Ryan Akhurst, vice president of Akhurst Machinery, was elected president of the Canadian Woodworking Machinery Distributors Association (CWMDA) during the organization’s recent annual general meeting.

Akhurst takes over for Murat Dogan, president of IMA-Schelling Canada. CWMDA members expressed their thanks and appreciation to Dogan for his dedication and work he did throughout his seven-year term.

Founded in 1988, the CWMDA was created to promote the sale of industrial woodworking machinery in Canada. Its nine member companies encompass the majority of those sales in the country, representing world-leading manufacturers and sharing the similar values in terms of professional advice, after-sales support and comprehensive warranty policies. 

The association is also known for creating and sponsoring Woodworking Technology Days (WTD) the annual event focusing on industrial and specialized machinery, automation plus related tooling, software and adhesives presentations. This year’s WTD event is scheduled for October 20-23 in the greater Toronto area.