Read More Articles by Rich Christianson

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Rich Christianson
President/Owner/C-Level

Rich Christianson is the owner of Richson Media LLC, a Chicago-based communications firm focused on the industrial woodworking sector. Rich is the former long-time editorial director and associate publisher of Woodworking Network. During his nearly 35-year career, Rich has toured more than 250 woodworking operations throughout North America, Europe and Asia and has written extensively on woodworking technology, design and supply trends. He has also directed and promoted dozens of woodworking trade shows, conferences and seminars including the Cabinets & Closets Conference & Expo and the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo, Canada’s largest woodworking show.

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WMS News

Miralis CEO to discuss robotization, branding and taking ‘a leap of faith’ at WMS

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario - Daniel Drapeau, president and CEO of Miralis, a manufacturer of contemporary kitchen cabinets based in St.-Anaclet, Quebec, will chronicle his company’s amazing transformation from producing wood components to investing in robots and other cutting-edge technologies to manufacture contemporary kitchen cabinets at the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo (WMS).
By Rich Christianson, September 8, 2019 | 7:23 am CDT
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WMS Products

Video: Award-winning handheld CNC machine coming to WMS

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – Shaper Origin, a portable CNC machine that Shaper Tools says “combines computer-guided accuracy with hand-held familiarity,” will be demonstrated at the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo (WMS), Oct. 31-Nov.2 at the International Centre. Shaper Origin, winner of a 2018 IWF Challengers Award and a 2017 AWFS Visionary Award, can be used to fabricate inlays and signs, install hardware and create custom joinery. Because the machine is portable, it can be used in the shop and on the jobsite.
By Rich Christianson, September 3, 2019 | 10:39 am CDT
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WMS Products

Innergy bringing cloud-based ERP software to WMS

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – Innergy, a specialist in cloud-based ERP software that drives the complete business process of custom woodworking shops, will exhibit at the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo (WMS) Oct. 31-Nov. 2. Innergy says its business management solution “is made by millworkers for millworkers. We provide a unique combination of software and business strategy education forums that are proven successful in helping manage business processes and encouraging team collaboration.”
By Rich Christianson, August 31, 2019 | 9:23 am CDT
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Canadian News

Element5 developing Ontario’s first CLT plant for $50M

ST. THOMAS, Ontario – Element5 plans to construct Ontario’s first cross laminated timber (CLT) plant in St. Thomas. The operation is scheduled to open in December 2020. The company said the new 125,000-square-foot facility “will house a technologically advanced, fully automated CLT and glulam production line,” capable of producing up to 45,000 cubic meters of CLT and glulam annually. Element5 said the operation will employ 50 full-time staff while creating an additional 240 new jobs in related manufacturing, sawmill, transportation and logging sectors.
By Rich Christianson, August 29, 2019 | 3:04 pm CDT
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Wood Pro Expo Lancaster

Wood Pro Expo finishing seminar targets trendspotting

LANCASTER, Pa. - How to identify and capitalize on emerging design and color trends are two key takeaways woodworkers can expect to pocket by attending the wood finishing seminar scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 18 during Wood Pro Expo at Warehouse of the Nook. The session, “Keeping Up with Trends: From Bellbottoms to Blockbuster,” will be presented by Les Smith, market development manager for the Sherwin Williams Company.
By Rich Christianson, August 29, 2019 | 11:53 am CDT
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WMS News

Bluewater Wood Alliance plans networking event at WMS

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – The Bluewater Wood Alliance (BWA), an Ontario-based wood products cluster comprised of 140 companies, invites participants of the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Conference & Expo (WMS) to attend a free networking event beginning at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 at the International Centre.
By Rich Christianson, August 27, 2019 | 10:06 am CDT
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WMS Products

See Dynabrade's Extreme orbital sander on video and at WMS

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario - The Dynorbital Extreme random orbital sander from Dynabrade features an ergonomic design with a tractile soft grip. It is available in 5-in. and 6-in. diameter models without a vacuum or with a central vacuum. A 3/16-in. diameter orbit is offered for general sanding applications. A 3/23-in. diamter orbit also is available for ultra-fine finishing. Dyanabrade says key features of the Dynoribtal Extreme random orbital sanders include:
By Rich Christianson, August 26, 2019 | 4:07 pm CDT