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Karen Koenig
Editor

Karen M. Koenig has more than 30 years of experience in the woodworking industry, including visits to wood products manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As editor of special publications under the Woodworking Network brand, including the Red Book Best Practices resource guide and website, Karen’s responsibilities include writing, editing and coordinating of editorial content. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media. She can be reached at [email protected]

Magazine

Hot Topics for Wood Components

The Wood Component Manufacturers Association works with industry groups for the betterment of the North American woodworking industry, while keeping members informed of relevant issues that impact their businesses. On the radar are:

Woodworking Industry News

First 3D Printed Office to Be Built in Dubai

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - The world's first office building made via 3D printing is slated for construction in Dubai in 2017, the UAE National Innovation Committee announced Tuesday. A 20-foot-tall 3D printer will be used to construct the 2,000-square-foot office. 3D printing technology also will be used to produce the office furniture, detailing as well as structural components, which will be made from special reinforced concrete, glass fiber reinforced gypsum and fiber reinforced plastic.

Event Coverage

NeoCon 2015 Recap

NeoCon, which celebrated its  47th anniversary this year, is one of America’s  largest  contract  design  expos. Held from June 15 -17 at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, it featured over 700 exhibitors showcasing furniture and accessories, including: corporate office, education/institutional,  environmental/sustainable,  healthcare,  hospitality/retail,  lighting and stone/tile. 

Woodworking Industry News

Smith Brothers Furniture Expands, Adds 266 Jobs

Residential furniture maker Smith Brothers said it will create up to 266 new jobs by 2021 as the company ramps up production of its fabric and leather upholstered furniture. The Berne, IN-based manufacturer has invested $4.5 million in the project, which includes a 110,000-square-foot addition to its existing 215,000-square foot facility.

Woodworking Industry News

Lacey Act Amendment Goes Before Senate

Reintroduced by U.S. Senator Rand Paul and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the Freedom from Over-Criminalization and Unjust Seizures (FOCUS) Act of 2015 would amend the Lacey Act by substituting criminal penalties with a “reasonable” civil penalty system, and reducing maximum fines from $500,000 to $200,000. It would also remove all references to “foreign law” within the Lacey Act.

Woodworking Industry News

PPG Buys IVC Industrial Coatings

Wood and industrial coatings firm PPG Industries has reached a definitive agreement to acquire IVC Industrial Coatings Inc., a U.S.-based specialty powder and liquid coatings manufacturer serving the contract furniture, storage products and other industrial markets. Terms of the transaction, which is expected to close in the third quarter, were not disclosed.