SOPERTON, GA -- Range Fuels Inc.'s factory, intended to produce ethanol from wood chips to help decrease U.S. dependence on foreign oil, is being forced to liquidate its assets after defaulting on a government loan.

Oil giant ConocoPhillips and Enviva, a processor of wood and other biomass fuels, formed a joint venture to operate a new company, ECo Biomass Technologies, which will bring torrefied wood fuels to market.

The wood industry lead the way in the Institute for Supply Management's November survey of economic activity in 18 U.S. manufacturing sectors. Indicators in housing and employment also bode well for wood products.

Housing affordability is near its highest level in more than 20 years, according to the National Assn. of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI).

China increased its importation of wood chips in 2011, mainly from countries in Southeast Asia, in an effort to meet its growing need for wood fiber.

Custom wood turning firm Glacial Wood Products launched a new line of architectural millwork, with wood designs and accents for cabinet, furniture and woodworking projects.

The Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Assn. recently announced the hiring of Josh Hosen and Mike Axton to HPVA Laboratories.

Strategies for growing market shares, improving productivity and developing new business in the wood products market were presented Nov. 30 in a special webcast by Woodworking Network. The presentation is available on demand at WoodworkingNetwork.com/Webcasts.

When we tallied the votes, several custom woodworking projects tied in the People's Choice CWB Design Portfolio Awards. If you haven't voted, now's your chance! Polls are re-opened until December 5. Winners will be announced online December 14.