Surface & Panel - Master 2023

MASTER 2023

Transforming Interior Spaces.

High quality fnishes on MONARC composite wall panels for use in the design of bath & shower enclosures, kitchens, living rooms, and other interior spaces. Premium properties of MONARC ensure an extremely fat, light weight, waterproof panel that offers easy installation & delivers a striking visual appearance inspired by natural elements such as wood, marble, tile, and other variations of stone & metal.

For more information or to order samples, scan QR code with mobile camera or email us: info.usa@3acomposites.com

Calacatta Gold

Superior coating technology on TFL Manufactured in North America

PERFECT MATT - HIGH GLOSS tafisa.ca

Outstanding anti-fingerprinting

Highly scratch resistant

MASTERS OF THE INDUSTRY

51 A comprehensive listing and directory of the providers of materials and services in the panel processing industry.

SPECIAL SECTION

141 DISTRIBUTION MATTERS

Highlighting NBMDA (North American Building Material Distribution Association).

142 Interview With Matt Huber President of NBMDA.

144 Reuniting Under One Roof NBMDA's Annual Convention was back home in Chicago in 2022.

148 Not Your Father’s Shop Class Fostering future woodworkers at the high school level.

152 Industry Stakeholders Promote Woodwork

The "YouWood" campaign is dedicated to spreading the word about professional opportunities in the woodworking trades.

154 Conversation With Kevin Gammonley NBMDA – 70 years of providing valued resources to the distributor community.

156 2023 NBMDA Member Director y

EDITORIAL FEATURES

49 Formaldehyde Certifcation Deadline Looms A description and timeline of EPA’s formaldehyde emission standard rulings.

DEPARTMENTS

8 From the President Patrick Adams points out how things may be simple, but not easy.

162 AD INDEX

526 Media and Surface & Panel magazine thank the following organizations who contributed images for the publication of this issue: Arauco, Arclin, BEHR, Bierson, Burkle, Cambrio, Canon, Cefla, Christian Chernock Properties, Dackor, DVUV, EGGER, Eureka, Formica, Franklin, Funder, Grass, Häfele, Hettich, IKEA, istock.com, Jowat Adhesives, KCD Software, Kleiberit, Kronospan, LamWorks, Leuco, LP Building Solutions, Maibeck Canexel, Mirlux, Modway, NBMDA, New Leaf Performance Veneers, Olon, Omnova, Palram, Panel Processing, Richelieu, Schattdecor, ShopBot, Stiles Machinery, Striebig, swissQprint, THDP, Thermwood, Titus, Toppan, UCS, United Finishers, Swiss Krono, Venjakob, and Wilsonart.

With EGGER’s Decor Match System, fabricators, architects and designers can find ideally matched thermally fused laminate (TFL), laminates and edge banding, all manufactured from a single source.

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Patrick Adams

PH: 714-486-2735

padams@526mediagroup.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Shelly Adams

PUBLISHER EMERITUS

John Aufderhaar

PH: 920-206-1766

john@bedfordfallsmedia.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Jennifer Williams

PH: 714-486-2735

jwilliams@526mediagroup.com

David Koenig, DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL

Sara Graves, SENIOR EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Kevin Gammonley, Denise Williams

SALES

Nick Kosan

PH: 714-486-2735

nkosan@526mediagroup.com

Chuck Casey

PH: 714-486-2735

ccasey@526mediagroup.com

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Karen Leno

VIRTUAL EVENTS

Alekxandr Olson

PH: 920-261-1947

aolson@526mediagroup.com

CIRCULATION/SUPPORT

PH: 714-486-2735

info@526mediagroup.com

Never Miss aBeat.

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Costa Mesa, CA 92626, telephone 714-486-2735. © 2023 by 526 Media Group. Patrick Adams, President. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical without written permission from the publisher. Subscription policy: Individual subscriptions are available, without charge, to manufacturers who engage in panel processing, qualifed service providers and suppliers. Publisher reserves the right to reject non-qualifed subscribers. One year subscription to non-qualifed individuals: U.S. $50, Canada/ Mexico $75, all other countries $100, payable in U.S. funds. Single issues are $15, and must be prepaid. 526 Media Group does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material contained herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident, or any other cause whatsoever. Printed in the U.S.A. Postmaster: Send address changes to Surface & Panel, 526 Media Group, 151 Kalmus Drive, Ste. E200, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Please direct all subscription questions to: Surface & Panel, 526 Media Group, 151 Kalmus Drive, Ste. E200, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 or email info@526mediagroup.com.

SURFACE & PANEL MASTER SIMPLE, BUT NOT EASY

The mission statement here at 526 Media Group is, “Relentlessly serving working class heroes.” It sounds simple, but it’s not easy. Serving is not easy. It requires hard work, selflessness and constant attention to the needs of those you serve. Given that we have publications that have been continuously serving their audience for more than 100 years, we must be doing something right.

However, every so often you are able to create something that ends up being bigger than you planned—it does more than you intended and is valued in a greater way than you imagined. I recently was walking through the IWF tradeshow in Atlanta and was reminded of this several times. It was amazing catching up with readers and advertisers alike after our two-year COVID “pause.” Outlooks were positive and discussions were full of new ideas and fresh perspectives gained from their time spent in nontraditional ways.

Walking up and down the aisles in our Surface & Panel corporate shirts, we constantly were being stopped by those walking by. Some had ideas of things to cover and some recounted stories they enjoyed from past issues. But more than anything else, they simply said, “Thank you.” As a publisher, there is no greater compliment than hearing those simple two words from a reader. In the sea of so-called, agenda-driven “media,” along with the flood of infomercials and junk mail, it is those two words that confirm you are indeed serving an industry.

What really stood out, however, were the handful of times that we saw our own publication in the hands of those walking through the aisles. I stopped one person and asked, “Why are you carrying the 2022 Surface & Panel Master? It was released back in January and we are not circulating it here at the show.” The reply was the dream of every publisher: “I keep it and refer to it all year. I thought it would be a good guide for me of who to see at IWF.” Simple as that. And—even better—we spotted the 2022 Master several times more on the show floor.

Making something is simple. Calling it “valuable” is marketing speak and that also is simple. Creating a publication that is valued and used by an industry year after year is not simple, nor is the work that each of you do to build your brand and win and keep your clients. This is where our missions align. Our mission is to help make sure that you accomplish your mission. When you do, we both win.

This is the 2023 Surface & Panel Master. Like every year, we talked to you about what you need and what would best serve you, which is simple. But what was not easy was then packaging that new content into something we hope is even better than in years past.

Having this information at your fingertips has proven to be valuable, as it often is easier to navigate information and resources in a print format. We put extra attention into the enhanced digital edition that can be accessed anywhere, anytime. We also have invested in expanding our audience even more, which continues to be the largest, most qualified group of stakeholders throughout our industry segment of any publication or organization.

Simply put, we did not take the “easy road.” For many years now, when your requested issue of Surface & Panel shows up, you know that we take our reputation, and your mission seriously because it is full of the industry’s most trusted information, news and trends. This year is no different!

From the entire team at 526 Media Group, and the team responsible for the Surface & Panel Master, thank you for your support and for the privilege of serving you, your team and your mission.

Patrick Adams, President | 526 Media Group, Inc.

Creating a publication that is valued and used by an industry year after year is not simple, nor is the work that each of you do to build your brand and win and keep your clients.

uniboard.com

Special moments make memories!

Our modern and high quality TFL and HPL collection o ers the most progressive decorative solution in the market. As a Leader in Design and Decorative Surfaces, Uniboard® o ers the broadest color palette and a complete co-product program ranging from edgebanding and moldings to five-piece doors. Building functional and on-trend kitchens, closets and bathrooms has never been easier!

PROUDLY MADE IN NORTH AMERICA.

PLYWOOD PRODUCTS

SOFTWOOD PLYWOOD

HARDWOOD PLYWOOD

AIRCRAFT PLYWOOD

MARINE PLYWOOD

Often referred to as the “Granddaddy of engineered wood products,” plywood originated and later standardized the creation of a composite wood paneling unit stronger than the sum of its parts. And as one of the first such products to be made by bonding together pieces of wood, plywood has been around in one form or another for more than a thousand years.

Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used thinly cut wood and glued it into layers to help conserve their wood supplies, and in China, shaved wood was glued together to make furniture more than a thousand years ago. More modern iterations of plywood were used by the English, French and Russians.

Early plywood from the 19th and 20th centuries was typically made from hardwood for furniture and cabinet production. A patent for “plywood” was issued to John K. Mayo of New York City in 1865. The patent was reissued in 1868 and describes the product as “[consisting of] cementing or otherwise fastening together a number… of sheets, with the grain of the successive pieces, or some of them, running crosswise or diversely from that of the others…”

A few decades later, the World Fair came to Portland, Oregon, in 1905 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Gustav Carlson, part owner and plant manager for the Portland Manufacturing Company, developed a technique making laminated panels from Pacific Northwest softwoods. His “3-ply veneer work” on display prompted orders from several cabinet, trunk and door manufacturers, and by 1907, Portland Manufacturing was producing more than 400 panels a day.

At first, the burgeoning industry served mainly door manufacturers, but in 1920, that focus shifted to the automobile market, and plywood was used for vehicle running boards. By 1929, 17 plywood mills dotted the Pacific Northwest, producing more than 350 million square feet of plywood that year. The rapid weathering of plywood running boards and subsequent drop in demand led to a 1934 breakthrough with the addition of a waterproof adhesive, which set up a new era and possible markets for plywood.

Standardizing the quality of plywood products led to the organization of the Douglas Fir Plywood Association in 1933. The improved quality and standardization of plywood helped boost sales and established the material as a mainstay in construction use. This continued through World War II, which saw plywood used for building everything from barracks to boats.

Post-War demand only increased, and plywood production mills spread from the Pacific Northwest into Canada and down to southern pine forests to meet the growing need.

The Douglas Fir Plywood Association evolved into the American Plywood Association in 1964 and later into today’s APA—The Engineered Wood Association, a nonprofit trade organization based in Tacoma, Washington, that serves the U.S. and Canadian engineered wood products industry.

Technological advances fueled by increasing demand for replenishable and reliable building products has only boosted plywood’s popularity and appeal to plywood manufacturers. It was found that the cross-lamination of wood veneer layers improve the inherent structural advantages of wood by distributing along-the-grain strength of wood in both directions. This idea of “reconstituting” wood fiber to produce better-thanwood building materials has led in more recent times to a technological revolution and the rise of a whole new engineered wood products industry, according to the APA. These products not only yield superior performance properties, but also make better use of precious forest resources.

PLYWOOD VARIETIES

Today’s plywood is manufactured by assembling thin layers or plies of wood glued and pressed together using powerful adhesives, with adjacent layers having their wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees to one another, which increases the product’s strength and durability. Lower-quality or thinner plywoods may only have their plies arranged at right angles to each other, while some higher-quality products can feature five plies with staggered rotations (0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 degrees), offering even greater strength using the graduated steps. Typical plywood panels use face veneers of a higher grade than the core veneers. The core layers are mainly used to increase the separation between the outer layers where the bending stresses are highest, thus increasing the panel's resistance to bending. So thicker panels can span greater distances under the same loads. In bending, the maximum stress occurs in the outermost layers, one in tension, the other in compression. Bending stress decreases from the maximum at the face layers to nearly zero at the central layer. Shear stress, by contrast, is higher in the center of the panel, and at the outer fibers.

By utilizing wood scraps, so to speak, rather than solid, whole boards, plywood can be made with less impact on the environment. Today’s plywood is an economical, factory-produced sheet of wood with precise dimensions that does not distort or crack with changes in atmospheric moisture.

Because of this, plywood is widely used for diverse applications ranging from making designer furniture or wall and floor coverings to packaging—and even for making boats and airplanes. There are various specialty plywood materials available to serve these and many other markets

And it all began with plywood.

PLYWOOD IS WIDELY USED FOR DIVERSE APPLICATIONS RANGING FROM MAKING DESIGNER FURNITURE OR WALL AND FLOOR COVERINGS TO PACKAGING.

SOFTWOOD PLYWOOD

Softwood plywood is a plywood made utilizing softwood for the faces, or outer layers. These woods are typically from coniferous or evergreen trees, including cedar, fir, spruce and pine (collectively known as spruce-pinefir or SPF). It is relatively inexpensive and is available in a wide variety of thicknesses and grades for uses both inside and outside.

Softwood plywood has emerged as the most popular type of plywood used in the U.S., due to its cost, durability, flexibility in applications and its sustainability—trees used for softwood plywood production tend to grow more rapidly than hardwood trees. Softwood plywood is available in different grades for its various intended applications, and is used extensively for construction and structural projects, from exterior home sheathing to home flooring and roofing underlayment. It is also very popular with homeowners or hobbyists for projects including sheds, doghouses and even skate or bike ramps.

The most common size of softwood plywood is a 4x8-foot sheet, available at home improvement centers and manufacturers across the country. Sheets can vary in thickness, most commonly from 1/16 inch to about an inch. The number of plies, which is always odd, depends on the sheet’s thickness and grade. For example, sheets for roofing can be 5/8-inch thick while subflooring is required to be at least ¾-inch thick, depending on the distance between floor joists. n

SOFTWOOD PLYWOOD MANUFACTURERS

Aspen Planers

www.aspenplaners.ca

Merritt, BC Canada (250) 378-9266

Boise Cascade

www.bc.com

Boise, ID (208) 384-6161

Canoe Forest Products

www.canoefp.com

Canoe, BC, Canada (250) 833-1200

Eagle Plywood Specialties

www.eagleplywood.com

Grants Pass, OR (800) 547-5991

Freres Lumber

www.frereswood.com

Lyons, OR (503) 859-2121

GP Wood Products

www.buildgp.com

Atlanta, GA (866) 249-3639

Hardel Mutual Plywood

www.hardel.com

Chehalis, OR (800) 562-6344

Hood Industries

www.hoodindustries.com

Hattiesburg, MS (601) 264-2962

Hunt Forest Products www.huntforpro.com

Ruston, LA (318) 255-2245

LP Building Solutions

www.lpcorp.com

Nashville, TN (888) 820-0325

Murphy

www.murphyplywood.com

Rogue River, OR (541) 582-3288

Pacific Wood Laminates

www.socomi.com

Brookings, OR (541) 469-2136

PotlatchDeltic

www.potlatchdeltic.com

St. Maries, ID (509) 328-0930

Richmond Plywood Corp.

www.richply.com

Richmond, BC, Canada (604) 278-9111

Roseburg

www.roseburg.com

Springfield, OR (800) 245-1115

RoyOMartin

www.royomartin.com

Alexandria, LA (800) 299-5174

Scotch Plywood

www.scotchplywood.com

Fulton, AL (800)-936-4424

SDS Lumber

www.sdslumber.com

Bingen, WA (509) 493-2155

Southern Veneer Products

www.southernveneerproducts.com

Fitzgerald, GA (229) 424-0294

Swanson Group

www.swansongroup.biz

Roseburg, OR (800) 331-0831

Timber Products Co. www.timberproducts.com

Springfield, OR (800) 557-5131

Tolko www.tolko.com

Vernon, BC, Canada (250) 550-2512

Westlam Industries www.westlam.com

Langley, BC, Canada (604) 888-2894

Weyerhaeuser www.weyerhaeuser.com

Seattle, WA (800) 525-5440

HARDWOOD PLYWOOD MANUFACTURERS

Besse Forest Products Group

www.bessegroup.com

Gladstone, MI (906) 528-3113

Buffalo Veneer & Plywood www.buffaloveneerandplywood.com

Buffalo, MN (763) 682-1822

Columbia Forest Products www.columbiaforestproducts.com

Greensboro, NC (800) 627-1609

Commonwealth Plywood Inc. www.cpiwhitehall.com

Whitehall, NY (518) 499-0099

Darlington Veneer

www.dvcplywood.com

Darlington, SC (800) 845-2388

Eastern Panel Manufacturing

www.easternpanel.com

Chatham, VA (434) 432-3055

HARDWOOD PLYWOOD

Hardwood plywood is plywood in which the outside layers, or faces, are made from hardwood dicot trees, including oak, maple, cherry, walnut, beech and mahogany. It is known for its excellent durability, strength and stiffness, along with its damage- and wear-resistance. It also is used for its resistance to creep, also known also as cold flow, which is the permanent deformation that increases with time under constant load or stress .

Hardwood plywood is used in millwork and in building furniture, cabinets, doors, musical instruments and sporting equipment. Most hardwood plywood is made with formaldehyde-free glues, which are not moistureresistant, limiting its uses to interior locations. There are specialty plywoods designed and created for exterior uses, including marine- and airplane-grade products.

Baltic Birch plywood is a European-specialty hardwood variety made from birch trees near the Baltic Sea. It is made up of an inner void-free core of cross-banded birch plies with an exterior grade adhesive, and is known for its excellent stability and durability. n

Formwood Industries www.formwood.com

Jeffersonville, IN (812) 458-2118

Genesis Products www.genesisproductsinc.com

Goshen, IN (877) 266-8292

GL Veneer www.glveneer.com

Huntington Park, CA (800) 588-5003

Husky Plywood www.huskyplywood.com

Ste.-Therese, QC, Canada (866) 414-8759

Manthei Wood Products www.mantheiwoodproducts.com

Petoskey, MI (231) 347-7040

Murphy www.murphyplywood.com

Eugene, OR (541) 582-3288

Premwood www.premwoodllc.com

Grand Rapids, MI (616) 667-9500

Roseburg

www.roseburg.com

Springfield, OR (800) 245-1115

S.J. Morse Co.

www.sjmorse.com

Capon Bridge, WV (304) 856-3423

States Industries

www.statesind.com

Eugene, OR (800) 626-1981

Swanson Group

www.swansongroup.biz

Roseburg, OR (800) 331-0831

Timber Products Co.

www.timberproducts.com

Springfield, OR (800) 557-5131

The Wood Gallery Inc.

www.woodgallery.biz

Dallas, TX (972) 869-9161

THE WALL PANEL IN THIS LIVING ROOM CAN BE CONFIGURED WITH SHELVING AND DESK UNITS. CONSTRUCTED OF BALTIC BIRCH, IT

IS EXTREMELY DURABLE, DIMENSIONALLY STABLE AND CAN HANDLE HEAVY LOADS.

High-strength plywood, also known as aircraft Plywood, is made from mahogany, spruce and/or birch using adhesives with an increased resistance to heat and humidity. It was used mainly for an aircraft’s wing surfaces, the flat, bulkhead sections and the webs of the wing spars. This specialty plywood was used in the construction of air assault gliders during World War II and to build several fighter aircraft. It also was used to make Howard Hughes' enormous H-4 Hercules, known as The Spruce Goose— although it was made almost entirely from birch, not spruce. Aircraft plywood is still used today, mostly made up of three or more plies of birch for its lightweight strength. Uses include any application requiring lightweight structural integrity, and water- and fire resistance, such as making musical instruments, toys and puzzles. It also is used in making roller coasters, race cars, drones and experimental aircraft. n

AIRCRAFT PLYWOOD MARINE PLYWOOD

MARINE PLYWOOD MANUFACTURERS

Anderson Plywood

www.andersonplywood.com

Culver City, CA (855) 424-9663

Chesapeake Plywood, LLC

www.chesapeakeplywood.com

Baltimore, MD (410) 224-0055

Homestead Hardwoods

www.marine-plywood.us

Vickery, OH (419) 684-5275

J. Gibson McIlvain

www.mcilvain.com

White Marsh, MD (800) 638-9100

Plywood Logistics

www.plywoodlogistics.com

Westlake Village, CA (424) 367-8374

Seacoast Hardwood

www.seacoasthardwood.com

Sanford, ME (207) 324-1078

Toledo Plywood

www.toledoplywood.com

Toledo, OH (800) 686-1684

Weber Plywood

www.weber-plywood.com

Tustin, CA (949) 979-6490

AIRCRAFT PLYWOOD MANUFACTURERS

Aircraft Plywood Manufacturing

www.aircraftplywood.com

Highland, IL (618) 514-3955

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Company

www.aircraftspruce.com

Corona, CA (877) 477-7823

Thomas Canada LTD

www.thomescanada.com

Bowmanville, ON, Canada (905) 623-9888

Wicks Aircraft

www.wicksaircraft.com

Highland, IL (618) 654-7447

Marine plywood is manufactured mainly from durable hardwood face and core veneers, with few defects so it performs longer in both humid and wet conditions and resists delaminating and fungal attacks. Its thin layers are usually set up perpendicularly as part of a process called cross-lamination that helps strengthen the material. Marine plywood is superior-quality hardwood plywood that is specially treated using paint, preservatives, or varnish to resist water damage. Marine plywood is constructed out of the finest grade of naturally water-resistant tropical hardwoods, including mahogany and teak.

Other types of specialty plywood include those treated with special chemicals or coatings to make them fire or moisture resistant. Pressure-treated plywood is included in this category with its pressurized production process that increases its durability and resistance to rot and insect damage. Each type of specialty plywood has been designed and produced to fill an industry need, and innovations continue. n

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / VOVASHEVCHUK

ENGINEERED WOOD SIDING & TRIM EWST

Engineered wood siding and trim composite panels are made of wood fiber strands, such as plywood, particleboard, mediumdensity fiberboard (MDF) or oriented strand board (OSB), that are heat bonded together with resin and finished. The heat-bonding process creates a stronger and more durable panel. Resembling wood, and available in an array of finishes, colors and textures, these panels are treated with water-resistant waxes and zinc borate to create a final product that is cheaper than traditional wood panels, designed to resist moisture, and protect against fungal decay and termites in both interior and exterior environments.

These highly versatile products are finished in embossed finishes and realisticlooking wood grains to match the aesthetics of where the finished product is placed. For commercial and residential interior applications, the paneling is frequently used in cabinetry, walls and floors and is considered easy to work with. n

Collins Products

www.truwoodsiding.com

Klamath Falls, OR (541) 884-2241

Kaycan

www.kaycan.com

Williston, VT

KWP

www.kwpproducts.com

Terrebonne, QC, Canada (450) 964-5786

LP Building Solutions

www.lpcorp.com

Nashville, TN 1-888-820-0325

Maibec Canexel

www.maibec.com/en/canexelf

Trespa

www.trespa.com

Weert, The Netherlands (31) 495-458-358

HARDBOARD/HDF

MEDIUM DENSITY FIBERBOARD

FIBERBOARD PRODUCTS W

(MDF)

PARTICLEBOARD (LDF)

ith solid wood becoming more scarce and expensive to use in recent years, and the increased emphasis on using more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, fiberboard has rapidly grown in popularity and has replaced many solid timber products in the building and construction industries.

Made from the leftovers and byproducts of working with wood, the more-affordable fiberboard has also found a place in budget-conscious projects both large and small. Fiberboard products have changed the entire industry.

These fiberboard products are most often used as substrates and a basis for various surfaced panels. Fiberboard can be coated in a wide variety of materials, colors and patterns. The most popular coating traditionally has been that of a wood-look veneer, but recent advances in technology, scanning and printing have opened the world to limitless surfacing possibilities.

The use of fiberboard is very popular in construction and various other applications, from ready-to-assemble furniture to boat building.

Some form of fiberboard has been around for more than a century, but a happy accident led to a standardized method of creating the material. William Mason, an inventor and friend of Thomas Edison, sought a way to utilize the huge amounts of wood chips and shavings left over and discarded by booming lumber mills. The story goes that one evening in 1925, he forgot to shut down his equipment and the next morning, he discovered a thin, durable sheet had been created. He then played with the method, using pressure, heat and resin and patented what became known as Mason’s Method to create this thin, durable product—a method still used today.

Mass production of fiberboard took a few more decades to establish, but today, manufacturers continue to innovate and find new ways to create and use this product.

Traditionally, the resin and binders used to create fiberboard contained formaldehyde, but manufacturers today are increasingly finding alternative methods and materials to make the products.

Some manufacturers now offer no-added formaldehyde (NAF) products for customers who want to minimize their exposure to the potential volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can “off-gas” out of wood panels into the breathable air.

HARDBOARD/HDF

HARDBOARD, FREQUENTLY PRODUCED AS HIGH-DENSITY FIBERBOARD (HDF), IS AN ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCT USED PRIMARILY IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND FURNITURE-MAKING INDUSTRIES. PEGBOARD IS A TYPE OF PERFORATED HARDBOARD.

Hardboard, also called high-density fiberboard (HDF), is an engineered wood product used primarily in the construction and furniture-making industries.

As its name suggests, it is harder, stronger and more dense than related particleboard and medium density fiberboard (MDF), but does not require any additional adhesive in its production, as the lignin present in the wood fibers bonds the materials together. Some manufacturers today also add resin to their production of HDF, to increase its durability and versatility.

It can be produced in a wet (HDF) or dry process. The dry process results in a smooth texture on both sides, while the wet process—the Mason Method—results in one finished smooth side and one textured side.

The first hardboard products can be traced to England in 1898, when a manufacturer hot pressed waste paper into a usable board. Manufacturers continued to manipulate the process and materials and by the 1920s, a high-density product was created by compressing wet wood pulp at high temperatures.

The most popular applications of HDF can be found in the construction, flooring, furniture and cabinetry industries, but it is also used in automobile production and in the art world as a painter’s canvas or in creating scenery for the theater.

Pegboard is a type of perforated hardboard and is very popular in shops and design for its flexible usage for organization.

Coating hardboard with linseed oil and baking it creates “tempered hardboard,” which offers more water and impact resistance and makes for a stronger end product than regular HDF. Tempered hardboard is often used in construction siding. n

HARDBOARD/HDF MANUFACTURERS

CalPlant 1, LLC

www.eurekamdf.com

Willows, CA (530) 361-0003

D&M Lumber Products

www.dmlumber.com

Brooklyn, NY (718) 386-6119

Decorative Panels International

www.decpanels.com

Toledo, OH (800) 529-4301

Kronospan LLC

www.kronospan-express.com

UK (256) 741-8755

Premwood

www.premwoodllc.com

Grand Rapids, MI (616) 667-9500

Stimson Lumber Co.

www.stimsonlumber.com

Portland, OR (503) 295-0951

Uniboard www.uniboard.com

Montreal, QC (877) 864-8641

West Wood Products

www.west-wood.net

Rancho Dominguez, CA (310) 631-8978

MEDIUM DENSITY FIBERBOARD

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is an engineered wood product made from wood fibers compressed and bonded with a synthetic adhesive. As a thin, strong panel, it is the most versatile of the fiberboard products, and has become known as the go-to, low-cost alternative to solid timber products in the manufacturing and building industries.

MDF lacks a wood grain and features a smooth finish, making it notoriously easy to work with. Most MDF starts as sawdust and wood shavings and is mostly composed of softwood. Some brands do contain a higher percentage of hardwood—it really depends on what is most readily available to the manufacturer.

Wood chips and sawdust are the basic materials that are compressed to make MDF panels. Some manufacturers even include waste paper, which helps repurpose and reuse additional waste materials. These fibers are cleaned and processed to remove any impurities, then refined further so that all of the particles are small and consistent. MDF products are processed with a resin (often, formaldehyde-based), which bonds the fiber particles when they’re compressed.

The most common binder for boards intended for dry environments is ureaformaldehyde. Other binders may be used depending on the grade of board and its intended end-use. For example, melamine urea-formaldehyde, phenolic resins and polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (PMDI) are generally used in boards that require an improved moisture resistance. PMDI binder is not formaldehyde-based and consequently does not emit any formaldehyde. The exact makeup of an MDF board will vary from product to product.

Additives may be used to impart MDF with special characteristics for specific applications.

The density of MDF can vary greatly—from about 14 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) up to 80 pcf. The density affects the sturdiness of the panel and how it needs to be sanded. The higher density panels are very strong but are typically more difficult to sand and stain or paint. The average MDF density ranges from about 20-40 pcf. n

COMPLYING WITH THE EPA

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), composite wood panels and finished products containing such composite wood panels that are manufactured in the United States or imported into the United States must be certified as compliant with either the TSCA Title VI or the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Airborne Toxic Control Measures (ATCM) Phase II emission standards—which are set at very similar levels—by a Third-Party Certifier (TPC) approved by CARB and recognized by EPA. And all TPCs first must be authorized and approved by an Accreditation Body (AB). But how can a manufacturer or distributor determine if a TPC or AB is EPA-approved?

Third-Party Certifiers (TPCs) are laboratories conducting independent third-party formaldehyde emissions testing of regulated composite wood products to comply with the updated EPA rules and regulations.

For an updated list of recognized Third-Party Certifiers (TPCs) under the Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products Rule, visit the EPA website at www.epa.gov/formaldehyde/recognizedthird-party-certifiers-under-formaldehydeemission-standards-composite-wood Accreditation Bodies (ABs) include product accreditation bodies and laboratory accreditation bodies. To become recognized as an EPA TSCA Title VI AB, an organization must apply through the EPA Central Data Exchange (CDX) at https://cdx.epa.gov

The EPA says ABs may choose to apply to be recognized as one or both types of ABs (product or laboratory only, or product and laboratory AB). The CDX online application will allow selection of either one or both AB types and will provide the information required in the sections.

An updated list of EPA-approved Accreditation Bodies (ABs) can be found at www.epa.gov/formaldehyde/recognizedaccreditation-bodies-under-formaldehydeemission-standards-composite-wood

For more on formaldehyde emissions compliance and the EPA, see page 49.

MDF IS THE MOST VERSATILE OF THE FIBERBOARD PRODUCTS, AND HAS BECOME KNOWN AS THE GO-TO, LOW-COST ALTERNATIVE TO SOLID TIMBER PRODUCTS IN THE MANUFACTURING AND BUILDING INDUSTRIES.

MEDIUM DENSITY FIBERBOARD MANUFACTURERS

Arauco North America

na.arauco.com

Chile/Atlanta, GA (800) 261-4890

Buffalo Veneer & Plywood

www.buffaloveneerandplywood.com

Buffalo, MN (763) 682-1822

CalPlant 1, LLC

www.eurekamdf.com

Willows, CA (530) 361-0003

D&M Lumber Products

www.dmlumber.com

Brooklyn, NY (718) 386-6119

Duraplay de Parral SAPI

www.duraplay.com.mx

Mexico (52) 627-523-9800

EGGER Wood Products

www.egger.com

Lexington, NC (844) 977-0053

Genesis Products

www.genesisproductsinc.com

Goshen, IN (877) 266-8292

GP Wood Products

www.buildgp.com

Atlanta, GA (866) 249-3639

Great Plains MDF

www.greatplainsmdf.com

Calgary, Alberta (587) 897-2362

Kronospan LLC

www.kronospan-express.com

UK (256) 741-8755

Langboard

www.langboard.com

Quitman, GA (912) 534-5959

Maderas Conglomeradas SA

www.macosa.com.mx

Mexico (52) 55-5715-5870

Pan Pacific Products

www.panpacificproducts.com

Broken Bow, OK (580) 584-6247

Premwood

www.premwoodllc.com

Grand Rapids, MI (616) 667-9500

Roseburg

www.roseburg.com

Springfield, OR (800) 245-1115

Swiss Krono USA

www.swisskronousa.com

Switzerland (866) 334-9923

Timber Products Co.

www.timberproducts.com

Springfield, OR (800) 557-5131

Ultrapan

www.ultrapan.net

Coral Springs, FL (754) 702-2632

Uniboard

www.uniboard.com

Montreal, QC (877) 864-8641

Unilin MDF

www.unilin.com

Belguim (32) 56-66-7021

West Fraser

www.westfraser.com

Vancouver, BC (901) 620-4200

West Wood Products

www.west-wood.net

Rancho Dominguez, CA (310) 631-8978

Weyerhaeuser MDF

www.weyerhaeuser.com

Seattle, WA (800) 525-5440

PARTICLEBOARD

Particleboard, or Low Density Fiberboard (LDF), is the least expensive fiberboard option, offering a smooth surface for veneer faces.

Particleboard can be produced to precise thicknesses in a variety of panel sizes and is relatively heavy. Despite its heft, particleboard has the least amount of structural strength compared to the other fiberboard options and is subject to the greatest amount of expansion if exposed to moisture.

Today’s particleboard gives users the consistent quality and design flexibility needed for fast, efficient production lines and quality consumer products. Particleboard panels are manufactured in a variety of dimensions with a wide range of physical properties, providing maximum design flexibility.

Particleboard is used extensively in today’s popular Ready-to-Assemble furniture industry. It also is widely used in manufacturing countertops, kitchen cabinets, shelving, store fixtures, underlayment, door core and stair treads— often covered with a sealant or other coating to help with moisture resistance.

PARTICLEBOARD

PARTICLEBOARD MANUFACTURERS

Arauco North America

na.arauco.com

Chile/Atlanta, GA (800) 261-4890

BestBoard Impulsora SA

www.bestboard1.com

Mexico/Chula Vista, CA (619) 819-6064

Buffalo Veneer & Plywood

www.buffaloveneerandplywood.com

Buffalo, MN (763) 682-1822

Collins Products

www.collinswood.com

Portland, OR (800) 329-1219

D&M Lumber Products

www.dmlumber.com

Brooklyn, NY (718) 386-6119

Duraplay de Parral SAPI

www.duraplay.com.mx

Mexico (52) 627-523-9800

EGGER Wood Products

www.egger.com

Lexington, NC (844) 977-0053

Florida Plywoods

www.fply.com

Greenville, FL (850) 948-2211

Forestal Terranova Mexico SA

www.masisa.com

Mexico

Genesis Products

www.genesisproductsinc.com

Goshen, IN (877) 266-8292

GP Wood Products

www.buildgp.com

Atlanta, GA (866) 249-3639

Kronospan LLC

www.kronospan-express.com

UK (256) 741-8755

Maderas Conglomeradas SA

www.macosa.com.mx

Mexico (52) 55-5715-5870

Masonite Corp.

www.masonite.com

Tampa, FL (800) 663-2667

Panel Processing, Inc.

www.panel.com

Alpena, MI (800) 433-7142

Panolam Industries

www.panolam.com

Shelton, CT (877) 726-6526

Plummer Forest Products

www.plummerforest.com

Post Falls, ID (208) 457-8703

Premwood www.premwoodllc.com

Grand Rapids, MI (616) 667-9500

Roseburg

www.roseburg.com

Springfield, OR (800) 245-1115

Tafisa Canada

www.tafisa.ca

Lac-Megantic, QC (819) 583-2930

Timber Products Co.

www.timberproducts.com

Springfield, OR (800) 557-5131

Uniboard www.uniboard.com

Montreal, QC (877) 864-8641

West Wood Products

www.west-wood.net

Rancho Dominguez, CA (310) 631-8978

Woodgrain Composites

www.woodgraincomposites.com

Fruitland, ID (888) 783-5485

The first known particleboard was made in Germany in the late 1880s, made from wood flour and adhesive under high heat and pressure and molded into what was called “artificial wood.” Commercial applications began during World War II when it was advantageous to produce from wood waste products including off-cuts, shavings and sawdust. These materials were processed into small pieces and screened before being mixed with various resins and adhesives once it was found that the more uniform pieces made for a better, more streamlined product.

Three-layer particleboard is made up of the finely ground materials placed in layers on either side of a coarser core layer while graded-density particleboard is made up of particles that gradually become smaller as they get closer to the surface.

Particleboard rose in popularity in residential applications in kitchens during the 1950s housing boom, but in many cases, it remained more expensive than solid wood. Technological advances helped streamline the production process and the “artificial wood” products became much more economical. Today’s panel production can include the addition of materials to help make the final product more resistant to water, insects or even fire. n

PARTICLEBOARD IS WIDELY USED IN MANUFACTURING COUNTERTOPS, KITCHEN CABINETS, SHELVING, STORE FIXTURES, UNDERLAYMENT, DOOR CORE AND STAIR TREADS.

HIGH PRESSURE LAMINATE (HPL)

LAMINATES W

THERMALLY FUSED LAMINATE (TFL)

SPECIALTY LAMINATES (2D & 3D LAMINATES & FILMS)

hat began as a product to insulate radio equipment has evolved into one of today’s most popular decorative surfaces. Laminates are a popular material for home interiors and commercial spaces, due in large part to their versatility and affordability.

Lamination refers to the process of manufacturing a multiple-layer material, often combining various base components to create an end product with enhanced qualities, including those offering sound or fire insulation, UV-resistance and antibacterial or electrostatic dissipative properties. Laminates utilize heat, pressure, welding or adhesives to create the product fusing thin sheets onto a substrate.

Laminates are classified into different categories based on their how they are manufactured and their finish usage and properties. These categories include highpressure and low-pressure laminates and specialty laminates.

Laminates are often associated with the clean designs from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, but have actually been around since 1909, when plastic laminates were invented for use as insulation for electronics and wiring. The first laminates were made of canvas and paper covered with phenolic resin and were first made into laminate sheets in 1913. Phenolic resin was useful but could produce only a brown finish for the laminate material, so decorative uses were still a few years away.

In 1927, the Formica Insulation Company filed a patent for the first decorative plastic laminate, using colored paper for their top layer and offering 13 different colors. The company continued to add colors, textures and patterns to their laminate materials and in 1938, with the invention of melamine—made by adding a hard, clear topcoat finish by baking the product—a wide variety of durable, stain-resistant laminate surfaces were available to general consumers by the end of the 1940s.

First seen mainly in commercial buildings including iconic American diners, laminate surfaces made their way into the booming housing market in post-war America with their shiny, modern look. Consumers loved the clean look for their cabinets, countertops and even furniture including kitchen tables. Technological advances and chemical innovation led to more realistic laminates, and the new exotic patterns and colors helped grow the market, along with the burgeoning home renovation market through the 1960s, 70s and 80s.

A focus on the environment saw a renewed look at laminates, which do not produce harmful fumes, and the decorative surface became more practical for many commercial spaces, including hospitals, restaurants and offices. The paper-to-polymer ratio in today’s laminates help make a stronger, more durable material than ever—it has been said that laminate can be as strong as steel, when compared by weight.

Laminates continue to be popular due to their easy installation on any wood surface like plywood and MDF panel, their relatively low cost, durability, low maintenance and vast choice or finishes, including matte, glossy, metallic, solid, textured and even leather.

HIGH-PRESSURE LAMINATE (HPL)

High-pressure laminate (HPL) was the original and most widely used laminate surface, and is known for being easy to work with and very durable. It can be fabricated on-site, differentiating HPL from many other laminate products. Because it is so easily fabricated, different core or substrate options can be used for many purposes.

As the name suggests, high-pressure laminates are produced by bonding the layer of the laminate with the substrate (typically plywood or MDF) at very high pressure. Considered to be one of the most durable decorative surfaces, HPL offers a wide variety of surface designs, including digital prints and can withstand heavy loads, making it a favorite for countertops and flooring.

In a single pressing cycle, several different HPL designs can be produced at one time, making its production particularly efficient.

HPL panels can easily be cut into unique shapes, and narrow strips of HPL can be cut from a panel to use on raw edges—often on-site and as-needed. Special postforming grades of the material can form specialty edges, as well.

HPL is often used as a more economical, durable alternative to veneer and stone surfaces in high-use applications, with its ability to create realistic textures through its pressing process. It can be seen extensively in commercial settings, including in fast food restaurants, offices and hotels.

HPL is formed and cured at more than 1,000 pounds per square inch—most commonly between 1,200 and 2,000 pounds per square inch. It is 60-70 percent paper, saturated with different kinds of plastic resins for various applications.

In contrast, low-pressure laminates are adhered to substrates under low pressure (generally around 400 pounds per square inch) and are commonly used as a finishing layer for particleboard or fiberboard (MDF). n

CT (877) 726-6526 Stevens

IL (217) 857-7100 Tafisa Canada, Inc.

Lac-Mégantic, QC, Canada (819) 583-2930

Laval, QC, Canada (800) 263-5240

Wilsonart www.wilsonart.com

Temple, TX (800) 433-3222

THE PROPERTIES OF HPL CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BOTH VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL SURFACE TREATMENTS.

THERMALLY FUSED LAMINATE (TFL)

Thermally fused laminates (TFLs), also known as melamine panels, combine the top layers of HPL or LPLs and thermally fuses them to the surface of a composite substrate. The paper-based surface layers are saturated with melamine resin and treated with a special thermosetting system, bonding the layers to the substrate (typically composite wood or particleboard) under heat and pressure for a clear, durable finish. The product remains very popular for use with ready-toassemble or flat-pack furniture products but has also emerged as a durable supplement to HPL products.

TFLs were relatively limited in design finishes when first created nearly three decades ago, and were used mainly for the interior of cabinets and other cost-effective practical uses. TFL designs evolved through the 1990s to help create products, including decorative molding, that matched other laminate surfaces, offering a way to incorporate seamless design in projects in a cost-effective manner.

Woodgrain design TFLs have become increasingly popular, particularly where veneer or solid wood may be too fragile or expensive. Manufacturers claim that TFL is very efficient to produce and are made with “climate-positive” composite wood cores that utilize wood fiber that is otherwise discarded.

TFLs are used in many different applications, from architectural wall panels to commercial spaces and residential cabinet faces. And because the decorative faces are thermally fused, rather than glued, to the panel core, TFLs offer high wear-, moisture- and scratch-resistance. Special cores, surfaces or resins are available to enhance certain desirable properties, including fire resistance.

Another advantage of TFL products is that they can be matched to various other materials, including HPL, 3DL, decorative foils and edge treatments. n

THERMALLY FUSED LAMINATE MANUFACTURERS

AICA Kogyo

www.aica.co.jp/english

Nagoya, Aichi, Japan (81) 52-533-3156

American Laminates, Inc.

www.americanlaminates.com

Riverbank, CA (800) 800-2536

Arauco North America

na.arauco.com

Atlanta, GA (800) 261-4890

Arclin

www.arclin.com

Roswell, GA (877) 689-9145

Dalbac Manufacturing Co., Inc.

www.dalbac.com

Forney, TX (972) 564-6200

Dongwha Malaysia

www.dongwha.com/myen/main/main.asp

Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia (606) 799-3000

EGGER Wood Products

www.egger.com

Lexington, NC (844) 977-0053

Fiberesin Industries

www.fiberesin.com

Oconomowoc, WI (262) 567-4427

THERMALLY FUSED LAMINATE

Formatop

www.formatop.com

Kitchener, ON, Canada (888) 237-0037

Funder America, Inc.

www.funderamerica.com

Mocksville, NC (336) 751-3501

KML Corp.

www.kmldesignerfinishes.com

Klamath Falls, OR (877) 958-9990

Kronospan, LLC.

www.kronospan-express.com

Eastaboga, AL (256) 741-8755

MJB Wood Group

www.mjbwood.com

Dallas, TX (972) 401-0005

Panel Processing, Inc.

www.panel.com

Alpena, MI (866) 794-1441

Panolam Industries International, Inc.

www.panolam.com

Shelton, CT (877) 726-6526

Premier Eurocase

www.premiereurocase.com

Denver, CO (303) 373-9718

Purbanchal Laminates Pvt. Ltd.

www.purbanchallaminates.com

Gandhidham, Gujarat, India (91) 2836-231468

Roseburg www.roseburg.com

Springfield, OR (541) 679-2614

Specialty Laminates

www.specialtylaminates.com

Eugene, OR (541) 343-5383

Stevens Industries, Inc.

www.stevens-wood.com

Teutopolis, IL (217) 857-7100

Swiss Krono Group

www.swisskrono.com/global-en

Barnwell, SC (866) 334-9923

Tafisa Canada, Inc.

www.tafisa.ca

Lac-Mégantic, QC, Canada (819) 583-2930

Texas Wooden Solutions, Corp.

www.melaminetex.com

Humble, TX

Timber Products Co. (VALUE ADDED DIVISION)

www.timberproducts.com

Springfield, OR

Uniboard

www.uniboard.com

Laval, QC, Canada (800) 263-5240

Wilsonart

www.wilsonart.com

Temple, TX (800) 433-3222

FUN FACT

Melamine is an organic compound that contains 67% nitrogen by mass, offering flame retardant properties. Melamine resins are created when the compound is combined with formaldehyde and other agents. Melamine foam is used as insulation, soundproofing material and in polymeric cleaning products, such as Magic Eraser.

SPECIALTY LAMINATES & FILMS

There are a growing number of specialty laminates & films these days, but the three main categories are 3D Laminates (3DL), 2D Laminates (2DL) and Cast Polypropylene Laminating Film (Cast PP Film). Each offers its own benefits in manufacturing and design.

3D LAMINATE (3DL), also known as rigid thermoformable foils (RTF), decorative vinyl or vinyl foil is made by overlaying and laminating thin, decorative thermoplastic material onto (typically) MDF panels. A thin sheet of rigid thermosetting PVC or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) polymers is manufactured with a lacquer on top for scratch resistance, and a primer on the back to improve adhesion.

3DL overlays are available in solid colors, woodgrains, metallics and other designs, using rotogravure systems using water-based or solvent-based inks. Textures including woodgrain, stone and even brushed aluminum can be applied to the overlay with embossing rolls.

The 3DL fabrication process wraps the material around panel edges and helping to seal it against moisture and bacteria. This “self-edging” also reduces the need for additional edgebanding or finishing. 3DL surfaces wrap five of six panel sides, and offer soft, rounded edges unique to the product, and countless uses for carved or shaped products, including molding.

MDF is the most common substrate used for 3DL, offering a sought-after better-than-carbon-neutral material for today’s projects. 3DL offers a higher scratch resistance than HPL and a higher impact resistance than HPL or TFL.

The option for seamless faces, along with the advanced mimicry of hardwood or exotic woods and other patterns makes 3DL popular in both commercial and residential projects. Kitchen and bath cabinet doors are the most popular use of 3DL in residential spaces, but it is commonly found in furniture and closet systems

as well. Office furniture is widely made from 3DL, and it also is used for textured architectural features in hotels, restaurants and other commercial spaces.

2D LAMINATES (2DL) are versatile surfacing products suitable in a broad range of decorative and functional applications. They can be flat-laminated or profile-wrapped to wood substrates, using a process similar to that of 3DL, but as the name suggests, minus the embossing step. 2DL is often used on flat surfaces, while 3DL is used on more intricate projects, including specialty molding.

2D Laminates are engineered to be scratch, abrasion and stain resistant. A high-performance coating provides an added degree of protection, durability and easy clean-up when compared to paper laminates or painted surface treatments. Many companies also offer custom color, design, coatings and constructions.

Two popular types of laminate today offering a sleek look are acrylic laminates, made from polymer fiber with similarities to lacquer, and PVC laminates, which are multi-layered preprocessed materials that are made based on polyvinyl chloride and multi-layered pre-processed materials that are made based on polyvinyl chloride. Both are typically available in thin sheeting and sold in rolls.

Fire-rated laminates are created using fire-resistant resin, and other specialty laminates include those with anti-bacterial/antifungal properties used in hospitals and outdoor UV-resistant laminates used for billboards and siding.

CAST POLYPROPYLENE LAMINATING FILM , also known as Cast PP Film, eliminates the need for a decorative paper layer while offering an economical thermoplastic of high clarity, high gloss, and good tensile strength. It is easy to print and can offer a higher level of water and chemical resistance than other laminates.

Cast PP Film is PVC-free and is fully recyclable and fully customizable, offering a wide selection of colors, finishes and textures. Special UV coatings can also be applied on both smooth and embossed surfaces. It is used in both residential and commercial applications, including RV walls and ceilings, shelving and flooring.

The film can be easily laminated or wrapped onto a wide range of substrates, including MDF or plastic and composite layers. It is created in a continuous or static press, where the surface is bonded to the substrate with a heat-activated adhesive under heat and pressure. n

SPECIALTY LAMINATES & FILMS MANUFACTURERS

Dackor

www.dackor.com

Winter Garden, FL (407) 654-5013

Decotone Surfaces

www.decotonesurfaces.com

Garwood, NJ (908) 301-0600

DNP America, LLC

www.dnpamerica.com

New York, N Y (212) 503-1060

Interprint, Inc.

www.interprint.com

Arnsberg, Germany (49) 2932-950 0

Klockner Pentaplast

www.kpfilms.com/en/

Buenos Aires, Argentina (54) 11-5365-6969

Omnova

www.omnova.com/laminates

Beachwood, OH (216) 682-7000

SPECIALTY LAMINATES & FILMS

Paladin Ind., Inc.

www.paladinind.com

Kentwood, MI (616) 698-7495

Premier Eurocase

www.premiereurocase.com

Denver, CO (303) 373-9718

Profol

www.profol.com

Cedar Rapids, IA (319) 365-0599

Renolit Corp.

www.renolit.com

LaPorte, IN (219) 344-5684

Riken U.S.A. Corp.

www.riken-usa.com

Novi, MI (248) 513-3511

Sekisui Kydex Llc.

www.kydex.com

Bloomsburg, PA (800) 325-3133

SSI North America

www.ssinorthamerica.com

Randolph, NJ (973) 598-0152

Synergy Thermal Foils

www.synergythermofoils.com

Coral Springs, FL (954) 420-9553

Tafisa Canada, Inc.

www.tafisa.ca

Lac-Mégantic, QC, Canada (819) 583-2930

Taghleef Industries

www.syndecor.com

Newark, DE (302) 326-5500

Toppan Interamerica, Inc.

www.toppaninteramerica.com

Tokyo, Japan (83) 3835-5111

UFP Industrial

www.inbound.ufpindustrial.com

Grand Rapids, MI (800) 598-9663

Vekaplan

www.vekaplan.co.uk

Leeds, UK (44) 113-273-6281

DECORATIVE FOILS & LIGHTWEIGHT PAPERS

DECORATIVE FOILS & LIGHTWEIGHT PAPERS

MANUFACTURERS

Ahlstrom-Munksjö

www.ahlstrom-munksjö.com

Helsinki, Finland (920) 766-4611

(North America Sales Office)

American Adhesive Coatings LLC.

www.aacchotmelts.com

Lawrence, MA (978) 688-7400

Dawei Decorative

www.dawei-decor.com

Hong Zhou City, Zhe Jiang province, China (86) 18668216300

Decorative Panels Group

www.decorativepanels.co.uk

Elland, West Yorkshire, UK (44) (0) 1484-658341

Interprint, Inc.

www.interprint.com

Arnsberg, Germany (49) 2932-9500

Pittsfield, MA (413) 443-4733

LamiGraf

www.lamigraf.com

Barcelona, Spain (34) 93-8431888

Olon Industries

www.olon.ca

Georgetown, ON, Canada (800) 387-2319

Omnova

www.omnova.com/laminates

Beachwood, OH (216) 682-7000

Panel Processing Inc.

www.panel.com

Alpena, MI (866) 794-1441

Schattdecor, Inc.

www.schattdecor.com

Lexington, SC (803) 957-3377

Surteco North America

www.surteco.com

Buttenwiesen, Germany (49) 8274-51-0

Toppan Interamerica Inc.

www.toppaninteramericainc.com

Tokyo, Japan (81) 3-3835-5111

Yodean Décor

www.yodean-decor.com/product/

Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China

(86) 18668216300

Decorative Foils & Lightweight Papers, also known as finish foils and top-coated papers, are thin, paper-based decorative surfaces bonded onto a smooth substrate—typically MDF. They are very popular in the design world for their flexible, economic applications, as they offer a limitless array of printed designs and variations that mimic other materials.

These thin coatings are easily wrapped around shapes and substrate edges, and are widely used in cabinet interiors, and as contoured edges matching TFL panels. While both are paper-based overlays printed on rotogravure presses, decorative foils are impregnated with resins and do not require a topcoat (although topcoats can be applied for desired applications) and lightweight papers require a top coating of polyurethane or other resins.

These coatings provide a realistic representation of wood grain or other patterns, and typically cost less than most other decorative surfaces. They are widely used in vertical applications, including decorative flat wall panels and architectural mouldings and trim. Another advantage is the reproducibility of the designs—a panel can be duplicated exactly years later, unlike with wood and veneers.

As these coatings are very thin, the usual embossing process used for TFL and HPL won’t work. Instead, small areas are printed with inks that resist the topcoat layer, resulting in visual variations that closely mimic finished wood or other designs. Foils and lightweight papers are often matched with TFL, HPL and 3DL to maintain a seamless design on projects. n

LIQUID COATINGS

POWDER COATINGS

COATINGS

The variety of coatings available for today’s surfaces is extensive. As its name implies, a coating is a covering applied to the surface of an object, for decorative and/or functional uses. Coatings can be applied to a substrate as solids, liquids or gases. Coatings also come in other forms, including decorative foils and lightweight papers

Many industrial coating processes involve the application of a thin film of the coating material onto a substrate, finishing the substrate for residential or commercial uses. If the substrate being used starts and finishes the process wound onto a roll, the process is called “roll-to-roll” or “web-based” coating. This roll of this substrate is called a “web.”

Coatings including paint and lacquer can offer the added advantage of both protecting the substrate while being decorative, while other functional coatings may be applied to improve the surface properties of the substrate, such as wear, water or corrosion resistance and adhesion. Other coatings can add a completely new property, such as magnetism or electrical conductivity, to the substrate.

LIQUID & POWDER COATINGS

Now Powder Coating BIRCH PLYWOOD

Liquid and powder coatings need to be applied carefully to control the amount and thickness of the material being used. This can be accomplished in various manners, from using simple applications to using more complex, automated systems and specialized machinery.

Automated air gun spray systems are used to cover larger surfaces with an even coating of liquid paint or polymer, and is typically very fast and efficient, even collecting excess coating material for reuse. The machines used work with both waterand solvent-based liquid coating materials. As this technique is limited to lower levels of layer deposition, some applications require multiple passes through the machine to build up the final coating product.

The extrusion coating technique uses molten web of synthetic resin to coat a substrate material. It is an economic way to apply various plastics onto substrates including fiberboard.

Thermal spraying techniques spray heated materials onto a substrate, offering a thicker possible coating over large areas at a high deposition rate when compared with other liquid coating processes.

A single coat clear coating for Birch in only 20 minutes? YES! You send us the drawings, we send you a fnished part.

Supplying components for the contract furniture, hospitality, retail, healthcare and other industries.

Request a sample at www.dvuv.com

Unlike conventional liquid paint coatings, powder coatings are typically applied electrostatically as free-flowing dry powder and cured with heat or ultraviolet light. The powder coating is usually a thermoplastic or a thermoset polymer, which creates a hard finish generally tougher than that of conventional paint coatings.

The powder coating process was invented by Daniel Gustin in the 1940s and involved coating an item electrostatically then applying heat to cure it. Advancements in powder coating technology, including UV curable powder coatings, have allowed for a greater variety of substrate materials to be used, due to the minimum heat and oven dwell time required to process the materials.

ADVANCEMENTS IN POWDER COATING TECHNOLOGY, INCLUDING UV CURABLE POWDER COATINGS, HAVE ALLOWED FOR A GREATER VARIETY OF SUBSTRATE MATERIALS TO BE USED, DUE TO THE MINIMUM HEAT AND OVEN DWELL TIME REQUIRED TO PROCESS THE MATERIALS.

LIQUID & POWDER COATINGS

Because powder coating does not utilize a liquid process for application, it can produce thick coatings without running or sagging, and minimal appearance differences between horizontally coated surfaces and vertically coated surfaces. And this coating process emits very few volatile organic compounds (VOCs), since there is no carrier fluid to evaporate.

Another advantage to powder coatings is that several powder colors can be applied before curing, allowing color blending and special effects in a single layer. And while it is easier to apply thick coatings that cure to a smooth finish, it is not as easy to apply smooth, thin films using powder coatings. It is, however, easier to create a wide range of specialty effects that are not possible with other coating processes.

LIQUID & POWDER COATINGS MANUFACTURERS

AKZO Nobel Coatings, Inc.

www.akzonobel.com

Amsterdam, The Netherlands (31) 88-9697809

Arauco North America

na.arauco.com

Atlanta, GA (800) 261-4890

Arkema

www.arkema.com

King of Prussia, PA (310) 214-5327

Asian Paints PPG PVt. Ltd.

www.asianpaintsppg.com

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India (91) 22-6218-2700

Axalta Coating Systems

www.axaltawoodcoatings.com

Glen Mills, PA (855) 547-1461

BASF (North America)

www.basf.com

Florham Park, NJ (973) 245-6000

Benjamin Moore & Co. Inc.

www.benjaminmoore.com

Montvale, NJ (855) 724-6802

DVUV, LLC

www.dvuv.com

Cleveland, OH (216) 741-5511

Eastman Chemical Co.

www.eastman.com

Kingsport, TN (800) 327-8626

Funder America, Inc.

www.funderamerica.com

Mocksville, NC (336) 751-3501

Hempel, Inc. (North America)

www.hempel.com

Conroe, TX (936) 523-6000

Indigo Paints

www.Indigopaints.com

Boranada, Rajasthan, India (02931) 281-162

IVM Chemicals/Milesi Wood Coatings

www.milesi.us

Charlotte, NC

Jotun

www.jotun.com

Sandefjord, Norway (713) 860-8241 (NA)

Kwality Paints and Coatings Pvt. Ltd.

www.kwalitypaints.co.in

Bhosari, Pune, India (91) 20-46780905

PPG Industries, Inc.

www.ppg.com

Pittsburgh, PA (412) 434-3131

RPM International Inc.

www.rpminc.com

Medina, OH (330) 273-5090

Sherwin-Williams

www.sherwin-williams.com

Cleveland, OH (216) 566-2000

Stahl

www.wendelgroup.com

Wooster, OH (330) 202-4215

Tafisa Canada, Inc.

www.tafisa.ca

Lac-Mégantic, QC, Canada (819) 583-2930

Teknos

www.teknos.com

Helsinki, Finland (358) 9-506-091

Tiger Drylac U.S.A., Inc.

www.Tiger-coatings.com

St. Charles, IL (800) 243-8148

Worthen Industries

www.worthenind.com/adhesives

Nashua, NH (800) 967-8436

VENEER V

eneer typically is a very thin sheet of hardwood—generally thinner than 1/8 of an inch—cut and matched in a pattern that then can be applied to a more durable, less expensive surface.

Using a very thin layer of the hardwood maximizes efficiency and allows for the most possible useable material from a single piece of wood. And when a veneer is applied to a substrate, it can actually increase the strength of the finished product.

Veneering dates back to ancient Egyptian times, when rare or expensive wood veneer was used over cheaper wood to create furniture and other products. Citizens of the Roman Empire also used veneering for similar reasons.

And while the idea remains the same, the process for creating veneer has evolved. Veneers originally were sawn from logs, but manufacturers today thinly slice the wood, making for less waste.

Today, the thin sheets of wood that make up veneer are harvested either by peeling or shaving the trunk of a tree or by slicing large rectangular blocks of wood, or flitches. Each slicing processes gives a very distinctive type of grain, depending upon the tree species.

The most common hardwood species used for veneer in North America include maple, cherry, red or white oak, hickory, ash, alder, walnut, and poplar. Softwood veneers from pine, fir, and other conifer species are also produced.

Each slicing process gives a distinctive type of grain depending upon the tree species. There are three main ways for slicing veneer:

• Using a rotary lathe to turn the wood against a very sharp blade and peel it in one continuous strip cuts concentric to the growth rings and is not considered to be very desirable. Veneer produced in this manner is typically used for plywood, where the wood grain and aesthetics are not as important.

• A slicing machine that raises and lowers the flitch (log) against the blade to slice the wood evenly and across the growth rings creates what is known as the “crown cut,” and mimics sawn pieces of wood.

• A half-round lathe in which the log can be positioned for the best grain looks creates a “rift cut,” which offers a more textured feel and appearance.

VENEER OFFERS DURABLE AND AFFORDABLE VERSATILITY AS WELL AS AN ECOLOGICAL ADVANTAGE OF MAXIMIZING HARVESTED WOOD.

THERE ARE VARIOUS TYPES OF VENEER AVAILABLE:

• RAW veneer has no backing on it and can be used with either side facing up.

• PAPER-BACKED veneer is backed with paper, and is available in various sizes as needed.

• PHENOLIC-BACKED veneer is used for composite, or artificial wood veneer and is available in varying sizes.

• LAID UP veneer is made up of raw veneer that has been joined to make larger pieces.

• RECONSTITUTED veneer is cut from a log—often fast-growing tropical species—and the raw veneer can be dyed and laminated together to form a block that can then be sliced.

• WOOD ON WOOD is also known as 2-ply and features a decorative wood veneer face with a lower-grade wood backing applied in the opposite direction as the face veneer to increase its strength.

THE FACES OF VENEER ALSO VARY ACCORDING TO PRODUCTION AND ALIGNMENT METHODS:

• WHOLE PIECE VENEER is made from continuous pieces of veneer peeled from a log using a rotary process.

• BOOK MATCHED VENEER occurs when every other strip of veneer is turned over, producing a grain pattern that is mirrored and matched at the veneer joint.

• SLIP MATCHED VENEER is made when each strip is laid out side by side (without turning over), producing a repetitive pattern.

• SPLICED VENEER is made from several pieces of veneer varying in width that are glued together to form a whole sheet. The look and pattern of the grain depends on how each piece was placed.

VENEER ALSO OFFERS DIFFERENT GRADES FOR VARIOUS USES:

• SELECT VENEER is made entirely from heartwood or sapwood and is matched for grain, pattern and color.

• UNIFORM VENEER is also made entirely of heartwood or sapwood, but is matched for color only.

• NATURAL VENEER is made from both heartwood and sapwood and is generally less expensive than select or uniform veneer.

• PAINT GRADE VENEER offers a smooth finish smooth designed so that none of the grain shows through when painted.

• STAIN GRADE VENEER is designed to show the natural characteristics of the wood when given a clear or tinted stain.

Veneer offers durable and affordable versatility, and can be used to create curved surfaces, something that is much more difficult—if not impossible—to do with regular wood. That, combined with its ecological advantage of maximizing harvested wood makes it a popular choice for many of today’s projects. n

VENEER MANUFACTURERS

Atlantic Veneer Corp.

www.moehring-group.com

Newport, NC (800) 335-7723

Besse Forest Group www.bessegroup.com

Gladstone, MI (906) 528-3113

Cahaba Veneer

www.cahabaveneer.com

Centreville, AL (205) 926-9797

Columbia Forest Products www.columbiaforestproducts.com

Greensboro, NC (800) 627-1609

Commonwealth Plywood www.commonwealthplywood.com

Whitehall, NY (518) 499-0099

Danzer www.danzer.com

Austria/Edinburgh, IN (812) 526-2601

Formwood Industries www.formwood.com

Jeffersonville, IN (812) 458-2118

Freeman Corp., The www.freemancorp.com

Winchester, KY (859) 744-4311

Great Lakes Veneer www.greatlakesveneer.com

Marion, WI (715) 754-2501

Manthei Veneer www.mantheiveneer.com

Petoskey, MI (231) 347-7040

Oakwood Veneer www.oakwoodveneer.com

Troy, MI (800) 426-6018

Timber Products Co. www.timberproducts.com

Springfield, OR (800) 557-5131

Veneer Technologies www.veneertech.com

Newport, NC (800) 593-5601

EDGE TREATMENTS

EDGE TREATMENTS MANUFACTURERS

n ABS

n ACRYLIC/PMMA

n HIGH PRESSURE LAMINATE (HPL)

n CPL

n MELAMINE

n PP

n PVC

n WOOD VENEER (EDGEBANDING)

Arborite n www.arborite.com

Montreal, QC (800) 996-0366

Cefla North America n www.ceflafinishing.com

Italy / Charlotte, NC (704) 598-0020

Crown Laminates n www.crownlam.com

India (800) 555-1234

Edgeband USA n www.edgebandusa.com

Jeffersonville, IN (812) 725-8924

Edgemate n www.edgemate.com

Roaring Spring, PA (814) 224-5717

EGGER Wood Products n n n n www.egger.com

Lexington, NC (844) 977-0053

Emco Industrial Plastics n www.emcoplastics.com

Cedar Grove, NJ (973) 239-0202

Finixia n n www.finixia.com

Spain (34) 961-93-3040

Formica Corp. n www.formica.com

Cincinnati, OH (800) 367-6422

Formwood Industries n www.formwood.com

Jeffersonville, IN (812) 458-2118

Hopewell n www.hopewellplastics.com

Hong Kong (852) 2549-3322

Olon Industries n www.olon.ca

Georgetown, ON (905) 877-7300

Panolam Industries n www.panolam.com

Shelton, CT (877) 726-6526

PRI Edgebanding n n n www.priedgebanding.com

Gurnee, IL (847) 543-0141

Rehau n n n www.rehau.com

Switzerland (49) 9283-77-0

Sonae Industria n n www.surforma.com

Portugal (351) 220-10-s6300

Surteco North America n n n n n n n www.surteco.com

Germany/Myrtle Beach, SC (800) 992-3936

Tafisa Canada n www.tafisa.ca

Lac-Mégantic, QC, Canada (819) 583-2930

Tece n n n n n n www.tece.com.tr

Turkey (90) 224-242-2100

Toppan n n www.toppan.com

Japan/Griffin, GA (770) 467-5900

Ultrapan n n n www.ultrapan.net

Coral Springs, FL (754) 702-2632

Uniboard n www.uniboard.com

Montreal, QC (877) 864-8641

Veneer Technologies n www.veneertech.com

Newport, NC (800) 593-5601

West Wood Products n n n

www.west-wood.net

Rancho Dominguez, CA (310) 631-8978

Wilsonart n n n n

www.wilsonartengineeredsurfaces.com

Temple, TX (800) 433-3222

Manufactured wood cores, such as MDF, plywood and particleboard have unattractive edges that may not match the rest of the board and that can absorb moisture if left unfinished.

To resolve this, edgebanding is affixed to the edge to create a seamless edge that perfectly matches the rest of the laminate, an important consideration for finished goods, such as countertops and furniture.

At present, a range of edgebanding materials, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), wood, and resins, are available in the market due to advancements in technology.

Many companies offer a multitude of colors, designs, and textures in their edgebanding options, and most also offer various thicknesses for different types of usage—thinner options for fine furniture and thicker options for more high-traffic uses including cabinets and countertops. A variety of edge treatments available include t-mold, straight-line edge band, contour edge band, painted, custom edge detail, tongue and groove, and aluminum channel. n

ADHESIVES

With the vast variety of ways to cover substrate—veneer, decorative papers and foils, and the need for edgebanding on composite and plywood panels, adhesives play an important role in the surfaced panel industry

There is a wide variety of adhesives available for projects of all types and sizes, and each offers specific advantages. These are just a few popular in the industry today:

HOT MELT ADHESIVES

Hot Melt Adhesives (HMA) offer strength (which often exceeds 100 psi shear strength), almost immediate dry time and virtual invisibility when dry. These qualities help speed production and can add to the overall aesthetic of a finished item.

Hot Melt Adhesives are thermoplastic resins that liquefy when heated. When applied to a surface they cool, harden, and reach their bond strength within seconds, eliminating the need for clamps, fixturing or additional drying time and energy. HMAs stick to almost any substrate and allow for almost immediate handling of assembled materials, which helps keep production flowing quickly.

Adapting to projects both large and small, HMAs can be applied using various methods to help improve productivity, lower costs and minimize waste. Sprayable Adhesives are fast, effective and especially good for bonding in bulk. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are reduced or eliminated with HMAs—making them an alternative to solvent-based adhesives—and the drying or curing step is eliminated. HMAs also have a long shelf life and usually can be disposed of without special precautions. However, HMAs do tend to be more sensitive to heat once dry, limiting use to substrates not sensitive to higher temperatures, and some may not be resistant to weathering.

SOLVENT-BASED ADHESIVES

Solvent-based adhesives consist of pigments and curatives with dissolved polymers in a solvent solution containing solvent as a carrier. This carrier subsequently dries after application through dry bond laminating, leaving the active resin system on the substrate to be bonded to a secondary substrate to make the lamination. Solvent-based adhesives are often used for applications that require resistance to high temperatures, UV exposure, or other environmental factors. Solvent-based adhesives are better at resisting harsh environmental conditions and typically maintain higher bonding strength than water-based adhesives. Solvent-based adhesives offer film thickness control by viscosity measurement, and are more forgiving of part contamination but are not VOC-compliant.

HOT MELT SOLVENT-BASED WATER-BASED HEAT SEAL COATINGS

PRIMERS

WATER-BASED ADHESIVES

Aqueous adhesives, or water-based adhesives, are formulated using a mixture of high molecular weight polymer emulsions, pigments and curatives in a water-based medium. Dilution is rarely needed with water-based adhesives, which are all VOCcompliant. These adhesives offer film thickness control by density measurements.

HEAT SEAL COATINGS

Heat Seal Coatings are thermoplastic coatings used as adhesives to seal one substrate to another. The coating is usually applied to a flexible substrate, including film, foil and paper, and is then allowed to dry. The coated substrate does not exhibit tackiness at room temperature and can be shipped to another destination for heat sealing onto another substrate. This final sealing is formed between the substrate that the coating was applied to, and the substrate that the coating is sealed to, when the adhesive is reactivated using heat and pressure.

PRIMERS

Primers are technically not an adhesive, but are used to improve adhesion of a topcoat to a variety of base films including foil, metalized films, paper, and board stock. Primers are typically applied and immediately top-coated, but in some specific cases, they may be applied and wound and later top-coated. Both water- and solvent-based primers are available. n

ADHESIVES MANUFACTURERS

3M Co.

www.3m.com

St. Paul, MN (888) 364-3577

Akzo Nobel

www.akzonobel.com

Amsterdam, Netherlands

American Adhesive Coatings LLC

www.aacchotmelts.com

Lawrence, MA (978) 688-7400

Chemique Adhesives

www.chemiqueadhesives.com

Kennesaw, GA (770) 451-2904

Covestro

www.solutions.covestro.com/ en/materials/adhesives

Leverkusen, Germany

(Pittsburgh) (412) 413-2000

Daubert Chemical Co.

www.daubertchemical.com

Chicago, IL (708) 496-7350

Dow/ChemPoint

www.laminatingadhesiveproducts.com

(425) 230-5657

Dupont

www.dupont.com

Wilmington, DE (800) 441-7515

Fielco Adhesives

www.fielco.com

Huntingdon Valley, PA (800) 825-7156

Franklin Adhesives & Polymers

www.franklinadhesivesandpolymers.com

Columbus, OH (800) 487-4583

H.B. Fuller

www.hbfuller.com

St. Paul, MN (888) 351-3523

Henkel

www.henkel-adhesives.com

Düsseldorf, Germany

Mitsubishi Chemical Group

www.m-chemical.co.jp/en/index.html

Charlotte, NC (980) 580-2839

Panacol-USA

www.panacol-usa.com

Torrington, CT (860) 738-7449

Sika AG

www.usa.sika.com

Lyndhurst, NJ (800) 933-7452

Solvay

www.solvay.com

Brussels, Belgium (32) 2-2642111

Surteco North America

www.surteco.com

Buttenwiesen, Germany (49) 8274-51-0

Toppan Interamerica Inc.

www.toppaninteramericainc.com

Tokyo, Japan (81-3) 3835-5111

Transcendia

www.transcendia.com/industrial

Franklin Park, IL (800) 972-8858

Weiss www.usa-weiss.com

Monroe, NC (704) 282-4496

Wilsonart

www.wilsonart.com

Temple, TX (800) 433-3222

Worthen Industries

www.worthenind.com/adhesives

Nashua, NH (800) 967-8436

apidly advancing technology has taken the surface and panel industry to incredible new heights.

Architects, designers, fabricators and manufacturers all share in the wealth of benefits from innovations such state-of-the-art robotics, which make processing more precise and efficient, and the latest software, which can create picture-perfect 3D digital renderings.

With the latest digital screening and printing technology, producers can replicate and apply virtually any image or pattern to a façade. Today’s printers reproduce complex visuals crisply and accurately to flat panels, components and other surfaces.

With such dramatic improvements and inventions, you can scarcely imagine what the future holds with advancements currently in the works. n

SOFTWARE

DIGITAL PRINTING & SCANNING

TECHNOLOGY R

PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY

SOFTWARE

SOFTWARE MANUFACTURERS

Autodesk

www.autodesk.com

San Francisco, CA (415) 507-5000

Hexagon

www.alphacam.com

US Headquarters Tuscaloosa, AL (800) 461-2015

KCD Software

www.kcdsoftware.com

Cataumet, MA (508) 760-1140

Software advances continue to push the industry to new heights in technology and design. The capability to represent a newly designed kitchen rending in 3D—identical from a photograph of the finished product— holds huge benefits for both manufacturers and consumers.

For years, the industry has been pushing the boundaries with manufacturing advances in CNC equipment. The adage “I’ll know what I like when I see it” has never been more true than for today’s consumers. Seeing the product in their own space, with their desired surface materials, from door styles to hardware, increases their confidence in what they are about to purchase.

Once a design is selected, manufacturing becomes more efficient and accurate as software creates a bill of materials and cut lists, communicating directly with automated processing equipment on the floor. Every new development in design and manufacturing software—including kitchen and bath, closets, furniture, entertainment, garage and other cabinetry— advances the industry. As technology advances, find software that scales that technology with you. The next advancements are already in the works in CNC abilities and software abilities. n

DIGITAL PRINTING & SCANNING

DIGITAL PRINTING & SCANNING MANUFACTURERS

Canon www.csa.canon.com

Melville, NY (844) 443-4636

CGS-Oris

www.cgs-oris.com/en

Hainburg, Germany (49) 6182-9626-0

SwissQPrint America

www.swissqprint.com

Elgin, IL (224) 802-2770

Today’s digital scanning and printing options have taken customization to a whole new level. Advances in digital scanning and printing have opened a world of possibilities in the design and manufacturing markets. From small, custom furniture makers to huge panel fabricators, the incredible realism captured by today’s scanners and applications are nothing short of breathtaking. And experts say they are just scratching the surface of possibilities with this evolving technology.

These technologies open the door to manufacturing customized products that may have never been envisioned before—a key driver being scanning technology. These image-capturing systems have been instrumental in capturing not just accurate color of surfaces, but most importantly the 3D surface and texture. The ability to accurately recreate texture of a surface with speed and ease is an integral part of a successful implementation of a digital manufacturing process. The advancements in inkjet printing technologies have also played a tremendous part in accurately recreating these textures. The combination of the two working in harmony has been a game changer for the décor manufacturing business.

In addition, 2D printers with different lighting angles and multiple scanning passes and software to process the data, are also able to capture elevation data. This data can then be combined with the image data, split into separate print files and printed together in sequence on the printer in perfect registration.

The beauty of this ever-evolving technology is that the color and patterns of edge finishes can be perfectly matched to flat surface finishes to create a harmonious finished product. And, as manufacturers improve their technologies, and adopt new sophisticated methods of processing, the time to market will only quicken over time. n

With the latest digital screening and printing technology, producers can replicate and apply virtually any image or pattern to a façade. Today’s printers reproduce complex visuals crisply and accurately to flat panels, components and other surfaces.

PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY

Creating speed and efficiency is paramount to the latest innovations in moving materials though the shop. The latest in production and material-handling equipment can help save on labor and optimize any panel processing operation.

Drilling machines, panel saws, edgebanders, CNC machining centers, material handling, assembly and packaging are all highly automated. Set-up and programming have become surprisingly easy and flexible. Highly automated panel processing systems radically reduce labor costs and “level the playing field” so that a facility in the heartland of the United States can successfully compete with a comparable factory in China. In fact, with so much of the machining technology imported globally, the two facilities—halfway around the globe from each other—might look identical.

A lights-out factory, where no humans exist on the shop floor, is not a futuristic concept. It exists today. Making products as close to consumers as possible saves shipping costs, improves speed to market, and increases domestic GDP. When it comes to manufacturing in North America, the future is bright. n

PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY AND SURFACE AND PANEL MATERIALS HAVE REACHED A LEVEL OF SOPHISTICATION THAT FEW COULD HAVE EXPECTED.

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / IPOPBA

Innovations in Equipment can make panel processing safer and easier.

LEFT: A strong integrated panel lifting device allows for ergonomic cutting of panels by one operator.

RIGHT: The precision and intricate balance required for the operation of this automatic crane system is made possible by supporting structural columns that drop nearly 100 feet into the ground.

Laser

PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY

PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURERS

CIM-TECH.COM

www. cim-tech.com

Orlando, FL (877) 549-8211

DAK Engineering

www.dakeng.com

Guilford CT

Hexagon

www.alphacam.com

US Headquarters

Tuscaloosa, AL (800) 461-2015

Inventables

www.inventables.com

Chicago, IL (312) 775-7009

KCD Software

www.kcdsoftware.com

Cataumet, MA (508) 760-1140

Panel Process Like a Pro Without the Pro Price Tag

With a ShopBot CNC, you can increase production throughput while minimizing material handling. For example, you can drill shelf pin holes, cut rabbets and dados, and profle-cut the completed panel. The operator only needs to handle the full sheet once to load the machine, and then remove the perfectly cut parts that are ready for assembly.

Thanks to the afordability of ShopBot’s professional grade CNC tools, the technology of manufacturing cabinet boxes, doors, drawer fronts, shelves, and even countertops, is now well within the reach of smaller shops, not just large cabinet manufacturing facilities.

See our full line of tools at ShopBotTools.com. Then give us a call at 888-680-4466. We’ll fnd the tool that works best for your needs.

HARDWARE & FASTENERS

Hardware is about so much more than looks these days. With a wide array of hinge systems, drawer systems, slide systems, lift systems and fasteners—not to mention decorative pulls—hardware can do it all

From helping concealed doors close smoothly and quietly to sensing and opening drawers if your hands are full, hardware options can do pretty much anything you can think of—and things you haven’t even imagined.

One of the fastest, easiest ways to update a space is by changing out the hardware. Today’s abundance of styles, colors and finishes equate to personalizing furniture and entire rooms.

Cabinet pulls and other hardware are available in a multitude of colors, finishes and styles. From gold’s resurgence in matte or polished tones to old-fashioned crystal or ceramic, choices are nearly endless on this most visible hardware.

Today’s hardware is designed to not only look good, but to improve your quality of life and to make everyday tasks a little simpler.

Hinges are necessary for function, but consumers are wanting them to pull double, sometimes triple, duty. Today’s newest hinges can do more than ever before, allowing for push-to-open, soft close and other options for drawers and cabinets.

Hidden door designs continue to expand with more intricate cladding pieces being used to enhance aesthetics and artfully camouflage doors into the surrounding walls. T-type hinges can offer long-lasting, consistent performance and are particularly useful for thicker and heavier cabinet doors where sagging is an issue.

New brackets, hinges and slides allow for multifunctional uses, with self-locking mechanisms and options to create hideaway tables or counterspace—some even feature electronically assisted mechanisms.

There are also a seemingly endless number of fasteners to choose from, specifically designed for just about any type of material available. n

HARDWARE & FASTENERS

HARDWARE MANUFACTURERS

FGV America

www.fgvamerica.com

Winston-Salem, NC (714) 257-5317

Grass America

www.grassusa.com

Kernersville, NC (336) 996-4041

Hettich www.hettich.com

Kirchlengern, Germany (49) 5223-770

Lockdowel www.lockdowel.com

Davidson, NC (866) 389-5393

Richelieu www.richelieu.com

Montreal, QC, Canada (800) 619-5446

Salice www.salice.com

U.S. Headquarters

Charlotte, NC (800) 222-9652

Sugatsune www.sugatsune.com

Carson, CA (310) 532-4743

Titus Group

www.titusplus.com

Columbia City, IN (425) 746-2080

FASTENERS

AFT Fasteners & Industrial Supply

www.aftfasteners.com

Mansfield, TX (877) 844-8595

Grainger www.grainger.com

Lake Forest, IL (800) 472-4643

Leola www.leolafasteners.com

Leola, PA (717) 656-0256

Today’s hardware is designed to not only look good, but to improve your quality of life and to make everyday tasks a little simpler.

TOOLS & MACHINERY

TOOLS & MACHINERY MANUFACTURERS

TOOLS

It’s important for businesses to regularly invest in the right tools and technology to shorten cutting times, reduce set-up time, and increase operator efficiency

It’s important for businesses to regularly invest in the right tools and technology to shorten cutting times, reduce set-up time, and increase operator efficiency.

A machine is only as good as the tools matched with it. It is vital that they work in unison. Selecting the proper woodworking tools requires up-front basic knowledge of material, run length, machine parameters, RPM, chip load, feed rate, and even dust collection. Each of these factors can impact efficiency and overall tool life. Companies today are using the latest CNC technology that enables printing on cut components, never needs calibrating, and offers sometimes a dozen tools on the carousel.

To continually enhance manufacturing services and provide real value to customers, it’s important for businesses to regularly invest in the right tools and technology to shorten cutting time, reduce set-up time, and increase operator efficiency.

Selecting the wrong tools can adversely affect a sophisticated panel processing machinery’s accuracy and speed. Whether you are buying brazed cutters, shaper cutters, CNC router bits, insert tooling, saw blades, or drill bits, working with a respected and experienced tooling manufacturing to lead you through the selection process is essential. n

Leitz

www.leitz.org/en-us

Grand Rapids, MI (800) 253-6070

Leuco www.leuco.com

Villa Rica, GA (770) 459-5784

Peak Toolworks

www.peaktoolworks.com

North America- Jasper, IN (800) 457-7468

Rinaldi

www.rinaldi.it/en

Zogno (BG) Italy (39) 0345-94333

Shopbot Tools www.shopbottools.com

Durham, NC (866) 528-5915

Union Tool www.uniontoolcorp.com

Warsaw, IN (574) 267-3211

Vortex Tools www.vortextool.com

Schofield, WI (800) 355-7708

Wagner www.wagner-group.com

Plymouth, MN (800) 328-8251

TOOLS & MACHINERY

TOOLS & MACHINERY MANUFACTURERS

MACHINERY

Black Bros

www.blackbros.com

Mendota, IL (800) 252-2568

Bürkle

www.burkle.tech/us-en

Greensboro, NC (336) 660-2701

Cefla North America

www.ceflafinishing.com

Charlotte, NC (704) 598-0020

Choice Machinery Group

www.choicemachinerygroup.com

Holland, MI (616) 546-8225

Dackor

www.dackor.com

Winter Garden, FL (407) 654-5013

Evans Machinery

www.evansmidwest.com

Holland, MI (616) 546-8225

Giardina Group

www.giardinagroup.com

Figino Serenza, Como, Italy (39) 031-7830801

Hymmen

www.hymmen.com/en

North America-Gastonia, NC (704) 274-1400

Kleiberit

www.kleiberit.com

Weingarten, Germany (49) - 7244-62-0

Laguna Tools

www lagunatools.com

Huntington Beach, CA (888) 938-3753

Shopbot Tools

www shopbottools.com

Durham, NC (866)528-5915

SNX Technologies

www.snxtechnologies.com

Sauk Rapids, MN (320) 380-3800

Stiles

www.stilesmachinery.com

Grand Rapids, MI (616) 698-7500

Thermwood www.thermwood.com

Dale, IN (800) 533-6901

Trotec Laser

www.troteclaser.com

Plymouth, MA 866-226-8505

Uneeda

www.sandpaper.com

Spring Valley, NY (845) 415-6201

Venjakob

www.venjakob.in

Bangalore, India (91) 98-45-00-90-88

Formaldehyde Certifcation Deadline Looms

BY SARA GRAVES

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air quality (IAQ) can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air quality, and at times as much as 100 times higher, which can adversely affect the health of those who use these indoor spaces.

One chemical that the EPA has identified as potentially harmful is formaldehyde, a colorless gas, and Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) that emits compounds into the air slowly over time that have been shown to irritate some people’s eyes, nose, throat, or skin.

For this reason, formaldehyde, which is regularly used in building materials and paper products, such as fiberboard, particleboard, and plywood, has been consistently on the EPA’s radar to ensure that producers who incorporate it into their building products, adhere to strict guidelines to minimize harm.

In 2019, the U.S. EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Title VI Formaldehyde Emissions Standards for Composite Wood Products regulation went into effect which required all hardwood plywood, particleboard, and MDF manufacturers producing and/or selling panels in the United States to become “TSCA Title VI Certified,” said Josh Hosen, managing director of Capital Testing and Certification Services, an EPA-accredited third-party certifiers (TPCs) that certifies manufacturers under its Formaldehyde Emissions Certification Program.

Under TSCA Title VI, he said, “Laminated product producers” are entities that affix a wood or woody grass veneer to a composite wood substrate (i.e., particleboard, MDF, or veneer core), and then use that product to make a component part or finished good.

“Manufacturers of consumer wood products like engineered wood flooring, kitchen and bath cabinets, furniture, architectural panels, and many others could be considered “laminated product producers” depending on the details of their production process,” he said. “These entities are currently exempt from the TSCA Title VI certification requirement, but beginning March 22, 2024, laminated product

producers that use a formaldehyde-containing adhesive (other than phenol formaldehyde) to apply veneer to a substrate will be considered hardwood plywood producers and must be certified accordingly.”

Consequently, there are potentially thousands of laminated product producers that could fall under this regulation in the U.S. alone.

“There are a lot of smaller woodworking companies that may not even be aware this regulation applies to them,” he added.

And with only 33 EPA-accredited TPCs worldwide who can certify these producers prior to the deadline, it will be more important than ever for these producers to start the certification process early in 2023. At Capital Testing and Certification Services, for instance, it currently takes approximately 30-45 days to get certified, but as 2023 progresses, “that time will obviously be significantly longer…if we get inundated with a lot of requests all at once,” Hosen advised.

Conversely, some companies have opted to avoid the certification and testing processes altogether by changing their adhesive type from a urea formaldehyde (UF) to a no-added formaldehyde adhesive, including certain types of PVA (Polyvinyl-Alcohol Formaldehyde), Hosen said.

Nevertheless, Hosen stressed the importance of consulting a TPC even if switching to a different adhesive, because “there are certain alternative adhesives out there that are not fully no-added formaldehyde,” and could potentially subject the company to regulation. A TPC will help a company “review their production processes and determine if they need certification and can develop a timeline and discuss alternatives.”

Ironically, Hosen said they have not yet certified any laminated product producers (at time of printing). “We understand it’s a tough sell for folks to commit to getting certified two years in advance of when the regulation would actually require it. We just encourage companies to reach out and start the certification conversation sooner rather than later.” n

Timeline of EPA’s Formaldehyde Emission Standard Rulings

DECEMBER 12, 2016 , EPA published in the Federal Register a final rule to reduce exposure to formaldehyde emissions from certain wood products produced domestically or imported into the United States, according to epa.gov. The EPA worked with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to ensure the final national rule was consistent with California’s requirements for similar composite wood products.

JULY 11, 2017, EPA published a direct final rule to remove a provision in the formaldehyde final rule that prohibited early labeling of compliant products. It became effective on AUGUST 25, 2017

JUNE 1, 2018 , regulated composite wood panels and finished products containing such composite wood panels that are manufactured (in the United States) or imported (into the United States) had to be certified as compliant with either the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Title VI or CARB’s Airborne Toxic Control Measures (ATCM) Phase II emission standards, by a third-party certifier (TPC) approved by CARB and recognized by EPA. Previously, these products were required to be TSCA Title VI compliant by DECEMBER 12, 2018

Until MARCH 22, 2019, regulated products certified as compliant with the CARB ATCM Phase II emission standards had to be labeled as compliant with either the TSCA Title VI or the CARB ATCM Phase II emission standards. Regulated products manufactured in or imported into the United States after

MARCH 22, 2019, could not rely on the CARB reciprocity of 40 CFR 770.15(e) and had to be certified and labeled as TSCA Title VI compliant by an TPC with all of the required accreditations.

After MARCH 22, 2019, CARB-approved TPCs had to comply with additional accreditation requirements in order to remain recognized as an EPA TSCA Title VI TPC and to continue certifying products as TSCA Title VI compliant.

On MARCH 29, 2022 , EPA opened a public comment period on proposed technical updates to the Formaldehyde Emission Standards for Composite Wood Products final rule under the TSCA.

THE PROPOSED RULEMAKING:

• Provided updates to voluntary consensus standards to reflect the current editions that are in-use by regulated entities and industry stakeholders. The updates were needed to ensure continued consistency with the standards adopted and used by industry.

• Allowed for remote inspections in the event of unsafe conditions that would prevent a thirdparty certifier (TPC) from traveling in-person to the area. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, EPA provided temporary flexibility to allow TPCs to conduct remote inspections to satisfy the requirements of the rule. EPA proposed to make this flexibility permanent and allow TPCs to conduct the required

initial on-site inspection or quarterly inspections and sample collections remotely when in person, on-site inspections were temporarily impossible because of unsafe conditions.

• Included certain technical corrections and updates to create additional flexibilities for the thirdparty certification process, as well as clarifying language as it relates to the production of wood products. These corrections better aligned EPA’s rule with the CARB, allowing the two programs to work in tandem with one another in order to create an effective and efficient formaldehyde emissions regulatory system.

EPA accepted public comments on the proposed rule. The comment period closed on APRIL 28, 2022 On SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 , in response to comments received during the public comment period, the EPA proposed two technical updates to the voluntary consensus standards in the 2016 rule in order to reflect the current editions of standards used by regulated entities and industry stakeholders. EPA opened a supplemental public comment period on these proposed updates until OCTOBER 20, 2022 . The final ruling will be announced in early 2023. s p

2023

THE BEST OF THE BEST

Welcome to the sixth edition of the Surface & Panel Masters of the Industry. A goal of this edition is to recognize the innovative companies that supply the panel processing industry with materials, technology, and design. Throughout these pages, you’ll find leading suppliers that have chosen to be featured in this one-of-a-kind publication that showcases our industry’s products, services and processes.

We are truly grateful for the panel processing suppliers who share our vision, and we thank them for their support with this valuable, year-long reference and source of supply information.

DECOR DESIGN

DISTRIBUTION

You can find information about the products that the industry's trusted companies produce in the charts on the following pages.

DECORATIVE SURFACE MATERIALS

EDGE TREATMENTS

FINISHED PRODUCT

HARDWARE

FLAT LAMINATORS

PANEL PRODUCTS

TOOLING

PANEL PROCESSING

MASTERS: MATERIALS

3A COMPOSITES USA

3A Composites USA is a leading manufacturer of innovative, lightweight composite solutions used in the construction of interior wall panels, furniture, cabinetry, and fxtures for residential and commercial applications, as well as manufactured housing, RVs and marine.

Introducing all new MONARC™ wall panels for use in the design of bath and shower enclosures, kitchen backsplashes, living rooms, and other interior spaces. A specialized manufacturing process allows for the production of high quality fnishes and premium properties that ensure an extremely fat, light weight, and waterproof panel.

MONARC wall panels are easy to install with no trim work or grouting required, and ofer signifcant savings in transportation costs as well as easier handling and installation compared to natural stone, wood, tile and metal. They’re easy to cut and fabricate and can be formed into curves or dimensional panels for custom applications.

The high quality fnishes of MONARC wall panels are easy to maintain. Resistant to both fading and surface damage, they can be cleaned with common household cleaning products.

MONARC wall panels are available in 3mm thickness and standard sizes of 48-inch by 96-inch, and 60-inch by 96-inch, as well as custom sizes on request. They are also selfextinguishing and have Class A fre rating (ASTM E-84).

See it in person at the International Builder Show in January –Visit booth #SU520 to learn more!

721 Jetton Street, Suite 325

Davidson, NC 28036

P: 800-626-3365

E: Info.usa@3acomposites.com

WEB: www.3acompositesusa.com/monarc

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY

ALPHACAM

ALPHACAM

Smarter manufacturing means saving time, minimizing costs, producing more, selling more, communicating more clearly, and creating what you want, how you want. ALPHACAM software can help you achieve this and more.

Smarter manufacturing means saving time, minimizing costs, producing more, selling more, communicating more clearly, and creating what you want, how you want. ALPHACAM software can help you achieve this and more.

ALPHACAM is a full-featured, easy-to-use CAM solution for manufacturers wanting fast, efficient toolpaths and the generation of reliable, machine ready CNC code. It is used to manufacture everything from simple routed parts to complex 5-axis furniture and architectural stone components. With support for robust nesting, 3 to 5-Axis programming, and horizontal aggregates, ALPHACAM is the complete CAM solution.

ALPHACAM is a full-featured, easy-to-use CAM solution for manufacturers wanting fast, efficient toolpaths and the generation of reliable, machine ready CNC code. It is used to manufacture everything from simple routed parts to complex 5-axis furniture and architectural stone components. With support for robust nesting, 3 to 5-Axis programming, and horizontal aggregates, ALPHACAM is the complete CAM solution.

With a focus on productivity, reliability, and flexibility, ALPHACAM combines ease of use and intelligent automation strategies to help you produce more quality parts, in less time, and with the least amount of materials.

With a focus on productivity, reliability, and flexibility, ALPHACAM combines ease of use and intelligent automation strategies to help you produce more quality parts, in less time, and with the least amount of materials.

1300 McFarland Blvd NE, Suite 350

1300 McFarland Blvd NE, Suite 350

Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

Tuscaloosa, AL 35406

P: (800) 461-2015

P: (800) 461-2015

E: Info.us@alphacam.com

E: Info.us@alphacam.com

WEB: www.alphacam.com

WEB: www.alphacam.com

MASTERS: MATERIALS

AMERICAN LAMINATES

Look and feel the diference in our three texture lines. Our Fine Furniture Finish line has a nice classic feel; Real Wood Texture for those who prefer a deeper texture and our latest Engraved in Registered for more of the calming natural wood feel.

We have been producing thermal fused laminating panels in central California since 1988, located on 12 acres of land with 4 acres under roof. We ofer premium-only quality panels and cabinet parts such as edge-banded shelving, line bored, or grooved with just-in-time inventory. Visit our website at www.americanlaminates.com to see our color selection and order samples.

3142 Talbot Ave Riverbank, CA 95367

P: 800-800-2536

E: sales@americanlaminates.com

WEB: www.americanlaminates.com

MASTERS: MATERIALS

“Intelligent surfacing through transformative technology”

The Surface market is ripe for innovation. With its expertise in both decorative and industrial surfacing solutions, Arclin is uniquely positioned to drive product improvements to advance Surface performance and opportunity. The Arclin advantages:

Arclync ® by Arclin is a brand new technology that transforms wood panels from ordinary to extraordinary.

Arclync® is a highly versatile and easy-to-press overlay that protects decorative surfaces against UV, scratches, and moisture. It provides extremely high performance at a fraction of the cost of traditional decorative products.

Arclync® is designed for interior and exterior applications throughout the home, garden, and commercial buildings. Arclync® is available in an extensive variety of solid and woodgrain fnishes.

When it comes to quality and durability, Arclync® outperforms existing products at a fraction of the cost to you, and to the environment. Our technology uses fewer materials, is faster to apply, and requires less energy than anything else like it. That means it’s good for your bottom line, and lighter on the planet.

At Arclin, we believe in encouraging creativity, not limiting it. Our new surface technology, Arclync®, is not only easy-topress, it’s also totally customizable to achieve most any fnish from exceptionally smooth, to a hyper-realistic wood texture. Most importantly, Arclync® gives unparalleled protection against anything life can throw at it: sun, moisture, scratches and impacts. It’s the ultimate protector and smart choice.

MASTERS: MATERIALS

ATI DECORATIVE LAMINATES

ATI Decorative Laminates is a family owned and operated manufacturing company that has been a leader in innovative architectural and design surfacing products since 1979. Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, ATI designs and manufactures decorative wall panels, ceiling tiles, and trims in various substrates. ATI provides solutions for hospitality, healthcare and institutional, retail, commercial and residential markets. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ATI has added a divider/partition product; Deco-Defender. ATI also offers anti-microbial coatings, and many products have passed testing for compatibility with heavy-duty, anti-viral cleaners. The company’s focus on leadership, customer service and cutting-edge technology earned it ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001 certifications.

ATI’s latest innovation is MirroFlex MAX, wall panels which are deeply textured 4’ x 8’ panels in a thicker .045” material that is color-through for superior scratch and impact resistance. These are our boldest 3-dimensional patterns to date and provide even greater depth to walls. With six contemporary designs, MirroFlex™ MAX will make a room the envy of everyone. Combine these patterns with five new finishes to create a unique, modern look for any space.

OTHER ATI DECORATIVE LAMINATES PRODUCTS INCLUDE:

• FUSION

• NUMETAL

• LUMISPLASH

ATI Decorative Laminates

6106 West Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27409

P: 800.849.1320

E: sales@advtechnology.com

WEB: www.atilaminates.com

MASTERS: MATERIALS

BASF

ABOUT:

BASF’s acForm® enables the production of a new wood-based material for the furniture industry. Speci-fcally, it enables the production of a thermoplastic composite, which is storage-stable and suitable for production on existing MDF production lines. In contrast to standard thermoset boards, this new wood-based material enables a postmoldability and surface structuring of the MDF panel. This can be achieved in short cycle times by using standard furniture molders’ equipment. The increased moldability of the composite enables new design options. The 3D moldable fberboards (3MF) can be processed into traditionally molded parts such as seat shells, seat backings, and other curved or deeply structured components. As formaldehyde is not added to the binder system, the working environment is further improved. BASF ofers the possibility of producing acForm based on the biomass balance approach, using 100% bio-based raw material.

YOUR ADVANTAGES:

• TIME- AND COST-EF¬FICIENT PROCESS NEW DESIGN OPTIONS & HIGH SURFACE QUALITY FOR 3D WOOD FIBER PARTS

• HIGH DEGREE OF WOOD UTILIZATION

• NON-ADDED FORMALDEHYDE AND STORAGE-STABLE BINDER TECHNOLOGY

APPLICATIONS OF ACFORM:

• SHAPED FURNITURE (E.G. CHAIR PARTS)

• WALL PANELS

• FURNITURE FRONTS

• DOORS

• SPORTS EQUIPMENT (E.G. YOGABOARD)

• WHEREVER YOU WANT TO REALIZE EXTRAORDINARY DESIGNS WITH WOOD-BASED MATERIALS

11501 Steele Creek Road

Charlotte, USA 28273

E: dpsolutions@basf.com

WEB: www.basf.us/acForm

MASTERS: MATERIALS

BIERSON CORPORATION

Bierson Corporation is a commercial manufacturer specializing in custom CNC machining and 3D laminate membrane pressed products. Bierson’s superior quality, high volume capabilities, competitive pricing, product consistency and innovation make Bierson a commercial fabrication industry leader.

Our core competencies include: 3D pressing, dowel boring/ insertion, edgebanding, routing, v-grooving, miter folding, engraving, project engineering, prototyping, subassembly, machined parts up to 5' x 17', pressed materials up to 4’ x 8' and 2" thick, MDF combo thickness via glue press and more!

Ask us! We bring complex designs to life. Quality manufacturing. 3D laminate products. CNC machining. We manufacture based on your specifcations. Quotes are always free! Need a sample? No problem!

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY

BLACK BROS. CO

For 140 years now, Black Bros. Co. has remained a leading designer and manufacturer of roll coating and laminating equipment. Our machinery is known worldwide for its rugged durability and economic efciency. Our extensive product line covers a wide range of industries and markets, and our experts will work with you to craft a custom solution for your unique application.

One of our most heavy-duty machines is the Black Bros. TB-60 Hot Roll Laminator. The TB-60 is designed to laminate pre-glued decorative paper, melamine and foil to MDF and particle board at speeds up to 100 feet per minute. Our TB-60 ofers panel producers the fexibility and efciency to improve lead times and cost, while expanding the variety of fnishes they can ofer customers.

The Black Bros. Panel Express heat-assisted rotary laminator is designed to laminate all types of HPL. When used in conjunction with high-solids PVA adhesives, the Panel Express allows you to move from laminating into production without the need for additional curing or press time. Six driven, single-speed rolls force out air and a nip substrate and laminate together, while four area-wide radiant heaters raise surface temperature to reduce moisture and accelerate the adhesive cure.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:

• COMPLETE IN-LINE LAMINATING SYSTEMS

• ROTARY LAMINATORS

• PLATEN PRESSES

• ADHESIVE SPREADERS/ROLL COATERS

• 3-DIMENSIONAL PRESSES

• MATERIAL HANDLING

• TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND FIELD SERVICE

• COMPLETE ENGINEERING AND TEST LABORATORY

Black Bros. — family owned for six generations strong — prides itself in providing top-notch technical and feld service with excellent parts availability. Furthermore, our nearly 2,000 square foot test laboratory is the perfect place to prove out your challenging process. Consider Black Bros. quality, dependability and performance for your next laminating project.

501 Ninth Ave, PO Box 410 Mendota, IL 61432

E: info@blackbros.com

WEB: www.blackbros.com

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY

CASTALY MACHINE

Based in Los Angeles, CA, USA, and Montreal, Canada, Castaly Machine has been serving the U.S. market for over 30 years under the LOBO and CASTALY brands.

Now with 12 corporate factories and more than 15 ODM factories in Taiwan and China, Castaly Machine has been creating, building and modifying our line of machines based on the engineering knowledge of 38 years in the industr,; originally in Taiwan.

Castaly Machine makes every efort to ensure its equipment meets the highest possible standards of quality and durability ofering a wide range of machinery from small user requirements to large scale industrial manufacturers all at reasonable prices. We are pleased to ofer an extensive line of woodworking machinery including but not limited to: CNC routers; moulder; edge banders; rip, band, table, and panel saws; wide-belt, edge, curve and profle sanders; boring systems; lathes; planers and raised panel door shapers. In addition, Castaly Machine can assist in new product development or modify an existing machine to suit custom needs. We also ofer private label services for customers globally.

To enhance our North American presence and strengthen our product awareness, Castaly has partnered with over 50 machinery dealers that are spread throughout the US and Canada. Our exclusive dealers ofer many years of experience and knowledge and have personal relationships providing one-on-one interactions with their customers.

Along with providing the best value for the price and an industry standard 1-year warranty on all machinery parts, Castaly Machine is proud of our friendly customer service and quality technical support ofering installation of new machinery, training, and repairs. Professionalism, quality, and service have made Castaly Machine one of the top importers in the U.S. woodworking machine industry today.

MASTERS: MATERIALS

CEFLA NORTH AMERICA

Cefla Finishing is the world leader in the design and production of automated finishing solutions for painting, decoration, and industrial digital printing. From compact, intuitive solutions to the most complex and complete finishing line, Cefla provides a comprehensive range of equipment to satisfy all levels of productivity and production requirements. With experience spanning 70 years, Cefla is at the forefront of the industry, acquiring expertise in sectors spanning from wood and wood derivatives to glass, plastic, fiber cement, composite materials, and metal. Through process innovation, advanced technologies and specialized software tools, we provide many industries with an opportunity to evolve. Today, Cefla creates business partnerships and ensures integrated solutions which are designed according to client requirements and objectives. Cefla’s wealth of patented technologies pioneer the digitalization process to embrace the advantages of Industry 4.0.

PRODUCTS MADE IN USA:

• CFS COMPACT FLOORING SYSTEM

• CVR VACUUM IR FINISHING SYSTEM

• CVS VACUUM UV FINISHING SYSTEM

• UNIDRY-G GAS DRYING TECHNOLOGY

PRODUCTS MADE IN ITALY:

• PRIMA • MITO • EASY • ROCTRE • IBOTIC

• IGIOTTO • IGIOTTO APP • UV-R OVEN

• OMNIDRY VERTICAL OVEN • AQUADRY IN-LINE OVEN

• SMARTCOATER PRO ROLLER COATING TECHNOLOGY

• J-PRINT INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL PRINTING SOLUTIONS

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO DISCOVER MORE OF THE LATEST FINISHING SOLUTIONS.

6125 Harris Technology Blvd

Charlotte, NC 28269 USA

P: +1 704-598-0020

E: info@ceflaamerica.com

WEB: www.ceflafinishing.com

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY CHOICE MACHINERY GROUP

Proudly building American machinery brands. Choice Machinery Group manufactures American-made machinery brands in Holland, Michigan USA. We build the iconic brands of Ritter Machinery and Evans Midwest. Known as the Cabinetmaker’s Brand, Ritter Machinery provides heavy, ruggedly built, user-friendly machines to cabinet shops throughout North America. On the other hand, Evans Midwest, a merger of both the Evans Machinery and Midwest Automation brands, provides Laminating and Postforming machinery, and automated systems, within these sectors.

Our team delivers high-quality, dependable, and cutting-edge machinery and automation solutions for a variety of industries. To learn more about our machinery product families, visit choicemachinerygroup.com.

MACHINERY:

• PANEL LAMINATING MACHINERY

• COUNTERTOP/POSTFORMING MACHINERY

• SIP PRODUCTION LAMINATING MACHINERY

• 3D LAMINATING MACHINERY

• MATERIAL HANDLING

• AUTOMATED SYSTEMS

INDUSTRIES SERVED:

• SECONDARY WOOD PROCESSING

• FURNITURE

• CASE GOODS

• BUILDING MATERIALS

• AVIATION

WEB:

WEB:

Machines for Casegoods

Production Countertop Machinery

Laminating Machinery & Systems

MASTERS: MATERIALS

DACKOR

Dackor specializes in laminates that can be utilized by manufacturers, installers, designers, or architects. Dackor laminates can be employed to create compelling retail environments, modern living spaces, eye catching hospitality atmospheres, or lively ofce settings. With colors and textures to meet any space, we have a design to ft your project needs. Also, to help meet challenges in project specifcations, Dackor ofers special services, from a small roll program to slitting and protective peel-coat applications.

With global supply issues, Dackor is quickly becoming the goto provider of continuous 2D laminates for fat lamination and profle wrapping & 3D Laminate thermofoils for membrane vacuum pressing. Due to having the largest inventory in North America, we ship daily to manufacturers of components, kitchens, closets, store fxtures, recreational vehicle tops, healthcare furniture, and wall cladding so that your project or product is received on time.

In addition, we produce our laminates to match TFL, MDF, Edge-banding and our surfaces can be laminated to Phenolic (HPL), Board, Plastics or Peel and Stick backed. The ultimate goal is to ofer “the complete surfacing solution.”

PRODUCTS:

• 3D LAMINATES

• 2D FOR FLAT AND PROFILE WRAP

• PEELSTIX™ PEEL AND STICK LAMINATE

• SPECIALIZED DECORATIVE LAMINATES: PET, Paintable, Printable, Anti-grafti, Dry-Erase, Metalized and Recycled Laminates

KITCHEN | OFFICE | HOTEL | HEALTHCARE STORE | WALL | CLOSET | SIGN | RVs

310 E Crown Point Rd

Winter Garden, FL 34787

EMAIL: service@dackor.com

P: 407-654-5013 WEB: www.dackor.com

MASTERS: MATERIALS

DAUBERT CHEMICAL COMPANY

Daubond adhesives are high-performance adhesives used for thermoforming, lamination and assembly applications. A global leader in the adhesives market, we offer our clients a wide range of adhesive products designed to meet your specific application requirements. Each of our product lines is available in a range of formulations that meet or exceed industry standards.

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS:

• FLAT LAMINATION

• 3D MEMBRANE PRESS

• PROFILE WRAPPING

• EDGE BANDING

• HIGH DURABILITY PUR COATINGS

• ASSEMBLY BONDING

Daubert Chemical Company has held a leadership role in providing Specialty Coatings and Adhesives, since 1935. Serving the steel, automotive, transportation and general manufacturing industries. Daubert has focused on corrosion prevention coatings, industrial anti-skid coatings, sound deadening coatings and specialty adhesives.

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS:

• HOT MELT PUR (POLYURETHANE) ADHESIVES

• LIQUID PUR (POLYURETHANE) ADHESIVES

• EPOXY ADHESIVES

• POLYURETHANE DISPERSIONS

• VINYL TO METAL ADHESIVES

4700 S. Central Avenue

Chicago, IL 60638

P: 866-368-3983

F: 708-496-7367

WEB: www.daubertchemical.com

MASTERS: MATERIALS

MASTERS: MATERIALS

DEERWOOD FASTENERS

DEERWOOD FASTENERS

Deerwood Fasteners has been a leader in supplying fasteners to the kitchen cabinet and furniture industries since 1972. They offer a wide variety of fasteners for the woodworking, cabinet and institutional furniture industry. Selling mostly through distribution, Deerwood offers both a bulk and packaged fastener program. Over 90% of the products we sell, are manufactured in our own facilities. Our employees are dedicated and focused on accurate, and complete on-time deliveries. Deerwood Fasteners also provides engineering support to help our manufacturing and distribution partners consolidate inventories, design new products and develop programs to increase efficiencies. Deerwood Fasteners is a division of Pan American Screw and a member of the Marmon / Berkshire-Hathaway organization. Deerwood Fasteners offer full container and partial container direct sales as well as inventory management programs designed specifically for each customer’s needs. Come and experience the “Deerwood Difference” today.

Deerwood Fasteners has been a leader in supplying fasteners to the kitchen cabinet and furniture industries since 1972. They offer a wide variety of fasteners for the woodworking, cabinet and institutional furniture industry. Selling mostly through distribution, Deerwood offers both a bulk and packaged fastener program. Over 90% of the products we sell, are manufactured in our own facilities. Our employees are dedicated and focused on accurate, and complete on-time deliveries. Deerwood Fasteners also provides engineering support to help our manufacturing and distribution partners consolidate inventories, design new products and develop programs to increase efficiencies. Deerwood Fasteners is a division of Pan American Screw and a member of the Marmon / Berkshire-Hathaway organization. Deerwood Fasteners offer full container and partial container direct sales as well as inventory management programs designed specifically for each customer’s needs. Come and experience the “Deerwood Difference” today.

630 Reese Drive, Conover, NC 28613

630 Reese Drive, Conover, NC 28613

P: 800-438-5146

P: 800-438-5146

WEB: www.deerwood.com

WEB: www.deerwood.com

MASTERS: MATERIALS

DVUV

DVUV is the world leader in UV cured powder coatings on MDF, Medium Density Fiberboard. We combine over 30 years of fnishing experience with a technology that delivers high quality powder coated MDF components. Our single step fnishing process takes only 20 minutes and is 40-60% more energy efcient than thermoset powder coatings for MDF.

OUR PRODUCTS:

Our UVMax® UV curable powder is solvent free, non-toxic, and contains no VOCs or HAPs. We use only MDF that is 100% pre-consumer recycled content, CARB compliant, and qualifes for LEED credits. We can custom color match just about any color, texture, and gloss and antimicrobial protection is also now available.

HOW WE WORK:

We make it easy: you give us a drawing, quantities, and a color standard. We match your fnish, source the MDF, route and coat it, then pack and ship the parts directly to you.

INDUSTRIES WE SERVE:

• RETAIL

• OFFICE

• HEALTHCARE

• HOSPITALITY

• EDUCATION

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

• STORE FIXTURES

• ERGONOMIC DESKS

• TEACHERS DESKS

• SCIENCE TABLES

• CABINETRY

• MEDICAL CARTS

• ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS

SEE FOR YOURSELF - REQUEST A SAMPLE

To request a powder coated MDF sample please visit www.dvuv.com/samples or scan the QR code on the right.

4641 Hinckley Industrial Parkway

Cleveland, OH 44109

P: 216-741-5511

F: 216-741-6611

WEB: sales@dvuv.com

E: www.dvuv.com

MASTERS: MATERIALS

EGGER WOOD PRODUCTS

When it comes to engineered wood-based decorative surfaces, EGGER’s thermally fused laminates (TFL) are a game-changer. The company’s high-quality, sustainable panels deliver versatile designs for interior spaces, ofering authentic wood and material reproductions, and solid colors.

Produced with decorative paper permanently fused onto both sides of a particleboard substrate, TFL saves processing time and delivers signifcant cost savings—versus alternatives like plywood or wood veneers—without sacrifcing quality or performance.

What’s more, with EGGER’s Decor Match System, fabricators, architects and designers can fnd ideally matched thermally fused laminate (TFL), laminates and edge banding, all manufactured from a single source, saving valuable time and resources and delivering the best possible match in surface color and texture.

Thanks to the company’s trusted partnerships with complementary product and cabinet door manufacturers, customers can also easily order 3D Laminates, door mouldings or pre-fabricated cabinet doors, all in EGGER-matched decors, for seamless, harmonious designs.

As a global leader in the manufacturing of wood-based solutions, EGGER has demonstrated its commitment to its North American customers through a $550 million investment in a state-of-theart particleboard and TFL plant in Lexington, N.C. Additional investments have been planned for the future.

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY

EVERGREEN ENGINEERING ®, INC

Established in the Pacifc Northwest in 1985, Evergreen Engineering®, Inc., is a multi-discipline, full-service consulting engineering frm serving the engineered wood products industry throughout North America. With ofces in Eugene, Oregon, Atlanta, Georgia, and now Everett, Washington, we have completed thousands of projects all over the U.S. and around the world.

Evergreen specializes in mechanical, civil/structural, electrical/ controls, environmental, and chemical engineering. We have been designing facilities, implementing new technology, and improving process operations at board plants—including laminated veneer lumber, particleboard, and medium-density fber board—for 37 years.

We are profcient in all process areas, from raw material handling to fnished panels, and are particularly adept with integrating process operations with utilities and central systems. We have specialized expertise in agrifber and recycled wood raw material applications.

Evergreen appreciates the importance of project planning. We can help to formulate and assess options and tradeofs early in the planning phase, to achieve maximum leverage and opportunity for success. We can then assist with project scope defnition, accurate cost estimation, payback justifcation, detailed engineering, even construction management, commissioning, and startup.

Evergreen has also been proactive in understanding and developing tools to deal with crucial board plant issues such as raw materials supply, energy conservation, and environmental controls—we can provide innovative solutions in these critical areas.

EUGENE OFFICE:

1740 Willow Creek Circle

Eugene, OR 97402

P: (541) 484-4771

EVERETT OFFICE: 13322 Evergreen Way, Suite 201

Everett, WA 98204

P: (888) 484-4771

ATLANTA OFFICE: 8607 Roberts Drive, Suite 100 Atlanta, GA 30350

P: (404) 267-1471

EMAIL (ALL OFFICES):

E: aedewards@eeeug.com

WEB: www.evergreenengineering.com

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY

FAGUS-GRECON, INC.

Since 1911, Fagus-GreCon has created and applied innovative technology to maximize production. Our goal remains to assist our customers by providing technologically advanced equipment to ensure safer facilities, optimized production, and verifable product quality to their customers.

GRECON SPARK DETECTION AND EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS:

• Eliminates Ignition sources before fres and explosions can occur.

• GreCon spark detection and extinguishing systems help make your facility safer, maintain production up-time, minimize equipment damage, and reduce insurance premiums.

• Meets NFPA standards and is FM approved.

GRECON MEASURING EQUIPMENT:

We ofer measuring systems to our customers in the wood based panel industry to record and process almost every relevant measuring need and size with the goal to save you money.

• Thickness Measurement

• Blow Detection - Detection of Defects and Internal Blisters

• Fiber Inspection

• Moisture Measurement

• Length Control

• Optimization of Material Distribution

• Multiple Lab Measuring Devices

FEATURED MEASURING PRODUCTS:

• GRECON LASER THICKNESS GAUGE

• DML 6000 – precise measurement of material thickness using laser technology.

• GRECON INLINE BLOW + DELAMINATION DETECTION

• UPU 6000 – ultrasonic bond analyzer to detect defects and internal blisters.

• GRECON FORMATOR

• Reduces material cost, improves quality and helps reduce process costs.

• Using a combination of a segmented scalper and an x-ray scanner (Diefensor) the system improves the material distribution of the mat.

WEB: www.fagus-grecon.us

MASTERS: MATERIALS

FENIX ®

Versatile and innovative, FENIX is an inspiring starting point for novel design projects.

Ideal for furniture such as tables, bookcases, chairs, partition walls, and to decorate any room you like. In the bathroom, in the kitchen, in living areas, as a work surface material, for covering units, doors and walls, or for backsplashes. But also outside the home: in ofces, on transportation, in public places, and in the hospitality and healthcare felds.

FENIX materials are highly resistant to scratches, abrasion, dry heat, acid-based solvents and household reagents. Thermal healing of superfcial micro-scratches is also possible. FENIX surfaces have a unique non-porous external layer, allowing the material to stay neat with simple, everyday care and cleaning methods. They are also suitable for contact with food.

FENIX have these characteristics by undergoing a particular series of processes, including a multilayer coating and the use of next-generation acrylic resins, which are hardened and fxed through an Electron Beam Curing process. With low light refectivity, their surface is extremely opaque, soft touch and anti-fngerprint.

MASTERS: M ATERIALS

FGV America Inc.

FGV America began in 2019 as the US subsidiary of Formenti & Giovenzana S.p.A (FGV) to serve and support the US market with distribution centers in Simi Valley CA and Winston-Salem NC. FGV was founded in 1947 and has grown into one of the largest functional hardware groups in the world, providing the cabinetry and furniture markets with quality functional hardware ever since through multiple production facilities (Italy, Slovakia, Brazil, China) and numerous distribution centers globally. FGV stands behind the slogan “Great Numbers, Great Value” in our aim to provide the highest quality products with the features needed for your project requirements, while at afordable prices and availability to everyone.

PRODUCTS INCLUDE:

• OMNIA L AnyClick system hinges with integrated Linear SlowMotion Technology

• EXCEL concealed soft-close or touch-open 6-way adjustment undermount system

• X-TREME side-mount ball bearing systems in both standard and soft-close

• TEN2 slim double wall drawer system with soft-close or a combined soft-close/push-open movement

• KOMPAKT face frame series in various overlays and functions/features

• AeroPLUS adjustable lift mechanism for doors up to 20kg (44lbs)

• AeroWING lid stay/fap mechanism which hold the door in any position

• AeroLIFT+ gas piston lift with integrated soft-close damper

MASTERS: MATERIALS

FORMICA CORPORATION

Formica Corporation has long been known for its broad array of innovative patterns and taste-making colors. As the inventor of decorative laminate in 1913, we’re a leading provider of branded, designed surfacing solutions for commercial and residential customers worldwide. Designers and specifers look to us for a variety of beautiful, functional surfaces ready to infuse their projects with style and durability.

SURFACE OFFERINGS INCLUDE:

• Formica® High Pressure Laminate: This collection of 300+ solid colors, on-trend patterns, stone looks and woodgrain visuals redefnes modern surfacing. A range of complementary edge profles and textures creates polished designs.

• HardStop® Decorative Protection Panels: With a fberglass core and a Class A fre rating, these panels pair highperformance impact resistance with design savvy.

• Everform® Solid Surface: These hygienic, non-porous surfaces can be molded into any shape, making them excellent for countertops, sinks and shower surrounds as well as custom worktables or bars.

• DecoMetal® Metal Laminates: Luxe metal looks add sophistication, energy and shine to elevate ofce, retail, hospitality and other commercial spaces while giving a nod to craftsmanship.

With hundreds of attractive selections across a range of durable surfaces, Formica Corporation is your go-to for creative surfacing solutions that redefne contemporary spaces.

10155 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241

P: 1-800-FORMICA (367-6422)

E: consumer.relations@formica.com

WEB: www.formica.com

MASTERS: MATERIALS

FRANKLIN ADHESIVES & POLYMERS

Franklin Adhesives & Polymers, a division of Franklin International, manufactures adhesives for the domestic and global wood furniture, millwork, and cabinet markets. The division supplies product and local service all across North America and in more than 60 countries on six continents across the globe, and operates a plant in Guangzhou, China to serve the Pacifc Rim more efciently.

Franklin Adhesives & Polymers has led the way in the innovation of adhesives for wood and wood products and ofers an adhesive solution for most applications in the wood product manufacturing plant. Under the trusted brand names Titebond, Multibond, ReacTITE and Advantage, these products provide superior performance in wood assembly, solid edge and face gluing, HPL lamination and fnger jointing.

PRODUCTS:

• ONE- AND TWO-PART PVA EMULSION ADHESIVES

• RADIO FREQUENCY, HOT AND COLD PRESS COMPATIBLE ADHESIVES

• LAMINATION PRODUCT LINE:

• LAMINATING 460 FOR FIRE-RATED PARTICLEBOARD

• FOR HPL LAMINATION:

• Laminating 25

• Laminating 50

• FastStick Contact Adhesives

AN ADHESIVE SOLUTION FOR MOST APPLICATIONS:

• WOOD ASSEMBLY

• SOLID EDGE AND FACE GLUING

• HPL LAMINATION

• FINGER JOINTING

2020 Bruck Street., Columbus, Ohio USA 43207 P: 1-800-877-4583

E: marketing@franklininternational.com

WEB: www.FranklinAdhesivesandPolymers.com

MASTERS: MATERIALS

FUNDER AMERICA, INC.

Funder America, Inc. has been a leading provider of thermally fused laminate (TFL) decorative panels in the US for 50 years. Funder ofers traditional and premium decors that are on the forefront of industry design trends. We are a trusted source for delivering value to our customers through distinctive TFL designs and fnishes, fexibility in core materials, ofering a wide range of panel size and thickness capabilities.

Funder America continues to present new designs that are spot-on for emerging decor trends. Our most recent introduction of the Sirin Walnut, Shannon Oak, and Cabrera Elme designs, Funder America has created a compelling portfolio that is sure to inspire architects and designers across all markets.

Fall of 2022, Funder launched the Kora laminate technology. This unique patented Kora technology creates a surface that allows TFL panels to easily be stained or painted with a variety of coating types, providing a cost-efective alternative for veneers and painted MDF. It’s sure to change the way the world sees TFL.

Headquartered in Mocksville, North Carolina, Funder has three strategically located facilities. The Mocksville facility includes panel lamination, full component capabilities, and MDF powder coating. In addition, Funder has panel lamination facilities in Hope, Arkansas, and Sebring, Florida. Whatever your decorative TFL surface needs, Funder has it covered.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

• PANELS: Decorative Thermally Fused Laminate Panels

• COMPONENTS: Cut-to-size, Edge Banding, Slab Doors, Closet & Cabinet

• POWDER COATING: MDF, Veneer and Natural Wood

• ASSEMBLY: Multi-Family Casework Manufacturing & Assembly

PANEL CORE MATERIALS

• PARTICLE BOARD

• MDF & HDF

• CROSS BANDED PLYWOOD

• MOISTURE RESISTANT MATERIALS

HEADQUARTERS

200 Funder Drive, Mocksville, NC 27028

P: 336-751-3501

FUNDER AMERICA – HOPE

3754 Hwy 32 North, Hope, AR 71801

P: 870-722-5300

FUNDER AMERICA – SEBRING

12 Crosley Land, Sebring, FL 33870

P: 863-655-0208

WEB: www.FunderAmerica.com

SCAN TO SEE FUNDER DESIGNS

SIRIN WALNUT

CABRERA ELME

SHANNON OAK

MASTERS: MATERIALS

GENESIS PRODUCTS

Genesis Products is a trusted outsource partner to the Cabinet & Storage, Store Fixture, Ofce & Education, Recreational Vehicle, Furniture and Healthcare Industries.

Genesis Products operates nine facilities with over 900,000 square feet of production capacity. At Genesis Products we pride ourselves on being able to serve the needs of all our customers by providing product leadership, speed of services and unique experiences.

Our in-house capabilities put leading edge laminate technology within reach from a single dependable source. We combine material expertise with world class design engineering, plus best in class technology and 100% domestic production.

When orders outpace your in-house capabilities, call Genesis. We are ready to ramp up and invest in a long-term supplier relationship.

PRODUCTS:

• LAMINATED PANELS

• TFL PANELS

• PANEL PROCESSING

• HPL PANELS & DESK-TOPS

• PET PANELS & PRIVACY SCREENS

• 3DL THERMOFOIL COMPONENTS

• WRAPPED MOULDINGS

• CABINET DOORS & COMPONENTS

• DRAWER BOXES & RAILS

• GLOBAL SOURCING & SUPPLY

1853 Eisenhower Drive S., Goshen, IN 43526

P: 877-266-8292

E: panelexperts@genesisproductsinc.com

WEB: www.genesisproductsinc.com

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY

GIARDINA GROUP

GiardinaGroup is a world leader in finishing technologies for wood, glass, composite materials, plastics and metal. It is born from the merger of Mauri Machine and Giardina Finishing, both of which were founded in the early 1970s. It also includes the very recent acquisition of De Stefani, which added 40 years of sanding experience from the company, based in Birone di Giussano (Monza Brianza).

GiardinaGroup specializes in the design, development and production of machines. We do complete installations for roller coating, curtain and spray coating; automated and robotized lines with hot air, UV or micro-wave drying systems; overhead lines for painting window frames or three-dimensional pieces, spray booths, and sanding solutions for edges, profiles and surfaces.

GiardinaGroup has two main manufacturing sites: In January 2018 all the production activities connected with finishing were brought together in the large space in Figino Serenza (Como, Italy), the historical site of Giardina Finishing, whereas the design and manufacturing of the sanding solutions will still go on in the De Stefani facilities in Birone di Giussano (Monza Brianza).

MASTERS: MATERIALS

GRASS AMERICA INC.

Functional Hardware is more than just metal, plastic, and fttings; it’s the connection that brings cabinetry to life. Whether it’s a craftsman creating one-of-a-kind pieces in their workshop or a multi-million-dollar manufacturing facility supplying retail stores, Grass provides the movement systems that enhance the homeowner’s experience beyond the design and fnish. For over 75 years, Grass has delivered quality-driven functional hardware that, like us, withstand the test of time. Our mission is to create innovative, world-class movement systems that energize and stimulate the ideas that carry the industry forward. Quality is at the forefront of everything we do, extending beyond the physical product and into the shop, where thoughtful features and unmatched customer service keep your shop running smoothly.

We are proud to serve the industry with top-of-line hinges, drawer slides, drawer systems, and lifter systems.

OUR PORTFOLIO OF SYSTEMS INCLUDES:

• CONCEALED HINGES, FRAME & FRAMELESS

• DOUBLE-WALL METAL DRAWER SYSTEMS

• METAL DRAWER SYSTEMS

• UNDERMOUNT SLIDES

• LIFTER SYSTEMS

• AUTOMATIC OPENING DEVICES

• ASSEMBLY AIDS AND MACHINERY

Grass America is a quality-driven manufacturer of functional hardware and accessories for residential and commercial cabinetry. Founded in 1977, our frst-class movement systems can be found in kitchens, baths, and ofce facilities across the United States. Our manufacturing facility, located in North Carolina, is supported by distribution points across the country and a staf of dedicated industry professionals with customer service as their focus. Visit us at www.grassusa.com and explore the full line of innovative hardware solutions Grass ofers.

E:

MASTERS: MATERIALS

HARDWARE HUT

Hardware Hut is a division of Spokane Hardware Supply, Inc., a fourthgeneration, family owned distributor established in 1945 in the Pacifc Northwest. Hardware Hut began its journey as our online catalog in 1995 and has grown to ofer one of the largest selections of decorative and functional hardware on the internet.

Whether you’re a cabinet millwork shop, contractor, interior designer or architect, our comprehensive selection and dedicated team of experts provide a personalized customer service and purchasing experience.

Our ofering includes the latest innovations from leading brands to inspire and elevate your designs. With over 75 years of experience in specialized distribution, we aren’t just another online vendor but instead a trusted, knowledgeable partner in your success for every project.

FEATURING THE LASTEST TRENDS!

• CABINET KNOBS & PULLS

• KITCHEN CABINET ORGANIZERS

• CABINET LIGHTING

• DOOR HARDWARE

• SLIDING DOOR TRACK SYSTEMS

• CLOSET ORGANIZERS

• ARCHITECTURAL RAILINGS

• BATHROOM ACCESSORIES

• COMMERCIAL HARDWARE

• LACQUER & COATINGS

TRADE ACCOUNT BENEFITS!

• PLACE ORDERS VIA PURCHASE ORDER

• VIEW ORDER STATUS, STATEMENTS & INVOICES

• CHECK INVENTORY & OBTAIN JOB QUOTES

We are proud to partner with industry leading manufacturers to provide one of the most amazing selections of hardware available online:

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY

HETTICH

AVANTECH YOU: DRAWERS AS YOU PLEASE

AvanTech YOU speaks a new, sleekly linear design language. The slender drawer side profles in impeccably purist design come in a thickness of only 13mm and are entirely without any visible holes, apertures or cover caps. This permits handleless design in uncompromising perfection both inside and out. Given the ease with which a drawer can be customized in terms of color, shape and material, furniture manufacturers and buyers of furniture can both stand out from the crowd. The drawers can be confgured in three colors and fve heights with steel, aluminum or wooden rear panels. Even within the product range, designer profles in stainless steel, chrome and aluminum look or walnut and oak look, DesignCapes in anodized aluminum and stainless steel look as well as the AvanTech YOU Inlay drawer side profle all create a huge variety of individualized attractive solutions. This opens up the potential for kitchen and furniture manufacturers to set themselves apart from the competition: with their own furniture design in diferent price segments, targeted response to customer wishes and the system’s tremendous cost efectiveness.

NEW!

Give your furniture its very own lighting signature with AvanTech YOU Illumination: clip on design profles with integrated, homogeneous LED light illuminate the inside of the drawer when it’s open or make a stunning statement on the outside of the drawer.

Exclusive highlights too are the illuminated glass inlays, either with polished or ground edges for distinctive lighting efects.

Operated by rechargeable battery, there’s no need for any connection to mains power. No plug—just play!

Design distinctive drawers with Hettich

4295 Hamilton Mill Road Suite 400, Buford, GA., 30518

P: +1 800-438-8424 WEB: www.hettich.com

E: info@hettichamerica.net

MASTERS: MATERIALS

HEXION INC.

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Hexion Inc. is a global leader in thermoset resins. Through a broad range of thermoset technologies and specialty products, Hexion serves and supports customers in diverse industrial and wood markets.

Hexion is the world leader in supplying advanced resins, adhesives, and wax emulsions to the laminate industry. In addition to high quality, forward-thinking technologies, Hexion prides itself on providing customers with top-notch technical assistance in developing products and honing processes to create the beautiful, functional and high performance materials today’s designers, architects, builders and regulators insist on.

OUR CUSTOMERS MAKE:

• INDUSTRIAL OVERLAYS

• IMPREGNATED DECORATIVE PAPER

• LAMINATES

WE SUPPLY:

• FLOORING

• PB/MDF

• FURNITURE, CABINETS AND DOORS

• ECOBIND™ ULTRA-LOW EMITTING RESIN TECHNOLOGY FOR ADHESIVES: UF, PRF, NO-ADDED UF (PVAS, EPIS, HOT MELT)

• PHENCAT™ CATALYSTS

• ASTRO™ AMINO AND MELAMINE RESINS FOR LAMINATING & ADHESIVES

• CASCOREZ™ AMINO RESINS AND EMULSIONS

• WONDERBOND™ WATERBORNE ADHESIVES

• BORD’N-SEAL™ AND CASCOWAX® WAX EMULSIONS

180 East Broad Street

Columbus, OH 43215

P: 888-443-9466

E: service@hexion.com

WEB: www.hexion.com

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY

HYMMEN

MACHINES AND LINES FOR EXCELLENT SURFACES

Hymmen is a medium-sized mechanical and plant engineering company with more than 125 years of tradition. We predominantly deal with industrial production technology for the large volume production of board materials or the surface fnishing of board or roll materials. Our headquarters with ofce buildings and production halls are located in the heart of Bielefeld, Germany. With 190 employees worldwide we work on investment projects for our customers in the following industries:

• FURNITURE

• FLOORING

• DOORS/GATES

• DECORATIVE LAMINATES

• BUILDING MATERIALS

• STEEL AND ALUMINIUM

• COMPOSITES AND TECHNICAL LAMINATES

As highly innovative and forward-looking high-tech company we continuously develop and manufacture state-of-the-art machines and plants for our customers. Our products (machines and lines) are divided into the following areas:

• DOUBLE BELT PRESSES

• INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL PRINTING LINES

• MULTI OPENING PRESSES

• LAMINATING LINES

• LINES FOR LIQUID COATING INCL. DIRECT PRINTING

• CALANDER COATING INERT (CCI)

• AUTOMATION AND CONTROL TECHNOLOGY

• SERVICE

Our customers proft from our technological partnership. We operate a spacious technical center and laboratory in which we can test and optimize all production processes with customers’ original materials.

Our long-standing relationships with customers speak for themselves. Hymmen is the right partner for every customer seeking high-quality mechanical engineering combined with profound technological know-how, innovative strength and development potential for its own products within our industry.

HYMMEN DIGITAL LACQUER EMBOSSING (DLE) TECHNOLOGY FOR OUTSTANDING OPTICS AND HAPTICS

Hymmen North America, Corp.

c/o European Machinery Services

3302 S New Hope Rd., Suite 300-E Gastonia, NC 28056

P: +1 704-274-1400 WEB: www.hymmen.com

E: info@hymmen.com

MASTERS: MATERIALS

IFS COATINGS

IFS PureClad powder coatings are an exciting new way to deliver protection, durability and color to heat sensitive substrates like wood and MDF.

The PureClad range includes innovative powder primers that deliver superior protection, ofer great sandability and moisture protection and will accept both powder and traditional liquid topcoats. PureClad X, our incredible powder topcoat demonstrates great application characteristics and excellent chemical and stain resistance. It’s available in a wide range of colors and gloss levels, as well as smooth and textured fnishes.

All PureClad powders maintain fexibility over time delivering frst class crack, chip and mar resistance and apply uniformly with excellent flm build.

What’s more, where customers and manufacturers are looking for a more environmentally responsible choice, PureClad ofers a signifcantly improved sustainability footprint over competing technologies, with no VOCs and no formaldehyde just two of the many awesome advantages.

PureClad powders deliver a complete, sustainable solution featuring fast fnishing with an extremely economic operational footprint, gorgeous aesthetics and exceptional physical performance. Check out IFS PureClad and ask for more information.

PureClad

Powder for heat sensitive substrates

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY

IMEAS, Inc.

IMEAS is a Global manufacturer of Heavy-Duty, State-of-the-Art Sanders, with headquarters and primary manufacturing in Italy.

IMEAS has representation ofces in North America, Australia, and China—and a network of very expert and competent agents in most countries.

The name IMEAS, acronym for “Industrial Machines and Special Equipment” defnes the charter of the company from the start: the creation of complex machines with advanced technology and, above all, bound to solve production problems and to develop brand new products to improve the quality and proftability of its customer’s processes. 2021 marked the company’s 55th Anniversary of Innovation and Service to its customers.

SERVICES:

• RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

• TEST AND SIMULATION

• INSTALLATION

• OPERATORS TRAINING

• AFTER SALES SUPPORT (Spare Parts & Onsite Technical Assistance)

PRODUCTS:

• LATEST MODEL EVOL SANDERS

• NEW 4-SIDED SYSTEMS FOR GLULAM BEAMS

• CROSS BELT SANDING MACHINES

• ULTRA FINISHING (UF) MACHINES

• HIGH PRESSURE LAMINATE (HPL) CALIBRATING

1125 Commerce Dr., Ste. 200

Peachtree City, GA 30269

P: 678-364-1900

F: 678-364-1920

www.imeasinc.com

MASTERS: DESIGN

INTERPRINT

“Think global, act local” – that is the philosophy pursued by Interprint for more than 50 years. With more than 1,400 employees worldwide, the Interprint Group is one of the leading décor printers.

Interprint’s designs decorate the surfaces of all types of woodbased panels that are processed into furniture, fooring and used for interior fnishing.

Wood, stone and abstract designs by Interprint are eyecatching because of an authenticity that is also at the foundation of the company’s corporate culture.

P: 413-443-4733

WEB: www.interprint.com

MASTERS: MATERIALS

IVM GROUP - MILESI BRAND

IVM Group is one of the largest companies in Europe and worldwide, specializing in the production of wood coatings, with their own branches in Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Greece, Poland and US, present in more than 100 countries through specialized retailers.

The state-of-the-art-plant in Parona, Italy, a unique production plant for size and architecture, develops on an area of more than 15 hectares. Production facilities have been designed and built to ensure production standards among the highest in the world, both quantitatively and qualitatively.

The production processes are broadly automated, with the precise aim of improving the quality of processed and fnished products, in full compliance with the legislation on personal and environmental safety.

Milesi, today a brand of IVM Chemicals, born as an independent company in 1947 in Italy, a country that has always set the trends of quality and fashion in the furniture industry. In 2013 IVM Group set up its subsidiary in the USA, thus making Milesi products and world class technology readily available to the North American professional users. It ofers a wide assortment of coatings to meet all the application requirements: from those of companies that employ large automated systems to the fnest craftsmen.

The customer receives a unique and complete service level, granted by a highly specialized distribution and Technical Assistance Network, responding promptly to all technical application requirements and ofering the most suitable solutions to achieve the best quality and design results.

PRODUCT RANGE:

• HYDROCOAT – WATER-BASED COATINGS

• SOLVENT-BASED UV COATINGS

• HYDROCOAT UV – WATERBASED UV COATINGS

• 2K POLYURETHANES

• BCA (BLOCK CHAIN ADDITION)

• NITROCELLULOSE COATINGS

• POLYESTER COATINGS

• SOLVENT-BASED STAINS

• WATER-BASED STAINS

• PRE-CATALYZED LACQUER

•

• HEALTHY.WOOD

• AROMATIC-FREE COATINGS

• 2K ACRYLICS

WEB:

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY

KCD SOFTWARE

KCD Software’s 2D and 3D design to CNC manufacturing solution is the leading software for ease of use, growth and support. The software saves days of time on every job designing, pricing and building custom kitchens, baths, closets, pantries, ofces and more for residential and commercial cabinetry. From simple to complex designs, KCD Software brings these custom creations to life in impressive photo realistic 3D, ready to manufacture. Superb technical support is included with all products. Customer driven for 40 years, KCD Software is committed to making great design, price and build software for Cabinet and Closet Professionals. Visit KCDsoftware.com for products, features and pricing.

FEATURES:

• FULL 2D, 3D DESIGN STUDIO

• ELEVATIONS, FLOORPLANS, DIMENSIONED DRAWINGS

• FASTER DESIGN TO MANUFACTURING

• ACCURATE CUT LISTS AND MACHINING

• ESTIMATES, PROPOSALS, COST REPORTS

• CABINOTCH® INTEGRATION

• EASILY ADD OPERATORS AND DESIGNERS

• FLEXIBILITY TO EDIT CUT LIST DETAILS FOR EACH JOB

• AUTO PART MARKER

• CNC PARTS VIEWER AND EDITOR

• INTELLIGENT SMALL PART STRATEGIES (TABS, ONIONSKINS, CUTS SMALL PARTS FIRST)

• AUTOMATIC TOOLING AND TOOL PATH GENERATION

• CNC MANAGER FOR JOB, PARTS & MATERIAL MANAGEMENT

1224 Route 28A, P.O. Box 489

Cataumet, MA 02534

P: 1-508-760-1140

E: info@kcdsoftware.com

WEB: www.KCDsoftware.com

3-D RENDERING KCD SOFTWARE

House of Distinction Designed and Built by CabinotchTM using KCD Software

MASTERS: DESIGN

KINGS MOUNTAIN INTERNATIONAL

From our nearby production facility in North Carolina, Kings Mountain International (KMI) provides customized press plates for the TFL, HPL, and Laminate Flooring markets throughout North and South America.

KMI closely follows the trends in décor surfaces, in order to provide timely guidance and innovative manufacturing solutions to our customers.

Our experienced Graphics Team utilizes state-of-the-art computer technology to present design variations and solutions prior to Production.

Synchronized registration is achieved using our proprietary Syncro Registration® process.

Digital chemical machinery guaranties a natural and consistent image reproduction throughout the plate manufacturing.

Kings Mountain International’s manufacturing process ensures excellent gloss and depth consistency on our matte and textured fnishes.

PRODUCTS:

• TFL, HPL, FLOORING

• SYNCHRONIZED FINISHES WITH SYNCRO REGISTRATION® PROCESS

• CHEMICAL AND MECHANICAL ETCHING

• MULTIGLOSS

• SUPERMATTE

• MIRROR

• MATTE

• PEARL AND STIPPLE

• CUSTOM TEXTURE DEVELOPMENT

• PRECISION TOLERANCE GRINDING

• ISO9001:2015 / AS9100D:2016 CERTIFIED

MASTERS: MATERIALS

KLEIBERIT ADHESIVES

The Specialist amongst Adhesive Manufacturers

The KLEIBERIT trademark stands for innovative research and development, the most modern production, highest product quality as well as service-oriented customer proximity. And this for more than 70 years. The company employs worldwide approximately 670 employees and is based in Weingarten (Baden).

In last 25 years KLEIBERIT has become a global trendsetter in the feld of reactive PUR adhesive systems and signifcantly infuenced the market with its innovative product ideas. A broad product range is available in all markets around the world, supported through a network of engineers and branch ofces and subsidiaries. In close cooperation with the customer, specifc bonding solutions are developed in the KLEIBERIT Technical Center for diverse applications. An intelligent logistics concept ensures worldwide product availability at the right time at the right place.

The high level of expertise in the feld of reactive adhesive systems makes KLEIBERIT the market leader in the development and sale of PUR hotmelt adhesive systems. The globally successful HotCoating technology for the fnishing of surfaces in the indoor and outdoor area for the production of furniture, fooring or facade elements has become the benchmark for sustainability and quality.

The development and supply of adhesive systems based on biobased formulations are currently ensuring further future fulfllment of customer and market expectations for all adhesive applications.

Further information at www.kleiberit.com

KLEIBERIT Adhesives USA, Inc

109-B Howie Mine Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173 / United States

P: +1 704-843-3339

E: info.usa@kleiberit.com

WEB: www.kleiberit.com

LAGUNA TOOLS

In today’s competitive market it’s never been more important to leverage the efciency, quality & cost savings that only automation can provide. With over 30 years of experience, and a proven name in the industry, Laguna Tools has a solution for every shop size and budget. The SmartShop® Series of CNC machinery have been designed for the modern craftsman. With intuitive, industry leading controls and a rock-solid build, these machines are the best choice for anyone looking to add speed and precision machining to their business. Whether you’re just getting started in manufacturing, or you’ve been at it for years, the SmartShop® Series ofers the accuracy, power, and fexibility, you need to create professional results with ease. With our turn-key CNC solutions you’ll be able to take your shop to the next level. Additionally, our team of experts are always available to help you get the most out of your CNC machine. If you’re looking for quality, performance, value, and customer service, Laguna Tools is the right choice for you.

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY

LEUCO

“The vital link between your machine and your end result”

Founded in Germany in 1954, LEUCO is one of the world´s largest suppliers of carbide and diamond-tipped machine cutting tools for wood, metal, and plastic processing. Its story begins with the close friendship of Willi Ledermann and Josef Storzer, colleagues at a metal-working company. Ledermann was a brilliant fnancial director, and Storzer was a bright, talented engineer.

The quality of a fnished part, its properties, the speed and accuracy with which it can be produced and the repeatability of manufacture in high volume production runs, all depend on the precision and characteristics of the tooling. So for the best parts, tooling needs to be designed and engineered to the highest quality. Wealth of ideas and technical know-how have been the heart of LEUCO since the beginning. Our tooling product range includes circular saw blades, bore-type and shank-type cutters, drills, clamping systems, end mills, round tools, and inserts. Sharpening service, application consulting and service packages complete the spectrum.

LEUCO provides everything from small drill bits to high-end, diamond-tipped cutting tools along with custom tooling for any application.

500 Industrial Court West

Villa Rica, GA 30180

P: 1-800-631-0096 WEB: www.leuco.com

WEB: www.shopleuco.com

E: sales@leucotool.com

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY

MILTEC UV

For more than 30 years, Miltec UV has been an innovator and leader in the development of high-performance UV curing systems. Incorporating high-peak irradiance technology, our systems improve manufacturing line speeds, enhance end-product quality, and reduce energy and maintenance costs.

The patented HPI™ Gloss Control system allows users to change gloss levels from 40-100 using a single coating. A pioneering, interactive touchscreen makes it easy to monitor production, troubleshoot, save recipes, and replace components. The lamp is also adaptable to virtually any application and production equipment.

Specifcally designed for cabinet doors, drawers, and moldings, the Panelcure™ with compound angle and pitch allows you to cure the top and all four sides of a product in a single pass without the need for side lamps. Products up to 3-inches in height can clear the lamps with speeds up to 250 feet per minute. Touchscreen controls make curing easy, and our patented quick-release features make maintenance much faster.

Made-in-America, Miltec UV is committed to our customers with unmatched service and support. We ofer a full line of replacement parts, manufacture our own UV bulbs, ofer on-site technical service, and have an in-house applications lab dedicated to curing success.

MASTERS: MATERIALS

MIRLUX PREMIUM PANEL

MIRLUX Premium Panel represents the latest technological advancements in PET surface panels. Sustainably manufactured and supremely durable, MIRLUX Premium Panels are being installed in the fnest building projects across North America and Canada.

These panels are composed of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) laminated to super smooth, low surface variance TSCA Title VI Certifed medium density fberboard (MDF). The surface PET is a co-extruded polyester flm, which is roll laminated with PUR hot-melt adhesive resulting in a water-resistant seal.

MIRLUX Premium Panels are renowned for their excellent thermal and UV stability, high strength, dimensional stability, optical clarity, and precision surface characteristics. MIRLUX is lighter and less expensive than glass or solid acrylic with an easy-to-clean, hygienic surface.

With a sleek, modern surface, MIRLUX panels are available in both high gloss and super matte fnishes, in eight attractive, on-trend colors. Sustainable, low maintenance, durable, scratch, and fngerprint resistant, MIRLUX is a state-of-the-art solution for all of your vertical fnish requirements including kitchen and bath cabinets, interior casework, furniture, wall panels, retail fxtures, and point of sale displays.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCSq4OSnPHk

1369 S. Bertelsen Rd., Building C

Eugene, OR 97402-2818

P: 541-228-9757

E: sales@mirluxpanel.com

WEB: www.mirluxpanel.com

MAST E RS: TEC HNOLOGY

MÜNZIN G F ENTAK ®

ADDITIVE SOLUTIONS FOR THE WOOD INDUSTRY

MÜNZING is a highly regarded, privately owned specialty additive company with headquarters in Abstatt, Germany. We have a presence in over 40 countries and are a technology driven organization with an extensive staff of highly experienced R&D and technical service personnel in Europe, the Americas and Australia. Our manufacturing plants in Germany, USA, Australia and Asia have broad synthesis and formulation capabilities in order to best serve our global customer base.

The technical mission of MÜNZING is to solve coatings formulation problems. We offer state-of-the art technical service testing to all customers. With our broad range of additive chemistries, we meet customers’ specific application needs with a total solutions approach of both products and services. And, MÜNZING’s worldwide production network facilitates assured supply and prompt delivery wherever our customers do business.

MÜNZING FENTAK® PROCESSING ADDITIVES

is one of the world´s specialist in Additive Systems for:

• LOW PRESSURE MELAMINE

• HIGH PRESSURE LAMINATE

• INDUSTRIAL FILMS (PSF, MDO, HDO)

• SPECIALIZED SURFACE COATINGS FOR MOLDING AND FLAT BOARD

• MDF, PARTICLE BOARD AND ENGINEERED WOOD

• CATALYSTS (HARDENER) - PLASTICIZER

• WETTING AGENTS - PLATE CLEANER

• RELEASE AGENTS - ANTI BLOCKING AGENTS

• BACK RELEASES - LIQUID DYES

• (SODIUM ALGINATE RELEASE) - EDGE SEALANTS

• PIGMENT DISPERSIONS - PRIMERS

• ABRASIVES DISPERSIONS - PUTTIE

FENTAK® – Range of Products include: 1455

E:

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY

NORTH AMERICAN PLYWOOD CORPORATION

Here at North American Plywood, we have the pleasure of ofering our customers the highest quality products and manufacturing services. With ofces in California and New Jersey, including warehouses around the country, NAPC has the capability to provide the service you need wherever you are in North America. Our plywood is sustainably sourced and can be FSC certied. NAPC also ofers many diferent value-added services including an antimicrobial UV topcoat fnish.

NAPC is proud to ofer DesignPly®, our direct to substrate digital printing and staining system. Using our state-of-the-art printer and robotic automation, we can print woodgrains, designs, and images or stain the wood to any color required.

OUR VALUE ADDED MANUFACTURING SERVICES:

• STATE OF THE ART UV CURED DIGITAL PRINTING

• ONE OF THE LARGEST UV LINES IN NORTH AMERICA

• ANTIMICROBIAL UV FINISHING UP TO 5’ WIDE AND 12’ LONG

• DRAWER BLANK MANUFACTURING

• CUT TO SIZE AND ROUTING

• PUR LAMINATION OF HPL, VENEER, PET AND ACRYLIC OVERLAYS IN ULTRA MATTE AND HIGH GLOSS

• EDGE BANDING AND UV EDGE COATING

HEADQUARTERS: 12343 Hawkins St.

Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670 P: 800-421-1372

MANUFACTURING: 777 Jeferson Road

Parsippany, NJ 07054 P: 800-759-6606

WEB: www.naply.com

MASTERS: MATERIALS

OLON INDUSTRIES INC.

ABOUT OLON INDUSTRIES INC.

Founded in 1981, Olon designs and manufactures an extensive range of innovative, integrated woodworking component products for the North American furniture and cabinet-making industries.

OLON’S LATEST TECHNOLOGY

Featuring PÜRDECO™ which is the laminated panel division at Olon, home to three innovative collections; VelourTouch™ captures today’s trends of extreme matte fnishes and painted cabinet looks. GlossTouch™ laminated panels are modern, contemporary and have a mirror-like fnish. The Essentials Collection is great for volume projects like multi-family, condos and retail programs.

The equipment at Olon producing PÜRDECO™ Laminated Panels is by far the latest in technological innovation using only the highest quality PUR glue technology. Olon ensures quality products.

OUR PRODUCTS INCLUDE:

• NEXGEN®, VELOURTOUCH™ AND CUSTOM WRAPPED 5 PIECE DOOR MOULDINGS

• NEXGEN®, VELOURTOUCH™ AND CUSTOM WRAPPED ACCESSORY MOULDINGS

• PÜRDECO™ PANEL COLLECTIONS AND CUSTOM PANEL LAMINATION

• NEXGEN® LINK25, VELOURTOUCH™ DECOLINK™ AND CUSTOM FORMABLE LAMINATES

• NEXGEN® EDGEBANDING

• MITERFOLD, SOLID WOOD AND PLYWOOD DRAWER COMPONENTS

42 Armstrong Avenue

Georgetown, ON L7G 4R9, Canada

P: 800-387-2319

E: info@olon.com

F: 905-877-7383

WEB: www.olon.com

MASTERS: MATERIALS

MASTERS: MATERIALS

OMNO V A,

OMNO V A, A SY

A SY NTHOMER BUSINES S

NTHOMER BUSINES S

OMNOVA is a global innovator of decorative surfaces, delivering solutions that elevate appearance and functionality of interior environments. OMNOVA Laminates serve a broad range of residential and commercial markets providing ontrend designs and technology advancements, including EIR our surf(x) Echo™ and Echo™ 3D Laminates, as well as our industry-leading Matte Luxe 3D Laminates for cabinet doors and more.

OMNOVA is a global innovator of decorative surfaces, delivering solutions that elevate appearance and functionality of interior environments. OMNOVA Laminates serve a broad range of residential and commercial markets providing ontrend designs and technology advancements, including EIR our surf(x) Echo™ and Echo™ 3D Laminates, as well as our industry-leading Matte Luxe 3D Laminates for cabinet doors and more.

• PAPER LAMINATES

• PAPER LAMINATES

PROVIDE AN ATTRACTIVE, FUNCTIONAL AND AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE TO SOLID WOOD COMPONENTS

PROVIDE AN ATTRACTIVE, FUNCTIONAL AND AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE TO SOLID WOOD COMPONENTS

• 2D LAMINATES

• 2D LAMINATES

CAN BE FLAT LAMINATED FOR WIDESPREAD DECORATIVE AND FUNCTIONAL APPLICATIONS

CAN BE FLAT LAMINATED FOR WIDESPREAD DECORATIVE AND FUNCTIONAL APPLICATIONS

• 3D LAMINATES

• 3D LAMINATES

CAN BE MEMBRANE-PRESSED OR VACUUM-FORMED, ELIMINATING THE NEED FOR T-MOLDING, EDGEBANDING AND VISIBLE SEAMS

CAN BE MEMBRANE-PRESSED OR VACUUM-FORMED, ELIMINATING THE NEED FOR T-MOLDING, EDGEBANDING AND VISIBLE SEAMS

• SURF(X)® 3D LAMINATES

• SURF(X)® 3D LAMINATES

ALL OF THE BENEFITS OF 3D LAMINATES PLUS ENHANCED PERFORMANCE THROUGH INDUSTRY-LEADING SURF(X) COATING

ALL OF THE BENEFITS OF 3D LAMINATES PLUS ENHANCED PERFORMANCE THROUGH INDUSTRY-LEADING SURF(X) COATING

• SURF(X) SHEET LAMINATES

• SURF(X) SHEET LAMINATES

SURF(X) COATING PERFORMANCE IN A COLOR-THROUGH SHEET

SURF(X) COATING PERFORMANCE IN A COLOR-THROUGH SHEET

Our diverse constructions and styles can meet your performance, design, cost and fabrication needs. Domestic manufacturing and distribution help ensure fast order fulfilment, and we offer one of the industry’s most extensive design libraries.

Our diverse constructions and styles can meet your performance, design, cost and fabrication needs. Domestic manufacturing and distribution help ensure fast order fulfilment, and we offer one of the industry’s most extensive design libraries.

25435 Harvard Road Beachwood, OH 44122

MASTERS: MATERIALS

PALRAM AMERICAS

Palram Americas is a leading manufacturer of semi-finished thermoplastic sheets with a rich history of innovation, proprietary technology and operational excellence. As a trusted partner to industries spanning construction and architecture, sign and graphics, and home improvement, Palram saw the need for a smart alternative to wood composites within the woodworking industry.

Met with rave reviews, our PALIGHT® BuildBoard sheets are engineered for ease of fabrication, water resistance, and longevity. The cellular polymer composition of BuildBoard offers excellent resistance to mold, mildew, and bacterial growth. Additional benefits:

• LIGHTWEIGHT, REDUCING OPERATOR FATIGUE AND FREIGHT COSTS

• COLOR2CORE: SCRATCHES ARE LESS APPARENT

• PRINTABLE AND PAINTABLE WITHOUT PRIMER

• UL-94 V-O FIRE-RATED, LEAD & PHTHALATE-FREE

• COMPATIBLE WITH HPL, TFL & 3D LAMINATES

• EXCELLENT SCREW RETENTION

• EASY TO NAIL, STAPLE, ROUTE, DRILL, GLUE, EDGE BAND & MORE!

PALIGHT BuildBoard is an ideal substrate when manufacturing cabinets, ready-to-assemble furniture, tables, closet-storage systems, counter tops, store fixtures and exhibits.

Palram Americas

9735 Commerce Circle, Kutztown, PA 19530

P: 610-285-9918 or 800-999-9459

E: contactus.usa@palram.com

WEB: www.palram.com/us

MASTERS: MATERIALS

PANEL PROCESSING, INC

Panel Processing is an employee-owned, U.S. based composite wood panel manufacturer with 50 years of industry experience. At Panel, we fabricate custom wood panels and components to meet our clients’ specifcations. We ofer a wide range of products and services, including both full sheets and cut components. Our products include, but are not limited to, raw board, laminated board, painted board, coated board, ready to assemble furniture, displays, fxtures and more. We provide products and services for a vast array of markets, including retail, hospitality, ofce and education, healthcare, furniture, fooring, kitchen and bath, toy and game, fnancial institutions, storage and home organization, and cannabis dispensaries. All our products are proudly made in the United States.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:

• LAMINATED PANELS:

∘ High Pressure Laminates

∘ Thermally Fused Laminates

∘ Decorative Papers & Foils

∘ Textures

∘ Hundreds Of Papers, Designs & Colors

• PANELS:

∘ Flatwall

∘ Pegboard

∘ Chalkboard

∘ Markerboard

∘ Eco-Finish Digital Print Media

∘ Laminated Panels

• COMPONENTS:

∘ Shelving

∘ Store Fixtures

∘ Casework

∘ Cabinetry

∘ RTA Furniture

∘ Toys & Games

• CABILITIES:

∘ Cut-To-Size

∘ Punch

∘ Paint

∘ Coat

∘ Laminate

∘ Machine

∘ Edgebanding

∘ Finishing

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY

PEAK TOOLWORKS

Peak Toolworks is North America’s largest manufacturer of engineered diamond and carbide cutting tools. With over 80 years of focus on innovation, state-of-the-art production technology and providing the best professionals to pioneer the future of the industry.

Peak Toolworks offers unparalleled industry value through the best manufactured products (Peak, NAPGladu, RKO, General Saw & Riverside), custom tooling, the best service and delivering an unbeatable customer experience every time.

Get the most out of your investment with our certified service technicians. They are trained to restore worn tools to like new conditions in a 7-step process: inspection, tip replacement, straightening, retensioning, sharpening, cleaning/polishing and final inspection.

Our sales staff is available to answer any questions you have. Peak Toolworks is the industry leader in providing you technical engineering assistance for your solutions.

Learn more at www.peaktoolworks.com, join our social media pages or contact us at 1.800.457.7468 or sales@peaktoolworks.com (French customers reach us directly at: 1.800.363.9117 or demandes@peaktoolworks.com).

MASTERS: MATERIALS

PETERMAN LUMBER

DRIVEN TO BE DIFFERENT

Peterman is a resource for customers to select quality wood products and decorative surfaces for cabinetry, furniture, and fne woodworking in both residential and commercial applications.

We are driven to fnd the best and most innovative suppliers to provide you with thought-through product lines that solve problems, not creating more. With materials designed to save you time, have the reliability that puts your mind to ease, and quality that you pass onto your customer, all adds more to your bottom line. Making your business more successful.

Our Vision is to continue to ofer the classic materials of today and invest in the cutting edge materials of tomorrow. And to cultivate best practices with the ultimate goal of saving on material, time, and labor so our customers can put that value back into the things that mean most to them. We challenge the ordinary and refuse to be just another wood distributor.

YOUR SOURCE IN THE SOUTHWEST

Peterman Lumber services the Southwest with our own delivery feet to service California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. We do this so we can guarantee on time delivery and phenomenal service by our friendly drivers. We can deliver on our commercial trucks or a fatbed to residential areas.

CUSTOM SERVICES:

• CUSTOM HARDWOOD MOULDING

• MADE TO ORDER MELAMINE/LAMINATE CABINET DOORS

• CNC CUT TO SIZE PANELS & EDGEBANDING

• CUSTOM PANEL LAYUPS

10330 Elm Avenue, Fontana, CA 92337

CUSTOMER SERVICE: 909-357-7730

TOLL-FREE: 1-800-244-1696

FAX: 909-829-7804

EMAIL: info@petermanlumber.com

WEB: www.petermanlumber.com

MASTERS: MATERIALS

PLUMMER FOREST PRODUCTS

Summit Particleboard is produced from Inland Northwest Softwoods featuring a light color and excellent machinability. Combined with moisture resistant characteristics, Summit particleboard is the ideal choice for ofce and residential furniture, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, shelving, and door core.

• FORMALDEHYDE FREE

• MR-10

• RECYCLED WOOD FIBER

• FSC CERTIFIED

Elevate your choice of particleboard, and take your project to the Summit.

401 N. Potlatch Rd., Post Falls, ID 83854

P: 208-457-8703

E: m.mai@plummerforest.com

WEB: www.PlummerForestProducts.com

MASTERS: MATERIALS

POLYGRAIN

Polygrain® is a polymer sheet made by SIMONA AMERICA Industries with a sophisticated wood-like grain and texture that inspires innovation for high-end and heavily used outdoor living spaces. Exceed limitations for use during all seasons and in all climates with this versatile and elegant material. Ofered in three colors, Polygrain® sets the bar high for its combination of longterm performance, durability, appearance and fabrication ease and consistency.

AREAS OF USE:

• PATIOS AND OUTDOOR LIVING AREAS

• OUTDOOR CABINETRY AND STORAGE

• OUTDOOR KITCHENS AND DRY SPACES

ADVANTAGES:

• EASY TO FABRICATE USING STANDARD WOODWORKING TOOLS

• HIGH-END WOODGRAIN APPEARANCE

• UV AND EXTREME WEATHER RESISTANCE

• INTEGRAL COLOR HIDES MARRING, SCRATCHES

• LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

• OUTDOOR SIGNS

• MARINA ARCHITECTURE AND STORAGE

• SOLID POLYMER COMPOSITION WON’T DELAMINATE, ROT OR SPLINTER

• MAINTENANCE-FREE, EASY TO CLEAN

• EXCELLENT IMPACT RESISTANCE

• 100% RECYCLABLE

Check out our latest online tool SIMONA Vision Factory, an in-browser 3D model visualizer. Pick and choose from our wide range of colors and textures such as, Polygrain® Blakely Birch and incorporate them into your own projects using our downloadable texture library. www.simonavisionfactory.com

STANDARD COLORS:

• OLYPHANT OAK

• SUSQUEHANNA GRAY

• NORTHEASTERN WALNUT

• BLAKELY BIRCH

• CUSTOM COLORS AND SIZES ON REQUEST

101 Power Boulevard

Archbald, PA 18403, USA

P: 1-866-501-2992

E: sales-sai@simona-group.com

WEB: www.simonapolygrain.com

MASTERS: MATERIALS

RIKEN U.S.A. CORPORATION

Riken is a Japanese manufacturer of 3D Laminates and Steel Lamination Films. Our sales ofce was established in 1995 as the North American Sales and Distribution ofce for Riken Technos Corporation. Riken’s 3D Laminates are suitable for residential cabinet components and doors, as well as for various commercial fnishes such as ofce furniture, store fxtures, RV interiors, and other building materials. Our products are receiving high praise from various industries due to their high functionality and high quality, as well as their aesthetics design. Known for superior UV resistance and lot-to lot consistency, Riken’s flms provide unsurpassed levels of laminating quality.

FILM TYPES:

• PVC AND NON-PVC

FINISHES:

• HIGH GLOSS

• MATTE

• SATIN

• SCRATCH RESISTANT DT

PATTERNS:

• SOLID

• WOODGRAIN

• PEARLESCENT

• METALLIC

• SOFT FEEL

• SUPERMATTE

• 3D DRY AND ERASE

• ABSTRACT

• GRANITES

26200 Town Center Drive, Suite 135

Novi, MI 48375

P: 248-513-3511

E: info@riken-usa.com

WEB: www.riken-usa.com

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY

SALICE AMERICA INC.

Salice America, Inc. has been active in the U.S. market for over 30 years. Based in Charlotte, NC, Salice America was founded in 1989 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Arturo Salice S.p.A.

With its presence of an all U.S. team, Salice has demonstrated since its inception the determination to be near the U.S. customers in order to better serve and understand their needs. Following suit, in 1993, Salice America opened a satellite warehouse in Los Angeles (Rancho Cucamonga), CA as an additional service to our customers in the West. Thanks to the two strategically located warehouses, Salice America has been able to optimize the rapid distribution of all three Salice group products throughout the national territory. The determination has proven to be successful and has led to an impressive sales growth. Salice America is today one of the leaders in the supply of components to U.S. kitchen cabinet manufacturers.

OPENING LIFTING SLIDING STORING… ALL FROM SALICE

For every type of movement… the answer is Salice. A comprehensive range of products that combines excellence in research-based design and technical expertise to provide solutions for every domestic cabinet application.

• HINGES AND MOUNTING PLATES

• LIFT SYSTEMS

• SLIDING DOOR SYSTEMS

• RUNNERS AND DRAWER SYSTEMS

• KITCHEN ACCESSORIES

• CLOSET ACCESSORIES

P: 800-222-9652 F: 704-841-7808

WEB: www.saliceamerica.com

MASTERS:DESIGN SCHATTDECOR ONE SOURCE, UNLIMITED SOLUTIONS

Schattdecor has been a successful name in decor printing for over 35 years and has developed from a printing company to an innovative surface specialist. With more than 2,800 employees working in 28 nations, the family-run company based in Thansau, Germany, processes around 2.4 billion square meters of paper globally. In October of 2021, Schattdecor acquired a stake in Fine Decor, a film manufacturer that produces and refines sustainable plain lacquer laminate surfaces on recycled PET in the form of environmentally friendly films for decorative surfaces for the kitchen and furniture industry. The first joint product is being marketed by both companies under the name Fineflex.

MADE BY SCHATDECOR

This globally applicable quality seal guarantees a consistent high level of quality across all of our locations as we pay particular attention to our standardized processes, using light-fast inks as well as compatible machinery from the same system. 2022 marked the 11th year Schattdecor Inc. in Maryland Heights, Missouri has been a part of the Schattdecor Group and has been producing decorative paper for the North American market. In 2019, Schattdecor acquired US Coating Company of Lexington, South Carolina, making it the Group's second facility in North America, allowing for continued excellent service to the market by serving customers with domestically produced finish foil products.

SURFACES BY SCHATTDECOR

Using our many years of technical and design expertise, we create innovative products that excel from start to finish. Customers from the woodworking and furniture industries can choose between Printed, Impregnated, and Finished Surfaces - all of which can be created as wood, stone, solid-color or fantasy designs. When developing a surface, we focus primarily on current market demands and tailor decor production precisely to individual customer requirements. Our decors are produced using either rotogravure or digital printing.

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY

SHOPBOT TOOLS

At ShopBot Tools, design and engineering choices are based on thorough reasoning and always with our customer’s needs in mind. Our CNC tools are engineered, built, and supported in Durham, North Carolina, USA. We also develop and produce our own control system software.

ShopBot’s array of CNC routers are used in prototyping, full production cutting, carving, machining, and milling in a variety of materials, including wood, MDF, plastics, foams, and non-ferrous metals. Our full line of tools is oriented to be used for both standard and specialty operations. They are afordable, yet deliver the professional power and precision associated with heavier and more expensive CNC equipment.

Our CNC tools range from the Desktop tool line—the ShopBot Desktop, Desktop MAX, and Desktop MAX ATC—that are highly precise and compact enough to ft on a shop workbench; to Full-Size Gantry CNC tools, like the PRSalpha, PRSalpha ATC, and ShopBot Zeta, that are great for cutting full sheets of plywood and other sheet goods; to more specialized tools and custom tool confgurations. We provide a wide range of tool sizes and support the success of each user with a range of services, including technical support, an active online forum, and production support services.

CNC ROUTER PRODUCTS

• ShopBot Desktop

• ShopBot Desktop MAX

• ShopBot Desktop MAX ATC

• ShopBot Buddy®

• ShopBot PRSstandard Full-Size Gantry

• ShopBot PRSalpha Full-Size Gantry

• ShopBot PRSalpha ATC

• ShopBot Zeta

• ShopBot Stand Alone Indexer

• ShopBot 5-Axis

• Custom Tool Confgurations

ShopBot Tools, Inc.

3333B Industrial Drive, Durham, NC 27704

P: 919-680-4800

TF: 888-680-4466

E: sales@shopbottools.com

WEB: www.shopbottools.com

States Industries LLC is a privately held, hardwood panel producer located in Eugene, Oregon, in the heart of America’s wood products manufacturing region. We have established a reputation for innovation by consistently introducing products and processes targeted to improve our customer’s capabilities and the value of their products.

Each workday at States, more than 300 individuals bring their skill, ingenuity and dedication to the task of creating and supplying quality, hardwood panel products to North American woodworkers. Millwrights, electricians, press operators, finish line technicians and all of States’ employees create a culture that supports and encourages the fullfillment of our customer’s requests. States maintains bills-of-material for more than 400,000 constructions and typically adds 10 new ones daily, each to meet a customer’s very specific application. No other manufacturer in our industry is more responsive to the specialized needs of woodworking.

MASTERS: MATERIALS

STEVENSWOOD ®

STEVENSWOOD® is a full-line manufacturer of quality laminated products, from panels to furniture and cabinets. For more than 60 years, STEVENSWOOD® has provided added value to our customers through innovative engineering, design, and craftsmanship, along with expertise that leads to cost-effective solutions. Backed by the most extensive Quality Assurance program in the industry, Stevens Industries is committed to our customers with the specific products for present and future needs

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:

• DECORATIVE LAMINATE PANELS

• HIGH PRESSURE LAMINATE SURFACES

• COLLECTIONS WITH COORDINATED EDGEBANDING, PANELS, HIGH IMPACT SURFACES, DOORS AND MOULDINGS

• DUAL-SIDED TEXTURE MATCHED GRAINS

• DESIGN-FOCUSED PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

• VARIETY OF LAMINATE AND CORE MATERIALS

• WIDE SELECTION OF COLORS AND SIZES

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY

STILES MACHINERY

SOLUTIONS BUILT AROUND YOU

As the industry’s leading provider of advanced manufacturing solutions, Stiles has been helping manufacturers nationwide increase their efciency and productivity for more than 50 years. We understand that there are no one-size-fts-all solutions. That’s why we provide solutions built around you, ftting the unique and diverse needs of your business. From introducing important new technologies to providing the nation’s largest team of feld service technicians, 24-hour technical support, a vast inventory of ready-to-ship parts, the industry’s only accredited university and so much more, Stiles provides solutions for any challenge you may face and is your partner in every success. Stiles is a proud member of the HOMAG Group, a global leader in the production of industrial manufacturing machinery.

PANEL PROCESSING MACHINERY:

• BORING/DRILLING

• CNC ROUTERS

• EDGEBANDERS

• FINISHING EQUIPMENT

• GLUE SPREADERS

• LAMINATORS/PRESSES

• MATERIAL HANDLING

• MEMBRANE PRESSES

• PANEL SAWS

• POSTFORMERS

• PROFILE WRAPPERS

• SANDING EQUIPMENT

3965 44th St. S.E.

Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512

P: 616-698-7500

F: 616-698-9411

WEB: www.stilesmachinery.com

MASTERS: DESIGN

Decorative surfaces are important when evoking the emotion of space. As one of the worlds’s leading full-service providers of decorative surfaces, we develop seamlessly matched products that are ideal for spaces of today and in the future. “We Make Rooms Worth Living In.”

Decorative Paper - Edgebanding - Finish Foil - Release Paper

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY

SWISSQPRINT

swissQprint is a privately owned company and a manufacturer of high-end large format printers. The founders of our company are actively involved in the operational business – so they are part of our workforce that numbers 170 employees. We are proud to stand behind the swissQprint name – the acknowledged quality label for large format printers.

Agility is one of our strengths. 20 percent of the workforce at our Swiss headquarters focus on research and development. Right next door to our production facility. So new ideas and improvements quickly fnd their way into our series production – which means you can always rely on state-of-the-art solutions. We ofer both true fatbed printers with a roll to roll option as well as dedicated roll to roll printers. We just released the fatbed generation 4, which distill 25 years of development experience and the latest print head technology, as well as our newest high-end fatbed model Kudu with ten color channels. Additionally to its unique features, our roll-to-roll printer Karibu 2 is now equipped with the latest print heads as well and ofers maximum quality with a resolution of up to 1350 dpi. Besides, neon colors guarantee eye-catchers in daylight and are fuorescent in black light.

The swissQprint subsidiary in Elgin IL is sales and service partner to our customers in the US and Canada.

SWISSQPRINT AMERICA

2521 Technology Dr, Suite 210

Elgin, IL 60124

P: 224-802-2770

E: info@us.swissqprint.com

WEB: www.swissqprint.com

MASTERS: MATERIALS

SynDECOR® by Taghleef Industries is a durable and cleanable decorative surface material that enables beautiful designs in fat laminations and wrapped surfaces. Water-resistant, UV stable, miter-foldable, no VOC’s, and 100% recyclable, this polypropylene flm is designed for the specifc needs of laminated decorative surfaces.

As a print base material, SynDECOR gives laminated panels beauty and durability with exceptional water resistance, print clarity, and adhesion to substrates. For applications where board protection is critical, SynDECOR based overlays provide design fexibility, quality, and longevity to decorative surfaces.

SynDECOR is a more sustainable choice as it contains no PVC or formaldehyde and requires less ink usage than paper-based overlays. As a BOPP flm, SynDECOR delivers a higher yield than other thermoplastics to enable more surface coverage using less materials.

SYNDECOR IS PERFECT FOR MANY APPLICATIONS.

• CEILING & WALL PANELS

• CABINETS

• FLOORING

• DOORS

• CLOSETS

• SHELVING SYSTEMS

• MOLDINGS AND PROFILES

• RETAIL STORE SHELVING AND FIXTURES

• CASE GOODS

• READY-TO-ASSEMBLE FURNITURE

• OFFICE FURNITURE

• RECREATIONAL VEHICLE COMPONENTS

Taghleef Industries (Ti) is one of the largest global manufacturers of biaxially oriented polypropylene flms (BOPP), cast polypropylene flms (CPP), biaxially oriented polylactic acid and biodegradable flms (BOPLA). Ti has standard and specialty flm manufacturing capacity of more than 500,000 tons.

MASTERS: MATERIALS

SYNERGY THERMAL FOILS

3D LAMINATES, 2D PET FLAT LAMINATES, FINISH FOILS

Synergy Thermal Foils is a leading supplier of interior laminates for residential and commercial settings. We source the best raw materials from all over the world to provide decorative surface solutions that meet the wood product industry’s highest requirements for design, quality and overall performance. STF laminates can be found in kitchen and bath cabinets, residential and ofce furniture, retail store fxtures and displays, healthcare environments, and many other interior surface applications.

Our wide range of products includes 3D laminates in a variety of textures from satin to embossed, plus 2D and 1D environmentally friendly PET laminates, fnish foils, and many matching edge-bandings. This range of products can be fat-laminated, post-formed, membrane-pressed, miterfolded, and profle-wrapped for any imaginable residential or commercial interior application.

We stock more than 100 designs that match thermally fused laminates (TFL) and high-pressure laminates (HPL) ofered by leading North American manufacturers. Our in-depth matching program allows you to value-engineer your components for a fawless and seamless design at an afordable price for a high-end fnish.

FIND YOUR PERFECT MATCH

STF’S EXTENSIVE MATCHING PROGRAM INCLUDES THESE NEW TFLS:

• KRONOSPAN LAKELAND WALNUT COLLECTION

Cocoa, Gris, Mineral

• FUNDER AMERICA CABRERA ELME COLLECTION

Corvina, Rococo, Sultana

• UNIBOARD

Ecru, Natura, Taupe

Our North American stock is only a fraction of our selection; we ofer thousands of choices globally. If you cannot fnd your match, feel free to reach out to us to tap into our global collection or custom option.

12175 NW 39th Street

Coral Springs, FL 33065 USA

P: 954-420-9553 F: 866-783-4381

E: info@synergythermofoils.com

WEB: www.synergythermofoils.com

Cocoa

Corvina Ecru

Gris

Rococo

Natura

Mineral Sultana

Taupe

MASTERS: MATERIALS

TAFISA CANADA

Tafsa® Canada has a solid reputation for developing trendsetting designs and ofering unmatched quality in particleboard, HPL and TFL decorative panels manufacturing. Founded in 1992, Tafsa has a proven track record for being attuned to market trends, ofering a production capacity that is second to none and providing excellent customer service. The company continuously invests every year to not only improve its operational excellence but also ensure that all of its manufacturing processes adhere to the strictest of industry, training, production and environmental standards.

Tafsa’s particleboard panels are manufactured using 100% recycled and recovered wood materials, meticulously selected to create high quality, consistent panels for furniture, millwork, cabinetry and countertops saving millions of trees every year.

Tafsa® ofers two types of particleboard panels:

• TAFIPAN®: EPA TSCA TITLE VI COMPLIANT

• EVOLO™: CARB ULEF (ULTRA LOW EMITTING FORMALDEHYDE) CERTIFIED

Tafsa also has a complete line of decorative surfaces:

Tafsa’s TFL decorative panels are available in more than 111 standard colour and texture combinations between the embossed and in-register (EIR) Sommet Series® and the renowned Prelude Series®.

Branded SURFORMA®, their HPL line is made from the same texture plates and printed décors as their TFL Prelude and Sommet Embossed-in-Register (EIR) Series. Guaranteeing a perfectly matched HPL to their TFL line.

Tafsa announced in fall 2020 the completion of its new facility dedicated to production of a new high-end lacquered panel collection called LUMMIATM/MC. LUMMIA presents two longlasting fnishes: High Gloss and Perfect Matt available in a wide choice of 19 solid colors and prints.

With the launch of LUMMIA, Tafsa continues to solidify its position as the North American manufacturer ofering the most comprehensive range of particleboard, decorative panels (TFL) and laminate panels (HPL) available to industry professionals under one roof.

Tafsa has the most extensive complementary product program on the market available throughout our distribution network.

4660 Rue Villeneuve, Lac-Mégantic

Québec, Canada G6B 2C3

P: 1-888-882-3472

WEB: www.tafsa.ca

F: 819-583-2931

MASTERS: TECHNOLOGY

THERMWOOD CORPORATION

Thermwood Corporation, located in Southern Indiana and established in 1969, ofers an extensive line of both three and fve axis CNC machining centers ideally suited for the production, fabrication and trimming of wood, plastics, non-ferrous metals, composites and other advanced materials. Some of these applications consist of Nested-Based panel production, solid wood, Roller Hold-Down machines for upholstery frames and much more including the All New Cut Ready, Cut Center that doesn’t require any programming.

Thermwood also manufactures a line of Large Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM) systems that incorporates both the additive and subtractive process on the same machine. Thermwood is deeply involved in CNC technology and development, incorporating a high level of smart control technology in its products.

Thermwood CNC machining centers and additive systems are engineered using the most advanced CAD/CAM and structural analysis software. All weldments are fully stress relieved and the fnal machine is calibrated using three-dimensional volumetric compensation. We operate a well-equipped and stafed demonstration facility where we demonstrate the specifc system we recommend to each customer, actually producing the customers’ parts while they watch. This increases confdence and eliminates technical risk.

Thermwood is a US-based company with dealers and distributors worldwide. In addition to machine manufacturing and software development, Thermwood has a technical service organization that provides support, machine installation, training, retrofts, custom programming and production assistance.

MASTERS: MATERIALS

TIMBER PRODUCTS CO.

Timber Products manufactures a variety of wood products including hardwood plywood, softwood plywood, specialty panels, decorative panels, particleboard, hardwood and softwood veneer and hardwood lumber. We ofer a fully integrated approach with eight manufacturing facilities, an import division, TP Global, and nationwide transportation and logistics services through TP Logistics and TP Trucking.

Timber Products is committed to creating quality products that refect our sustainable practices and dedication to our customers. As partners, we work with customers to help them select the best product for their needs, every step of the way. Timber Products materials are available for purchase from hundreds of distributors and retailers across North America.

TOLL

WEB:

MASTERS: MATERIALS

TOPPAN INTERAMERICA INC.

Toppan Interamerica Inc. (TIA) has over 30 years of US printing and industryleading design innovation. Toppan has gained international acclaim for its design development that replicates natural materials such as wood and stone.

TIA has two major gravure printing manufacturing facilities in the United States (McDonough, GA & Morgantown, PA) where we strive to deliver high-quality decorative products, meet on-time satisfaction, and provide innovative solutions to our customers’ needs.

We are pleased to announce our new product ofering, KIRI. KIRI captures natural textures and iridescence, while performing like hardwood veneer on furniture, millwork, and cabinets. Using KIRI Veneer saves valuable hardwood trees, eliminates waste, and delivers 100% AAA-grade character and color every time. KIRI ofers perfect consistency of color and character, zero waste, 5x more yield per tree than hardwood veneers, and a Climate Positive impact on forests.

KIRI is created by printing a high-resolution woodgrain on specialized decor paper that can be stained and fnished like hardwood veneer, using standard chemistry and equipment. For more information, visit kiriveneer.com

PRODUCTS:

• IMPREGNATED PAPERS (WOOD, STONE, AND ABSTRACT DESIGNS)

• DECORATIVE PAPER AND FINISHED FOILS (WOODGRAINS AND SOLIDS)

• 2D AND 3D LAMINATES (MEMBRANE PRESSED OR THERMO FORMED)

• PAPER VENEER (KIRI)

• DECORATIVE ALUMINUM PROFILES (FORTINA)

• NON-PVC FILMS (HDONE)

Toppan Interamerica Inc.

1131 Hwy 155 South

McDonough, GA 30253, USA

P: 770-957-5060 E: info@tia.toppan.com

WEB: www.tia.toppan.com

MASTERS: MATERIALS

ULTRAPAN PET AND ACRYLIC PANELS

Ultrapan is a U.S. manufacturer of superior, customizable Ultra-HighGloss and Ultra-Matte laminated panels. Our radiant fnishes are perfectly suited for the contemporary lifestyle that embodies clean yet stylish looks for kitchens, furniture, displays, and myriad other residential, commercial and institutional applications.

Ultrapan PET and acrylic laminates feature highly durable decorative surfaces with excellent resistance to stains, scratches and harmful UV rays. These eco-friendly products are also easy to clean and maintain.

ULTRAPAN PANELS MADE YOUR WAY

• The Ultrapan collection features more than 60 surface options including solid and woodgrain designs; pearlescent and metallic fnishes; and deep emboss textures.

• Our wide selection of in-stock panel options includes cores made from particleboard, standard MDF, lite MDF, fre-retardant MDF, moisture-resistant NAF MDF, exteriorgrade MDF, and hardwood plywood. We ofer panels from ¼" to 1½" thick in 4x8 or 4x10 sizes.

• Matching edge-banding, including 15/16" and 1-3/4" widths, are available in stock for most of our designs. Custom widths can be produced by special order in gloss or super matte.

• Anti-fngerprint (AFP) coatings are standard on all Ultra-Matte surfaces.

• Our expanded metallics collection is available on 4x10 as well as 4x8 panels.

• Our quick-ship program features the same color laminated on both sides of ¾" 4x8 MDF panels.

• We inventory a variety of substrate types and sizes to support our ready-for-production program.

• Special orders don’t upset us. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Check out our website—ultrapan.net—to learn how Ultrapan modern fnishes can add a superior elegance to your home, ofce or storefront. Contact us about our Distributor Network at up@glosspanels.com

MASTERS: MATERIALS

UNIBOARD ®

Uniboard is a leading North American manufacturer of engineered wood products, having an installed capacity of over 660 million square feet of raw particleboard, high and medium-density fberboard, thermally fused laminates (TFL) and high-pressure laminates (HPL). Uniboard’s products are sold to retailers, distributors and fnished goods manufacturers, which cater to the kitchen cabinet, furniture, ofce, home renovation and construction industries. Uniboard is renowned for having one of the most extensive product portfolios of interior and exterior design solutions for decoration and construction in North America, ranging from deep embossed and synchronized TFL textures to ultra-light MDF.

UNIBOARD’S DIGITAL SAMPLE BOX AND DESIGN 360, A COMPLETE DIGITAL SOLUTION FOR DESIGNERS

• The revolutionary, intelligent solution to select, design, perfectly match and deliver projects for residential or commercial spaces with ease.

• Access to 3D samples and high-resolution fles in multiple formats including the full sheet.

• Easy integration into any CAD design project.

• Colors and textures perfectly calibrated for all types of online usage.

• Complete solutions for all 3D design software.

• Time visualization of textures using animated GIFs.

• Access to Uniboard’s complete TFL and HPL lines sorted by collection, décor, fnish, and texture. Over 150 colors and 15 fnish options enable users to visualize panels in ultra-realistic image quality from every angle.

MOMENTS – NEW TFL & HPL 2023-2024 COLLECTION

Special moments make memories!

Our modern and high-quality TFL and HPL collection ofers the most progressive decorative solution in the market. As a leader in Design and Decorative Surfaces, Uniboard has the broadest color palette, in hues and fnishes that are refective of cherished moments shared with loved-ones. With a complete co-product program ranging from edge banding and moldings to fve-piece doors, building functional and on-trend kitchens, closets, ofces and bathrooms has never been easier!

Proudly Made In North America

VENJAKOB –Y OUR FINISHING LINE. OUR PROCESS EXPERIENCE:

VENJAKOB –Y OUR FINISHING LINE. OUR PROCESS EXPERIENCE:

Together with our customers we develop tailor-made solutions that are future-proof and expandable. We are available to our clients for years to answer questions, solve problems, create solutions, for further developments and updates of their systems.

Together with our customers we develop tailor-made solutions that are future-proof and expandable. We are available to our clients for years to answer questions, solve problems, create solutions, for further developments and updates of their systems.

Every challenge is different

Every challenge is different

Reliable surface technology for various tasks and coating materials.

Reliable surface technology for various tasks and coating materials.

Venjakob offers you a whole host of system solutions for processing liquids, includ ing:

Venjakob offers you a whole host of system solutions for processing liquids, includ ing:

• adhesives

• adhesives

• coating systems based on water

• coating systems based on water

• solvents

• or UV

• solvents

• or UV

Decorative and functional coatings, among others, are thus applied in accordance to your requirements.

Decorative and functional coatings, among others, are thus applied in accordance to your requirements.

Forget about products. It‘s the process.

Forget about products. It‘s the process.

T hat‘s why we don‘t just supply you with products, but with precisely coord inated processes.

T hat‘s why we don‘t just supply you with products, but with precisely coord inated processes.

We accompany you from the beginning with a single coating machine up to fully automated finishing lines for batch size 1 to series production.

We accompany you from the beginning with a single coating machine up to fully automated finishing lines for batch size 1 to series production.

Established in 1963 - family run company with global network

Established in 1963 - family run company with global network

“We are customer whisperers, innovators, networkers, strategists – and marketleaders. Because we know how to listen, understand and implement.“

“We are customer whisperers, innovators, networkers, strategists – and marketleaders. Because we know how to listen, understand and implement.“

Christian Nüßer, CEO

Christian Nüßer, CEO

Get in contact with us. Team Venjakob North America Inc. or Stiles will be at your d isposal!

Get in contact with us. Team Venjakob North America Inc. or Stiles will be at your d isposal!

Venjakob North America Inc.

Venjakob North America Inc.

130 Healey Rd Unit #18 • L7E 5B3 Bolton, Canada

130 Healey Rd Unit #18 • L7E 5B3 Bolton, Canada

Fon: 905 951 9966

Fon: 905 951 9966

Headquarters:

Venjakob Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG

Rheda-W iedenbrück/Germany

northamerica@venjakob.com • www.venjakob-na.com

northamerica@venjakob.com

MASTERS: MATERIALS

WEST WOOD PRODUCTS

ABOUT:

• Industry leader in prefnished panels and wood components.

• Let us be a component of your success! 27 years of excellence is what you get when you choose to do business with us.

• Our new 60K SQF facility in Charleston, in addition to our factories in Houston and Long Beach, gives us a true national footprint.

PRODUCT LINE:

• Drawer sides (MDF, PB, Plywood and Solid Lumber)

• Drawer bottoms (MDF & Plywood)

• Shelves (PB, MDF & Plywood)

• Doorskins (Primed and Prefnished)

• UV Prime MDF & PB

• Prefnished Russian Birch (5x5 & 4x8)

• Prefnished Hardwood Plywood (Domestic and Imports)

• Custom Colors, Prints and Priming on MDF, PB & Plywood

• Domestic and Imported RAW materials

• Close to major port and several domestic panel suppliers will give us the wide array of substrate options. 2943

MASTERS: MATERIALS

WILSONART

Wilsonart® Engineered Surfaces is a world-leading manufacturing and distribution organization that is driven by a mission to create innovative, high-performance surfaces people love, with world-class service customers can count on, delivered by people who care.

Wilsonart, with global headquarters in Austin, TX, manufactures and distributes High Pressure Laminate, Quartz, Solid Surface, Coordinated TFL, Edgebanding, and other engineered surface options for use in the ofce, education, healthcare, residential, hospitality, and retail markets.

FEATURED PRODUCTS:

• HIGH PRESSURE LAMINATE

∘ In Stock, Made To Order, SemiCustom, and Full Custom

∘ Enhancements & Collections: Compact Panels, Fire-Rated, High Wear, and more

• QUARTZ

• SOLID SURFACE

• THERMALLY FUSED LAMINATE PANELS

∘ Cabinet Doors & Drawers

∘ Coordinating Edgeband

SUSTAINABILITY:

• THINSCAPE® PERFORMANCE TOPS

• DECORATIVE METALS

• ACRYLIC BACKSPLASH

• PERFORMANCE VENEERS

• CONTACT & PVA ADHESIVES, SOLVENTS, CLEANERS & COLOR MATCHED CAULK

• WATER-PROOF WALL PANELS

Wilsonart® High Pressure Laminate, Quartz, Solid Surface, Decorative Metals, Wetwall™, New Leaf™, and PVA and woodworking adhesives have all received UL GREENGUARD Gold Certifcation for indoor air quality. We use an average of 23% post-consumer recycled content in Wilsonart® HPL, and we are on track to reach 40% by 2025. Wilsonart has also received the following industry certifcations and compliances:

• DECLARE: DECLARE LABELS FOR HPL, COMPACT LAMINATE AND QUARTZ

• FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL® (FSC®)

• LEED® SILVER WILSONART N.A. CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

• SCS GLOBAL SERVICES (SCS)

• UL 2818: GREENGUARD CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR CHEMICAL EMISSIONS FOR BUILDING MATERIALS, FINISHES AND FURNISHINGS

MASTERS: DISTRIBUTION

AETNA BUILDING SOLUTIONS

Aetna Building Solutions, began in 1937 as a humble partnership between Don Davis Sr. and Arthur Schwanke. The founders envisioned a well-diversifed distribution company that ofers exceptional customer service. We pride ourselves on adhering to these core principles and build on them by understanding our customers’ needs; knowing our suppliers’ facilities and capabilities and making our products readily available for quick and efcient delivery.

We are grateful for our Aetna teams who take pride in their knowledge, fexibility and relationship building abilities. Their commitment is evident in how they work together to bring our customers the very best service and products. From our product managers who purchase from world class manufacturers, to our warehouse employees and truck drivers who carefully package and deliver on time, you will experience a level of service that is unmatched.

We foster a partnership with our customers and bring them not only the products they need but the knowledge and service they deserve. They become an extension of the ever-expanding Aetna family as we welcome new customers into the fold. We thank you for letting us serve you and show that gratitude by always striving to maintain your trust and your business. Serving Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Iowa.

SERVING:

• ARCHITECTURAL MILLWORK MANUFACTURERS

• FURNITURE MANUFACTURERS

• CABINET MANUFACTURERS

PRODUCT CATEGORIES:

• SURFACES: HPL, QUARTZ, SOLID SURFACE, WETWALL, THINSCAPE

• COMPOSITE PANEL PRODUCTS

• PLYWOOD

OUR OTHER LOCATIONS: 2112 12th Street Rockford, IL 61108 815-968-0921

• CLOSET MANUFACTURERS

• KITCHEN AND BATH DEALERS

• ARCHITECTS, DESIGNERS AND SPECIFIERS

• LUMBER

• HARDWARE

• LAMINATED PANELS

• FABRICATION

6350 Brookville Road Indianapolis, IN 46219 317-353-6281

4250 Otter Lake Road White Bear Lake, MN 55110 651-407-2800

NEW ACQUISTION: Hardwood Specialties 2433 Mackinwood Drive Lexington, KY 40510 859-226-5687

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS: 1401 St. Charles Rd., Maywood, IL 60153

P: 708-343-1515

F: 708-343-1616

WEB: www.aetnaplywood.com

MASTERS: DISTRIBUTION

ATLANTIC PLYWOOD CORPORATION

Atlantic Plywood Corporation distributes a large selection of premium plywood, panel products, lumber, wood fnishes, abrasives, adhesives, hardware, and related building products to a variety of woodworking industries. We provide woodworkers of all sizes with a high level of service, inventory, and knowledge from one source at a competitive price, while continually expanding our products and services. We believe in developing long term, mutually benefcially relationships with our customers and suppliers alike. Strong partnerships with over 200 industry leaders allow us to ofer more than 50,000 products. Atlantic Plywood operates 12 distribution facilities that serve the Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast.

Atlantic Plywood is a wholly owned subsidiary of Parksite, Inc. Parksite’s corporate ofce is in Batavia, IL with sales and distribution centers for surfacing and panel products in Bolingbrook, IL; Lakeland, FL; Louisville, OH; South Windsor, CT, Syracuse, NY.

LOCATIONS:

(CORPORATE OFFICE)

8 Roessler Road

Woburn, MA 01801

800-360-3923

1590 John Fitch Blvd

S. Windsor, CT 06074

800-877-2759

N.E. Industrial Park

Guilderland Ctr, NY 12085

800-221-1981

1 Noyes Avenue

E. Providence, RI 02916

800-292-6766

75 Amor Avenue

Carlstadt, NJ 07072

877-672-3070

1671 Lyell Avenue Rochester, NY 14606

800-801-9213

220 Smith Street Farmingdale, NY 11735 800-818-0434

5319 Route 14 S. Royalton, VT 05068 877-347-1406

54 Milliken Street Portland, ME 04103 866-547-3042

1400 Remington Blvd Bolingbrook, IL 60490 833-794-5314

540 Hog Mountain Road Jeferson, GA 30549 800-899-8122

8916 Pioneer Ave., Suite B Charlotte, NC 28273 800-899-8122

WE WORK WITH:

ARCHITECTS, BUILDERS, CONTRACTORS, COUNTERTOP FABRICATORS, CUSTOM CABINET SHOPS, DESIGNERS, MILLWORK HOUSES, SPECIFIERS, WOODWORKERS

KEY VENDORS:

FENIX® INNOVATIVE MATERIALS, FORMICA®, COLUMBIA FOREST PRODUCTS, M.L. CAMPBELL, UNIBOARD®, BLUM®, MILESI, KV, NEVAMAR®, GARNICA, MIRKA

WEB: www.atlanticplywood.com

E: info@atlanticplywood.com

MASTERS: DISTRIBUTION

MJB

A reliable supply chain partner with a strategic focus on wood components, millwork, and panel products.

MJB has spent nearly 50 years refning supply chain management, pursuing creative solutions and exceptional relationships with domestic and international suppliers. We give customers access to global manufacturers and innovative products, leading to lower costs, expanded capabilities, and entry into new markets.

Our supply chain services go beyond just sourcing, procurement, logistics, and distribution management. We can help you manage your entire supply chain or just a portion of it. We also ofer vendor managed inventory and other programs to reduce costs and improve efciency for your customers. MJB’s team of experienced professionals can provide value-added services, including cut-to-size, lamination, priming, and more—saving your business time and money.

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MASTERS: DISTRIBUTION

PARKSITE

Parksite distributes category leading building construction products and specialty building materials to dealers and fabricators within the commercial construction, residential construction and remodeling markets. Founded in 1971, Parksite is 100% employee-owned. Along with our wholly owned subsidiary company, Atlantic Plywood Corporation, we have 22 locations and over 700 employee-owners. Our mission is to build brands and develop solutions transforming the building industry. We have knowledge and skill sets to create downstream demand directly among a product’s end users via education, communicating value, and demonstrating future industry trends.

Parksite’s corporate ofce is in Batavia, IL with sales and distribution centers for surfacing and panel products in Bolingbrook, IL; Lakeland, FL; Louisville, OH; South Windsor, CT; Syracuse, NY. We serve customers in northern Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio; Florida; upstate New York; and New England. Our wholly owned subsidiary company, Atlantic Plywood, has 12 locations that serve the New England area, Illinois and Southeast.

PRODUCT CATEGORIES :

• PREMIUM SURFACES

Corian® Solid Surfaces, Corian® Quartz Surfaces, Corian® Endura High Performance Porcelain, Corian® Elements sinks and lavatories, Portfolio 71 semi-custom bath and sink products

• ARCHITECTURAL PRODUCTS

M.R. Walls – Multi-Dimensional Wall Panels, Portfolio 71 Trough Sink, Privacy Plus® Partitions and Protection screens, Futrus® Solutions

WE WORK WITH:

• ARCHITECTS

• BUILDERS

• COUNTERTOP FABRICATORS

• CUSTOM CABINET SHOPS

• DESIGNERS

• FACILITY MANAGERS

• KITCHEN & BATH DEALERS

• MILLWORK HOUSES

• SPECIFIERS

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MASTERS: DISTRIBUTION

RICHELIEU HARDWARE

Richelieu is an importer, distributor and manufacturer of specialty hardware and related products.

• A Catalog of over 130,000 innovative products

• A fast convenient site (richelieu.com) that makes it quick and easy to place orders 24/7

• A network of 106 interconnected warehouses across North America ready to handle your order quickly and efciently

• More than 100,000 satisfed customers in North America

Richelieu is your supplier of choice for all your specialty hardware and complementary product needs.

No matter what project, room or application you’re working with, we carry the perfect decorative surface that brings designs to life, transforming a functional surface into a stunning masterpiece. From super matte to high-gloss and a wide range of textured surfaces, Richelieu ofers a full range of beautiful and innovative surfaces and panels for your next project.

Our collections of door handles and knobs include more than 6,000 distinctive models with eye-catching fair and elegance to make the most attractive cabinet doors even more appealing. Combining innovative design and high quality manufacturing, our handles are more than functional accessories—they are truly exquisite gems that enhance everything from desk drawers to cabinet doors. Our collections bring together dazzling shapes and new materials to create an array of unique styles, including contemporary, transitional and traditional.

MASTERS: DISTRIBUTION

SIERRA FOREST PRODUCTS UPPER CANADA FOREST PRODUCTS

Beautiful materials can enhance and transform any space. The challenge? Finding the best materials that exceed your client’s needs.

As North America’s premier distributors of lumber and decorative panel solutions, we understand the importance of selecting quality products. We work with you to determine your specifc needs, sourcing product from a global network of high-quality suppliers, ensuring the right product is delivered on time, every time.

We provide products with a full range of textures and fnishes to help you create the look you desire. Our panel products ofer everything from the luxurious warmth of a deep woodgrain to the fnest, most versatile plywood, to the stunning impact of a beautiful high gloss or matte panel and to the vibrant spectrum of solid surface colors. Whether you are looking for TFL, HPL, plywood, solid surface or edgebanding, we have it all.

From architectural woodworking to commercial and residential furniture and cabinet-making industries, we are here to serve you and your customers.

Our team is committed to Delivering the Diference through innovation, quality products and exceptional service. What you need. When you need it. By people that know and care.

PRODUCTS:

• LUMBER

• PLYWOOD

• DECORATIVE PANELS

• COMPOSITE PANELS

• SOLID SURFACES

• EDGEBANDING

• OVERLAYS

• FINISHED PRODUCTS

* FSC, LEED and TSCA VI compliant products available

Q&A with Matt Huber NBMDA PRESIDENT

MATT HUBER

Q: Congratulations on your new role at NBMDA! What are your plans as president for this year and in what ways do you think the association can help its members navigate the current economic climate and succeed?

A. I think the NBMDA’s continuing education offerings provide the biggest assistance to Allegheny Plywood and its members. We are sending two employees to the University of Innovative Distribution in Indianapolis this year and our General Manager is signed up for the Emerging Distribution Leaders Program which runs 10 weeks this summer.

For a small distributor, these educational opportunities are invaluable. Through the NBMDA, we have access to top-quality educational programs that are unavailable and cost prohibitive through other ways.

I also believe all members should take advantage of the annual Financial Benchmarking Analytics Survey. This report provides financial informational comparisons and performance with other similar companies in the same business segment. The information is compiled by an independent firm and completely confidential. Allegheny Plywood has used this comparative information to improve our profitability.

We at N BMDA are so thankful for the relationships we have with our suppliers, with our manufacturers that we represent. Without them, we wouldn’t exist. There’s always a thought, a concern for the push towards e-commerce and cutting out distribution. The relationship has to be strong among us. At my company, we have customers that call us and talk to our inside sales team and we understand their needs and hopefully we help save them money and maintain that relationship.

I think most people want to support small businesses, but it has to make sense for them—do we have the product for them, the quality for them and do we have a competitive price point for them. We all strive to specialize and bring products in that you just can’t get from the mass merchandizer.

NBMDA also offers the membership resources that can guide us in the fields of HR, transportation and member discounted programs.

We at NBMDA are so thankful for the relationships we have with our suppliers, with our manufacturers that we represent. Without them, we wouldn’t exist.

Q: Many experts have predicted a recession in 2023—what signs are you seeing and what can your members do to help insulate themselves from economic fluctuations?

A. This is a very tough question to answer. In my opinion, we are not forecasting a big recession or downturn in the markets we serve.

Our residential cabinet and millwork customers continue to see incoming orders and have a backlog of work that is months out, where before our customers might have a 6–8-week lead time, due to supply and labor shortages, their lead time is extended to 12-18 weeks, so there is a lot of work out there.

Commercial work is more difficult to predict because there are so many factors that influence the progress of a commercial project, however in my discussions with our Director of Commercial Specifications, the Architectural firms are very busy. It’s an expensive proposition for distribution to have specifications reps because they are highly compensated, highly qualified individuals who make sales calls on group architectural firms—so it’s a service we provide to the manufacturers that we represent by having these people on our payroll, and by providing those specifications to architects who then put them into large projects.

The large health care and educational institutions in our area all have major projects in process or ready to break ground. So, we continue to be cautiously optimistic about the health of the economy.

Q: In that vein, with inflation concerns and multiple interest rate hikes affecting the costs of just about everything, how can the distribution industry sustain profitability while implementing or maintaining price stability?

A. Our long-standing partnerships with our major suppliers have certainly help sustain our profitability and price stability throughout the supply chain issues and Allegheny Plywood is deeply thankful for the relationship we have with our manufacturers.

As always, we continue to explore new relationships with key suppliers, and this is where the NBMDA has provided Allegheny Plywood the opportunity to network with new and different manufacturers. We have learned of so many new and exciting products at the annual membership conference. We always come back from the conference with new product ideas to provide our customer base.

So, while there are supply issues throughout the global economy, there are new products and new manufacturers we have partnered with that provide price stability and supply chain reliability to help us maintain profitability.

Q: As supply chain reliability remains an issue for the distribution industry, how are companies handling these challenges?

Over the last year, Allegheny Plywood has increased our inventory levels to help reduce the extended lead times we had experienced and purchased future materials with certain manufacturers. Our suppliers have been outstanding throughout the supply chain issues, providing us an allocation of materials and guaranteed supply, so I cannot say enough about how our business partners supported us.

Fortunately, supply chain issues have become much better over the last 60-90 days and the manufacturers we represent are decreasing lead time and we are beginning to see price decreases from certain suppliers.

Q: On a lighter note, what trends for 2023 are you seeing in the world of panels and countertop surfaces?

A: Thank goodness, a much easier question!

In the world of panels, we are seeing customer requests for flat panel, high-gloss or flat matte finishes. The customer wants clean lines and contemporary looks that we are seeing from our European partners. So, we can obtain this look through our finish specialists or purchasing pre-finish composite panels.

We are also experiencing a demand for outdoor living spaces that require cabinetry manufactured with weatherresistant panels and we are seeing this demand in both commercial and residential applications. In light of the pandemic, people are looking more for outdoor gathering spaces at restaurants, hotels and their personal living areas and outdoor cabinetry is needed for these areas.

In the world of countertops, I think manufacturer Quartz surfaces is the top demanded product category. Although High Pressure Laminated, Solid Surface and Natural Granite still have a significate market presents, I believe the attributes of Quartz provides homeowners and Architectural Specifiers the best performance for their projects. Over the past several years, our quartz manufacturing customers have become more efficient and more productive in bring finished quartz countertops to the project. s p

REUNITING UNDER ONE ROOF

The 2022 NBMDA Annual Convention Brings Together Industry Leaders

BY JENNIFER G. WILLIAMS

The North American Building Material Distribution Association celebrated its 70th anniversary, coming home to Chicago for its 2022 annual convention. More than 1,100 attendees met at the Hyatt Regency Chicago Hotel, November 1-3, where distributors and partner suppliers learned about the latest trends and issues in the industry.

Attendance was up this year and included nearly 50 frst-time exhibiting suppliers.

SPEAKERS, SESSIONS AND WORKSHOPS

The annual event offered speakers, sessions, presentations and workshops that were informative and covered all aspects of the distribution industry. From trading partner meetings to educating today’s distribution professionals and sharing best practices within the industry, there was a bit of something for everyone attending.

Speakers included Jeff Havens, who shared his expert insights on how to supercharge your business in his keynote speech, Uncrapify Your Future —relating how innovation can

be a simple process that literally everyone is capable of performing. Tayo Rockson shared The Five A’s of Sustainable Diversity and Inclusion, helping distribution executives learn five systematic ways to build a sustainable diversity and inclusion program.

Attendees said they were impressed by the quality of presentations and sessions offered, including one from Connor Lokar with ITR Economics. Lokar led the Economic Trends in the Construction and Industrial Markets session, which addressed current and future economic conditions for both residential and commercial construction segments and gave participants a clearer picture of what to expect for end-use market demand for interior building products.

Ian Heller with the Distribution Strategy Group shared his vision on how distributors can continue to earn and even expand their share of suppliers’ sales in the face of aggressive competition and a growing number of alternative paths to market in his How Can Distributors Become More Important to Manufacturers talk.

Alex Chausovsky with the Miller Resource Group delivered key insights designed to help distribution leaders and decision makers elevate their talent-focused activities in his presentation, Building an Effective Talent Strategy: Proven Tactics to Attract, Hire and Retain Your Most Valuable Assets

And in his Preparing for Change session, Alan Beaulieu with ITR Economics shared an insightful exploration of consumer trends and market opportunities, pricing issues, labor constraints, and production costs featuring practical business responses, tactics, and strategies in order to maximize market potential and company preparedness.

A one-day leadership workshop dedicated to providing tailored education to those in management positions within wholesale distribution firms was reintroduced after a two-year pause. Seventyfive distribution managers took advantage of the University of Innovative Distribution-in-a-Day relaunch, which focused on sharpening their skills around leading teams and managing change in an every-evolving business landscape.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 146

SPEAKERS BELOW, LEFT TO RIGHT: JEFF HAVENS, TAYO ROCKSON, CONNOR LOKAR, IAN HELLER, ALEX CHAUSOVSKY AND ALAN BEAULIEU

CELEBRATING EMERGING LEADERS

Launched in early 2022, the NBMDA Emerging Distribution Leaders Program is a professional development program centered on upand-coming distribution professionals. The nine-month program is designed to provide education and networking opportunities to professionals interested in furthering their career in the distribution channel. Distribution professionals who strengthened their management and leadership skills in 2022 and graduated from the program at the 2022 NBMDA Convention included:

• Humberto Ramirez , Aetna Building Solutions, Maywood, Illinois

• Chris Ma rtin, Aetna Building Solutions, Maywood, Illinois

• Joel Wilson, Atlantic Plywood, Woburn, Massachusetts

• Honour Delaney-Machi, Distributor Service Inc., Carnegie, Pennsylvania

• Stephanie Hardwick , Dixie Plywood Lumber Co., Savannah, Georgia

• Tanner McMaster, Dixie Plywood Lumber Co., Savannah, Georgia

• Rusty Johnson, Plunkett Distributing, Ft. Smith, Arkansas

• Caleb Plunkett , Plunkett Distributing, Ft. Smith, Arkansas

• Austin Nolen , General Manager – Web-Don, Inc., Charlotte, North Carolina

• Josh D imeo, Assistant Branch Manager – Web-Don, Inc., Charlotte, North Carolina

• Michelle Holmberg , Senior Accountant – Wurth Louis Co., Brea, California

• Ryan B low, Business Development Manager – Wurth Louis Co., Brea, California

• Christopher Hunter, Purchasing Supervisor – Wurth Wood Group, Charlotte, North Carolina

The association also had a special membership tenure recognition for three members who have reached 30 years of continuous membership in NBMDA:

• E.B. B radley Co., Vernon, California

• Richelieu America, Ville Saint Laurent, Quebec, Canada

• Wurth Wood Group, Charlotte, North Carolina

In addition to electing new officers, NBMDA also named its Board of Directors for 2023. The role of the Board is to govern, establish policy and make strategic decisions about the organization’s future.

OFFICERS:

• PRESIDENT: Matt Huber, Allegheny Plywood, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

• PRESIDENT ELECT: Don Plunkett , Plunkett Distributing, Ft. Smith, Arkansas

• VICE PRESIDENT: Tracy Nacius, Amerhart Ltd., Green Bay, Wisconsin

• TREASURER: Wayne Moriarty, Atlantic Plywood, Woburn, Massachusetts

• PAST PRESIDENT: Emily Vella, Atlantic Plywood, Woburn, Massachusetts

DISTRIBUTOR DIRECTORS:

• Chris B urns, EB Bradley Co., Vernon, California

• John Geraghty, Wurth Baer Supply, Vernon Hills, Illinois

• Steve Hollinshead , Aetna Building Solutions, Maywood, Illinois

• Craig Ratchford , Richelieu, Ville Saint Laurent, Quebec, Canada

SUPPLIER DIRECTORS:

• Lorne Smith, Berenson Corp., Buffalo, New York

• Melissa Herman, Formica Corp., Cincinnati, Ohio

• Cayce Hewlett , Chemcraft, High Point, North Carolina

• Don Ray mond , Uniboard, Laval, Quebec, Canada

• Tom Wa rdach, Roseburg Forest Products, Roseburg, Oregon

• Jeff Winters, Kessebohmer USA, Wilmington, North Carolina

ABOVE: HUMBERTO RAMIREZ WAS ONE OF THE DISTRIBUTION PROFESSIONALS WHO GRADUATED FROM THE NBMDA EMERGING DISTRIBUTION LEADERS PROGRAM AT THE 2022 NBMDA CONVENTION. HE IS JOINED BY 2023 NBMDA PRESIDENT, MATT HUBER.

THE ANNUAL EVENT FEATURED SPEAKERS, SESSIONS, WORKSHOPS, PRESENTATIONS,AND SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS.

REED CUSTER HIGH SCHOOL’S MARK SMITH VISITS ONE OF HIS INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS, MAKAYLA WILKINS, AT HER PART-TIME CABINET-MAKING JOB.

Not Your Father’s Shop Class: FOSTERING FUTURE WOODWORKERS

BY DENISE WILLIAMS / PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY NBMDA

In yet another sign of how times are changing, educator Mark Smith credits social media with bringing him together with Aetna Building Solutions —the company he says ultimately saved his high school industrial technology program.

Jon Minnaert, president of the Maywood, Illinois-based building materials distributor, was on the hunt for an education program to add to their ‘Aetna Gives Back’ charitable division. This good-works initiative provides scholarships to local colleges, supports area youth teams and organizations, and provides giveaways during the holidays, among other campaigns. While all worthy causes, there was a strong desire to extend the company’s generosity in a way that would directly affect its core industry—preferably at the local level.

Scrolling one day on LinkedIn, one of a number of social media platforms where Smith shares his students’ undertakings at Reed-Custer High School, Minnaert stumbled on exactly what he was looking for.

THE EVOLUTION OF SHOP CLASS

Back in 2000, under Smith’s direction and foresight, the Shiloh campus in Hume, Illinois, became one of the first high schools in the United States to install a full-sized Thermwood CNC router. In 2016, Smith began building a computer-integrated manufacturing facility with a second Thermwood CNC router to be the center of Reed-Custer’s industrial technology program. The purchase was a game-changer for the program, which had suffered a plight shared by similar programs across the nation. Over recent decades, Smith explains, the ties between industry and education had unraveled quite a bit, with many career and technical education (CTE) classes taking on more of a recreational feel as a result. Adding the CNC router, which he describes as basically a robot, represented the first step in a recalibration of the program’s focus and purpose. The learning environment naturally began to gravitate toward engineering software such as AutoCAD, MasterCAD, eCabinets, Microvellum, Cabinetvision, Carveco and more. Additional cutting-edge equipment followed, including an automated edge bander, 3-D printers,

a CNC laser, a computer lab and devices to help move materials around. Collectively, the technologies would change not only the way his students built products but what they crafted.

As the “hobby” culture faded, Smith seized the opportunity to orient his curriculum to better reflect what was actually happening in industry. “When you’re a program that’s emulating what industry’s doing,” he remarks, “now suddenly you’re doing things that industry respects, the community respects, the kids respect, the administration respects and the school board respects. No offense to people building birdhouses or things like that, but we’re not building birdhouses here at Reed-Custer High School.”

What they do build, as Minnaert was soon to discover, is kitchen cabinets, which they then install in an actual home at a minimal cost. And what that also does, Smith adds, is give students a real-life taste of a career in woodworking. That’s just one reason, the teacher emphasizes, why industry involvement is so crucial. “Between what industry

CONTINUED ON PAGE 150

MARK SMITH (L) CREDITS SOCIAL MEDIA WITH BRINGING HIM TOGETHER WITH AETNA BUILDING SOLUTIONS PRESIDENT JON MINNAER (R)

not building birdhouses here at Reed-Custer High School”

EDUCATOR MARK SMITH

is doing and how education is changing and then, thirdly, getting industry and education to work together,” he continues, “we’re really seeing a revival, a resurrection, a renaissance movement of the trades.”

This reawakening is not only bringing back interest in woodworking, Smith observes, but drawing it from untapped corners. “There was a time when, if you wanted to work in the trades, you had to be pretty [physically] strong,” he recalls. The nature of the work has become less physical with the technological advances, and Smith believes that’s making it more appealing to a much broader base of participant—including, but certainly not limited to, female students.

Not all will head off to college when they graduate, some due to circumstances but others by choice. Smith believes the woodworking industry offers a solid career pathway for many of them, if only companies promote the selling points and opportunities in a timely and effective fashion. That wasn’t really the case during his high school years, he remembers; otherwise he may have gone in a different direction professionally—straight from commencement to a woodworking job. Fortunately, the next best thing for him to actually working in the industry is preparing kids to work in the industry; either

way makes him happy. But others for whom college may not be a good fit might not be so lucky.

For Smith, the memory drives home the importance of companies getting involved with young people while they’re still considering their futures. By the same token, Minnaert recognizes programs like Reed-Custer’s for their potential for industry participants to win over new entrants to the workforce. When the two movements intersect, it creates the prospect of a promising career for students skipping the four-year college experience and a coup for wood manufacturing customers—some of which are hurting for new talent—and even distributors themselves.

A MEETING OF THE MINDS

Minnaert was first intrigued, then impressed, by the program at ReedCuster. He reached out in late 2020, although the ongoing COVID-19 crisis put his visit to the school on hold until later the following year. The eventual meeting between the industry exec, teacher and his principal turned out to be well worth the wait. Minnaert recalls how Smith mistakenly thought Aetna was simply trying to sell him some plywood, but the company leader assured he was only there to help.

“I told him, ‘You’re doing some pretty worthwhile things in our industry— there’s not a lot of high schools that do this anymore,’” he says. “You’re creating excitement and hopefully the springboard to get them into our industry. Who knows? There could be a future Aetna salesperson or future Aetna leader in there somewhere, in your shop.”

Smith, meanwhile, admits to be pleasantly surprised to learn that Aetna actually wanted to donate materials to his class and students. He and Minnaert kept the lines of communication open, and Aetna is now in its third year of gifting product to Reed-Custer. It’s just the kind of collaboration the nonprofit Wood Industry Resources Collaborative envisions. [for more information on WIRC, see page 152]. And, according to Smith, it rescued his program from an uncertain future.

“I was wondering how my students were going to afford their projects, when our panel products were $60 a foot before and now some cost as much as $180,” recalls Smith, who says he is unsure what would’ve happened if not for Aetna’s support. That’s no longer a concern, now that the class doesn’t have to pay for the plywood and hardwood it needs. “I was worried we were going to have to start building birdhouses,” Smith suggests facetiously.

Although he wasn’t even aware that Reed-Custer’s curriculum was facing dire straits, Minnaert is thrilled by the idea that Aetna help made a difference. “That’s what we wanted to do,” he says enthusiastically, and he encourages peer companies to do their part, too, if they aren’t already. “These schools are in every one of our cities,” he points out. “I don’t know how many, but they’re in every one of them.”

Smith offers some perspective: the number of industrial arts program at the high school level is, conservatively speaking, in the neighborhood of about 5,000 nationwide, according to him. That’s down, he notes, from approximately 50,000 woodworking programs in high schools during the 1980s. The statistic only adds to the argument for

REED CUSTER HIGH SCHOOL’S INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY STUDENT, MAKAYLA WILKINS, AT HER PART-TIME CABINET-MAKING JOB

RCHS STUDENT, CHANDLER NORTON, WORKING ON HIS AWARD-WINNING GAMING CHAIR. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK SMITH

“We’re

industry to do more. “The wood industry has had such a strong foothold at the high school level—although it isn’t as strong today, it still has a presence—and to let that go would be a colossal mistake,” he opines. “It would be a shame not to get involved and maintain that strategic advantage for the industry.”

Companies can be supporters in a wide range of ways, Smith notes, before naming several: technical assistance, mentoring, professional guidance through career fairs, funding for students’ trade show attendance, product donations and more. “Nothing says this industry has opportunities for students more than industry being involved with your program and supporting you in all these ways,” he declares. In fact, Smith has a list of 32 things industry people can do to participate at the high school level “to help affect in a positive manner how that school district views their program and the industry, in hopes of maintaining a presence that might already be there or developing a presence that isn’t there.”

Smith shared some of his insights with NBMDA members during the 2022 NBMDA Annual Convention in Chicago, including examples of how companies can extend their support and get involved with high schools in their community.

Distributors can extend their support in their local communities, he says, and should seize opportunities to begin “vision casting” at local career and technical education (CTE) programs, which serve as a springboard for future workers in the trades. Vision Casting is “the process of helping people gain a better understanding of an idea through word, picture, activity and or story and putting processes in place to move towards that better understanding,” Smith explains.

Getting involved in local schools and the community offers the added bonus of positive PR for your company, as well as increased community presence and an opportunity to reach promising students who may have not thought about an opportunity with your company. Striking the right balance can be a win-win for everyone involved, say officials. s p Denise Williams is the Editor of NBMDA’s Channel Connections

Smith lists 36 suggested pathways for companies to extend their support to schools and their communities to reach future woodworkers and other tradespeople, but he emphasizes that companies need to only select one to get started:

• Make a presentation to the administration and school board at a board meeting

• Meet with the local teacher(s)

• Set up a booth at the school College/Career Day event

• Make a presentation to the CTE classes

• Host a field trip at your facility

• Offer a teacher training day event at your manufacturing facility

• Give a tour of your facility to local administration and school board

• Offer to host a school board meeting at your manufacturing facility and make a presentation

• Send company representative to help give out awards to students during school awards events

• Have someone at your company mentor a student

• Sponsor a student contest

• Meet with school counselors and explain career opportunities (they are the gatekeepers)

• Give donations to the school program

• Offer technical support for student and program projects

• Donate materials and supplies

• Give virtual field trips

• Make training materials available to a school program

• Support student access to trade show events

• Set up apprenticeship opportunities

• Support mock interview training

• Support student career exploration opportunities

• Host a Manufacturing Day event

• Start a Student of the Year award

• Use your marketing department to help a school program develop a program brochure

• Be part of the Freshman Open House event

• Help present awards (WCA-Saw Blade Certificate) to students

• Offer teacher training that supports certification program

• Write a letter of support for the teacher and their program to the school administration and school board

• Donate a piece of equipment you are replacing

• Invite local government officials to anything you are doing with the school

• Invite the local press to anything you are doing with the school

• Help set up an advisory council for the school program

• Write letters to local and state government about the good things happening with you and the school program

• Invite teachers and students to participate in association events

• Set up a booth at freshman open house and meet the gatekeepers and the parents

• Help with a fundraiser.

“We’re really seeing a revival, a resurrection, a renaissance movement of the trades”

–EDUCATOR MARK SMITH

EDUCATOR, MARK SMITH, ADDRESSING INDUSTRY DISTRIBUTORS AND MANUFACTURERS AT THE 2022 NBMDA CONVENTION IN CHICAGO

Industry Stakeholders Promote Wood Work

BY DENISE WILLIAMS

Maybe, as someone on the outside looking in, you wouldn’t think of the wood industry as the perfect re-boot for an experienced employee in another line of work or as a career launch pad for a new high school graduate.

But then again, if WIRC has anything to do with it, most certainly “YouWood.”

That’s the name of the awareness campaign created on behalf of WIRC, which stands for the Wood Industry Resource Collaborative. The alliance took shape in 2017 when NBMDA and other like-minded organizations rallied around their common interest in promoting the myriad professional opportunities offered by their trades. The options run the gamut, notes Laura Griffin at Industrial Strength Marketing, who serves as account manager for the YouWood initiative, which launched in 2021. Yet, she counters, too many people still correlate woodworking to the birdhouse they built in shop class as a student or to their grandfather’s pet hobby.

Craftsmen do make up a critical part of the talent spectrum for wood, but they are hardly alone in a field that also includes everyone from manual laborers and computer-aid design (CAD) operators to marketing staff and managers to educators and beyond. “People think the wood industry is low-tech, outdated and, therefore, probably not growing,” admits Griffin, right before she tosses those assumptions out the window. “No—today’s wood industry is

high tech, it’s cutting edge, it’s stable, it’s growing! We want them to know that the industry has an opportunity for just about anyone and that there’s decent money and a good living to be made here.”

But, if you don’t know, you don’t know. That’s why the YouWood campaign is dedicated to spreading the word. Still, it simply wouldn’t be practical—or effective—to aim that message at every single person in the job market. With that in mind, WIRC narrowed its focus down to two primary target populations, one of which is “underemployed adults.”

WE WANT YOU

Griffin explains that there’s an untapped market for these midcareer workers, who feel trapped in jobs where their unique skills are being underutilized, if used at all. Younger veterans, she says, are a prime example of this demographic, which may not be aware that their specialized training could transfer easily to wood industry work once they discharge from the military. “Maybe they’ve been

“Today’s wood industry is high tech, it’s cutting edge, it’s stable, it’s growing!”

LAURA GRIFFIN

repairing equipment or working on planes,” she muses, but many exit the service and end up in jobs where those talents are wasted—all the more disheartening if it happens to be something they love doing. The wood industry is a great fit, according to Griffin—not only for former enlistees but for many other working adults in their 30s and 40s who desire a career swap. The COVID-19 pandemic, she suggests, gave a lot of people pause about what they really want professionally. Those not feeling fulfilled in their current field are increasingly open to going in a completely new direction, and WIRC wants them to know the doors to the wood industry are wide open.

AND ESPECIALLY YOU

Companies enthusiastically welcome well-qualified new hires who have plenty of expertise under their belts, but the primary audience for YouWood is the massive and constantly churning pool of young people preparing for life after high school. With a traditional four-year college not an option from a financial standpoint for some and not the first choice for others, they are actively weighing the alternatives. In the past, other trades—auto mechanics, electricians, etc.—have been top of mind for the non-college crowd. Not because those are better options, Griffin explains, but because that’s who they see.

That’s what NBMDA and the other WIRC members also have come to understand, and putting their companies in the line of vision of these prospects has become something of a passion project for them. “We have to compete,” Griffin declares. “We don’t want all of those other trades to be at all of the school counselor trade events, for example, and we’re not there. We need to be at the table to find these workers” and show them all the wood industry has to offer. That also means being present on job boards aimed at veterans and other underemployed adults, she adds, since “you really need both” types of workers. “That’s why we made a concerted effort to ensure we’re touching both of those,” she says.

GROWING LIKE A TREE

Having spent year one mobilizing and rolling out the youwood.com website and year two fanning out into more channels, like advertising on video and audio streaming platforms, YouWood is pleased with the progress it’s making so far. Griffin shares a couple of achievements the campaign has reached in terms of ramping up awareness:

• Capturing 55 million “eyeballs” on messaging across all channels

• Tracking an estimated 175,000 site visits to web properties

• Getting in front of more females, who have accounted for loosely 46% of site visitors

Going into year three of the campaign, the YouWood partners are intent on building a bigger presence at trade shows and on social media as well as exploring even more communication avenues, including podcasts and online influencers. The ultimate goal is to keep driving up awareness so that job-seekers, whether male or female, just starting a career or seeking a new one, can see themselves working in the wood industry. s p

NBMDA is proud to provide financial support to the YouWood campaign and is committed to keeping its members updated on the progress of this industry initiative. For the latest updates, visit www.youwood.com.

Denise Williams is the Editor of NBMDA’s Channel Connections.

NBMDA 70 Years of Providing Valued Resources to the Distributor Community

To remain relevant and competitive, distributors have adopted new technologies, sourced and imported product internationally, expanded into value-added services, refned their sales processes, become more sophisticated marketers and expanded their geographical footprints.

KEVIN GAMMONLEY

BY KEVIN GAMMONLEY, NBMDA EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT

Since its inception in 1952 when its member base consisted of distributors primarily serving retail dealers with a broad array of products to present day where distributor members predominantly serve the woodworking and kitchen/bath markets, NBMDA has consistently evolved and changed to remain relevant. But one thing has not changed in NBMDA’s 70-year history—a dedication to providing the distributor community with the industry intelligence, education and business connections that facilitate growth within its member firms.

Distributors continue to be an important segment of the woodworking and kitchen & bath industries, providing valued services to architectural woodworkers, cabinetmakers, surface fabricators and kitchen dealers, along with a wide selection of products readily available in local markets. This inventory is customized to meet the regional preferences of the end users in a particular market. Many leading manufacturers partner with such distributors as they have proven to be a highly effective channel to get their products to market while providing exceptional customer service.

In my 30 years of serving as the Executive Vice President of NBMDA, I have seen the independent, regional distributor community navigate many challenges, including severe economic downturns, proliferation of online markets, industry consolidation, manufacturers selling direct, transportation cost spikes, labor shortages, new forms of competition, heightened customer expectations, loss of market exclusivity for major brands and of course most recently—a global pandemic that shook-up daily operations and the sales process ultimately leading to massive supply chain disruption and product shortages.

The demise of the wholesale distributor has been predicted by so-called experts many times over the years. Such predictions were based on an assumption that the “middleman” would no longer be able to justify their value in the supply chain and thus would be eliminated. Such predications made the incorrect assumption that distributors would not change their way of doing business. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

It’s been exciting to have witnessed the ongoing evolution of the wholesale distributor as they have adjusted their businesses to meet the growing demands of customers, product influencers and manufacturers. Their businesses have morphed, adapted and expanded to take advantage of new opportunities and competitive

differentiation. To remain relevant and competitive, distributors have adopted new technologies, sourced and imported product internationally, expanded into value-added services, refined their sales processes, become more sophisticated marketers and expanded their geographical footprints.

Distributors fully understand the value of deep relationships— with their customer, employees, suppliers and with each other. This is where NBMDA comes into play, as the association has created the forum for distributors across North America to get to know each other personally, share best practices and develop lifelong friendships. It has also served as the catalyst for connecting distributors with sources of supply and ultimately helping to transition vendors into true partners. Through NBMDA’s many education and training opportunities, distributors have invested in their staff and developed their future leaders.

The future holds ongoing challenges for distributors but also significant opportunities for growth. The market is changing faster than ever and thus distributors must be at the top of their game to remain competitive. Fortunately, they will continue to have NBMDA as a valued resource to help them navigate whatever the future holds. s p

Distributors

A & M Supply Corp. Pinellas Park, FL (727) 541-6632

www.a-msupply.com

Advanced Hardware Supply, Inc. Boise, ID (208) 321-8089

www.advancedhardwaresupply.com

Aetna Building Solutions Maywood, IL (708) 343-1515

www.aetnaplywood.com

Allegheny Plywood Company, Inc Pittsburgh, PA (412) 621-6804

www.alleghenyplywood.com

Alpine Plywood Corporation Milwaukee, WI (414) 438-8400

www.alpineplywood.com

Amerhart Ltd. Green Bay, WI (920) 494-4744

www.amerhart.com

Arthur Distributor Company Arthur, IL (217) 543-2166

Atlantic Plywood Corp. Woburn, MA (781) 933-1932

www.atlanticplywood.com

Bennett Supply Co. Cheswick, PA

(724) 274-1700

www.bennettsupply.com

Bond Plywood, Inc. Ferndale, MI

(248) 548-3150

www.bondply.com

Brazos Forest Products Grand Prairie, TX (972) 602-1777

www.brazosfp.com

Cabinetparts.com Pompano Beach, FL (954) 428-3800

www.cabinetparts.com

Charles McMurray Co. Fresno, CA (559) 292-5751

www.charlesmcmurray.com

Connecticut Plywood Corp. Plainville, CT (860) 953-0060

www.connply.com

Dakota Premium Hardwoods, LLC Waco, TX (254) 772-9663

www.dakotahardwoods.com

Darant Distributing Corp. Denver, CO (303) 289-2220

www.darant.com

Direct Supply, Inc. Grand Rapids, MI (616) 245-4415

www.directsupplyinc.com

Distributor Service, Inc. Carnegie, PA (412) 279-7824

www.distributor-service.com

Dixie Plywood and Lumber Savannah, GA (912) 447-7032

www.dixieply.com

E.B. Bradley Co./ West Coast Laminating Vernon, CA (323) 585-9201 ext.3106

www.ebbradley.com

E. Roko Distributors Burnaby, BC, Canada (604) 420-9599

www.eroko.com

Edgebanding Services, Inc. San Dimas, CA (909) 599-2336

www.edgebanding-services.com

Fessenden Hall

Pennsauken Township, NJ (800) 220-2233

www.fessendenhall.com

Formations, Inc.

Edmonton, AB, Canada (780) 893-7540

www.formationswood.com

Frama-Tech, LLC

Navarre, FL (800) 622-9663

www.framatech.com

Grander Dallas, TX

www.grandercap.com

Hardwood Products, Inc. Houston, TX (713) 984-8904

www.hwp.us

Hardwoods Distribution / Rugby Architectural Building Products Concord, NH (830) 708-6766

www.rugbyabp.com

Hood Products Distribution Company Hattiesburg, MS (601) 296-4817

www.hooddistribution.com

Horizon Forest Products Raleigh, NC (919) 719-0877

www.horizonforestcabinet.com

Jasper Industrial Supply Jasper, IN (812) 482-1668

www.jasperindustrial.com

Kitply Industries Surrey, BC, Canada (877) 754-8759

www.kitplyindustries.com

L&R Sales Worchester, MA (508) 752-8757

www.landrsales.com

LeNoble Lumber Company, Inc. Long Island City, NY (718) 784-5230

www.lenoblelumber.com

Liberty Hardwoods, Inc. Kansas City, MO (816) 231-0852

www.libertyhardwoodsinc.com

Lumbermen’s, Inc. Grand Rapids, MI (616) 538-5180

www.lumbermens-inc.com

MacMurray Pacific San Francisco, CA (415) 552-5500

www.macmurraypacific.com

M S International Orange, CA (714) 685-7500

www.msisurfaces.com

Manhattan Laminates Long Island City, NY (646) 731-2503

www.manlam.com

Marathon Hardware Mississauga, ON, Canada (905) 607-8665

www.marathonhardware.com

McFadden’s Hardwood & Hardware, Inc. Oakville, ON, Canada (800) 268-0942

www.mcfaddens.com

McKillican International, Inc. Edmonton, AB, Canada (888) 252-7993

www.mckillican.com

Metro Hardwoods Maple Grove, MN (763) 391-6731

www.metrohardwoods.com

MJB Wood Group, Inc. Irving, TX (972) 401-0005

www.mjbwood.com

Nashville Plywood, Inc. Nashville, TN (615) 320-7877

www.nashvilleplywood.com

National Wood Products, Inc. Salt Lake City, UT (801) 977-1171

www.nationalwood.com

Ohio Valley Supply Company Cincinnati, OH (513) 681-8300

www.ovsco.com

Parksite, Inc.

Batavia, IL (800) 338-3355

www.parksite.com

Plunkett Distributing

Fort Smith, AR (479) 782-2190

www.plunkettdistributing.com

Plywood Company of Fort Worth, Inc. Fort Worth, TX (817) 831-4206

www.plywoodcompany.com

Richelieu America Ltd. Ville Saint-Laurent, QC, Canada (800) 619-5446

www.richelieu.com

Rocky Hardwood Woburn, MA

www.rockyhardwoodinc.com

Roddis Lumber & Veneer San Antonio, TX (210) 226-1426

www.roddislumber.com

Russell Plywood, Inc. Reading, PA (610) 374-4017

www.russellplywood.com

Sierra Forest Products / Upper Canada Forest Products

Mississauga, ON, Canada (905) 814-1101

www.ucsforestgroup.com

Spokane Hardware Supply, Inc. Spokane, WA (800) 888-1663

www.spokanehardware.com

Virginia Tile Holdings, LLC

Kansas City, KS (913) 573-0516

www.virginiatile.com

Web-Don, Inc.

Charlotte, NC (800) 532-0434

www.web-don.com

White Wood Distributors

Winnipeg, MB, Canada (204) 982-9470

www.w-group.ca

Willis Supply Co. Ltd. Tracy, CA (888) 994-5547

www.4willis.com

Wurth Baer Supply Co. Vernon Hills, IL (847) 913-2237

www.baersupply.com

Wurth Louis and Company Brea, CA (714) 529-1771

www.louisandcompany.com

Wurth Wood Group

Charlotte, NC (704) 398-2162

www.wurthwoodgroup.com

Yorke Towne Supplies Ltd. Richmond Hil,l ON, Canada (888) 321-8222

www.yorketowne.com

Suppliers

3B S.p.A. Salgareda, TV, Italy

www.3bspa.com

Accuride International Santa Fe Springs, CA (562) 903-0200

www.accuride.com

AGT

Antalya, Turkey (242) 249-1717

www.agt.com.tr/en

Alvic USA

Auburndale, FL (863) 875- 2458

www.alvicusa.com

Arauco North America Inc. Markham, ON, Canada (905) 752-5275

www.arauco-na.com

Axalta Coating Systems High Point, NC (336) 802-4716

www.axaltawoodcoatings.com

Berenson Corp.

Buffalo, NY (716) 833-3100

www.berensonhardware.com

BHK Of America, Inc.

South Boston, VA (434) 572-5500

www.bhkofamerica.com

Birchland Plywood Limited

Thessalon, ON, Canada (705) 842-2430

www.birchlandplywood.com

Blum Inc., Stanley, NC (704) 827-1345

www.blum.com

C.A. Technologies Wagner Group Louisville, CO (303) 438-5707

www.spraycat.com

Canlak Coatings, LLC

North Brunswick, NJ (732) 821-3200

www.canlakcoatings.com

Canusa Wood

Vancouver, BC, Canada (604) 687-2254

www.canusawood.com

Century Components

Sugar Creek, OH (330) 852-3610

www.centurymade.com

Chemcraft, Inc. High Point, NC (336) 841-5111 www.chemcraft.com

Chemetal Easthampton, MA (413) 529-0718 www.chemetal.com

Choice Adhesives Cincinnati, OH (513) 772-1234 www.choiceadhesivescorp.com

Clarke Veneers and Plywood Jackson, MS (601) 366-0331 www.clarkeveneers.com

Columbia Forest Products Greensboro, NC (800) 637-1609

www.columbiaforestproducts.com

Commonwealth Plywood— Whitehall, NY Whitehall, NY (514) 894-3575

www.cpiwhitehall.com

Comtrad Strategic Sourcing Mississauga, ON, Canada (905) 625-0564 www.comtrad.com

Corob North America Charlotte, NC (704) 588-8408 www.corob.com

CyCan Industries / Quality Aerosols Woodstock, GA (877) 320-4747

www.cycanindustries.com

Darlington Veneer Darlington, SC (843) 393-3861

www.darlingtonveneer.com

Decospan Menen, VWV, Belgium www.decospan.com

Deerwood Fasteners Conover, NC (828) 469-1075

www.deerwood.com

Diamond Vogel Orange City, IA (712) 737-3390

www.diamondvogel.com

Doellken (A Sureteco Brand) Brampton, ON, Canada (760) 862-1285

www.na.doellken.com

EGGER Wood Products Lexington NC (844) 977-0053

www.egger.com

FGV America, Inc.

Reseda, CA (714) 257-5317

www.fgvamerica.com

Flexible Materials, Inc. Jeffersonville, IN (812) 280-7000

www.flexwood.com

Formica Corp. Cincinnati, OH (513) 786-3043

www.formica.com/en/us

FormWood Industries, Inc. Jeffersonville, IN (812) 284-3676

www.formwood.com

Franklin International Columbus, OH (614) 443-0241

www.franklininternational.com

Fulterer USA, Inc. High Point, NC (336) 431-4646

www.fultererusa.com

Garnica Plywood Logroño, Spain (34) 677-06-33-81 www.garnica.one

Gemini Industries El Reno, OK (800) 262-5710

www.geminicoatings.com

Genesis Products, Inc. Goshen, IN (419) 344-7514

www.genesisproductsinc.com

Grass America, Inc. Kernersville, NC (336) 996-4041

www.grassusa.com

Great American Spaces Grand Rapids, MI

www.greatamericanspaces.com

Greenline Industries, Inc. Beauford, SC (843) 846-4648

www.greenlineforest.com

Häfele America Co. Archdale, NC (800) 423-3531

www.hafele.com

Halo Woods, LLC Carlsbad, CA (877) 600-8310

www.halowoods.com

Hartson-Kennedy Cabinet Top Marion, IN (800) 388-8144

www.hartson-kennedy.com

Helmitin, Inc. Toronto, ON, Canada (416) 239-3105

www.helmitin.com

Hettich America L.P. Buford, GA (800) 777-1772

www.hettich.com

Holland Southwest Int. Houston, TX (713) 644-1966

www.hollandsw.com

Hutton Forest Products Cambridge, ON, Canada (519) 620-4374

www.hfpi.ca

IKE Trading Co. Ltd. Beaverton, OR (503) 643-6688

www.iketrading.com

IMG International Markets Group Chico, CA (530) 518-8228

www.imgsourcing.com

John Boos & Company Effingham, IL (217) 347-7701

www.johnboos.com

Karran USA Vincennes, IN (866) 452-7726

www.karran.com

Kessebohmer USA, Inc. Wilmington, NC (910) 338-5080

www.cleverstorage.com

King Plastic Corporation North Port, FL (941) 493-5200

www.kingplastic.com

Kitchen Kompact, Inc. Jeffersonville, KY (812) 282-6681

www.kitchenkompact.com

Knape & Vogt Company Grand Rapids, MI (616) 459-3311

www.kv.com

Laminate Technologies, Inc. Tiffin, OH (419) 448-0812

www.lamtech.net

Lexington Manufacturing Minneapolis, MN (952) 836-8756

www.lexingtonmfg.com

M.L. Campbell Cleveland, OH (216) 566-2904

www.mlcampbell.com

Meganite Solid Surfaces Ontario, CA (800) 836-1118

www.meganite.com

Michigan Maple/Bally Block Co’s. Petoskey, MI (231) 347-4170

www.butcherblock.com

Milesi Wood Coatings Glendale Heights, IL (630) 866-2050

www.milesi.us

Mohawk Finishing Products Hickory, NC (828) 319-2747

www.mohawk-finishing.com

Murphy Plywood Eugene, OR (541) 461-4545

www.murphyplywood.com

NewStar Adhesives, Inc. Weston, MA (855) 497-0800

www.newstaradhesives.com

Northwest Hardwoods Tacoma, WA (253) 568-6800

www.northwesthardwoods.com

Olon Industries, Inc. Georgetown, ON, Canada (905) 877-7300

www.olon.ca

Onbord Doors and Processed Panels Inc. Mississauga, ON, Canada (905) 302-2551

www.proply.com

Panolam Surface Systems Shelton, CT (203) 925-1556

www.panolam.com

Peter Meier, Inc. Kernersville, NC (336) 996-7774

www.petermeier.com

Quin Global Omaha, NE (402) 731-3636

www.quinglobal.com

REHAU Leesburg, VA (703) 777 5255

www.na.rehau.com

Renner Wood Coatings Charlotte, NC (704) 527-9261

www.rennerwoodcoatings.com

Rev-A-Shelf LLC Jeffersontown, KY (502) 499-5835

www.rev-a-shelf.com

Richwood Industries Inc. — Makers of PolyBak Grand Rapids, MI (616) 243-2700

www.richwoodind.com

Rincomatic Villamalea, Spain (718) 909-5682

www.rincomatic.com

Rockford Process Control, LLC

Rockford, IL (815) 847-7940

www.rockfordprocesshingesandhardware.com

Roseburg Forest Products LP

Roseburg, OR (541) 679-3311

www.roseburg.com

Salice America, Inc. Charlotte, NC (704) 841-7810

www.saliceamerica.com

Shelter Forest International Portland, OR (503) 863-2868

www.tigerply.com

Short Run Pro Belmont, NC (877) 829-9293

www.shortrunpro.com

States Industries

Eugene, OR (800) 626-1981

www.statesind.com

Tafisa Canada Dorval, QC, Canada (514) 780-1324 www.tafisa.ca

Tecnotabla, LLC St. Petersburg, FL (888) 354-2565

www.proteak.com

Teknaform Inc. Bolton, ON, Canada (905) 857-6747

www.teknaform.com

Timber Products Company Springfield, OR (541) 747-4577

www.timberproducts.com

Titus Group Bellevue, WA

www.titusplus.com

U.S. Futaba

Chesapeake VA (877) 293-0584

www.usfutaba.com

Uneeda Enterprizes, Inc. Spring Valley, NY (845) 426-2800

www.uneeda.com

Uniboard Canada Laval, QC, Canada (450) 664-6000

www.uniboard.com

Unilin, Division Panels

Oostrozebeke, VWV, Belgium

www.unilinpanels.com/en

USply

Medley, FL (305) 722-6622

www.usply.net

Vauth-Sagel USA LP High Point, NC (336) 861-0740

www,vauth-sagel-usa.com

Veneer Technologies Inc. Newport, NC (252) 223-6359

www.veneertech.com

VT Industries, Inc. Holstein, IA (712) 368-4381 ext 342

www.vtindustries.com

West Wood Products Rancho Dominguez, CA (310) 631-8978

www.west-wood.net

Weyerhaeuser MDF Columbia Falls, MT (800) 548-4007

www.woodbywy.com/panels/mdf

Wilsonart LLC Temple, TX (254) 207-5118

www.wilsonart.com

Service Providers

Acuity Insurance Sheboygan, WI (800) 242-7666

www.acuity.com

Allvan LaVergne, TN (615) 459-2511

www.allvancorp.com

Combilift USA

Greensboro, NC (877) 266-2456

www.combilift.com

DMSi Software

Omaha, NE (402) 330-6620

www.dmsi.com

Epicor Westminster, CO (800) 678-7423

www.epicor.com

Federated Insurance

Owatonna, MN (800) 533-0472

www.federatedinsurance.com

Infor New York, NY (646) 336-1700

www.infor.com

Mobilico Kansas City, MO (913) 219-4604

www.moblico.com

Profit2

Overland Park, KS (913) 897-0159

www.profit2.com

ProKeep New Orleans, LA (985) 323-4192

www.prokeep.com

Sales-i Chicago, IL (847) 868-8175

www.sales-i.com

Unified Purchasing Group South Jordan, UT (801) 784-8744

www.upg.org

330 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60611

TELEPHONE: 888-747-7862 or 312-321-6845 FAX: 312-644-0310

EMAIL: info@nbmda.org

WEBSITE: www.nbmda.org

PROFESSIONAL STAFF:

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT: Kevin Gammonley

OPERATIONS MANAGER: Megan Turckes

SALES MANAGER: Scott Narug

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER: Sean Dillon

North American Building Material Distribution Association

Connects the Most Innovative and Strategic Wholesale Distributors

NBMDA members ...

n Include the leading wholesale distributors and their supplier partners

n Operate from 800+ distribution centers located throughout the U.S. and Canada

n Distribute specialty building materials for interiors including wood panels, surfacing materials, cabinet hardware, fnishes and related woodworking production supplies.

n Serve a customer base comprised of independent building material, and kitchen and bath dealer as well as frms that serve production companies involved in cabinetry, architectural woodwork, stock woodwork, store fxtures, solid surface fabricating, plastics fabricating, general and specialty woodworking industries.

NBMDA provides ...

n Facilitated opportunities to strengthen trading partner relationships

n Education and training across the spectrum of distribution management topics

n Insights into the leading trends and best practices that impact distributor productivity and proftability

n Benchmarking to allow distributors insight into how they compare to industry averages and the industry’s top distributors

526 EVENTS

VIRTUAL EVENTS ↘

There are two reasons you should consider using a virtual event platform. First, a virtual event platform is the perfect alternative for connecting people together over virtual sessions and customer meetings. Second, if you choose to host a live event, you can supplement it with a virtual component and maximizing your total audience for those not willing to travel. Whichever route you choose, 526 Events has

Join Us Online ↘

the experience and capabilities to make your virtual event smooth and successful. At 526 Events, we want to help you make your virtual event possible. Whether it is tradeshow, national sales meeting, new product launch, open house, webinar, conference, educational workshop or a company meeting – we have got you covered.

VIEW REAL-TIME SPEAKER PRESENTATIONS – POWERED BY ZOOM

Join all of our attendees in real-time for our keynote presentation and breakout sessions.

JOIN LIVE VIDEO VENDOR ZOOM BOOTHS

Drop in at designated times to our vendors live and open zoom rooms. Have a quick chat and ask questions in real-time.

NETWORKING DIRECTORY

Meet other attendees and connect through various social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

VIRTUAL EXHIBITOR BOOTHS

Browse through various vendors in our virtual exhibitor booths. There, you can download company literature, set up meetings with sales reps, view products and much more.

TRADESHOWS

NATIONAL SALES MEETINGS

OPEN HOUSES

VIP CUSTOMER EVENTS

INDUSTRY SUMMITS

ANNUAL CONFERENCES WORKSHOPS

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES

DESIGN SYMPOSIUMS FUNDRAISERS

“It was fantastic working with the team at 526 Media Group. Initially, we approached them with a very aggressive timeline for a livestream event and they executed PERFECTLY. The communication throughout the process and the support was top notch. Best of all, their pricing was very fair. If you’ve been tasked with running a professional livestream event and don’t know where to start, I recommend you reach out to 526.”

- RYAN GALICK, FUZION

AGENDA

View an interactive schedule of events for your virtual event. You can link each agenda item to an Exhibitor profle, Zoom links and much more.

Past Events ↘

ADVERTISERS

Many of our valued advertisers are also represented in this year's Master Listing pages, beginning on page 51.

( R ) EVOLUTION

Silentia+

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Besides showing no resistance while opening doors, the Silentia+ hinges guarantee an exceptional and consistent deceleration thanks to twin fluid dampers, delivering a perfect soft closing action in all applications and under any temperature condition.

Versatility. Performance. Beauty.

Our Matte Luxe 3DL ofering provides the aesthetic of paint with a soft touch, and unparalleled cleanability and durability with a wide range of the latest trend colors for your home.

Featured Design: Matte Luxe Baltic on Vanity

OMNOVA designs and manufactures a wide range of laminates from cost-efective Paper Laminates to high performance 2D and 3D Laminates for a variety of interior applications such as cabinets, countertops, store fxtures and furniture.

Learn more at omnova.com/laminates