National Hardwood Magazine - June 2024

Rooted in Excellence 

Quality. Sustainability. Relationships. 

Nestled amidst 

the natural beauty of 

the Uwharrie National Park 

and the Appalachian Mountains, 

our state-of-the-art technology delivers 

unparalleled hardwood products to domestic 

and global markets. 

lina 

e 1927 

66 

Growing Relationships Since 1958 

Lexington, North Carolina 

YEARS 

www.RealAmericanHardwood.com/industry 

KEPLEY-FRANK 

HARDWOOD CO., INC. 

336-746-5419 • www.kepleyfrank.us 

JUNE 2024 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 1

NO CURVES. 

When we pitch your business you can expect quick response, wide choice 

of species, cut options, on-time shipping, and the industry’s fairest pricing. 

No surprises. No kidding. No curves. 

WE’RE COLE. BATTER UP. 

HARDWOOD LUMBER FOR ALL YOUR HARDWOOD NEEDS 

Quotes: 800-536-3151 • Export: 574-753-3151 • colehardwood.com 


JUNE 2024 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE A

B JUNE 2024 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 

www.RealAmericanHardwood.com/industry



YEARS 










YEARS 


20 

24 

28 

30 

34 

38 

Contents 

National Hardwood Magazine JUNE 2024 Volume 98 No. 5 

Features & Industry Events 

Custom Hardwood Fireplace Mantels At 

The Mantel Shoppe 

Generational Shifts: 

The Future Of Cole Hardwood Inc. 

White Oak, Cherry Furniture 

Introductions Top High Point Market 

NWFA Expo Raises 

The Bar In New Orleans 

Another Record-Breaking Year For The 

Montreal Wood Convention 

CHB Wraps Up Another Spring Meeting; 

Sets Sights On October Gathering 

Departments 

40 

44 

46 

50 

Theme For Record-Breaking 59th Annual 

Meeting: “KFIA Makes Forestry Work” 

SWHMC Enjoys Festivities At Annual 

Crawfish Boil 

Expo Richmond Enjoys Attendance 

Growth Over Past Two Shows 

Crawfish And Music Served Up By 

Robinson Lumber 

27 

About The Cover 

Discover the legacy of the Kepley-Frank 

Hardwood Company. With over six decades 

in the industry, we’re pioneering evolution 


Quality. Sustainability. Relationships. in today’s dynamic domestic and global 

hardwood markets. Nestled between the 

Uwharrie National Park and the Appalachian 

foothills, Kepley-Frank uses advanced 

technology to deliver premium goods at 

competitive prices, ensuring swift and 

efficient distribution to U.S. clientele from the 

KEPLEY-FRANK 

66 66 HARDWOOD CO., INC. east coast to the west coast. 

Relationships are the heart of our company. 

We take pride in cultivating, nurturing, 

and enriching enduring partnerships with customers, landowners 

and our dedicated teammates. 

Through our state-of-the-art fan sheds, planning, and kepwood 

kiln drying facilities, we process 50 million board feet annually, 

demonstrating our commitment to excellence and efficiency. 

As we look towards the future, we are excited to build new collaborations, 

supply chain partnerships, and the opportunity to serve 

your hardwood needs from our meticulously curated and sustainable 

inventory within the U.S. 

Explore more at www.kepleyfrank.us and join us in shaping the 

future of fine hardwood craftsmanship. 

www.kepleyfrank.us 

Founded in 1927 by: O.L. Miller – 1894-1963 

Publisher: Paul J. Miller – 1963-2010 

• Forest Products Export Directory • Imported Wood Purchasing Guide 

• Import/Export Wood Purchasing News • Hardwood Purchasing Handbook 

• Green Books’s Hardwood Marketing Directory 

• Green Books’s Softwood Marketing Directory 

• The Softwood Forest Products Buyer 

Terry Miller – President 

Paul J. Miller Jr. – Co-owner 

Zach Miller – Sales Executive 

Chris Fehr – Sales Executive 

Sue Putnam – Editor 

Cadance Hanson – Staff Writer 

Jeremiah Hall – Staff Writer 

Lara Stearsman – Who’s Who Coordinator 

Felicia Phillips – Graphic Artist 

Camille Campbell – Graphic Artist 

Tammy Daugherty – Production Manager 

Jennifer Trentman – Green Book Market Sales 

Lisa Carpenter – Circulation Manager 

Lexi Hardin – Subscription & List Services 

ADVERTISING OFFICES: 

5175 Elmore Rd., Suite 23, Memphis, TN 38134 

901-372-8280 FAX: 901-373-6180 

Reach us via the Internet at: www.nationalhardwoodmag.com 

E-mail addresses: 

ADVERTISING: tammy@millerwoodtradepub.com 

EDITORIAL: editor@millerwoodtradepub.com 

SUBSCRIPTIONS: circ@millerwoodtradepub.com 

EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENTS: 

Chicago, Los Angeles, High Point, Grand Rapids, Portland, Toronto 

Controlled circulation postage paid at Memphis, TN 

(USPS #917-760) 

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6 Hardwood Calendar 

8 U.S.A. Trends 

10 Canadian Trends 

12 Industry News 

14 HMA Update 

16 AHEC Report 

18 NHLA: Why Knot... 

70 Who’s Who 

78 Classified Profit 

Opportunities 

80 Advertisers Index 

The NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE (ISSN 0194-0910) is published 

monthly, except for two issues in December, for $55.00 per year and 

$65.00 (U.S. dollars) per year for Canada by National Hardwood Magazine, Inc., 

5175 Elmore Rd., Suite 23, Memphis, TN 38134. Periodicals Postage paid at 

Memphis, TN, and at additional mailing offices. 

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to National Hardwood Magazine, 

P.O. Box 34908, Memphis, TN 38184. 

Publications mail agreement No. 40739074. 

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: 

P.O. Box 503, RPO W. Beaver Cre., Rich-Hill, ON L4B 4R6. 

The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject editorial 

content and Ads at the staff’s discretion. 

2 JUNE 2024 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE www.RealAmericanHardwood.com/industry 



ur industry has 

tories to tell. 

FOREST PRODUCTS 

EXPORT DIRECTORY 

TARGETING BUYERS AROUND THE GLOBE! 

91% Renewal Rate in the 48th Forest Products Export Directory 

*Denotes advertisers that have renewed 

**Denotes new advertisers 

*Abenaki Timber Corporation *J.D. Irving Limited *Ron Jones Hardwood Sales, Inc. 

*Ally Global Logistics LLC *JYS Hardwoods *Rossi Group 

*Almond Brothers Lumber Co. **Kamps Hardwoods *Roy Anderson Lumber Company, Inc. 

*Anderson-Tully Lumber Co. *King City / Northway Forwarding Ltd. *Salamanca Lumber Company, Inc. 

*Baillie Lumber Co. *Legacy Wood Products LLC *SFPA (Southern Forest Products Assoc.) 

*Bingaman & Son Lumber, Inc. Matson Lumber Company *Softwood Export Council 

*Cardin Forest Products, LLC *McClain Forest Products LLC *TMX Shipping Company, Inc. 

*Clark Lumber Co., Inc. *Merrick Hardwoods *Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods 

*Cole Hardwood, Inc. *Midwest Hardwood Company *Turman Forest Products 

SII 

*Crown Hardwood Co., Inc. *NELMA (Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Assoc.) *Two Rivers Timber Company, Inc. 

*Deer Park Lumber International *Nyle Dry Kilns *Vexco, Inc. 

*Devereaux Sawmill, Inc. *Parton Lumber Co., Inc. *Wagner Lumber Company 

*East Ohio Lumber Co. *Penn-Sylvan International, Inc. *Wheeland Lumber Co., Inc. 

*HHP, Inc. *Prime Lumber Company *WOODBOX 

e’re telling them. 

*Harold White Lumber Co. 

*Primewood 

*Hanafee Bros. Sawmill Co., Inc. 

*Quality Hardwoods Ltd. 

*Hermitage Hardwood Lumber Sales, Inc. 

*Ram Forrest Products 

“...the Most Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide for the International Buyer...” 

ontribute Now to Build Your World 



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Full Page Rate: $2,950 

Half Page Rate: $2,500 

Color Additional 

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JUNE 2024 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 5 

Real American Hardwood is a registered trademark, and Build Your World is a trademark of the Real American Hardwood Coalition. 



RealAmericanHardwood.com/industry 

DECEMBER 2023 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 9

HARDWOOD CALENDAR 

INDUSTRIES 

CONTROLS 

Wood Component Manufacturers Association, 2024 

Regional Plant Tour, Auburn, ME. www.wcma.com. June 3-4. 

NHLA Inspector Training School, scheduled at Associated 

Hardwoods, Granite Falls, NC. www.nhla.com. June 3-26. 

New England Lumbermen’s Association, Meeting, Utica, NY. 

For more information, contact Chris Castano at ccastano@ 

mainewoods.net. June 5. 

Penn-York Lumbermen’s Club, Meeting, Host: Ron Jones 

Hardwood Sales, Franklin, PA. www.pennyork.org. July 15. 

Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc., 2024 Summer 

Conference, The Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC. 

www.appalachianhardwood.org. July 20-23. 

JUNE 

JULY 

NHLA Inspector Training School, scheduled at Pennsylvania 

College of Technology, Montgomery, PA. www.nhla.com. 

June 10-Aug. 2. 

Penn-York Lumbermen’s Club, Meeting, Host: Tioga 

Hardwoods, Nichols, NY. www.pennyork.org. June 17. 

Kiln-Drying Hardwood Lumber Course, scheduled at NHLA 

headquarters, Memphis, TN. www.nhla.com. June 18-20. 

Lake States Lumber Association, Annual Golf Outing, 

Minocqua, WI. www.lsla.com. July 24-26. 

n 

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n In-house engineering department 

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n Simple easy to use touch 

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n Remote access for 

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n No custom electrical 

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n Industry JoeScan 

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n 3D data used for 

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Sales 


STEFAN DRACOBLY 

President Of 

Controls 

PAUL CLEEREMAN 

VP Cleereman 

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DAN TOOKE 

Senior Optimization 

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Cleereman Industries 

and Cleereman Controls 

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U.S.A. TRENDS 

Supplier news about 

sales, labor, prices, trends, 

expansions and inventories 

LAKE STATES 

NORTHEAST 

SOUTHEAST 

WEST COAST 

Across the Lake States region lumber sources varied, 

with one source stating that while his sales are average, 

it does depend heavily on which species is being sold. 

In Michigan a lumber spokesperson said that his sales 

were doing OK at the time of this writing. “We were doing 

well six months ago, but I think that we are going to be 

down this month,” he noted. “The demand just isn’t as 

strong for us as it has been over the past few months.” 

His company offers all domestic Hardwood species in 

mostly upper grades, with some No. 1 Common, and in 

thicknesses of 4/4 through 8/4. He mentioned that White 

Oak and Walnut are his company’s best-selling species. 

He mainly sells to cabinet and moulding manufacturers. 

He mentioned that his customers have not offered any 

comments as to how their sales have been recently. 

“We don’t have very many issues with transportation 

In the Northeast market, forest products industry 

contacts we spoke with all agreed that their business 

was steady but were split on whether they expect the 

market to improve or suffer over the next six months. 

Optimism about the health of the market can be credited 

to a steady growth in demand, while each industry 

professional we spoke with expressed concern about 

the availability of logs and certain lumber. 

White Oak, Walnut and Poplar are selling well, with 

other Hardwoods, such as Red Oak, experiencing a 

dip in popularity. Because of this demand, regional 

lumber yards reported a strong supply of Red Oak while 

anticipating a shortage of Walnut and green lumber over 

the next six months. 

“I think it’s better as far as customers wanting to buy 

lumber,” said a spokesperson from a Pennsylvania yard, 

Throughout the Southeast region lumber sources that 

were contacted, at the time of this writing, agreed that 

their sales are heavily dependent on the species being 

sold. 

In Louisiana a lumberman said that overall, his sales 

are tough. “It’s hard to make money on Red Oak right 

now, but of course White Oak is moving well.” He also 

noted that in order to supplement his sales he has 

started cutting Cypress and pine. 

When asked if he is doing better or worse than he was 

six months ago he said, “We are making it, but we are 

doing worse.” 

His company offers Red and White Oak in grades FAS, 

Nos. 1 and 2 Common and switch ties, with Red Oak 

available in thicknesses of 4/4 and 5/4 and White Oak 

available in 4/4, 5/4 and 6/4. He noted that they offer 

Hardwood suppliers on the West Coast mostly 

accounted for positive activity. One contact in California 

mentioned activity was back to pre-covid “normal” 

levels. “Our business along with our customers is back 

to a steady pace,” he explained. “The customers that we 

had that were steady are back to that pace and the ones 

that were sporadic are also back to normal,” he laughed. 

Handling all domestic Hardwoods in mostly 4/4 

through 8/4, the supplier said some items are offered in 

thicker stocks up to 12/4. “Our best moving item is 4/4 

Rift White Oak currently,” he said. “The slowest items we 

have are probably Ash and Cherry.” 

As for what he attributes to the improved market 

activity the contact said, “Los Angeles is a dynamic 

market and building is huge in this area right now.” He 

expects Hardwood activity to continue to improve in the 

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ONTARIO 

CANADIAN TRENDS 

News from suppliers about prices, trends, sales and inventories 

Contacts noted prices had risen for kiln-dried lumber 

as recently as March compared to a year ago for Basswood, 

Red Oak, and Hard and Soft Maple. The species 

that were reported to be doing well during early spring 

were Hard Maple, Soft Maple, White Oak and Walnut. 

Aspen, Basswood, Beech, and to a lesser extent Birch 

were said to not be performing as well. 

Lack of supply for certain species is driving demand for 

Soft and Hard Maple rather than a robust demand. Walnut 

and White Oak were said to have a solid consumer 

driven push. Thus, prices are rising for these species. 

Prices, meanwhile, are heading down noted contacts, 

for Aspen, Beech and Basswood. Cabinet manufacturers 

were utilizing MDF instead of Hardwoods, and not 

the only sector either reported to be using alternative 

materials. Industrial markets appear to be faring better. 

The pallet and container industry are absorbing cant 

production. 

Aspen sales are rather lackluster. Sawmills are not 

QUEBEC 

Heading into summer, businesses are busy ramping up 

their inventories for the anticipated season. There were 

concerns of lower log decks in late spring for certain areas, 

as well as along the U.S. border states, and also of 

potential lost production during that time. 

Some sawmill contacts stated getting Ash logs was 

a challenge at times, but for others Ash itself is moving 

well. Green and kiln-dried No. 1 Common and Better Ash 

is moving steadily. Concentration yards are purchasing 

fair volumes of green No. 2A to dry and resell to customers, 

but demand, they note, is not as strong as for No. 1 

Common and Better. 

The regionally important Hard Maple continues to be in 

steady demand both from sawmills and sales operations. 

No. 1 and 2 White and good colored Unselected Hard 

Maple are readily moving. Some report having ample 

inventories and so are controlling purchases. For mills, 

there are ample outlets to ship the lumber. 

Demand for Soft Maple is making it hard for mills and 

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INDUSTRY NEWS 

AN UPDATE COVERING THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT 

HARDWOOD SUPPLIERS/VENDORS 

Patrick Lumber Hosts First Open House At 

New Headquarters 

Patrick Lumber Co. recently welcomed 170 guests to 

its annual St. Patrick’s Day Open House, at their Philomath 

headquarters building “Timber Hall” located inside 

Patrick Lumber Manufacturing. The event celebrated the 

company’s rich heritage in the heart of Oregon’s lumber 

industry, offering a blend of Irish-themed festivities and 

insights into secondary lumber manufacturing. 

The Timber Hall, a timber framed structure, that overlooks 

people who make it possible!” 

Patrick Lumber Co. remains dedicated to fostering strong 

relationships within the lumber industry and beyond. While 

the event was held at the Philomath headquarters this 

year, the company continues to maintain a satellite office 

in Portland, ensuring accessibility for 

its valued partners. 

served as the Northeast representative for U-C Coatings. 

His comprehensive understanding of both the buying 

and selling aspects of kiln-dried lumber, coupled with his 

experience in selling protective products, provides him 

Please turn to page 72 

Patrick Lumber Co. manufactures 

and trades wood products to diverse 

markets worldwide. 

Learn more at www.patlbr.com or 

call 503-222-9671. 

Chelsea Zuccato 

Patrick Lumber Co.’s 40-acre facility, 

served as the perfect backdrop for this 

year’s open house. 

The event consisted of guided mill 

tours, which offered visitors a firsthand 

look at Patrick Lumber Manufacturing 

and the company’s process of transforming 

raw timber into high-quality 

lumber products. 

In addition to showcasing its existing 

facilities, guests were also invited 

to tour the new Hardwood mill, for 

which the company recently secured 

a $1 million grant. This soon-to-be 

expanded facility aims to be the only 

commercial sized Hardwood mill in 

Oregon that isn’t primarily cutting Alder. 

Chelsea Zuccato, East Coast sales 

manager at Patrick Lumber Co., expressed 

her enthusiasm for the event, 

stating, “Our first open house at our 

Philomath headquarters was historic. 

We hosted valued agents and bankers, 

suppliers, customers and vendors—in 

the past, the event has been offsite 

and in our downtown Portland office. It 

makes sense that we shifted the event 

to Philomath to our new headquarters 

building. We’re excited to continue this 

tradition at Timber Hall surrounded by 

the lumber we sell every day, with the 

Mark Metzger 

Nyle Dry Kilns Welcomes 

Mark Metzger 

Nyle Dry Kilns, located in Brewer 

ME,a manufacturer known for its 

high-quality and efficient dry kilns, 

recently announced the hiring of Mark 

Metzger as their new sales manager 

in the United States. Metzger joins the 

team with an extensive background 

in the forest products industry, accumulating 

over 30 years of experience. 

Throughout his career, Mark has 

garnered extensive experience as an 

account manager and sales representative 

for a variety of esteemed 

Hardwood lumber companies, including 

Northwest Hardwoods, Weyerhaeuser, 

Legacy Lumber and American 

Lumber. His most recent role involved 

wood protection products, where he 




HMA UPDATE 

Our industry has 

stories to tell. 

What Did You Learn Today? 

Each morning at our recent National 

Conference in Charleston, SC, 

Nate Irby, executive director of the 

Railway Tie Association, greeted me 

with a basic question: “What did you 

learn today?” Granted, it wasn’t even 8 

a.m., and I was only awake for a couple 

hours on those days, but it did get me 

thinking and it’s a question I now ask 

myself daily. I encourage you to do the 

same, because you should never stop learning—for the 

benefit of yourself and your business. 

Learning opportunities are a core benefit of HMA membership. 

Our annual National Conference and Expo provides 

a slate of learning sessions that are designed to 

provide valuable information and resources to improve 

your facilities, optimize your operations, and educate 

your workforce. And at the Expo portion, members can 

network and learn about the latest technology and services 

that are available to them from the industry’s leading 

suppliers and service providers. 

That said, seeing is believing. And that’s why many of 

our members say HMA Regional Meetings are one of 

their favorite membership perks. Held twice a year, our 

Regional Meetings provide an excellent opportunity for 

members—from senior managers to operational managers 

to younger personnel—to go behind the scenes and 

see the latest technology at work, witness solutions to 

common problems, and exchange information 

with seasoned peers. 

This month, HMA members will be hitting 

the road and traveling to Franklin, TN, for 

our Spring Regional Meeting, Wednesday– 

Thursday, June 12–13. It’ll be a busy two 

days with a lot of miles covered, but the 

lineup of tours will make it worth it. Featuring 

sawmills, concentration yards, and a secondary 

manufacturing facility, this Spring 

Regional Meeting will provide an abundance of learning 

and networking opportunities for attendees. 

The lineup includes two HMA member companies, 

Middle Tennessee Lumber Co. and Thompson Appalachian 

Hardwoods, and industry friends, Clark Hardwoods 

and Mayfield Lumber Company. All the details, including 

registration and hotel information, can be found online at 

HMAmembers.org. 

Regional Meetings are only open to HMA members, 

and 2024 National Conference exhibitors and sponsors. 

If your company is a sawmill or concentration yard located 

in the U.S., and you’ve been on the fence about joining 

the HMA, now may be the time to consider membership 

and see what HMA has to offer your company. If you’re interested 

in learning more, visit www.HMAmembers.org 

or email me at ian@hardwood.org to discuss the membership 

criteria and benefits. I hope to hear from you! n 

BY IAN FAIGHT 

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT 

HARDWOOD MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION 

WARRENDALE, PA 

412-244-0440 

WWW.HMAMEMBERS.ORG 

We’re telling them. 

Contribute Now to Build Your World 



The Real American Hardwood Coalition has launched its Build Your World 

campaign The Real American in partnership Hardwood with Magnolia Coalition Network. has launched The ads its Build are inspiring Your World a national 

audience campaign The Real American 

by in partnership educating Hardwood 

them with on Magnolia Coalition 

the benefits Network. has 

of launched 

Real The American ads its Build are inspiring Hardwood® Your World a national products. 

audience campaign by in partnership educating them with on Magnolia the benefits Network. of Real The American ads are inspiring Hardwood® a national products. 

The audience campaign by educating was made them possible on the thanks benefits to of voluntary Real American contributions Hardwood® from the 

products. 

hardwood The campaign industry. was made Your continued possible thanks support to is voluntary critical to contributions advance the from initiative the and 

reclaim hardwood The campaign 

market industry. was 

share made Your for the continued possible 

benefit thanks support of all industry to is voluntary critical stakeholders. 

to contributions advance the from initiative the and 

reclaim hardwood market industry. share Your for the continued benefit support of all industry is critical stakeholders. 

to advance the initiative and 

Help reclaim Build market Your share World. for Learn the benefit more about of all industry the RAHC’s stakeholders. 

promotion efforts, 

see Help a Build list of Your supporters, World. Learn and make more a about voluntary, the RAHC’s tax-deductible promotion contribution efforts, at 

RealAmericanHardwood.com/industry see Help a Build list of Your supporters, World. Learn and make more a about voluntary, the 

or RAHC’s 

scan tax-deductible the promotion 

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RealAmericanHardwood.com/industry see a list of supporters, and make a voluntary, or scan tax-deductible the QR code. 

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Real American Hardwood is a registered trademark, and Build Your World is a trademark of the Real American Hardwood Coalition.

AHEC REPORT 

Learn More 

AHEC Brings Maple To Milan With The Class of ’24 

 

Giles Tettey Nartey and Parti create furniture inspired by food and fabric 

For the American Hardwood Export Council, 

Milan Design Week is a crucial date on 

the calendar. The April event provides an 

unparalleled opportunity not only to showcase 

the design possibilities of sustainable 

Hardwoods, but also to provide a platform 

for creative collaborations with extraordinary 

emerging and established talents. 

At this year’s Salone del Mobile, AHEC 

shines the spotlight on Maple – a valuable 

yet underused Hardwood with a delicate color 

and a beautifully fine grain. Two UK studios 

participating in the Wallpaper* ‘Class 

of ’24’ exhibition at the Triennale have been 

commissioned to create new work in Maple: 

the artist and architect Giles Tettey Nartey, 

and Parti, the interdisciplinary studio founded in 2015 by 

Eleanor Hill and Tom Leahy. 

“We take immense joy in collaborating with creatives 

due to the unique opportunities it offers us as an organization 

representing both an industry and a precious 

natural resource. Over the past two decades, we’ve 

cultivated fruitful collaborations with architects and designers 

to showcase the diverse possibilities of the sustainable 

timbers we represent,” commented David Venables, 

European director, American Hardwood Export 

Council (AHEC). 

Supported by AHEC and Jan Hendzel Studio, each 

has used Maple as a material springboard to explore 

and experiment, creating two very different bodies of 

work from a common starting point. 

“For us, it’s about balancing traditional joinery methods 

with pushing the capabilities of digital machining. 

In these projects, we are celebrating the use of American 

Maple, a beautiful creamy white, very hard, densegrained 

timber, with an almost illustrative grain patterning. 

The challenge for us is in mastering how far we can 

push it,” said Jan Hendzel, founder, Jan Hendzel Studio. 

Communion By Giles Tettey Nartey 

Making his Milan debut, the British-Ghanaian 

designer Giles Tettey Nartey used the 

commission as an opportunity to explore 

culture, culinary tradition, and the rituals of 

domestic life in Ghana. 

Created from Maple, which is dense and 

durable, Communion is a table designed for 

the making of fufu – a West African staple 

food, which is made by pounding cassava 

into a dough. Nartey’s table re-imagines 

this practice as a communal performance, 

in which everyone comes together in the 

shared act of making food. 

His design features an outer table 

equipped with dents, grooves, bowls, and 

bumps to enhance the preparation and cooking process, 

while a central table is dedicated to serving and 

communal dining. Included within the design are mortars 

(woduro) and pestles (woma) for grinding cassava, 

along with seating inspired by both traditional Ashanti 

stools and typical kitchen stools found in Ghana. 

Through its form, Communion aims to elevate the act 

of pounding cassava to the level of performance, one 

person pounding, another turning the mixture in a choreographed 

fusion of movement and sound akin to a 

dance. 

“Communion focuses on the rituals that bring to life 

the objects in our homes, presenting them not just as 

lifeless items filling our spaces but as artifacts rich with 

emotional and spiritual meaning, animated through our 

daily routines. For me it’s also a question of functionality, 

and whose functionality we admire and give space to. 

The piece celebrates a practice that is so local to West 

Africa presented in a new way which gives emphasis to 

the ‘communal’ by allowing multiple people to participate 

in the process of making fufu. The everyday local ritual 

is therefore transformed into performance, exposing the 

Heartland Hardwoods 

Effingham IL 

Boost Efficiency and Profits 

BY MICHAEL SNOW, 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, 

AMERICAN HARDWOOD EXPORT COUNCIL, 

STERLING, VA 

703-435-2900 

WWW.AHEC.ORG 

Please turn to page 76 

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NHLA: Why Knot... 

Slow The Pendulum And Utilize The NHLA Membership 

DO MORE 

WITH LESS 

I hate amusement parks. I refuse 

to go on the rides that drop 

you. I can handle the speeds, 

but I can’t handle my stomach 

going into my throat. I try breathing 

and all sorts of ways to cope 

with the drop, but they never fully 

work and the ride overwhelms 

me. The price drop since I came 

to the NHLA feels the same way. 

I started in June of 2022 and the 

industry was at a high, but by August it started to fall. 

Someone told me in May 2024 that the pendulum has 

started to swing the other way, so has our membership. 

It reminded me of the pirate ship ride, you know the one. 

A pendulum back and forth, until it leaves you hanging 

upside down. As the pendulum swings up one way you 

need to get ready for the next swing down. That is what 

NHLA membership is here for. 

When it comes to roller coasters, pirate ships and other 

drop rides, all sorts of people give me different advice 

on how to handle the drops. I am sure you get plenty 

of advice how to handle price drops too. Some help, 

but most are just a gimmick and don’t really impact the 

feeling as you fall. I am not suggesting that you just get 

off the Hardwood ship. I am trying to grow and stabilize 

the market, so we don’t have any steep drops. But it is 

always going to be a commodity product, it will go up 

and down. 

You know better than I do how you can handle the 

drops. I don’t need to talk about optimizing your operations, 

increasing value added commodities and creating 

niche markets. What I need to communicate is that while 

the Hardwood market is volatile, there is some stability. 

The NHLA membership is 

going up. We are growing, and 

not just the sustaining members, 

the NHLA is continuing to bring 

on active members seeking value 

and getting a return on their 

investment in dues and in services, 

sponsorships, advertising, 

and exhibits. 

If you are wondering how you 

are going to improve your operations, you need not look 

any farther than your partnership with the NHLA. The 

NHLA is forging better relationships with the USFS, universities, 

and allied associations to add value to membership. 

Plain and simple; if the value was not there 

the NHLA would not exist. The same is true for Hardwoods, 

if they had no value they would simply remain 

in the forest until the tree dies, but they have value, and 

we harvest them for that value so that we can make the 

world a better place. I have found the stability I want at 

the NHLA; Memphis is really flat. You can find it at the 

NHLA too. Whatever your problem is, the NHLA can 

help you. From staff training, and hiring, to optimization 

and grading. From advertising and building your brand 

to showing off new products or connecting with the right 

people. Membership has its benefits. 

NHLA convention services and programs are not just 

amusing, they are growing and stabilizing. Why knot 

slow the pendulum and utilize your NHLA membership 

to grow and stabilize your business. n 

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MEMPHIS, TN 

901-377-1082 

WWW.NHLA.COM 




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Pictured is the Chicago fireplace mantel in Maple, one of the many designs that The Mantel Shoppe offers. 

CUSTOM HARDWOOD FIREPLACE 

MANTELS AT THE MANTEL SHOPPE 

BY MICHELLE KELLER 

The Mantel Shoppe, based in Trussville, AL, 

manufactures solid Hardwood fireplace mantels, 

wood mantel shelves, and interior and exterior 

columns. Special items are also built on request and 

include cabinets, bedroom furniture and church pews. 

The company purchases 150,000 board feet annually in 

5/4 and 8/4 Poplar, Cherry, Red and White Oak, quartersawn 

Oak, Walnut, Maple, Alder, pine, antique heart 

pine and Mahogany. 

The Mantel Shoppe was created by Ronald Leopard 

in 1988 in Springville, AL. It was officially named The 

Mantel Shoppe by 1990. The first few fireplace mantels 

were built in a spare room in his home for friends. His 

business grew quickly and he moved into a garage 

where it remained for a couple of years. As demand 

grew, The Mantel Shoppe was forced to expand into a 

full wood shop rather quickly. “We were crowded in that 

shop, but it didn’t keep us from turning out an average of 

400 fireplace mantels per month,” Ronald’s son, and the 

current owner, Nick Leopard said. “When we reached 

The Mantel Shoppe has a quick turnaround time on all of their products, including the 

craftsman fireplace mantel, pictured here. 

“WE ARE A ONE-STOP SOURCE FOR 

BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM FIREPLACE MANTELS. 

FOR MORE THAN TWO DECADES, 

OUR TEAM HAS BEEN CREATING 

CUSTOM WOOD FIREPLACE MANTELS 

FOR HOMEOWNERS ACROSS THE 

COUNTRY.”– NICK LEOPARD, OWNER, 

THE MANTEL SHOPPE 

600 fireplace mantels per month, it was time to move 

again.” 

Working in the family business since he was 12 years 

old, Nick said his father found a place that would provide 

them space to continue to expand. “Our current shop 

is four times as big as the previous one and about 40 

times as big as the original room where my dad built 

his first fireplace mantel,” he offered. “We tell you this 

not to boast but to explain that we have grown steadily 

from the beginning by repeatedly giving our customers 

products and services they can depend on. In return, 

we are very fortunate to have been surrounded by great 

customers, great homebuilders and great distributors 

that have sparked our growth.” 

As for the company’s strong points, Nick said, 

“The quality and design of our product is something 

very unique. Our turnaround time is very quick. We 

have stayed consistent in getting our products to our 

customers on time. We’re easy to deal with and our 

prices are fair.” 

The Mantel Shoppe products can 

be found in some pretty interesting 

places. “We’ve manufactured 

mantels for some pretty key players in 

this area and also some celebrities,” 

Nick explained. “We made one for 

Whoopi Goldberg. We’ve done some 

work in school buildings that were 

turned into condominiums. We also 

redid the fireplaces at Dartmouth 

college.” 

He continued, “We are a onestop 

source for beautiful custom 

fireplace mantels. For more than two 

decades, our team has been creating 

custom wood fireplace mantels for 

homeowners across the country. 

And when I say team, I really mean 

team. Four of us have been here 

over 20 years. Chad Thrasher has 

been with us for 20 years, Ben Saint 

for 28 years and Billy Johnson and 

I would probably need to check with 

the local historical society. If anyone 

has built more fireplace mantels in 

their life than Billy it would be hard 

to fathom. We have created more 

than 100,000 mantels for home fireplaces. We have a 

team dedicated to working with the customer throughout 

every step of the process to ensure the end result is a 

fireplace mantel that they can be proud of. We custombuild 

our mantels and mantel shelves to the customers’ 

specifications, including the exact size, wood type and 

finish they prefer. One of our focus points is custom 

because customization leads to comfort.” 

They design and construct all of the custom fireplace 

mantels and mantel shelves at the location in Trussville, 

AL. “Because we are a locally owned and operated 

business, we strive to keep our costs low, meaning we 

offer our wood fireplace mantel designs at an affordable 

price,” he explained. The Mantel Shoppe also offers fast 

shipping on every order. 

Nick said the turn-around time is rapid. “If you live 

in the Birmingham or Huntsville, AL, areas, it typically 

takes a matter of days to receive your mantel after the 

order is placed,” he explained. “For those of you looking 

to place an order out of state, the time frame depends 

on how far the order must be shipped. Once the custom 

dimensions are confirmed, and the order is placed, it 

typically takes about two weeks or less for your mantel 

to arrive.” 

The mantels may require some assembly before 

installation. “These are not complicated assembly 

designs,” said Nick. “They are made for quick and easy 

assembly. We placed holes in the mantel’s breast and 

Please turn the page 




THE MANTEL SHOPPE 

Continued 

‘dominoes’ in the legs that will insert 

into the breast. They are fully crated 

in plywood on all four sides to ensure 

they arrive safely.” 

With over 100 possible configurations, 

each of the styles are packaged 

a little differently to maximize 

shipping efficiency. “Most of the 

time, the first thing you will see when 

you open the crate is the breast (the 

large upper part) of the mantel and 

two legs,” Nick said. “Shelf-style 

mantels without legs will be fully assembled 

and ready to install after 

removal from the crate.” 

As for the future, Nick said The 

Mantel Shoppe is looking forward 

to building new customers on a national 

basis through advertising and 

the company’s recently remodeled 

website. 

The Mantel Shoppe is a member 

of the Home Builder’s of Alabama 

Association and the St. Clair County 

Homebuilder’s Association. n 

For more information visit 

www.emantel.com. 

The Mantel Shoppe is a one-stop source for custom fireplaces like their Gastonia fireplace 

mantel pictured above. 

The Mantel Shoppe designs and constructs all of the custom fireplace mantels and mantel shelves at the location in Trussville, AL. 

“We custom-build our mantels and mantel shelves to the customers’ specifications, including the exact size, wood type and finish 

they prefer,” said Nick Leopard, owner, The Mantel Shoppe. 

The Mantel Shoppe has created more than 100,000 mantels for home fireplaces and purchases 150,000 board feet annually in 5/4 and 

8/4 Poplar, Cherry, Red and White Oak, quarter-sawn Oak, Walnut, Maple, Alder, pine, antique heart pine and Mahogany. 




From left to right, Sarah Cole, administration, Tom Oilar, president and Tori Wagoner, administration. 

GENERATIONAL SHIFTS: 

THE FUTURE OF COLE HARDWOOD INC. 

BY CHRIS FEHR 

“The beauty of the mill and its attribute to our success is still the size of our inventory, and Milt always believed in keeping a large 

inventory to where if someone needs it, you have it. And we still hold to that!” – Brian Gibson, Sales Manager, Cole Hardwood Inc. 

Green lumber inspector, Brian Beck, is grading green lumber 

from one of Cole Hardwood’s valued suppliers. 

some of Milt Cole’s family, which adds a generational 

family dynamic.” 

Gibson adds, “We have also added to our sales team 

to help broaden our reach in the United States. It’s been 

an exciting period seeing these team members that not 

only fit the role but bring a great deal of experience to 

help take Cole Hardwood to the next level. The beauty 

of the mill and its attribute to our success is still the size 

of our inventory, and Milt always believed in keeping a 

large inventory to where if someone needs it, you have 

it. We still hold to that!” 

The company inventories about 9 million board feet. 

All of Cole Hardwood’s lumber is National Hardwood 

Lumber Association (NHLA) inspected, end-trimmed 

and coated and kiln-dried to strict tolerances of 6 percent 

to 8 percent moisture content. Gibson said, “Cole 

Hardwood’s kiln capacity is about 1.3 million board feet. 

We have 20 different kilns, a Walnut steamer and two 

Hurst boilers. When Cole Hardwood was built back after 

the fire in the late nineties, it was designed for about 

100,000 feet in and 100,000 feet out a day.” 

With most of the lumber sourced from Indiana and 

surrounding areas of Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan, Gibson 

said the region is an important factor for Cole Hardwood. 

“We provide a Northern Appalachian product, and that’s 

important for us due to the consistency of the product 

we are putting out there and how we market. We are in 

a premium Hardwood region. If a truckload of lumber 

works for a customer now, it is going to work for them 

next time because the regions we are pulling out of are 

very similar in color and specifications. The consistency 

requirement of Hardwood lumber is way more specific 

today than it might have been 20 or 30 years ago, and 

having that same color and consistent quality of our 

product is of great value.” 

When asked about the processes in place to assure a 

consistent, quality product, Gibson offered, “A big part of 

controlling quality is the thickness of the lumber. (Akins) 

Control Systems installed scanner bars into our green 

and our kiln dry lines so we are scanning the thickness 

of every board, across the board to where we can detect 

miscut. That is the first step. If there is anything that is 

not standard it’s detected before kiln drying. It is critical 

for us to control that quality.” The company is also able to 

offer surfacing and straight-line rip 1 edge services. “We 

have also integrated one of our inspectors into a quality 

control position, to where he is looking over lumber after 

being surfaced and making sure the lumber is up to the 


Cole Hardwood Inc., based in Logansport, IN, is 

a leading Indiana Hardwood lumber processor 

and distributor. Producing about 15 million board 

feet annually, species available include North American 

Ash, Beech, Cherry, Hickory, Hard and Soft Maple, Red 

and White Oak, Poplar and Walnut (4/4 through 8/4 with 

thicker stocks available in certain species up to 16/4). 

With a rich history spanning more than three decades, 

Cole Hardwood has earned a renowned reputation for 

quality and excellence in Hardwoods. According to Brian 

Gibson, the sales manager, this reputation originated 

with the founder, Milt Cole. “Milt understood that the 

key to success is having the right people in the right 

positions,” he remarked. Indeed, the success of any 

business often hinges upon the caliber of individuals 

comprising its organization, he explained. 

Gibson shares, “We have a revitalized workforce 

coming into Cole Hardwood learning from our 

experienced employees who have been here for many 

years. It’s critical to get the right people set in place to 

continue the legacy and values of Cole Hardwood that 

Milt Cole instilled. Our core values are focused on ‘The 

People’, ‘The Product’ and ‘The Pride’. We take these 

key values and make them part of our daily work for 

how we interact with vendors, customers, employees 

and product delivery. This revitalized workforce includes 

Cole Hardwood produces about 15 million board feet annually, species available include North American Ash, Beech, Cherry, Hickory, 

Hard and Soft Maple, Red and White Oak, Poplar and Walnut (4/4 through 8/4 with thicker stocks available in certain species up to 

16/4). 




COLE HARDWOOD Continued 

standard we believe our customers deserve.” 

As for what sets them apart from others in the industry, 

Gibson offered, “At Cole Hardwood, our motivation is 

how quickly can we put a load of lumber together of 

a mixed variety of species and thicknesses and get 

it out the door so that the customer can fulfill that job 

and capitalize on that job by having the product there 

when they need it. So, we are making sure that we are 

positioning ourselves to pull lumber, get it milled as 

quickly as possible to meet those customers’ needs all 

while delivering a product of high quality. We are taking 

a much more customer-centered approach. We strive 

to find out what the customers’ needs are and how 

we can fulfill that need in ‘X’ amount of time, which is 

currently less than it ever has been.” They also have 

three company trucks for making local deliveries which 

play a critical role in ensuring customers get the material 

they need when they need it. 

Cole Hardwood uses U-C Coatings for all their paint 

and end-sealer needs. As for how the lumber moves 

through the facility, he explained, “We are buying 

green lumber and we run it across a chain and the first 

grading process happens. From there it moves to the 

stacker and gets put into our air-dry yard where a time 

is allocated that it needs to adapt to a relative humidity 

level and then it moves into our kilns and gets graded 

again from that point. We also offer surfacing based on 

the customer’s request and then we put it on the truck 

for delivery.” 

Cole Hardwood’s customer base is about 75 percent 

domestic and 25 percent international. “Our sales are 

generated into different areas and some of our product 

is going into China, Canada, Vietnam, the Middle East 

and into Mexico, but then, obviously, the majority of our 

valuable customers are here in the United States. Our 

message to our customers and our future customers is 

that we are here and we are growing, we want to grow 

with Hardwood consumers and supply them with a 

quality Hardwood lumber product.” 

Chris Plaugher, a lumber inspector, has taken a “quality control” 

position to assure lumber meets Cole Hardwood’s quality 

requirements for their customers. 

With 60 employees, key personnel include: President, 

Tom Oilar; Yard Manager, Brett Nichols; Administration, 

Tori Cole-Wagoner; Tyler Cole; Sarah Cole; Sales 

Manager, Brian Gibson; Salesmen, Joel Horling and 

Sam Ryan. Milt Cole founded Cole Hardwood in 1986 

with a firm commitment to excellence. With excellence 

as their “standard”, Cole Hardwood is also active in their 

hometown community. Cole places priority on giving 

back by making donations to various organizations to 

help those in need and elevate those around them. 

Cole Hardwood is a member of the National Hardwood 

Lumber Association, Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s 

Association, Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc., 

Hardwood Distributors Association, Kentucky Forest 

Industries Association, Lake States Lumber Association, 

and the American Hardwood Export Council. Cole 

Hardwood is also proud to support and contribute to the 

Real American Hardwood Coalition. n 

For more information visit 

www.colehardwood.com. 

Pictured here is Cole Hardwood’s covered air-dried inventory. 

Cole Hardwood, located in Logansport, IN, has three company trucks for making local deliveries. 

“Cole Hardwood’s kiln capacity is about 1.3 million board feet. We have 20 different kilns, a Walnut steamer and two Hurst boilers. We 

were designed for about 100,000 feet in and 100,000 feet out a day,” said Brian Gibson, sales manager, Cole Hardwood. 




WHITE OAK, 

CHERRY FURNITURE 

INTRODUCTIONS TOP 

HIGH POINT MARKET 

BY TOM INMAN 

Furniture manufacturers at the Spring 2024 High 

Point Market, in High Point, NC, reported significant 

order-writing and interest in higher quality products. 

The twice annual event had more than 1,200 companies 

exhibiting new and existing product lines to retail store 

buyers from across the U.S., Canada and a dozen other 

markets. The Spring market was estimated to attract 

more than 40,000 exhibitors and buyers to High Point 

after flat attendance in fall 2023. 

The High Point Market Authority (HPMA) said it was 

Century Furniture Grand Tour table 

in Appalachian White Oak is shown 

on display at the recent High Point 

Market. 

the strongest spring market since Covid with attendance 

estimated up 1 percent from last April. HPMA officials said 

the number of larger retailers attending market increased 

2 percent from the spring and the number of new buying 

companies is up 13.8 percent from last fall, representing 

more than 1,600 accounts. 

International attendance was estimated to be up 4 

percent from last April, with the highest attendance from 

Canada, Mexico and Central America as well as the 

Caribbean and the Middle East. 

Interest in solid White Oak furniture for dining, bedroom 

and home office categories was strong. Several domestic 

manufacturers like Century Furniture, Vaughan-Bassett 

Furniture and John-Richard expanded existing bedroom 

and dining groups in White Oak. 

There were also introductions in American Cherry at 

market with natural or brown finishes. Several Amish 

companies like Millcraft and Fusion had new products 

available in Cherry with new finishes. 

Vaughan-Bassett Furniture offered two bedroom 

groups and one dining room in its Artisan & Post line 

in Cherry. The natural finishes were well-received by 

buyers. 

The Virginia manufacturer re-entered the dining room 

category with tables, chairs and buffets. Vaughan-Bassett 

utilizes the former Webb Furniture factory in Galax, VA, 

for manufacturing. 

Cherry was seen in other showrooms and exhibitors 

said buyers had interest in the natural and brown finishes. 

Designers said the look of Cherry and new finishes were 

attracting retailers and interior designers. 

Bassett Furniture had new pieces and emphasized 

a mixed container shipping program to retailers that 

offered solid wood products from international sources 

and upholstery motion chairs from Vietnam. The pieces 

were made from American Hardwoods and engineered 

wood. 

Other companies had large introductions that appealed 

to buyers. One company had 18 new bedrooms and 50 

new dining sets made from solids and engineered wood 

that focused on middle and lower price points. 

The next High Point Market is set for Oct. 26-30, 2024. 

n 

For more information, visit 

www.appalachianhardwood.org. 

A dining room group by Vaughan-Bassett Furniture in Maple is 

shown here. 

Gat Creek Furniture’s Latham dining room in Hard Maple seats 

six. 

A Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Artisan & Post Cherry bedroom group was a favorite at the recent HP Market. 

Millcraft Furniture of Ohio’s Oak curio cabinet dresses up any 

room. 

At High Point Market on display was this Kelly bed in Hard Maple 

by Gat Creek. 




Wayne Lee, Geoff Hillenmeyer, Larry Cox, Sam Patterson and Whit Lovinggood, Middle Tennessee Lumber Co. Inc., Burns, TN 

NWFA EXPO RAISES 

THE BAR IN NEW ORLEANS 

The 2024 NWFA Wood Flooring Expo occurred recently 

in New Orleans, LA. The industry gathered 

there for education sessions, technical demonstrations, 

to see the latest products and trends, and to broaden 

their networks. This year’s theme was “Raise the Bar,” 

and the event embraced the fun and uniqueness of the 

Big Easy throughout the week, including a second line 

jazz band during the opening session. 

Juan and Alejandra Zambrano of NewStyle Hardwood 

Flooring in Toronto, Canada, joined NWFA in February 

2024 and were attending the Expo for the first time. 

“I was looking to improve and dream bigger. I knew 

NWFA was the right path to grow my company,” said 

Juan Zambrano. “The networking has been the most important 

thing here. We can contact anybody by email or 

text, but face-to-face is a different story and experience.” 

STORY PROVIDED BY NWFA 

PHOTOS BY TERRY MILLER 

Alejandra Zambrano added, “Everyone has been so 

welcoming that we don’t even feel like new members. 

We went to the new member reception, and people were 

reaching out to us and telling us who we needed to connect 

with. People are so open to sharing their knowledge.” 

On the trade show floor, manufacturers discussed how 

the market is performing and the trends consumers want. 

Jennifer Zimmerman, chief commercial officer for AHF 

Products, noted that things are shifting slightly to cleaner 

visuals and warmer tones. 

“The Hardwood industry is still alive and kicking and doing 

well. There are pockets of it that have seen a decline 

with the economy, but the people who are still spending 

money are still putting in Hardwood as it is the aspirational 

product,” said Zimmerman. 

Renee Tester, director of marketing for Kährs in North 

Tim Daniel, Tim Daniel Hardwood Floors LLC, Madison, MS; Scott 

Coco, J&C Wood Products LLC, Mansura, LA; and Clint Turner, Tim 

Daniel Hardwood Floors LLC 

America, stated that wider and longer, and lighter, neutral 

colors remained at the top of customers’ wish lists 

at Expo. 

“Traffic has been fantastic, with meaningful conversations 

at this show,” said Tester. “There are some really 

good contacts we used to do business with, and now we 

can rekindle that relationship, so it’s been great for us.” 

During the Expo’s opening session, Michael Martin, 

president and CEO of NWFA, gave an update on the 

state of the industry. As part of that, he shared highlights 

from Hardwood Floors magazine’s 2024 Industry Outlook 

survey. 

“Due to continued concerns with interest rates, inflation, 

and lack of home inventory, both in new homes and 

existing homes available, the wood flooring industry is 

currently treading a path of guarded optimism in 2024,” 

said Martin. “Specifically, 15 percent of respondents expect 

sales to increase significantly by 8 percent or more. 

About a third of professionals foresee moderate growth, 

with sales expected to be up somewhat, between 3 to 7 

percent. And nearly a third of respondents predict that 

sales will remain unchanged compared to last year.” 

Both the 2024 NWFA Service Award honorees and 

Wood Floor of the Year Award winners were announced 

during the Expo. A complete list of those recognized will 

be featured in the upcoming June/July 2024 issue of 

Hardwood Floors magazine. 

Martin Mayer, PC Hardwood Floors, Brooklyn, NY; and Dave Clark 

and Jeff Lindsey, Prima Floors Inc., Fife, WA 

2024 NWFA SERVICE AWARDS 

• Emerging Leader of the Year Award: Carlos Mongalo, 

National Flooring Contractors Apprenticeship 

Program 

• Hall of Fame Award: Jon Roy Reid, Trinity Hardwood 

Distributors 

• Hall of Fame Award: Chris Zizza, C&R Flooring 

2024 NWFA Wood Floor of the Year Awards 

• Best in Circles/Curved/Bent Wood: D-Lux Hardwood 

Floors - Milwaukie, Oregon 

• Best in Color/Finish and Textured Wood: Floor 

Master Company - Crystal Lake, Illinois 

• Best Historic Restoration: Universal Floors Inc. - 

Washington, D.C. 

• Best in Marquetry/Inlays: Ourada Designs - Nine 

Mile Falls, Washington 

• Best Parquetry: H&M Flooring Design Inc. - Chicago, 

Illinois 

• Best Use of Technology: Czar Floors, Richboro, 

Pennsylvania 

• Best Staircase: Walk On Wood Inc., Winter Park, 

Florida 

• Manufacturer Spotlight: WD Flooring - Laona, Wisconsin 

• Member’s Choice: Universal Floors Inc. - Washington, 

D.C. 

Be sure to save the date for next year’s Expo, which will 

take place April 15-17, 2025, in Charlotte, NC. 

Learn more at www.nwfa.org. n 

Chris Reohr, Genevieve Berthiaume and David Junior Lauzon, 

Lauzon Hardwood Floors, Papineauville, QC 

Justin Mattson, Mattson Floor, St. Joseph, MI; and Peter Connor, 

WD Flooring LLC, Laona, WI 

Additional photos on next page 




NWFA EXPO PHOTOS Continued 

Joseph Mathe, A-American Custom Flooring Inc., Chicago, IL; 

Angela Medley-Mattingly, Lebanon Oak Flooring LLC, Lebanon, 

KY; John Capalnas, Adrien Siubuca and Jonny Capalnas, 

A-American Custom Flooring Inc., Niles, IL 

Kre Easland and Steve Stewart, Pacific Hardwood, Orange, CA 

Jon Cox, Frank Miller Lumber Co. Inc., Union City, IN; Brenda 

Cashion, Swift-Train Company, Houston, TX; Rose Mary Cummings, 

Maxwell Hardwood Flooring Inc., Monticello, AR; and Kevin 

Prather, PrintArt, McKinney, TX 

Shannon Farrar and Denin Bieberitz, North Wood Flooring LLC, 

Coleman Co., WI 

Kari Bunting and Peter Solberg, Component Solutions LLC, 

Menominee, MI 

Kenton Martin, Marie-Joel Bossé, Pierre Thabet, Manny Machado 

and Penny Hodges, Mirage Hardwood Floors, Saint-Georges, QC 

Kris Wilson and Sam Augustin, Ashawa Bay Hardwood Floors, 

Cook, MN 

Kelly Risovi, H.B. Fuller Company, St. Paul, MN; Rhonda and Clint 

McDaniel, Oakcrest Lumber Inc., Buena Vista, GA; Bobby Cloer 

and Kevin Cloer, Oakcrest Lumber Inc., Newport, TN; William 

Faircloth, T&F Lumber Company LLC, Monticello, GA; and Sam 

Kuhn, H.B. Fuller Company 

Kevin Owen, Allegheny Mountain Hardwood Flooring, Emlenton, 

PA; Andrew Denny, Textures Flooring, Nashville, TN; Dennis 

Hickman, Allegheny Mountain Hardwood Flooring; and Robert 

Sutherland, Textures Flooring 

Narcis Rus, NDM Floors Distributor Inc., Marietta, GA; Steve 

Merrick, Merrick Hardwoods Inc., Burnside, KY; Ashley Fleming, 

SamaN, Victoriaville, QC; and Calin Rus, NDM Floors Distributor 

Inc. 

Robert McNamara, Sheoga Hardwood Flooring & Paneling Inc., 

Middlefield, OH; Dan Reisen, Virtu Wood Flooring, New York, NY; 

John Kiepper, Sheoga Hardwood Flooring & Paneling Inc. 

Cameron Merrick, Merrick Hardwoods Inc., Burnside, KY; Toto 

Robinson, Robinson Lumber Company, New Orleans, LA; and 

Blake Gerughty, Blue Grass Wood Products, Gamaliel, KY 

John Damrell, Precision Flooring Products Inc., Laguna Beach, 

CA; Michelle Arsenault, Executive Director, Wood Products Manufacturers 

Association, Westminster, MA; and Dave Wallace, Precision 

Flooring Products Inc., Morristown, TN 

Richard Wilkerson, Anderson-Tully Lumber Co., Vicksburg, MS; 

Robin Vilt, J & R Architectural Wood Solutions, Waynesboro, VA; 

Jason Eastman, Mountain Lumber Company Inc., Waynesboro, 

VA; and Geoff Henderson, Anderson-Tully Lumber Co. 

Joe Lawrence, Floors Inc. HQ, Birmingham, AL; Chad Hinton, 

Merrick Hardwoods Inc., Burnside, KY; and Nathan Aldrich, 

Floors Inc. HQ 

Matt Newton and Jeff Newton, Olde Wood Ltd., Magnolia, OH; and 

Rick Farrell, Woodwright Hardwood Floor Company Inc., Dallas, 

TX 

Additional photos on page 52 




ANOTHER RECORD-BREAKING YEAR FOR THE 

MONTREAL WOOD CONVENTION 


The Montréal Wood Convention (MWC) 2024, 

the premier event for the wood industry in North 

America and the largest of its kind in Canada, 

drew over 1150 participants from across the globe with 

112 booths showcasing the latest trends, technologies, 

and products by the biggest companies in the industry. 

This marked back-to-back record-breaker years for the 

MWC. 

The MWC took place at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in 

Montréal and featured series of seminars, discussions, 

and panel sessions featuring leading industry experts. 

One of the highlights of the event was the keynote 

speech by tech titan Michelle Romanov where she 

opened up about her own entrepreneurial experiences 

and offered valuable tips applicable to the wood industry 

and beyond. Benjamin Tal’s perspectives on the 

economy was also very popular among the participants. 

According to Sven Gustavsson, the Event Director, 

the Montréal Wood Convention 2024 was a great 

success on many fronts. “The event was a success 

because we were again able to bring the wood industry 

together. The networking opportunities along with the 

learning sessions with our great set of speakers are 

always a good mix to provide participants a value-added 

experience. This annual meeting is important for the 

wood industry in North America and worldwide and the 

presence of key industry players is always a sign of our 

relevancy, which we are always aiming to.” 

Julie Gravel, organizing committee member and North 

American Commodities Sales Manager at GreenFirst 

Forest, reaffirmed the convention's significance as a 

key hub for everyone involved in the wood industry. 

“The event is important to learn about not only your 

specified field of work, but also to learn about the new 

trends along the whole wood industry chain. We are all 

interconnected, whether it’s wood product producers, 

wholesalers, retailers or equipment companies, and the 

MWC reflects that reality in a way other events cannot 

replicate.” 

The MWC importance is paired with the importance 

of the forest industry for the Canadian economy. It 

represents a contribution to GDP of over $20 billion, 

representing 8 percent of the Canadian manufacturing 

sector. With exports of over $38 billion in 2023, the 

sector boasts a solid positive trade balance (nearly $22 

billion). As for lumber, Canada remains the 2nd largest 

producer, and in 2022, became, once again, the world's 

largest exporter. In 2022, the forestry industry accounted 

for over 200,000 direct jobs (foresters, scientists, 

engineers, computer specialists, technicians, and skilled 

workers), and remains a pillar of economic development 

for many municipalities from coast to coast. 

The event, which has its roots in the Canadian 

Lumbermen’s Association Convention, first held in 1908, 

was revamped and restarted in 2013 by four industry 

associations in Eastern Canada, the Maritime Lumber 

Bureau, the Ontario Forest Industry Association, the 

Québec Forest Industry Council and the Québec Wood 

Export Bureau. n 

Learn more at 

www.montrealwoodconvention.com. 

Jean-Philippe Avoine and Louis Trottier, Piche Inc., Daveluyville, 

QC; and Alex Dulude, Transglobe Logistiques, Quebec City, QC 

Denis Dube, J.D. Irving Limited, Saint John, NB; and Joel Fournier, 

GreenFirst Forest Products Inc., Timmins, ON 

Sven Gustavsson, Montreal Wood Convention, Quebec City, QC; 

Neill Gibson, USNR, Levis, QC; Martin Vaillancourt, USNR, Plessisville, 

QC; and Etienne St-Hilaire, USNR, Levis, QC 

Isaac Dalpe, Anisa Gjoka and Peter Lovett, King City Northway 

Forwarding Ltd., Montreal, QC 

L.T. Gibson, U.S. LBM, Atlanta, GA; Amar Doman, Doman Building 

Materials Group Ltd., Vancouver, BC; Steve Rhone, Weston 

Forest Products Inc., Mississauga, ON; and Ian Fillinger, Interfor, 

Burnaby, BC 

Mario Tremblay, Dannik Labranche and Pascal Labranche, Cardinal 

Equipment, Angliers, QC 

Doug Race, Carter Forest Products, Calgary, AB; Steve Lavallee, 

Charles Jobin and Robert Guy, Goodfellow Inc., Delson, QC; and 

Daniel Comeau, Bois Aise de Montreal Inc., Levis, QC 

Kris Heideman, Lavern Heideman & Sons Ltd., Eganville, ON; 

Gaetan Desmarais, Nicholson Manufacturing Ltd., Sidney, BC; 

Dave Tremblay, Nicholson Manufacturing Ltd., Jonquiere, QC; 

and Mark Baillie, Scotsburn Lumber Ltd., Scotsburn, NS 

Adam Connolly, J.D. Irving Limited, Saint John, NB; Drew Kennedy, 

Boscus Canada Inc., Toronto, ON; and Ed McNulty, J.D. Irving 

Limited 

Allen Lam, Western Coast Enterprise Ltd., Richmond, BC; 

Soulemane Ngouh, Global Trade Logistics Canada Inc., Laval, 

QC; Jenny Qian, Western Coast Enterprise Ltd.; Ousmanou 

Ngam, Global Trade Logistics Canada Inc.; and Scott Buchholz, 

KP Wood Ltd., Vancouver, BC 





MWC PHOTOS Continued 

Pierre-Luc Nadeau, BID Group, St.-Georges, QC; Anne-Marie Levesque, BID Group, Quebec City, QC; Laurent Poudrier, BID Group, 

Mirabel, QC; and Simon Berube, BID Group, Quebec City, QC 

Alex Fortin, Montreal Wood Convention, Quebec City, QC; Frederic Jacques, Quebec Wood Export Bureau, Quebec City, QC; Nathalie 

Houde and Sven Gustavsson, Montreal Wood Convention; and Alain Boulet and Sylvain Labbe, Quebec Wood Export Bureau 

Chad Collmann, North Star Forest Materials, Saint Paul, MN; Ben 

Jordan and Morgan Wellens, Nicholson and Cates Limited, Burlington, 

ON; and Brian Dooley, North Star Forest Materials 

Justin Smith and Bradley Deluliis, Tampa International Forest 

Products LLC, Tampa, FL; Trevor Pochurko, Western Forest 

Products Inc., Vancouver, BC; and Sam Barranco, Tampa International 

Forest Products LLC 

Yvon Millette, Vexco Inc., Plessisville, QC; Peter Lovett, King City 

Northway Forwarding Ltd., Montreal, QC; and Eric Vigneault, Vexco 

Inc. 

Terry Miller, National Hardwood Magazine, Memphis, TN; Nate 

Jones, Ron Jones Hardwood Sales Inc., Union City, PA; and Judd 

Johnson, HMR, Memphis, TN 




CHB WRAPS UP ANOTHER SPRING MEETING; 

SETS SIGHTS ON OCTOBER GATHERING 


Jean-David Alder, St-Armand Forest Products Inc., St-Armand, 

QC; Guillaume Genest, Primewood, Drummondville, QC; Paul-Eric 

Tremblay, Scierie GVL Inc., Wotton, QC; Shaun Rowe, Quality 

Hardwoods Ltd., Powassan, ON; and Jean-Francois Audet, 

Primewood 

Alain Thibeault and Annie Fournier, Preverco Inc., Daveluyville, 

QC; and Geoffrey Lavallee, Viet Can Woods Inc., Saint-Jerome, 

QC 

Chad Johnson, Baillie Lumber Co., Hamburg, NY; Chris Castano, 

Maine Woods Company LLC, Portage Lake, ME; Greg Patenaude, 

retired, Laval, QC; and Scott Rossi, Rossi Group, Cromwell, CT 

Fabrice Beaulieu, Bégin-Bégin Inc., Lots-Renversés, QC; 

Marc Legros, Prolam, Cap-Saint-Ignace, QC; Alain Poirier and 

Marc-Andre Gaboury, Boa-Franc G.P./Mirage Hardwood Floors, 

St. George, QC; and Serge Robichaud, C. A. Spencer Inc., Laval, 

QC 

René Richard, Forex Wood Canada Inc., Princeville, QC; Gaétan 

Bouchard and Joanie Bouchard, T.L.B. Forest Products Inc., 

Lachenaie, QC; and Louis-Carl Leduc, Goodfellow Inc., Delson, 

QC 

Terry Miller, National Hardwood Magazine, Memphis, TN; Dave 

Wiliams, retired, Champlain Hardwoods Inc., Essex Junction, VT; 

Jean-Paul Lupien, MKMQC Inc., Mascouche, QC; and Marco Morin, 

Gigiére & Morin Inc., Saint-Félix-de-Kingsey, QC 

Eric Desjardins and Denis Dube, J.D. Irving Limited, Clair, NB; 

and Pierre Champeau and Dany Gendron-Fortin, Champeau Inc., 

Saint-Malo, QC 

Don Etmanskie, Peter D. Cybulski Sales Inc., Bancroft, ON; Brian 

Guilbeault and Steven Menard, Quality Hardwoods Ltd., Powassan, 

ON; and Marc Chouinard, HUB International, Ottawa, ON 

The spring 2024 meeting of the Canadian Hardwood 

Bureau (CHB) was held recently in Montreal, QC, 

at the Double Tree by Hilton Montreal, with almost 

100 delegates in attendance.The event provided those 

in the Hardwood industry with the opportunity to get 

together, learn and network. 

Chairman Shaun Rowe, of Quality Hardwoods, 

presided over the meeting and updated members on 

CHB’s activities and plans for grading courses, Hardwood 

promotions and meetings/events. The meeting featured 

a variety of excellent presentations, including Wood 

You from Allison DeFord, executive director of the North 

American Forest Foundation. 

president and director general of Quebec Furniture 

Manufacturers Association. 

Another successful and hard-fought industry hockey 

game was played nearby at the CNN Complexe Sportif 

in Brossard, QC, between the Blue and the White team. 

In the end, the White team took the win, 10-8. CHB 

thanked Jean Paul Lupien for organizing the hockey 

game. The CHB’s next meeting is in St. Louis at the 

NHLA Convention, October 4, 2024. n 

For more information, visit 

www.canadianhardwoodbureau.com. 

James Hodder, Weston Premium Woods Inc., Mississauga, ON; 

Mike Caruso, Matson Lumber Company, Brookville, PA; Patrice 

Carrier, HUB International, Montreal, QC; Richard Lipman, Canadian 

Hardwood Bureau, Ottawa, ON; and Judd Johnson, Hardwood 

Market Report, Memphis, TN 

Max Cadrin, C. A. Spencer Inc., Laval, QC; Brian Johnson, Falcon 

Lumber Ltd., Toronto, ON; Allison DeFord, North American Forest 

Foundation, Collierville, TN; Wally Klubek, Baillie Lumber Co., 

Hamburg, NY; Anthony Raspa, Quality Hardwoods Ltd., Powassan, 

ON; and Brin Langmuir, Falcon Lumber Ltd. 

The keynote address was by Judd Johnson, editor 

of Hardwood Market Report, entitled Trends in North 

American Hardwood Markets. The Sawmill Symposium 

was presented by Benji Richards, industry services sales 

manager of National Hardwood Lumber Association 

(NHLA). 

The first day wrapped up with the CHB reception, 

sponsored by HUB International. The Wednesday 

breakfast was sponsored by Stella-Jones Inc. and 

featured an informative presentation by Gilles Pelletier, 

Yvon Millette, Vexco Inc., Plessisville, QC; Peter Lovett, King City 

Northway Forwarding Ltd., Montreal, QC; and Eric Vigneault, Vexco 

Inc. 

Isaac Dalpe and Peter Lovett, King City Northway Forwarding 

Ltd., Montreal, QC; Yi Mou, BMJ Forest Products Inc., Montreal, 

QC; and Lloyd Lovett, King City Forwarding USA Inc., Chesapeake, 

VA 

Terry Miller, National Hardwood Magazine, Memphis, TN; Nate 

Jones, Ron Jones Hardwood Sales Inc., Union City, PA; and Judd 

Johnson, HMR, Memphis, TN 





THEME FOR 

RECORD- 

BREAKING 

59TH ANNUAL 

MEETING: 

“KFIA MAKES 

FORESTRY 

WORK” 

PHOTOS BY CHRIS FEHR 

The Kentucky Forest Industries Association (KFIA) 

recently completed a successful Annual Meeting in 

Lexington, KY, at the Embassy Suites. The meeting 

had record breaking attendance of over 400 people and 

40 exhibitors. The KFIA Annual Meeting serves as the 

premier event for the Hardwood industry in Kentucky. 

The meeting got underway with the John C. Smith 

Memorial Golf Scramble where 75 participants signed up 

to play and despite some weather issues most everyone 

got some interesting golf play in at beautiful Houston 

Oaks Golf Course, Paris, KY. In the afternoon, the KFIA 

Board of Directors took care of association business 

followed by a Welcome Reception with the exhibitors that 

was held in the evening. 

On Wednesday morning KFIA President George 

Crawford, of Merrick Hardwood Lumber, welcomed 

everyone to Lexington, KY. KFIA Executive Director Bob 

Bauer followed with a state legislative and association 

update, followed by Dana Lee Cole with the Hardwood 

Federation discussing federal issues in Washington, DC, 

over the past year from government funded projects to the 

upcoming Presidential election, which could bring major 

changes. There is a lot of excitement being generated 

by the Real American Hardwood Promotion as it begins 

to make a true impact on improving Hardwood markets. 

Dan Meyer, Hardwood Review gave an update on the 

ever-changing markets, current trends and what the 

future may hold for the wood products industry. 

Michael Snow, of the American Hardwood Export 

Council, discussed export markets and initiatives to 

increase Hardwood market share all over the world 

and updated the group on major concerns with the new 

European Union standards that could have a major 

impact on export markets. 

The opening session was followed by the Kentucky 

Tree Farm Awards Luncheon with Commissioner 

Gordon Slone from the Kentucky Department of Natural 

Resources, complimenting the industry for the impact on 

Kentucky economics and the partnership with the state 

Mike Ballard, Sawmill MD, Crestview, FL; and Jerry and Sandy Johnson, Paw Taw John 

Services Inc., Rathdrum, ID 

agency. The luncheon also provided an opportunity to 

honor individuals that help to make forestry and the wood 

industry a big success throughout the state. 

The following people were recognized for their 

contributions to forestry and the association in 

Kentucky: 

• Danny Burnette, Burnette Logging, Reynolds 

Station, KY – 2023 Logger of the Year 

• Walter Rybka, Morehead, KY – 2023 Tree Farmer 

of the Year 

• Harry Pelle, Tallow Creek Farm, Bradfordsville, KY – 

National Outstanding Tree Farm North Central Region 

• Jeffrey F. Lewis, Independent Stave Company, 

Morehead, KY – 2023 Inspector of the Year 

• Dan Allard, Domtar Paper Co. LLC, Hawesville, KY 

– 2023 KFIA Member of the Year 

KFIA also recognized the following people for their 

leadership and service to the KFIA Board of Directors: 

• Outgoing President – George Crawford, Merrick 

Hardwood Lumber, Burnside, KY 

• Outgoing Vice President – Tom DeFilippo, H & S 

Lumber, Clay City, KY 

• Outgoing Board Member – Scott Anderson, East 

Anderson Hardwoods, Eubank, KY 

• Newly Elected President – Tom DeFilippo, H & S 

Lumber Co., Clay City, KY 

• Newly Elected Vice President – Charles “Chuck” 

Courtney, Courtney Timber Harvesting, Greenville, KY 

• Newly elected director – Bobby Atkinson, Eagle 

Lumber Co. LLC., Greensburg, KY 

As usual tradition, everyone enjoyed the Robinson 

Lumber Co. / Houchens Insurance Group Hospitality with 

great fellowship and networking opportunities with fresh 

seafood and cocktails. The day ended with the Exhibitor 

Reception which included plenty of time to see some of 

the latest technology and services being offered to the 

wood industry. 

Thursday morning opened with newly elected KFIA 

President Tom DeFilippo, welcoming and thanking 

everyone for a successful meeting. Other speakers 

included the Kentucky Distillers Association discussing 

future demand for White Oak barrels and representatives 

from the Kentucky Children’s Hospital thanking the wood 

industry for Log a Load donations to fund the new Mobile 

Clinic and many other programs at the hospital. Attendees 

also had the privilege to tour the Mobile Clinic during 

the meeting and were provided with an inspirational 

presentation from a 9-year-old cardiac patient of the 

hospital who gave an uplifting talk about her treatment. 

The final presenter discussed the Kentucky Forestry 

Works Program progress in getting this program into 

the schools to educate young people about employment 

opportunities related to wood products and address a 

major labor issue facing the industry. 

The meeting was a success with many positive 

comments and showed a real excitement for the future of 

the wood industry. Those in attendance gained valuable 

information while having time to network with others in 

the Hardwood industry from throughout the country. KFIA 

is pleased to announce that the 2025 Annual Meeting will 

be in Lexington, KY, at the Hilton Downtown on April 1-3, 

2025. 

KFIA is a trade association dedicated to serving and 

promoting the forest products industry of Kentucky. 

Founded in 1965, it has over 950 members in the areas 

of primary and secondary wood industry, supplier and 

service industries, wholesale, loggers, and landowners. 

For more information about the association contact Bob 

Bauer at 502/695-3979. n 

Visit online at www.kfia.org. 

J. R. Johns, MITCO, Middleton, TN; Casey and Joni Goodman, 

C.B. Goodman & Sons Lumber Inc., Hickory, KY; and Chris Fehr, 

National Hardwood Magazine, Memphis, TN 

Travis Bach, East Ohio Lumber Co. Inc., Salineville, OH; Danny 

Gatrell, Ricer Equipment Inc., Lucasville, OH; and Craig Albright, 

Messersmith Manufacturing Inc., Bark River, MI 

Skip Edwards, Baillie Lumber Co., Hamburg, NY; Tom Inman, Appalachian 

Hardwood Manufacturers Inc., High Point, NC; Dan Williams, 

Industrial Carbide Saw & Tool Corporation, Louisville, KY; 

and Matt Begley and Tony Love, BPM Lumber LLC, London, KY 

Lloyd Lovett, King City Forwarding USA Inc., Chesapeake, VA; 

Chad Niman, UK Dept. of Forestry & Natural Resources, Lexington, 

KY; and Kenny Knott, Roy Anderson Lumber Co. Inc., Tompkinsville, 

KY 

Brad Booe, Kirkham Hardwoods Sawmill Inc., Terre Haute, IN/Maley 

& Wertz Inc., Evansville, IN; Jason Goodman, U-C Coatings 

LLC, Buffalo, NY; Becky Henson, RN, Baptist Health, Louisville, 

KY; and Kenny Knott, Roy Anderson Lumber Co. Inc., Tompkinsville, 

KY 

Heath Long, Classic American Hardwoods Inc., Memphis, TN; 

Robert Ousley, James Ritter Lumber Co. Inc., Summer Shade, 

KY; Isaiah Harville, Baillie Lumber Co. Leitchfield, KY; and Jerry 

Renneker, Koetter Woodworking Inc., Borden, IN 





KFIA MEETING PHOTOS Continued 

Renee Hornsby, NHLA, Memphis, TN; Peter McCarty, TS Manufacturing 

Co., Levant, ME; John Hester, NHLA; and Dana Lee 

Cole, Hardwood Federation, Washington, DC 

Steve Spears and Matthew Woodbury, Taylor Machine Works Inc., 

Louisville, MS 

Brian Lathrop, Wood-Mizer LLC, Indianapolis, IN; Craig Albright, 

Messersmith Manufacturing Inc., Bark River, MI; and Erika York, 

A & Y Enterprises Inc., Marrowbone, KY 

Henry Christ, Dunaway Timber Company Inc., Fordsville, KY; 

Steve Merrick, Merrick Hardwoods Inc., Somerset, KY; Darrin 

Gay, Gay Brothers Logging & Lumber, Annville, KY; Tony Leanhart, 

Wholesale Lumber Sales, Offering, KY; Mervin Strader, 

Strader Brothers LLC, Elkton, KY; and George Crawford, Merrick 

Hardwoods Inc. 

John Reinstetle, UK-Robinson Forest/Board of Directors, KFIA, 

Clayhole, KY; Michele Brewer and Bob Bauer, Executive Director, 

KFIA, Frankfort, KY; and Chris Moore, Graf Brothers Flooring & 

Lumber, South Shore, KY 

Jason Sadler, Koppers Inc., London, KY; Michael Embry, Koppers 

Inc., Jamestown, KY; Gerald Beatty, Ready Reload, Beaver Dam, 

KY; and Mark Williamson, Purple Wave Auction, Lexington, KY 

Bo Bayless and David Cox, Onsite Technologies LLC, Greensboro, 

NC; and Canon Vice, James Wells and Barry Hamm, Green- 

Tree Forest Products Inc., Wallingford, KY 

Jim Burris, Corley Mfg. Co., Chattanooga, TN; and Tom DeFilippo, 

H&S Lumber Inc., Clay City, KY 

Mark Peaden, U-C Coatings LLC, Buffalo, NY; Jim Higgins, SII 

Dry Kilns, Chambersburg, PA; and Bryan Crowe, East Anderson 

Hardwoods LLC, Eubank, KY 

Josh Peachey, Eagle Lumber Co. LLC, Greensburg, KY; Alan Williams, 

Laurel County Wood Products LLC, London, KY; Justin 

Jones, Summit Holdings, Bowling Green, KY; and Jason Nelson, 

Summit Holdings, Borden, IN 

Toto Robinson, Robinson Lumber Company, New Orleans, LA; 

Rob McCarthy, NWH, Apple Creek, OH; Dick Rauh, retired, Robinson 

Lumber Company, New Albany, IN; and Ken Mosholder, Robinson 

Lumber Company, Little River, SC 

Damon Graf, Graf and Thomas Lumber Co., Vanceburg, KY; Bob 

Hurst, Eagle Machinery & Supply Inc., Sugarcreek, OH; and Andy 

Holloway, Independent Stave Company, Bowling Green, KY 

Toto Robinson, Robinson Lumber Company, New Orleans, LA; Jim Black, Sam Carey Lumber Company, Germantown, TN; Andy Dunsmore, 

Conner Industries Inc., Fort Worth, TX; Heath Long, Classic American Hardwoods Inc., Memphis, TN; and Anthony Hammond, 

Roy Anderson Lumber Co. Inc., Tompkinsville, KY 

Steve Merrick, Merrick Hardwoods Inc., Somerset, KY; Hagan 

Wonn, Kentucky Hardwood Lumber Co. Inc., Somerset, KY; Ray 

Madden, Merrick Hardwoods Inc., Burnside, KY; and Coby Stephens, 

Kentucky Hardwood Lumber Co. Inc. 

Cameron Merrick, Merrick Hardwoods Inc., Burnside, KY; Rusty 

Hawkins and Chad McPherson, Roy Anderson Lumber Co. Inc., 

Tompkinsville, KY; and Quentin Moss, GF Hardwoods Inc., Moss, 

TN 





Greg McDonald, Rutland Lumber, Collins, MS; Scott Wesberry, Fred Netterville Lumber Co., Woodville, MS; Kyle Logan, Superior Mat, Collins, MS; 

Tim Lott, Rutland Lumber; Tony Butler, Hunt Forest Products, Ruston, LA; and Tyler Walley, Rutland Lumber 

SWHMC ENJOYS FESTIVITIES AT 

ANNUAL CRAWFISH BOIL 

The Southwestern Hardwood Manufacturers Club 

(SWHMC) met recently at the Grand Hotel in 

Natchez, MS for their annual Crawfish Boil. There 

were over 100 registered for this event. The weekend 

started with an Icebreaker Cocktail Party Friday night as 

everyone gathered for a busy weekend. 

Saturday morning, the Club tried a new addition to the 

meeting by hosting a presentation by USNR featuring 

their auto grading system for Hardwood lumber. 

Participation was great and those in attendance were 

very impressed by the capabilities of the USNR system. 

There was much discussion with questions and answers 

PROVIDED BY SWHMC 

provided by the USNR team, headed by Chad Smith. 

SWHMC is looking forward to more presentations of 

equipment and technology to make our production more 

efficient and profitable. 

The day continued with a RoundTable Meeting.The 

SWHMC is one of the few organizations that hosts a 

discussion allowing every participant to share aspects of 

their business and to share about the good and the bad 

happenings. This RoundTable discussion revealed a lot 

of concern about the Hardwood market for grade lumber 

in both green and kiln-dried. Most mills were having 

trouble consistently moving their lumber production, 

Woody Farrar, Deepwell Energy Services, Waynesboro, MS; Marty Cornett, Pierce Construction Co., Petal, MS; Chad Sorrells, Sorrells 

Sawmill, Sparkman, AR; JR Johns, AHF, Warren, AR; Mike Noland, Noland Lumber, Gordo, AL; Jason Bunch, Deepwell Energy Services; 

Toto Robinson, Robinson Lumber, New Orleans, LA; and Butch Ousley, Buchanan Hardwoods, Aliceville, AL 

while ties and industrial products were moving fairly well 

with the exception of cants. Log supply seemed to be 

okay for most mills, but the overwhelming concern on 

logs was log prices. The overall consensus was that 

log prices need to adjust in order for mills to be able to 

continue in operation with lumber prices at the current 

levels. 

There was much discussion centered around the 

cross tie and switch tie markets with tie buyers sharing 

the possibility of tie prices dropping along with an even 

greater possibility of quotas being presented. Most 

of the tie buyers were in agreement, but a few were 

still optimistic going forward with current pricing and 

production levels. The annual tie need is generally 

between 18 million and 22 million cross ties each year 

and these quantities remain fairly stable since most of 

these ties are for scheduled routine tie replacement. 

Another point of discussion centered around the need 

for Hardwood promotion mostly in a generic manner 

rather than promoting a company or a brand. The 

consensus at the meeting was that the industry needs 

more people to want Hardwood products in their homes. 

Later in the afternoon, the group finished up the 

business portion of the meeting and dismissed out to 

the street party on the bluff above the Mississippi River. 

Once again, SWHMC had Crawfish cooked right there 

on the street flooded by the band Cha Cha Boo, bringing 

the music. Another highlight of the weekend was the 

attendance of a retired member of the SWHMC, Buddy 

Irby, who everyone enjoyed seeing. 

Overall, all those who attended were cautiously 

optimistic about the future with most in hopes of the 

upcoming election to help bring about the needed 

changes to help the industry to get back into the black. 

The next meeting of the SWHMC will be in mid July at 

the Gulf State Park Lodge in Gulf Shores, AL. The exact 

date was not available at press time. n 

Learn more at www.swhmc.com. 





Tyler Berntsen, ISK Biocides Inc., Nashville, TN; Monty Tharpe, 

RTM Industrial Maintenance Inc., Dolphin, VA; Susan Seward, 

Virginia Forest Products Association, Waverly, VA; and Lance 

Johnson, ISK Biocides Inc., Memphis, TN 

Dennis Singleton III, Muriel Bradbury and Maria Mayo, Newport 

News Waterworks, Newport News, VA; and Dominik Belzer and 

Matt Harnisch, Brunner-Hildebrand Lumber Dry Kiln Co., Nashville, 

TN 

Odell Peterson, Lampe & Malphrus Lumber Co., Smithfield, NC; 

Bradford Price, USNR, Jacksonville, FL; Robert Wagner, USNR, 

Graham, NC; John Morgan, Morgan Lumber Co. Inc., Red Oak, 

VA; and Travis Robinson, Morgan Lumber Sales Inc., Creedmoor, 

NC 

Cody Buchanan, Wood-Mizer LLC, Indianapolis, IN; Billy Daniels, 

Precision Husky Corporation, Moody, AL; and Colin Campbell, 

Wood-Mizer LLC 

Dave Sondel, U-C Coatings LLC, Buffalo, NY; Mark Tuck and Dave Marx, Gates Milling Inc., Gatesville, NC; John Stenson, U-C Coatings LLC; and Jan 

and John Rees, RAM Forest Products Inc., Shinglehouse, PA 

EXPO RICHMOND ENJOYS ATTENDANCE 

GROWTH OVER PAST TWO SHOWS 

The East Coast Sawmill and Logging Equipment 

Exposition – commonly known as Expo Richmond/ 

The Richmond Show – has become the largest trade 

show on the East Coast for the forest products industry. 

The recent 39th edition of the event was held at The 

Meadow Park, a new multi-purpose venue in Caroline 

County, VA. This year the show enjoyed a 25 percent 

increase in attendance over the last two Expos with 5,250 

people visiting. 

There was a total of 225 exhibitors and the Expo 

hosted people from 41 of the 50 states as well as 10 

countries were represented. 

PHOTOS BY CHRIS FEHR 

Expo Richmond organizers commented that, “The 

exhibitors enjoyed the new modern facility and venue 

and the show still continues to attract serious buyers 

which is why our exhibitors keep coming back.” 

The representative stated further, “We learned a lot 

with our first show at Meadow Event Park and look 

forward to working with our team to provide an even 

more enjoyable experience at the next show - our 40th!! 

- which will be April 17-18, 2026.” n 

Learn more at www.exporichmond.com 

Hayes Mellott and Stacy Mellott, Mellott Manufacturing Co. Inc., 

Mercersburg, PA; and Sean Glessner, Kline’s Equipment & Mill 

Supplies Inc., Duncansville, PA 

Tom Inman, Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc., High 

Point, NC; Tony Stringer, Stringer Industries Inc., Tylertown, MS; 

and Seth Tucker, Tucker Timber Products Inc., Keysville, VA 

Craig Albright, Messersmith Manufacturing Inc., Bark River, 

MI; Timothy Heatwole, Outdoor Wood Stairs, Holland, VA; and 

Mark McLaughlin, Highland Outdoor Stairs, Monterey, VA 

Mark Depp, NHLA, Kingwood, WV; Dan Ullmann, DJ Pallets LLC, 

Pottstown, PA; Dan Cumbo and Christian Stewart, Baillie Lumber 

Group, Waynesboro, VA; Mark Bear, NHLA, Barry, AL; and Austin 

Henderson, Baillie Lumber Group 





EXPO RICHMOND PHOTOS Continued 

Robert Coleman, R.S. Coleman Lumber Co. Inc., Culpeper, VA; 

Tyler Berntsen, ISK Biocides Inc., Nashville, TN; Lance Johnson, 

ISK Biocides Inc., Memphis, TN; Ryan Turman, The Turman 

Group, Hillsville, VA; and Michael Oakes, ISK Biocides Inc., Marion, 

VA 

Craig Deer, Jon Cleereman and Rob Kittle, Cleereman Industries 

Inc., Newald, WI; Ray Tharpe, RTM Industrial Maintenance Inc., 

Dolphin, VA; and Paul Cleereman, Cleereman Industries Inc. 

Brian Artman, guest, ICONX Chemicals, Houston, PA; Scott Hutton, 

A.W. Stiles Contractors Inc., McMinnville, TN; and Pamela 

Artman, ICONX Chemicals 

Mark Metzger, Nyle Dry Kilns, Brewer, ME; Rick Roberts, Yellow 

Bank Landing, Warsaw, VA; and Adam Duplisea, Nyle Dry Kilns 

Mike Ballard, Sawmill MD, Crestview, FL; Troy Ketron, Ketron Pallets, 

Abingdon, VA; and Jon Krepol, Industrial Vision Systems 

Inc./VisionTally, West Conshohocken, PA 

Evan Mason, Chris Norris and Rob Mason, R. Mason & Co. LLC, 

Staunton, VA; and Chris Moran, PLMI, Philadelphia, PA 

Melissa Berry, Madison Berry and Ni’Asia Griffin, Continental Underwriters 

Inc., Richmond, VA 

Chris Fehr, National Hardwood Magazine, Memphis, TN; and 

Cliff Hurst and Mark Rackley, Hurst Boiler & Welding Co. Inc., 

Coolidge, GA 

Nicolas Espinoza, James Morton and Jerry Johnson, Paw Taw 

John Services Inc., Rathdrum, ID; and Isaac Searcy and John 

Shuttleworth, Heather Oak Wood Products Inc., Eugene, OR 

Nate Whipple, McDonough Manufacturing Company, Eau Claire, 

WI; Hugh Hawley, McDonough Manufacturing Company, Fredericton, 

NB; Matt Tietz, McDonough Manufacturing Company, Eau 

Claire, WI; and Asher Tourison, Acme Pallet Inc., Holland, MI 

Aaron Wolfinger, Farm Credit of the Virginias, Harrisonburg, VA; 

and Nate Richards, Canal Wood LLC, Spotsylvania, VA 

Felipe Diez Echeverria, Sergio Echeverria Diez and Frances Cooper, 

Cooper Machine Company Inc., Wadley, GA; Garry Davies, 

Leitz Tooling Systems Inc., Grand Rapids, MI; and Robert Cooper, 

Cooper Machine Company Inc. 

Joe Korac, Automation & Electronics USA, Arden, NC; Carina Kennedy, Ted and Ev Smith and Riley Smith, TS Manufacturing Co., 

Lindsay, ON; Peter McCarty, TS Manufacturing Co., Levant, ME; and Geoff Gannon, TS Manufacturing Co., Plymouth, NH 

Ken Matthews, SII Dry Kilns, Lexington, NC; Bob Pope, SII Dry Kilns, Montpelier, VT; Sean Riva and Rinat Khisyamov, Wood & Fire, 

Westport, CT; and Dan Mathews, Mary Mathews, Brian Turlington and Ben Mathews, SII Dry Kilns, Lexington, NC 





Rick Goodin, YesterYear Floors LLC, Campbellsville, KY; Warner 

Robinson, Robinson Lumber Company, New Orleans, LA; Judy 

Goodin, YesterYear Floors LLC; and Wesley Robinson, Robinson 

Lumber Company 

Whit and Haden Lovinggood, Middle Tennessee Lumber Co. 

Inc., Burns, TN; and Tami and Ty Adams, Adams Floor Co. Inc., 

Mooresville, NC 

Scott Cummings, Cummings Lumber Company Inc., Troy, PA; and Court Robinson and Clifton Worley, Robinson Lumber Company, 

New Orleans, LA 

CRAWFISH AND MUSIC SERVED UP BY 

ROBINSON LUMBER 

Robinson Lumber Company, headquartered in New 

Orleans, LA, welcomed attendees and guests to 

a crawfish boil held in conjunction with the recent 

National Wood Flooring Association’s 2024 Convention 

and Expo. 

Live music and all-you-can-eat crawfish was the fare 

of the evening event. 

Since 1893, New Orleans has been Robinson’s 

hometown and the hub of Robinson’s activities. According 

to the company website, Robinson designed and built 

modern, wood-enhanced offices to provide the best 

working environment for its sales team, administrative, 

accounting, and communications departments. The 

latest innovations in computer technology and inventory 

control allow the senior partners to monitor activities in 

14 locations as well as inventories and customers in 

over 60 countries. 

Strategically centered in the best White Oak and 

Hickory region in North America, Robinson’s state-ofthe-art 

concentration yard in New Albany, IN, efficiently 

processes the finest green lumber into KD lumber and 

strips for export and domestic shipments, according to 

the company’s website. A skilled and experienced team 

coordinates computer controlled modern kilns, perfect 

stacking, surfacing and ripping to produce a consistently 

superior quality product, uniform in color and texture. 

The company continues to invest to upgrade and expand 

its flagship production facility. 


In fact, in 2023 Robinson Lumber expanded the New 

Albany yard, which doubled the footprint of the location, 

enabling implementation of cutting-edge technologies 

and processes to enhance production capabilities. This 

expansion included the installation of additional kilns, 

which significantly bolster the company’s drying capacity 

and enhances overall operational efficiency. 

Robinson’s European office in Belgium handles sales 

and logistics for lumber and decking to the European 

Union and coordinates the company’s international 

Hardwood purchasing. Robinson also has sales offices 

in the Netherlands and France to better serve its 

importing clients in Europe and around the world. n 

Learn more at www.roblumco.com 

Mimi Tran, Dan Lennon, Steve and Sherri Stoufflet, Nichole Pringle 

and Jen Cummings, Robinson Lumber Company, New Orleans, 

LA; and Thad Dibble, Barefoot Flooring, Troy, PA 

Bill and Cheryl Buchanan and Alex Smith, Buchanan Hardwood 

Flooring Company Inc., Aliceville, AL; and Terry Miller, National 

Hardwood Magazine, Memphis, TN 

Crawfish season was in full swing in the Big Easy when guests 

visited Robinson Lumber’s crawfish boil party during the NWFA 

Convention and Expo. 

Trip Lanham, L & L Hardwoods Inc., Bedford Park, IL; Mike Lewis, 

Lee Lewis and Libby Clayton, Reliance Hardwood Flooring/Lewis 

Lumber and Milling Inc., Dickson, TN; and Jeff Lewis, Lewis 

Brothers Lumber Company Inc., Aliceville, AL 

Jeff and Ashley DoCarmo, Brown Oaks Flooring, Nashville, TN; 

Jesse Joyce, Middle Tennessee Lumber Co. Inc., Burns, TN; Joao 

Paulo, Master Flooring Floors Design, Nashville, TN; and (front) 

Charlie Robinson, Robinson Lumber Company, New Orleans, LA 

Robinson Lumber provided the best of New Orleans music for its 

guests to enjoy during the evening gathering. 

Garner Robinson and Chad Hammonds, Robinson Lumber Company, 

New Orleans, LA; Tyler Francois, Snowbelt Hardwoods 

Inc./Snow Country Hardwoods Inc., Hurley, WI; and Toto Robinson, 

Robinson Lumber Company 




NWFA EXPO PHOTOS Continued from page 33 

Tim Girardi, Paul Newton and Ken Walker, Logs 2 Lumber 2 You 

LLC, Nashville, TN 

Mike Benito, Arrow Forest LLC/Ike Trading Co. Ltd., Beaverton, 

OR; Jim Duke, Betty Sesco, Glen Miller and Chris Moore, Graf 

Brothers Flooring & Lumber, South Shore, KY; and Randy Mc- 

Cullough, Old Americana Floors, Murray, UT 

Butch Ousley, Buchanan Hardwood Flooring Company LLC, Aliceville, 

AL; Garner Robinson, Robinson Lumber Company, New 

Orleans, LA; Bill and Cheryl Buchanan, Buchanan Hardwood 

Flooring Company LLC; Narcis Rus, NDM Floors Distributor Inc., 

Marietta, GA; and Alexandra Smith and Doug Fikes, Buchanan 

Hardwood Flooring Company LLC 

John Goodey and Ed Acker, Weston Wood Solutions Inc., Brampton, 

ON 

Steve Bunch, Springcreek Flooring, West Plains, MO; Alvin Niwaz 

and Debbie Khemraj, Unique Floor Supply Inc., South Ozone 

Park, NY; Doug Wirkkala, Hardwood Industries Inc., Sherwood, 

OR; and Chip Vice, Justin Rutledge and Rusty Doughty, Springcreek 

Flooring 

Anthony and Carmen Muntean, AB Hardwood Flooring and Supplies, 

Chicago, IL; Mike Lewis and Libby Clayton, Reliance Hardwood 

Flooring/Lewis Lumber and Milling Inc., Dickson, TN; and 

Phillip Smith, Stoltzfus Forest Products LLC, Peach Bottom, PA 

Jason Austen and Alain Thibeault, Preverco Inc., Quebec City, 

QC; Ken Maguire, Preverco Inc., Allentown, PA; and Julien Dufresne, 

Preverco Inc., Quebec City, QC 

Tommy Maxwell and Keith Waldrop, Maxwell Hardwood Flooring 

Inc., Monticello, AR; Brian Chancellor, Ouachita Hardwood Flooring 

LLC, Warren, AR; and Darrell Orrell and Wil Maxwell, Maxwell 

Hardwood Flooring Inc. 


Scott Propst, Scotty Roten and Banks Church, Appalachian Lumber 

Company Inc., Wilkesboro, NC 

Heath Chamberlin, Will Pachan, Sara Mauk, Laura Mullins, Jim 

Graf, John Nichols and Andrew Graf, Graf Custom Hardwood, 

Portsmouth, OH 

Don Coleman, Alex Gilszmer and Elizabeth Coleman, Peachey 

Hardwood Flooring, Reedsville, PA; Andrew Denny, Textures 

Flooring, Nashville, TN; and Jeff Fairbanks, Peachey Hardwood 

Flooring 

Terry Miller, National Hardwood Magazine, Memphis, TN; and 

Scott Cummings and Thad Dibble, Barefoot Flooring, Troy, PA 




NWFA EXPO PHOTOS Continued 

CHB MEETING PHOTOS Continued from page 39 

Dustin Noyes, Muscanell Millworks Inc., Cortez, CO; Steve 

Stoufflet, Robinson Lumber Company, New Orleans, LA; Bobby 

Comisky, Muscanell Millworks Inc.; and Court Robinson, Robinson 

Lumber Company 

Wesley Robinson, Robinson Lumber Company, New Orleans, LA; 

Tyler Francois, Snow Country Hardwoods Inc., Hurley, WI; and 

Bill Buchanan, Buchanan Hardwood Flooring Company LLC, Aliceville, 

AL 

Steve Black, Kevin Murphy, Scott Fesus and Greg Burleson, Mullican 

Flooring, Johnson City, TN 

Webb Tutt, Demopolis Hardwood Flooring Inc., Demopolis, AL; 

Rob Dahlberg, Reliance Hardwood Flooring/Lewis Lumber and 

Milling Inc., Dickson, TN; and Zac Shepherd, Demopolis Hardwood 

Flooring Inc./Heritage Oak LLC, Sarcoxie, MO 

(Kneeling, from left) Eric Vigneault, Vexco Inc., Plessisville, QC; Frédérick Coté, Séchoir Mec Dry Kiln, Victoriaville, QC; Émilie Carrier, 

HUB International, Montreal, QC; Vincent Caron and Jean-Francois Martel, Groupe Savoie Inc., St-Quentin, NB; and Jean-Paul Lupien, 

MKMQC Inc., Mascouche, QC; and (standing, from left) Richard Davis, Referee, Montreal, QC; John-William Day, PG Hardwood 

Flooring Inc., St-Édouard-de-Lotbiniére, QC; Mike Harper, King City Northway Forwarding Ltd., Montreal, QC; Marco Vachon, Les Bois 

Poulin Inc., Shawinigan, QC; Wally Klubek, Baillie Lumber Co., Hamburg, NY; Mathieu Labrie, Groupe Savoie Inc., St-Quentin, NB; Brin 

Langmuir, Falcon Lumber Ltd., Toronto, ON; Jason Somers, Groupe Savoie Inc., St-Quentin, NB; and Claude Morin, Referee, Montreal, 

QC 

Additional photo on next page 




CHB MEETING PHOTOS Continued 

KFIA MEETING PHOTOS Continued from page 43 

Ray White, Harold White Lumber & Millwork Inc., Morehead, KY; 

and Vicky Quinones Simms, King City Forwarding USA Inc., 

Chesapeake, VA 

Ethan Lightcap, Stella-Jones Corp., Piketon, OH; Beryl Beagle, 

Stella-Jones Corp., Goshen, VA; Lloyd Lovett, King City Forwarding 

USA Inc., Chesapeake, VA; and William Perry, CMPC/Powell 

Valley Millwork LLC, Clay City, KY 

(Kneeling, from left) Dominic Beauchamp, Goodfellow Inc., Delson, QC; Jean-Francois Dion, Scierie Dion & Fils Inc., Saint-Raymond, 

QC; Jeff Allard, retired Montreal Firefighter, Montreal, QC; Sam Bouchard, Isaac Dalpe and Peter Lovett, King City Northway Forwarding 

Ltd., Montreal, QC; and Anthony Raspa, Quality Hardwoods Ltd., Powassan, ON; and (standing, from left) Claude Morin, Referee, 

Montreal, QC; Jean-Francois Dion, Scierie Dion & Fils Inc., Saint-Raymond, QC; Dany Houde, Les Planchers PG Inc., Saint-Édouardde-Lotbiniére, 

QC; Mathieu Sioui, Premontex, Wendake, QC; Patrick Goodfellow, Goodfellow Inc., Delson, QC; Pete Van Amelsfoort, 

Quality Hardwoods Ltd., Powassan, ON; Max Lebel, Victoriaville & Co., Victoriaville, QC; Patrick Gagne, Primewood, Drummondville, 

QC; Max Cadrin, C.A. Spencer Inc., Laval, QC; Lloyd Lovett, King City Forwarding USA Inc., Chesapeake, VA; and Richard Davis, Referee, 

Montreal, QC 

Friederich Ostertag, Indianapolis Wood Products, Scottsburg, IN; 

Kenneth Lynn, Anderson Wood Products Company, Louisville, 

KY; and Dwight Barnette, J & J Pallet Corporation, Clarksville, IN 

Jay Engle, retired, Smith Creek Inc., Borden, IN; Jerry Renneker 

and Jerry Koetter, Koetter Woodworking Inc., Borden, IN; John 

House, retired, Salem, IN; and Larry McKnight, Smith Creek Inc. 


We Provide The Herringbone... 

You Provide The “Wow Factor” 

Available in multiple widths, lengths and species. 

Lawrence Lumber 

Company Inc. 

P.O. Box 750 Maiden, NC 28650 

Tel: (828) 428-5601 Fax: (828) 428-5602 

website: www.lawrencelumberinc.com 

For Appalachian Hardwood lumber sales, contact Steve Staryak at 

(828) 999-0198, email: stevestaryak@lawrencelumber.net 

Green lumber vendors please contact Steve Leonard at 

(828) 446-0845, or email him at sgleonard7@gmail.com 

DELIVERING EXPECTATIONS 

WORLDWIDE 

Our Hardwood concentration yard in Maiden, NC is near Highway 321 

and Interstate 40 where we process quality kiln dried Appalachian Hardwood 

lumber in these five species: Red Oak, White Oak, Poplar, Ash, 

and Hickory. We: 

. Sell kiln dried Red and White Oak in 4/4 through 8/4 thicknesses; 

Poplar in 4/4 through 16/4 thicknesses; Ash in 4/4 through 8/4 

thicknesses; and Hickory in 4/4 and 7/4 thicknesses. The grades of 

lumber we sell are No. 2 Common and Better. 

. Have 800,000 board feet per charge of dry kiln capacity counting 

our new predryer/dry kiln and five dry kilns. We also have two fan 

sheds totaling 500 MBF capacity. 

. Have dedicated employees with many years of experience who 

are getting your orders prepared to your exact specifications. 

. Inspect our lumber after kiln drying. 

. Offer many services like export prep, mixed truckloads, container 

loading, dipping our lumber in ISK Biocides’ chemicals, S2S, 

SLR1E, width sorting, surfacing and ripping. 

. Process and sell 18 to 20 million board feet a year of the lumber 

species we deal in. 

. We are now able to surface, straight line rip and rip to width for 

our customers! 

NWFA/NOFMA 

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1992 

190 Wilson Mill Road, Monticello, Arkansas 71655 | maxwellhardwoodflooring.com 

WOOD 

FLOORING 




KFIA MEETING PHOTOS Continued 

SWHMC MEETING PHOTOS 

Continued from page 45 

Cliff Hurst, Hurst Boiler & Welding Co. Inc., Coolidge, GA; and 

Allan Robinson, PLMI, Bowling Green, KY 

Jeremy Caldwell and Adam Gay, Speyside Bourbon Stave Mill, 

Manchester, KY; Darrin Gay, Gay Brothers Logging & Lumber, 

Annville, KY; and Dominik Belzer, Brunner-Hildebrand Lumber 

Dry Kiln Co., Nashville, TN 

Bubba Lammons, All*Star Forest Products, Fairhope, AL; Dana 

Lee Cole, Hardwood Federation, Washington, DC; Dr. Nate Irby, 

Railway Tie Association, Vicksburg, MS; and Dana Spessert, 

NHLA, Memphis, TN 

Hardwood Lumber and Plywood Sales 

Species: 

Michigan Hard Maple • Michigan Red Oak 

Soft Maple • White Oak • Cherry • Ash • Beech 

Alder • Cedar • Aspen • Basswood • Hickory 

Poplar • Walnut • Figured Wood • Plywood 

Mike Sullivan, Haix North America Inc., West Union, OH; Brittney 

Brewer and Michele Brewer, KFIA, Frankfort, KY; and John Reinstetle, 

UK-Robinson Forest/Board of Directors, KFIA, Clayhole, 

KY 

Levi Yoder and Darci Shannon, Yoder Saws Inc., Kahoka, MO 

Bob Bradley, Koppers Co., Searcy, AR; and Tommy Maxwell, Maxwell 

Hardwood Flooring, Monticello, AR 

Services: 

Kiln-Dried 2 & Btr Northern Hardwoods 

Custom Thicknesses, Lengths and Widths 

Surfacing • SLR1E • Just In Time Delivery 

Javan Mallery - President 

javan@wolverinehardwoods.com 

616-437-9093 

Paul Mallery - Sales 

paul@wolverinehardwoods.com 

616-437-4218 

We offer specialized 

equipment designed to fit 

your needs! Call us today 

for the best equipment 

options for your mill. 

From Merchandising 

and Debarking Systems 

to Edgers to Sorting 

Systems - we have 

great solutions for 

hardwoods. 

478-252-5885 | info@coopermachine.com | CooperMachine.com 

Kevin Lammons, All*Star Forest Products, Murfreesboro, TN; 

Dana Lee Cole, Hardwood Federation, Washington, DC; and Tommy 

Maxwell, Maxwell Hardwood Flooring, Monticello, AR 

Brett Lowery, Blu Lowery and Adam Ward, Ward Timber, Linden, 

TX; and Keith Price, Corley Manufacturing, Jackson, TN 


David Wilson - Sales 

david@wolverinehardwoods.com 

616-403-9902 

Doug Fisher - Sales 

doug@wolverinehardwoods.com 

517-275-1060 

Greg Liceraga - Sales 

greg@wolverinehardwoods.com 

616-204-2759 

Randy Wisner - Sales 

rrwisner61@gmail.com 

503-616-6700 

Nolan Mulder - Purchasing 

nolan@wolverinehardwoods.com 

616-745-3059 

2810 113th Ave., Allegan, MI 49010 

(P) 269-686-7004 (F) 269-686-7944 

www.wolverinehardwoods.com 

facebook@WolverineHardwoods 

Building Relationships as Solid as the Wood We Sell 




WOOD PROTECTION PRODUCTS 

SWHMC MEETING PHOTOS 

Continued 

EXPO RICHMOND PHOTOS 


Wesley Robinson, Robinson Lumber Co., New Orleans, LA; and 

Tyler Walley, Rutland Lumber, Collins, MS 

Chris Fehr, National Hardwood Magazine, Memphis, TN; Bo Bayless 

and Tyler Atkins, Onsite Technologies LLC, Greensboro, NC; 

Mark Metzger, Nyle Dry Kilns, Brewer, ME; and Craig Albright, 

Messersmith Manufacturing Inc., Bark River, MI 

With SOL-BRITE® E 

WHEN ONLY THE 

BEST WILL DO. 

We deliver nature’s finest. 

Bill Buchanan, Buchanan Hardwoods, Aliceville, AL; and Charlie 

Netterville, Fred Netterville Lumber Co., Woodville, MS 

Brad Michael, Blake DeFrance and Joey Nelson, JoeScan Inc., 

Vancouver, WA 

Bubba Lammons, All*Star Forest Products, Fairhope, AL; Kevin 

Lammons, All*Star Forest Products, Murfreesboro, TN; and Bill 

Price, All*Star Forest Products, Jackson, MS 

Jim Burris, Corley Mfg. Co., Chattanooga, TN; Chris Hough, Lewis 

Controls Inc., Cornelius, OR; and Doyle Kitchings, Corley Mfg. 

Co. 

PRIME LUMBER COMPANY is now undergoing 

an expansion to better serve our clients. We are 

adding a second optimization line, increasing our 

planer capabilities, and expanding warehouse 

space. We boast one of the most diverse inventories 

in the Southeast. Our goal is to deliver quality and 

reliability in every board we ship, ensuring our 

clients prosper. Contact us today to learn more 

about our FSC-certified ® products. 

Superior Protection, 

Iron Stain, 

and Sapstain Control 

www.PrimeLumber.com 

800-786-1164 

1-888-363-2628 | sales@uccoatings.com | uccoatings.com 

Buffalo | Kenosha | Portland | Seattle 

Pierre Compagna, USNR, Quebec City, QC 

Steve Spears, Stan Goodin and Barry Black, Taylor Machine 

Works Inc., Louisville, MS 


FSC-C005392 




Family Owned And Operated Since 1976. 

A.W. Stiles Contractors providing a full line of 

Modern Day Lumber Drying Equipment. New 

Installations and Complete Rebuilds on Existing 

Equipment. Hardwood Package Kilns, Predryers, 

Walnut Steamers. Also manufacturing softwood 

kilns, including Dual Path Continuous Kilns. 

Our kilns are all manufactured in 

McMinnville, Tennessee. 

Complete Kiln and Predryer Rebuilds 

•Roof Replacements 

•Heating Coils and Complete Steam Systems 

•Doors and Carriers 

•Structural Repairs 

• 

seals, etc. 

•Protective Coatings 

•Complete line of replacement parts 

EXPO RICHMOND PHOTOS Continued 

Jeremy Bright, Meherrin River Forest Products Company, Weldon, 

NC; Thomas Hernadase and Felipe Aguilera, Meherrin River 

Forest Products Company, Alberta, VA; Stan Howell, Hurdle Machine 

Works Inc., Moscow, TN; and Amanda Snodgrass, Meherrin 

River Forest Products Company, Alberta, VA 

Travis Shepherd, Piche Inc., Daveluyville, QC; Deb Timmons and 

Brad Slaybaugh, The Sawmill at Cherry Grove, Petersburg, VA; 

and Stan Neglay, Maxi Mill Inc., Albany, OR 

LAKE STATES Continued from page 8 

since we have our own fleet of trucks, but it is difficult to 

keep truck drivers on staff,” he added. 

In Idaho a lumberman said that his market is currently 

soft. When asked if his company’s sales were doing 

better or worse than they were six months ago, he noted 

that they are doing a little bit better than they were. 

His company offers all domestic Hardwood species in 

grades No. 1 and 2 Common and in thicknesses of 4/4 

through 8/4. “Walnut would have to be our best seller 

right now,” he remarked. 

He sells to re-manufacturers and said that he has not 

heard any comments from them as to how their sales 

are doing. 

A lumber salesman in Illinois said that his sales are 

average, and that he has noticed some of his items 

are doing far better than others. “Poplar, Hard and 

Soft Maple and Red Oak are not doing well, while Ash, 

Walnut and White Oak are doing well,” he said. “White 

Oak is driven by the stave mills and the popularity that it 

has among end users. Walnut is a good dark wood that 

our customs want, but I think that the demand for Ash is 

driven more by the lack of supply more than anything.” 

He noted that his sales are better than they were six 

months ago and this is due to his company taking a 

stronger position on the lumber species that are selling 

well. 

The main species that his company offers are Cherry, 

Red and White Oak, Hard and Soft Maple, Walnut 

and Poplar. They offer these species in grades No. 2 

Common and Better and in thicknesses of 4/4 through 

8/4. 

“I sell mainly to distribution yards. They like the 2W’s, 

Walnut and White Oak. Everything else that I sell to 

them is consumed on a replacement basis,” he said. 

“I have not noticed any inventory building, with most 

customers strictly buying when they need it.” 

He noted that while it is still hard to find good 

employees that he has been able to retain them by 

paying them well. n 

Aerial view of our NEW Walnut steamer 

Ripped to width lumber 

Producer of 

Fine Kiln Dried 

Appalachian 

Hardwoods 

Red Oak, White Oak, 

Poplar, Walnut, Hickory 

Annual Production 10.5 mmBF 

Lumber production facility with Newman planer 

Chris Taylor, Real Performance Machinery LLC, Independence, 

VA; Corrie Beegle, Beegle’s Portable Sawmill, Clearville, PA; and 

Corrie Beegle, Kerex Inc., Breezewood, PA 

NORTHEAST Continued from page 8 

Providing replacement control installations 

and upgrades for existing kilns and pre-dryers. 

Screen shot above. User Friendly, Reliable, 

Compatible with Existing Equipment. 

Contact: Lee Stiles Cell: (931) 409-0144 

286 Bass Lane, McMinnville, TN 37110 

Email: lee@awscontractorsinc.com 

Website: www.awscontractorsinc.com 

Josh Perkins, Nick Sokoll and Josh Pugh, Taylor Machine Works 

Inc., Richmond, VA 

“but worse as far as logs and supply.” He added that 

transportation is not affecting his business currently 

and, despite its effect on other industries in the region, 

the Baltimore Key bridge collapse has not created any 

issues because most of his containers come through 

ports in New York City, NY. 

Dealing largely in No.1 Common and Better and No.2 

Common Walnut, he lauded the rate at which No.2 

Common is selling but worried “that mills are running out 

of logs” and said that this makes it difficult to forecast 

where the market will be six months from now. 

In Massachusetts, a lumber yard representative 

voiced similar optimism about his business and credits 

the loyalty of his customers. He, however, honored 

concerns that certain customers — end users; mainly 


Dry storage warehouse 

Green Sales: Benuel Stoltzfus 

sales@stoltzfusforestproducts.com 

KD Sales: Phillip Smith 

p.smith@stoltzfusforestproducts.com 

675 Nottingham Road, Peach Bottom, PA 17563 

Ph: (717) 548-2668 Fax: (717) 548-2013 




NORTHEAST Continued 

contractors — conveyed about the lack of business they 

expect to have leading into the summer. 

Operating mainly in industrial lumber and pallets, 

his main customer is end use manufacturers, but said 

that he also retails to hobbyists and contractors. This 

range in customer type requires that he always have a 

variety of species on his yard: “All New England species: 

Oak, Ash, Cherry, Maple, whatever you want; if it’s New 

England, we’ve got it.” He added that kiln-dried is also 

available and is selling well among local hobbyists and 

contractors. 

Despite the demand, he alluded to manpower being 

an issue. When asked if he could pinpoint anything 

specific that may affect the business in his state over the 

next six months, he simply said, “Absolutely, the answer 

to that question is labor.” 

Our New York contact told us that things in his state 

are “fairly good”. Echoing other industry professionals in 

his region, he insisted that, yes, the industry is in a better 

place than it was six months ago and that he anticipates 

that it will remain steady over the coming months. 

Working with distribution yards, end users and 

exporters, and selling Red Oak and 

White Oak in 4/4 through 8/4 in all 

grades, he said that White Oak is 

outselling Red Oak, reinforcing what 

we heard from other states. 

Industry contacts expressed 

appreciation for the availability of 

trucks in their region and do not 

anticipate any issues receiving 

shipments and/or containers in the 

coming months. n 

He sells to distribution centers and end users. When 

asked if they had offered any comments as to how 

their sales were doing, he said that they think that their 

markets are continuing to prove to be competitive. 

In Alabama a lumber spokesperson said sales 

depend on the species he is cutting. “If I am cutting Red 

Oak, then that market has dropped off and that is due 

to the exports and the companies that we usually sell 

it to slowing way down. White Oak is doing well, and I 

don’t have a problem selling it, and it’s the same for us 

with Poplar.” 

He noted that he offers Red and White Oak and Poplar 

in all grades and in 4/4 thickness. 

He mentioned that they are 

definitely doing better than they 

were six months ago. 

He sells to flooring and furniture 

manufacturers mainly. “Red Oak 

is trending down for a lot of my 

customers. The flooring companies 

are moving to the vinyl flooring 

planks, and that is continuing to hurt 

our sales.” n 

The orders are there, but you have to work for them. 

Business is still decent although we haven’t seen much 

change since the beginning of the year.” 

The contact offers Walnut, Hickory and White Oak in 

4/4 thickness and in grades FAS, Nos. 1 and 2. “Right 

now White Oak is moving very well. Our slowest moving 

item is Hickory,” he noted. 

He mentioned his customers' markets are not as busy 

as they were but they aren’t complaining. “Everybody 

is looking for just-in-time inventory right now. Nobody’s 

ready to commit to anything, but when they call, you 

Beautifully Sustainable 

Lunawood* 


We’ve added thermally modified Nordic 

Lunawood to our wide range of products 

designed to meet your needs: 

SOUTHEAST 

WEST COAST 

Lunawood Siding & Decking Cabinet & Furniture Components 



Siding & Exterior Trim Gang-Ripped & Defected Blanks 

Cypress and pine in 4/4 thickness. 

months ahead. 

Mouldings, 1000+ Profiles Shiplap & Nickle-Gap Paneling 

He sells mostly to end users and 

In Oregon a Hardwood supplier who 

occasionally to some sawmills. 

*Limited Distribution 

handles most domestic Hardwoods 

“There is one sawmill that I sell to 

in 4/4 and 5/4 said his activity has 

TRUSTED 

that is a Hardwood mill, but he is 

also been strong. He offered, “Our 

currently cutting 70 percent pine. 

Hardwood activity is importing and 

So, I supply him with Red Oak,” he 

NATIONAL 

exporting Hardwood lumber. Most of 

told us. 

the activity is steady.” 

He noted that he does not have 

Also supplying components 

issues with transportation as he 

LEADER 

manufactured from 4/4 and 8/4 

works with a dedicated trucking 

Hardwoods, he said specialty items 

company that makes sure that 

in Hard Maple are moving the best 

they are constantly able to haul the 

FULL BIOMASS WOOD 

for his operation at this time. 

lumber off the yard. 

He also mentioned that his online 

BOILER SYSTEM 

“Right now, you have to be 

markets are somewhat slower. “We 

creative and be able to switch your 

do some internet sales and those 

Design, Fabrication and Installation – Hot Water and Steam selling tactics at a moment’s notice 

markets have slowed down a bit,” he 

to be able to sell all of your products 

• Lifetime Support of Equipment with Full-Service Team and Parts Division 

explained. “That all started around 

for the month,” he added. 

• Experts in All Aspects of Boiler Room Equipment – Combustion System, Boiler, Emissions 

tax season and it hasn’t picked back 

A lumber sales representative in 

Control Equipment, Controls, and Material Conveying Equipment 

up much.” 

Project: Maxx Royal Kemer, Turkey 

• Installing throughout the US and Internationally 

Kentucky said that while he is able 

When asked about transportation 

Architect & Photo: Baraka Architects 

to sell lumber out of his warehouse, 

he said, “We aren’t having any 

he had to shut his sawmill down for 

transportation issues. We attribute 

a month due to a lack of logs. 

that to doing good business and 

He mentioned that his sales have 

building relationships with the ones 

been steady over the course of the 

Atlanta, GA 

we have.” 

last eight months. 

Cleveland, GA 

As for the next few months, he 

Clarksville, TN 

His company offers Red and 

said, “I expect we’ll continue to see 

White Oak and Poplar in grades No. 

improvement in our sales.” 

www.hardwoodweb.com 

906-466-9010 

2 Common and Better and in 4/4 

Another California Hardwood 

800-476-5393 

thickness. “Of course, White Oak is 

www.BurnChips.com sales@burnchips.com 

supplier said, “Our Hardwood 

selling the best, I can’t keep it in the 

markets have been order to order. 

yard.” 




WEST COAST Continued 

better be ready to go. If you don’t have inventory then 

you’re not going to be making sales. I bring the same 

products in on a regular basis that these guys use on a 

regular basis and everybody’s happy with the 30 days or 

less situation.” 

Going forward he said, “Interest rates are making things 

difficult for everybody right now. In California the prices 

of houses are a joke. People aren’t moving. What they 

are doing is remodeling their houses instead of moving. 

They have the equity but they're not going anywhere so 

there’s not a lot of houses on the market. I think with 

optifit edger. 

cash positive from 

www.mcdonough-mfg.com 

(717) 925-6276 

bbell@mcdonoughmfg.com 

the interest rates as they are and the upcoming election 

everything is going to be idle for the next few months.” n 

ONTARIO Continued from page 10 

processing this species as much as a result, and supplies 

are still sufficient to meet market demand. 

Ash demand appears to be steady, but at a slow pace. 

Exports were down slightly compared to 2023 rates, with 

China being the largest export market, and Canada increasing 

its imports of this species by 1 percent from 

the U.S. No. 1 Common and Better 

grades’ inventories, which are thin 

due to demand. Kiln-dried prices are 

noted to be firming up. 

Basswood for most suppliers and 

wholesalers is only being purchased 

on a replacement basis, and export 

markets are not great either. Business 

for No. 1 Common and No. 2A 

is much slower than for the upper 

grades, noted some contacts. 

Certain wholesalers and secondary 

manufacturers have been increasing 

their inventories, and with 

the Hard Maple production gains, it 

was easier to do so. As we approach 

warmer weather and more risk of 

staining, businesses were busy preparing 

this species. Prices have risen 

over time for green stock. Kiln-dried 

inventories are reported as low, particularly 

for the upper grades. 

Sales for Soft Maple remained 

strong, although not as strong now 

as earlier this year, and developing 

supplies increased, easing price 

pressures for green stock. Soft Maple 

needs are more balanced. 

Color sorted Birch has been selling 

well since there was a shortage of 

Maple. Off-colors, however, are challenging 

to sell. Prices are based on 

color, sorts, width and lengths, noted 

contacts. 

Beech has been directly affected 

by domestic secondary manufacturers 

using more MDF, plywood, and 

non-wood materials instead. Production 

is exceeding demand, resulting 

in downward price pressure. 

With the priority to produce whitewoods 

over other species less susceptible 

to stain, Red Oak is sufficient 

to meet demand. Demand is for the 

No. 1 Common and Better grades 

rather than for No. 2A and No. 3A. 

Kiln-dried inventories are reported to be thin. 

There is strong competition for White Oak logs which 

is limiting available volume for certain mills to process. 

Green lumber production is low, and demand for No. 1 

Common and Better is strong, while decent from other 

grades. Kiln-dried inventories are noted as thin for all 

grades. Domestic and overseas markets are solid. 

The National Wood Flooring Association Expo provided 

an opportunity for those in the Hardwood flooring 

industry, from manufacturers, distributors, to dealers and 

installers, to meet and discuss their concerns about the 

direction of business for Hardwood 

flooring. They, too, as most Hardwood 

businesses, have issues and 

concerns about risks to lumber supplies 

and its health, and the erosion 

of market share by competition from 

other products, from engineered 

flooring to tiles, ceramics, plastics 

and more. Production efficiencies 

are a top priority for all to remain in 

business, as is being able to sell their 

products. Despite of all these issues, 

there are signs of improved activity 

for Oak strip flooring sales, as well 

as of opportunities for wood flooring 

moving forward. 

On April 16 the Liberal government 

delivered its federal budget, 

with a focus on housing and homes. 

Finance Minister Crystia Freeland 

said, “We are moving with purpose 

to help build more homes, faster. 

We are making life cost less. We are 

driving the kind of economic growth 

that will ensure every generation 

of Canadians can reach their full 

potential.” 

Net new spending in this budget is 

at $39.2 billion. It promises to build 

3.87 million new homes by 2031 – 

two million more than the current 

expected pace – with measures and 

funding to scale up the pace of new 

home construction. 

It makes more federal land available 

for homebuilding and accelerate 

flows of workers into the construction 

industry, and announces changes 

for hopeful home buyers. First-time 

home buyers purchasing new builds 

can extend their mortgage amortizations 

to 30 years, up from the 

traditional 25, and raises the limit 

for withdrawals via the RRSP Home 

Buyers’ Plan to $60,000, an increase 

from $35,000. 

It plans to introduce a Canadian 

Renters’ Bill of Rights to crack down 

on “unfair practices” in the rental market and changes 

that would see monthly rent payments count towards 

building a credit score, as a way to “restore generational 

fairness in the housing market for younger Canadians.” 

Economists say the “ambitious” efforts to rapidly increase 

housing supply in Canada could give the government 

a “fighting shot” at eventually restoring affordability, 

but would not provide a short-term fix for those who are 

currently boxed out of the housing market. As to making it 

easier for Canadians to make a down payment and afford 

monthly mortgage costs, these changes could inadver- 

Matt Grube 

(920) 740-9140 

mgrube@northernhardwoods.com 

Atlantic Mine, MI 

Newberry, MI 


PREMIUM NORTHERN 

HARDWOOD LUMBER 

Ryan Peterson – Sales Manager 

(715) 533-6193 

rpeterson@northernhardwoods.com 

www.northernhardwoods.com 




ONTARIO Continued 

tently drive home values higher by growing the pool of 

buyers vying for the low supply in the market. 

For students, it extends an existing increase in loans 

and grants available for an additional year. It also proposes 

to create a new youth mental health fund of $500 

million. 

One way government plans to pay for new spending is 

with revenues tied to changes to how capital gains are 

taxed. The budget proposes raising the inclusion rate 

on returns from sales to two-thirds, up from the current 

regime of 50 percent, for any individual’s gains that exceed 

$250,000. For corporations and trusts, the 66.7 

percent inclusion rate would apply to all capital gains for 

tax purposes. It is expected an additional $18 billion in 

tax revenues over the next six years will be generated 

from these capital gains changes. 

Capital investment in Canada is already low, say economists, 

and timing of hiking capital gains tax could discourage 

businesses from putting more money into the 

economy at a time when growth is already stagnant. Lack 

of business investment can bring 

down productivity growth and overall 

quality of living standards in Canada. 

The budget expects that the annual 

rate of inflation, which ticked up 

0.1 percentage point to 2.9 percent 

in March, is expected to decline back 

to the Bank of Canada’s 2 percent 

target by the end of 2024. 

While some price pressures 

showed signs of easing and the 

Bank of Canada has opened the 

door to possible interest rate cuts in 

the months ahead, high shelter costs 

are what most Canadians are facing. 

Reining in inflation and setting 

the stage for rate cuts is therefore 

a significant way to make life more 

affordable, say economists. n 

QUEBEC Continued from page 10 

yards to keep up with the demand for 

green FAS &1F and kiln-dried FAS, 

which are the strong sellers on the 

market. Sales of Unselected No. 1 

Common and color selections of No. 

2A Soft Maple are weak. There has 

been a slight improvement in Sap and 

Better No. 1 Common, but it is not 

strong. 

Shutter and blind manufacturers 

have reduced their purchases of 

Basswood, as stocks are plenty. The 

moulding and millwork sector has 

also reduced its usage of this species, 

as Poplar was readily available, 

as has been the case for the last several 

months. 

Cherry demand is low. Sales of 

No.1 Common and Better are fair noted 

contacts. Sales of this species are 

based on color specifications. Cherry 

exports were down compared to last 

year’s figures, yet remain steady at 

this new level. Other export markets 

are also helping keep kiln-dried in- 

ventories in check. 

Hickory sales are also down, and 

for some it is seen as their slowest 

seller. Sales of the upper grades 

are doing better than the Common 

grades currently. 

Red Oak demand for kiln-dried supplies 

is seeing orders to export and 

domestic markets. Some are having 

difficulty moving No. 2A, and prices 

firm for No. 1 Common and Better, 

but flat for lower No. 2A. Drying operations 

were limiting purchases as 

weather warmed during the past few 

months. 

Markets are absorbing supplies of 

White Oak for most grades and thicknesses, 

and the demand is steady. 

Poplar interest to the U.S. is steady 

as to some export markets such as 

to Vietnam, mostly for the Common 

grades. Supply and demand are noted 

to be in balance. Moulding and millwork 

producers noted decent finished 

goods sales and are processing good 

volumes of this species. Most are well 

stocked at the moment and demand 

is less than earlier in the year. 

Walnut sales are moving well both 

on domestic and international markets. 

Sawmills are able to sell developing 

green lumber to various outlets. 

According to Canada Mortgage 

and Housing Corporation (CMHC), 

the total monthly seasonally adjusted 

annual rate (SAAR) of housing starts 

for all areas in Canada decreased 

7 percent in March (242,195 units) 

compared to February (260,047). 

The six-month trend in housing 

starts decreased 1.6 percent from 

247,971 units in February to 243,957 

units in March. The trend measure is 

a six-month moving average of the 

SAAR of total housing starts for all 

areas in Canada. 

The actual number of housing 

starts across Canada in urban centers 

of 10,000 population and over 

was up 16 percent to 17,052 units 

in March compared to 14,756 units 

in March 2023. The year-over-year 

increase was driven by higher multiunit 

starts, up 19 percent and higher 

single-detached starts, up 2 percent. 

March’s actual housing starts were 

10 percent and 15 percent higher 

year-over-year in Toronto and Vancouver, 

respectively, because of 

higher multi-unit starts, while single-detached starts decreased. Montreal’s 

actual starts decreased 1 percent, dragged down by lower multi-unit starts. 

The monthly SAAR of total urban (centres 10,000 population and over) 

housing starts decreased 7 percent, with 220,743 units recorded. Multi-unit 

urban starts decreased 8 percent to 180,229 units, while single-detached 

urban starts decreased 4 percent to 40,514 units. 

The rural starts monthly SAAR estimate was 21,452 units. 

Total SAAR housing starts were up 27 percent in Vancouver, driven by an 

increase in multi-unit starts. Toronto and Montreal declined 26 percent and 5 

percent, respectively due to decreases in multi-unit starts. n 

Visit us at IWF in Atlanta, GA 

Booth #BC639 

The 118,000-acre FSC® certified Collins 

Pennsylvania Forest sits in the center one of 

the finest hardwood forests in the world, in the 

Allegheny plateau of northern Pennsylvania. 




Forest Stewardship Council ® 

Look for our certified wood products 

BLACK CHERRY RED OAK SOFT MAPLE POPLAR WHITE OAK HARD MAPLE ASH BIRCH 

KANE HARDWOOD 

95 Hardwood Drive 

Kane, Pennsylvania 16735 

CollinsWood.com 

Paul Eastman 

Sales Manager 

peastman@collinsco.com 

814.366.1314 

Laurie Sue Burt 

Hardwood Logistics 

lsburt@collinsco.com 

814.837.0142 

John Olson 

Sales Representative 

814.558.0167

WHO’S WHO 

IN HARDWOOD PURCHASING 

A BRIEF SKETCH OF THE LEADING 

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THE HARDWOOD INDUSTRY 

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KopCoat Protection Products offers specialty 

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the common challenges associated with 

wood: weathering, rot, and decay. 

kop-coat.com 

Brandon Norris is a junior lumber 

buyer at Wellborn Cabinets, 

located in Ashland, AL. Norris 

has been a lumber buyer for the 

company since October 2023. 

His responsibilities include purchasing 

lumber, while maintaining 

inventory levels that meet the 

company’s standards. Wellborn 

Brandon Norris 

Cabinets manufactures kitchen 

and bath cabinets and purchases 

nearly 6 million board feet of Hard Maple, 1.2 million 

board feet of Cherry and 2 million board feet of Sweet 

Gum, in grades No. 2 Common and Better and in 1 1/8- 

inch thickness. 

Norris has been in the forest products industry for 

nine years. Norris graduated from Wadley High School 

in Wadley, AL. He graduated from the 175th Inspector 

Training School at the National Hardwood Lumber Association, 

in Memphis, TN. He also went to dry kiln school 

in Raleigh, NC at North Carolina State College, where 

he learned how to operate dry kilns and the process of 

drying lumber. 

Norris enjoys hunting, fishing and coaching his daughter’s 

softball team, as well as spending time with family. 

He has been married to Camry Norris for three years and 

has two daughters, Addison and Grier Norris. 

Wellborn Cabinets is a member of National Kitchen 

and Bath Association, Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers 

Association, National Association of Home Builders, 

National Association of Remodeling Industry, Hardwood 

Manufacturers Association, National Hardwood Lumber 

Association and Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association. 

For more information, call 256-610-3197, email 

bnorris@wellborn.com or visit www.wellborn.com.n 

Matt Shaw 

Matt Shaw is in lumber purchasing 

and industrial sales for Mill 

Creek Lumber, located in Oklahoma 

City, OK. 

Mill Creek purchases approximately 

300,000 board feet of 

lumber annually. Products are as 

follows: 4/4 Select and Better Soft 

Maple; 4/4 Select and Better Plain 

Sawn, Rift, and Quartered White 

Oak; 4/4 Select and Better Rift 

White Oak; 4/4 Select and Better 

Walnut; 4/4 FAS Poplar; 4/4 FAS Red Oak; 4/4 Knotty 

Alder; 4/4 African Mahogany; 4/4 Pecky Cypress; and 

4/4 moulding grade pine. 

Among the unique services and value-added processes 

offered at Mill Creek are custom mouldings, wood 

arches, edge-glue and fingerjoint capabilities. 

Shaw has been in his current position at Mill Creek 

Lumber for over four years. He has been in the forest 

products industry for nearly 20 years, having most recently 

worked for a building products wholesaler for seven 

years. His first job in the industry was working at his 

family’s business and selling wood mouldings. 

Shaw graduated Choctaw High School in Choctaw, OK 

and studied at Hillsdale FWB College in Moore, OK. 

He has been married to Melissa for seven years. They 

are parents of one son (Grayson) and two daughters (Logan 

and Teagan). 

In his spare time, Shaw enjoys sports, hunting and 

outdoor grilling. 

Learn more about this company at 

www.millcreeklumber.com. n 

Salena Ball and husband 

Kent Barnes are co-owners of 

Hardwood Floors of Hillsboro 

LLC, located in Hillsboro, WI. 

She handles lumber purchasing, 

accounting and sales, as well as 

overseeing daily operations. 

Hardwood Floors of Hillsboro 

is a manufacturer of 3/4-inch solid, 

un-finished Hardwood flooring. 

The company purchases a 

Salena Ball 

yearly volume of approximately 

5 million board feet of Northern Hardwood lumber, including 

Red and White Oak, Ash, Cherry, Birch, Red Elm, 

Hickory, Hard Maple, Black Walnut, and Rift/ Quartered 

Red and White Oak. All lumber purchases are surfaced 

to 15/16” thickness with proper moisture content 6-8 percent. 

The majority of lumber grade(s) purchased are No. 

1 Common and No. 2A with some upper grades procured 

for special orders and/or long length specifications. Flooring 

requests in custom thickness (from 3/8” and thicker) 

and custom plank face options (from 1.5” up to 9”) and 

custom lengths are available. 

Value-added services include truckload and less-thantruckload 

deliveries for unfinished wood flooring materials, 

herringbone flooring materials, and micro bevel 2-sid- 


CLARK LUMBER COMPANY 

• 6 Sawmills producing 48,000,000’ of Appalachian 

Hardwoods 4/4 - 8/4 

• 900,000’ drying capacity 

• 2,500,000’ kiln dried Lumber Inventory 

• Species: Red & White Oak, Hard & Soft Maple, 

Poplar, Ash, Cherry, Hickory, Walnut and 

Aromatic Red Cedar 

• Export prep & container loading 

• A team of over 130 employees manufacturing 

Appalachian Hardwoods 

Hugh Clark, President; Brandon Clark, Vice President; and 

Joseph Draper, Sales 

“From our Forest to your Facility” 

Brandon Clark 

bclark@clarklumbercompany.com 

Joseph Draper 

jdraper@clarklumbercompany.com 

Clark Lumber Company 

552 Public Well Road 

Red Boiling Springs, TN 37150 

Office: (615) 699-3497 

www.clarklumbercompany.com 




Whatever your hardwood needs, our experienced 

sales staff will be happy to assist you with all of 

your lumber inquiries. Call for a complete list of our 

wood products. 

SERVICES 

n Direct mill, export and import shippers 

n Wholesale, distribution and dry kiln centers 

MILLING CAPABILITIES 

n S2S, carbide straight-line rips and gang rip 

n Custom mouldings 

SHIPPING OPTIONS 

n Our own trucks ship all quantities of lumber, from 

bundle lots to full tractor-trailer loads. 

n Our common-carrier network also enables us to 

quickly ship lumber all over the United States. 

www.oshealumber.com 

At O’Shea Lumber, 

your needs are our 

highest priority. 

We maintain a 3.5 million 

board for inventory of 

foreign and domestic 

hardwoods. Call to 

experience our excellent 

customer service. 

Since 1971 

Main Office and Yard 

11425 Susquehanna Trail 

Glen Rock, PA USA 17327 

1.717.235.1992 phone 

1.717.235.0200 fax 

E-mail: anton@oshea.com 

1.800.638.0296 

Connecting North American 

Forest Products Globally 

LIKE AND FOLLOW US ON: 

@millerwoodtradepub 

www.millerwoodtradepub.com 

WHO’S WHO Continued 

ed or 4-sided are milling options. Also 

available are custom milled “specialty 

grained” domestic Hardwoods ie: 

birdseye, curly, and quilted. These 

limited Hardwood options are available 

by an accumulation basis from 

their lumber sources. 

Ball attended South Dakota State 

University, located in Brookings, SD. 

Her first position in the forest products 

industry began in 1990 working 

at Wolohan Lumber where she was 

a cabinet designer and sales representative. 

Hardwood Floors of Hillsboro is a 

member of the National Wood Flooring 

Association. 

For more information contact 

608-489-2828. n 

INDUSTRY NEWS 


with unique insights into the specific 

needs of kiln-drying customers. 

Metzger’s educational background 

includes an associate’s degree in 

wildlife technology from Penn State 

University - DuBois and a bachelor’s 

degree in Business Administration 

from Edinboro University. His strong 

commitment to delivering a customer 

experience rooted in honesty and integrity 

aligns perfectly with Nyle Dry 

Kilns’ values. Metzger is passionate 

about collaborating with customers 

to enhance their businesses, and his 

addition to the team is anticipated to 

bring valuable perspectives and drive 

further success. 

Nyle Dry Kilns is thrilled to have Mark 

Metzger on board and looks forward 

to the contributions he will bring to the 

company and its clients. 

For more information visit www. 

nyle.com. 

Paw Taw John Services Inc. 

Welcomes Howie Halcomb 

Paw Taw John Services Inc., located 

in Rathdrum, ID, recently welcomed 

Howard “Howie” Halcomb as their 

newest sales representative in their 

sales of control systems division, where 

he will be selling industrial components 

and temposonics. 

Paw Taw manufactures carriage 

control systems, temposonics, 

rotary encoders and lasers 

for the Hardwood and softwood 

industries. 

Halcomb has been in the forest 

products industry for the past 

13 years, where he started as a 

lumber wholesaler at Spokane 

Forest Products. 

Howie Halcomb 

Halcomb graduated from high 

school at Trinity Academy in 1997 and then went on to 

earn his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of 

Montana in 2001. 

In his free time, Halcomb enjoys fly fishing and traditional 

bow hunting. 

For more information, call 208-627-9598 or visit www. 

pawtaw.com. 

TS Manufacturing’s hands free infeed with auto centering 

roll case. 

TS Manufacturing Makes Installations At Meherrin 

River Forest Products 

TS Manufacturing, headquartered in Lindsay, ON, announced 

that Meherrin River Forest Products recently 

started up a new lineal edger system at their Weldon, 

NC, facility. The new edger line replaces their existing 

manual edger in their green sawmill. 

The project consisted of a new three saw lineal edger 

system: hands free infeed with auto centering roll case, 

infeed belt, articulating saw box, outfeed belt and edging 

separator. The installation included various material handling 

pieces, transfer deck, belt conveyors and vibrating 

conveyors, to get material to and from the new edger. The 

project also included an A&E 3D geometric optimizer and 

scanner frame and a TS AccuTally software package for 

production reporting. 

Working with the customer through several different 

mill layouts, TS was able to position the edger line in 

an area of the mill that allowed the new machine to be 

installed and commissioned while the mill was running, 


MUELLER BROTHERS 

TIMBER, INC. 

Tracey Mueller, Log Procurement; Kevin Mueller, Mill Manager; 

and Randy Mueller, Sales 

SAWMILL AND TWIN BAND RESAW 

Manufacturers of: 

4/4 - 8/4 Grade Lumber 

SPECIALIZING IN PLAIN SAWN: 

• WALNUT • COTTONWOOD 

• SYCAMORE • HICKORY • RED OAK 

• WHITE OAK• SOFT MAPLE 

• HARD MAPLE • ASH 

400,000’ DRY KILN CAPACITY 

1,000,000’ DRY STORAGE 

PLANER 

STRAIGHT LINE RIP 

GANG RIPPING 

DOUBLE END TRIM 

EXPORT PACKAGING 

CONTAINER LOADING 

Grooved sticks used on all 

whitewoods and White Oak. 

P.O. BOX 175 

OLD MONROE, MO 63369 

PHONE: 636-665-5193 

FAX: 636-665-5812 

Email: randy@muellerbros.com 

www.muellerbros.com 

NHLA 




Dwight Lewis 

Co., Inc. 

Hillsgrove, PA 18619 • Phone 570-924-3507 

FAX 570-924-4233 

Kilns • Export Preparation 

Container Loading 

Company Owned Timberland 

3rd Generation Since 1941 

Appalachian Hardwoods 

Specializing in Cherry 4/4 thru 16/4 

Hard & Soft Maple 

Red & White Oak 

National Hardwood Lumber Association Certified 

INDUSTRY NEWS Continued 

with just a small shut down to tie in some of the material 

handling pieces. 

TS Manufacturing offers a complete line of machinery, 

controls and software to fit their customers’ mill and is 

celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. For more 

information on their complete line of sawmill and planer 

mill offerings, contact them at sales@tsman.com or 

(705) 324-3762. 

Paul Cleereman 

designed for E-Pallet. 

Cleereman Industries Installs 

New Sawmill 

Cleereman Industries, headquartered 

in Newald, WI, along 

with Cleereman Controls, recently 

completed the start-up of the new 

E-Pallet operation in Byesville, OH, 

that produces grade lumber, as 

well as pallet lumber. This was a 

new ground up sawmill that Cleereman 

Industries engineering team 

The new mill consists of a several Cleereman products 

including their 848 debarker, two LP-42 linear carriages, 

Cleereman Controls 3-D scanning systems, two 

100-horse-powered Hydrostatic carriage drives, modular 

track frames with dual air bag cable tensioners, sawyers’ 

cabs, completely wired with Cleereman Controls dispatch 

and optimization packages. 

The new Cleereman sawmill also consists of drop belts, 

a headrig roll case, a 654 optimized combination/gang 

edger, a landing table, an unscrambler, a trimmer and 

a green chain. Cleereman included a precision 58-inch 

chipper and precision vibrating conveyors, as well as 

three Cleereman dual overhead truck loading systems. 

Cleereman Industries also supplied all the electrical cabinets 

for E-pallet. 

Cleereman engineering staff went over their design 

drawings with Erv Byler the project manager for E-Pallet. 

After a few minor changes the engineering department 

completed the traditional 2-D build drawing and a 3-D 

model that allowed the customer to see the entire mill. 

Byler said, “The whole Cleereman team was professional, 

respectful and went the extra mile to make sure we were 

happy with everything. I really appreciate their enthusiasm, 

hard work and attention to detail.” 

The concrete embedment plans were also completed so 

the foundation work could be completed before building 

arrived. Once the building was done, equipment started 

shipping in the order that they needed for the setting plan. 

Cleereman supplied all the sub-steel as a pre-engineered 

solution that included all the platforms and catwalks and 

stairs this allowed for the mill to be bolted together very 

quickly and set all elevations to correct height. 

Cleereman Industries is providing pre-engineered solutions 

for new sawmill construction. “The pre-engineered 

solutions that we offer has saved our customers a lot of 

valuable time and money on these bigger projects. We 

also are doing the same type of pre-engineered solution to 

existing mills that are looking to upgrade. This service sets 

Cleereman apart from a lot of other manufacturers,” said 

Paul Cleereman, vice president of Cleereman Industries. 

For more information, visit www.cleereman.com. 

Wood-Mizer’s WM2500 industrial sawmill 

Wood-Mizer Announces New WM2500 Industrial 

Sawmill 

Wood: The Natural Choice 

Stay on track: www.rta.org or 

Wood-Mizer recently introduced the WM2500 industrial 

sawmill to the Hardwood and softwood industries. The 

WM2500 includes features to ensure precision, stability 

and operational efficiency. The WM2500 industrial 

JOSEY (JOCO) 2018 Christmas REV .qxp_Layout 1 11/19/18 2:42 PM Page 1 

sawmill joins the established and growing Wood-Mizer 

range of industrial-level sawmill equipment that includes 

sawmills, resaws, edgers, material handling equipment 

and complete sawmilling systems. 

Combining an electric 30-horse-powered motor with 

a maximum log diameter of 41-inches and maximum 

cut width of 33-inches, the WM2500 industrial sawmill 

operates as a standalone primary headrig to saw grade 

or dimensional lumber, as well as pallet boards, or as a 

vital component of a complete sawmilling system. 

The stand-alone operator stand is accompanied by an 

operator control console that includes joystick controls, 

presets, setworks, and independent hydraulic controls, 

making operation fast, easy and efficient, according to a 

statement from Wood-Mizer. 

The high-speed head up/down servo drive reduces saw 

head positioning time so more time can be spent sawing 

lumber. In addition, the high-performance blade wheel 

belt system minimizes vibration and sawdust interference 

to extend blade life. The WM2500 industrial sawmill is 

also equipped with a hydraulic pump unit, stand-alone 

central electric box and pantograph, which ensures that 

cabling is secure and dust-free while minimizing cable 

wear during operation. 

Since 1982, Wood-Mizer has served more than 100,000 

customers throughout the world From Forest to Final 

Form®. Wood-Mizer offers an extensive line of equipment 

including narrowband portable and industrial sawmills, 


JoCo Lumber, Inc. is a division of 

Josey Lumber Company, Inc. 

Tripp, Logan, and Joey Josey 

Our company offers: 

• 10,000,000 BF of annual production from 

our 6’ band headrig and 6’ band resaw. 

• Red and White Oak, Soft Maple, Ash, 

Poplar and Cypress in 4/4 through 8/4 

thickness. 

• rough, surfaced, air-dried and kiln-dried 

lumber in random widths and lengths. 

• export prepping, container loading of logs and lumber, 

anti-stain dipping and end coating lumber. 

• 500,000 BF of dry kiln capacity. 

• 65,000 SF of enclosed warehouse for storage and loading of 

kiln-dried lumber. 

For Quality Appalachian Lumber Contact: 

JOsey Lumber COmpany, InC. 

JoCo Lumber, InC. 

476 Lees meadow rd. • p.O. Drawer 447 

scotland neck, nC 27874 

TeL: (252) 826-5614 • FaX: (252) 826-3461 

COnTaCT: 

emaIL: joseylbr3@gmail.com 

saLes: Logan Josey 




INDUSTRY NEWS Continued 

“Hand-sculpting fabric out of heavy materials is somewideband 

sawmilling equipment, band resaws, board 

edgers, wood kilns, planer/moulders, firewood processing 

equipment, pallet recycling equipment, material handling 

equipment, sawmill blades and blade maintenance 

equipment for woodworking and forestry hobbyists and 

professionals all over the world. 

Visit www.woodmizer.com for more information. 

DMSi Announces New Log Mobile App 

DMSi, headquartered in Omaha, NE, recently launched 

the DMSi Log System, a modern timber and log app and 

desktop system. The app primarily focuses on log scaling 

but also handles various aspects of log procurement and 

timber bid management, including receiving, transfers, 

movements, consumption, automated split payment, freight 

rate changes and log row audits. 

DMSi specializes in developing and supporting inventory 

and order management software for the building materials 

industry. They offer several solutions specifically designed 

for Hardwood businesses, such as eLIMBS, Simply Computing 

software, TallyExpress and Neural Grader. The 

DMSi Log app is their newest Hardwood-specific offering. 

Over the years, DMSi has acquired multiple legacy 

Hardwood software companies with log and lumber systems. 

This allowed them to consolidate industry expertise and 

transform these systems into modern technology platforms. 

DMSi’s approach involved rewriting these systems using 

a modern tech stack, which significantly reduces manual 

effort. With the DMSi Log app, information automatically 

syncs to the desktop system when connected to Wi-Fi. 

Even when working offline, data syncs automatically once 

reconnected to Wi-Fi. According to a company spokesperson, 

the app boasts an intuitive and user-friendly 

interface, ensuring users can start using it right away 

without extensive training. 

For more information, please visit www.dmsi.com. n 

AHEC REPORT Continued from page 16 

beauty I have always seen in everyday Ghanaian life,” 

stated Giles Tettey Nartey, creative. 

Pirouette By Parti 

Inspired by the fluid movement of fabric and the childlike 

joy of spinning around, Parti’s Pirouette collection is 

a range of timber furniture that explores complex geometric 

forms. 

Translating the folds and creases of twisting and billowing 

fabric into the solid forms of seats and tables is 

a demanding and complicated process, usually associated 

with sculpture and the highest levels of craftsmanship. 

Collaborating with Jan Hendzel Studio, Parti has 

embarked on a journey of experimentation, pushing the 

boundaries of a three-axis CNC machine to sculpt the 

wood and develop the furniture. 

thing we’ve seen throughout history. At Parti, however, 

we are interested in utilizing new technologies and processes, 

and pushing them to the limit. As a result, the 

making process is integral to the design, informing its 

boundaries. The final design is achieved through a process 

of negotiation between the expression of the piece 

and the process of making it. Although it would be easier 

to design a one-off, hand-crafted object, we wanted to 

push the limits of new technology to create a feasibly 

manufactured product,” said Eleanor Hill, director, Parti. 

MARS HILL JUNE 2014_Layout 1 5/19/14 2:24 PM Page 1 

Maple’s density makes it especially suited to the creation 

of sculptural shapes through CNC cutting. Because 

the CNC machine cuts only one side of the wood, the 

forms are simplified, with each piece constructed from a 

series of complex shapes connected together, with top 

and bottom elements acting as ‘keys’ to lock everything 

together and sustain the furniture’s structure. 

Running diagonal across the twisting timber ‘skirt’, the 

wood’s silky grain contributes to a sense of fluidity and 

motion within the pieces, which are tactile and dynamic, 

reminiscent of dancers frozen in the moment. Despite 

Pirouette’s intricate appearance, meticulous attention to 

detail ensures that the manufacturing process remains 

streamlined and efficient, allowing for a seamless blend 

of complexity and simplicity in each piece. 

A Call For Material Diversity 

For AHEC, the principal goal of these collaborations 

is to bridge the gap between the design industry and 

the naturally regenerating forests that supply American 

Hardwoods, and to call for a sustainable material-first 

design approach that is led by resource availability rather 

than trends. 

“The relentless pursuit of ever-changing trends has led 

to overexploitation of certain wood species, disregarding 

the rich diversity of natural resources available. Moreover, 

trends that prioritize flawless, uniform appearances 

incentivise practices that may compromise the integrity 

and resilience of forests and ecosystems,” explained 

Rocio Perez-Inigo, director of communications, AHEC. 

To truly embrace sustainability, AHEC believes the 

design industry must shift its paradigm towards a more 

holistic understanding of materials. This begins with 

integrating material choice into the initial stages of the 

design process, prioritizing responsibly sourced, renewable 

natural materials and investing time and effort in 

learning and understanding their unique characteristics 

and potential. Rather than treating natural materials as 

like-for-like substitutes for man-made equivalents, design 

must recognize and celebrate their inherent qualities 

and imperfections as part of their charm and authenticity. 

By adopting this mindset and approach – as Parti 

and Giles Tettey Nartey have in this project – we can 

foster a more sustainable design ethos that respects and 

preserves the natural world while meeting the needs of 

contemporary design aesthetics. 

For more information about Class of ’24 please contact 

ahec@zetteler.co.uk. n 

“Quality Hardwood Lumber and Flooring” 

Quality Hardwood Lumber 

24 Million ft. Annually of Bandsawn Lumber 

One Million ft. of Kiln Capacity 

Planing Mill Facilities 

Straight Line Capability 

Width Sorting 

On Site Container Loading 

Serving you from our facilities in Georgia and Tennessee. 

Quality Solid Hardwood and Engineered Flooring 

Buena Vista, GA – 75,000 sf Solid Hardwood Flooring 

Facility Producing 3/4, 2-1/4, 3-1/4, 4 and 5″ 

Humidity Controlled Warehouses 

Newport, TN – 85,000 sf Engineered Hardwood Flooring 

Facility Producing 5/8, 2-1/4, 3-1/4, 4, 5, 6 and 7″ 

in Red Oak, White Oak and Hickory 

Humidity Controlled Warehouses 

Owner/Partner - Roland Weaver (229) 649-9328 

V.P. of Sales – Kevin Cloer (423) 623-7382 

Flooring Sales/Lumber Purchasing – Bobby Cloer (423) 623-7382 

Oakcrest Lumber, Inc. 

Ph: (229) 649-9328 FAX: (229) 649-9585 

Email: oakcrest@windstream.net 

Website: www.oakcrestlumber.com 

Mars Hill, Inc. 

at (866) 629-9089 for obtaining the 

best looking White Poplar 

you’ve ever seen. 

We like to say “It’s so white, it’ll blind you!” 

We offer our White Poplar in 4/4 through 8/4 thicknesses 

in Sap 1F & Btr, 1 Com and/or FAS/1F grades in truck 

load or container load quantities only. 

ATT: PALLET - STAKE - INDUSTRIAL MFRS! 

Hardwood Lumber Rough Green 

4/4xRWxRL • 4/4x6xRL • 8/4xRWxRL • 6/4xRWxRL 

SYP Heat Treated 

1x4x40 • 1x6x40 • 2x4x40 • 2x6x40 

2x4x48 • 1x2x12”-36” SYP KD Stakes 

Other sizes from can to cant! All inquiries welcome! 

Dense HDWD Stakes, Chisel Point 

1 1/8x1 1/8 

Truckload lots available, quoted F.O.B. your yard. 

(866) 629-9089 

Fax: 601-671-0736 

e-mail: mwood@marshillinc.com 

www.marshillinc.com 

We accept major credit cards 




Contact



YEARS 



CLASSIFIED 

PROFIT OPPORTUNITIES 

To: Anyone involved in the sawmill controls industry 

FOR SALE 

Dry Kiln Concentration Yard with 470,000 bdft Kiln Capacity 

and 400,00 bdft Predryer Capacity 

LOT – Western Pennsylvania 

26.47 – acre industrial site 

26.31 – acre wooded lot 

70,000 sqft asphalt lot 

100 x 80 vehicle lot 

Enough sq footage to openly store 2,000,000 bdft lumber. 

BUILDINGS: 

80 x 212 Steel storage building concrete floor (blue lumber storage) 

65 x 140 Wood frame equipment building concrete floor (green chain) 

60 x 130 Wood frame equipment building (stacker) 

60 x 80 Steel building high storage (sawdust) 

60 x 60 Wood frame equipment building (grading shed) 

130 x 80 Coe steel building (predryer) 

5 – 50,000 ft SII Kiln Building 

2 – 40,000 ft Irvington Moore Kilns 

2 – 80,000 ft Nardi Kilns 

25 x 160 Garage w/small office and wash area. Parts storage rooms. 

Block and wood structure. 

25 x 160 Open face wood storage shed, gravel floor. 

25 x 160 Open face steel storage shed with a 50 x 60 high overhang roof, 

gravel floor. 

104,000 sqft Asphalt lot 

OFFICE – Roughly 2,000 sqft working space. 

11 Individual offices 

2 large clerical offices 

1 large conference room 

Small kitchen 

2 Restrooms 

Reply to: nhm@millerwoodtradepub.com, put CMP #3578 in subject line. 

SALESMAN WANTED 

We’re looking to add a salesman 

to our team to grow our U.S. sales, 

and our Ontario, Canada westward 

sales. 

Knowledge of the Hardwood industry, 

logistics and supply chain 

process are important. Strong sales 

qualities and solutions oriented. 

Full-time and exclusive to our service. 

Location is not an issue – work 

remote from U.S. or in Ontario, Canada. 

Reply to: 

nhm@millerwoodtradepub.com 

Put CMP #3579 in subject line. 

Our Classified 

Advertising 

Works ! 

For information Call: 

800-844-1280 

USED MACHINERY FOR SALE 

●USNR 4TA30 Top Arbor Three Shifting 

Saw Edger 

●Infeed Landing Deck 

●USNR – Lunden Cam Unscrambler 

S/N 41419 

●Even Ending Rolls 

●Queuing Hooks (2) ahead of Scanner 

●Queuing Hooks (2) after Scanner 

●Edger Infeed Model 600 Maximizer 

S/N 2951-A 

●USNR 4TA30 Edger with 200 HP Arbor 

Drive Motor 

●Outfeed Belt with Shifting Edging Shears 

●Specs – Hardwood 1” to 4” Thick x 4” to 24” 

Wide x 6’ to 16’ Long 

●Saw Kerf .160” x Saw Plate .120” 

●Two Hydraulic Units 

●Water Mizer Oil Mist Guide System 

●Set of Babbitt Guide Tools 

Contact: James Robbins 

Cell: (207) 322-3162 

Email: jarobbins@rlco.com 

SERVICES 

HARDWOOD SAWMILLS & LUMBERYARDS 

The first management book written specifically for hardwood 

people by a hardwood lumberman. Tune your skills. 

Maximize your productivity, Reduce your costs. Increase your 

profits. This book can help you improve your bottom line by 

thousands of dollars a year. 

Hardwood Sawmills & Lumberyards 

Available at Amazon.com 

$29.95 HB • $19.95 Paperback 

by Bruce W. Nesmith 

bruce_nesmith@hotmail.com 

931-303-6304 

901.767.9126 

or visit us at 

www.hmr.com 

Benchmark pricing and market 

commentary on the North American 

hardwood lumber industry. 

Go online at hmr.com for a sample copy. 

ALL CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE 

PAID IN ADVANCE 

$45.00 PER INCH 

Blind Box Number Fee:$10.00 

DEADLINE: 

30 Days Preceding 

Publication Month 

Classified advertising will not be accepted for 

Hardwood products such as lumber, dimension, 

turnings, veneer, carvings, new dry kilns or dry 

kiln equipment, etc. 


KEPLEY-FRANK 

Hardwood Consultant Needed: 

Major high end interior millwork contractor 

in need of consultant for assistance in procuring 

and logistics of domestic hardwoods 

for nationwide project. Along with grading of 

material and training company staff for quality 

control and yield is required. 

Required Qualifications: 

Knowledge of hardwood industry standards 

and logistics (NHLA) 




66 








66 

YEARS 

Quality. Sustainability. Relationships. 

HARDWOOD CO., INC. 


Position: 

Full or part time, can be remote. 

Compensation to be Negotiated 

Contact: Fred Mortensen, CEO 

fmortensen@mortensenwoodwork.com 

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ADVERTISERS 

INDEX 

Abenaki Timber Corporation...................... 

AGL Group, The.......................................... 

AHC Hardwood Group................................ 

Air Systems Mfg. of Lenoir, Inc.................. 

Anderson, Roy, Lumber Company, Inc....... 

Atlanta Hardwood Corporation..............65 

Automation & Electronics USA..............13 

Bailey’s Inc................................................. 

Baillie Lumber Co....................................... 

Beard Hardwoods...................................76 

BID Group.................................................... 

Bingaman & Son Lumber, Inc..................... 

BioLube, Inc..............................................3 

Breeze Dried Inc......................................... 

Brunner-Hildebrand Lumber Dry Kiln Co... 

Cardin Forest Products LLC....................... 

Cardinal Equipment.................................... 

Church, Bryant, Hardwoods, Inc................ 

Clark Lumber Co.....................................71 

Classic American Hardwoods, Inc............. 

Cleereman Controls..................................7 

Cleereman Industries...............................7 

Cole Hardwood, Inc.............................. IFC 

Collins.....................................................69 

Continental Underwriters, Inc................... 

Cooper Machine Co., Inc........................58 

Corley Manufacturing Co......................IBC 

Cramer, W.M., Lumber Co........................... 

Cummings Lumber Co., Inc......................6 

Deer Park Lumber, Inc................................ 

Devereaux Sawmill, Inc.............................. 

DMSi Software........................................19 

Eagle Machinery & Supply, Inc.................. 

EXPO Richmond.......................................... 

EZLOG Company, Inc.................................. 

Farm Credit Mid-America........................... 

Fitzpatrick & Weller Inc.............................. 

Forcey Lumber Company, Inc..................... 

Frank Miller Lumber Co., Inc...................... 

GF Hardwoods, Inc..................................... 

Graf Bros. Flooring & Lumber.................... 

Granite Valley Forest Products.................. 

GTL Lumber Inc.......................................... 

Hardwood Forestry Fund........................76 

Hardwood Manufacturers Assoc .............. 

Hartzell Hardwoods, Inc............................. 

Hermitage Hardwood Lumber Sales, Inc.. 

HHP, Inc....................................................... 

Hurdle Machine Works Inc......................... 

Hurst Boiler & Welding Co., Inc...............8 

Industrial Vision Systems, Inc................... 

Irving, J.D., Limited.................................... 

ISK Biocides, Inc........................................ 

JoCo Lumber, Inc....................................75 

JoeScan, Inc............................................... 

Jones, Ron, Hardwood Sales, Inc.............. 

Josey Lumber Co., Inc............................75 

Kentucky Forest Industries Assoc............. 

Kepley-Frank Hardwood Co., Inc.......... FC 

King City Forwarding USA, Inc................... 

King City/Northway Forwarding Ltd........... 

Kop-Coat Protection Products...............70 

Kretz Lumber Co., Inc................................. 

Lawrence Lumber Company Inc............57 

Lewis Controls, Inc...............................IBC 

Lewis, Dwight, Lumber Co., Inc.............74 

Lewis Lumber & Milling.............................. 

Lumber Resources Inc.............................1 

Lussier, Simon, Ltd..................................... 

MacBeath Hardwood Company.................. 

Maine Woods Company.............................. 

Mars Hill, Inc...........................................77 

Matson Lumber Company........................... 

Maxwell Hardwood Flooring..................56 

McDonough Manufacturing Company....66 

Mellott Manufacturing Co., Inc................... 

Merrick Hardwoods.................................... 

Messersmith Manufacturing, Inc...........64 

MiCROTEC...............................................68 

Middle Tennessee Lumber Co., Inc............ 

Midwest Hardwood Company.................... 

MO PAC Lumber Company.......................... 

Montreal Wood Convention........................ 

Mueller Bros. Timber, Inc.......................73 

Neff Lumber Mills, Inc................................ 

New River Hardwoods, Inc.....................53 

Nicholson Manufacturing Ltd..................... 

North American Forest Foundation............ 

Northern Hardwoods..............................67 

Nyle Dry Kilns.........................................17 

Note: Advertisers with no page number carry an alternating Ad schedule. 

Oakcrest Lumber, Inc.............................77 

OHC | Overseas Hardwoods Company....... 

O’Shea Lumber Co..................................72 

Patrick Lumber Company........................... 

Paw Taw John Services, Inc...................... 

Pennsylvania Hardwoods Co...................... 

Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual 

Insurance Company.................................... 

Peterson, Keith D., & Co., Inc................74 

Piche, Inc.................................................... 

Pike Lumber Co., Inc............................. BC 

Prime Lumber Company.........................61 

Primewood.................................................. 

Quality Hardwoods Ltd...........................10 

Quebec Wood Export Bureau..................... 

Railway Tie Association.........................75 

RAM Forest Products, Inc.......................... 

Real American Hardwood Coalition.......15 

Robinson Lumber Company....................55 

Rosenberry, Carl, & Sons Lumber, Inc....... 

Sawmill MD................................................. 

SII Dry Kilns..............................................5 

Sirianni Hardwoods, Inc............................. 

Snowbelt Hardwoods, Inc.......................... 

Southern Forest Products Assoc............... 

Stiles, A.W., Contractors, Inc.................62 

Stoltzfus Forest Products, LLC..............63 

Taylor Machine Works, Inc......................... 

Thompson Appalachian Hardwoods, Inc... 

Tigerton Lumber Co..................................9 

TMX Shipping Co., Inc................................ 

TS Manufacturing...................................12 

U-C Coatings, LLC...................................60 

USNR........................................................... 

Western Hardwood Association................. 

Wheeland Lumber Co., Inc......................... 

White, Harold, Lumber, Inc......................... 

Williams, R.J., Inc...................................54 

Wolverine Hardwoods, Inc.....................59 

Note: Advertisers with no page number 

carry an alternating Ad schedule. 

For over a century, Corley has given you the edge in the industry. 

Our edger optimizers provide value, grade and volume-driven solutions; true random and fixed-width solutions; simultaneous 

processing of multiple thicknesses, grades and species; taper solutions based on actual shape; online parameter changes 

with no downtime; remote troubleshooting and software upgrades; Dynavision scanning in either 1" or 3" profiles; grade 

intensive or pass through type systems; and custom control packages to meet individual mill requirements. What does this 

mean? Maximum returns—year after year! Our experienced professionals can help you realize a profit potential you never 

thought possible. Call us today or visit our website to discover what other lumbermen have known for over 100 years. 

www.corleymfg.com 

www.lewiscontrols.com 

P.O. Box 471 | Chattanooga, Tennessee 37401 | tel: 423-698-0284 | fax: 423-622-3258 




82 JUNE 2024 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE www.RealAmericanHardwood.com/industry

National Hardwood Magazine - June 2024

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