MILAN -- Recovery in the Italian woodworking industry recorded an abrupt slowdown in the April-June 2011 period, with rates closer to 2010 rather than the positive start of 2011, according to Acimall, the Italian woodworking machinery association.

CARTHAGE, MO -- Diversified manufacturer Leggett & Platt, whose holdings include furniture hardware and store fixture manufacturing, reported second quarter 2011 sales of $945 million, up 8% versus the prior year.

MarketCraft, a Newberg, OR manufacturer of wood and mixed-material store displays, signage and custom interior components, has begun production on the first U.S. Cojet heavy duty industrial inkjet printer.

TORONTO -- Wood & Panel USA, a digital magazine that reaches approximately 30,000 wood products professionals in the U.S. and Canada, is partnering with organizers of the Wood Machinery & Supply Expo (WMS).

The wood-focused show is hosted by Tommy Mac.

DAVELUYVILLE, QC -- Doucet Machineries Inc., a manufacturer of conveyors, fingerjointers, cross cut saws and woodworking equipment, named Mark Sitz as territory sales manager for the southern United States.

WASHINGTON -- Ross Stores is recalling some 1,200 Acacia wood chairs because they pose a tip-over hazard.

Furniture Brands International (NYSE: FBN), investing in SAP computer systems and off shore manufacturing, said sales rose $296.2 million, an increase of 2.3% versus the second quarter of 2010, but its net loss increased to $6.6 million.

Two separate reports of safety violations lodged by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration against a pair of wood products companies were among the most viewed stories on Woodworking Network between July 29 and August 3.

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA -- IKEA, an international manufacturer and retailer of wood furniture and home products, is issuing its 2012 catalog in the United States.