- Zapotec Indians in Mexico's Oaxaca province manufacture furniture from forests they conserve in this Yucatan area, and do so profitably. A New York Times article details the community managed forest, sawmill and furniture manufacturing operation, which employs 300 in production from the FSC-certified forest. Community forestry has thrived in Mexico, with as much as 80 percent of Mexican forests under local community control, and 60 businesses FSC certified for sustainable chain of custody.

Paul Fuge, CEO of FSC hardwood supplier Naturally Durable, Santa Fe, NM, visited the cooperative's furniture manufacturing plant when it opened in 2005. "This community has constructed a state of the art manufacturing plant in an excellent building full of precision production machinery," Fuge reported, noting the plant plant was 40 percent paid by Mexican Government and 60 percent by the community. "This plant is excellent from any standard and only needs good management to product world-class products." (Image courtesy Paul Fuge.)

Separately, auctioneer Glenn Winternitz is offering a manufacturing facility for sale in northern Mexico. Described by Winternitz as a "modern 250,000 square foot wood products manufacturing plant, on 120 acres of land," the operation is staffed with 150 employees. It began operations in 1992.  Plant capabilities include wood components, cabinettry parts, architectural doors and millwork, RTA furniture, cabinets, and institutional cabinetry and casework. "The parent is selling it as a going concern, including real estate, with optional order backlog and inventory," says Winternitz, who cannot divulge company names. Reach him at  (847) 804-3999.