Wood Ed, a woodworking machinery virtual reality training system, is being distributed in North America by Taurus Craco Machinery. Developed by Mimbus, the training system provides a safe yet realistic approximation of woodworking machinery for training new equipment users. It will be shown November 5-7 at thre WMS 2015 show in Toronto.

The largest wood industry event in Canada -- Woodworking Machinery & Supply Expo – is officially bigger and better than years past. More than 200 exhibiting companies and thousands of woodworkers will converge on the International Centre near Toronto November 5-7 for this important global industry event. A favorable US/Canadian exchange rate and awesome conference program makes it a good time for U.S. woodshops to to neighboring Canada.

This cool company custom manufactures solid wood speakers and A/V treatments with precision cutting automation technology. Sponsored Content

Extremely strong, new BauBuche laminated veneer lumber can carry heavier loads than softwood products.

Plans for WMS 2015, Canada’s largest event for the wood industry – the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference and Expo – are in full swing, with more than 125 exhibitors - including woodworking machinery, panel, hardware, and supplies - already committed to the show. WMS 2015 will be held November 5-7 at the International Centre in Mississauga, ON, just outside Toronto.

An anti-bacterial coating for granite and other stone has been developed by Antolini, a quarry and stone curator. Based in Italy with U.S. distributors, Antolini says it is the first to apply the treatment - which it brands as A Zerobact - to stone surfaces. Intended for food preparation areas, A Zerobact is available on its newest Signature Stone Collection, and has certifications from the US EPA, EU for Food Contact Safety, NSF for Food Contact Safety. A stamp of authenticity is applied to all slabs treated with A zerobact.

Doing your homework is key in developing a successful marketing strategy and getting your company’s brand before customers, whether as a franchise or independent firm. Community service efforts, improved digital marketing and participating in TV and local showcases are just some of the ways these wood product manufacturer stay in the forefront of customers’ minds.

Success depends on how well you get the word out to consumers about your products. Strategies such as contests and e-commerce are among those put in place by these WOOD 100 firms.

There’s no single recipe for developing a sound business plan. Keeping in mind that flexibility is key to formulating a winning strategy, some of the methods put in place by wood products companies include diversification of product lines, outsourcing, and conversely, insourcing. Read more profitable strategies.