Continuous Improvement

Kid brains: unlocking genius and profits

When we were kids, we had no limits. We knew we could be anything we wanted in life. I assumed I’d be able to choose between being a football player, astronaut, railroad tycoon, or professional Nintendo player. It felt good to live in that world. I built a fort out of an extra pallet of bricks behind our house that faced an empty field. I single-handedly fended off battalions of invading soldiers, victorious every day, despite my many bullet hole wounds that only hurt when I pretended they did.

Furniture

Lane furniture owner 'disappears' while workers wait for check

David Belford, owner of United Furniture Industries in Northeast Mississippi, informed all 2,700 of his workers that they no longer had jobs. The New York Post reported that Belford is missing and nowhere to be found. However, multiple people told the Clarion Ledger Friday that Belford is believed to be in Paris staying at an upscale hotel.

Woodworking Industry News

Fortune Brands acquires residential hardware brands

Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc., an industry-leading home and security products company, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Emtek and Schaub premium and luxury door and cabinet hardware business and the U.S. and Canadian Yale and August residential smart home locks business from ASSA ABLOY Inc. for a purchase price of $800 million, or approximately $700 million net of tax benefits.

Canadian News

Western Forest Products curtails production

VANCOUVER — Western Forest Products Inc. says it will temporarily reduce its lumber production levels for the rest of the year. The Vancouver-based forest products company says the reduction will amount to about 200 million fewer board feet. It says the reduction is being made to manage inventory levels to current market conditions. The reduction will be spread across its B.C. manufacturing business throughout December, but will not interrupt remanufacturing or shipping operations.