Pike Lumber Company Inc. Welcomes Faith Kamp
Faith Kamp
Pike Lumber Company Inc., located in Akron, IN, recently brought Faith Kamp on board as their newest sales representative. Pike Lumber manufactures kiln-dried Appalachian hardwood lumber in Ash, Basswood, Cherry, Hickory, Hard and Soft Maple, Red and White Oak, Red and White Oak Rift and Quartered, Poplar and Walnut.
Kamp’s first position in the forest products industry was stacking boards as a summer job at Pike Lumber in 2020.
She then went on to be a timber department assistant, management trainee and assistant dry kilns coordinator before joining the sales team.
Kamp graduated from Tippecanoe Valley High School in 2020 and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and business management from Western Governors University in 2022.
In her free time Kamp enjoys hiking in the woods, basketball, traveling, meeting new people and spending time with her two Goldendoodles, family and friends.
Kamp has served as the club secretary and president for the Akron Lions Club. She sits on the board for the Fulton County Habitat for Humanity and the United We Stand Ministries of Akron. She serves as the head coordinator for the Akron chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
For more information, call 800-356-4554 or visit pikelumber.com.
Ron Jones Hardwood Sales Welcomes Matthew Lowry
Matthew Lowry
Ron Jones Hardwood Sales Inc., located in Union City, PA, recently welcomed Matthew Lowry as their newest salesman and purchasing agent. Ron Jones Hardwood specializes in the manufacturing and sales of premium Northern Appalachian hardwood lumber.
According to their company website, they offer the Northern Appalachian kiln-dried, hardwood grade lumber to customers all over the globe. They offer thicknesses ranging from 3/4 through 8/4 and species include Cherry, Red Oak, Hard and Soft Maple, Poplar, Hickory, Ash and Yellow Birch, in rough or surfaced.
Lowry started in the forest products industry in 2009 as a woodworker piling boards at the gang rip and chop saw at Woodcraft Industries while attending Thiel College. Upon graduation, Lowry was promoted to a supervisor position for a short period of time before spending his next 12 years as lumber buyer at Woodcraft (Quanex). He then went on to be a lumber buyer and salesman at Lewis Lumber & Milling before joining the team at Ron Jones Hardwood.
“I have a heart full of gratitude for this industry and all the opportunities it has presented. The forest provides such a wonderful product with such a great story to tell. Most of my career has been in a secondary manufacturing setting where I rarely had the chance to color outside the lines with a primary focus on feeding the machine; so, I am excited to learn and put the pieces to a different puzzle together!” said Lowry.
Lowry graduated from Albert Gallatin High School in Smithfield, PA. He then went on to further his education and wrestle at Thiel College. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in actuarial studies along with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics in 2012.
Lowry enjoys spending time with family and raising his three children, volunteer coaching the local high school wrestling teams and swinging an axe.
For more information, call 724-984-7007 or visit ronjoneshardwood.com.
Cole Hardwood Inc. Welcomes Sarah Cole To Sales Team
Sarah Cole
Cole Hardwood Inc., located in Logansport, IN, recently welcomed Sarah Cole to their sales team. Sarah has been with the company for two and a half years, where she started in accounts receivable and export coordination.
Cole Hardwood specializes in producing a range of high-quality hardwood products, including Ash, Basswood, Beech, Cherry, Hickory, Hard and Soft Maple, Poplar, Red and White Oak, and Walnut. They offer these species in various grades and thicknesses and according to their company website, they distribute their products worldwide.
Sarah graduated from Frankfort Senior High School, Frankfort IN, in 2003 and studied at Indiana University Kokomo, Kokomo, IN, and Ivy Tech Community College, Lafayette, IN. She also went to Honor’s Beauty School, Indianapolis, IN where she became a licensed esthetician. Before joining Cole Hardwood, Sarah was a small business owner working as an esthetician.
Sarah is a board member of United Way of Cass County, a Kiwanis club member and a board member of the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association.
In her free time, Sarah enjoys being active in her community, golfing, traveling and spending time with her family.
For more information call 574-727-7608 or visit colehardwood.com.
Collins Names Jason Stanley Director Of Hardwood Lumber Operations
Jason Stanley
Collins, located in Kane, PA, recently named Jason Stanley as their new director of hardwood lumber operations. Stanley has been with the company for four years.
Collins’ hardwood division manufactures Black Cherry, Red and White Oak, Hard and Soft Maple, Poplar, Ash and Birch in a variety of grades and thicknesses. The company, as noted on their website, does export hardwood lumber.
Before joining Collins as operations manager, Stanley was the general manager at NWH, assistant manager at ITL, procurement manager, yard manager and kiln operator at Highland Forest Resources. His first job in the forest products industry was piling lumber at his father’s sawmill during the summers while he was in high school.
He graduated from Kane Area High School, Kane, PA, in 1994. He and his brother followed in their father’s footsteps by attending the National Hardwood Lumber Association’s Inspector Training School in 1997.
He is a member of the Kane Area Industrial Development Corporation and the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association.
In his free time, Stanley enjoys watching his daughter play soccer and going to antique car shows.
For more information, visit collinsco.com.
Cummings Lumber Partners With Cleereman Industries In Rebuild
Scott Cummings
Cleereman Industries recently made several installations at Cummings Lumber in Troy, PA. In 2024 Cummings Lumber had a fire that destroyed the main carriage line of their mill. Cleereman Industries came out to assess the damages and talk about a timetable of replacing burnt equipment and what it was going to take to get them back up and running.
Rob Kittle
Rob Kittle, Cleereman Industries sales engineer met with Scott Cummings, owner of Cummings Lumber, to discuss the different options to get them back up and running. After discussing the options, it was decided that Cummings Lumber would install a Cleereman ST-62 lumber-pro thin kerf moving band mill with Cleereman Controls 3-D scanning system for breaking the logs down.
Rod Chitko
Once the order was confirmed Cleereman Industries sent lead engineer Rod Chitko to Cummings Lumber to take final measurements and draw everything up on site and go over the scope of the project. Chitko reviewed everything, from taking out the old equipment to how to reuse some of the existing sub steel, electrical, waste and setting plan.
Cleereman Industries believes that by sending an engineer to measure and draw everything up on site over a few days makes a huge difference on the overall experience and success on the installation for their customers.
The installation included a Cleereman Whole Metal Log Detector, Cleereman Log Haul with Dual Kickers Cleereman ST-62 Lumber-Pro, Cleereman Controls Scanning System and Cleereman Headrig Roll case.
Cummings Lumber handles export packaging in addition to exporting lumber and logs.
For more information, visit cleereman.com.
Sawmill MD Installs Three SiCam ResawX Systems At Clark Lumber
Brandon Clark
Sawmill MD, located in Crestview, FL, and SiCam Systems, located in British Columbia, announced that Clark Lumber’s three mills in North Central Tennessee have recently started up SiCam ResawX Scanning systems to maximize the efficiency and yield from their Horizontal Resaws.
The ResawX system provides cant sizing detail and recommended sawing solutions to Clark’s resaw operators via a 10-inch touch screen quickly and accurately without turning the cant. Scan time is less than half of a second once cant is in scan zone. The cant is normally scanned and size displayed to the operator on the fly before the cant gets to the stops in the grading/turning zone.
Mike Ballard
The start-up at each mill was completed in less than two working days with minimal interruption of production. “The team at Clark Lumber was prepared for the start ups with very well engineered and installed scanning frames,” said Mike Ballard, of Sawmill MD.
After a few minor adjustments, and calibration ResawX was scanning quickly and accurately providing size and recommended sawing solutions to the operator.
Brandon Clark, owner of Clark Hardwoods, said, “The scanner has been very well received with all of the operators. We have one sawyer that has been working for 35 years that was a little reluctant at first but now says it is the best addition to the resaw we have ever made.”
The ResawX system improves Resaw operating results by reducing wasted lines and measurably reducing shims. ResawX allows the management to set sawing pattern recommendations based on size and grade, which improves the ability to maximize the output of desired products based on current requirements.
Contact Mike Ballard at SawmillMD@mindspring.com for more information on the SiCam ResawX Scanning system, or log into their website SawmillMD.com to see videos of the ResawX system and additional Sawmill MD product videos.
McDonough Manufacturing Appoints Bob Bell As Director Of Sales And Service
Bob Bell
McDonough Manufacturing Company is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Bob Bell as director of sales and service.
In this role, Bell will be responsible for leading the company’s sales initiatives, overseeing customer service operations and supporting McDonough’s continued growth across North America.
Bell brings extensive experience in the sawmill and industrial machinery sectors, along with a strong track record of performance at McDonough. His appointment reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to leadership and customer-focused service delivery.
This strategic promotion supports McDonough’s broader efforts to strengthen relationships, enhance responsiveness and deliver long-term value to its customers throughout the industry. McDonough’s website states they have facilities in Canada and serve international clients.
For more information, visit mcdonoughmfg.com.
Tradelink North America Imports Appoints Russell Marks As
President Of U.S. And Canadian Division
Russell Marks
Tradelink North America Imports, a subsidiary of UK-based Tradelink Wood Products Ltd., has announced the appointment of Russell Marks as president of its United States and Canadian operations.
With more than two decades of senior sales leadership in the North American flooring industry, Marks brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to the role. Marks will carry forward the strategic vision shaped by Jens Bursche, who, after more than a decade as president, will continue supporting the company as senior sales manager during the transition period leading up to his retirement at year’s end.
The company highlights Marks’ deep expertise in the distribution flooring channel, emphasizing his strong grasp of both product development and customer engagement. This appointment marks a strategic initiative to broaden the company’s product portfolio and deliver enhanced value through innovation and focused growth.
“I’m energized to lead Tradelink USA into its next chapter of growth,” said Marks. “It’s an exciting opportunity to build on the strong foundation and culture that Jens Bursche has helped shape, turning Tradelink USA as a trusted partner in the North American timber industry. With a top-tier team, trusted partners, and a focused strategy, we’re ready to scale quickly, deliver greater value, and lead with impact across North America.”
In his new role, Marks will oversee one of the industry’s most experienced sales teams, specialized in exotic hardwood, decking, and flooring. His guidance is anticipated to drive operational excellence, align best practices across North America, and accelerate Tradelink’s geographic expansion.
Visit tradelink-group.com for more details.
Woodgrain Transitions Leadership
Todd Dame
Woodgrain, a leading manufacturer and distributor of millwork and building materials, recently announced the implementation of its long-term succession plan. The Woodgrain board of directors has elected a new chief executive officer, making a seamless transition to third-generation leadership and reinforcing the company’s long-term vision for continuity and growth.
After 16 years of dedicated service as chief executive officer, Kelly Dame will begin transitioning leadership responsibility to Todd Dame, who will assume the role of CEO of Woodgrain by September of 2025. Todd brings over 18 years of experience in the door, millwork and building products industry- most recently as president of the Woodgrain distribution division. Kelly Dame will remain actively involved as chairman of the board and trusted advisor.
He stated, “It has been my privilege to help guide Woodgrain’s growth alongside our exceptional team. Todd’s leadership experience and nearly two decades of commitment to Woodgrain will serve him well in this role. He is dedicated to our mission and values. I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our dedicated associates and loyal customers.”
“I am humbled by the trust placed in me and excited to lead Woodgrain into its next chapter, building on our strong foundation,” said Todd Dame. “Throughout my life, I’ve had the honor of observing the generations before me lead Woodgrain with integrity, hard work and a genuine passion for our craft. Their example inspires me every day. As I take on this responsibility, I am committed to carrying forward the values they instilled in me—always putting our people and our customers first. Together with our incredible team, I look forward to building on our legacy, embracing new opportunities and ensuring that Woodgrain remains a company we can all be proud of for generations to come.”
Steve Prado
In other news, Woodgrain recently announced the promotion of Steve Prado to vice president for the Southwest region of the distribution division. This newly established region includes the Woodgrain and Kelleher Corporation distribution centers in California and Hawaii.
Prado brings a wealth of experience to the role. He spent 26 years with OrePac Building Products and the last nine years with Kelleher, holding a variety of positions ranging from salesperson to senior vice president. Prado resides in Ontario, CA, with his wife, and they have a blended family of five sons, one daughter and a beloved bulldog named Stogie.
Woodgrain is a family-owned business and a leader in the millwork and building products industry, operating over 60 manufacturing and warehouse facilities across the United States and South America. With over 70 years of quality craftsmanship and service, Woodgrain is a leading producer of moulding, doors, windows and lumber, as well as a premier distributor of specialty building products. Woodgrain, Inc. is headquartered in Fruitland, ID.
For more information, visit woodgrain.com.
MiCROTEC Welcomes Maurita Maggard
Maurita Maggard
Maurita Maggard is the newest member of the MiCROTEC, in Corvallis, OR, sales team, bringing with her eight years of experience in the wood products industry. Prior to MiCROTEC, she held roles at Roseburg Forest Products – Engineered Wood Division as an inside sales manager and head of customer care and managed OEM national accounts with Timber Products.
MiCROTEC, a global leader in scanning and optimization technology for the industry, is known for cutting-edge solutions that increase production efficiency, product quality and resource sustainability. MiCROTEC has been setting industry standards since 1980, with operations in Corvallis, OR, and Vancouver, BC, serving North America, Australia and New Zealand.
Among the technologies Maggard represents are MiCROTEC’s CT Log and Goldeneye Transverse systems. The CT Log is the only computed tomography log scanner. It provides a full internal reconstruction of each log, enabling precise quality grading, optimized sorting and real-time cutting solutions for maximum value recovery.
The Goldeneye Transverse is a high-precision multi-sensor scanner that inspects lumber from all four sides— whether green, dry or planed. Integrating color and laser imaging, the system enhances production through accurate quality detection and fast, straightforward transverse installation.
A native of Oregon, Maggard studied Business Management/Administration at the University of Phoenix. Outside of work, she enjoys photography, catering and event planning, travel, muscle cars and football — especially the Denver Broncos. She and her husband, David, have been together for 15 years and are proud parents of five children.
MiCROTEC is a member of several major industry associations, including the National Hardwood Lumber Association, Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, Southern Forest Products Association, Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association, Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, Mississippi Lumber Manufacturers Association and Western Wood Products Association.
For more information, visit microtec.com.
Combilift Launches Two New Products Ready For Purchase
At LIGNA 2025 in Hannover, Germany, Combilift introduced two new solutions for timber handling that are made to increase safety, efficiency and decrease the environmental impact of long-load operations.
The Combi-FSE 8000, a heavy-duty electric sideloader for long loads, offers an eight-ton lift capacity for handling a variety of wood products in confined outdoor or indoor spaces. It has emission-free operation with the twin 18kw drive motors to provide the torque and responsiveness needed for heavy packs, in addition to all-electric performance suitable for indoor timber stores. The steering and traction designed for muddy or uneven outdoor conditions are patented, while the under-deck battery position and glazing gives operators unimpeded visibility even when reversing in narrow racking aisles or busy sawmill loading areas. The quick battery change is, according to a company representative, “ideal for multi-shift operations in busy timber yards.”
Combilift also has the Combi-Connect, a telematics system created for “real-time machine performance tracking and maintenance planning,” stated the Combilift representative.
Combilift’s Combi Load Xtender, which is described as a “pantograph-style load extender that enables complete loading and unloading of trailers or rail wagons from a single side — a major advantage in timber yards where space is tight, or trailer access is limited.” With the Xtender, packs of timber can be loaded from only one side and its compact design allows for smooth motion and complete functionality below the height of a standard trailer without interference.
Martin McVicar, the CEO of Combilift, stated that the products, which are now available for ordering, were created as a response to what Combilift has been hearing from the timber industry- that customers have a need to transport bigger loads in smaller spaces with more safety and less emissions.
For more information about Combilift, visit combilift.com.
