Abenaki Timber Promotes Kurtis Mahoney Into Management
Abenaki Timber Corporation, located in Belington, WV, recently promoted Kurtis Mahoney into management, where he will oversee green lumber purchasing, lumber inspection, quality control and assist with kiln operations.
Abenaki Timber is a concentration yard that purchases 15 million board feet annually to ship globally. They offer Northern Red and White Oak, Yellow Birch, Hard and Soft Maple, Northern and Appalachian Cherry, White Ash, Yellow Poplar and American and European Beech.
Abenaki’s facility is equipped with a Newman high speed helical planer, on site Hardwood lumber inspection services, container loading, custom sorting and packaging, warehousing and storage options as well as package tallies with bar coding capabilities.
Mahoney started in the forest products industry as soon as he graduated high school at Abenaki Timber in 2011 as a lumber handler and was recently promoted into management.
Mahoney graduated from Philip Barbour High School, in Philippi, WV, in 2011 and then went on to graduate from Davis and Elkins College, in Elkins, WV, in 2016, earning a master’s in business management and a master’s in marketing. He also graduated from the National Hardwood Lumber Association’s Inspector Training School’s 185th class.
Mahoney enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing and spending time with his son, Maverick.
Abenaki is a member of National Hardwood Lumber Association, Hardwood Manufacturers Association, Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc., Penn-York Lumbermen’s Club, American Hardwood Export Council, Hardwood Federation, New England Lumbermen’s Association and Canadian Hardwood Bureau.
For more information, call 304-823-1422 or visit www.abenakitimber.com.
Cardin Forest Products LLC Recently Installed A TS Manufacturing Optimized Trim Sort Stack Line
TS Manufacturing, located in Lindsay, ON, recently announced the successful start up of a new optimized trim sort stack line at Cardin Forest Products in South Pittsburgh, TN. The new line replaces their existing drop saw trimmer and manual green pull chain in their sawmill.
The new line is positioned after their existing unscrambler, which consists of a lug loader, an automatic drop out tipple for large cants, two station shark fin grading chain handing off to an A&E 3D Geometric Hardwood trimmer optimizer, drop-saw trimmer with all electric servo positioning fence, 70 bin sorter feeding a new all electric servo stacker and an automatic dip tank system with bypass.
The project will also include a TS AccuTally software system for pack calculation and shift reporting. Since TS developed the AccuTally five years ago, they have sold over 50 systems.
For more than 50 years, TS Manufacturing has been offering a complete line of machinery, controls and software to fit their customers mills. For more information on their complete line of sawmill and planer mill offerings, contact them at sales@tsman.com or 705-324-3762, or visit www.tsman.com.
MiCROTEC Introduces Norvin Laudon As New Head Of Sales
Norvin Laudon is the new head of sales at MiCRO-TEC, in Corvallis, OR. Laudon’s team serves the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand markets, offering optimized wood scanning solutions. Laudon has 21 years of wood products industry experience, with beginnings in board scanning and moving into log scanning and optimization. Laudon has been with MiCROTEC for 16 years, where he was a key developer of the CT Log, using computed tomography technology to provide a complete reconstruction of a logs’ internal features and optimized cutting solutions.
With the new role, Laudon is excited to introduce the industry-changing fingerprint system, MiCROTEC Connect, integrated with CT technology for Hardwood and softwood mills across North America. The system offers massive benefits for mill-wide value and recovery optimization.
MiCROTEC is the only company offering scanning and optimization solutions from log to final board, providing innovative scanning solutions focused on recovery and sustainability. MiCROTEC’s customer support is backed by a team of industry experts, including ex-graders, engineers and specialized technicians. The scanning solutions offered by MiCROTEC allow logs to be graded and sorted by quality. They also optimize the cutting solution with the highest value in real time. The company’s board scanning technology is well-known in the industry in the Lucidyne and Goldeneye scanners, revolutionizing automated defect detection and grading.
MiCROTEC is a member of the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association, Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, Southern Forest Products Association, National Hardwood Lumber Association, Mississippi Lumber Manufacturers Association and the Western Wood Products Association.
For more information on Laudon’s new role or MiCROTEC’s solutions, call 541-753-5111, email norvin.laudon@microtec.us or visit www.microtec.us.
Cleereman Industries Installs A Turn-Key Mill at Buchan Sawmill
Cleereman Industries, located in Newald, WI, designed a new ground up Hardwood grade mill for Buchan Sawmill, located in New Haven, IN.
After several site visits and meetings, the decision was made to go with a Cleereman 62-inch Lumber-Pro thin kerf double cut moving band mill. The stationary carriage is a four headblock tilt LP-42 linear carriage. The carriage has Cleereman Linear controls with optimization. The Lumber-Pro feeds a Cleereman optimized edger. Once the lumber leaves the edger it goes through a Mellott trim and grading line that feeds a Mellott drop saw trimmer. This was a turn-key mill that Cleereman Industries engineered.
Other items Cleereman provided included all the electrical cabinets with starters, and sub-steel for all equipment. Cleereman Industries also built the log decks, headrig roll case, transfer decks and operator’s platforms with staircases and railings. Cleereman Controls took care of all the controls and dispatch in the new mill.
For more information, visit www.cleereman.com.
Heartland Hardwoods Enhances Drying Capacity With Additional Nyle Kiln
Nyle Dry Kilns, headquartered in Brewer, ME, recently announced the successful installation of a new 40 thousand board foot dehumidification kiln at Heartland Hardwoods’ sawmill in Effingham, IL. According to a company representative, this advanced kiln system significantly enhances the mill’s White Oak and Walnut drying capacity, ensuring improved efficiency and superior product quality.
Working closely with Heartland Hardwoods’ engineering team, Nyle ensured seamless integration of the new kiln with the existing 35 thousand board foot kiln, which Nyle installed in 2017. The new kiln features a robust 600,000 BTUH gas preheat, eight 36-inch circulating fans, and an advanced control system for precise temperature and humidity management. This installation is part of Heartland Hardwoods’ ongoing commitment to upgrading its facilities to meet the increasing demand for high-quality Hardwood products.
For more information on Nyle Dry Kilns’ wide range of products and services, call 800-777-6953 or visit www.nyle.com.
TUFF-STIK ™ Releases “XS Series” Of Aluminum Kiln Sticks
TUFF-STIK T™, located in Lake Ozark, MO, announced the launch of its new, multi-patented “XS Series” a 3/4″ x 3/4″ aluminum alloy dry kiln stick.
This newly multi-patented kiln stick truly features a 4-Way “Universal” placement under the layers of lumber. Having a design that maximizes a smaller footprint while at the same time an increased airflow and faster heat transfer through the lumber package, this offers benefits to both the softwood and Hardwood industries. According to a company representative, several leading mills are already developing plans to upgrade their existing kiln stick systems with the new XS Series.
The new TUFF-STIK XS Series™ is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of lumber drying processes while maintaining their structural integrity and shape. This durability translates into direct cost savings for mills through reduced stick replacements and downtime, said a company representative.
Shuqualak Lumber placed the first truckload order of XS TUFF-STIK in May of 2024 and began integrating the XS Series into their operations.
“The XS Series kiln sticks align perfectly with our mission to lead the industry not just in volume, but in innovation and efficiency,” said Charlie Thomas Ill, vice president of Shuqualak Lumber. “TUFF-STIK’s new aluminum sticks present a game-changer for us, enhancing our drying processes and improving the overall quality of our lumber.”
The XS Series sticks unique design ensures optimal airflow and maximum heat distribution during the drying process, which is critical for maintaining the wood’s quality and reducing defects. The aluminum material does not absorb moisture, which helps prevent the growth of mold and bacteria that can compromise wood grade quality.
For more information about the XS Series and other TUFF-STIK products, please visits www.tuff-stix.com.
Cotton Bay Corp.’s Agreement To Acquire And Save Haas Cabinet From Closure
Cotton Bay Corp., a diversified holding company specializing in people development and continuous improvement principles, recently announced its plans to acquire Haas Cabinet Co. Inc. located in Sellersburg, IN.
With a total of 350,000 square feet across two manufacturing plants and many seasoned employees, Haas Cabinet is known for its stock and semi-custom framed
solid Hardwood cabinets that they offer, according to their website, in Maple, Cherry, Oak and Hickory.
Haas Cabinet will join Candlelight Cabinetry and The Valen Group under the Cotton Bay Building Products (СВВР) portfolio, further strengthening their workforce, skill set and product offerings. All three companies will continue to operate under their unique brand identities.
Cotton Bay Corp. looks forward to re-engaging with current and past partners of Haas Cabinet and remains committed to delivering excellence in the woodworking industry.
For more information, visit www.haascabinet.com.
Sims-Lohman And The Legacy Cabinet Company Are Joining Forces
Cincinnati-based Sims-Lohman is pleased to announce the acquisition of Florida-based The Legacy Cabinet Company. The joining of these two highly regarded businesses creates a market-leading, family-owned, cabinet and countertop provider that serves customers throughout the Midwest and Southeastern United States.
Sims-Lohman has an extensive product range through the various cabinet brands that they offer, which, according to their websites, include solid Maple, Hickory, Oak, Cherry, Alder, Pecan, Walnut, Birch and Wenge.
With this acquisition, Sims-Lohman expands its footprint from eight states to 12, adds 10 customer showrooms and 11 distribution centers. This brings their total portfolio to six state-of-the-art manufacturing plants, 38 showrooms and 18 regional distribution centers.
According to a company spokesperson, they are also able to offer rapid turnaround times, and a convenient ‘one-stop’ solution for countertops and cabinets. Sims-Lohman is a trusted name in the kitchen and bath industry nationwide, offering top-notch service to the home building industry, the company representative went on to say. With over 50 years of experience, the company is known for its unwavering commitment to delivering consistent and high-quality service to its valued customers.
For more information, visit www.sims-lohman.com.
Lacey Act Applies To All Plant Products
Recently the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced the implementation of Phase VII of the Lacey Act. This extends coverage to a wider range of products. Now, declarations will be required for all plant products, including wooden furniture and timber, unless they are made of 100 percent composite materials.
Per the Federal Register notice:
“Currently, most of Harmonized Tariff Schedule chapter 4412 has already been implemented, with two specified exemptions (44129906 and 441229957). APHIS established the exemptions in 2009 as a temporary exception for plywood that contained composite material. Since then, APHIS has established a special use designation for such material and is therefore eliminating the exemptions, and the entire chapter will be covered.”
For more information, visit www.federalregister.gov or www.greenworldwide.com.
Mortgage Rates Increase Slightly, Then Ease Back In June
(Editor’s note: For more information on the following, visit www.eyeonhousing.org.)
According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased by 7 basis points (bps) in May 2024 (the most recent data available), reaching 7.06 percent, up from 6.99 percent the previous month. This represents a 64 bps increase from the previous year, when it stood at 6.34 percent. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage also saw an increase, rising 8 bps from April 2024, and 54 bps compared to May 2023.
As of the week ending June 7, 2024, the latest data shows a slight easing in mortgage rates, with the 30-year mortgage at 6.99 percent and the 15-year mortgage at 6.35 percent. On the other hand, the average 10-year Treasury yield decreased slightly by 6 bps after a sharp increase between March and April.
Per the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) forecast, they expect 30-year mortgage rates to stay elevated at around 6.66 percent at the end of 2024 and eventually to decline to under 6 percent by the end of 2025. The NAHB outlook is for the federal funds rate to be cut at the December Federal Reserve meeting and six more rate cuts in 2025.
For more information, visit www.freddiemac.com.
Unemployment For Construction Workers Declines; Otherwise Mixed Employment Report
Despite high interest rates, job growth accelerated in May (the most recent data available at press time), but the unemployment rate increased to 4.0 percent.
Additionally, wage growth accelerated for the first time in four months. In May, wages grew at a 4.1 percent year-over-year (YOY) growth rate, down 0.5 percentage points from a year ago. However, wage growth has been trending down over the past two years, while productivity growth has rebounded. The gap between wage growth and productivity growth has narrowed.
Employment in the overall construction sector increased by 21,000 in May, after no change in April. While residential construction gained 3,500 jobs, non-residential construction employment added 17,100 jobs for the month.
Residential construction employment now stands at 3.4 million in May, broken down as 950,000 builders and 2.4 million residential specialty trade contractors. The 6-month moving average of job gains for residential construction was 6,167 a month. Over the last 12 months, home builders and remodelers added 71,900 jobs on a net basis. Since the low point following the Great Recession, residential construction has gained 1,376,000 positions.
In May, the unemployment rate for construction workers declined to 4.2 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis. It marks the lowest unemployment rate for construction workers over the past 11 months. The unemployment rate for construction workers remained at a relatively lower level, after reaching 15.3 percent in April 2020, due to the housing demand impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information, visit www.eyeonhousing.org.
NWFA Completes 76th Home With Gary Sinise Foundation
The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), located in St. Charles, MO, has provided flooring for its 76th home in support of the Gary Sinise Foundation R.I.S.E. program (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment). The R.I.S.E. program builds mortgage-free, custom, specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans and first responders. The home dedication for U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class (Ret.) John Kremer recently took place in Lebanon, OH. Flooring for the project, as well as installation services, were donated by NWFA member Panel Town & Floors.
In addition to the 76 homes already completed, NWFA currently is working with its members to source wood flooring for 13 additional R.I.S.E. homes in various stages of planning and construction. Currently, 157 NWFA member companies have donated product, logistics and installation services in locations throughout the United States, with a total value of more than $6.9 million. A list of all NWFA R.I.S.E. participating companies can be found at www.nwfa.org/giving-back.aspx.
The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization, with more than 3,000 member companies worldwide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers, and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring.
To learn more about the program, and how you and/or your company can get involved, contact the NWFA at 800.422.4556, e-mail them at anita.howard@nwfa.org or visit www.nwfa.org.
