Enlisting consumers in fighting wood pests, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service launched a multi-state public education campaign, and begins a bark beetle recovery strategy.

A study released last month supports the use of timber in tall building construction.

Masonite International Corp. has completed its acquisition of Baillargeon Doors Inc., a manufacturer of wood flush doors for architectural applications. Financial details of the March 26 acquisition were not disclosed.

Zep Inc. introduces Zep Commercial Clear Shell as means of preventing mold and mildew growth on virtually any surface, using Chitosan, an antimicrobial by-product of crab shells as its main ingredient.

This is the third installment of a series on new products that I recently tested. Pigmented conversion varnish is our subject for this week.

Holzma showcased a number of innovations at the Nürnberg Expo in Germany. New debuts included the new 2 series CNC panel saws and continued with the concept of the “grow-as-you-go" saw.

Microvellum, Inc., a leading developer of AutoCAD based design and manufacturing software products for the woodworking industry said it plans to exhibit at the International Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Supply Fair (IWF 2012) in Atlanta

International Woodworking Fair 2012 Challengers Distinguished Achievement Awards® competition, officially underway, has the entry deadline set for April 27, 2012.

Is the wood industry hiring? Yes, overall. While net employment in the industry has fallen, the trend is reversing as housing and consumer spending improve. A table shows the losers and gainers.

Wood industries news: Cabinet line expansion at UltraCraft and Armstrong Industries; a table saw safety developer patents "proximity sensing" blade brakes; financial incentives lure Stanley Furniture and a new wood flooring plant to Vermont - topped wood industry news this week.