The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cracked down on Kamps Inc., a manufacturer of wood pallets, issuing $101,000 in fines for alleged noise-related violations.

Management of New England Wood Pellet lashed out at the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, saying that statements in OSHA's April 27 new release announcing fines against the manufacturer were unfair.

Zenith Global Logistics has beefed up its truck fleet opened a new LTL (less than truckload) freight hub in Elkton, MD, to improve shipment of furniture in the Northeast.

Blu Homes Inc., manufacturer of green precision-built prefab homes, recently introduced garages and carports for its homes. Features include custom cabinetry and electric car outlets.

Armstrong World Industries Inc., a manufacturer of wood cabinets, floors and other building products, reported net income of $18.2 million for its first quarter ended March 31, up 34.8% from the first quarter of 2011.

The National Assn. of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI) remained flat for the first quarter of 2012, decreasing one point to 47 from the previously upward revision to 48 last quarter.

Gladiator GarageWorks, a division of Whirlpool Corp. and manufacturer of garage organizing products, recently revealed its new line of office furniture for large and small businesses.

Hooker Furniture appointed veteran sales representative Cowan to vice president-special accounts.

Wood industry execs gather in Delray Beach, FL this week for WIC 2012, the annual Wood Industry Conference, for strategy and networking sessions key to charting a course for the wood products industries now and in future years.