New orders for residential furniture increased 4 percent in July compared to a year earlier, according to the latest survey of manufacturers and distributors by High Point accounting and consulting firm Smith Leonard.

Custom cabinetmaker Choice Cabinetry LLC exposed employees to methylene chloride, a known carcinogen, as well as other safety and health hazards, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA), the national trade association for those who make machinery, cutting tools and supplies for the woodworking industry, has announced the approval by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) of a new standard developed by the Accredited Standards Committee 01(ASCO1).

A female beetle decoy may soon rid the United States of the destructive emerald ash borer. Male beetles land on the female ash borer decoy in an attempt to mate and are instead electrocuted by a high-voltage current.

Canfor Corp. continues its acquisition spree of U.S. lumber firms with the purchase of Southern Lumber Co.'s operating assets.The $48.7 million purchase is expected to be completed by the end of first quarter 2015.

Arauco subsidiary Flakeboard's plan to purchase three SierraPine panel mills has been called off. Arauco and SierraPine mutually agreed to terminate the asset purchase agreement "due to certain objections by the U.S. Department of Justice."

WoodCrafters and MasterBrand Cabinets' parent Fortune Brands Home & Security, Inc. (NYSE: FBHS) will repurchase $250 million in shares of its common stock. Yesterday competitor Masco announced it would buy back 50 million of its shares.

H3D Tool Corp. announced it has moved its Southern operations to a new location, in Connelly Springs, NC.