Amanda Conger, executive director of the Cabinet Makers Association (CMA), says the biggest trend is zero-edge edgebanding as manufacturers are adopting the technology to meet customer demand even in small- and medium-sized shops. 

Conger says the biggest challenge is finding qualified workers in general, not just skilled workers, as it is difficult for manufacturers to find, train, and attain them. To address this, she suggests education and awareness for those who may not know about the woodworking industry as an option.

She explains how manufacturers have been turning to automation and robotics not to replace employees, but because they can't get the employees to begin with.