MaterialsXchange (MX), a digital marketplace to buy and sell lumber, panels, and other building material (LBM) products, has announced its new e-commerce platform.

The U.S. manufacturing downturn deepened in January, fueled by a further pullback in orders and factory production. Of the 15 industries tracked, Wood products contracted the most while furniture was the fourth-ranked industry in terms of contraction. The Institute for Supply Management’s gauge of factory activity fell for a fifth straight month in January to 47.4, the weakest since May 2020. Readings below 50 indicate contraction.

As we start 2023, here are our 2023 kitchen and bath trend predictions. A significant influencer for these trend predictions comes from styles and items of the past, as many homeowners are seeking sentimental, familiar, and comfortable items. The 2023 kitchen and bath trends can be summarized as Nostalgic, Unique, Collected, and Natural.

Burke Architectural Millwork (BAM)/Bespoke Closets & Organized Spaces has been named the recipient of a 2023 Going Pro Talent Fund grant by the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) and the State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service will offer $41 million through the 2023 Wood Innovations Grant and 2023 Community Wood Grant programs to spark innovation and create new markets for wood products and renewable wood energy. Made possible in part by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, these grants expand wood product use and strengthen emerging wood energy markets, supporting sustainable forest management – particularly in areas of high wildfire risk.

MasterBrand Cabinets’ facility in Lexington is one of four Triad, North Carolina-based companies to sponsor a new training partnership.

OSHA has revised its National Emphasis Program on combustible dust to include cut stock, resawing lumber and planing.

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Lumber Coalition voiced its support for the latest preliminary determination by the U.S. Department of Commerce calling for a combined anti-subsidy and anti-dumping duty rate of 8.24% on Canadian softwood lumber imports. 

Wood Mode facility is expected to be back at full operation this week after surviving a computer virus.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Nexis3 and Olon Industries have teamed up to produce a premium painted cabinet door alternative. Olon makes a matte material called VelourTouch that is available as a laminated panel and profile wrap. The company describes it as having a smooth finish that resists scratches and fingerprints and competes directly against painted wood – at a fraction of the price.