China-based forestry and flooring manufacturer Sino-Forest, says it found no evidence of fraud after it an internal study conducted by it board. In September analyst Muddy Waters called the firm a "Ponzi scheme."

German cabinetry and hardware firm Vauth-Sagel named Dirk Eiynck to head product management and marketing, a newly created position. Vauth-Sagel is represented in the U.S. by Fulterer.

HOQUIAM, WA -- Hoquiam Plywood shut down operations recently putting about 100 people out of work.

Speaking out against proposed changes to the Lacy Act, and calling the current rule “good for American business,” a coalition of wood industry and environmental representatives voiced their continued support for the environmental legislation in a teleconference call held Wednesday.

OTTAWA, ON -- The pace of Canadian new home construction dipped ever-so-slightly in October, still staying above the 200,000 level.

MUSCATINE, IA -- HNI Corporation (NYSE: HNI), a leader in office furniture, announced its entry into educational furniture through the acquisition of Sagus International Inc. for an undisclosed amount of cash.

CRESCO, IA -- A Monday night fire destroyed a warehouse and dry kiln at SMI Co., a manufacturer of wooden pallets.

Ronald Weber has been appointed the new chairman of the Management Board at Grass GmbH, effective Nov. 15. Weber has been working in various divisions of the Würth Group, owners of Grass, for 17 years.

Eumabois, a federation of 14 European woodworking associations, paid tribute to Fulvia Scherini on her retirement.

The Planning and Visual Education Partnership (PAVE) has selected the top 12 projects for the 2011-2012 PAVE the Way 3D Design Challenge, sponsored by B+N Industries. The contest drew 190 entries from 10 countries.