National Hardwood Magazine - October 2020

NEWS DEVELOPMENTS

NEWS DEVELOPMENTS ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES INVESTS IN EXPANSION RUGGED | DEPENDABLE | INNOVATIVE Armstrong World Industries (AWI) recently announced it is investing approximately million to expand its Architectural Components Group Inc. (ACGI) wood ceiling and wall operations in Marshfield, MO. According to a press release from the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the investment will add 50,000 square feet to the firm’s manufacturing, warehouse and office space and will create about 130 jobs. The company currently has 180 employees. Target completion date for this project is first quarter of 2021. Armstrong, headquartered in Lancaster, PA, acquired ACGI in 2019. The plant makes wood ceilings and walls for commercial and residential environments. A company spokesperson for Armstrong confirmed that the company uses solid Hardwoods as well as composite wood solutions in its ceiling products. For example, solid Poplar wood panels are among the products listed by Armstrong and two plank widths are available for this specific product—3-inch and 5-inch, according to information provided through the company’s website. Learn more at www.armstrong ceilings.com. NHLA HOSTS OCTOBER WORKSHOP The National Hardwood Lumber Association, located in Memphis, TN, will hold a Hardwood drying workshop this month at its facilities from Oct. 26-29. The association stated that improper drying of lumber can lead to significant losses in yield and value. Drying defects can cost a company thousands of dollars in lost profits and volumes. This workshop, instructed by Gene Wengert, best known in the industry as “the Wood Doctor,” will advance the knowledge and skills of new kiln operators, managers, supervisors and trainees. Workshop students will learn the 14 OCTOBER 2020 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE

NEWS ABOUT NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL HARDWOOD CONSUMERS INCLUDING MERGERS, PLANT EXPANSIONS & ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES fundamentals of kiln drying and will also be trained on advanced techniques. Nyle Dry Kilns of Brewer, ME, is sponsoring this workshop. Learn more at www.nhla.com. NWFA COMPLETES 46TH GSF HOME The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), headquartered in St. Louis, MO, recently provided flooring for its 46th home in support of the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment). The R.I.S.E. program builds custom, specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. The home dedication for United States Army Staff Sergeant Rico Roman took place in Brush Prairie, WA. Flooring for the project was donated by NWFA member Metropolitan Hardwood Floors. Installation for the project was donated by Epic Hardwood Floors. SSG Roman joined the Army in 2001. He began his career as a gunner and, in 2006, became a squad leader with responsibility for leading two teams. While on his fourth deployment in 2007, he and his team were on a convoy mission in Iraq when their Humvee was blasted by an improvised explosive device (IED). The blast resulted in the loss of his left leg, with extensive damage to his right leg. “Staff Sergeant Roman endured extensive surgeries on Please turn to page 61 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 United States Army Staff Sergeant Rico Roman is pictured with his wife Ela and their children. 704.200.2350 sales@automationelecusa.com automationelecusa.com OCTOBER 2020 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 15