LEESBURG, VA - North American shipments of both composite panels and thermally fused melamine (TFM) were up to start the new year, according to the Composite Panel Association.

Blum says it is expanding U.S. manufacture of its functional cabinet and furniture hardware at its plant in Stanley, NC.

International Veneer Company president H. Tyler Howerton admitted in court his company smuggled 700 pallets of wood veneer sheets and three forklifts to Syria, and attempt shipments to Iran.

Lumber production dropped 6% and International Forest Products (Interfor) reported a net loss of $6.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Aaron's Inc. announced has elected Ronald W. Allen as president and CEO of the sales and lease ownership firm.

BATESVILLE,IN - Heartwood Manufacturing, a maker of custom wood and metal products, has expanded its capabilities with the addition of four new machines from Biesse America.

Components manufacturer and distributor Patrick Industries Inc. reported a 35 percent net sales increase, to $78.3 million for the fourth quarter fiscal ending Dec. 31.

Wood manufacturing plant investment and reorganization top reports again this week. Leggett & Platt consolidates a store fixtures plant; Dynamic Wood and Eastern Millwork expand.

A new contemporary furniture, lighting and design fair, DNA, will launch in September 2012 in Copenhagen.