In the first significant change in construction employment levels since February, 26,000 jobs were added between August and September as the industry’s unemployment rate dropped to 13.3 percent, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.

Wood manufacturing plant opening news is arriving daily. The revival of U.S. furniture and other wood products manufacturing in particular is accompanied by expansion at supporting industries, including LTL less than truckload furniture shipping firms, wood industry logistics companies and manufacturers of wood production machinery.

SunBelt Furniture Xpress has broken ground on a 17,000 square foot expansion of its Hickory NC cross dock facility with expected completion in November; and took delivery on 30 new trailers..

OTTAWA ON — Canada's housihng industry smashed through the 200,000 new starts barrier in September, according to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Stiles Machinery says its open house last week drew big crowds for a view of the newest in Stiles Finishing Technologies.

IKEA's Swedwood wood furnishings manufacturing subsidiary will soon have a new local supplier in Danville, VA, as Axxor Group opens its first U.S. plant.

Upholstered furniture manufacturer Albany Industries will invest $2.5 million in a new operation in Galax, VA, creating 335 new jobs. The announcement was made today by Governor Bob McDonnell.

Flooring producer Shaw Industries, a Berkshire Hathaway unit that makes carpets, laminate and hardwood flooring, will close a Dalton GA carpeting plant, laying off 270.

Casadei-Busellato, supplier of woodworking industrial machinery for processing wood, plastic and non-ferrous metals, has moved its showroom and training facility to Concord, NC.

Furniture transport firms rush to expand. The closure of Furniture Transport Group has been followed by a flurry of expansions and acquisitions.