National Hardwood Magazine - January 2021

JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 1

We do.
Call it unconditional, all-encompassing, you name it.
As a software developer committed solely to the lumber and
building materials industry, DMSi has every corner of your
operation covered. From inventory and sales to production
and procurement, we make sure no corners are cut
and no detail is left out. And that’s a promise we’ll hold true.
HARDWOOD I SOFTWOOD I DECKING I MILLWORK IPE DECKING
WIDELY
DIVERSE
INVENTORY.
THAT’S
TROPICAL.
We understand what is good for your
business and what is important for the planet.
That is why we keep one of North America's
largest inventories of tropical wood, ready to
be promptly shipped worldwide. Products with
traceability from the forest to your company.
All certified by the most reliable company in
the market. Visit our website.
tropicalforestproducts.com
One of the most diverse inventories
and fastest deliveries in North America
Customized profiles on
Ipe Deck, just made for you
Responsibly sourced tropical wood
Visit DMSi.com
2 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 1

About The Cover
MIDWEST HARDWOOD CORPORATION
Contents
National Hardwood Magazine JANUARY 2021 Volume 94 No. 13
Midwest Hardwood Corporation
is a vertically integrated hardwood
lumber manufacturer dedicated to
serving the needs of customers
globally, forest to finish. This dedication
is demonstrated by our priority
on safety, quality, and value—
Blue Pride. Our teams of people
strive, with this philosophy in mind,
to serve the customer. Midwest has
changed with the times to; add more
value, offer more services, deliver
more products. Why? Because our customers are essential.
To learn more about our customer specific programs
and solutions, go to www.midwesthardwood.com. You can
also contact us at 763-425-8700 or email at inquiries@mid
westhardwood.com.
www.midwesthardwood.com
Features & Industry Events
18
Hardwood Floors of Hillsboro
LLC: Quality Flooring and
Relationships
20 PWD Inc. Serving the
Hardwood Industry For
Over 30 Years
22
Equipment and Services
Providers Continue Offering
Solutions
Departments
26
30
32
34
If History is an Indicator, the
Hardwood Market Will Rise to
Meet the Demand
Poised for Growth, the Wood
Products Industry Leans into
2021
EnSafe Encourages Risk
Analysis For Hardwood
Companies at ALC Meeting
The Graduation of the 193rd
Class of the NHLA Inspector
Training School
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
Paul J. Miller Jr. – President
Terry Miller – Vice President
Zach Miller – Sales
Sue Putnam – Editor
Matthew Fite – Staff Writer
Rachael Stokes – Graphic Artist
Pamela McFarland – 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)
4 Coming Attractions
6 U.S.A. Trends
8 Canadian Trends
10 News Developments
12 HMA Update
14 AHEC Report
15 Hardwood Federation
Info
16 WCMA Insights
17 NHLA News
41 In Memoriam
43 In Memoriam
52 Who’s Who
56 Trade Talk
62 Classified Profit
Opportunities
64 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.

COMING ATTRACTIONS
Fred Netterville Lumber Co.:
Upholding 70-Year Legacy of
Quality Lumber Production
The Original
w w w. G r a f B r o . c o m
World’s Largest Manufacturer
of Rift & Quarter Sawn
White Oak Products
Read all about it in our February issue of National Hardwood Magazine!
WHITE OAK
Rift | Quartered | Plain Sawn | Width Sorted
Wishing You a Happy and Properous 2021
Prime | Common and Better - Rough Lumber
44” to 13W” Available
4S2S & S4S Available as an additional service
Log Sales
4All Species
4# 606-932-2435
T & G Flooring
4Solid and Engineered
43” - 12” Widths
4All Lengths Available
• Industry Leading Kiln Controls
• Installation Services & Turn-Key Packages
www.nyle.com - kilnsales@nyle.com - (800) 777-6953
Q U A L I T Y | L O YA LT Y | T R A D I T I O N
606-932-3117 | sales@grafbro.com
4 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 5

U.S.A. TRENDS
Supplier news about
sales, labor, prices, trends,
expansions and inventories
LAKE STATES
NORTHEAST
SOUTHEAST
WEST COAST
The Hardwood lumber market in the Lake States region
is good or improving, depending on the lumber provider
with whom you talk. “Very good” is how a source termed the
market in Michigan. “We had a really, really big October,”
he remarked, “So it’s good.” In fact, the market was better
than six months earlier. The month of October was their
best month in 10 years. The establishment carries Hard and
Soft Maple (which are selling well), Red and White Oak,
Walnut, Hickory, Cherry, Basswood, and Poplar in 4/4 to 8/4
and some 10/4 and 12/4. He sells to end users and distributors,
with both groups of customers being “pretty busy.” He
noted, “Transportation is a little tough but it’s not crazy. It’s
a little tough getting logs in.”
A Wisconsin lumber provider stated that the market is
“improving slowly but surely, but there’s a supply issue right
now. That’s the only problem.” The market is better than
it was six months before, he remarked. He handles Hard
and Soft Maple, Silverleaf Soft Maple, Red and White Oak,
White Ash, Black Ash, Yellow Birch, White Birch, Aspen and
Basswood. The hot species are Red and White Oak, Soft
and Hard Maple and Basswood. The Wisconsin source
sells to both end users and distributors. “We had a meeting
this morning, and all indications are the customer base is
in good shape,” he noted. The only problem he mentioned
was supply.
The market is good, in the opinion of a lumber provider
in Illinois. “Prices are decent, and demand is really good,”
he remarked. The market is “definitely better” than it was
six months ago, he said. He sells Ash, Cottonwood, Red
In the Northeast, prospects are looking up for the Hardwood
lumber industry. For example, a lumber provider in
Pennsylvania stated that the domestic and export markets
combined plus scarcity of kiln-dried supply are contributing
to a "very strong" market. It is a market that is better than six
months ago. Species carried include Cherry, Red Oak, Ash,
Soft and Hard Maple and Poplar. Grades include FAS and
No. 1 Common. The best sellers are Soft and Hard Maple.
The lumber provider sells to distributors, and he noted that,
"Their sales are going well." Transportation is an issue, he
observed, as transportation costs are increasing 10 to 15
percent, "maybe almost 20 percent."
The market in Maine is "very brisk, very strong, very active,"
according to a lumber source there. "There seems to
be a lack of supply due to many factors," he stated. "This
has created a void in the supply for many people, because
everybody was used to just-in-time inventories. All of a sudden,
there's not as much lumber in the pipeline to keep everyone
happy. So, the last three to four weeks have been
some of the best we've seen in many years."
When interviewed, the lumberman said the Hardwood
lumber market was "absolutely better" than it was six
months earlier. Species handled by this source are Hard
and Soft Maple, Yellow Birch and Ash in industrial grade to
FAS. The best seller, he said, is Maple.
The Maine supplier remarked that he sells to wholesalers,
distributors and end users. "I think their sales are going
strong. The industrial end is busy. The economy is rolling
along a little bit. Customers are having a hard time find-
As 2020 moved toward an end, two sources in the Southeast
found the market to be booming, but one observed a
market that was “spotty.”
In Mississippi, a lumber provider said, at the time of this
interview, that his business was “booming right now.” But it
wasn’t that way earlier in 2020. Starting out, and for much of
the year, it was “the worst year we’ve had since we started
in 1999, and we only worked two months in 1999.”
Through July, his sales were down 80 percent – “not
down to 80 percent, but down 80 percent,” he remarked.
The tide began to turn in August, which was a strong month
for sales. In September through November, the company
was “back on high-end standards,” leading to the boom.
This was “exponentially better” than it had been six months
earlier, he noted.
“We handle any grade of Hardwood, any species, all species
indigenous to the United States,” the Mississippi lumber
provider stated. “We buy it in Mississippi, Pennsylvania,
New York – anybody who can sell us something that we can
ship somewhere, we’re going to buy it.” Red Oak flooring
grade was in great demand and limited in supply at the time
of the interview. The most desired thicknesses were 4/4 and
5/4. “Thicker is not our forte,” the lumber supplier said.
Asked about how his customers’ businesses – end users
– are faring, he replied, “I haven’t talked about sales
with them, but getting people to work is the most common
problem. We see that on the sawmill side and the manufacturing
side.” Transportation, he observed, has been interesting
this year. “Rates are up, then down,” he said. “If
On the West Coast, lumber providers described the Hardwood
lumber market as no less than “order-to-order” and,
on the upper end, “very good.”
A California lumber provider observed “it’s order-to-order.
The business is there, but they’re not going to commit
until the last minute. That seems to be the way it is.
It’s steady but it’s order-to-order. If you have inventory, you
have a good chance of selling the species you have. If you
don’t, you’re not going to sell much.” It was the same way
six months earlier, he said. He sells Walnut, Hickory and
White Oak in uppers No. 1 Common, No. 2 Common, all in
4/4. White Oak is hot, he noted. He sells to end users and
distributors, and their business is picking up. Trucking is not
an issue, he stated.
An Oregon lumberman stated that the market is “very
good. Commercial work is dead but residential work is very
hot. My customers have all the work they need.” He sells 80
different species, some in a number of grades. Best selling
are Poplar, Ripped White Oak, Walnut and Maple. He sells
to distributors and end users.
A provider of lumber to Washington summed up his market
as “better than expected.” He recalled that COVID hit
in April, and the governor shut everything down except for
essential companies. “Business really tanked in Washington,”
he recalled. “Our business was off in Washington
about 55 percent from March to April, but it has been kind of
a square-root recovery. It dropped dramatically, then went
back up dramatically, then leveled off (approximating the
shape of a square-root sign). We had a terrible April; then
Please turn to page 42
Please turn to page 42
Please turn to page 42 Please turn to page 44
6 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 7

ONTARIO
CANADIAN TRENDS
QUEBEC
News from suppliers
about prices, trends,
sales and inventories
AVAILABLE NOW!
Experience the power of using
our upgraded “GREEN BOOKS”
as the sales tools that provide
endless opportunities!
The Online Hardwood Marketing Directory
NOW SORTED BY GRADES!
As we moved away from the American Thanksgiving
holiday, hunting season and headed towards the Christmas
Holiday season, the industry saw many changes
and faced many challenges, yet it feels they have much
to be grateful for. It saw a rebound in activity since the
summer. With the housing demand being good on both
sides of the border, it boosted flooring, cabinet, millwork,
moulding, and furniture demand. Secondary manufacturers
are being kept busy in filling orders. The slowdown
that was expected by COVID-19 did not happen. Instead,
there was a surge in the renovation and home repair
markets which caused a strain on supply chains. Businesses
are continuing to operate despite tight demands,
even though we are in a second wave of COVID cases
across the country, with Ontario and Quebec having the
highest number of cases.
The industry looks forward with cautious optimism to
the new President in the United States and hopes that
trade relations will improve for both countries as the new
president steps in. Only time will tell how the softwood
lumber agreement will play out, and what lies ahead for
those in the Hardwood sector.
Contacts note that demand for Soft and Hard Maple,
Red and White Oak is strong, with some shortages being
felt in certain areas contacted. It was noted that supplies
of pallet material were not meeting buyers’ needs. There
is also the ongoing concern of finding qualified workers
in the forestry sector. It was felt that logging activity would
Some contacts commented business was more challenging,
with new customers harder to acquire depending
on areas contacted. There is concern heading into early
winter of low log decks and more difficulty finding various
grades and thicknesses for certain species while there is
ample supply for others. Species identified in short supply
include Walnut, Maple and Red and White Oak.
Demand of Red Oak from cabinet manufacturers is
good; the species is selling well to makers of mouldings
and millwork. Sales are strong to the remodeling sector.
Solid Oak flooring is still a strong seller with designers
and consumers. Demand on international markets is also
doing well. Inventories of this species are, therefore, low
and the same for kiln-dried inventories, pressuring prices
higher. Poor logging conditions in many areas has put
a strain on logging activity and limited log decks. White
Oak production was reported as low but demand was
strong. This is causing prices to increase. The demand
for wooden pallets has picked up, with mills struggling to
keep up to buyers’ needs.
The regionally important species Hard Maple is in demand
on a variety of markets, but cabinet and cabinet
components remain the top buyers. With the renovation
market rising due to COVID-19, and consumers renovating
their homes, sales of this species are doing very
well. With demand being high, supplies are tight for some
sawmill and drying operations who are trying to produce
more Hard Maple. Soft Maple demand continues its
Please turn to page 44 Please turn to page 46
“I don’t want people to know
how good it is.”
Jordan Dery, Tropical Forest Products
Mississauga, ON ❚
Leading North American lumber suppliers know the best sales leads are
found in Miller Wood Trade Publications’ Green Book Hardwood Marketing
Directory. Tailored to help you grow your business, the “Green Book” features
over 6,300 listings of lumber buyers with their purchasing requirements.
Our Hardwood Marketing Directory also lists buyers of particleboard,
plywood, hardboard, fiberboard, veneers, squares and dimension.
❚ New Look! ❚ Same Great Information! ❚ Easier to Use!
❚ Sorted by Grades! ❚ Convenient Links to Websites, Emails & Maps!
Lease the Hardwood and Softwood “Green Books” today by calling Jennifer Trentman
at 800-844-1280 or email her at jennifer@millerwoodtradepub.com.
8 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 9

NEWS DEVELOPMENTS
NEWS ABOUT NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL
HARDWOOD CONSUMERS INCLUDING MERGERS,
PLANT EXPANSIONS & ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES
AHF TO EXPAND SOMERSET FACILITY
Pennsylvania-based Hardwood flooring manufacturer
AHF Products plans to invest $2.5 million and create
20 full-time jobs at its Somerset, KY facility in Pulaski
County in early 2021. According to published reports, the
RUGGED | DEPENDABLE | INNOVATIVE
10 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE
investment enables AHF to manufacture a new line of
durable end-grain Hardwood flooring. Work on the expansion
commenced before the end of 2020.
“We continue to invest in our Somerset plant due
to the quality of the products and dedication to future
growth that we see from employees,” said Brian M. Carson,
CEO of AHF Products. “Our
customers continue to see value in
U.S.-manufactured products, and
this new development not only creates
new-to-the-world technology
but continues our commitment to domestic
manufacturing and grows our
share of U.S.-manufactured wood
products."
Headquartered in Mountville, PA,
AHF Products employs over 2,250
people across its seven manufacturing
locations – six in the U.S. and
one in Cambodia. AHF purchases
over 110 million board feet annually.
AHF buys 4/4 green and kiln-dried
Red and White Oak, Hickory and
Maple mostly in Nos. 2 and 3 Common
grades. AHF will also purchase
over 38 million square feet of HDF
and over 68 million square feet of
veneer to operate in its engineered
wood flooring facility.
AHF carries solid and engineered
wood flooring and a full line of accessory
products, including trim,
cleaners and adhesives. The flooring
products include a wide variety of
species, grades and sizes to fit the
customers’ needs.
To encourage the investment in
the community, the Kentucky Economic
Development Finance Authority
(KEDFA) last fall preliminarily
approved AHF Products for up
to $80,000 in tax incentives through
the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act
(KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies
to recoup Kentucky sales and
use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment
used in research and development and electronic
processing.
For more information on AHF Products, visit www.
ahfproducts.com.
BEST HOME FURNISHINGS
GROWS
Paoli, Indiana-based Best Home
Furnishings, which purchases Soft
Maple and Poplar in upper grades,
recently announced plans to expand
its operation here, creating approximately
125 jobs. The announcement
comes after Best Home Furnishings
received grants from the Town of
Paoli secured in collaboration with
Orange County Economic Development
Partnership and the Indiana
Economic Development Corp.
According to a company statement,
despite a pandemic, nationwide
furloughs and supply chain
disruptions, Best Home Furnishings
boasted unprecedented growth in
demand for its residential furniture
products. The company, headquartered
in Ferdinand, IN, saw an 85
percent increase in September,
2020 orders over the same time the
previous year and from August 30
- September 5, 2020, the company
set a record for orders received.
The increase in demand has necessitated
rapid expansion and hiring.
More details are available at
www.besthf.com.
BRITISH MANUFACTURER
TO OPEN OPERATIONS IN
PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania Governor Tom
Wolf recently announced that Wren
Manufacturing Inc., a British manufacturer
of custom kitchen cabinets,
will establish its North American
headquarters and a manufacturing center in the Hanover
Industrial Estates in Hanover Township and Sugar Notch
Borough. This will create a combined 360 new jobs at
both locations in Luzerne County, PA.
According to the company’s website, Wren incorpo-
Please turn to page 48
UPGRADE YOUR
OPTIMIZATION EXPERIENCE
BIG enough to support your operation; small enough to care.
09 Members on
the software team
13 Members on
the controls team
24/7Support
with experts
in 3 time zones
across the globe
40+Optimization
systems
700+ Control
Systems installed
worldwide
704.200.2350
sales@automationelecusa.com
automationelecusa.com
JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 11

HMA UPDATE
INDUSTRIES
CONTROLS
CLEEREMAN LUMBER COMPANY 1930’s CLEEREMAN INDUSTRIES 1955 CLEEREMAN CONTROLS 2019
AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME …
TODAY
Happy New Year! (I hope!)
You’re reading this in January of 2021.
However, to meet publication deadlines,
this column was submitted in November
2020, as the world was knee deep in its
battle with COVID-19, and the question
on everyone’s lips was, “What’s next?”
So as you read this, I ask that you
keep in mind that back in November, I
was ‘shooting from the hip’ regarding what might be happening
in our world as the New Year begins, because my
crystal ball was (and still is) on the ‘fritz,’ and a clairvoyant
I am not.
But like all of you, I remain hopeful - hopeful that as we
traverse the weeks and months ahead, we’ll be free of fear
and again living, working and traveling safely. That being
said, HMA planning has begun for NatCon 2021. Yes,
plans are in the works for our 2021 National Conference
and Expo, March 24-26, at the Hyatt Regency
Austin.
The theme of our event is “Resilience.”
Such a wonderful word and one that describes
the Hardwood industry so, so
well. At this moment in time, a hybrid
event is being formulated – live and virtual
presentations, unique exhibit space,
safe, socially distanced networking
events, and more.
Regarding the Expo, I am happy to report that this portion
of the event is on the fast track to being sold out. That’s
because so many industry suppliers, rather than have their
2020 National Conference and Expo Registrations, Booth
Fees and Sponsorships refunded, asked HMA to apply
those funds toward participation in our 2021 event. (Now
Please turn to page 51
CLEEREMAN
For optimal efficiency. . .
knows what a sawmill needs:
Now, TWO ENTITIES TO SERVE YOU BETTER!
CLEEREMAN the newest name in sawmill controls and optimization
BY LINDA JOVANOVICH,
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT,
HARDWOOD MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION,
PITTSBURGH, PA
412-244-0440
WWW.HMAMEMBERS.ORG
CLEEREMAN The most trusted name in carriages
n Over 1175 Carriages sold
n Lowest cost of ownership
n All parts in stock and reasonably priced
n In-house engineering department
n Everything from single piece equipment to
turn-key mills
12 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE Sales
JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 13
STEFAN DRACOBLY
President Of
Controls
PAUL CLEEREMAN
VP Cleereman
Industries & Controls
DAN TOOKE
Senior Optimization
& Controls Engineer
n Simple easy to use touch
screen with additional
tactile buttons
n Remote access for
troubleshooting
n No custom electrical
hardware, all parts are
off-the-shelf components
n Industry Standard
JoeScan X6 heads
n 3D data used for
opening the log and
estimating the back of
log profile
n Realistic views of the log
n Sure Grip Joystick
handles
n Operational statistics and
reports
Cleereman Industries
and Cleereman Controls
715-674-2700
www.cleereman.com
info@cleereman.com

AHEC REPORT
HARDWOOD FEDERATION INFO
PLEASE SIT HERE:
AHEC SHOWCASES THERMALLY MODIFIED AMERICAN HARDWOODS
AT DUBAI DESIGN WEEK
OUR COMMITMENT TO REPRESENTING THE
HARDWOOD INDUSTRY REMAINS STRONG
AS A NEW YEAR BEGINS
As a response to the need for behavioral
change brought about by the pandemic, AHEC
challenged three prominent Emirati designers
to develop versatile public seating solutions in
thermally-modified American Hardwoods.
Social distancing – a captivating oxymoron
coined to reference the space we need to leave
between each other – has begun to dominate
the way we live and the decisions we make.
While incredibly important in the fight against
the spread of the virus, it also curbs our freedom
of choice and forces us to behave in an
unnatural way. People are social by nature and
regulations that inhibit normal social behavior do not come
naturally.
In response to this, three prominent Emirati designers - Aljoud
Lootah, Khalid Shafar, Hamad Khoory and their teams
- were invited by the American Hardwood Export Council
(AHEC) to each design and develop a Hardwood bench for
outdoor use in a public space. The bench needed to be designed
in such a way that people who sit on it are forced
to separate by the current social distancing minimum of 2
meters. This would negate the need for warning
signs and allow for people to sit in a relaxed
way without having to think about whether they
are too close to the next person. However, the
design of the bench would also allow for conversion
to accommodate more people, closer
together, as and when the time comes for social
distancing regulations to be relaxed. This
will ensure that the benches retain a legacy as
functional public seating in the future.
Please Sit Here draws inspiration from the
AHEC’s many high-profile and ambitious collaborations
to date, in the UAE and also in
Europe, Australia and South Africa. These projects have
included multiple design teams, imaginative briefs, innovative
designs and the very best of wood craftsmanship,
to celebrate the beauty, performance and sustainability of
American Hardwoods.
Because the benches are for outdoor use, the Maple
and Red Oak offered was thermally-modified, involving
high heat in a vacuum, carried out after normal kiln drying.
Thermally-modified timber (TMT) is ideal for exterior appli-
No matter your political persuasion,
the seemingly endless 2020
Election is over. Now the votes are
cast, and the people have spoken, although
it took some time to figure out
exactly what they said. Regardless
of how your preferred candidates fared, we as a country
will go on. And the Hardwood Federation will continue to
work across the aisles in our nation’s Capital to move legislation
that supports the U.S. Hardwood industry and defend
against negative policies that threaten to harm our sector.
While most professional pollsters in the days leading up to
the elections predicted a Democratic wave to take the White
House and the Senate, as well as add seats to the Democratic
majority in the House, it appears that voters had other
ideas. The election was much closer than expected. Former
Vice President Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th
President but it was a much tighter race than anticipated.
Republicans unexpectedly gained seats in the U.S. House
of Representatives, but Democrats will retain control of the
House; however, they will have the smallest majority since
World War II which will make for some interesting policy maneuvering
for their leadership.
The Senate will remain in Republican
hands, although only very narrowly,
until at least early January
when both Georgia Senate seats
head for a run-off election. Election
trends and history seem to point to Republicans maintaining
at least one, and probably both seats, but this is not a guarantee
in the least. Should both seats go to the Democrats,
this scenario will change and Democrats will have control,
but only by virtue of the tie-breaking role held by incoming
Vice President Kamala Harris. All eyes will be on Georgia
until the election and it is anticipated that it will be the most
expensive Senate race in history. It is important to keep in
mind that, whoever controls the Senate, the party’s margin
will be very slim. Typically, 60 votes are needed to move
legislation in the upper chamber which requires opposing
party support to pass any legislation. There are parliamentary
ways around this, but historically the 60-vote requirement
has been honored. In order to move any legislation,
some compromise, on both sides, will be necessary. We
will again most likely be working with a split government
Please turn to page 51
Please turn to page 59
BY MICHAEL SNOW,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
AMERICAN HARDWOOD
EXPORT COUNCIL,
STERLING, VA
703-435-2900
WWW.AHEC.ORG
BY DANA LEE COLE,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
HARDWOOD FEDERATION,
WASHINGTON, DC
202-463-5186
WWW.HARDWOODFEDERATION.WILDAPRICOT.ORG
14 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 15

WCMA INSIGHTS
NHLA NEWS
WCMA LOOKING FORWARD TO 2021!
TIME FOR A CHANGE
Well 2020 did not turn out quite as we had
hoped! Our plans for a European Plant Tour
Event, Regional One-Day Event, and of
course our signature Fall Conference and
Plant Tour Event all changed. The European
Plant Tour Event and Regional One-Day
Event have been postponed, but we were
successful in hosting a virtual Fall Conference
and Plant Tour event in November.
Changing to a virtual event for the Fall Conference had
its challenges, but by the time we went live I was proud of
our offering to members. The plant tour hosts were excellent,
and we had three dynamic speakers on topical issues.
Tours included Unalam in Unadilla, NY, Baillie Lumber’s
Smyrna, NY plant, and Inova in Altamont, NY. Each tour
gave a behind the scenes look at the hosts manufacturing
facility, an interview with the tour hosts, and participants had
a chance to have their questions answered live.
Our speakers included Jeff Finney, with Ultimate Cabinet
Components, who spoke on Practical Lean. Jeff shared with
attendees the pillars of lean, how to get started and keep it
going, and gave great examples of Lean Manufacturing in
his plant. We also had an update from the Real American
Hardwood Promotion Coalition on their efforts to promote
American Hardwood to consumers over substitute materials.
Our final speaker was Taylor St. Germain, with ITR Eco-
nomics, who gave an economic update,
including, economic forecasts, economic
indicators of utmost importance to watch,
and time-sensitive events of public concern.
The event was recorded for those that
were unable to participate live. If you are
interested in viewing the Virtual Fall Conference,
please contact the WCMA office.
I am now looking forward to 2021, and cannot wait until
we can all get together in person again. The WCMA Board
of Directors is meeting this month to work on our strategic
plan for the upcoming two years, and we will have exciting
things to announce after those sessions. Our board cares
about the members and wants to continue to offer excellent
programs and services to help our members be successful.
WCMA Membership – If you are NOT a member, you
are missing out!
If you are a manufacturer of wood components or dimension
stock, membership in the Wood Component Manufacturers
Association is now more important than ever. The
association remains committed to becoming a progressive,
nationally recognized association whose focus is on meeting
the needs of its members. One of the main reasons that
members join and stay with the WCMA is because of the
access that it provides to a wide range of industry experts.
In 1948, NHLA “borrowed” a one room garage
area from Nicky Brothers Lumber Company
to house the first class of the NHLA Inspector
Training School. At that time, no one
could know that history was being made. The
first class graduated 46 NHLA students, most
of whom were veterans returning from World
War II in pursuit of a career that would support their families.
The next year, the first permanent classroom was built
on donated land. At that time, classes were five months in
length and often included 40 plus students.
My how times have changed.
As the years progressed, the industry changed, School
attendance became smaller, learning strategies evolved
dramatically, and it became more costly to send students
to the School for a prolonged length of time. Chief Dana
Spessert, ITS Instructor Roman Matyushchenko and the
NHLA Inspector Training School Committee have been
working on creating a new approach to make the School
more accessible, effective, and affordable. Included in the
plan is the adaptation of the delivery of the ITS curriculum
to accommodate the learning styles of a new generation of
students.
For example, we have introduced virtual learning in the
classroom thanks to the generosity of the Inspector Training
School Educational Foundation (ITSEF). The electronic
whiteboard donated by ITSEF allows educators from all
over the industry to conduct seminars on topics
of importance streamed directly into the
ITS classroom. We are also thankful to IT-
SEF for playing a key role in obtaining new
lumber for training and board run testing.
We learned from member surveys and
from one-on-one feedback that the cost of
attending the School has become too high for many members.
After a great deal of research and additional conversations
with industry leaders, NHLA held a beta test over
the summer to determine the effectiveness of a modified
curriculum and seven-week time period class. We learned
a great deal from the experience. Most importantly, class
graduates achieved grade point averages on par with our
“traditional” 12-week program.
After careful deliberation, the decision was made to keep
to the shorter format, but to extend the class to eight weeks.
Much of the curriculum was influenced by the member survey
results. Our first eight-week class will begin on January
5, 2021. Students will continue to memorize all of the definitions,
general instructions, and standard grades. And while
the requirement to memorize species exceptions will be relaxed,
students will be required to pass proficiency tests.
School hours have also been increased to allow students to
receive a higher number of classroom hours.
Prior to the new eight-week class, students would spend
approximately a month memorizing the Rules during class
Please turn to page 60
Please turn to page 61
BY AMY K. SNELL, CAE,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
WOOD COMPONENT
MANUFACTURERS ASSOC.,
LINDSTROM, MN
651-332-6332
WWW.WCMA.COM
BY LORNA D. CHRISTIE,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
NATIONAL HARDWOOD
LUMBER ASSOC.,
MEMPHIS, TN
901-377-1818
WWW.NHLA.COM
16 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 17

Pictured left to right are: Kent Barnes, co-owner, Salena Ball, co-owner and Marty Ferguson, production manager.
Hardwood Floors of Hillsboro LLC:
Quality Flooring and Relationships
By Deborah Wilbrink
Photos by Michael Mowbray
Hillsboro, WI–“We don’t have a website. That’s a
non-compete courtesy to the wholesalers who buy
flooring from us to re-sell,” said co-owner Salena Ball of
Hardwood Floors of Hillsboro LLC (HFH), located here. Ball
emphasizes the relational approach for sourcing, production
and sales at HFH. She and her husband, Kent Barnes,
are co-owners who lead the company’s production of unfinished
Hardwood flooring from random widths of Northern
Hardwood kiln-dried lumber.
HFH purchases 3 million board feet yearly of Red and
White Oak, Ash, Cherry, Birch, Red Elm, Hickory, Hard Maple,
Black Walnut and Rift/Quartered Red and White Oak.
The majority of purchases are 15/16-inch, No. 1 Common,
No. 2A Common and special sorted/graded rustic character.
The Northern Hardwoods are the preferred species. Ball
explained the purchasing strategy. “Suppliers typically are
within a 250-mile radius, reducing shipping costs. These are
trusted suppliers who are vertically integrated which means
the supplier typically owns the timber land, sawmill and kiln
operation caring for the wood every step of the way. HFH
favors vendors who offer consistent quality and quantity.
“When you are growing a business, you do everything you
can to help grow the relationship with suppliers. We pay our
“We provide a quality
product for a fair price.
Our work is the proof in
the pudding. Our
customers know that we
are going to take care of
the product and be
consistent. We make it the
best we can every day.”
–Salena Ball, co-owner,
Hardwood Floors of
Hillsboro LLC
HFH produces unfinished Hardwood flooring from random widths of
Northern Hardwood kiln-dried lumber.
bills on time, which seems to increase our ease of access to
the lumber they have. We buy based on their great supply
of lumber and on the relationship.”
When Salena Ball moved to Wisconsin in 2000, she
thought her floors would someday need refinishing. She
clipped out an ad and taped it inside a kitchen cabinet door.
Not unusual for Ball, who had worked for Wolohan Lumber
in Rockford, IL, in the softwood framing and cabinet department.
“I was in the right place at the right time in the 1990s,
when the wood trades were opening up to women,” she recalled.
“I find wood very interesting. Even within the same
wood species one board can look completely different than
another. It’s a very interesting thing Mother Nature can do.
If you take the time to smell the roses and really look at a
piece of wood, you can find unique characteristics usually
in each board. The same thing comes through in a piece of
lumber or wood flooring, if we take the time to slow down
and notice! That’s sometimes hard to do in life. I try not to
take that for granted.”
Two years later, Ball called the number of the ad and Kent
Barnes arrived to estimate. Barnes told the homeowner that
nothing was needed and what to watch as the floor aged.
In the course of their conversation, he learned about her
background in lumber. Barnes and his partner soon hired
Ball for additional administrative help. Later, the company
converted from installation to manufacturing. When Barnes’
partner was ready to retire in 2007, Ball bought his share.
Please turn to page 35
HFH’s custom orders vary in thickness, as in floors for
log cabin lofts. Custom plank options and micro-bevel
milling options are also available.
HFH purchases 3 million board feet yearly of Red and White Oak,
Ash, Cherry, Birch, Red Elm, Hickory, Hard Maple, Black Walnut
and Rift/Quartered Red and White Oak. The majority of purchases
are 15/16-inch, No. 1 Common, No. 2A Common and special sorted/graded
rustic character.
18 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 19

“We are continually striving to bring the best
combinations of quality, service and price to
our business partners. We know relationships
require trust and dependability. So, we continue
to work hard building and improving
upon past experiences.”
– CEO Russell Rucker
PWD Inc.
SERVING THE
HARDWOOD INDUSTRY
FOR OVER 30 YEARS
By Michelle Keller
ewton, KS–Wholesale distribution yard PWD Inc.,
located here, carries Hardwood lumber, Hardwood
plywood, decorative panels, and solid surface
products.
The company purchases approximately 2 to 3 million
board feet annually of: Alder, Aspen, Yellow Birch, White
Birch, Cherry, Hickory, Pecan, Northern Red Oak, Appalachian
Red Oak, Southern Red Oak, White Oak, Red Leaf
Soft Maple, Silver Maple, Hard Maple, Poplar, Walnut and
Glacierwood Thermal stabilized wood. Grades purchased
and sold are upper quality FAS, No. 1 and 2 Common, kilndried
and surfaced/straight lined. The majority of lumber
stocked at their facility is 4/4 thickness with some 5/4, 6/4,
8/4 and thicker material less prevalent.
Established in 1965, CEO Russell Rucker said PWD Inc.
operates under the philosophy of creating good partnerships
with their customers and suppliers. “We are continually
striving to bring the best combinations of quality, service
and price to our business partners,” he explained. “We
know relationships require trust and dependability. So we
continue to work hard building and improving upon past experiences.
We realize that our prosperity is linked directly to
that of our customers and we take pride in contributing to
their success.”
Red Oak is among the 2 to 3 million board feet of lumber that
PWD Inc. purchases annually.
From a 50,000-square-foot warehouse with average on-hand inventory
of 100,000 to 200,000 board feet, CEO Russell Rucker said the
company transitioned into Hardwood lumber during the 1980’s. “We distribute
our Hardwood lumber and products mostly to cabinet, millwork,
OEM, RV and lumber yards in the central United States,” he explained.
Other decorative products such as the company’s outdoor living products
like Glacierwood or Diamond Surfaces are sold nationally.
The majority of the operation’s Hardwood lumber stocked and sold
comes from Northern mills with Appalachian Red Oak and a small
amount of Southern lumber, all coming from the United States. “We sell
some imported species, but the vast majority is American produced,”
Rucker said. PWD’s Hardwood lumber is kiln-dried at a standard of 6 to
8 percent moisture content with very little being air dried.
When asked what advantages there are to the species of wood he
purchases, Rucker said, “Color, quality and consistency are always the
goal. We use species like Aspen for drawer sides instead of Maple for
example. Alder as a Cherry replacement is an example of balancing
the value of cost vs. quality. Generally the influx of imported lumber
and plywood combined with the quick changes in trends from television,
has created a desire for upscale designs on shoestring budgets.
So balancing expectations with reality is a consistent theme throughout
our industry.”
The company’s surface products include Flagstone, rocks and boulders.
Available in several colors including tan, calico, salmon, red and
mixed reds, Flagstone is offered by single pallet or full truckload quantities.
Rocks are sold in several different sizes by a one ton bag or a truckload.
Great for accenting outdoor environments, the operation's Mossy
Boulders are also available in single pallet or truckload quantities.
PWD Inc. is also a distributor for Diamond Surfaces USA. Products
available include industrial and residential surfaces such as countertops;
backsplashes; workstations; islands; breakfast bars; furniture tops
and window sills. Vertical offerings include tub walls, shower walls and
Please turn to page 36
Logistics Coordinator Rusty Hartley, left, and CEO Russell Rucker are pictured.
Soft Maple is one of the many species carried by
PWD Inc. of Newton, KS.
The majority of the operation’s Hardwood lumber
stocked and sold comes from Northern mills.
PWD’s Hardwood lumber is kiln-dried at a standard
of 6 to 8 percent moisture content with very
little being air dried.
20 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 21

Equipment and Services Providers
Continue
Offering Solutions
By Matthew Fite
Companies providing equipment and other services to the Hardwood lumber industry saw challenges in the
economy in 2020 but pushed ahead. These firms also have seen challenges in the trajectory of the industry – but
have pushed ahead. For 2021, equipment manufacturers and chemical producers see opportunity. Adding hi-tech
solutions to sawmills can help the mills’ bottom line – and enable these equipment and services providers to
continue pushing ahead.
George Barker
Biolube
Fort Wayne, IN
Biolube Inc., provides trouble-free Lubie® spray application equipment, saw lubricants, moulder bed
lubricants, grinding coolants, pitch cleaners and other specialty products that allow sawmills to increase
their bottom lines with the most environmentally friendly products available.
For 2021 the Lubie bandsaw lubricant line, both Hardwood and softwood, is being reformulated to
give higher performance without increasing cost. A new line of lubes for guided gang saws will be introduced.
We continue to see strong growth in the pallet industry with emphasis on longer band life with higher
feed speeds. n
Lance Johnson
ISK Biocides, Inc.
Memphis, TN
George Barker
I consider 2020 to have been a very successful year for us because we were able to attain respectable results in a tough
environment. I expect the industrial side of our business should only get better in 2021. It may be tough to repeat the strong
sales we had in our retail products in 2020 as many consumers took the opportunity to work on their house while they were
supposed to be working from home.
We held our own with our industrial (lumber treating) products, but our retail products really thrived.
In 2020 we launched a new anti-sapstain chemical called 22 Express. We are very pleased with the
results, although the roll-out was slowed somewhat by COVID-19 travel restrictions early in the season.
The LTL carriers stayed busy and filled to capacity almost immediately at the start of the recovery, so
we did experience more delays than normal in our LTL shipments this year. We had no major issues
with international shipments, neither in raw materials coming in nor in finished goods going out.
Our angle on this is as an importer rather than exporter. While additional tariffs are a concern and
would be painful, I personally see them as a short-term issue and have much more concern over our
reliance on China in the long term. The chemical industry is reliant on China for many components, and
I believe the trade issue as well as some global shortages incurred in the last couple of years have
Lance Johnson
shed some much-needed light on the situation. I hope it will bring some changes to the global supply
chain. n
Paul Cleereman
Cleereman Industries
Newald, WI
Cleereman Controls offers Proportional Controls, Linear Controls, 3D Scanning Optimizer, Stave Mill Controls, Trimmer
Controls, Edger Controls, Auto Saw Guide, Start/Stop Console, MCC Electrical Starter Cabinets, Debarker Controls and
Automated Log Lines.
Cleereman Industries is a solution-based company that offers everything from single piece equipment sales to turn-key
style sawmills. We have our own in-house engineering department for both Cleereman Industries and Cleereman Controls
which allows us to handle everything from start to finish. We can custom build our equipment to meet our customer’s
needs. With the recent addition of the controls company we have been able to design a lot of the electrical control panels
and starters into our equipment packages and save our customers a lot of money and time on their electrical costs. The
combination of Cleereman Industries and Cleereman Controls has taken us to another level of customer service.
Cleereman Industries is constantly striving to make improvements on our current lines of equipment, and our research
and development department is always working on new or improved equipment for our industry. Just in the last few years
we have added Cleereman Controls Company along with our new Stave Mill equipment lines and Debarker lines.
Cleereman Industries is in the final design stages of our new Cleereman Optimized Edger system for the smaller to midsized
sawmills. Cleereman Controls division has been working on a new type of scanning system for our optimized edger
that will fit in existing mills. Our new design will fit into existing Edger locations at a price point that the smaller to mid-size
sawmills can afford. This should be quite appealing to a lot of sawmills in this industry.
We observed mills looking for more of a “turn-key” type project rather than looking after the project themselves. Whether,
the project is a complete, new mill project or an upgrade to an existing mill, owners have relied on the supplier to do most
or all of the project, from design to start-up. Customers appreciate the ability to do “one stop shopping” and it helps projects
run smoother with a lot less people directly involved. Cleereman Industries can provide everything from start to finish to
our customers.
Stefan Dracobly, president of Cleereman Controls is constantly looking at the latest technology available to the sawmill
industry. Stefan says the research and development department at Cleereman Controls is constantly testing new products
and technology. Stefan lists some of his thoughts below:
• Scanning: Newer scanners are coming out with higher density scan data. In conjunction with faster, newer computers,
this data can be more easily utilized to increase our accuracy of the scan and minimize mistakes created by nebulous scan
data.
• Reporting: With report databases the norm, getting the data to sawmiller is important. This can be done by printing,
emailing or texting.
• PLC: With internet access in the sawmills, engineers can remotely attach to control systems for remote monitoring,
troubleshooting and upgrades from anywhere in the world. This saves the customer the cost of an in person service trip.
• PLC: More and more remote IO devices are being created to minimize the need for multiple runs of cables. These new
devices allow multiple sensors and valves to be connected to a local centralized device that then has a minimal amount of
cabling back to the main cabinet.
Cleereman manufactures: Carriages -- Air Setworks, Hydraulic Setworks and Linear Positioning;
Carriage Drive -- Hydraulic Drives, Hydrostatic Drives, AC Regenerative Drives; Log Turner – Standard,
Bottom Pivot, Versa Turner, Cornerless Operators Cabs/Control Booths, Track Frames, Carriage
Rail (30#, 40#, 60#, 80#), Cable Tightener and Sheaves, Airbag Tightener, Hydraulic Tightener, Cable
Sheaves, Saw Husks, Arbors and Mandrels, Saw Guides, Log Decks, Stop and Loaders, Log Troughs,
Drop Belts, Husk Offbearer Belt, Chain Transfer Deck, Rollcases, Belt Conveyors, Unscrambler, Transfer
Deck, Semi-Circle Systems. The firm also offers: Resaw Systems—Runarounds, Infeed Tables,
Outfeed Tables; Edger Line -- Board Edger Feed Systems, Accu-Cut Trimmer, Double End Trimmer,
Carriage Power Units, Log Turner Power Units, Custom Power Units, Conventional Sawmill Packages,
ST54 Lumber Pro Thin Kerf Bandmill, ST64 Lumber Pro Thin Kerf Bandmill, and Debarker. n
Paul Cleereman
Please turn the page
22 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 23

OFFERING SOLUTIONS Continued
Frances Cooper
Cooper Machine
Wadley, GA
2020 has been a year of highs and lows for Cooper Machine. The beginning of the year was slower
than normal with machine sales, while part sales and upgrades were up. But since the summer, machine
sales have really increased.
COVID-19 has definitely been a challenge for us. Since the pandemic started, we had employees
and their families affected by COVID-19, including the Cooper family, but fortunately everyone was Frances Cooper
able to weather the storm. It slowed down production a bit, but with safety protocols in place we are
full steam ahead.
Our biggest seller is of course the Scraggs that we are best known for. You get so much more life out of a Cooper Scragg.
We’ve had orders for both our Tandem Sharp Chain Scraggs and Overhead Scraggs. We now have several options for the
controls including A&E’s PLC and optimization. We are also busy building Edgers and have great reviews on our Optimized
Edgers, which for the price, have a payback of 1-2 years depending on your mill layout.
In 2020, we introduced an Optimized Slab Edger with hogging heads. We can also mount chipping heads on it as well.
Using A&E optimization and controls it gives you the recovery that you need. We anticipate that our customers will continue
to want to automate equipment to minimize labor. This is why we are doing more automation of our equipment.
For the rest of 2020 and 2021, we expect the pallet industry to continue to improve. While there are quite a few mills going
out of business, as you can see with all the auctions happening, we are seeing several new pallet and softwood mills
(especially larger pine) being started up in certain pockets of the country. We expect this to continue into 2021.
The Cooper name stands for quality and service, and as more customers are looking at ways to optimize their mills, cut
down on labor and get more out of every log, we expect business to continue to be good.
For more information on our offerings view our website at www.coopermachine.com, contact Frances Cooper at 478-
252-5885 or email us at info@coopermachine.com. n
Dan Mathews
SII Dry Kilns
Lexington, NC
Mario Godbout
AUTOLOG
Blainville, QC
AUTOLOG offers: Tally system with backup/failure protection, Stacker, Carriage Optimizer and a full
set of optimizer and control systems for the sawmill.
New equipment includes R-TRAC Rotation Tracking System, a revolutionary non-contact rotation
measurement system that measures the rotation of a log in real time without interacting with an optimizer.
The R-TRAC sends the total rotation measurement to a PLC every 10ms and the PLC can
control the log turner in a close loop based on these measurements. R-TRAC allows for you to turn the
Mario Godbout
logs within five degrees every time, the first time. No after correction is needed.
Carriage optimizer upgrades were more common in 2020 and we expect that trend to continue as equipment currently in
use is outdated. The new optimizer version gives more flexibility and has a better log modeling, resulting in more recovery.
People tend to under-evaluate the return on updating software, but software usually has an improvement rate faster than
that of a mechanical upgrade. Updating a 10- or 15-year-old software can give a very good ROI.
Our GEN3 technology provides the users with more tools to help them in their day-to-day tasks. GEN3 was developed
with two goals in mind. The first one was to build a better software with best practices, and the second goal was to help the
customer with their daily tasks. This provided tools (such as live simulation, keeping previous solution, simulation capacity,
display zones, faces measurement, etc.) that help with quality control, testing product basket and minimizing downtime by
allowing more offline tests that do not impact production. We also worked on a better modeling of the log (more accurate)
which offers a higher yield and a shorter payback. n
Steve Hoagland
Pantron Automation Inc.
Belmont, NC
Pantron Automation, Inc. is the North American distributor of high-powered infrared photoelectric
systems that are manufactured by the German manufacturer Pantron Instruments, GmbH. The incredibly
powerful photoelectric sensors (photo eyes) are used in the most challenging areas of sawmills for
detection, measurement, sorting and placement of logs and also for sensing the level of sawdust or
pellets in bins.
IO-Link technology is the newest advance in sensors, light grids, measuring grids and proximity sensors.
Pantron Automation offers a variety of these IO-Link products where automation in a mill can be
Steve Hoagland
all tied in together.
Pantron Automation was and is considered an essential business because of its ties with the wood industry and many
other essential manufacturing facilities. We are a small office in Belmont, NC and have managed to do quite well this year
and plan to continue this trend.
Again, Pantron Automation offers the new IO-Link technology through the distribution of Contrinex, EGE and Disoric
sensors. n
For over 50 years we have put our experience to work for our customers while building long-term
relationships. SII is a full-service dry kiln manufacturer offering custom designed package kilns, track
kilns, large capacity center fan wall package kilns, heat treaters, cross flow pre-dryers and fan sheds.
We also offer vacuum and thermal modification kilns through WDE Maspell, the world’s most respected
name in vacuum drying. All of these products are designed to help you improve your bottom line.
We continue to develop solutions to optimize your dry kiln performance with products such as the
SII “Kiln Dry” Computerized Control System and the most widely used in-kiln weight-based monitoring Dan Mathews
system, “Sample Watch.” Additionally, we have recently totally redesigned our steamers to eliminate
Stacy Mellott
run-off and utilize closed loop steaming with little or no live steam spray required.
Mellott Mfg. Co., Inc.
It is no secret that the Hardwood industry has faced many challenges over the past few years. Capital expenditures for
Mercersburg, PA
drying equipment were very limited for the first half of 2020; however things began to loosen up somewhat in the last half of
the year. Tight markets traditionally mean refurbishment of existing equipment versus buying new, and 2020 has certainly
Mellott offers a full line of quality log and lumber handling equipment and system designs to provide
seen much of that. We have seen continued interest in replacing outdated systems from other manufacturers and expect
the best solution for the application. Included are: 6 foot Bandsaw and 7 foot Bandsaw with either vertical
or 17- degree tilt, Band Linebar Systems, Tie Dapper, Two Saw Trimmer for Ties and Large Mat
that trend to continue into 2021. Some markets such as staves and pallets were still active in purchasing new drying equipment.
In the southern states we have seen Hardwood mills purchasing equipment for drying yellow pine and/or utilizing
Timbers.
Hardwood kilns for drying pine. We expect that this trend will continue into 2021.
We offer replacement equipment by repeat customers and custom machinery projects. Also, due to
The SII Computerized Control System provides you with the tools for real-time kiln management utilizing in-kiln moisture
customer demand we have made upgrades and expanded our tie and timber handling product line.
measurement with “Sample Watch” our integrated weight-based platforms and/or moisture probes. “Utility Watch” as a part
Stacy Mellott
Recent 2020 installations include a Drop Saw Trimmer designed to trim up to 8 inches and pass 12-inch
of your control system is a powerful tool to help you manage your energy load when approaching “peak load” thereby reducing
your electrical costs. Operating in the background, the SII “Steam Management” system allows you to prioritize the
There is optimism that business will continue in this direction through 2021. Mellott looks to remain strong in manufactur-
material, Two Saw Trimmer, Tie Dapper and End Plating and Tie/Timber Sorting systems.
steam load for your kilns, which in turn allows you to maximize your drying operations when available steam drops below
ing through our diverse product line of quality machinery.
your normal operating range. These systems combined with the support offered by SII Dry Kilns provide you with the tools
Mellott uses the latest “off the shelf” control components from Rockwell Automation and Delta Computer Systems. Machine
troubleshooting and logic changes are provided remotely via the internet. n
you need to improve your profitability and maximize product quality. n
Please turn to page 37
24 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 25

If History is an Indicator, the Hardwood
Market Will Rise to Meet the Demand
By Sue Putnam
Hardwood Market Report Editor David Caldwell recently
presented the Hardwood Market Update during a complimentary
webinar hosted by the Hardwood Manufacturers
Association. To follow are excerpts of Caldwell’s presentation.
How 2020 Began...
2020 started out with such great promise. On January
15th, China rolled back tariffs on U.S. produced Hardwood
lumber. Hardwood lumber sales to China increased in January
to the highest monthly level since May of 2019.
Domestic business was clipping along at a nice pace too,
led by the longest housing boom since the U.S. Census began
tracking housing data.
And, industrial markets were performing well.
In January, Eastern U.S. sawmill production recorded the
highest level of output since October of 2019 and remains
the monthly highest rate this year.
COVID-19 changed all of that. As we know, the virus
started in China, and that country’s economy was hit first
and hit hard.
In February and March
of 2020, exports to China
fell to the lowest pace
since December of 2011.
In fact, all countries have
experienced a downturn
in economic activity from
the pandemic.
The result of 2020’s
turbulence has been dramatic.
GDP hit an all-time
low in the second quarter
of 2020 at -31.4%.
The Hardwood industry
has not been spared.
David Caldwell
Through the first half of the year, industrial markets fell
1.1BBF; exports were off 159MMBF, and domestic grade
lumber usage tumbled 723MMBF. Total consumption is
down almost 2.0BBF in 2020 from 2019.
The main takeaway here is that industrial product consumption
grew as a percentage of the total in 2020: 57.6%
in 2019 to 58.9% in 2020, which means grade lumber consumption
declined as a percentage of total consumption
from 42.4% in 2019 to 41.1% in 2020.
Production follows demand. In the first quarter of 2020,
Billion Board Feet
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
Hardwood Lumber Consumption by the US Furniture Industry
© 2020 HMR
sawmill output held up well, but as demand for lumber fell,
so did production, to the tune of 35%. We are on pace to
produce 1.8BBF less Hardwood material in 2020 than the
previous year. That is 2020 in a nutshell.
But, even more concerning is the Hardwood industry is
experiencing a longer-term trend in contracting demand
and production. •••
In this time series, consumption peaked
in 1997 at 3.0 billion board feet (BBF).
The 2020 annualized mid-year estimate
is .331 BBF. That is a loss of 2.669 BBF
of domestic grade lumber usage.
1.0
2019 Hardwood Consumption
2020 Hardwood Consumption
0.5
*Mid-year estimate
57.6%
0.0
1991 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 *2020
42.4%
© 2020 HMR
Grade
Pallet
Lumber,
Cants,
Ties,
Board
Industrial Products: 4.786BBF
Grade Lumber: 3.518BBF
Total: 8.304BBF
41.1%
Grade
Lumber
Pallet
Lumber,
Cants,
Ties,
Board
Road/Mat
58.9%
Industrial Products: 3.709BBF
Grade Lumber: 2.588BBF
Total: 6.297BBF
Long -Term Adjustments to the U.S. Furniture Industry
The U.S. furniture industry is the most notable example of
the longer-term contraction of grade Hardwood lumber usage.
It is estimated that 70% of furniture manufacturing has
moved out of the U.S.
In 1999, the U.S. furniture industry used 3.0BBF of Hardwood
lumber. In 2020, consumption was 331MMBF. That is
a loss of almost 2.7BBF of grade lumber consumption.
Lumber prices have been affected from offshoring fur-
niture manufacturing. Green 4/4 No. 1 Common Red Oak
prices were fairly steady between 1992 and 2001, following
U.S. housing market trends. As demand from the U.S. furniture
industry decreased, lumber manufacturers were more
reliant on foreign business or non-traditional markets, such
as the solid wood flooring industry as outlets for 4/4 No. 1
Common Red Oak. The rapid rate of price change makes
it difficult for primary and secondary manufacturers, as well
as yards to plan for the future.
Please turn the page
26 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 27

HARDWOOD MARKET UPDATE Continued
Moulding, Millwork, Cabinetry Trends
From 1997 through 2003, the moulding/millwork industry
consumed 1.3BBF of Hardwood lumber. During the current
trend to painted mouldings and millwork, non-wood products,
softwoods, and imported species have taken market
share from U.S. Hardwoods. Through the first half of 2020,
Hardwood lumber consumption by the moulding and millwork
industry was 386MMBF, much of which was Poplar.
That is a loss of almost 1BBF of domestic Hardwood consumption
from the peak. It seems to me that if we were promoting
Hardwood show woods, we could increase higher
value Hardwood species usage significantly.
Consumption by the cabinet industry peaked in 2005 at
1.6BBF. Granted that was at the height of the U.S. housing
market. The 2020 annual estimate is 270MMBF. The sharp
drop in Hardwood lumber usage by the cabinet industry in
2020 is heavily tied to COVID-19 shutdowns.
But, the longer-term trend has more to do with style shift
and cabinet imports.
Over the past few years, there has been a shift to painted
cabinets – light colored cabinets, light walls, and dark
floors. This consumer preference shift is problematic for
the Hardwood industry. You can put almost anything under
paint. There is more plywood, MDF, and HDF being used in
cabinet manufacturing. And, the painted cabinet trend has
opened the door for more imported species and imported
cabinets.
In the late 1990s, cabinet imports were low, with Oak cabinets
favored over other species. Even during the U.S. housing
boom in the early 2000s, imports were not extremely
high. But, as show woods became less popular and painted
cabinets more popular, cabinet imports spiked from 2014
through 2019. In 2018, imports were over 1.8 billion dollars.
But wood kitchen cabinet imports declined in 2020. Data
through July shows total imports were off 21.9% from 2019
to just shy of 1.1 billion dollars.
Obviously weaker demand the first half of the year was
part of the reason for the decrease in imported cabinets in
2020, but the U.S. Dept. of Commerce imposed duties on
Chinese cabinets, which stalled imports from China.
In 2018, China accounted for over 70% of cabinet imports.
Through July of 2020, China shipped only 4.7% of
cabinet imports.
Opportunity?
Is this an opportunity for U.S. manufacturers to regain lost
market share from imported cabinets? I think so. But, the
window of opportunity is narrow. Other countries, such as
Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Mexico are producing
more cabinets to fill the void left by the decline in Chinese
cabinet imports.
And, those countries are not necessarily using U.S. produced
Hardwood lumber.
What about Solid Hardwood Flooring?
HMR’s flooring consumption numbers include residential
solid wood flooring, truck trailer flooring, and sports flooring.
The truck trailer flooring industry uses about 22.4% of Hardwood
lumber consumed by all flooring manufacturers. This
industry experienced a sharp downturn in business the second
half of 2019 compared to the first half and is beginning
to see some improvement in business. In fact, this industry
is looking for a decent upturn in 2021.
The sports flooring industry is the smallest segment at
about 3.2% of total Hardwood lumber consumption, and
business for sports flooring manufacturers has held up better
than the other two sectors. This sector is wrapping up
projects that were planned a year or longer ago. New orders
are slower.
The residential solid wood flooring sector is the largest
consuming flooring market at about 74.4%.
Flooring shipments followed a similar trajectory to housing
until after the housing bust. From 2012 until now, housing
starts rose 73.8%, while solid wood flooring shipments
fell 4.4%.
Why aren’t Flooring Shipments Keeping Pace with
Housing?
A number of competing flooring products are designed
to look like wood, and manufacturers have become really
good at imitating the wood look. Even worse, their promotional
campaigns tell consumers non-wood products are
better and more environmentally friendly than the real thing.
These products are taking market share from solid wood
flooring.
To a lesser extent, so have solid flooring imports. But,
solid wood flooring imports declined during the pandemic to
the tune of almost 45% in 2020 from 2019.
Imports comprised just 6.1% of total U.S. solid wood flooring
consumption in 2020 compared to 35.7% in 2005. Most
troubling is that even with imports down, U.S. shipments
to U.S. markets have declined over 185MMSF since 2005.
That equals about 300MMBF of lost lumber consumption.
The good news is flooring shipments are improving. After
extremely low shipments in April and May 2020, they
rebounded, rising each month after May. September 2020s
flooring numbers surpassed September 2019 by 7.2%.
Pallet, Railroad Ties and Board Road/Mat Timber
Trends
The wooden pallet and container industry consumes, by
far, more Hardwood material than any other sector. This industry
consumed 69.4% of all industrial material and almost
41% of all Hardwood production in the first half of 2020.
From 1991 to 2019, Hardwood pallet cant and lumber
consumption by the pallet industry declined 23.3% or
1.1BBF. I did not include 2020 numbers because those are
expected to increase before the end of the year.
The Hardwood consumption numbers are not going down
because fewer pallets are being made.
So why has Hardwood consumption declined over time?
Pine and other softwoods have taken market share as well
as plastic and other non-wood materials.
Estimates show the global market for pallets should increase
to $88.69 billion by 2026, with a compounded annual
growth rate of 5.1%.
Wood pallets are expected to account for the largest
share of the global market, but plastic pallets are expected
to grow the fastest.
The railway tie industry is the only Hardwood consuming
market that has grown since 1991. Hardwood usage has increased
over 31% since 1991. From 2012 through 2017 the
railroad industry consumed over 1BBF of Hardwood material
per year. There is a very easy explanation as to why we
have seen this level of growth. The Railway Tie Association
began the 2 cent per tie program in the early 1980s that
provides funding for research and development, as well as
promotional campaigns for wood railroad ties. These efforts
have proven wood is the best option for ties.
Longer term, rail shipments are expected to increase
even more. The U.S. Department of Transportation projects
1999 Hardwood
Consumption
Grade
Lumber
Pallet
Lumber,
Cants,
and Ties
59.6% 40.4%
Industrial Products: 5.21B bd. ft.
Grade Lumber: 7.7B bd. ft.
rail traffic to rise 24% over the next 30 years. With higher rail
traffic comes more tie installations.
Even with green 4/4 No. 2A Red Oak prices increasing,
there is certainly incentive for sawmill operators to saw railroad
ties. Not even taking into account the yield and production
advantages of cutting ties, prices for ties are substantially
higher than for green 4/4 No. 2A Red Oak.
Railway Tie Association Data shows a 4.9% decrease in
purchases this year from 2019. But purchases are expected
to regain some of those losses in 2021, up 2.8% to over 18
million ties.
What about the Board Road/Crane Mat industry?
These are some of the demand drivers for board road
and mat timbers.
• Transmission Lines
• Pipelines
• Drilling
• Roads and Bridges
• General Construction
• Board road and mat timber consumption is down. Estimates
for the first half of 2020 show usage is off 18.0% from
2019 to an annual rate of 346MMBF. With high inventories
and weak demand, it is likely this industry will not see much
improvement in 2021. •••
41.1%
2020 Hardwood
Consumption
Grade
Lumber
Pallet
Lumber,
Cants,
Ties,
Board
Please turn to page 38
58.9%
Industrial Products: 3.709BBF
Grade Lumber: 2.588BBF
Total: 6.297BBF
28 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 29

POISED FOR GROWTH, THE WOOD
PRODUCTS INDUSTRY LEANS INTO 2021
By Sue Putnam
Jalbert made his comments during the North American
Wholesale Lumber Association Exchange meeting. His presentation
was titled Outlook for the North American Wood
Products Market: An Assessment of the Short- and Long-
Term Impacts of COVID-19.
“I think what is important to keep in mind is that single
family homes use about three times as much wood as
multi-family uses,” he explained. “So that’s the big question
of where the market is going to be in the coming years. A
one percent share shift in the total housing starts – from
multi-family to single family – increases demand incrementally
by about 125-150 million board feet annually of softwood
lumber. In our industry we have to keep in mind if
that work from home share increases five to 10 percent
points, that could be substantial in terms of the housing
space we need going forward. Even pre-COVID, we
expected a migration trend out of cities. COVID may be
accelerating that. Realistically, our single-family share
of projected housing starts is going to rise probably to
72-73 percent, which compares to 68-69 percent of
starts for single-family from about 2015 to 2019.
“Regardless of your view on COVID, demographics
are strong for the housing market. We are in a tailwind
in this industry.”
Fastmarkets RISI Senior Economist Dustin Jalbert recently reminded
attendees during a virtual meeting that post-COVID – after the vaccinations
are distributed plus society and the economy have adjusted to life
with COVID – the possibility of more people permanently working from
home may accelerate a trend being defined in the housing market. That
trend, he noted, includes “more people having the flexibility to choose
where to live and where they can work, such as the suburbs. You will
see more home buying and bigger homes as a result, which I think is
obviously very, very bullish for the wood products industry overall.”
Dustin Jalbert
Game Changers in this Future Market?
Affluent Millennials will make a significant impact in home
purchases the next few years, in large part due to the anticipated
migration post-COVID out of cities. “There is some
strong data available now that points in the direction that
affluent Millennials who were considering buying a home
anyway in a year or two from now, may be more prone to
do so and COVID is the catalyst to accelerate this process,”
said Jalbert.
COVID as a Market Disruptor
At the time of this writing, as COVID’s next surge in cases
was exponentially increasing in the U.S., the pandemic’s
disruption on the market was undeniable. Reviewing the injury
to the economy and the lumber industry, Jalbert noted,
“This COVID-related recession has actually occurred in
about a quarter of the time as compared to the Great Recession
of 2008 and 2009. But, it also has doubled in terms
of the depth of the decline – doubled what we saw during
the Great Recession. This has been immensely disruptive
for the economy for many reasons.”
Jalbert cited the current unemployment numbers as concerning
even though they have declined from the 25 million
during the spring. Unemployment levels included both temporary
and permanent job losses early in 2020. “I do think a
Please turn to page 39
30 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 31

1. Peter McCarty, TS Manufacturing, Lindsay, ON; Jeremy Pitts, Nyle Dry Kilns, Hickory, NC; Joe Savery,
Mountain City, TN; BJ Snyder, Poplar Ridge Hardwoods, Trade, TN; and Brandon Reavis, New Bern, NC
EnSafe Encourages Risk Analysis For
Hardwood Companies at ALC Meeting
By Tom Inman
John Evans, Ontario Hardwoods, Keysville, VA; Brett Brown,
Linden Lumber Co., Linden, AL; and Jeff Dougherty, Ally Global
Logistics, Jacksonville, FL
Steve Moore, Havco Wood Products, Vonore, TN; Dave Kocher,
Justin Laws, and Jason Powers, Southern Forest Products, Appalachia,
VA
Johnson City, TN – Appalachian Lumbermen’s Club
members learned at a recent meeting here to evaluate
the risk of every action before taking it.
A representative of EnSafe, a leader in providing environmental,
health and safety services, spoke to the group at
the Carnegie Hotel. The company uses risk assessment to
streamline processes and customize solutions for companies
committed to safety.
Mike Palmer, EnSafe spokesman, said many companies
use generic training
programs that meet
applicable regulatory
training requirements.
EnSafe’s approach is
to customize training
to address the specific
concerns of a particular
facility or group.
He said the programs
help employees
become familiar with
the workplace, aware
of hazards and assess
the risk involved
in actions. The EnSafe
team reviews material
safety data sheets,
process technology,
facility layout, and ex-
isting company standard operating procedures and develops
a procedure to train employees on conditions of the job
site.
The EnSafe model sends safety management experts
to clients to determine how companies can safely manage
highly hazardous equipment and chemical processes and
maintain compliance with Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) and U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (USEPA) requirements.
The company encourages
clients to
have a COVID-19
response plan, policies,
programs and
practices based on
current Occupational
Safety and Health Act
(OSHA) requirements,
as well as recommendations
from the Centers
for Disease Control
(CDC), and other
applicable agencies.
A systematic CO-
VID-19 Gap Assessment
should evaluate
and offer recommendations
for:
2. Bill Graban, Prime Lumber Co., Lexington, NC; Marty Cope, Associated
Hardwoods, Granite Falls, NC; and Bill Perry, Powell Valley Millwork, Clay City,
KY
Please turn to page 40
Tim Thornburgh and Wes Byler, Accord Lumber Co., Weymouth,
MA; and Andy Nuffer, DMSi, Kernersville, NC
Greg Pappas, Collins Hardwoods, Cove City, NC; Eddy Phillips,
Phillips Lumber & Farm Supply, Mountain City, TN; and Tyler
King, New River Hardwoods Inc., Mountain City, TN
Wayne Law and David Bailey, New River Hardwoods Inc., Mountain
City, TN; and Brian Ballard, Tioga Hardwoods, Claremont,
NC
Ray Hunt, Austin Hunt Lumber, Statesville, NC; Andrew Robinson,
Penn-Sylvan Inc., Spartansburg, PA; and Lance Johnson,
ISK Biocides, Memphis, TN
32 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 33

HILLSBORO Continued from page 19
Seated left to right: Sean D. Powell, Roman Matyushchenko (Instructor), Benjamin Nicholas
Todd; and standing left to right: Michael Andrew Snider and Austin Andrew Wuesten.
The Graduation of the 193rd Class of the
NHLA Inspector Training School
Memphis, TN – The National Hardwood Lumber
Association celebrated the graduation of the
193rd class of the Inspector Training School
recently. Four students completed the 12-week traditional
program.
Dana Spessert, NHLA Chief Inspector and ITS Dean of
Education, welcomed and thanked the families, friends, and
employers who supported the students during their time
away from home.
Gary Snider, father to Class President Michael Snider
and himself a graduate of the 96th Class of the Inspector
Training School, gave the keynote address. “You are going
to leave the NHLA Inspector Training School with a unique
opportunity. It doesn't make any difference if you deal in
square inch Hardwood lumber, or if you deal in dimensional
lumber, panels, ties, or cants, the one common denominator
is grade. They're all marketed by grade, and that is what
you have learned here. You now have a skill that the industry
is clamoring for.” He then congratulated the graduates
and challenged them to “take what you've learned at
NHLA Inspector Training School and apply it in an industry
at a company where you can not only make a difference but
where you can grow as an individual.”
Class President Michael Snider addressed his fellow students,
following his father’s remarks. “My grandfather built
an amazing career through the lessons he learned at the
NHLA Inspector Training School, and he laid the foundation
for my father and my uncle to come here and also build
great careers,” he stated. “I have no words to explain how
proud I feel that I've been able to carry on the legacy of being
a lumber inspector and being trained by the great minds
at this School. I hope that one day I can give back to the
NHLA all the things it has given my family and me over the
course of the past three generations of Sniders.”
Graduates of the 193rd class were:
• Sean Powell, B&B Sawmill
• Michael Andrew Snider, Independent
• Nick Todd, T.J. Moss Lumber
• Austin Wuesten, Superior Hardwood, LLC
School Instructor Roman Matyushchenko presented the individual achievement awards.
Outstanding individual awards recipients were as follows:
• Michael Andrew Snider, ITS Educational Foundation Award for Highest Overall Average
• Benjamin Nicholas Todd, Howard Hanlon Award for Second Highest Overall Average
• Michael Andrew Snider, Westside Hardwood Club Award for Highest Board Run Average
Please turn to page 50
In 2016, Barnes and Ball had a Mayan
wedding ceremony in Mexico, which she
said, fit their unorthodox personalities. “It was
supposed to be a small wedding,” laughed
Ball, “but the conch shell call sounded like a
foghorn! Curious people at the resort rushed
to their balconies and to the beach, so we had
almost 1,000 uninvited wedding guests.”
Today the co-owners work as a team. Both
handle purchasing and have a deep knowledge
of product. Ball is on top of the trends.
“White Oak material has been superhot the
last two years. It’s a very durable and superversatile
wood species. It stains well or can
be used in it’s natural color and you can get
a lot of looks just by the grade chosen. Red
Oak is a second choice. It’s like having milk
and bread at home –everybody knows what
that is! A builder of condos or tract homes
may use Red Oak because of its familiarity to
potential buyers. When people want a naturally
dark floor without stain, Black Walnut is
the choice. We are near the Mississippi River
corridor, which is well known for producing
this high quality dark wood.”
Fourteen employees work in the climate-
HFH moulds the raw material to a perfect,
smooth face.
The team at Hardwood Floors of Hillsboro (HFH), located in Hillsboro, WI.
Fourteen employees work in the climate-controlled 12,000 square foot manufacturing
building. With such a large manufacturing facility, climate control ensures
that lumber stays in the same condition in which it was kiln-dried to 6-8 percent
humidity.
controlled 12,000 square foot manufacturing building. With such a large
manufacturing facility, climate control ensures that lumber stays in the
same condition in which it was kiln-dried to 6-8 percent humidity. The building
uses radiant heat and air conditioning to prevent any changes from
storage to deliver to customer environments. There are two additional storage
facilities of 7,900 and 16,000 square feet, where overhead heaters and
dehumidifiers control temperature range and humidity.
HFH moulds the 15/16-inch raw material to a perfect, smooth face at
3/4-inch thickness. This is the most common size of Hillsboro’s lumber,
which is sold to wholesalers, who resell to the installers and contractors.
Please turn the page
34 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 35

HILLSBORO Continued
The end user will cut the flooring to length, sand it and finish
the flooring with stain and seal or a topcoat product. Custom
orders may vary in thickness, as in floors for log cabin lofts
No. 1 Common Birch, such as pictured, is among the lumber species
purchased by HFH.
which double as ceilings, or to match a layered flooring level
in an older home. Custom plank options and micro-bevel
milling options are also available.
“We provide a quality product for a fair price,” said Ball.
“Our work is the proof in the pudding. Our customers know
that we are going to take care of the product and be consistent.
We make it the best we can every day.”
With some of their wholesale customers within 60-70
miles, the company’s goal is to grow the wholesale business,
not direct sales. Ball stated, “We want to continue to
service the customers we have and help them grow. Our
growth will mirror their growth. We want to have that small
business feel and personal relationship with our customers,
vendors and suppliers. It helps us stay grounded and we
know our customers and suppliers very well. Each has a
name, not just a number.”
HFH is a member of the National Wood Flooring Association.
n
To contact company co-owner Salena Ball, email her at
hardwoodfloorsnmore@mwt.net.
Bob Jones, purchasing agent
years. Key personnel at PWD include CEO Russell Rucker,
Purchasing Agent Bob Jones and Logistics Coordinator Rusty
Hartley. As for the future of PWD Inc., Rucker stated, “Over the
years our business has changed in many ways and we continue
to plan for the future with respect for the past.”
The average inventory at PWD is 100,000 to 200,000 board
feet of lumber.
PWD Inc. is a member of the Mid-America Lumbermens
Association (MLA), Architectural Woodwork Institute
(AWI) and the International Surface Fabricators
Association (ISFA). n
PWD Continued from page 21
bases; and bathroom partitions and wainscoting. Architectural
products such as chair rails; crown mouldings; casings;
and base mouldings are among other products offered
through Diamond Surfaces USA.
Rucker has been in the Hardwood lumber industry for
many years. “It is very interesting to look at where our business
started and the changes in technology that have made
our work lives very different,” he said. “If you are younger
and have older co-workers, ask them about giving prices
over the phone and following up with paper mail days later;
making calls on rotary phones; typing on unforgiving typewriters;
and keeping actual hand-written inventory books.”
When asked about the company’s strong points he noted,
“Local ownership creates quicker response time and action
to be able to adjust to customer needs. Many years of experience
in the ranks lets us draw on past business successes
and failures to arrive at better solutions.”
Rucker also said PWD Inc. is built around relationships.
“Long-term relationships with customers is what we strive
for and we do very well at it,” he explained. “We have some
relationships that span over 30 years. Above all, we are
people who care about doing the right thing.”
Rucker said recent changes include increased sales of
European Beech and that tariffs are affecting many businesses.
“Paying tariffs on Chinese products are hindering
sales of those products and lowering profits,” he said.
“Americans are paying for the tariffs and only prolonged tariffs
will affect Chinese companies. Many OEM companies
have transitioned away from import plywoods because of
the unpredictable market.”
He continued, “The changes in large truck regulations on
exhaust emissions have hurt every company who moves
freight. The large increase in breakdowns and truck life expectancy
is taking its toll. The new changes that will go into
effect requiring special schools to train CDL drivers is sure
to create a shortage of drivers and hurt many businesses
who depend on delivery of goods.
“I can see the pressure to deliver goods will add to the autonomous
truck race to bypass human drivers in the future.
Not a good thing in my opinion. Some of the hardest working
people ever have been truck drivers and they represent
the backbone of our country."
The company employs approximately 14 people, many
of which have been employed at the operation for many
Eric Michaud
Carbotech
Plessisville, QC
For more information visit www.pwdks.com.
OFFERING SOLUTIONS Continued from page 25
We provide innovative solutions to the sawmill industry (softwood and Hardwood) for log and lumber
handling or any other material handling. We can offer simple projects such as unique equipment supply
to complete turn-key solutions. For log handling, we can provide log decks, log conveyors, log feeders
(our well-known Sream Feeder) or a complete log merchandiser. For lumber handling, we have the
optimized trim line for sawmills and planer mills, stackers, grading lines for Hardwood, vertical and tray
sorters, lumber decks and conveyors and others. Mechanical and electrical installation can be offered
as well as the automation and the optimization of our processes.
Eric Michaud
We plan to expand our offerings in the log handling area by adding optimized log merchandising
systems to it.
The trend for equipment purchases will be positive and will continue to increase throughout 2021. The forest products
business has been good in 2020 for many sawmillers, I think they will spend some of their profits on the modernization of
Please turn the page
36 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 37

OFFERING SOLUTIONS Continued
their operations in order to be ready for the next downturn.
With so many different technologies involved in sawmill processes now and the challenges of finding qualified people in
this industry, I think that many suppliers will have to develop tools for mill managers to monitor their operation so that they
can be sure that their equipment is performing the way it’s supposed to. Real-time dashboards for key indicators of their
different production lines and dashboards and cameras for monitoring equipment status are some examples of software
that will need to be developed to help managers do a better job with their processes, operations and maintenance-wise.
Also, Artificial Intelligence will soon become a must and a reference for improving the scanning of logs, cants and boards.
Finally, and probably as important as bringing new technologies to the sawmill world, manufacturers will need to find a
way to simplify their equipment so that sawmillers can deal with it with the people they have in their mills. Sophistication is
good but, to a certain point, we’re not in the aerospace industry with unlimited resources. n
WOOD PRODUCTS INDUSTRY 2021 Continued from page 31
better view of the employment market is actually to look at
permanent job losses, which are reported by the U.S. Bureau
of Labor of Statistics,” commented Jalbert. “The unemployment
claims data and the unemployment rate masked
the true underlying employment impact from this recession
because of all the temporary jobs lost that have come back.”
How did the Wood Products Industry Respond?
“It’s pretty clear that the wood products industry from the
get-go early on in this crisis anticipated the worst,” Jalbert
said. “Also, when you look at another impact from COVID,
we saw this historic level of curtailment in the industry, particularly
in late March through May.
HARDWOOD MARKET UPDATE Continued from page 29
In summary, in 1999, grade lumber markets comprised
almost 60% of total Hardwood consumption or 7.7BBF, and
industrial products were about 40% of Hardwood usage or
5.2BBF.
Those percentages have almost reversed and grade lumber
consumption was 2.6BBF in 2020, and industrial usage
was 3.7BBF.
That is a loss of 5.1BBF of grade lumber consumption,
and these numbers include exports.
Production follows demand.
Currently, Eastern U.S. sawmill output is 3.56BBF below
the 59-year average and 6.83BBF below the peak in 1999
to an annual rate of 5.79BBF, which is 1.1BBF short of projected
consumption.
Each of the major events pictured in the accompanying
graph caused sawmill output to fall, but as you can see,
production recovered and as the yellow arrows illustrate,
production recovered fairly quickly.
If history is an indicator of the future, production will rise to
meet domestic and global market needs. •••
Please turn the page
14,000
Eastern US Hardwood Production
13,000
© 2020 HMR
Million Board Feet
12,000
11,000
10,000
9,000
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
1990
1991
Gulf
War
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
Terrorist
Attack
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Housing
Bust
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
Great
Recession
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
US-China
Trade
War
and
Pandemic
To connect with the Hardwood Market Report, visit www.hmr.com. •
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
In the midst of it all, though, DIY projects began flourishing
as people were working from home and many had disposable
income due to income freed up as vacations were
cancelled. Then a generous federal stimulus program was
dispersed throughout the country. “People then invested
very heavily into their homes,” explained Jalbert. “This was
a huge support to the economy and in particular the wood
products industry. It’s really important to acknowledge how
impactful the federal stimulus has been on household personal
income.”
Jalbert said the pace at which this tailwind from DIY projects
took off wasn’t initially expected. That was followed, he
noted, by the rebound in residential construction in tandem
with rock bottom mortgage rates.
In regard to existing home sales, the story is a little dif-
ferent. “What is key here is the monthly supply of existing
homes on the market is extremely tight,” Jalbert explained.
“People are still very cautious to put their homes on the market
in the middle of a pandemic, despite home price growth
increasing 10 to 15 percent year-over-year. So that lack of
inventory on the resale market has resulted in a massive
tailwind for the new construction side of the market.”
The remodeling industry has enjoyed robust growth as
well.
In summary, Jalbert noted that COVID-19 has been massively
destructive to the North American economy. However,
the American wood products industry has been resilient
and while demand could be sluggish in 2021 with some of
the lingering challenges in the economy, it is poised for accelerating
growth. n
38 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 39

ALC MEETING Continued from page 32
9. Brett Bollinger, BOLDesign, Hickory, NC; Jimmy Clay, Parton
Lumber Co., Rutherfordton, NC; Karl Schmertzler, Yoder Lumber
Co., Hickory, NC; and Jeff Cowley, BOLDesign
11. Shannon Garland, ATI International, Roanoke, VA; CJ Struyk,
TMX Shipping, Morehead City, NC; and Jay Reese, Penn-Sylvan
Inc., Spartansburg, PA
• Determinations of highest areas of concern for risk of
virus contraction or transmission
• Sensible engineering controls to isolate, contain, and
protect workplaces of highest concern
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendations
based on task and locations
• Administrative controls regarding interaction of personnel
• Decontamination plans based on equipment, task, location,
etc.
10. Gale Keener, Mullican Flooring, Ronceverte, WV; Allan Robinson,
PLM Insurance Co., Philadelphia, PA; and Steve Leonard,
Lawrence Lumber Co. Inc., Maiden, NC
12. Gale Keener, Mullican Flooring, Ronceverte, WV; and Larry
Cockram, Griffith Lumber Co., Woolwine, VA
• Identifying Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) concerns with shared
HVAC systems
• Identifying “deep clean” best practices for COVID-19 affected
or suspect areas
• Conformance with CDC COVID-19 prevention, containment,
and response guidelines and protocols
EnSafe is headquartered in Memphis, TN, and has offices
in nine states.
The next meeting of the ALC is Jan. 12, 2021 at the Grove
Park Inn in Asheville, NC. n
For more information, visit www.lumberclub.org.
William Milton "Milt" Cole
William Milton "Milt" Cole
William Milton “Milt” Cole, age 85, Logansport, IN,
passed away recently in his residence.
Born Sunday, January 20, 1935, in Drummonds, TN,
he was the son of Cliff and Jessie Embry Cole.
On December 3, 1955, in Tennessee, he married
Jean Rhodes, who survives.
A 1952 graduate of Munford High School in Munford,
TN, Milt served his country in the Tennessee and later,
Indiana National Guard.
Also surviving are three children: Suzy (Brad) Thompson,
Tennessee, Keith (Carmella Ricci) Cole and Randy
(Candy) Cole, all of Logansport; grandchildren, Leigh
Ann Garst, Hannah Ruth Thompson, Nathan Thompson,
Tyler (Sarah) Cole, Brittany (Nick) Burke, Brad
(Ashley) Gleitz, Sabra Wilson, Tori (Aaron) Wagoner;
great grandchildren, Jonah Garst, Elijah Garst, Cooper
Cole, Tucker Cole, Ryder Wagoner, Cruz Wagoner,
Liam Wilson, Haley Gleitz, Brayden Gleitz, and Makenna
Gleitz.
Also surviving are siblings, Bettie (JM) Cole, Goodin,
TN, Patrick (Janelle) Cole, Patsy (Tommy) Turner, all
of Tennessee; sisters-in-law, Marlene Cole, Cincinnati,
Peggy Cole and Cathey Cole, both of Tennessee; numerous
nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Preceding in death are brothers, sisters, brothers-inlaw
and sisters-in-law, Rachel and William Cole Ferguson,
Mary Glen Cole, Charles and Mary Cole, Carolyn
Faye and Howard Cole King, Calvin Cole, James Cole,
and Maynard Cole; and several nephews.
In 1956, Milt moved to Logansport for a job with John
I. Shafer Hardwood Company. After serving as general
manager, he bought the business and renamed it Cole
Hardwood.
When fire destroyed the lumberyard in 1988, Milt
stood before his workers and promised them that no
one would miss a paycheck. He rebuilt the business,
overcoming damages worth $14 million.
Milt and Jean established the Cole Family Scholarships
at Indiana University Kokomo. In 2005, Milt received
an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Indiana
University.
Along with being a successful business leader, Milt
tried his hand in the early 1970’s at a hobby… farming.
His first introduction was overseeing a Christmas
tree farm. His two sons, Keith and Randy, planted, hand
trimmed, and sprayed 10,000 Christmas trees yearly
for Milt. As they reached maturity, the customers would
walk the tree farm and pick out their Christmas trees.
Jean and the boys would then cut the trees while Milt
entertained the customers with his joyful spirit and
handed out apples.
The money from the Christmas trees helped Milt
purchase his first crop field from the Dawson farm. He
began with a small patch of land and an old, cabless
tractor. Milt’s combination of hard work and strong faith
turned a hobby into a successful farming production
over the years.
Although work and hobbies were important to Milt,
nothing was as important as his family in Logansport, IN
and Tennessee where he grew up. He often made trips
to Tennessee to visit his siblings and other family in the
area, stressing the importance of gathering.
As his grandchildren were growing up, Milt would often
stop by their homes to play a quick game of Dominos
and discuss their daily school news. Usually staying
for a bite to eat at the dinner table, the conversations
always led to life lessons.
Always teaching, Milt would express the importance
of a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and giving
back, no matter how big or small. He believed the more
you give, the more you receive. Another valuable lesson
shared with his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren
included, “Show me, don’t tell me.”
Philanthropic-driven, Milt always wanted the best for
his community. Traveling for the lumber yard, Milt was
able to visit nearly every state and continent in the world.
These experiences opened his eyes to how special the
state of Indiana was, especially where Milt spent most
of his life - Logansport. He often said, “There is no better
place to live than in Logansport, Indiana.”
Please turn the page
40 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 41

Cole Continued
Throughout his life, even to the end, Milt kept a very
strong faith. Always remaining positive, he felt incredibly
blessed and grateful for the life he lived, the people he
loved, and the community that shared such a special
place in his heart.
His recognitions include receiving the Logansport Exchange
Club’s “Book of Golden Deeds” award, Chamber
of Commerce “Man of the Year”, “Sagamore of the
Wabash” conferred by Governor Frank O’Bannon and a
story featured in a book written by Fox News Channel’s
Neil Cavuto entitled, “More Than Money: True Stories of
People Who Learned Life’s Ultimate Lesson.”
Milt’s local past and current affiliations include Board
of Directors of Salin Bank & Trust, Board of Directors
of the Farmers and Merchants State Bank, Logansport
Rotary Club, Logansport Elks Lodge BPOE #66, Calvary
Presbyterian Church where he also served as
Elder, Treasurer of the Logansport Economic Development
Foundation, IUK Foundation Advisory Board, Logansport/Cass
County Chamber of Commerce, Cass
County United Way Fundraising Chairman and the
Board of Directors of the Logansport Memorial Hospital
Foundation, Chairman of the Board of the Sangralea
Valley Boys Home, President of El-Tip-Wa Building
Trades program, Board member of the Northern Indiana
Community Foundation (predecessor of the Cass County
Community Foundation) and Cass County Coordinator
for Senator Lugar’s Re-election.
In the Hardwood industry, he was CEO of Indiana
Dimension, Inc. (sister Company of Cole Hardwood),
Lumberman’s Underwriting Alliance Advisory Board,
Hardwood Manufacturers Association Executive Board,
National Hardwood Lumber Association Board of Directors,
Purdue University School of Agriculture Dean’s
Advisory Board, Purdue University Forestry Department
Steering Committee, President of the Hardwood Distributors
Association and President of the Indiana Hardwood
Lumbermen's Association.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cass
County Community Foundation, PO Box 441, Logansport,
IN 46947, Calvary Presbyterian Church, 701
Spencer Street, Logansport, IN 46947 or the Ivy Tech
Foundation for the Cole Family Scholarship, PO Box
1373, Kokomo, IN 46903 or online at https://connect.
ivytech.edu/kokomo.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private, family-only
service and burial in Mount Hope Cemetery, Logansport,
was held and a public Celebration of Milt’s Life is tentatively
scheduled for June, 2021.
Memories or messages of condolence may be posted
at www.kroegerfuneralhome.com. n
LAKE STATES Continued from page 6
and White Oak and Poplar. “Pretty much everything is
selling well right now for us,” he noted. Thicknesses are
4/4 through 8/4. He sells primarily to distributors, and he
observed, “It seems like they are doing well.”
He stated, “Transportation isn’t bad right now. Six
months ago, it was a problem. It’s definitely a lot better
right now.”
“Overall,” he stated, “we were blessed through all this
year. We had a steady market for Cottonwood.”n
NORTHEAST Continued from page 6
ing material. All our customers are busy." He noted that
the "competition for trucks" is tough. "Being in Maine, the
softwood business is prominent in our part of Northern
Maine. There are a lot of softwood trucks. With the demand
for softwood lumber and the high prices they are
able to pay, we're kind of getting the short end of the stick
when it comes to finding trucks. It's been a little bit of a
challenge lately."
The market in New York State is "pretty good, mostly
driven by supply shortages," according to a lumber provider
there. The market is "much better" than it was a half
a year ago, he said.
He sells "any and all North American species," he remarked.
The best seller is 4/4 White Oak. Thicknesses
of lumber range from 4/4 to 12/4. He sells to distributors
and end users, and both sets of customers are faring better
in the marketplace than six months earlier. Trucking,
he said, is difficult on the domestic side of things.n
SOUTHEAST Continued from page 7
I rated transportation 1-10, 10 being great, I’d rate it at
6-1/2 to 7.”
In Arkansas, a flooring manufacturer said the market
for his product, nationally, is “very strong” and better
than six months earlier. He utilizes Red and White Oak,
Hickory and Walnut in flooring grades, No. 1, No. 2 and
No. 3A. Red and White Oak are the hottest species. He
sells to wholesale distributors. These customers are doing
well, he said, because the housing market is strong.
The Arkansas source noted that transportation is “not bad
right now.”
“Spotty” is the word used by a North Carolina lumber
provider to describe the market there. He attributed that
to the presidential election and “all the decibels of that.”
Asked whether the market was better or worse than six
months previously, he replied, “2020 has been such a
long year. Back then, the wheels were about to fall off
because of COVID. Now there are other contributing fac-
Ford A. Frick
Ford A. Frick
Brimfield, IN— Ford A. Frick was born on June 27,
1940, and passed into the hands of his Savior on Nov.
19, 2020.
He was the second child of Harold Herman Frick and
Virginia Mae (Savoie). They both preceded him in death.
Ford graduated from Rome City High School in 1958
and attended the National Hardwood Lumber Association
(NHLA) Inspectors School in Memphis, TN. After
graduation, he returned to the Brimfield area and began
working at Frick Lumber Company Inc., becoming the
lumber grader and working side by side with Harold, his
father. He became the president years later and continued
to serve in that position.
He married Brenda Frazier Sutton on June 13, 1959.
They have two sons, Ford A. Jr. and Holly (Lash) and
Christopher Benton and Teresa (Nesbitt).
He attended Merriam Christian Chapel, sang in the
choir, was director of AWANA Pals, and was a member
of Gideons International and Brimfield Lions Club.
Ford was a lover of the Lord, servant to the church
tors.” One of those, he said, was a supply-driven market.
“We have a different dynamic now. COVID is part of it but
less so. Supply is short. There’s not as much kiln-dried
available as there was.” He handles No. 1 Common and
Better in Red and White Oak, Ash, Walnut, Cherry and Soft
and Hard Maple. “Without question, White Oak is selling
best,” he noted. “Red Oak sales are strong.”
The North Carolina lumber provider sells to end users
and some to distributors. “I think more recently, their sales
and a diehard Cubs fan. He enjoyed spending time with
his family and friends, was never far from the love of his
life "Ben," and their latest dog, Woody. He enjoyed annual
travel excursions with his siblings, family reunions
and gatherings for holidays and birthday parties, and
several years of Lake Cumberland boat trips with special
friends.
He worked at the family-owned Frick Lumber for 61
years alongside his dad, wife, son, son-in-law, sister,
brother-in-law, granddaughter, grandsons and greatgrandsons.
He was fiercely devoted to every employee
and treated them like members of his extended family.
In his younger days, he spent the summers coaching
little league teams for his sons and many aspiring baseball
stars. No destination was too far when attending a
Chicago Cubs game with Brenda, Ford Jr. and Chris.
He enjoyed watching all his grandchildren play games,
sing, dance and play instruments. He was a talker and
truly never met a stranger.
He is survived by his wife Brenda; sons, Ford, Jr. and
Chris; siblings Sharon and Bill Snyder, Harlan Frick
and Linda (Smoots), and Carolyn and Marvin Heller.
Grandchildren: Elisha and Austin Hess, Elizabeth and
Travis Knox, Erin and Chase Sprouse, Jared Frick and
Lindsey (Peak). Great grandchildren: Travis Jr. (TJ) and
Lilly Knox, Nolan and Gage Hess, Chloeann and Elaina
Sprouse and Noble Frick.
Visitation and funeral services were held at Merriam
Christian Chapel in Merriam, IN with Pastor John
French officiating.
Graveside services and burial were at Orange Cemetery
in Rome City.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name
to Noble County Camp of Gideons International, P.O.
Box 863, Kendallville, IN 46755 or Merriam Christian
Chapel.
Arrangements were entrusted to Hite Funeral Home. n
have been softer as well for a broad variety of factors,” he
stated. “Key among them has been the fallout from COVID
and the uncertainty surrounding the election.”
Transportation is not an issue, he said, as, “We have our
own fleet of trucks within a certain radius and, beyond that,
common carriers. The availability of common carriers is
pretty good at the moment.” n
42 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 43

WEST COAST Continued from page 7
we were above last year’s numbers in June, then it kind of
leveled out. The market is still improving. Everyone thought
it was going to be a long haul coming back, but it just wasn't.
Many companies let people go because they felt it would
be a long haul, and you had to get your expenses down to
where you have a chance to make a profit. Getting employees
back was difficult.
“The softwood industry is in chaos out here. They reacted
to COVID, and many don't have people to run production.
It is affecting associated industries including us. Hardwood
companies are later in the process. There’s just way more
demand now. With COVID happening, we can't meet the
demand.
“I'd say most companies are doing about the same in the
Hardwood industry as six months ago,” he noted. “Our customers
have plenty of business, but their ability to get the
work done is holding the market back. If we can get COVID
behind us, I believe the future is bright for our industry, that
there will be more lumber consumed than we've seen in a
while. Housing starts are so good, and people are moving
to suburbs. These people had homes in the city that were
pretty nice. When they move to the suburbs, they want nice
homes, too. The remodeling industry is phenomenal right
now in Washington and Oregon. When people stay home
for COVID, they do projects.
He stated that he sells “a lot of species.” White Oak is the
hottest species and Poplar is very strong. More Walnut and
Hickory are being moved than in prior times. “This seems
to be a bit of a change in what people are preferring,” he
observed. He added that he sells a lot of Alder. He sells in
thicknesses from 4/4 to 12/4 but sales are about 85 percent
4/4.
In Washington, this lumber provider sells to businesses
that make cabinets, furniture, moulding and millwork as well
as to a lot of contractors. “Most of them have a backlog of
work,” he said. “You put COVID behind us, and the market's
ready to really be brisk on the West Coast, including Washington
and Oregon. It's going to be brisk.”
Transportation is definitely an issue, according to this
lumber provider. “Transportation is probably a few days longer
in almost every situation to get it lined up. Transportation
is a factor in getting product.”
Overall, he stated, "I think we've got some good times in
front of us. We've just got to get through COVID and get the
vaccine. I'm very optimistic." n
ONTARIO Continued from page 8
improve as we headed into winter with ground freezing,
thus improving sawmill production as well.
Some reported their log decks were limited for Ash as
there is very limited volume being harvested, and green
production is down for this species. Sawmills and wholesalers
are selling total Ash output. Prices were reported
to have firmed, but market interest in kiln-dried Ash is
not good. Sales are dependent on additional width and
length sorts.
Hard Maple sales for most grades and thicknesses are
reported to be doing well. Mills have no difficulty getting
orders for total production. Some contacts note that competition
for No. 1 Common and Better is driving prices
higher. Color designation is also driving prices, they comment.
Demand for kiln-dried upper grades is strong with
supplies being low, which is causing prices to rise as well.
There has been increased interest in Soft Maple for
most grades and thicknesses, especially for No. 1 Common
and Better. Sales of kiln-dried stocks are also reported
as doing well to solid.
Sales of Aspen have been steady and keeping in line
with its production, with No. 1 Common and Better and
low-grade markets absorbing developing supplies, and
prices being stable. Sales and shipments of kiln-dried
stocks were steady as well. Log decks of Basswood were
reported as being down, with sawmills focusing on higher
valued species over Basswood, such as Hard Maple,
Walnut, Soft Maple, Red and White Oak. Basswood supplies
are sufficient to meet buyers’ needs. It was anticipated
that whitewoods production would increase during
the end of November into December.
Due to the rise in demand since June for Birch and low
sawmill production through most of the year, kiln-dried
inventories have been reduced and prices have firmed.
Green Birch output is not keeping pace with buyers’
needs. Demand from cabinet, wood component, millwork
and moulding manufacturers has put a strain on supplies
of 4/4 No. 1 Common and Better.
The federal government announced late November the
new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy program for businesses
struggling to pay bills because of COVID-19. It
replaces an earlier rent-support program for businesses
introduced in the spring that saw little pickup because it
relied on landlords to apply for help. The new program
covers up to 65 percent of rent or commercial mortgage
interest on a sliding scale based on revenue declines,
with an extra 25 percent available to the hardest-hit firms.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business,
which represents thousands of small companies across
the country, welcomed the new rent program as long
overdue for firms hard hit by COVID-19.
Canada and Britain struck a new interim trade deal
on November 21st, that beat the looming December
31 Brexit deadline, replacing Canada’s current agreement
with Britain under the European Union that covers
trade between the two countries. The interim pact gives
Canada and Britain another year to reach a more comprehensive
agreement while also warding off a no-deal
scenario that would have triggered new tariffs on a range
of Canadian exports on January 1st. There are not many
details known at this time.
“This is a good moment,” said Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau as he announced the deal during a video news
conference with his British counterpart, Boris Johnson.
“Free trade is an important part of the way we’re going
to bounce back from COVID,” Johnson said. “And using
that, this is a moment in which to tackle climate change,
but also to create hundreds of thousands of jobs in green
technologies.”
With Britain’s decision to leave the EU after its Brexit
referendum means that the Comprehensive Economic
and Trade Agreement (CETA) will no longer apply to the
OUR TEAM
Our ability to find the right products quickly is made possible by our team of experienced and dedicated people
working to deliver exactly what you need.
SPECIES:
Aspen • Yellow Birch • White Birch • Red Birch
Birds Eye Maple • Hard Maple • Soft Maple
Red Oak • White Oak • White Ash • Walnut
Beech • Cherry • Hickory
LUMBER
RESOURCES
ALL YOUR ESSENTIALS
country at the end of the year.
The new deal preserves CETA’s key provision — the
elimination of tariffs on 98 percent of Canadian exports
to Britain — until a more comprehensive agreement can
be reached later. Britain is Canada’s fifth-largest trading
partner, with $29 billion in two-way merchandise trade in
2019.
International Trade Minister Mary Ng said legislation
would be introduced in Parliament soon so the interim
deal could be ratified.
The Conservative trade critic, the Canadian Chamber
of Commerce, and the Business Council of Canada all
said they want government to publish the full details of
the agreement. Canada’s business community offered
a mixed reaction, welcoming the economic certainty the
interim deal offered while asking for more specifics. It is
hoped details will be made available soon.
We wish everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous
2021! Stay safe! n
THICKNESSES:
4/4 • 5/4 • 6/4 • 8/4 • 10/4
PRODUCTS:
Hardwood Lumber • Industrial • Pallet Components • Flooring
866-815-0404
1627 Bastien Blvd.
Quebec, Quebec G2K 1H1
www.rlumber.ca
44 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 45
LUMBER RESOURCES NHM HALF HOR REV 7-22-2019.indd 1
7/22/19 2:13 PM

QUEBEC Continued from page 8
steady pace, although it hasn’t gained as much market
momentum as other species. Cabinet and wood components
plants are the main buyers, and it has shown that
there are some shortages in certain areas, particularly
for the No. 1 Common and Better grades.
The low production of Ash over the past couple of
months has been exacerbated by the shrinking timber
availability due to the Emerald Ash Borer in the U.S., as
well as by log exports. With the Chinese market improving,
this has also contributed to improved Ash business.
Demand for this species on domestic markets is relatively
low. Sawmills, however, are having little difficulty
moving developing green No. 2A and Better Ash output.
Basswood sales are improved as well due to the remodeling
frenzy going on both here and in the U.S. for mouldings,
shutters and blinds. Secondary manufacturers have
worked down their inventories and are now placing more
orders. Sales to wholesalers have also trended up.
Cherry business has improved slightly, note contacts.
Wholesalers and end users in the Chinese market are
buying more volumes to support ongoing demand and
safeguard against potential shortages. In Canada, demand
is somewhat improved, most producers are prioritizing
other species like Red and White Oak.
Sales of Hickory remain solid, comment contacts.
Some even say that demand is outpacing supply. Flooring
manufacturers in the U.S. border states have ramped
up their demand and would like to get more. Exports are
also strong for this species. Plank flooring producers are
also looking to ramp up their supplies, as are cabinet and
millwork companies.
Poplar sales remain brisk according to contacts in all
regions for both domestic and international markets. Production
is readily moving for green No. 2A and Better,
and No. 2B is easy to sell because of the recovery in
the pallet sector. As a result, prices are firming. Sales of
kiln-dried Poplar to the U.S., China, Mexico and Vietnam
markets are strong, with prices having risen accordingly.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, the Québec
government has rolled out varying measures to address
the realities of individuals and businesses. The fall 2020
Update on Québec’s Economic and Financial Situation
summarizes the measures planned and taken to date to
strengthen the province’s health care system, support
Quebecers and restart the province’s economy amount
to $12.7 billion. They represent economic interventions
amounting to $35.2 billion, or 8 percent of Gross Domestic
Product (GDP).
The second wave of COVID-19 is creating great uncertainty
and difficult, but necessary, decisions are again
called for in order to protect Quebecers, continued the
report. The government is thus continuing its efforts to
strengthen the health care system during the pandemic,
support Quebecers and the economy as well as accelerate
economic recovery.
In this regard, measures totalling $5.8 billion have
been announced since last June: $1.8 billion for new initiatives
announced in the fall 2020 Update on Québec's
Economic and Financial Situation; $4.0 billion for measures
rolled out since the June 2020 snapshot, Québec's
Economic and Financial Situation.
The actions taken are producing results. The economic
and fiscal outlook for 2020-2021 is rosier than in June.
Québec's real GDP is now projected to contract by 6
percent, compared to a 6.5 percent contraction forecast
in June. The budgetary balance for 2020-2021 is stable
relative to the situation forecast in June and amounts
to −$15.0 billion. A provision of $4 billion is still made to
offset risks related to the health crisis and fund support
and recovery measures. The outlook is improving and
shows gradual deficit reduction. The budgetary balance
will show a deficit of $7 billion in 2022-2023. Of all the
Canadian provinces, Québec has injected the most into
its economy to tackle the public health crisis.
The fall 2020 Update on Québec's Economic and Financial
Situation presents the initial concrete actions
being taken by the government to accelerate economic
recovery and improve Québec's economic outlook. The
actions aim to: help Quebecers get back into the labour
market; spur economic growth; ensure a greener recovery;
promote Québec production and buying local.
We wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous
New Year! Be safe! n
Jeremy Peachey, Paul Peachey, and Josh
Peachey with 4/4 FAS POPLAR
MANUFACTURERS OF HIGH QUALITY APPALACHIAN BANDSAWN LUMBER
WHITE OAK • RED OAK • WALNUT • POPLAR • HARD MAPLE • ASH • MIXED HARDWOODS
10,000,000′ ANNUAL PRODUCTION • ALL GRADES OF LUMBER • RAILROAD TIES
HT BANDING GROOVED EXPORT DUNNAGE • INDUSTRIAL TIMBERS
LOGS SOLD/LOADED INTO EXPORT CONTAINERS • THICKNESSES 4/4-12/4
LUMBER/LOG SALES
JOSH PEACHEY
270-405-6424
Ask us about custom width and length sorts. . .
EAGLE
L U M B E R C O. L L C
GREENSBURG, KY
2195 GABE ROAD
GREENSBURG KY 42743
FAX: 270-932-4451
Sales - Tom Armentano
Purchasing - Andy Dickinson
sales@siriannihardwoods.com
46 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 47

NEWS DEVELOPMENTS Continued from page 11
rates Oak into some of its kitchen products. Wren received
a funding proposal from the Department of Community
and Economic Development (DCED) for a $1.25
million Pennsylvania First grant, $392,400 in funding for
job training through the WEDnet program and $720,000
in Job Creation Tax Credits to be distributed upon creation
of the new jobs. The company may also be eligible
for DCED’s Manufacturing Tax Credit program.
More information is available at www.wrenkitch
ens.com.
CANADA’S FINAL RULING ON DUMPING
AND SUBSIDY ISSUES WITH CHINA DUE
In Ottawa, Ontario before the end of 2020, the Canadian
International Trade Tribunal (CITT) initiated an inquiry
to determine whether the dumping and subsidizing
of decorative and other non-structural plywood exported
from the People’s Republic of China caused or threaten
to cause injury to Canadian plywood producers.
Initiation of the CITT’s final injury inquiry followed the
Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) fall preliminary
determinations that sources of Chinese plywood
panels, including those used in the manufacture of fur-
Northern KD Hardwoods
• Aspen • Basswood • White Ash • Hard & Soft Maple
• Red Oak • Birch • Cherry • Black Ash
Export Packaging / Container Loading
Joe Francois
Joe.Francois@snowbelthardwoods.com
Brady Francois
BFrancois@snowbelthardwoods.com
www.snowentities.com
Phone: 715-561-2200 • Fax: 715-561-2040
niture and cabinets, are being sold into Canada below
normal market value. The CBSA reported it would immediately
subject the vast majority of Chinese plywood
import sources with provisional duties ranging up to
203.08%. Also, the CBSA failed to find significant evidence
of dumping or subsidies to impose any provisional
duties on five Chinese companies.
The CBSA announced it would issue a final dumping
and subsidy determination by Jan. 21, 2021. The CITT’s
final injury determination is expected by Feb. 19, 2021.
Learn more at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.
Snowbelt Hardwoods, Inc. • 345 Ringle Dr., Hurley, WI 54534
John Hilgemann
JHilgemann@snowbelthardwoods.com
Tyler Francois
Tyler@snowbelthardwoods.com
FOREST SERVICE OFFERS 5TH GRADERS
FREE ACCESS TO NATIONAL FORESTS AND
GRASSLANDS
The USDA Forest Service in Washington, DC, announced
it will expand its Every Kid Outdoors program to
offer fourth-and fifth-grade students and family members
fee-free access to more than 2,000 sites on national forests
and grasslands for the remainder of the 2020-2021
school year. A new voucher is available for download
now through August 31, 2021.
“The year's events have made it harder for many students
to get out to their local National Forest and to use
their Every Kid Outdoors Annual 4th Grade Pass as intended,”
said Forest Service Chief
Vicki Christiansen. “We hope the
added time will encourage millions
of families to use their free pass to
get out to their National Forest, connect
with nature, and experience the
mental and physical benefits of the
great outdoors.”
Every Kid Outdoors is a federal
public lands partnership created to
inspire fourth-grade students and
their families across America to
recreate, explore cultures, discover
connections to nature and spark a
lifelong passion for America’s great
outdoors. The program focuses on
children ages 9–11 who, research
shows, are beginning to understand
the world around them, and are
uniquely receptive to engaging with
nature and the environment. By focusing
on this age group year after
year, the program aims to ensure
every child in the United States has
the opportunity to create a life-long
connection to America’s big backyard.
To obtain a free 5th Grade Voucher,
visit the Every Kid Outdoors website,
click on the "Hey, fifth graders!"
banner, and download a voucher.
The voucher is valid through Aug.
31, 2021 to correspond to the traditional
school year.
Learn more at: www.fs.usda.
gov. n
READ EVERY ISSUE ONLINE
nationalhardwoodmag.com
48 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 49

Our Classified
Advertising Works!
for information
call:
800-844-1280
Email: editor@millerwoodtradepub.com
Quality Appalachian Hardwood Lumber
900,000 B.F. Kiln Capacity
Quentin Moss, KD-Lumber Sales/
GR-Lumber Sales/Purchasing
quentin@gfhardwoods.com
Joey Dyer, GR-Lumber Purchasing
joey@gfhardwoods.com
9880 Clay County Hwy. Moss, TN 38575-6332
PHONE: 1-800-844-3944 FAX: 1-931-258-3517
www.gfhardwoods.com
NHLA GRADUATION Continued from page 34
• Sean D. Powell, NHLA Award for
Best Attitude/Citizenship
• Austin Andrew Wuesten,
Lumberman's Club of Memphis
Most Improved Award
• Michael Andrew Snider,
Willard Scholarship Award
Enrollment is now open for the 194th class, which begins
on January 5, 2021. To learn more
about the program, please visit www.
nhla.com.
The NHLA Inspector Training School
has a proud and rich 70+ year history,
graduating more than 7,500 students
since its conception. The Program
teaches the rules and applications of
the NHLA grading system and prepares
students for a career in the
Hardwood industry. This unique program
has earned worldwide respect,
consequently attracting students from
throughout the United States, Canada,
Europe, Africa, South America,
and Asia.
The world’s largest and oldest
Hardwood industry association,
NHLA represents companies and
individuals that produce, use, and sell
North American Hardwood lumber or
provide equipment, supplies, or services
to the Hardwood industry. It was
founded in 1898 to establish a uniform
system of grading rules for the measurement
and inspection of Hardwood
lumber. Since 1979, its headquarters
have been in Memphis. n
To learn more
about NHLA,
please visit
www.nhla.com.
HMA UPDATE
Continued from page 12
that’s what I call resilient!)
All industry stakeholders are welcome to participate. So,
please visit www.HMAmembers.org for updated information
on Conference details, Registration, and a look at which
companies will be exhibiting. And of course, contact me,
ljovanovich@hardwood.org, should you have a specific
question.
I’ve been told that “there is never a dull moment in Austin.”
And that goes for the rest of the U.S. and the world!
All we can do is just keep on being hopeful, doing our jobs
as best as possible, working to be part
of the solution, and keeping in mind
that the by-word for us all is flexibility.
There is strength in numbers! Let’s
keep in touch.n
AHEC REPORT
Continued from page 14
cation, as it has both increased durability
and dimensional stability. Thermally-modified
American Hardwoods
are suitable for applications such as
cladding, decking and shading structures,
as well as in outdoor furniture
and their environmental impact is extremely
low. While this material is not
yet used widely in the Middle East, it
has so much to offer as a natural and
low-environmental impact alternative
to many other wood and non-wood
products.
Using material volume data collected
by the UAE-based manufacturers
- Urban Studio and Alfa Interiors &
Furniture - and based on AHEC’s Life
Cycle Assessment tool, it has calculated
that all the Maple and Red Oak
used to make the three benches would
be replaced in the U.S. Hardwood forest
through natural regeneration in
just 5.8 seconds. At the same time,
for the duration of their existence, the
three benches will keep approximately
1 metric ton of CO2 equivalent out of the atmosphere.
For more information on AHEC and its global promotion
programs for American Hardwoods, please visit
our website at www.americanhardwood.org or contact
International Program Manager Tripp Pryor at tpryor@
ahec.org. n
SYSTEMS &
SOLUTIONS
Mellott Solves Your
Debarking Systems
Log Trough with Metal Detection
Lumber Conveyor Systems
Mat Drilling, Tie Dapper,
Sorting & Stacking Systems
Mellott Manufacturing Co., Inc.
13156 Long Lane
Mercersburg, PA 17236
FAX: 717-369-2800
sales@mellottmfg.com
MILLERWOODTRADEPUB.COM
LOG &
LUMBER
From Concept
to Blueprint,
Manufacturing
to Production
Handling Challenge!
Band Headrig and Resaws
Resaw Run-Around Systems
Trimmer and Grading Systems
Tilt Hoist Systems
717-369-3125
www.mellottmfg.com
50 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 51

WHO’S WHO
IN HARDWOOD PURCHASING
A BRIEF SKETCH
OF THE LEADING
PURCHASING EXECUTIVES
IN THE HARDWOOD INDUSTRY
WHO’S WHO
IN HARDWOOD PURCHASING
JOHN KESTLY is vice president
of Boehm-Madisen Lumber
Co. They operate three facilities
in southeast Wisconsin
with the main offices located in
Waukesha, WI.
Boehm-Madisen purchases
approximately 5.5 million board
feet annually of domestic and
imported Hardwood lumber. The
firm is first and foremost a Hardwood
distribution yard that is
John Kestly
heavily into remanufacturing and
offers the following services: planing, gang ripping, double
end trimming, sanding, resawing, gluing and moulding.
Kestly has been with Boehm-Madisen for 34 years and in
his current position for the last 20 years. During his career in
the forest products industry he has filled the roles of stacker,
machine operator, truck driver, and worked in sales and
finally purchasing.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, located in Oshkosh,
WI, he has been married to Laura for 30 years and
has two sons, Jake and Trevor. In his spare time Kestly
enjoys golf, fishing, and cars.
Boehm-Madisen is a member of National Hardwood
Lumber Association, the Lake States Lumber Association
and is FSC certified.
For more information visit www.boehm-madisen.
com.
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 S/B Soft
Maple; 4/4 S/B PS, Rift, and Quartered White Oak; 4/4 S/B
Rift White Oak; 4/4 S/B 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
Ponderosa pine.
Among the unique services
and value-added processes offered
at Mill Creek are custom
mouldings, wood arches, edgeglue
and fingerjoint capabilities.
Matt Shaw
Shaw has been in his current
position at Mill Creek Lumber for over a year. 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 from Choctaw High School in Choctaw,
OK and studied at Hillsdale FWB College in Moore, OK.
He has been married to Melissa for four years. They are
parents of one son and one daughter.
In his spare time, Shaw enjoys sports, hunting and outdoor
grilling.
Learn more about this company at www.millcreek
lumber.com.
DARREL JONES is vice president and co-owner of Custom
Plastic and Wood LLC, located in Benton, AR.
Custom Plastic and Wood (CP&W) is a manufacturer
of custom solid Hardwood mouldings, one-piece cabinet
doors, five-piece cabinet doors, as well as commercial
and high-end residential cabinets. The company pur-
Please turn the page
P.O. Box 16767
Greensboro, North Carolina 27416-6767
Call Us or Fax Today
1-800-234-3343 • 1-336-378-1265
Fax: 1-336-379-0863
web site: www.beardhardwoods.com
Complete export preparation at our
wholesale distribution yards with
milling facilities at Greensboro, NC.
Distribution Warehouse in
Long Beach, CA
“Everything You’ll Ever Need From The Forest “
MERIDIEN HARDWOODS OF PA., INC.
45,000 ft. steamer loaded with 4/4 Face &
Better Walnut
Shade-Dri® Protection
n 18 Acre Concentration Yard
n 2 Trim Lines (50 Sorts)
n Straight Line Ripping and S2S Facilities
n We Offer Export Preparations, Container Loading,
Mixed Species & Thicknesses
n Custom Walnut Steaming Available
n 800,000’ Dry Storage • Dry Kiln Capacity 250,000'
n All KD lumber pick-a-pack tallied
BUILD YOUR OWN LOAD
Specializing in Poplar, Red Oak, White Oak and Ash
Mixed Truckloads
Surfacing S2S
Dry Kilns (400,000 ft cap)
®
We now have a distribution
warehouse in Long Beach,
CA to better serve our West
Coast customers.
SALES
JOHN BEARD jbeard@beardhardwoods.com
DERICK SHULAR dshular@beardhardwoods.com
WALT LANCASTER wlancaster@beardhardwoods.com
PURCHASING
DAVID LEONARD dleonard@beardhardwoods.com
AARON FOUTS afouts@beardhardwoods.com
4/4 Face & Better Walnut ready
for shipment
Brandon Ferman
Dan Ferman
Office: 814-563-4614 Office: 814-563-4614
Cell: 814-688-6691
Email: brandonferman@hotmail.com
Michael Songer
Office: 814-486-1711
Cell: 814-594-0827
Email: mjs@zitomedia.net
(800) 780-3187 FAX: (800) 292-5773
Website: www.meridienpa.com • Email: meridien@penn.com
Yard Address: Old Pittsfield Rd., Pittsfield, PA 16340
Jeff Childs
Office: 740-392-7727
Cell: 740-398-3474
Email: jeffchilds7@yahoo.com
52 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 53

WHO’S WHO
CONTINUED
chases 125,000 board feet of
Hardwood species per year,
including Maple, Alder, Knotty
Alder, Poplar, Red Oak, Hickory,
Cherry, and Beech (mostly
FAS, S2S and 13/16). Some
pine is also purchased for use
in manufacturing.
Lumber is straight-line ripped
on-site and the company also
offers CNC services.
Darrel Jones
Jones and his business partner
Curtis Lowry founded CP&W approximately 20 years
ago. Jones and Lowry combined their skills in drawing and
CNC design and Jones stated, “The long days soon formed
into a company.”
Jones is a graduate of Gurdon High School, located in
Gurdon, AR, and Southern Arkansas University Tech, located
in Camden, AR. His first job in the forest products
hurch 14_Layout 1 4/17/18 3:43 PM Page 1
industry was in 1986 working as a summer hire at the plywood
division of International Paper, also in Gurdon. Other
positions held include MDF moulding manufacturer at Nickell
Moulding, previously called NMC Finishing, and sawmill
machinery design at USNR. In his current position Jones
handles lumber purchasing, estimating, tool design, planning,
customer service, project management and product
design.
In his spare time, Jones enjoys fishing for crappie, SEC
football, college baseball and hunting. He has been married
to Elizabeth for 31 years and the couple has one daughter.
For more information visit www.cpandw.com. n
your wood working plant?
Do you purchase a minimum
of 100,000 board
feet of No. 2 Common
and Better domestic
Hardwoods annually for
If so, National Hardwood Magazine would like to feature
you– FREE–in our Who’s Who in Hardwood Purchasing!
Our news item will highlight your career and feature
pertinent information about your company’s products
and services.
For more information, email our Who’s Who Coordinator, at
whoswho@millerwoodtradepub.com.
We at Bryant Church Hardwoods, Inc., located in Wilkesboro, NC, are proud of our modern Hardwood
concentration yard facility that we constantly update to better serve our customers with the finest
Appalachian Hardwood and Eastern White Pine lumber available. Call us at (336) 973-3691 when we can
be of service.
This is an aerial view of our modern
Hardwood concentration yard where we
process quality Appalachian Hardwood
and Eastern White Pine lumber.
Some facts about our company are, we:
•Have a 30 acre Hardwood and Eastern White Pine lumber concentration yard
that exclusively represents one sawmill.
•Specialize in all thicknesses of kiln dried Eastern White Pine lumber.
•Deal in Appalachian Hardwood species such as Red and White Oak, Poplar,
Ash, Hard and Soft Maple, Steamed Walnut, Cherry, Basswood, Beech and
mixed Hardwoods.
•Market our Appalachian Hardwood lumber in 4/4 through 8/4 thicknesses that
is green, air dried and/or kiln dried.
•Specialize in mixed truck loads.
•Have 9 steam dry kilns that have a combined dry kiln capacity of 630,000 bd.
ft. per charge.
•Own a Newman 382 planer.
•Usually carry about 4,000,000 bd. ft. on our air drying yard.
•Usually carry about 1,500,000 bd. ft. of kiln dried lumber in inventory.
•Offer export preparation, container loading and package tally.
•Offer the service of sorting lumber at special lengths, widths and grades
according to customer specifications.
•Use our own trucks and contract trucks for prompt delivery of your orders.
•Have over 75 years of combined experience in the lumber business.
Tim Church
Mason Church
Bus.: (336) 973-3691
FAX: (336) 973-7993
(800) 973-3380
Web site: http://BCHI.com
P.O. Box 995 • Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Distribution Yard: 683 Buck Road • Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Because we’ve been in business since 1953, we have many years of experience that helps us to ship your orders right the first time.
Contact:
Mike Tarbell, Sales Manager
Rus Gustin
(814) 697-7185
FAX (814) 697-7190
25,000,000 BF of Quality Bandsawn Pennsylvania Hardwoods
1,500,000 BF Kiln Capacity
Export Packaging & Container Loading
SPECIALIZING IN ASH, RED OAK, HARD MAPLE and CHERRY
“We welcome your inquiries and look forward to serving your needs.”
Mailing Address
1716 Honeoye Road
Shinglehouse
PA 16748
E-mail: mtarbell@ramforestproducts.com
54 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 55
Ram half Converted Oct 2018.indd 1
9/26/18 2:02 PM

TRADE TALK
AN UPDATE COVERING
THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT
HARDWOOD SUPPLIERS/VENDORS
EXPERIENCE QUALITY DEPENDABILITY
975 Conrad Hill Mine Rd. ~ Lexington, NC 27292
Phone 336-746-5419 ~ Fax 336-746-6177
www.kepleyfrank.us
Facilities:
3 Sawmills Processing 50 Million' • 750,000' Dry Kiln
Capacity • 600,000' Fan Shed Capacity
2 382 Newman Planer Mills • 50 Bay Bin Sorter
Products Available:
4/4-8/4 Appalachian Lumber • 6/4-8/4 Ship Dry Capacity
Crossties (100,000 BF per week) • Timbers up to 18'
1,000,000+ Average KD Inventory • 12,000,000+
Average AD Inventory
Species:
White Oak • Red Oak • Poplar • Ash • Hickory
Elm • Beech • Gum • Hackberry • Pecan
Jimmy Kepley, owner, and Bart
Jenkins, lumber sales
The firm manufactures 4/4 through 8/4 thicknesses.
Sales:
Bart Jenkins
bjenkins@kepleyfrank.us
Jimmy Kepley
jkepley@kepleyfrank.us
AKRON, IN— Marcus Banning
was recently named to a
sales position for Pike Lumber
Company, based here. Pike
manufactures kiln-dried Appalachian
Hardwoods including
Red and White Oak, Red
and White Oak R/Q, Walnut,
Hickory, Hard and Soft Maple,
Poplar, Basswood, Ash and
Cherry.
Marcus Banning
Banning is responsible for
helping to sell the increased lumber volume with the addition
of the company’s third sawmill in Indiana. Banning
has worked for Pike for 1 ½ years. He started in the production
side of the company for over a year in the management
training program and was moved to the sales
force.
He previously worked in education for 12 years, as a
teacher and athletic director. He graduated from Purdue
University with a degree in education. In his spare time,
he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters,
sports, and spending time at the beach.
For more information, you can visit www.pikelum
ber.com.
NEWALD, WI— Cleereman
Industries, headquartered
here, recently performed
these installations:
• A Cleereman Linear LP-38
Carriage at Windy Ridge Lumber
in Crockett, VA;
• A new Cleereman 848
Debarker at MO PAC Lumber
Company in Fayette, MO; and
• A new Cleereman Controls
Paul Cleereman
3-D carriage scanning system
at Grezinski Forest Products in Stevens Point, WI.
Rich in logging and sawmill history, Cleereman Industries
has developed and manufactured sawmill machinery
for over 60 years using three guiding principles:
• Manufacture high quality products built for high production,
increased yield and years of trouble-free operations.
• Use simple yet highly functional designs to minimize
the number of moving parts while maximizing the perfor-
mance and functionality.
• Provide unequaled service and support to our customers.
For more information, please visit www.cleereman.
com.
BASTIEN, QC— Lumber Resources, headquartered
here, was recently successful in renewing its FSC mixed
credit certification. According to the FSC website, FSC Mix
products are made with a combination of FSC virgin fiber
and controlled virgin fiber. Lumber Resources thanks their
supply chain partners/suppliers for participating in the collective
effort.
According to the Lumber Resources website, Lumber
Resources, with over 15 years of industry experience, has
acquired a reputation for its know-how, efficiency, quality
and relationship-based partnerships with its customers.
From the beginning, one of the strengths of Lumber
Resources has been attracting experienced sales talent
who are specialized in the company’s areas of expertise:
pre-cut pallet components, industrial wood products, Hardwood
lumber and flooring.
For more information, you can go to www.rlumber.
ca.
EAU CLAIRE, WI— In the
late 1890s, Frank McDonough
invented the Travelling Bed
Feed, now known as the Linebar
Resaw, that revolutionized
the sawmill industry. More than
120 years later, McDonough
Manufacturing Co., headquartered
here, is once again reimagining
what the Resaw can
be.
Matt Tietz
Available as a new installation
or as an upgrade to any existing resaw, the McDonough
AutoMAXX resaw system combines physical controls with
a visual operator interface, high-quality digital imaging and
vision optimization to maximize yield of grade and throughput.
Using vision optimization to suggest the best face to
the operator, the AutoMAXX AI framework will build a database
of decision-making processes based on operator decisions
that will decrease dependency on the operator and
Please turn the page
HICKORY
ANOTHER SPECIES OFFERED
IN A VARIETY OF WAYS
PLAINSAWN
4/4, 5/4, 6/4, AND 8/4
FLAT, STRAIGHT, AND STAIN FREE
OFFERED IN 3 COLOR SORTS
LIVE SAWN RUSTIC GRADING
4/4 SORTED EVERY INCH, 6-10”
RIFT AND QUARTERED
sales@devereauxsawmill.com
989-593-2552
devereauxsawmill.com
56 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 57
4/4

WOOD TRADE PUBLICATIONS
EST 1927
Miller Wood Trade Publications proudly
serves the Forest Products Industry
with the following publications and
online directories
National Hardwood Magazine
www.nationalhardwoodmag.com
Import/Export Wood Purchasing News
www.woodpurchasingnews.com
Softwood Forest Products Buyer
www.softwoodbuyer.com
Imported Wood Purchasing Guide
www.importedwoodpurchasing.com
Forest Products Export Directory
www.forestproductsexport.com
Hardwood Purchasing Handbook
www.hardwoodpurchasinghdbk.com
Greenbook’s Hardwood Marketing Directory
www.millerwoodtradepub.com
Greenbook’s Softwood Marketing Directory
www.millerwoodtradepub.com
Forest Products Stock Exchange
www.millerwoodtradepub.com
P.O. Box 34908, Memphis, TN 38184-0908
(800) 844-1280 or (901) 372-8280
info@millerwoodtradepub.com
www.millerwoodtradepub.com
PLEASE VISIT US ONLINE FOR MORE INFORMATION
ABOUT OUR PUBLICATIONS
TRADE TALK Continued
allow the machine to run in “auto-mode” without pause, in
turn improving operator decisions and reducing responsibility
on the operator for productivity.
Allowing the operator to see four faces simultaneously,
and identifying white spots, blond knots, low contrast color
variation, etc., system overrides will be rare, according to
a company statement. As the AI framework processes and
stores information over time, the AutoMAXX will begin to
utilize max available grade estimates to influence cutting
solutions several cuts ahead.
Providing a significant increase in grade/value recovery,
as well as reducing operator responsibility, error, injury
and fatigue, the AutoMAXX optimizer provides estimated
‘max grade’, SM and value of each face with high accuracy.
Also, Matt Tietz, vice president/owner of McDonough,
recently announced the following equipment installations.
McDonough is a family-owned and operated manufacturer
of custom sawmill machinery.
Recent installations include:
• Norton Lumber, Spooner, WI: a complete McDonough
horizontal resaw system to renovate their sawmill.
• Robinson Stave, East Bernstadt, KY: a McDonough
54-inch custom stave resaw system.
• RJ Lumber Co., Drakesville, IA: a McDonough 7-foot
slant band mill.
McDonough Manufacturing also operates a manufacturing
facility in Mactaquac, NB.
Learn more at www.mcdonough-mfg.com.
U-C Coatings, LLC serves the logging, lumber, construction,
and wood products industries. Their high-quality
products and unmatched customer service help customers
achieve higher yields and less waste, advancing the
company’s mission to protect, enhance, and conserve forest
resources. Learn more at www.uccoatings.com. n
HARDWOOD FEDERATION INFO
Continued from page 15
MARS HILL JUNE 2014_Layout 1 5/19/14 2:24 PM Page 1
with both parties exerting some control over pieces of the
legislative process.
The first order of business in the new year for the Hardwood
Federation staff will be to connect with new Members
of Congress and the Administration to educate them
about the U.S. Hardwood industry and its contributions to
the economy at both the state and federal levels. Early in
the year we will be touching base with returning Committee
Chairs and making ourselves known to new leadership.
Identifying those in positions to help us, what points
of agreement exist and who we need to win over to our
way of thinking are at the top of our to-do list.
To prepare for 2021, the Hardwood Federation Board of
Directors provided both the Trump and Biden campaign
teams a list of our priorities for the new Congress. This
list serves as our starting point for advocacy efforts and
will also be shared with Senate and House leaders. Unexpected
issues will inevitably arise, but these are the issues
we hope to focus on over the next year. The Federation
Board recommends that the new Administration:
• Enter into international agreements that promote free
and fair global trade systems, grow the demand for U.S.
Hardwoods around the world, and avoid the kinds of punitive
retaliatory tariffs that have devastated the U.S. Hardwood
industry.
• Maintain and increase USDA funding that supports
growing global markets for U.S. Hardwood and Hardwood
products, specifically USDA’s Foreign Market Development
Program and Market Access Program.
• Implement policies that promote and foster strong domestic
markets for U.S. Hardwood and Hardwood products
including new funding to research the environmental
and home health benefits of Hardwood products.
• Support public and private green building initiatives
by extending a sustainable tax credit to building and construction
projects, including U.S. wood products, used in
these projects.
• Increase government purchases of U.S. structural and
finished wood products for federal building and transportation
projects and for U.S. military truck beds.
A 60+ Year Tradition of Excellence
Serving architectural woodworkers, cabinet and fixture
manufacturers with vast inventories of premium quality
domestic and imported hardwoods, from Alder to
Zebrawood, 4/4 through 16/4 in many species. When you
need Hardwood, think MacBeath. . . a name synonymous
with fine quality and prompt, reliable service.
Corporate Office &
Concentration Yard:
Edinburgh, Indiana
800-322-9743
Reload:
Northern California:
Golden State Reload Berkeley: 800-479-9907
Perris, California
Stockton: 844-490-5051
800-322-9743
Utah: Salt Lake City: 800-255-3743
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
BUFFALO, NY— U-C Coatings,
LLC., headquartered
here, welcomes Brian Bila as
their Midwest Territory Sales
Representative covering Ohio,
Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin,
Iowa, and Minnesota. Bila, a
graduate of Michigan State
University College of Agriculture,
has over 20 years of experience
in the forestry industry.
Bila brings to the company Brian Bila
a wealth of industry knowledge
having worked as a procurement forester, log buyer and a
veneer buyer for several Hardwood companies including
Oakley Hardwoods, Hardwoods of Michigan, American
Stave Co., Buskirk Lumber, Meister Log & Lumber, Post
Hardwoods, and Manthei Veneer.
A Michigan native, Bila, along with his wife, Lisa, and
two daughters, live in Laingsburg, MI, located near Lansing.
He enjoys hunting and fishing when he is not traveling
across the country with his daughters to play travelsoftball.
Please turn the page
58 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 59
Contact
MacbeathREV 12-2018.indd 1
Arizona:
Phoenix: 602-504-1931
Tempe: 480-355-5090
Tucson: 520-745-8301
macbeath.com
6/21/19 10:13 AM

“Looking for Premium Appalachian Hardwood?
Harold White Lumber, Inc. is the supplier
you can trust!”
HAROLD WHITE 2016-2.indd 5
HWL
HAROLD WHITE LUMBER
Founded in 1968 by Harold White, we offer:
• Bandsawn lumber
• Excellent color and texture
• 500,000 b.f. kiln capacity
• Planing mill facility
• On-site container loading
• Dimension plant specializing in paneling, flooring,
casing, doors and finger-joints
For lumber and prompt worldwide shipping,
contact Ray White: rwhite@haroldwhitelumber.com
For dimension and/or millwork requests,
contact Lee White: lwhite@haroldwhitelumber.com.
Harold White Lumber, Inc.
2920 Flemingsburg Road
Morehead, KY 40351
(606) 784-7573 phone
(606) 784-2624 fax
www.haroldwhitelumber.com
6/6/16 2:40 PM
HARDWOOD FEDERATION INFO
Continued
• Recognize the benefits and fully fund the programs
that support active forest management on federal and
private forest lands, including sustainable timber harvest,
restoration, maintenance of forest roads and fire prevention.
These programs are vital to the health and sustainability
of not only the forests themselves, but also the surrounding
communities.
• Finalize the EPA rule recognizing combustion of biomass
derived from sustainably managed forests as carbon
neutral. Forest based biomass is renewable and
sustainable and bioenergy produced from biomass helps
keep our forestlands as forests and not converted to other
non-growing uses.
• Expand the pass-through deduction enacted as part of
the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and make it permanent.
Most businesses in the Hardwood sector are organized
as S-Corporations and other pass-through structures. The
TCJA provided favorable tax treatment for large companies
that are eligible for C-Corp status, but small and medium
sized businesses are taxed at a higher rate. This has
created an unlevel playing field that skews against main
street businesses in rural communities.
• Fully fund and enforce the Lacey Act, which was
amended in 2008 to combat illegal logging around the
globe. The Hardwood Federation actively supported this
amendment and is committed to fair, equitable and legal
trade in forest products.
Elections are a powerful reminder of why organizations
like the Hardwood Federation exist and are important to
you as a leader in the Hardwood industry. Although elected
officials, administrations and political appointees may
come and go, it is important to have consistent representation
in Washington, DC to represent your interest no matter
who sits in the White House or speaks from the House
or Senate floor. We remain dedicated to pushing federal
policies that help sustain and grow the Hardwood industry
in the United States and look forward to reconnecting with
returning Members of Congress and educating those new
to Washington. n
WCMA INSIGHTS Continued from page 16
look forward to hearing from you!
Working with WCMA Members
The benefits of working with WCMA member companies
are clear. Manufacturers that outsource components
are more profitable than those that do not, period. All independent
studies since 1970 prove it. It’s just good business
to outsource.
Finding a supplier that can consistently produce quality
components and be responsive to your needs is easier
than ever before. Just give us a call at 651-332-6332 or
visit our source guide at www.wcma.com/source_guide.
html. You will be provided with a list of WCMA Member
Companies that will meet your exact requirements for dimension
and component products made from Hardwoods,
softwoods, and engineered wood materials. It’s that easy!
We look forward to hearing from you! n
LIKE US ON
Social Media
facebook@millerwoodtradepub
instagram@millerwoodtradepub
NHLA NEWS Continued from page 17
time. In the new format, they study on their own, in the
evenings and on weekends. This new approach leaves
more classroom time for hands-on training, lectures on
a mix of new and different aspects of the industry such
as safety, lumber stacking, supervisory skills, and transitioning
to an inspector position. The new curriculum also
includes virtual classes on Species ID and kiln drying by
renowned professor Adam Taylor. Classes on upgrading
lumber and stacking lumber will also be included.
Students are also required to complete multiple Board
Runs beginning earlier in the program. This hands-on “applied
learning” approach is more in keeping with modern
educational strategies. They will also practice and be tested
on a green chain to duplicate real world work environments.
While the school’s curriculum may change with the
times, NHLA will never waver in its commitment to fill the
critical need for NHLA trained lumber inspectors. Please
consider sending an employee to NHLA’s first eight-week
class in its history. The new eight-week class starts on
January 5, 2021, so be sure to call Carol Mcelya, ITS
Administrator at 901-399-7563, or visit nhla.com to learn
more.
Just one more example of how NHLA is evolving to
MANUFACTURER OF QUALITY BAND SAWN
NORTHERN APPALACHIAN HARDWOODS
RED OAK WHITE OAK CHERRY SOFT MAPLE
POPLAR WHITE ASH HARD MAPLE WALNUT
500,000 B.F. Dry Kiln Capacity 2 Million B.F. Dry Storage
Container Loading
2240 Shermans Valley Road, Elliottsburg, PA 17024
Phone: 717-582-4122 Fax: 717-582-7438
Jason Twigg: (Cell) 717-514-2224
Toll Free: 1-800-253-0263
E-mail: sales@tuscarorahardwoods.com
Website: tuscarorahardwoods.com
Your colleagues are often your best source for in-depth
insight and ideas. The WCMA gives you the opportunity
to connect with industry professionals across the United
States and Canada. For a list of additional member benefits,
go to www.wcma.com/member_benefits.html.
I would love an opportunity to discuss membership in
more detail with you. Please call me at 651-332-6332 or
email me directly at amy@wcma.com. You can also see
more about membership and all the activities that the
WCMA is working on at our website, www.wcma.com. I
meet your needs. n
60 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 61
Mixed TL’s
S2S, Ripped to Width, Cut-Length & Finger-Joint
Lumber Measured & Inspected after Kiln Drying

CLASSIFIED
PROFIT OPPORTUNITIES
ALL CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PAID IN ADVANCE
• $45.00 PER INCH • BLIND BOX NUMBER FEE: $10.00
• DEADLINE • 30 Days Preceding Publication Month
FOR INFORMATION CALL: 800-844-1280
HELP WANTED • EMPLOYMENT WANTED • BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES • USED
WOODWORKING MACHINERY & SAWMILL EQUIPMENT • USED MATERIAL HANDLING
EQUIPMENT • PANEL PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT • SERVICES
SEEKING TO PURCHASE FACILITY
Seeking Hardwood concentration yard or millwork
facility that has its own dry kilns in Northeast Ohio,
Northwest PA, or New York.
Please send any responses to
nhm@millerwoodtradepub.com. Subject: CMP #3576
SERVICES
The Team Leader, Business Development and Sales is to ensure McDonough Manufacturing achieves/exceeds
its quarterly and annual sales targets by securing new business and growing existing business.
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES
• Build and manage a sales team to meet annual sales targets
• Identify new market opportunities
• Execute sales activity to meet and exceed pre-defined new
sales targets annually
• Develop and maintain positive client relationships
• Develop proposals and work with the operations team to en
sure competitive profitable quotes and winning bids
• Facilitate professional communications between McDonough
Manufacturing and its clients throughout projects
• Participate in industry forums/shows/events specific to
McDonough Manufacturing’s target markets
• Travel for in-person meetings with customers and partners
and to develop key relationships
• Monitor key customer and market activities
McDonough Manufacturing
Team Leader, Business Development and Sales
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Knowledge of the sawmill machinery industry
• Knowledge of manufacturing sales, project negotiating, and
change management
• Results oriented with exceptional sales ability
• Strong written and oral communication interpersonal and
presentation skills
• Ambitious, highly motivated, and competitive
• Works collaboratively with others to accomplish team and
company objectives
• Effective organizational, time management skills and followthrough
ability
QUALIFICATIONS
• Post-secondary education degree, desirable study concentra
tions in engineering, business, economics, finance, account
ing (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Proven sales ability
• 7+ years’ experience in similar capacity
• Work requires flexibility and the ability to travel and/or work
remotely for sometimes extended periods
For additional information, or to apply, visit www.mcdonough-mfg.com/careers
or email resume and cover letter to Matt Tietz at mtietz@mcdonoughmfg.com.
Classified advertising will not be accepted for
Hardwood products such as lumber, dimension, turnings,
veneer, carvings, new dry kilns or dry kiln equipment, etc.
To: Anyone involved in the sawmill controls industry
There are many stories and people that have been
involved in the sawmill controls industry.
This fascinating history should be preserved. I want to write
a book about this industry and would appreciate any stories
or comments you might want to add. I am willing to meet in
person if needed.
Please contact me, Jeff Hurdle, at:
hurd2575@gmail.com
What are you
up to now?
Expanding your facilities,
adding personnel or
equipment, holding a
meeting or convention?
National Hardwood
Magazine would like
to know so we can
publish your
announcement.
Send your news to:
editor@
millerwoodtradepub.com
62 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 63

ADVERTISERS
INDEX
Abenaki Timber Corporation...............
Air Systems Mfg. of Lenoir, Inc...........
Ally Global Logistics............................
American Wood Dryers, LLC................
Atlanta Hardwood Corporation...........
Autolog Sawmill Automation...............
Automation & Electronics USA....... 11
Beard Hardwoods............................ 52
Beasley Forest Products, Inc..............
Bingaman & Son Lumber, Inc..............
BioLube, Inc.........................................
Breeze Dried Inc..................................
Buckman Laboratories Int’l., Inc.........
Carbotech International......................
Cardin Forest Products LLC................
Church, Bryant, Hardwoods, Inc..... 54
Clark Lumber Co..................................
Cleereman Controls......................... 13
Cleereman Industries...................... 13
Cole Hardwood, Inc.............................
Collins..................................................
Cooper Machine Co., Inc......................
Corley Manufacturing Co.....................
Cramer, W.M., Lumber Co....................
Cummings Lumber Co., Inc............... 3
Deer Park Lumber, Inc.........................
Devereaux Sawmill, Inc................... 57
Distribution Management Systems,
inc. (DMSi).......................................IFC
Eagle Lumber Co. LLC..................... 46
Eberl Trocknungsanlagen GmbH.........
Fitzpatrick & Weller Inc.......................
GF Hardwoods, Inc.......................... 50
Graf Bros. Flooring & Lumber........... 5
Graf & Thomas Lumber, Inc................
Granite Hardwoods, Inc.......................
Granite Valley Forest Products.......BC
GTL Lumber Inc...................................
Hardwood Forestry Fund................. 60
Hardwood Manufacturers Assoc.........
Hartzell Hardwoods, Inc......................
Hermitage Hardwood Lumber Sales,
Inc.................................................... 49
HHP, Inc................................................
Hurdle Machine Works Inc..................
Irving, J.D., Limited.............................
ISK Biocides, Inc.................................
JoCo Lumber, Inc.................................
Jones, Ron, Hardwood Sales, Inc........
Josey Lumber Co., Inc.........................
Kentucky Forest Industries Assoc......
Kepley-Frank Hardwood Co., Inc..... 56
King City Forwarding USA, Inc............
King City/Northway Forwarding Ltd....
Kretz Lumber Co., Inc..........................
Lawrence Lumber Company Inc..........
Lewis Controls, Inc..............................
Lewis, Dwight, Lumber Co., Inc..........
Limbo...................................................
Lucidyne Technologies Inc..................
Lumber Resources Inc..................... 45
Lussier, Simon, Ltd..............................
MacBeath Hardwood Company....... 59
Maine Woods Company........................
Mars Hill, Inc.................................... 59
Maxwell Hardwood Flooring................
McDonough Manufacturing Company...
Mellott Manufacturing Co., Inc........ 51
Meridien Hardwoods of PA., Inc...... 53
Midwest Hardwood Corporation..... FC
Miller, Frank, Lumber, Inc....................
MO PAC Lumber Company...................
Mueller Bros. Timber, Inc....................
Neff Lumber Mills, Inc.........................
Netterville, Fred, Lumber Co...............
North American Forest Foundation.....
Northern Hardwoods...........................
Northwest Hardwoods, Inc.................
Nyle Systems, LLC............................. 4
Oakcrest Lumber, Inc..........................
OHC | Overseas Hardwoods Company...
O’Shea Lumber Co...............................
Pantron Automation, Inc......................
Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual
Insurance Company.............................
Peterson, Keith D., & Co., Inc.......... 61
Pike Lumber Co., Inc............................
Prime Lumber Company......................
Primewood...........................................
Ram Forest Products, Inc................ 55
Rosenberry, Carl, & Sons, Lumber,
Inc........................................................
Sawmill MD..........................................
SII Dry Kilns.........................................
Sirianni Hardwoods, Inc.................. 47
Smithco Manufacturing, Inc................
Snowbelt Hardwoods, Inc............... 48
Southern Forest Products Assoc........
Stiles, A.W., Contractors, Inc..............
Taylor Machine Works, Inc..................
Thompson Hardwoods, Inc..................
Tigerton Lumber Co.............................
TMX Shipping Co., Inc..........................
Tropical Forest Products.........1 & IBC
TS Manufacturing............................ 10
Tuscarora Hardwoods, Inc.............. 61
U-C Coatings, LLC................................
USNR....................................................
Western Hardwood Association..........
Wheeland Lumber Co., Inc...................
White, Harold, Lumber, Inc.............. 60
Williams, R.J., Inc................................
WE MAKE
POSSIBLE
WHAT
NATURE
MADE
PERFECT.
PREMIUM EXOTIC WOOD
FROM SUSTAINABLE FORESTS
ALL OVER THE WORLD.
We go deep into the world’s largest and most
bountiful tropical forests to search for
remarkably unique trees. And when we find
them, it’s time we carefully craft them into
fine pieces of lumber, ready to be shipped
worldwide, at any time.
Call now and get to know Tropical, your
number one exotic lumber supplier for North
America.
tropicalforestproducts.com
905 672-8000 | 855 344-4500
Note: Advertisers with no page number carry an alternating Ad schedule.
64 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 65

The Granite Valley Difference
Our
Sawmills
Our sawmills in
Wisconsin prepare
raw timber for delivery
to our finishing mills.
Quality
Processing
We “rough grade” our kiln-dried
woods to ensure the best appearance.
Quality assurance on every load.
Custom
Work
To help you streamline your
production process, we
can supply custom-cut
pre-production blanks
to your specs.
Ready
Inventory
Our average on-hand
kiln-dried supply is
10 million board feet.
Get the wood you need,
with quick turnaround.
Granite Valley Forest Products keeps growing as a single-source supplier to
better serve you. We sell rough, S2S, straight-line ripping, and offer
NHLA grades and customer-proprietary grading based on NHLA guidelines.
Custom products are available to your exact specs for width, length and color.
Visit our website to learn more or email us at sales@granitevalley.com.
Offices in Wisconsin, Indiana
& Colorado
sales@granitevalley.com
granitevalley.com
Alder | Aromatic Cedar | Black & White Ash | Aspen | Basswood
Beech | White & Yellow Birch | Bitternut | Butternut | Cherry
Grey & Red Elm | Hard Maple | Hickory | Red Oak | White Oak
Norway Pine | White Pine | Poplar | Red & Silver Soft Maple | Walnut
White Cedar | Rift & Quartered Red & White Oak
66 JANUARY 2021 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE