Industry News – December 2023

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Robinson Lumber Company Continues To Ensure They Are At The Forefront Of The Industry

Industry News - December 2023 1

Joe Buckhaults

Robinson Lumber Company, is proud to announce a significant expansion of its operations in New Albany, IN. The company has acquired an additional five acres of land adjacent to its flagship yard, marking a major step in its ongoing commitment to growth and innovation.

The centerpiece of this expansion is the installation of the new Combilift CSS Slip Loader, a cutting-edge piece of equipment that streamlines container loading, reducing the process to an impressive under-six-minute timeframe. This advancement underscores Robinson Lumber’s dedication to efficiency and safety in its operations.

Further enhancing operational efficiency, Robinson Lumber has also introduced the Combilift Side Loading Multi-Directional Forklift. This addition enables tighter aisle configurations and more efficient storage solutions. These investments are part of a comprehensive plan to reinvest in the flagship yard over the next five years, ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of the industry.

Industry News - December 2023 2

Cliff Worley

Robinson Lumber Company is also proud to celebrate the retirement of its esteemed President, Joe Buckhaults. A dedicated and valued employee, Buckhaults’s journey with Robinson Lumber began over 30 years ago, and he worked his way up to the position of President. His leadership and dedication have left an indelible mark on the company, and his retirement is a moment of well-deserved recognition.

To carry the torch forward, the company is pleased to introduce its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Cliff Worley. Worley joined the Robinson Lumber team in September 2023 and brings a deep commitment to excellence. His expertise and vision will play a crucial role in propelling this fifth-generation business into a dynamic and prosperous future, according to a company spokesperson.

“This expansion and change in leadership are significant milestones in our company’s history,” said Wesley Robinson, North American Hardwood Manager. “We’re excited about the opportunities they present and remain dedicated to delivering top-quality products and services to our valued customers.”

For more information about Robinson Lumber Company and its expanded operations, please visit www.roblumco.com.

Granite Valley Forest Products Welcomes Adam Hyer

Industry News - December 2023 3

Adam Hyer

Granite Valley Forest Products, located in New London, WI, recently brought Adam Hyer on board as their supply chain manager. Hyer will oversee kiln-dried lumber buying, inventory turns, product and market development, strategic growth, as well as developing and recruiting talented employees in all roles.

Granite Valley produces Red and White Oak, Hard and Soft Maple, Walnut, Basswood, Aspen, Hickory, Chestnut, Poplar and eastern white pine in thicknesses of 4/4 through 8/4, all Forest Stewardship Council certified, BMSB certified in Australia and New Zealand, as well as European Union and United Kingdom compliant. They offer ripped to width lumber. Granite Valley has 40 dry kilns, 60 bay green bin sorter, 100 carts off their dry line and two sawmills. Granite Valley purchases 400,000 board feet of kiln-dried lumber monthly (5 million board feet annually).

Before joining the Granite Valley team, Hyer started piling lumber in 2004, he then went on to be the chief business development officer, chief inventory officer and director of international sales at MacDonald & Owen Lumber. He also serves as a volunteer for the American Hardwood Export Council and previously served as the chairman of the board.

Hyer went to the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse and graduated with a degree in Chemistry in 2004.

Hyer has been married to his wife for 21 years and is a father to five children.

For more information visit www.granitevalley.com.

DMSi Announces Log and Lumber Division

DMSi has been at the forefront of innovation for inventory and order management solutions for the building materials industry. With a recent growth initiative, the company is now poised to provide the same level of innovative solutions to the Hardwood industry. DMSi’s Log and Lumber Division was officially created earlier this year, as a way for the company to specifically focus on the inventory, production and order management needs of the Hardwood industry.

“Hardwood companies need software that can address their needs that are unique to this industry,” says Henry German, DMSi co-owner and President of the DMSi Log and Lumber Division. “The Log and Lumber Division’s sole focus is on software solutions equipped to handle these needs effectively.”

While just recently announced, the development of DMSi’s Log and Lumber Division was a strategic initiative nearly four years in the making. Beginning with the rollout of TallyExpress in 2018, and more recently, the acquisitions of eLIMBS and Simply Computing International and partnership with Hardwood Timber and Transportation Services; DMSi has been focused on building a team to provide a fully-integrated, end-to-end suite of inventory, production and order management solutions to the Hardwood industry.

For each product DMSi has acquired, the first step has been to build out the foundations of a team that can handle their growth plans, then begin the modernization efforts to position DMSi to be the last software provider their customers will ever need.

Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska for nearly five decades, DMSi has remained an independent, family-owned business, guided by its original core values in a relentless pursuit of excellent customer service.

For more information, visit www.dmsi.com.

NWFA Completes 70th Home with Gary Sinise Foundation

The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), located in Chesterfield, MO, has provided flooring for its 70th 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 United States Army Sergeant (Ret.) Shane Parsons took place recently in Columbus, OH. Flooring for the project was donated by NWFA member Sheoga Flooring.

Industry News - December 2023 4

United States Army Sergeant (Ret.) Shane Parsons and family at his home dedication.

In 2006, Sgt. Parsons was off duty while stationed in Iraq, but volunteered to go out on a mission. As the lead driver, he drove over an improvised explosive device (IED) that was designed to cut through metal and protective gear. The explosion resulted in the loss of both his legs above the knee, and a traumatic brain injury.

“When Sgt. Parsons was air lifted out of Iraq, he suffered three cardiac arrests,” says NWFA President and CEO, Michael Martin. “The longest one lasted 45 minutes, which left him unable to read, write, or manage daily basic living skills. Through his hard work, he has regained the ability to read, speak, and care for himself. We’re honored to partner with Sheoga to provide beautiful wood floors for his new home.”

In addition to the 70 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, 153 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.

To learn more about the program, and how you and/or your company can get involved, contact the NWFA at 800.422.4556, or e-mail them at anita.howard@nwfa.org.

The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization, with more than 3,200 member companies world-wide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers, and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring. The NWFA is located at 111 Chesterfield Industrial Boulevard, Chesterfield, MO 63005, and can be contacted at 800.422.4556 (USA & Canada), 636.519.9663 (local and international), or at www.nwfa.org.

Beers Millwork Expands

Beers Millwork has come a long way in a short period of time.

“We began in a rented space within someone else’s office where we stored materials in 800 square feet,” said Amanda Beers, co-owner with her husband, Alan Beers.

The couple started the millwork company in June 2020, and they have been steadily expanding ever since. “Within 6 months,” she said, “we signed a lease for 15,000 square feet in Mount Pleasant, SC, and in June of 2023 we relocated the business to North Charleston where we now have close to 26,000 square feet, which includes a full millwork shop and a showroom. A little over 3 and a half years and we have three locations.”

The millwork supplier offers custom and commodity doors in solid Hardwoods and according to their website they offer several species, which include but are not limited to, Red and White Oak and Poplar. They can make, replicate or supply any interior trim profile or product such as stairs, treads, balusters, mouldings, casings and windows. Additionally, Beers offers exterior doors, railing, decking and millwork details such as screen doors, gates, corbels and shutters. They also supply door and cabinet hardware.

For more information, visit www.beersmillwork.com.

By Miller Wood Trade Publications

The premier online information source for the forest products industry since 1927.

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