Photo: Woodworking
Ryan Akhurst, at left, during a WTD event at Akhurst Machinery's Toronto-area showroom, is the new CWMDA president.
The Canadian Woodworking Machinery Distributors Association (CWMDA) has elected Ryan Akhurst, vice-president of Akhurst Machinery Ltd, as its new president.
Akhurst is well known in the industry and represents a long-standing family tradition in the woodworking distribution sector.
Akhurst takes over from Murat Dogan, president of IMA-Schelling Canada, to whom CWMDA members expressed their sincere thanks and appreciation for his dedication and all the work done throughout his seven years term. His leadership, contact network and inside knowledge of the woodworking industry has greatly contributed to the association’s development and recognition.
Founded in 1988, the association was created to promote the sale of industrial woodworking machinery in Canada. Its nine member companies encompass the majority of those sales in the country, representing world-leading manufacturers and sharing the same values in terms of professional advice, after-sales support and comprehensive warranty policies. The association is also known for creating and sponsoring the popular Woodworking Technology Days (WTD), the annual event focusing on industrial and specialized machinery, automation with related tooling, software and adhesives presentations.
Ryan Akhurst
Akhurst will continue to strengthen CWMDA
“The Canadian woodworking industry continues to face significant challenges, from geopolitical uncertainty and supply chain pressures to an ongoing skilled labour shortage,” says Akhurst. “In today’s increasingly competitive market, manufacturers are under greater pressure than ever to improve efficiency, maximize productivity and invest strategically in technology that strengthens their operations for the future.
"That is exactly why the Canadian Woodworking Machinery Distributors Association (CWMDA) created Woodworking Technology Days (WTD), a unique industry event designed to showcase the latest advancements in manufacturing technology and provide woodworking companies with direct access to proven production solutions.
“Woodworking Technology Days is unlike any other event in Canada. Over a four-day period, visitors can explore the fully operational showrooms of nine of Canada’s leading equipment distributors across the Greater Toronto Area: Akhurst, Biesse, Felder, HOMAG, IMA Schelling, Normand, SCM, Taurus Craco, and WEINIG. Rather than a traditional trade show, WTD allows attendees to visit any or all participating locations at their own pace and on their own schedule,” Akhurst adds.
“This unique format provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience machinery in production environments, compare technologies side-by-side, and engage directly with industry experts who understand the real-world challenges manufacturers face every day. From automation and CNC solutions to solid wood processing, panel processing, finishing, and material handling, visitors will gain valuable insight into technologies that can improve efficiency, reduce labour dependency, and enhance overall shop performance.
“In addition to machinery demonstrations, WTD proudly partners with many of Canada’s leading suppliers of tooling, adhesives, coatings, and software solutions. Together, these technologies create fully integrated manufacturing solutions that help businesses optimize throughput, improve quality, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace. There is truly no other event in Canada that offers this level of access to woodworking manufacturing technology under one coordinated initiative.
Akhurst says: “On behalf of our members, I would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to our outgoing President, Murat Dogan of IMA Schelling for his seven years of leadership and dedication to the association. Murat played a key role in the growth and success of Woodworking Technology Days and helped establish it as a signature event within our industry.
“As the new president of the CWMDA, my mandate is to continue building on that success by expanding the reach of WTD and welcoming even more visitors from across Canada in the years ahead.”
This year’s Woodworking Technology Days will take place Oct. 20–23, and registration is now open.
Murat Dogan
Murat Dogan successfully lead the CWMDA for seven years
“For me, it's been both a pleasure and an honour to serve the Canadian Woodworking Machinery Distributors Association,” Dogan says.
“The Woodworking Technology Days event that we have established in Canada, with the support of sponsors and partners like yourselves, has become a unique global phenomenon within our industry.
“Over the past several years, we have seen a major shift toward automation, advanced software solutions, digital production management and full plant integration. Manufacturers today are looking not only for individual machines, but also for connected systems that improve efficiency, productivity, flexibility and competitiveness.
Together, we have helped showcase how innovation in our sector is transforming woodworking operations across Canada — from small custom shops to large industrial manufacturers.
