Only Online - Shelter May 2007

The Show Scoop

Not Just Fun in the Sun

WMMPA Winter Business Meeting Addresses Key Issues
by Samantha Carpenter,
editor of SHELTER magazine

The Grand Sandestin hosted this year's WMMPA Winter Business Meeting.

The Wood Moulding and Millwork Producers' Association met at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in Destin, Fla., for its 44th Annual Winter Business Meeting. The meeting wasn't just fun in the sun. The association addressed key issues that moulding manufacturers are facing. Here are three key topics that came up:

It's not so Standard
The standards committee reported on Thursday, March 14, that there are two issues to watch: the final decision on the California Air Toxic Control Measure and California's Cal-OSHA's proposed changes to code sections 4324, dust collection systems.

During the international markets meeting, manufacturers discussed how their areas of the country are faring.

Market Watch
Moulding manufacturers in the west said there has been a slowdown, but they are watching to see if interest rates go down. Others thought business was picking up.

Members from across North America attended the WMMPA meeting to discuss issues affecting them.

East Coast manufacturers said some pockets of business are good, but overall it's pretty flat. One manufacturer said that while distribution is down, the retail market is good.

Canadian manufacturers reported that the market is tough right now.

Manufacturers in the poly group, which consists of those in all regions who use alternative materials to make moulding and millwork, said that their market is pretty flat.

No More Claims
Workman's comp issues came up in a presentation by Charles Schoen of Sterling Advisors. He said that many companies are being overcharged, and they should get claims closed six months prior to renewal of a policy.

Schoen said many insurance companies try to dump all employees in the same pool and the premium goes up. He recommends that employees forge a relationship with a provider, because many employee injuries are not managed properly. All companies should have a return to work program. If you are smaller company, you can do it yourself.

Schoen says that when you get ready for renewal you should have all paperwork ready for the auditor. If the auditor is in charge, all mistakes default to the insurance company, and the employer is overcharged.

Good Millwork in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., manufactures solid and finger-joint mouldings.

Take a Good Look
On the opening day, attendees enjoyed fishing in the morning and toured a nearby moulding manufacturer-Good Millwork in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.-in the afternoon. The 15-year-old company is owned by Al Christopher, John Terry and Bill Sutton. The plant has approximately 12-14 employees, depending on the time of year, and most of the moulding and shutters the company produces are specified by architects for contractors, woodshops or lumberyards. Using its Wadkin and Leadermac moulders, the company makes both finger-joint and solid mouldings in a number of species, including Spanish cedar, poplar and pine.

In addition to its mouldings and shutters, the company also offers JELD-WEN windows and doors.