​Festool recently announced that the headquarters for Festool USA and Festool Canada, located in Lebanon, Ind., will expand by 80,000 square feet. This is the second, large-scale expansion within the past three years. Company executives cite increased demand and robust sales behind $9.3 million expansion, as the Festool brand continues to grow among professional tool users, residential contractors, painters, remodelers, and woodworkers. Construction is scheduled to begin in November 2018 and will be completed by December 2019.
 
 “We’re excited to once again expand our facilities,” says Brian Goldthorpe, Festool Chief Financial Officer. “The combination of increased demand for our products and favorable business conditions here in Lebanon, make this expansion a win for us as a company and for the community as a whole.”
 
Festool moved its North American headquarters to Lebanon, Ind. in 2006. In 2015, Festool doubled its facility size. In 2017 Festool began manufacturing its FS Guide Rails, using U.S.-sourced material, at the Lebanon facility and has plans to further expand its Indiana manufacturing operations. Festool projects that 65 new jobs will be created by the facility expansion.
 
About Festool
Founded in Germany in 1925, Festool is known for its innovative, precision-engineered power tool solutions.  Based in Lebanon, IN, Festool USA offers a comprehensive lineup of power tools and system accessories, designed to boost productivity through efficiency and high performance. For more information, visit www.festoolusa.com or www.festoolcanada.com.

Atlantic Plywood, Inc., based in Woburn, MA is now a master distributor of a large selection of Milesi high-performance Italian wood coatings, according to a joint announcement released by the companies today. The new distribution agreement marks the first time these two companies have partnered to offer a line of high-performance, Italian technology, wood finishing products to professional woodworkers, cabinetmakers, and millwork producers. Atlantic Plywood services customers in New England, New York, and New Jersey, offering technical support, custom color matching, and a team of Finishing Specialists to meet all their customer’s needs. The Milesi line includes two-component (2K) polyurethanes, polyesters, water-based interior and exterior finishes, natural look finishes, high gloss wet look finishes, UV, stains, and more.
The new partnership agreement pairs two companies with long traditions of providing high-quality finishing products to the woodworking industry. Since 1974, Atlantic Plywood has been an industry-leading provider of wood coatings, hardwood plywood and panel products, hardware, and other building materials to the residential and commercial building sectors. Milesi has produced wood coatings since 1947 and is the leading wood coatings manufacturer in Europe with proven innovative wood finish systems sold in more than 100 countries worldwide. Milesi utilizes cutting-edge technology not commonly found in North America.
"Expanding our product line-up to include an industry leader like Milesi reinforces our goal of providing our customers with the most innovative products and premier brands,” said Marty Wojick, Vice President of Atlantic Plywood. “We are confident our customers will be impressed with the dramatic results offered by a high-performance product like Milesi.”
 “We consider this agreement monumental step in our North American wood coatings business and another milestone in rolling out the Milesi North American National Distribution Program with highly respected and quality partners such as Atlantic Plywood” said Jeff Takac, Milesi – Managing Director – North America. “It’s not often that a company with the expertise, knowledge, service, and history of Atlantic Plywood and a company with the unique heritage, products, research, and chemistry of Milesi join forces. This relationship has the potential to help both organizations experience solid growth and to benefit our end users with cutting-edge high-performance European wood finish technologies in one of the largest wood markets in the U.S.. Milesi Wood Coatings are well known world-wide and are highly respected in the North American market, and this partnership allows our end users in the Northeast to have access to Milesi Wood Coatings through a highly respected and experienced partner such as Atlantic Plywood.”
Atlantic Plywood
 
Founded in 1974, Atlantic Plywood Corporation is the leading wholesale supplier of quality hardwood plywood and panel products on the East Coast. Atlantic Plywood provides an unparalleled selection of plywood and related building products to a variety of woodworking industries, striving to provide large and small woodworkers with service, inventory, and knowledge from one source at a competitive price. Atlantic Plywood is dedicated to expanding our product offerings and services while utilizing the latest technologies to deliver the best in customer service. In 2018, Atlantic Plywood became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parksite, Inc. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.atlanticplywood.com.
 
Milesi Wood Coatings - Italian Technology meets design solutions
 
Milesi is a brand of the IVM Group, one of the largest and influential wood coatings manufactures in Europe and in the world. Milesi products were born in 1947 in Italy, a country that has always been a point of reference in the furniture industry. These products were developed and perfected through constant interaction with local industry experts and designers who are appreciated all over the world.  With its substantial investment in North America, the IVM Group declares its intention to make Milesi products and technology accessible to the North American professional user.
For more info: http://www.milesi.us
​

Stiles Machinery will demonstrate highly-efficient networked production and software integration techniques at the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) in Atlanta, Georgia, August 22-25, 2018. The presentation, delivered by Scott Cruickshank, Director of Software Solutions at Stiles, will explore how Industry 4.0, IoT, and innovative software solutions can help manufacturers of all sizes to maximize yield while minimizing time and labor costs.

Using technology from HOMAG’s brand new line of modern machine designs, Scott will demonstrate how to manufacture a customized checkout counter with the latest design software as well as a combination of innovative material handling solutions; a fully-automated robotic panel saw, seamless edgebanding technology and powerful CNC machining.

Attendees to the presentation will experience the industry’s fastest panel management system, HOMAG’s STORETEQ S-500, first-hand as it manages a wide range of materials with ease. The materials will then be fed to HOMAG’s SAWTEQ B-320 flexTec for further processing. The SAWTEQ B-320 flexTec is designed for rapid single panel processing with unlimited recuts and flexible cutting patterns. Its innovative design completely redefines the flow of parts in batch-size one production and dramatically increases material yield with leading-edge robotic handling technology. Once parts are sized, they will then be transferred to the HOMAG EDGETEQ with integrated LOOPTEQ O-600 return conveyor technology, for a fully automated part flow during the edgebanding process.

Throughout the demonstration, Scott will feature innovative software solutions from HOMAG including CutRite cutting optimization software, ControllerMES for a fully-optimized production process, and the latest version of Wood CAD|CAM which will be making its North American debut at IWF. Each machine featured in the demonstration will also be connected to tapio , the world’s first digital platform designed to dramatically increase the efficiency of production management within the woodworking industry including plant and machinery operation, predictive maintenance, production optimization and much more, all from the palm of your hand.

The Networked Production and Software Integration Demonstration will take place Wednesday-Friday at 9 am, 11 am, and 2 pm as well as Saturday at 10 am . For more information, or to register, visit www.StilesIWF.com or stop by Stiles booth #5035.

About Stiles Machinery
As the industry’s leading provider of advanced manufacturing solutions, Stiles has been helping manufacturers throughout North America increase their efficiency and productivity for over 50 years. With world-class machinery backed by an experienced and responsive support team, extensive parts inventory, unique upgrade capabilities and a nationally accredited education and training program, Stiles offers solutions that equip companies for success in every area of their business. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Stiles has regional offices in High Point, North Carolina; Bristol, Pennsylvania; Coppell, Texas; and Rancho Cucamonga, California. Stiles is a proud member of the HOMAG Group, a global leader in the production of industrial manufacturing machinery.

A recent contest turned up a surprising entry from Camp Good Days, a residential summer camp in Branchport, NY for children with cancer or those who have (or have lost) a parent or sibling with cancer.  Colonial Saw Company, the U.S. importer of Lamello woodworking tools, ran the 2017 contest among their customers to discover innovative uses of the Lamello P-System.
 
“I was so pleased to see Jerry’s entry in our contest among many other creative submissions from all over the country,” said Chris Hofmann, Lamello U.S. product manager at Colonial Saw. “It brought his and the camp’s efforts to my attention.  I knew that my colleagues at Lamello back in Switzerland would appreciate this particular customer as well!”
 
Jerry Romanowski and other volunteers run the woodworking program at Camp Good Days for their campers to help get their minds off their treatments, or in some cases, their loss. He cuts the wood components in his personal basement shop and brings them to the camp for the children to sand, paint and assemble items such as bird houses, keepsake boxes, and step stools. Together they create over 600 projects each summer.  However, since campers come from all over the US and the world, getting their projects home on an airplane was a problem in the past. Until, that is, Mr. Romanowski discovered the Lamello P-system and the Clamex P-14 connectors, which enable projects to be flat-packed and sent home in their suitcases ready to re-assemble.
 
Romanowski’s story and the camp’s efforts resonated with Lamello AG, which now supports Camp Good Days with free P-System connectors, tooling, and accessories. “When I saw their contest entry I knew they were something special,” said Marco Ress, Lamello International Area Sales Manager. “No child is ever turned away and services are free thanks to the support of many individuals and businesses. Woodworking is in our DNA and we wanted to help them succeed.”
 
But the generosity doesn’t stop there. Colonial Saw has joined with Lamello’s CNC manufacturing partner Komo Machine, Inc. and Universal Forest Products to help produce parts for the Camp at the International Woodworking Fair in August.  Universal Forest Products will be supplying the wood and Komo will produce CNC-routed component pieces for over 100 campers’ projects live at their booth at IWF (#6734), the largest US woodworking industry trade show. In addition to partially liberating Mr. Romanowski from his basement shop, this effort will help raise awareness about the camp.
 
It’s a true collaboration between four companies who came together to give children the opportunity to regain some of the fun and camp experience that cancer has taken away from them.
 
About Colonial Saw
Colonial Saw Company, Inc. is the U.S. importer of Lamello specialty tools and connectors, Striebig vertical panel saws, and the world’s finest grinding machinery. More information can be found at www.csaw.com or visit them at IWF booth 6569.
 
About Lamello
Lamello’s revolutionary wood joining systems have been inspiring wood workers since 1955. Synonymous with quality, innovation and excellent functionality, they are used across the globe. More information can be found at www.lamello.com
 
About Komo Machine
Komo Machine, Inc. designs and manufactures an entire line of high-quality, precision computer numerically controlled (CNC) routers and machining centers in the USA, designed and supported by a highly skilled team of individuals. More information can be found at: www.komo.com
 
About Universal Forest Products, Inc.
Universal Forest Products, Inc., a U.S.-based global corporation founded in 1955 as a supplier of lumber to the manufactured housing industry, is today a multibillion-dollar holding company with subsidiaries around the globe that serve three robust markets: retail, industrial, and construction.  More information may be found at www.ufpi.com

With over 27,000 square feet, Biesse’s exhibit will be the largest at IWF in Atlanta. But even more important, it’s not just bigger, it’s better. From one end to the other, we will have the widest range of CNC machines ever displayed in North America. Everywhere you look, you’ll see solutions designed to meet your market challenges head on. You may be wrestling with how to address current labor shortages. Or trying to find ways to produce more without increasing floor space. Or working to minimize maintenance and choose machines with standardized components to reduce your cost of ownership. In all those cases and more, Biesse has strategies to help you achieve your objectives now.
 
“If you think the Industry 4.0 concept is only a reality for big companies, spending time with Biesse will convince you otherwise,” says Cesare Magnani, Biesse Brand Sales Manager. “There’s no reason for small- and medium-sized companies to sit on the sidelines, especially when a shortage of skilled labor is impacting the industry as never before. The interconnectivity of ‘AUTOMACTION’ is for everyone.”  
 
Think of it as CNC City
 
On the show floor in Atlanta this year, you’ll see Biesse’s largest number of CNC machines ever displayed at IWF, covering a complete range of solutions and applications. You can experience everything from stand-alone machines to fully integrated solutions, and from vertical CNCs to five-axis machines to CNC contouring edge banders and flexible drilling solutions. “In addition to watching how new machines and integrated solutions can change the way you work, you will be able to interact with experts who are dedicated to working with you to find the best, most efficient way to reach your production targets,” Magnani says.
 
Biesse has always been known for introducing cutting-edge technology and exclusive innovation. This year is no different.  At IWF, new applications you’ll see in our booth include completely automated panel processing solutions with demonstrations of automatic kitting of components via a robot placed at the end of a nesting cell. Although similar applications have been introduced elsewhere in the past, it’s clear that Biesse has greatly enhanced operational efficiency to create a true production solution.
 
What not to miss
 

• Stop by and see why Biesse’s new bPad is a finalist for this year’s Challenger Award at IWF. It’s another first for Biesse and the first wireless console in the industry. An operator is free to move at will, performing key machinery functions with a single hand. Machine interaction is more user-friendly and set-up is faster, both advantages in increasing productivity. Cumbersome connective cables no longer raise safety concerns.

 

• Don’t miss learning about how the SOPHIA IoT continuously accumulates, monitors and analyzes a machine's vitals via a cloud-based network on a real-time basis. A customer can easily access this information through a mobile app, and both the customer and Biesse’s service team receive an alert when there’s an abnormality.  Together, with SOPHIA’s predictive technology, they can quickly decide what needs to be done to avoid a potential problem that could result in machine downtime.

 

• Biesse’s CNC machines at the show will be equipped with the new bSolid 3.0 software. Powerful and easy-to-use, this enhanced software application with bNest reaffirms Biesse’s leadership position among CAD/CAM for CNC. It is fully integrated with the machine controller to provide a superior level of control.

 
If you are looking for results, Biesse has a wide range of workable, reliable and intuitive solutions. See the biggest selection of CNC machines and lines ever at IWF booth #7553.

 
BIESSE S.p.A. - Biesse Group is a global leader in technology for processing wood, glass, stone, plastic and metal. It designs, manufactures and distributes machines, integrated systems and software for manufacturers of furniture, door/window frames and components for the construction, ship-building and aerospace industries. It invests on average 14 million Euro per year in R&D, boasting over 200 registered patents. It operates through 8 industrial sites, 34 branches and 300 agents and selected dealers, exporting 90% of its production. Its customers include some of the most prestigious names in Italian and international design. Founded in Pesaro in 1969, by Giancarlo Selci, the company has been listed on the Stock Exchange (STAR segment) since June 2001. It now counts 4000 employees throughout the world.

Chris Corrales, the owner of CNC Factory (CNCFactory.com) in Santa Ana, California, will speak to the Cabinet Makers Association, August 21 at their IWF Atlanta Breakfast, one day prior to the IWF show. Corrales will cover what is new in CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) equipment for woodworking and what is newly improved. The breakfast will be held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Centennial Olympic Park at 7:30am.

Corrales will discuss:
1) 3rd Generation CNC Robotics;                                              
2) The new CNC Factory Printing and Marking Block - allows each cut piece to be labeled with post production instructions; and                                                        
3) The new Lockdowel Scorpion boring and insertion machine - enables flat-pack shipping and cabinet assembly without using screws or glue. 

“Because CNC Factory manufactures equipment in the United States, we can incorporate industry advances quickly, expertly and affordably. Just like we have with the with the Scorpion Lockdowel LDR machine,” Corrales says. “Our LDR machine is equipped with third generation, technology, production controls, real-time virtual support, automated gun cleaning, precise laser measuring - and it’s designed for one operator, even when working with large productions.”
​
According to the company, CNC Factory will have five different CNC machines on display at IWF:
--Python Router with loading and unloading - $69,000
--Viper Router - $32,900
--Badger 3600AT Edgebander - $16,900
--Cyclone 4896 Thermofoil Press - $23,900
--Scorpion Lockdowel Drilling and Inserter - $69,900   
 
“We will have the newest in CNC equipment at IWF Building C booth 2722. Everyone is invited to come see our live demos throughout the show,” Corrales says.
 
About CNC Factory
Chris Corrales has more than 20 years of cabinet making expertise. His real-world experience inspired him to start building better CNC machines 13 years ago, with a clear goal of helping companies embrace CNC automation. His mission: To make CNC automation as common place as a table saw.
Today this vision is core as CNC Factory designs and manufactures high quality precision CNC routers, machining centers, edgebanders, Lockdowel insertion machines and thermofoil 3D presses to meet the urgent business needs of customers.
At CNC Factory, providing the fastest, most accurate and dependable CNC Machines and supporting products is only the beginning of meeting customers’ needs. “We never leave them all by themselves,” Corrales promises.
Power up your needs with CNC Factory and capture more opportunities within your market! CNC Factory 2001 South Grand Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705         714-581-5999, CNCFactory.com    sales@cncfactory.co

The winners of the second edition of the Richelieu Awards for Young Designers were announced on June 20 during a ceremony held in Montreal. This contest provides a springboard for students and young professionals in interior design offering participants an exceptional opportunity to stand out and get noticed. The Richelieu Awards for New Designers aim to inspire creativity in today’s designers to envision the home of tomorrow.

The winners, André Jacques—a graduate from a school of interior design in St-George-de-Beauce in Québec—and Charles Laurence Proulx and Gil Hardy-Groleau—from the design firm NÓS Architectes in Montreal—let their ideas shine by proposing well-balanced and accessible solutions. Each winner was awarded a trophy and a $1000 scholarship.

The challenge consisted in designing a layout for an optimized and versatile living space in a 450-square-foot micro condo according to universal accessibility standards for people with reduced mobility. By cleverly using Richelieu’s innovative products, young designers shared their vision of an adaptable space that adjusts to the age, physical condition, and needs of its occupants to make their life easier.

When Function Meets Design
Multifunction at Richelieu revolves around the changing needs of all occupants in a home. Richelieu’s selection of innovative products helps maximize comfort and transform spaces while integrating easily into any decor. Furniture and specialized hardware are used to create an environment that supports inclusion, accessibility and well-being for all.

This year, some designers featured a space with accessories that adapt, transform and evolve with the needs of occupants for an optimal use of the condo. Layouts embraced the themes of universal design in every aspect, offering ergonomic storage and ease of movement for people with reduced mobility, all in an inspiring setting.

Other designers presented projects that were resolutely universal, versatile and timeless. Each area of the condo—bedroom, kitchen, living room and home office—was perfectly suited to meet the challenges of all occupants regardless of their condition while providing practical, ergonomic, and valuable storage areas.

For more information on our contest winners, visit Richelieu.com/winners-of-the-2018-richelieu-design-awards-for-new-designers.
For more information on interior design solutions, visit the “Trends and Innovations” section on Richelieu.com.