NEW ORLEANS, LA – Robinson Lumber Company, located here, a supplier of high-quality lumber products, announced an expansion of its New Albany, IN yard, marking a pivotal milestone in the company’s growth strategy. The expansion project will double the footprint of the facility, enabling the implementation of cutting-edge technologies and processes to enhance production capabilities.
The expansion includes the installation of additional kilns, which will significantly bolster the company’s drying capacity and enhance overall operational efficiency. Robinson Lumber Company will also invest in state-of-the-art equipment for ripping and chopping operations, ensuring heightened precision and productivity throughout the manufacturing process.
To streamline and expedite loading operations, the company introduced its newest equipment purchase the CombiLift lift truck and a Combi Container Slip Sheet loader, designed to facilitate seamless loading into dry vans and containers within six minutes. This investment will revolutionize logistics, leading to faster turnaround times and ensuring the efficient fulfillment of customer orders.
As part of its internal growth, Robinson Lumber Company promoted Eric Renneker to the position of Operations Manager at the New Albany yard. With his experience and leadership skills, Eric will play a pivotal role in overseeing the expanded operations and ensuring the seamless execution of production processes. His dedication and commitment to efficiency and quality make him invaluable to the team and reinforce the company’s commitment to delivering the highest standards in the industry.
Robinson Lumber Company remains dedicated to providing exceptional service, superior products and innovative solutions to its customers. The expansion and new equipment in the New Albany yard epitomize the company’s commitment to growth and excellence in the industry.
Robinson Lumber Company is a leading provider of high-quality lumber products, catering to the construction, woodworking and manufacturing industries. With a focus on sustainable practices and customer satisfaction, Robinson Lumber Company has established a strong reputation for delivering premium lumber products worldwide.
For more information, visit www.roblumco.com.
WILKESBORO, NC – Church Hardwood Lumber, LLC., a joint venture of Bryant Church Hardwoods and Church & Church Lumber Co., located here, recently hired John Linn as an export and domestic salesman.
Church Hardwood Lumber manufactures kiln-dried Hardwood in Yellow Poplar, Red and White Oak, Hard and Soft Maple, Hickory, Walnut and Cherry.
Before Linn came to work for Church Hardwood Lumber in April 2023, he worked for Gutchess International as their Asia sales manager, where he managed three sales offices. He then went on to be the kiln-dried sales manager at Gutchess Lumber, where he managed domestic and export sales teams. Linn’s first job in the forest products industry was at a concentration yard in Roanoke, VA, where he was the office manager and handled the bookkeeping and export/freight logistics.
Linn graduated from Cave Springs High School, in Roanoke, VA in 1997. He then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business information systems from Radford University, located in Radford, VA.
Linn is married and has three children. His main interests are being involved in the sports that his children play, hockey, lacrosse and football. His family enjoys being outdoors, camping, biking and hiking.
For more information, visit www.bchi.com or www.churchandchurchlumber.com.
MEMPHIS, TN—Classic American Hardwoods (CAH), based here, recently promoted four employees in executive roles. Included are Will Donoho, David Alba, Chris Fouts and Phillip Reeder.
CAH manufactures Hardwood lumber, millwork and mouldings.
Will Donoho was promoted to vice president of sales and purchasing. He now oversees the sales staff, budget, all purchasing and production and manages new customer development. He has worked for CAH for 23 years. His first job in the forest products industry was with Shannon Lumber, beginning in 1998. He graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, IN. His hobbies including hunting and working on his farm.
Alba was promoted to Central/South America territory manager. In this new role, he sells CAH products, develops new customers and manages ongoing customer relationships in his region. He has worked for CAH for a year. He is a graduate of the University of Memphis in Memphis, TN.
Fouts was promoted to Oceana territory manager. His duties are similar to Alba’s but located in Oceana. He also has worked for CAH for a year. He is a graduate of Ole Miss in Oxford, MS.
Reeder was named vice president of operations. He manages all production, shipping and maintenance as well as overseeing all labor, safety and inventory control. Reeder has worked for CAH for 15 years. Prior to that he worked in managerial roles for J.T. Shannon and Craig Lumber. He is a graduate of Concord Academy in Memphis, TN and the National Hardwood Lumber Association’s Inspector Training School.
For more information, visit www.cahmemphis.com.
MOBILE, AL – Overseas Hardwoods Company (OHC), located here, an importer and distributor of high performance lumber products since 1967, for the transportation, outdoor living, millwork and marine industries, has acquired Woods Unlimited, located in Oakland, CA, a Hardwood importer and distributor of transportation flooring and components.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Woods Unlimited and have the opportunity to expand our business on the West Coast. This will enhance our ability to better serve our national accounts who have operations out West. Increased geographical reach for OHC with more product offerings for that part of the U.S. makes this synergy exciting,” said Lee Robinson, Jr., president of OHC.
Woods Unlimited was founded in 1974 by John Buchanan, an exotic lumber enthusiast, and later purchased by Alan Shiffler in 2005. With a background in accounting and finance, Shiffler saw the opportunity to make a difference in a fragmented market and shift the direction of the company to concentrate primarily on the truck and trailer industry. “Understanding our role as a supply chain partner to our transportation industry customers, fosters a valued and mutual respect for our respective positions. Without the support of our customers who depend on our economical price, high quality products, and unmatched customer service, we would not exist,” said Shiffler, who will continue managing the operations on the West Coast for OHC.
A third generation of lumber men and women, the Robinson family, owners of OHC are deeply rooted in the lumber industry. With its core focus on solving customers’ problems, the company continues to attract excellent people and new opportunities.
According to Bill Schaffer, VP of Sales, OHC, “This acquisition of Woods Unlimited is a very good fit. Not only will this create opportunities nationally, but we will also be able to increase volume and product mix through our West Coast facilities, while providing a workable succession plan for our good friend Alan.” OHC operates facilities in Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Wisconsin, and California.
For more information, visit www.ohc.net.
PHILADELPHIA, PA — Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company (PLM), located here, announced the promotions of John Marazzo to Senior Vice President of Accounting and Corporate Treasurer, Steve Hicks to Assistant Vice President of Underwriting and Ed Nowak to Assistant Vice President of IT.
PLM is a nationally recognized property and casualty insurance carrier serving the lumber, woodworking and building material industries. Backed by 128 years of experience, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based company protects over 5,000 businesses nationwide with property, general liability, inland marine, business automobile, commercial excess liability and equipment breakdown coverages.
Since joining PLM in 2006, Marazzo has played a key role in PLM’s relationships with auditors, reinsurers and various business partners as well as PLM’s investment committees and actuaries. Marazzo’s accounting experience in the industry gives him a nuanced understanding of traditional accounting practices as well as reinsurance and financial reporting.
Hicks joined PLM in 2012, followed by Nowak in 2019. Since starting with PLM as an Underwriting Assistant, Hicks has staked his claim in PLM’s underwriting department. Today, he leads his team by example with strong analytical abilities to meet financial targets. He recently completed his master’s in business administration at Temple University’s Fox School of Business.
Under Nowak’s leadership, PLM’s IT team have streamlined and improved the organizations data resources to offer the data information in the lumber niche. Most recently, Nowak spearheaded PLM’s customer service migration to systems with workflow and automation, closing over 3,000 tickets. He is currently studying for his CPCU.
To learn more about PLM, please visit www.plmins.com.
NEWALD, WI—Cleereman Industries/Controls, headquartered here, recently delivered a carriage line with 3-D scanning from Cleereman Controls Company to Collum’s Lumber Products in Allendale, SC. The carriage is a LP-42-inch heavy duty linear carriage. Cleereman supplied the operator’s booth with the Cleereman optimized carriage controls all mounted in the booth for quick and easy installation. Cleereman also supplied a 42-inch bar log turner with power unit and electric controls. Cleereman had RTM Industrial Maintenance do the equipment installation along with Cleereman Controls engineers, who did start-up and training of new carriage controls.
To learn more, go to www.cleereman.com.
WEYMOUTH, MA – The AGL Group, headquartered here, formerly known as Ally Global Logistics, announced today its rebranding initiative to enhance its brand identity and market position, reflecting the company’s evolution and growth over the years. The AGL Group is committed to providing innovative and efficient logistics solutions to clients across various industries, leveraging technology and extensive operational knowledge.
The AGL Group is a leading logistics provider that offers customized logistics solutions to clients across various industries with offices in Weymouth, MA, Jacksonville, FL and Barranquilla, Colombia. The company is committed to providing innovative and efficient logistics solutions that meet the unique needs of its clients.
“Our rebranding to The AGL Group represents our commitment to offering exceptional logistics solutions to our clients,” said Stephen A. Zambo, CEO of The AGL Group. “Our new brand identity better reflects our vision and values, as well as our position as a leader in the forest products logistics industry.”
The company will retain the same ownership, leadership, and high-quality service that have earned the trust and loyalty of its clients. The AGL Group moved over 35,000 loads in 2022, covering various industries, including forest products, machinery, nuts, pallets and produce.
“We will continue to invest in our technology, people, and infrastructure to provide the best possible service to our clients,” added Zambo.
The AGL Group’s rebranding effort includes a new logo, website, and marketing materials. Their push to become more tech focused will provide a more user-friendly interface and improved navigation through their clients’ shipment cycle. AGL aims to make their clients’ lives easier through shipping with them. “The AGL Group, Shipping made Easy.”
For more information, call 781-544-3970, email info@theaglgroup.com or visit www.theaglgroup.com.
