ATLANTA --The International Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Supply Fair-USA (IWF), the largest woodworking technology trade show in the Western hemisphere, is on pace to set new records for exhibit sales for the 2008 show.

MARTINSVILLE, VA – Hooker Furniture reported sales of $77.3 million for its first quarter ended April 29, a 15% decline from the same period of one year before. The company’s net earnings of $4.3 million for the first quarter represented a 26% drop from the first quarter of last year. The company closed its last domestic wood furniture plant in March.

HIGH POINT – Ashley Manor Furniture announced it will close its high-end upholstery plant effective July 1. According to the Greensboro News & Record, the plant’s closing will affect 26 employees. Richard Miller, who has served as president of Ashley Manor for 35 years, told the News & Record that his company could not compete with lower-cost imported products.

Difasa's Vestidor-Wengue closet series 

MORRISON, TN – Accu-Router Inc. has initiated a machine remanufacturing program.  The company said older CNC routers are completely remodeled using the original steel weldments with all new mechanicals and electronics, including a new CNC control and spindle. For more information, phone (800) 239-5778 or visit www.accu-router.com.  

CHARLOTTE, NC – Biesse America announced the appointment of Matteo Ciaschini as a service coordinator for the company’s office in Terrebonne, QUE. His responsibilities will include technical management of customer support requirements and performing other duties related to providing service for Biesse customers.

DES PLAINES, IL – The National Association of the Remodeling Industry recently launched a new Web site: www.nari.org (also www.remodeltoday.com). It features a fresher, more contemporary appearance, speedier member search functions and improved access to resources and ideas for members and consumers.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SA International, a provider of software for the professional sign making, digital printing, proofing and CAD/CAM for CNC manufacturing industries, promoted Eyal Friedman to vice president of technical services. In this position, Friedman will continue to be responsible for the technical support, professional services and quality assurance departments.

UNION CITY, CA – QuickScrews International Inc. will mark its 20th year in business on July 20. The company was founded in 1987 by Greg Wiener in his garage in San Mateo, CA, as a supplier of miscellaneous supplies to Northern California cabinet and wood products manufacturers.

MONROE, MI – La-Z-Boy reported fourth-quarter sales of $406.9 million, a 9.4% decline from the same period last year. For the full year ended April 28, 2007, net sales were $1.62 billion, down 4.6% from the prior year.