Wood manufacturing businesses that hung on through the housing downturn may have expected better of the recovery. But the travails of 900-employee Cardell Cabinetry, which closed without warning on Sept. 9; and of Thomasville-parent Furniture Brands International, which declared bankruptcy the same day, are reminders that a number of businesses still face challenges.

Furniture Brands, assembled from many independent firms it acquired over the years, has struggled to establish a coherent manufacturing scenarious and to integrate computer systems. In fact, it announced it had abanced a $3 million investment in an enterprise-wide computer implementation.

Cardell Cabinetry found an infusion of cash in 2010 from H.I.G. Capital provided liquidity for the company to survive the downturn. But clearly there were some operational problems, as the OSHA citations and fines over combustible dust last month indicate, as well as sudden shut down. The Cardell Cabinetry story is the most widely read ever published at WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Here are the wood industry's most viewed reports last week:

Cardell Cabinetry Out of Business By Karen Koenig |  Posted: 09/10/2013 11:00AM Cardell Cabinetry, target of OSHA complaints, has closed its doors without warning, leaving some 900 workers unemployed. Founded by Bill Tidwell, H.I.G. Capital is now a major equity partner.
Thomasville Parent Furniture Brands Files for Bankruptcy By Bill Esler | Posted: 09/10/2013 9:05AM Thomasville, Henredon, Lane, Broyhill and other brands affected; Oaktree Capital signs asset purchase agreement and provides $140 million in debtor-in-possession financing.
Aging Metal Hardware Like a Man By Scott Wunder Posted: 08/27/2013 1:20PM Rusty metal is a very desirable finish in these days of worn, industrial, antique, distressed furniture. I have developed a technique for burning and finishing metal hardware to make it look very old.
The Walnut Log That Sunk an 1856 Lumber Boat By Michaelle Bradford | Posted: September 5, 2013 - 10:04 AM A walnut log sunk the Steamboat Arabia on the Missouri River in 1856 losing 200 tons of cargo including, 20,000 feet of lumber, hardware, a sawmill and pre-fab housing. How did it end up buried in a corn field.
Wood Battery: Get Charged! By Karen Koenig | Posted: September 4, 2013 - 8:46 PM A team of engineers at the University of Maryland have developed a battery made from a sliver of wood coated with tin
Tafisa Panel Plant Rail Line On Track To Be Rebuilt By Bill Esler | Posted: September 8, 2013 - 8:47 PM Panel manufacturer Tafisa says the rail line to its plant in Lac-Mégantic will be operational by year end. The spur line serving its giant melamine plant, which handled 60 cars weekly, was closed following a derailment and explosion in July.
The Right Wood Shop Tools Can Minimize Labor Costs By Corbin Clay Posted: 09/08/2013 1:01PM My career in woodworking began less traditionally, than most professionals in my trade. A job ad appeared in the newspaper for a wood shop employee. The next thing I knew, woodworking was the center of my life.
Kitchen Tune-Up Cabinet Refacers Adds 23 Franchise Sites at Sears Posted by Bill Esler | Posted: 09/04/2013 8:15PM Kitchen Tune-Up kitchen cabinet and bath refacing and remodeling franchise, opened 23 new locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware at Sears Home Appliance Showrooms & Hardware Stores.
Garages: Exotic Cars Get Revved-Up Home By Michaelle Bradford | Posted: September 3, 2013 - 11:53 AM Luxury garages, man-caves, take on a new look with the Exotic Car Garages at the Villas of Breighton, part of the New Jersey Motorsports Park.
Stunning Custom Architectural Millwork By Michaelle Bradford | Posted: September 3, 2013 - 3:30 PM Custom architectural millwork from D&L Wood Products encompasses the lobby and 12th floor amenities area of a high-end residential building located on Lake Shore Drive in downtown Chicago.

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