Wood industry steps up as Hurricane Helene's affects are still felt

A local news station is reporting on the devastation from Hurricane Helene. At last report, 12 people had died in Black Mountain.

Photo By ABC News 4 screenshot

Hurricane Helene and its aftermath have devastated communities throughout Western North Carolina and communities in other states. Latest estimates have the death toll at more than 160 men and women — a number sure to rise as hundreds are reported missing. The furniture, lumber, and cabinet industries are not immune to these effects.

Woodworking Network has reached out to more than a dozen small and mid-sized shops throughout communities such as Asheville, Black Mountain, Canton, Hiddenite, and other area towns — particularly hard-hit areas — but as power, internet and cell service is out or limited at best, few of these local companies have answered their phones or returned phone calls. Those that have responded have reported outages, minor damage, and even supply shortages.

Gregory Paolini of Gregory Paolini Design, LLC, in Canton, North Carolina, a professional woodshop that creates custom cabinetry, closets, and built-ins, says, "Everyone here is healthy. Widespread power, phone, and internet outages — and fuel is scarce. But my staff is all accounted for. A bit crippled, but work is slowly resuming."

The hurricane's effect has been with companies as far away as Statesville, North Carolina, reporting at least some damage from the heavy rains, flooding, and high winds.

A spokesperson for Dura Supreme, which has a factory in Statesville reported minor damage from the storm. The wood products industry is stepping up in a big way. Innovations Cabinetry in Tampa, Florida, for example, is reaching out to cabinet makers and wood products makers in these devastated areas with offers to help.

"The Innovation Cabinetry team is keeping you and your families in our thoughts and prayers," a spokesperson said. "Let’s all take a moment to remember those that were severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. The Innovation Cabinetry team is committed to helping our community and our neighbors recover from the devastation. Innovation Cabinetry is here for you and the community as we rebuild our homes and lives together."

Hardwood plywood manufacturing company Columbia Forest Products' Old Fort mill in Old Fort, North Carolina, which is about 10 minutes from Black Mountain and 30 minutes from Asheville, is currently down due to power outages in the area. First reports indicate some damage due to flood waters. 

The company said it is rallying to support its employee-owners in the Western North Carolina region who are struggling with the effects of Hurricane Helene, the destruction of their homes and property, and the lack of power, water, and cell service.

"We’re in the early stages of gaining information about our team members — our immediate focus — and we are organizing food and water deliveries starting today out of Greensboro," a spokesperson said.

Asheville-based The American Chestnut Foundation, an organization dedicated to restoring chestnut populations said that more than 20 inches of rain fell from Friday into Saturday. "Currently, most of the staff are without power, water, and very limited mobile phone access," says William C. Pitt, president and CEO of The American Chestnut Foundation. "At this time, all staff are safe. Power companies think it will take an entire week or longer to restore power to most areas. Areas around Meadowview were also affected but to a lesser extent."

"The American Chestnut Foundation is discussing what it will take to resume normal operations in Asheville and what we can do to help staff recover personally," says Pitt. "We will let you know if we find additional ways for members and volunteers to help in the recovery and we welcome any ideas you may have." 

In the meantime, here is a list of ways to donate and help flood victims in North Carolina.

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Larry Adams | Editor

Larry Adams is a Chicago-based writer and editor who writes about how things get done. A former wire service and community newspaper reporter, Larry is an award-winning writer with more than three decades of experience. In addition to writing about woodworking, he has covered science, metrology, metalworking, industrial design, quality control, imaging, Swiss and micromanufacturing . He was previously a Tabbie Award winner for his coverage of nano-based coatings technology for the automotive industry. Larry volunteers for the historic preservation group, the Kalo Foundation/Ianelli Studios, and the science-based group, Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST).

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Dakota Smith is an undergraduate student at New Jersey City University studying English and Creative Writing. He is a writer at heart, and a cook by trade. His career goal is to become an author. At Woodworking Network, Dakota is an editorial intern, ready to dive into the world of woods and words.