The Association of Woodworking and Furnishings Suppliers says several major woodworking machinery manufacturers and distributors, including C.R. Onsrud, Stiles, SCM Group, Biesse and Weinig, have signed on to exhibit at the 2011 AWFS Fair. The show takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada from July 20-23.
“We have missed participating in the major trade shows for the past two years, and we are excited to reunite with the industry in Las Vegas this summer,” said David Rothwell, Executive VP of Stiles.
“The fact that many exhibitors have decided to return, including several that have sat out an entire show cycle, is an extremely encouraging sign for the entire industry,” says Joan Kemp, president of the AWFS board.
After a stronger fourth quarter in many sectors, the woodworking industry is also recovering, says John Gangone, president of SCM Group North America.
AWFS says home renovation activities are expected to blossom, citing an IBIS World Industry Report projecting growth of household disposable income will drive spending on remodeling. The cabinet, bathroom vanity and countertop manufacturing industries are projected to grow 3 per cent per year to $14.7 billion during the five years to 2015, and millwork is poised to rise 4.8 per cent annually for the next five years, according to figures from IBIS provided by AWFS.
“There are indications that 2011 will be better for our industry as a whole, and that we have collectively begun to turn the corner,” says Jason Howell, president of Weinig USA.
The hardware and supply sectors of the industry are also taking note of the positive projections. “The AWFS Fair not only provides Blum with an opportunity to increase our product exposure in face-to-face discussions with our distributor and OEM cabinet customers, but in addition, the value of the networking opportunities it provides cannot be underestimated,” said Steve Regele, vice president of sales & marketing at Blum.
For complete AWFS Fair information, updates and exhibit list visit www.AWFSFair.org.
