The 2011 Wood Industry Conference was held on Marco Island, Florida from May 4-6.
The Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers Association (WMMA), the Association of Woodworking & Furniture Suppliers (AWFS) and the Wood Machinery Industry Association (WMIA) sponsored WIC. In addition, the North American Building Material Distribution Association joined as a new participating association. Many prominent Canadian companies were also once again in attendance to discuss the business issues with their peers. It was encouraging and a testament to the importance of this conference that attendance increased by nearly 50 per cent from the previous year.
WIC offers a unique format consisting of keynote speakers such as Don Shultz of Premier Garage, who focused on the need for a customercentric approach and improved mass manufacturing. That sentiment was first introduced by David Rothwell of Stiles Machinery, when he talked the importance for US-based manufacturers to invest in state of the art manufacturing technologies and to change ROI expectations. He pointed to the payback expectations for machinery, which are often one year compared to the three or five years in other parts of the world, giving these manufacturers a leg up.
This year’s highlights included three moderated industry forums on cabinets, furniture and millwork featuring manufacturers in moderated panel discussions sharing their views on the keys to successful operations. Once again the overriding theme was a focus on more efficient mass manufacturing methods to facilitate a flexible approach to accommodate customers demand for choice and custom products. Other important aspects of the conference were contact table sessions for distributors and manufacturers and of course valuable networking functions. Face to face communication continues to be the most effective way to exchange ideas and this setting was conducive to it.
The WMIA awarded Canadian machinery manufacturer Doucet its Partner of the Year Award for excellence in sales, marketing, service, part support and training provided to machinery distributors and their customers.
