Industry News – February 2026

Industry News – February 2026

Luke Chaddock Joins Prime Lumber Company

Prime Lumber Company recently announced that Luke Chaddock joined the Prime Lumber family. Chaddock will be involved in sales, quality control and operating the dry kilns.

Born and raised in Minerva, OH, Chaddock holds a Bachelor of Science in Wood Science and Technology from West Virginia University (WVU). During his time at WVU, he served as president of the Forest Products Research Society and competed on the WVU Bass Fishing Team. 

Chaddock is a published researcher in the field of hardwood modification processes, focusing on improving the performance and sustainability of Yellow Poplar lumber. Outside of his professional pursuits he enjoys bowhunting, fishing and woodworking.

Prime Lumber Company has operated for 37 years and according to a company statement, their reputation was built on “delivering world-class hardwoods backed by the most dependable service in the industry. Our mission? To provide beautiful hardwoods that deliver breathtaking results.”

They are FSC®-certified and have a full line of FSC®-certified products.

To learn more, call 800-786-1164 or go to primelumber.com.

New Promotions At Cooper Machine Co. Inc.

Daniel Harris was recently promoted from part sales and technical services to equipment sales and technical services at Wadley, GA-based, Cooper Machine.

“Daniel has been an essential part of our operation for years, serving as a reliable resource for customers seeking parts support, troubleshooting guidance, and technical expertise,” stated a Cooper Machine company representative.

In his new role, Harris will expand his focus from parts and service support to full equipment solutions-helping customers identify the right machinery, understand technical specs, and make confident, informed decisions.

In other news, Earon Davis will now be handling part sales at Cooper Machine.

“Earon brings a strong customer-first approach and a commitment to fast, accurate service,” added a company spokesperson.

Customers can expect:

• Quick and knowledgeable support

• Accurate parts identification

•  Responsive follow-up and coordination

• A seamless continuation of service

Both Daniel and Earon embody the values that drive our team forward-professionalism, dedication, and a genuine desire to help our customers succeed,” stated a company representative.

Visit coopermachine.com for more information.

New Sales Account Manager Joins MiCROTEC

Jake Bracy recently joined MiCROTEC, the Bressanone (Brixen), Italy-based, scanning and optimization solution providing company, as the newest sales account manager.

His transition to MiCROTEC was driven by firsthand exposure to the “value and potential of the company’s technologies. In my role as a project manager, I quickly saw the impact of MiCROTEC’s products, so much that I decided to come work for them,” he shared.http://microtec.com

Among their product listing, Bracy mentioned the CT Log, which is reshaping sawmill optimization by enabling customers to determine the best cutting solution for every log. Paired with MiCROTEC’s full suite of scanning systems, it supports true log-to-final product value maximization. He also mentioned “industry-leading systems such as the Logeye Stereo, the market’s most accurate saw line and headrig carriage scanner providing a full 360° log image, and the Goldeneye Transverse, engineered for exceptionally precise grading across green, dry or planed lumber.”

He joined MiCROTEC after eight years in the forest products sector and six years directly in sawmill operations. A graduate of Maine Maritime Academy, Bracy began his career in the pulp and paper industry before moving into sawmill operations with Hancock Lumber Co., where he served as the capital projects manager and gained hands-on experience across all areas of the mill.

Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, skiing, CrossFit and golf.

For more, visit microtec.com.

Ally Global Logistics: Now A Licensed Customs Brokerage

Weymouth, MA-headquartered, Ally Global Logistics (The AGL Group) recently announced that the company is officially a licensed customs brokerage.

This represents a step toward AGL’s mission to simplify supply chains. As part of its commitment to becoming a true end-to-end logistics solutions provider, AGL can now manage every aspect of the transportation process — from trucking throughout North America to importing and exporting goods worldwide — all handled entirely in-house.

“This is a major milestone in our journey,” said Steve Zambo, CEO of The AGL Group. “Becoming a licensed customs brokerage allows us to offer creative, in-house solutions that enhance efficiency and deliver the high level of service our clients have come to expect.”

By integrating customs brokerage capabilities, The AGL Group increases its ability to “deliver seamless, transparent, and efficient logistics solutions. This expansion enables AGL to maintain full control of the shipping process from origin to destination, ensuring clients benefit from improved visibility, faster turnaround times and enhanced compliance expertise,” as noted by a company representative.

Catering to the lumber and forest products industry, AGL delivers logistics solutions tailored to the needs of this sector while continuing to expand its reach across a diverse global client base.

The AGL Group is an international logistics firm dedicated to simplifying global trade through technology, service and integrated supply chain solutions. With offices in Massachusetts, Florida, and Colombia, AGL provides global reach and expertise for clients to move goods across borders.

For more details, visit theaglgroup.com.

King City Forwarding Hires New Business Development Representative

King City Forwarding recently announced that Mathieu Lapierre has joined the organization as its newest business development representative.

Mathieu brings a strong operational background and a customer-focused mindset to King City, strengthening the company’s mission to deliver reliable, cost-effective logistics solutions. “At King City, we provide competitive and seamless freight forwarding services, from quote to delivery,” said Lapierre. “Whether it’s ocean freight, air freight, domestic trucking, or rail, we manage every step of the process, including bookings, operations, and documentation, ensuring our clients’ cargo moves efficiently and without stress.” In today’s increasingly volatile, global trade environment, Lapierre’s role will support King City’s ongoing commitment to providing stable, reliable and competitively priced logistics solutions to its clients and international partners.

Before joining King City in 2025, Lapierre graduated from Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business. He also worked as an operations manager for a lawn-care company in Montreal, gaining valuable sales, operational and client-management experience.

To contact Mathieu Lapierre or for more information about King City Forwarding, call 855-682-1637 ext. 353 or visit kingcityforwarding.com.

NWFA Completes 81st Home With Gary Sinise Foundation

The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) recently provided flooring for its 81st 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 retired U.S. Army Sergeant Matthew Krumwiede took place in Bellevue, ID. Flooring for the project was donated by NWFA member Metropolitan Hardwood Floors.

Sergeant Krumwiede enlisted in the Army immediately following his high school graduation and he served in the infantry. He was leading his squad on patrol in Kandahar province in Afghanistan when they came under fire. While trying to return fire and lead his team to safety, Krumwiede stepped on an IED. Despite the platoon’s medic applying tourniquets and rendering aid, Krumwiede flatlined while being medevac’d. His wounds resulted in the loss of both legs.

“Sergeant Krumwiede endured nearly 50 surgeries following his injury,” said Stephanie Owen, NWFA CEO. “His new home will eliminate many of the daily challenges he faces and will be an enduring reminder of our gratitude for his service to our country.”

In addition to the 81 homes already completed, NWFA currently is working with its members to source wood flooring for 18 additional R.I.S.E. homes in various stages of planning and construction. Currently, 161 NWFA member companies have donated product, logistics and installation services in locations throughout the United States, with a total value of more than $7 million. A list of all NWFA R.I.S.E. participating companies can be found at nwfa.org/giving-back.aspx.

The National Wood Flooring Association is a not-for-profit trade organization, with more than 3,000 member companies world-wide, dedicated to educating consumers, architects, designers, specifiers, and builders in the uses and benefits of wood flooring.

The NWFA is in St. Charles, MO, and can be contacted at 800-422-4556 (USA & Canada), 636-519-9663 (local and international), anita.howard@nwfa.org. or by visiting nwfa.org.