Hurricane Ian slammed into the coasts of Florida damaging and destroying homes, businesses and infrastructure.

While it is not certain how the wood products industry has fared as Hurricane Ian continues to pound the coasts, several plants large and small are in the path. A quick count found that 13 of the FDMC300 list of top companies have headquarters or manufacturing plants in the affected area. WoodworkingNetwork editors have begun the process of reaching out to these companies and other companies and facilities that are in danger. 

One such architectural millwork and cabinetry company is Periwinklers LLC in Tarpon Springs, Fla., near Tampa Bay. Lois Snyder, owner of the company, who said that they "lucked out."  

“I think my shop is without power, but that’s nothing,” said Snyder. “We were supposed to start a job on Captiva where the (Hurricane) eye went through. “We were set to receive $220,000 in materials there last week but the shipment was delayed!” she said. “I am thankful, but [have] no clue what follows."

Periwinklers is a member of the Cabinet Makers Association (CMA). Amanda Conger, executive director of the CMA, said that her association has several members in the area. She reached out to her members with an email statement.

“The extreme weather in Florida has affected the personal and business lives of many, including some CMA members,” wrote Conger. 

She told her members that they can help fellow cabinetmakers and woodworkers by offering to help member shops in the area with their production capabilities and perhaps even sourcing materials and equipment to get them back in business as quickly as possible. 

She told her members that they can help fellow cabinetmakers and woodworkers by offering to help member shops in the area with their production capabilities and perhaps even sourcing materials and equipment to get them back in business as quickly as possible. 

“So far,” she said, “the news we have from members is that their shops are okay but the employees' homes have been damaged. It’s tough because according to one, all the bridges and highways are closed and lots of cell towers are down.”

News reports confirm extensive damage to infrastructure damage. In that area, piers such as Ft. Meyers Pier, roads such as the one to Sanibel Island, and bridges have been damaged and in some cases destroyed.

Continue to return to WoodworkingNetwork.com for further images and updates on how Hurricane Ian has impacted the wood-products industry.