-code robotics software firm, has opened its U.S. headquarters in Chicago to expand its global operations and accelerate human-centered robotics solutions in the manufacturing industry.
Wood pellet industry expected to reach $29B in 2027
The Global Wood Pellet market was valued at $11.622 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.49% over the forecast period to reach a total market size of $29.964 billion in 2027.
Wood pellets are renewable energy carriers. These are produced from sawdust or other ground woody materials. According to international standards, product requirements for energy density, moisture, abrasion resistance, particle size, and shape for wood pellets are defined, turning wood pellets into a commodity.

By
Larry Adams,
February 3, 2023 | 12:19 pm CST
IWF 2024: 18 months and counting
The International Woodworking Fair—North America’s largest global wood industry technology and design event—will produce its IWF 2024 Trade Show and Education Conference in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center on these days and dates:

By
Larry Adams,
February 3, 2023 | 11:56 am CST
Wood products industry sputters the most in new PMI survey
The U.S. manufacturing downturn deepened in January, fueled by a further pullback in orders and factory production. Of the 15 industries tracked, Wood products contracted the most while furniture was the fourth-ranked industry in terms of contraction.
The Institute for Supply Management’s gauge of factory activity fell for a fifth straight month in January to 47.4, the weakest since May 2020. Readings below 50 indicate contraction.

By
Larry Adams,
February 3, 2023 | 11:29 am CST
USDA Forest Service accepting grant applications for wood innovations projects
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service will offer $41 million through the 2023 Wood Innovations Grant and 2023 Community Wood Grant programs to spark innovation and create new markets for wood products and renewable wood energy.
Made possible in part by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, these grants expand wood product use and strengthen emerging wood energy markets, supporting sustainable forest management – particularly in areas of high wildfire risk.

By
Larry Adams,
February 2, 2023 | 1:11 pm CST
Initiative seeks to boost advanced manufacturing
MasterBrand Cabinets’ facility in Lexington is one of four Triad, North Carolina-based companies to sponsor a new training partnership.

By
Larry Adams,
February 2, 2023 | 12:49 pm CST
OSHA updates emphasis program on combustible dust
OSHA has revised its National Emphasis Program on combustible dust to include cut stock, resawing lumber and planing.

By
Larry Adams,
February 2, 2023 | 12:00 pm CST
Nexis3 and Olon introduces VelourTouch to cabinet doors
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Nexis3 and Olon Industries have teamed up to produce a premium painted cabinet door alternative.
Olon makes a matte material called VelourTouch that is available as a laminated panel and profile wrap. The company describes it as having a smooth finish that resists scratches and fingerprints and competes directly against painted wood – at a fraction of the price.

By
Larry Adams,
February 1, 2023 | 11:10 am CST
Genesis Products to purchase Funder America
The acquisition will help Genesis meet the high demand for thermally fused laminate (TFL) panels and broadens its expertise as a supplier of laminated panels, components, and panel processing.

By
Larry Adams,
January 31, 2023 | 11:29 am CST
AHFA: Support STURDY; protest CPSC rule
The American Home Furnishings Alliance is encouraging the industry to reach out to elected representatives to help stop the United States Consumer Protection Safety Commission’s new tip-over standard for clothing storage units (CSUs).

By
Larry Adams,
January 31, 2023 | 7:25 am CST