Canada's Unifor union says it filed complaints against Gingrich Woodcraft, alleging the Devlin, Ontario wood components manufacturer is engaging in a lock out to keep its workers from forming a union. Leon Gingrich closed his firm August 17 following an August 12 voted by 69 percent of the company's 25 employees that resulted voting to unionize. A hearing is scheduled for Monday, August 24.

Lumber Liquidators could win as the California Air Resources Board changes its laminating panel formaldehyde testing recommendations, says an analyst at Seeking Alpha. Also watching what's happening to lumber futures pricing as China's building market and its leaders try to avoid having the economy shift into reverse. And what about Gingrich Woodcraft's decision to fire everyone and close down after workers voted to unionize?

TACOMA, WA - Composite panel manufacturer KML Designer Finishes announced Molly Fiebiger has joined the company. A graduate of UC Davis with a degree in Architecture/Design, Fiebiger loves design in its many facets, but finds she's most interested in interior architecture, “whether it’s residential, commercial, or industrial, relishing everything from floor plans to cabinetry, furniture, lighting, and more." 

A pilot production plant for wood-plastic composites in Ulyanovsk, Russian will make pellets incorporating hard plastic, designed for furniture part production and other composite wood products. The higher strength, elasticity and moisture resistance, UV-stabilized and decay-resistant: packaging, construction and furniture parts, along with elements of construction formwork

Cabinetry manufacturer American Woodmark Corporation first quarter sales increased 9% to $231.2 million, with growth in both the dealer and new construction channels during the first quarter of fiscal year 2016. Amerian Woodmark says 45 percent of its sales are from Lowe's and The Home Depot.

Masonite International Corporation (NYSE: DOOR) completed the acquisition of National Hickman, the UK-based supplier of doorkits (similar to fully finished prehung door units) and other millwork; and Performance Doorset Solutions Limited, a supplier of custom doors and millwork in the United Kingdom. Earnings were hit by foreign exchange.

Matt Krig, Northland Woodworks in Blaine, MN, was re-elected as president of the Cabinet Makers Assocation for the 2015-16 year, following its annual election for the organization’s board. Other offers were re-elected, while Keith Smith joins the CMA board.

Woodworking supplies retailer Rockler Companies is opening another large store, this time in Rocklin, CA, near Sacramento. The 8,000 square foot store is expected to open in October.

Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) updated its LowesForPros.com professional website. Through the upgraded site, Pro customers can make and track purchases of more than 500,000 items using a computer, tablet or smartphone and can choose to buy online and pick-up in-store or have orders delivered directly to their business or jobsite.

A prominent wood components firm has closed up operations following a vote by its employees to unionize. In an e-mail this morning to customers, Leon Gingrich, president of Gingrich Woodcraft Inc., said his privately held business will cease operations.