MANHEIM, Pa. — With a legacy rooted in its namesake forests, Pennsylvania has long been a timber titan. Today, this rich heritage fuels the innovation showcased at Wood Pro Expo Lancaster.

Pennsylvania is the only state named for its forest. When the colony was founded in 1681 by William Penn, he chose to name it in honor of his father, a naval admiral, and tacked on Sylvania, Latin for forestland.

The Keystone State has more than 16,6 million acres of forestland and is the most abundant source of hardwoods in the nation. More than 69% of Pennsylvania's forestland is privately owned.

Not surprisingly, Pennsylvania forest products are a key component of the state’s economy. According to a 2018 study conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Team Pennsylvania, the industry has $21.5 billion in direct economic impact and $36 billion in indirect impact on the state’s economy. More than 65,000 Pennsylvanians — 10% of the state’s manufacturing workforce — are employed in the forest products industry.

Pennsylvania hardwoods are prized by wood products manufacturers around the globe for their quality, beauty, and variety. The state’s northern climate and shorter growing season translates into tighter growth rings making for lumber that is less likely to warp and twist after proper kiln drying.

More than 100 species of trees grow in Pennsylvania’s forest. The most sought-after species by furniture and cabinet makers include black cherry, red oak, white oak, hard maple, white ash, and walnut.

Sources of Pennsylvania hardwoods will be well represented on the Wood Pro Expo Lancaster exhibit floor including:

Alan McIlvan Company, booth #303
Baillie Lumber, booth #118
End Grain Designs & Reclaimed Lumber, booth #301
Landmark Lumber Group, booth #265
Lewis Lumber, booth #106
O'Shea Lumber, booth #221
Rossi Lumber, booth #320

Each of the two days of the woodworking show is augmented by a conference. 

View Wood Pro Expo Lancaster schedule.

About Wood Pro Expo Lancaster  
Wood Pro Expo is a regional event for woodworking businesses that brings together suppliers and experts for a localized presentation of equipment and supply solutions. WPE includes a strong educational program on best practices for shop production and business management. The expo features a wide variety of industrial woodworking equipment and supplies mainly geared to small and medium-sized shops. The 2024 edition of Wood Pro Expo Lancaster takes place Oct. 24-25 at the Spooky Nook Sports/Warehouse Hotel at the Nook in Manheim (Lancaster County), Pa. 

To learn more about Wood Pro Expo Lancaster exhibiting opportunities, including the Running Machine Program, Classic Machine Pavilion, and more, contact Lewis Goldman at [email protected] or 800-969-2212.

Visit woodproexpolancaster.com. 

More Woodworking Network events
Closets Conference & Expo / Wood Pro Expo Florida, June 11-13, 2025, Palm Beach County Convention Center, West Palm Beach, Fla.

Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo (WMS), Nov. 12-14, 2025, Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto, Ontario.