Photo courtesy of Mark Richey

Wily woodworkers: Positioning is an important part of a firm’s business strategy. Carving out core business identity can separate a company from its competitors.

Top Strategies

L.L. Johnson Lumber Mfg. Co., Charlotte, MI Last year’s competitive moves included delivery trucks and employee training. For 2010 planning, additional equipment and added warehouse space are being reviewed. Harman Joinery Co., Joshua, TX Owner Max Harman reports 10 percent growth at his firm, which manufactures and installs high end cabinetry, mouldings, entry and interior doors. New equipment, including a high-end sander may be added. Stanton & Stanton Inc., Sylva, NC President Charles Stanton eyes hardwood purchasing efficiency as one of the strategies for increasing profitability at the architectural woodwork company. “We see it is going to be harder to purchase as demand goes up and supply as been cut.” A gang ripsaw, CNC and moulder may be added to help increase productivity.

Mark Richey Woodworking

, Newburyport, MA, says positioning with its technical competency helped it win an Inventor award for expert use of Autodesk Inventor software in developing precision millwork for the 1,600-seat Helzberg Hall, home of the Kansas City Symphony.

The software “preflighted” fabrication and installation of the acoustically demanding wood interior (shown), ensuring wood parts aligned perfectly. “Creating digital prototypes of the various wooden elements allowed us to identify and fix problems ahead of time, before we’d cut a single piece of wood,” says Ritch Winokur, engineering manager.

Mark Richey Woodworking is certified as a Minority/Woman-Owned Business Enterprise by the State of Massachusetts. (Read more.)