The largest wood industry event in Canada -- Woodworking Machinery & Supply Expo – is officially bigger and better than years past. More than 200 exhibiting companies and thousands of woodworkers will converge on the International Centre near Toronto November 5-7 for this important global industry event. A favorable US/Canadian exchange rate and awesome conference program makes it a good time for U.S. woodshops to to neighboring Canada.

IKEA, which has been researching the tiny home movement, may be nearing launch of a movable system of sliding room divider panels. Products, which would likely use sliding hardware, are aimed at rapid repurposing of living quarters in multi-unit homes, where square footage in apartments and condominiums continues to decline.

Closet & Storage Concepts and More Space Place, two home storage franchises which joined following a 2013 acquisition, announced three new franchises. The newly-aligned brands gained momentum in 2014, and both national franchise brands forecast continued growth, says CEO Bob Lewis.

National lumber processor Conner Industries, Inc. named Mike Hans as president of its Lumber Division. Conner provides industrial wood products and services to the industrial and materials handling industries, supplying cut lumber (softwoods, hardwoods, and panel woods) needed for pallet, crate and skid parts, and fully assembled products, such as pallets, crates, skids and industrial containers. C

Kevin Mautino has joined Laguna Tools, Inc. as director of marketing, reporting to VP Catherine Helshoj.

A European technology tour is being planned by the Wood Component Manufacturers Association in conjunction with Weinig and Biesse America. The all-inclusive tour to Germany and Italy is scheduled to take place March 13-19.

The US Hardwood Lumber Industrial Coalition is again calling into question the need for a Hardwood Checkoff Program, claiming the latest round of revisions would generate revenues of less than $2 million, an amount smaller than that claimed by the program's proponents and far below the $10 million sought in the original proposal.

At its annual fall meeting, the Wood Component Manufacturers Association announced its slate of officers for the new term. The WCMA Fall Conference and Plant Tour Event was held September 20-22 in Sherbrooke, QC.

Hooker Furniture reported a 73% net income gain this month, totalling $3.9 million, as sales in its second quarter rose to $60 million - up over 9 percent. Conversion of an enterprise resource planning system at the Sam Moore Upholstery Division adversly affected results.

Jeld-Wen says its recent acquisition of Aneeta window systems in Australia strengthens its global product portfolio. The window eliminates the sash, creating a full glass field on horizontal and vertical opening windows. The deal follows the August acquisition of Dooria, a 200-employee Norwegian door manufacturer.