8/10/07

CHARLOTTE, NC -- Biesse North America has scheduled three One2One Fall Events, including two in Canada and one at its North American headquarters in Charlotte. The events feature educational seminars and machining demonstrations. The fall schedule is as follows: Oct. 18-20 at Biesse Canada/Taurus Craco?s new showroom, Toronto, ON; Oct. 26-29 at Biesse Canada, Montreal, QUE; and Nov. 9-11 at Biesse America, Charlotte, NC. For more information, phone (704) 625-1020 or visit biesseusa.com.

8/14/07

MILAN, ITALY -- The organizers of Xylexpo/Sasmil have entered into an agreement for the biennial woodworking and supply show to be held at the Fiera Milano in Rho in 2007, 2009 and 2011. According to the agreement, there will be several initiatives in terms of promotion, management and organization in order to offer higher visibility to Xylexpo/Sasmil.

ATLANTA -- Planit Solutions Inc. of Tuscaloosa, AL, unveiled a new industry partnership program during the International Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Supply Fair last month. It was developed to build and promote cost-effective and comprehensive product and service solutions to the woodworking market. Initial partners include Pattern Systems International of Mt.

WINCHESTER, VA -- American Woodmark Corp. reported net sales of $222.75 million, an increase of 3%, for the first quarter of fiscal year 2007 ended July 31. Looking ahead to the second fiscal quarter of 2007, the company said it continues to expect a mixed environment for remodeling and new construction demand that will support sales growth of 1% to 5% over the prior year.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Hekman Furniture Co., a manufacturer of high-end residential furnishings, announced it will shut down production in Grand Rapids. The move will eliminate about 60 jobs, according to the Kalamzoo Gazette. The paper quoted Hekman President Dan Masters as saying, ?As our business has been flat and we?ve gotten more of a reaction from our imported-designed product, the value relationship from offshore is greater than what we can produce in Grand Rapids.