Industry News – February 2025
Atlanta Hardwood Corporation Partners With Oy Lunawood Ltd
Atlanta Hardwood Corporation and Oy Lunawood Ltd recently announced the formation of a joint venture, Lunawood LLC. This new entity will oversee the procurement, production and sales of ThermoWood® and other thermally modified products across North America.
Under this joint venture, Lunawood LLC will build a production facility at Atlanta Hardwood Corporation’s plant in Cleveland, Georgia. The plant will be dedicated to producing thermally modified timber products from locally sourced hardwood for the North American market, with additional global distribution. Lunawood is the first Finnish company in the mechanical wood industry to establish production in the U.S.
Lunawood, a pioneer in thermal modification of Finnish pine and spruce since 2001, was instrumental in developing the patented ThermoWood® process. The joint venture combines Lunawood’s expertise in thermal modification, production, quality control and commercialization with Atlanta Hardwood’s market knowledge, logistics and moulding facilities. Lunawood LLC will stock the full range of Lunawood products for sale within North America at Atlanta Hardwood’s facilities in Cleveland, GA, and Clarksville, TN.
According to Hal Mitchell, President of Atlanta Hardwood Corporation, and brand manager for AHC Hardwood Group, “This joint venture will allow Lunawood to become the world’s leader in thermal modification in both North American and Nordic species. We are excited to offer volume production of these quality-tested, sustainable and durable products to the North American market. Scaling the manufacturing of U.S. lumber has been a dream since our first thermal modification kiln was installed 10 years ago. This joint venture allows us to accomplish that goal.”
The growing demand for thermally modified timber in the U.S. is driven by the increasing demand for sustainable building materials for both indoor and outdoor applications and a strong trend toward green building construction. Demand is especially strong in design applications, as architects and builders seek durable, sustainable alternatives to chemically treated wood or exotic hardwoods.
Atlanta Hardwood Corporation has operated from its base in the metropolitan Atlanta area since the mid-1950s and is doing business as AHC Hardwood Group in Cleveland, GA, and Clarksville, TN. Atlanta Hardwood Corporation also offers domestic trucking as AHC Logistics, which specializes in the transportation of lumber and building materials.
For more information, visit www.hardwoodweb.com
McDonough Manufacturing Welcomes New Sales Representative
Troy Whitman recently joined McDonough Manufacturing’s BID Canada Division, as their new sales representative. Whitman is a sales professional with over 20 years of experience in building relationships, solving challenges and driving results. As a key part of the BID Canada team, Whitman works closely with clients to deliver tailored solutions in the material handling industry. From belt conveyors to screws and bucket elevators, Whitman’s expertise ensures that customers get the right products and support to keep their operations running smoothly, said a company representative.
Whitman’s success stems from his ability to spot opportunities and stay ahead of industry trends. Certified by the Canadian Professional Sales Association (CPSA) and having completed Northwestern Kellogg’s Mastering Sales program, he brings a unique mix of formal training and hands-on experience to every project. He’s passionate about finding practical, effective solutions while keeping things straightforward and results focused, the company representative noted.
At BID Canada, Whitman is all about collaboration, whether it’s working with customers to solve specific challenges or supporting his team to meet their goals, he knows that success comes from working together. The company representative stated that his approachable style and commitment to building strong relationships make him a trusted partner in every interaction.
When he’s not on the job, Whitman keeps busy coaching hockey, where he instills values of teamwork and discipline in young athletes. He’s also an avid traveler and outdoors enthusiast who’s always up for a new adventure. Whether at work or play, Whitman brings the same energy, curiosity and problem-solving mindset to everything he does, making him a valuable part of the BID Canada and McDonough family.
For more information, visit www.mcdonough-mfg.com.
JoeScan Welcomes Joseph Elliott As Technology And Process Improvement Manager
JoeScan, located in Vancouver, WA, a leading innovator in sawmill scanning technology, announced the appointment of Joseph Elliott to the newly created role of Technology and Process Improvement Manager.
In this position, Elliott will spearhead initiatives to enhance JoeScan’s technology and operations, making them faster, smarter and more reliable. With extensive experience in technology integration, manufacturing processes and continuous improvement across multiple industries, Elliott brings a results-driven approach to advancing efficiency, ensuring product quality and optimizing team collaboration.
“Joseph’s hands-on expertise and proven leadership in operational technology make him a perfect fit for JoeScan,” said Joey Nelson, founder and CEO of JoeScan. “His commitment to teamwork and innovation will help us continue delivering exceptional value to our customers.”
Outside of work, Elliott is an ultra-runner, active member of a local running group and an avid guitarist.
For more information about JoeScan and its range of scanning solutions, visit www.joescan.com.
Landscape Forms Begins $70 Million Expansion
Michigan is offering a $2.5 million grant to Landscape Forms, a Comstock Township manufacturer of custom outdoor furniture, which is planning a $70 million expansion that will add 125 jobs.
Landscape Forms, established in 1969, specializes in manufacturing custom outdoor furniture, in Red Oak, Hard Maple, thermally modified Ash, Jarrah, Ipe and Teak, according to the company’s website. “Landscape Forms has been a Michigan-based company since its inception over 55 years ago. We value our partnership with the State of Michigan as the support provided was pivotal in our decision to expand our campus in Comstock/Kalamazoo,” CEO Marjorie Simmons said in a release from the state. “The new state of the art, sustainable manufacturing facility will allow us to attract and retain top manufacturing talent in Michigan to support our future growth.”
The company plans to build a new, 30,000-square-foot facility adjacent to its current home at 7800 E. Michigan Ave. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation approved the $2.5 million grant recently.
The $70 million building will expand manufacturing capacity in Michigan. The 125-plus new jobs will have wages starting above regional median wage.
Landscape Forms plans to break ground in spring 2025 and be fully operational by early 2028.
For more information, visit www.landscapeforms.com.
Oak Pointe LLC Acquired By Evermark
Evermark, based in Suwanee, GA, has acquired Oak Pointe LLC., a well-known millwork manufacturer known for custom “Made in the U.S.A.” stair parts and other millwork products.
The move enhances Evermark’s product offering, providing customers with greater flexibility, expanded product variety and an even broader range of solutions, said an Evermark representative.
Based in Newcomerstown, OH, Oak Pointe was founded in 1996 by Bernie Booth and since 2007, has been led by Dave Weissman. Oak Pointe’s product lines, which includes, according to published reports, products manufactured with solid Red and White Oak, Quartersawn White Oak, Hard and Soft Maple, Beech, Alder, American Cherry, Walnut, Poplar, Hickory, Jatoba and Sapele, perfectly align with Evermark’s portfolio and customer-first ethos. The company said that the acquisition marks a chapter of collaboration, strengthening the ability of both companies to serve customers at the highest level.
Weissman commented, “I wanted to find a company with the same values as ours and ensure our employees have the ability to continue to grow and serve our customers, we found that in Evermark.”
The acquisition builds on Evermark’s significant growth in 2023, which included multiple expansions in the U.S. and Malaysia.
“All of the employee owners of Evermark are very happy to welcome the great team from Oak Pointe to the Evermark family,” said Bill Gardner, president of Evermark. “This partnership is built on a shared vision of growth, excellence and delivering the very best to our customers. We look forward to learning and growing together.”
For more information, visit www.evermark-lnl.com.
