National Hardwood Magazine - March 2012

News Developments RECENT

News Developments RECENT SURVEY INDICATES POSITIVE GROWTH IN 2012 The Cabinet Manufacturers Association, based in Milwaukee, Wis., released initial findings of its woodworking industry survey, where 76 percent of woodworkers stated they are more optimistic about business prospects in 2012, while only 13 percent are expecting a decline. The survey also found that two out of three custom woodworkers reported that their businesses grew in 2011 and more than half reported growth of more than 15 percent. According to the association the goal of the study is to provide custom woodworkers with a set of benchmarks they can use to compare and manage their businesses to become more profitable and competitive. The survey included 40 questions seeking information on woodworking operations such as employee wage ranges for various functions, facility size, presence of CNC equipment business development and marketing practices, among other factors. The association calculated the responses to provide the industry with a report that can be used to compare averages to individual situations. For more information visit www.cabinetmakers.org. FURNITURE ORDERS INCREASE 13 PERCENT According to data collected by Smith Leonard, a consulting firm based in High Point, N.C., new furniture orders rose 12 percent over the current reporting period one year earlier. The Furniture Insights survey showed year-to-date new orders are up by 6 percent for 2011 over 2010. Smith Leonard also noted that many manufacturers have introduced some price increases, which may have impacted the percentage increase in orders. The survey stated that increased payroll numbers mean employees are getting more hours this year than last, since the number of employees remains relatively flat compared to last year. For more information and to view the full survey, visit www.smithleonardcpas.com/pdf/fi_nov_2011pdf.com. Specializing in Appalachian Hardwoods James A. Savage, President SPECIES White Oak • Red Oak • Poplar • Hickory • Maple • Ash • Cherry • Walnut Green • Kiln Dried • Rough • S2S Savage Lumber Co., Inc. P.O. Box 39 Doyle, Tennessee 38559 • Bus. 931-657-2211 • FAX 931-657-2214 • Email: savagelumber@blomand.net 8 Hardwoods Have Workability

News about North American industrial Hardwood consumers and overseas updates, including mergers, plant expansions, association activities and personnel JELD-WEN ANNOUNCES 0 MILLION PRODUCTION FACILITY Jeld-Wen President Philip Orsino announced that Jeld-Wen Inc., one of the world's leading manufacturers of windows and doors, will open a 0 million Winn Parish production facility in Louisiana by the end of 2012. The company plans to create a minimum of 75 new direct jobs, with an annual payroll exceeding .5 million, and Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in an additional 117 new indirect jobs. Located between Winnfield and Jonesboro, the Jeld-Wen facility will manufacture wood fiber door-facings using a proprietary process. From Winn Parish, the door-facings will be shipped to Jeld-Wen’s door assembly plants. LED will provide the resources of LED FastStart, the nation's No. 1 workforce development program, as Jeld-Wen begins hiring its staff in the coming months. "This plant will be the most technologically advanced molded door-facings plant in the world," said Orsino. "The efficiency and quality this plant will deliver will enhance Jeld- Wen’s global leadership position." "Louisiana has a steady and reliable source of Hardwood fiber," said Jeld-Wen Senior Vice President Jim Morrison. "We're also impressed by the employment base throughout Winn Parish." Jeld-Wen is one of the world's leading manufacturers of reliable windows and doors. Jeld-Wen began in 1960 and today has approximately 20,000 employees across more than 100 locations in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. The company's extensive product offering encompasses windows, exterior doors, interior doors and related building products that are sold globally through multiple distribution channels, including retail home centers, wholesale distributors and building products dealers. Jeld-Wen has been an Energy Star partner since 1998. For more information visit www.jeld-wen.com. MARCH/2012 9