Executive Outlook Series

Consultation helps develop the best product, says Northwest Hardwoods' Kevin McCalla

Kevin McCalla, vice president of strategic marketing at Northwest Hardwoods says that automation is the biggest trend and he does not expect it to diminish in the woodworking industry.

By Angel Kipfer, June 28, 2018 | 11:15 am CDT

Executive Outlook Series

Waterborne finishes have improved so much there is way less resistance to using

"Waterborne finishes are becoming the staple of the woodworking industry," says John Darroch, CEO and President of Apollo Sprayers. "There's way less resistance to waterborne finishes now."

By Harry Urban and Bill Esler, May 31, 2018 | 12:46 pm CDT

Executive Outlook Series

Festool disrupting woodshop technique and making cordless tools match corded

Leo Zirkler, Festool North America's VP Marketing, says his firm is radically altering how power tools work, and how they are used.

"We have always tried to introduce new, disruptive ways of woodworking compared to the traditional ways. One prime example is our Domino System, which has revolutionized joinery. Another example is the Conturo system, which has changed a way of edgebanding in the woodworking segment.

By Harry Urban and Bill Esler, May 23, 2018 | 10:56 am CDT

Executive Outlook Series

The future in coating is bright, says Michael Cash, president of Axalta Coating Systems

Michael Cash, president of Axalta Coating Systems, says the biggest trends he sees is in the demand of waterborne coatings; higher glosses; different colors, effects, and looks; and polyurethane chemistry.

By Harry Urban and Angel Kipfer, May 19, 2018 | 3:04 pm CDT

Executive Outlook Series

Integrating functional hardware into cabinetry design and manufacturing systems

The functional hardware business, there is growing demand among customers for integration to advanced designed and manufacturing technology is a growing demand, say Shawn Pressley, Marketing Manager for Salice America.

By Harry Urban and Bill Esler, May 13, 2018 | 1:37 pm CDT

Executive Outlook Series

As smart machines help deliver customized products, we still face worker shortages

Wood manufacturing firms are adopting smart machinery that communicates and customizes orders, but a worker shortage remains a problem.

By Harry Urban and Bill Esler, May 8, 2018 | 12:46 pm CDT

Executive Outlook Series

Following trends will ensure future of employees, says Willow Creek's David Spencer

Facing the challenge of finding skilled labor, David Spencer, president of Willow Creek Tool asks the question of how to educate employees and give them a future in the industry.

By Harry Urban and Angel Kipfer, May 5, 2018 | 1:41 pm CDT

Executive Outlook Series

Automation integrates with industry in response to labor shortage: CMA's Amanda Conger

Amanda Conger, executive director of the Cabinet Makers Association (CMA), says the biggest trend is zero-edge edgebanding as manufacturers are adopting the technology to meet customer demand even in small- and medium-sized shops.

By Harry Urban and Angel Kipfer, May 5, 2018 | 12:30 pm CDT

Executive Outlook Series

Following the technology trend to meet customer demand: Shawn Pressley, Salice

Shawn Pressley, marketing manager for Salice, says the hardware industry has seen advancements in techology and a rise in the demand for its use.

By Harry Urban and Angel Kipfer, May 4, 2018 | 5:45 pm CDT

Executive Outlook Series