The clock has restarted at an iconic clock maker after the nearly century-old company abruptly closed in 2025. Clockmaker Howard Miller is relaunching with new West Michigan ownership and a new leadership team, under the direction of company veteran Jim O’Keefe as president.

Axos Designs is reimagining how modern millwork shops in New York should present themselves: as a central building for all operations, rather than spread across the city.

In addition to flow, here are seven concepts every lean operation must take to heart.

Misperceptions about manufacturing are often rooted in the statistics used.

WILMINGTON, Del. — A Delaware bankruptcy judge has granted provisional protection to the U.S. assets of Bestar and other sister companies facing liquidation. The shield prevents creditors from seizing the company's U.S.-based inventory or facilities while it navigates insolvency proceedings in Canada and seeks formal U.S. recognition of its bankruptcy, according to a report from Law360.

According to the data published by Acimall, the association of Italian manufacturers of woodworking machinery, the industry closed 2025 with a total production value of 2.398 billion euros ($2.819 billion), recording a minor reduction of 1 percent compared to the previous year.

The Cabinet Makers Association (CMA) has appointed Amy Jones of Bakes & Kropp (Mount Clemens, MI) to its Board of Directors. Jones fills the position vacated earlier this year by Randy Niewind. The CMA extends its sincere appreciation to Niewind for his dedicated service and contributions to the organization.

The Wood Industry Association (WIA) presented its Educator of the Year award and the 2026 Ralph B. Baldwin Award of Excellence at the Wood Industry Conference on May 6.

In 2025, Furniture Manufacturing accounted for largest portion of the market with 41.87% share as veneer sheets also serve a primary role to obtain natural wood look & feel even at affordable material costs across both mass-market and premium furniture products whether in cabinets, wardrobes, tables or modular furniture where it is applied.

This acquisition continues the expansion of Carter Lumber’s footprint in the Southeast, giving the company full coverage across Georgia and adding the area from Hilton Head to northern Florida to its coastal service presence. Gaster Lumber was founded in 1985 and remained a Gaster family-owned and operated business until its acquisition by Carter Lumber.