U.S. hardwood lumber exports rose 20 percent in the first two months of 2011. A total 92 million board feet was shipped in February 2011, 8 percent above February 2010 levels, report editors at Hardwood Review.

The first laserTec Homag edgebander in the U.S. has been sold to Fred Smith Store Fixtures, Depauw, IN. Stiles Machinery, distributor of the system, says it has also sold two other laserTec edgebanders into a business furnishings and case goods manufacturer.

Shipper Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. says one of its container ships from Japan filled with furniture and other goods was found to have high radiation levels by Chinese authorities on March 22 and was refused permission to unload.

Twenty-one states have moved to curb "prevailing wage" rules that require payment of skilled labor, including carpenters, at higher scale generally accorded union workers, when working on publicly funded projects,

The wood machinery firms have been in business for 25 and 60 years, respectively.

Armstrong Cabinet Products, a division of Armstrong World Industries Inc., has been named a Silver Preferred Vendor by Norandex Building Materials Distribution Inc.

WINSTON-SALEM, NC -- Smith Phillips Building Supply COO Chris Yenrick has been recognized as the “Grassroots Dealer of the Year” by the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA).

The wood adhesives firm will take on the Liquamelt adhesive system.

Furniture manufacturer and retailer Home Line Furniture Industries, Philadelphia, announced it would close. CEO Bret Venekoff declined to outline the reasons for the shutdown. When asked how long the process will take, Venekoff said, "I don't know." Earlier this month, a logistics firm lodged a $750,000 suit (a copy is attached) against Home Line.

Oshkosh Designs President Brenda Kubasta has acquired the brand and assets of the decorative flooring company.