NEW ALBANY, MS — Furniture importer Emerald Home Furnishings is investing more than $2 million to open its first U.S.. furniture manufacturing plant, creating 150 jobs. Located in New Albany, MS, the production facility is the site of a former Hickory Springs plant.

BOSTON -  One of the top U.S. woodworking and craftsman schools had a surprising guest speaker for its graduation last week. Television personality Nick Offerman. While famed for his role as Ron Swanson, shop program director in "Parks & Recreation" show, Offerman is much loved by woodworkers who know him as the owner of Offerman Woodshop, a  real woodworking enterprise in Los Angeles.

Biesse Group celebrated the grand opening of its West Coast USA showroom and service center in Anaheim, CA, providing more support for customers in the region.

EVERGREEN, CO - 1stWEST Mergers & Acquisitions says its has expanded its footprint in the lumber and building materials sector with the appointment of a  John D. Wagner as a Managing Director, according to Ted Rieple, founder.“The lumber and building materials sector has seen an impressive number of merger and acquisition transactions, as the housing industry continues its recovery. JJohn will use his extensive contacts to raise awareness of 1stWEST M&A for buyers and sellers.” 

 EAST GREENVILLE, PA - Business furnishings company Knoll, Inc.  named Joseph T. Coppola as Chief Operating Officer, effective June 1.

Georgetown, ON – Olon Industries has acquired Carolina Drawers Inc. based in Lexington, NC.  Carolina Drawers is a manufacturer of solid wood and plywood drawers for the US kitchen & bath cabinet and furniture industries.Olon, a manufacturer of mouldings, drawers and components for the cabinet making and furniture industry, says the timing of the acquisition is key, and that it continues Olon’s strategy to strengthen its U.S. manufacturing presence and expand its product lines.

BONITA SPRINGS, FL - Business is improving, albeit slowly, for the composite panel industry. The news set the tone for the Composite Panel Association's spring annual meeting, which saw its highest attendance since 2007. More than 280 people, representing 118 woodworking firms and related organizations, converged on Bonita Springs, Florida, May 31-June 3 for the event.

BONITA SPRINGS, FL - The 2015 Composite Panel Association Spring Meeting, which began Sunday here in Bonita Springs, FL, takes place among an improving business climate and buoyant economic reports for housing, construction and remodeling.CPA marketing manager Allyson O’Sullivan says it is the gathering's  highest attendance since 2007.  The CPA membership includes 173 companies from 3M to Valspar, Willamette and Wilsonart.