April 2022 Hardwood Matters

Did you know NHLA has an Alumni Gallery for Inspector Training School Graduates? Pictured here are the graduates from class 104. Find your class picture by visiting www.nhla.com/education/alumni.

HARDWOOD MATTERS

THE VOICE OF THE HARDWOOD INDUSTRY

National Hardwood Lumber Association PO Box 34518 • Memphis, TN 38184-0518 901-377-1818 • 901-382-6419 (fax) info@nhla.com • www.nhla.com

THE MISSION OF NHLA

To serve NHLA Members engaged in the commerce of North American hardwood lumber by: maintaining order, structure and ethics in the changing global hardwood marketplace; providing unique member services; promoting North American hardwood lumber and advocating the interest of the hardwood community in public/private policy issues; and providing a platform for networking opportunities.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Jeff Wirkkala

Hardwood Industries, Inc.

President

Jon Syre Cascade Hardwood, LLC

Vice President

Darwin Murray

McClain Forest Products

Past President 2018-2020

NHLA STAFF

Amanda Boutwell

Marketing and Communications Manager

Desirée Freeman

Controller

Julia Ganey

Member Relations Manager

John Hester

Director of Membership and Business Development

Renee Hornsby

Director of Marketing/ Communications

Jens Lodholm

Data Administration Specialist

Roman Matyushchenko

ITS Instructor and Associate Dean of Education

Carol McElya

Education Services Project Manager

Vicky Quiñones Simms

Membership Development Manager

For advertising contact:

John Hester, Director of Membership and Business Development at j.hester@nhla.com or 901-399-7558 or Vicky Simms, Membership Development Manager at v.simms@nhla.com or 901-399-7557

Melissa Ellis Smith

Graphic Designer

Dana Spessert

Chief Inspector

MISSION LEADERS

Bucky Pescaglia

Missouri-Pacific Lumber Co., Inc.

Unique Services

Ray White Harold White Lumber Inc.

Rules

Joe Pryor

Oaks Unlimited Industry Advocacy & Promotion

Rich Solano

Pike Lumber Company, Inc. Structure

Stephanie VanDystadt

DV Hardwoods, Inc.

Membership & Networking

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Burt Craig Matson Lumber Company

Membership

Rob Cabral

Upper Canada Forest Products, Ltd.

Promotion & Advocacy

Dennis Mann

Baillie Lumber Co. Convention

Scott Cummings Cummings Lumber Company, Inc.

Inspection Services

Bruce Horner

Abenaki Timber Corp.

ITS/Continuing Education

George Swaner

Swaner Hardwood

Communications & Marketing

Joe Snyder

Fitzpatrick & Weller, Inc.

Rules

EXCITING TIMES

Hello Everyone,

I’m reasonably confident that by the time this article is released, the Search Committee will have found and extended a job offer to a new potential Executive Director. The Search Committee has been working behind the scenes for nearly nine months. The process was a struggle at first, but in the end, we vaulted forward with several outstanding candidates to consider.

All through the process, the Search Committee members challenged each other to determine what characteristics we wanted in our next Executive Director. The desires were so many that it seemed impossible to find someone with most of the attributes we wanted.

In addition to finding someone with most of the characteristics we wanted, we spent a lot of time thinking and talking about what we thought the focus of NHLA should be in the future and whether or not the candidate would be able to take us there. All of us on the committee have an underlying feeling that the NHLA is not reaching anywhere near our potential. Our next Executive Director needs to be able to see that potential and start us on a path towards becoming a much greater Association.

The committee felt one of the most important qualities for our next Executive Director is for the candidate to have excellent visionary tendencies. We want a proven leader—someone with Association experience. We need a person with a great deal of energy, ability, and an intense desire to be a part of and help create a vibrant industry. We were always concerned that a candidate would make a great boss for our NHLA staff. Someone willing to listen and observe before acting.

What will success look like in the future for the NHLA? Several themes are at the forefront of the minds of the members of the Hardwood Industry.

1. PROMOTION IS OUR PRIMARY EMPHASIS. We need to change what the citizens of the United States and Canada think about Hardwood Lumber, its harvesting, and the products we make. The Real American Hardwood Coalition (RAHC) is about doing that right now. Funding a promotion campaign is our biggest issue. Please make a financial commitment to this endeavor outside of your normal dues.

2. ADVOCACY IS ALSO A CRITICAL ISSUE. We need to change what politicians in the House of Representatives and Senate think about Hardwood Lumber, its harvesting, and the products we make. I believe that if we do this correctly, it is possible that we could get funding allocated from the Federal Government for education and forest management that would help our industry for generations to come.

3. ASSOCIATION CONSOLIDATION IS IN OUR FUTURE. Can we combine associations with similar goals and eliminate duplicate overhead expenses and still maintain each association’s identity? Can we take these duplicate funds and leverage them to enhance our industry? To do this will take leadership. Our new Executive Director will have the chance to work on the new opportunities that arise over the next decade.

Exciting times are in our future.

Now a takeaway for your thoughts. I have been a member of NHLA for about 35 years. Eight years ago, I was invited to join the NHLA board. I felt a desire to give back to an industry that has given my family and me so much. I was also torn with what I do in my “regular job” vs. the time commitment of being a volunteer board member. What has happened has exceeded my expectations. By participating on the NHLA Board, I have experienced the opportunity to learn from the best, brightest, and forward-thinking people in our industry. In the past seven years, the relationships and strategic partnerships I have built have propelled our company forward beyond where it would have been if I hadn’t said yes to being a board member.

If you are not a member of the NHLA, consider joining. If you would like to participate as a board member, let the NHLA staff or a member of the board of directors know. It truly is a situation where you will receive more than you give.

Best wishes for your continued health and success. May God bless you, your families, and your businesses.

Jeff Wirkkala NHLA President | Hardwood Industries, Inc.

Congratulations to the Graduates of the 197th Class of the NHLA Inspector Training School

The National Hardwood Lumber Association celebrated the graduation of the 197th class of the Inspector Training School on March 4, 2022. Twelve students received the certificate of completion.

Dana Spessert, NHLA Chief Inspector and ITS Dean of Education, welcomed and thanked the families, friends, and employers who supported the students during their time away from home.

Instructor Roman Matyushchenko congratulated the students, advising them to, “Give more than what is expected from you, and be more than what you’re expected to be.”

Bobby Atkinson with Somerset Wood Products, a graduate of Class #119 in 1995, gave the keynote address. He commended the

graduates and spoke about the joy of working in an industry that is sustainable, saying, “We are fortunate to work in a business centered around one of the few completely renewable resources in the world. As we carefully remove hardwood trees from the forest, we make way for sunlight to reach the younger trees, so they can grow tall.”

Jacob Whyatt with Bryant & Young Lumber was elected class president. He spoke to his fellow students during the ceremony reminding them, “As we return home, let us remember to be an example of what a leader looks like. We are the future of this industry, and the generation behind us will look to us to learn how to make a difference and succeed. So, let’s take on the responsibility of being a leader with honor, with integrity, and with compassion.”

First row, seated leF t to right: Jacob Whyatt, Oscar Ortigosa, Roman Matyushchenko (Instructor), Colby Hinze, Devin McInerney. second row, standing leF t to right: James Souder, Mario Castillo, Garrett Austin, James Schroeter, Will Rushing, Nathaniel Flynn, Corey Workman, and John Olabode.

. . let’s take on the responsibility of being a leader with honor, with integrity, and with compassion.”

-

Graduates of the 197th class were:

• Garrett Austin, Austin Timber Co.

• Mario Castillo, Somerset Wood Products

• Nathaniel Flynn, Pine Knot Lumber, Inc.

• Colby Hinze, Cole Hardwood Inc.

• Devin McInerney, Billsby Lumber Co.

• John Olabode, J. Gibson McIlvain Co.

• Oscar Ortigosa, Soriel SL

• Will Rushing, J.M. Jones Lumber Co.

• James Schroeter, Bryant & Young Lumber

• James Souder, Bryant & Young Lumber

• Jacob Whyatt, Bryant & Young Lumber

• Corey Workman, Somerset Wood Products

Outstanding individual awards recipients were as follows:

• Jacob Whyatt, ITS Educational Foundation Award for Highest Overall Average

• John Olabode, Howard Hanlon Award for Second Highest Overall Average

• Jacob Whyatt, Westside Hardwood Club Award for Highest Board Run Average

• James Souder, The Milt Cole and NHLA Award for Best Attitude/Citizenship

Enrollment is now open for the 199th class, at the Clearfield County Career & Technology Center in Clearfield, PA. Class 199 begins on June 6, 2022. Enrollment is also open for class 200 at NHLA headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, beginning on September 26, 2022. To enroll or learn more about the Program, please visit www.nhla.com.

Jacob Whyatt, Class President

The HFPAC in Action

By DANA COLE, Executive Director Hardwood Federation

As we move closer to the mid-term elections on November 8 and the window to pass specific bills begins to narrow, the hardwood industry is focusing on longer-term legislative goals. Taking steps to assure that the 118th Congress, which will convene in January 2023, includes a significant number of members who will fight for the hardwood sector, is at the top of the list.

This is where the funds raised through the Hardwood Federation Political Action Committee (HFPAC) come into play. HFPAC dollars are personal contributions from members of the industry used to support campaigns within the parameters of Federal Election Commission (FEC) rules of those members of Congress who can and do support the industry’s agenda. The HFPAC is one of the important tools we use to gain access, share insight and perspective, build connections and support our Congressional champions. If you have thought about supporting the HFPAC in the past, but have not yet done so, now is an excellent time to finally take action.

The 2022 election cycle seems to have more potential for change than most, with dozens of incumbents choosing to retire rather than hit the campaign trail this fall. That said, the industry message remains the same.

The Federation advocates for a broad swath of issues, and we need to continually build relationships with lawmakers from diverse political and geographical backgrounds. Policy impacting our sector is rarely passed on a partisan level. Leaders, committee members, and

DURING EVENTS THAT SUPPORT CAMPAIGNS FOR THE INDUSTRY’S PROVEN CHAMPIONS, HF DELIVERS FOUR KEY MESSAGES AS PART OF EVERY CONVERSATION:

• Forest products are part of the climate solution and must be counted in federal carbon accounting programs.

• Tax and regulatory reforms must be favorable to growing and sustaining the hardwood industry and facilitate passing familyowned businesses to the next generation.

• Infrastructure and transportation legislation must address barriers to shipping over land and water.

• Healthy export markets are key to industry success.

legislative champions come in many forms and political leanings. The HFPAC Board of Directors and staff strive to identify those members of Congress most likely to assist on both sides of the aisle to increase our chances of success. To illustrate the diversity of our PAC activity and support, below we highlight a few of the incumbents the Federation has recently met with during PAC fundraising events, all of whom have a demonstrated track record of leadership on industry’s key issues:

• In late 2021, the Hardwood Federation attended PAC meetings with Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Senator John

Boozman (R-AR), who currently serve as the chair and ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, respectively. These legislative veterans are long-time champions of farm bill programs that support the industry, including export promotion funding. Regardless of which party takes control of the Senate in 2023, HF will have a champion in both party leadership seats. We will continue to build our relationships with both offices in 2022.

• In late January, HF met with Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA), a longtime friend of the industry and senior member of the House Agriculture Committee. If Democrats retain their majority in November, there is a strong possibility he could assume chairmanship of the committee, providing a platform for the industry’s carbon agenda. In the event Republicans take over the House, he could become the committee’s ranking member and bring a deep understanding of the issue to the minority side of the table.

• In February, Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) assured HF and industry allies that he would prioritize measures that provide relief from transportation bottlenecks. Mr. Gallagher’s seat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee ensures that he will effectively advocate this key issue.

• In early March, HF talked to Rep. Jim Comer (R-KY), currently the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee who could ascend to the Chair’s seat depending on the outcome in November. During the meeting, Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made

an appearance and shared insights regarding Senate action for the balance of 2022, including budget negotiations, the ongoing situation in Ukraine, and filling the current Supreme Court vacancy.

• Also, in March, Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH) told HF that she wants to lead the charge on policy measures assuring that climaterelated programs account for carbon captured in finished wood products.

• On April 27, HF will be co-hosting another event for long-time ally Rep. GT Thompson (R-PA). GT is currently the ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee and will most likely become Chair in the event Republicans assume the majority in the fall. An expert on the importance of federal forest management, particularly on the Allegheny National Forest, GT is also a strong advocate for the wood products industry and understands the environmental benefit links between forest management, wood product manufacturing, and sustainability.

With so much at stake in 2022, it is the perfect time to get involved in the political process and make your voice heard. The HFPAC enjoys the support of many industry leaders, but the issues we face are growing in number and complexity; we need the backing of many more. If you are a member of the Hardwood Federation and would like to learn more about how to support pro-industry candidates through HFPAC, please visit www.hardwoodfederation.com/page-1515753.

your voice heard and get involved by supporting pro-industry candidates through HFPAC.

What Lies Ahead for Hardwood Lumber

Domestic Markets?

By AMANDA BOUTWELL

OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS, the hardwood industry has faced a multitude of challenges: the trade war with China, COVID19, labor shortages, quarantine, supply chain disruptions, and now soaring fuel prices and a possible war with Russia. We could rewrite the old Billy Joel song “We Didn’t Start the Fire” with a list of everything we’ve encountered. The famous 90s song showed that each decade has its own set of troubles, but we always persevere in facing whatever challenges lie ahead of us. And that is precisely what the hardwood industry has done. Persevere. We have been scrappy and innovative, and despite what’s happening in the world, we have remained strong.

SHOULD BE A SUCCESSFUL YEAR, WITH INCREASES FORECASTED ACROSS MOST HARDWOOD SECTORS.

Domestically, 2022 is expected to be a good year for most hardwood market sectors. According to the US Census Bureau, the boom in housing starts that we experienced in 2020/2021 has slowed but is keeping a healthy pace. Housing starts in January of 2022 were 0.8 percent higher than the rate in January of 2021. Kiplinger’s latest report shows that housing starts began with momentum in 2022. Builder confidence is near its all-time high, and buyers are eager to purchase new homes. Plus, according to building permits, residential construction will likely continue its upward growth in the coming months.

Home makeovers/remodeling will continue growing as well. The National Association of Home Builder’s Remodeling Market Index went up 4 points in the fourth quarter of 2021, which shows that residential remodelers have high confidence in their markets. Gains in housing starts and remodeling confidence will translate into profits for most hardwood industry sectors, including flooring, furniture, cabinetry, moulding, and millwork.

In 2022, homeowners are expected to continue using higher quality materials and products, like hardwood flooring, moulding and millwork, cabinets, and more. They want their homes to look great for decades to come. However, hardwood manufacturers will continue with the struggle of project costs because more homeowners are willing to wait for prices to stabilize before they do anything.

The hardwood flooring sector appears to be healthy in 2022. According to the National Wood Flooring Association’s (NWFA) 2022 Industry Outlook survey, manufacturers surveyed expect sales to be the same or better in 2022, with 34 percent predicting their sales to be ‘up significantly.’

Michael Martin, President & CEO of NWFA, told NHLA, “Hardwood Flooring sales rebounded by more than 20 percent in 2021, and the outlook is for an additional ten percent+ growth in 2022. That said, the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine has escalated quickly with severe economic sanctions that impact birch plywood supply for domestically produced engineered wood flooring. Alternative resources are being sought from other geographies, including some domestic species and imports from other areas of the world. The effects remain to play out in the marketplace.”

Moving from flooring to furniture, the positive outlook continues. Furniture Today Magazine reports consumer spending on furniture will continue to be robust in 2022, rising by 4.1 percent to more than $125 billion this year. The main component of this predicted growth is the country’s shift to working from home. As people spend more time at home, they want to improve their furnishings and comfort.

Cabinetry is another sector of the hardwood industry projected to do well this year, thanks to solid housing starts. The Kitchen Cabinet

Manufacturers Association (KCMA) reports that the year is off to a great start, with January sales increasing 11.7 percent over the same time in 2021. Custom sales are up 19.7 percent, semi-custom sales are up 0.9 percent, and stock sales have increased 17.6 percent.

Meanwhile, in their recently released benchmark survey, the Cabinet Makers Association (CMA) predicts cabinetry revenue to go up 1.76 percent a year through 2025.

Another strong sector in the hardwood industry, the moulding and millwork market, should experience growth in the coming years, with the Freedonia Group predicting a 3.3% rise through 2024.

Turning to the railway tie sector, projections don’t look as rosy. Railway ties are projected to experience slow growth in 2022. As published in Crossties Magazine, the Railway Tie Association (RTA) has forecasted that demand for railway ties will rise 1.9 percent in 2022. And, as supply chain and labor woes ease, demand will go up another 2 percent in 2023.

Dr. Nathan E. Irby, Executive Director of RTA, told NHLA, “Hardwood crosstie production has been stunted since Q4 2020 due to high demand for solid wood flooring and pallet stock, among other commodities. Those sectors dominated sawmill production and left many crosstie purchasers wanting more – roughly 5-25% more, depending on location.”

Irby continues, “Additionally, the pandemicrelated supply chain shortages and labor inconsistencies continue to plague many traditional crosstie-producing sawmills from running efficient and full shifts, and now they are getting hit with higher fuel costs, too. Pine demand spikes also created a shift in historically hardwood-only producers running some percentage of production in pine to capture that low-hanging fruit over the last 18 months. Thankfully, hardwood log supply is fair to good for most sawmills right now. Likewise, hardwood crosstie demand is high, and we hope throughout 2022, conditions favor a significant increase in crosstie production to help normalize supply.”

2022 should be a successful year, with increases forecasted across most hardwood sectors. The industry will continue to face challenges, and we will continue to persevere. Author Victor Hugo once said, “Perseverance is the secret of all triumphs,” and considering how much we have persevered over the years, 2022 should be a triumphant year for the hardwood industry.

Sources:

https://www.census.gov/construction/nrc/pdf/newresconst.pdf

https://www.kiplinger.com/economic-forecasts/housing

https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/industry-news/ press-releases/2022/01/remodeler-sentiment-continues-toImprove-year-over-year

https://hardwoodfloorsmag.com/2021/11/01/2022-industry-outlook-cautiously-preparing-for-growth-expansionin-2022/

https://www.furnituretoday.com/research-and-analysis/ amid-uncertainty-furniture-industry-remains-in-growthmode/

“Hardwood Flooring sales rebounded by more than 20 percent in 2021, and the outlook is for an additional ten percent+ growth in 2022.”

— Michael Martin, President & CEO of NWFA

How Would the NHLA Inspector Handle It

By DANA SPESSERT, Chief Inspector

Like many of my articles, this month’s article was initiated by a direct question that I received.

QUESTION: If a shipment of 8/4 FAS1Face and Better kiln dried is shipped to a customer and they claim there is too much warp/cup in the lumber, how would the NHLA Inspector handle this? Would you downgrade the lumber based on the areas of skip? Would the boards be reduced in thickness?

To answer this question, we need to reference several different areas of the NHLA Rules Book. The first thing that the NHLA Inspector would do is determine if the lumber was shipped and received rough or surfaced. Then they would need to determine if the lumber was intact and remained in the state it was shipped, except for some sur faced boards used for testing purposes by the receiving company. If the entire shipment or a substantial part of the shipment had been surfaced, without the permission of the shipping company, the Inspector would deem the lumber to be not intact and remind both parties of the Sales Code, article X, Inspection, where the buyer must hold the entire shipment intact to be inspected.

If the lumber is intact as it was shipped, the Inspector will grade each piece using the NHLA Rules. Several areas pertain to warp/cup in Select and Better lumber. The first is covered under the definition of a Cutting on page 9, paragraph 29, of the 2015 NHLA Rules Book. This is the sentence from the paragraph that pertains to this issue: “In the grades of Selects and Better the entire board must be flat enough to surface two sides to standard surfaced thickness (for skip limitations, see page 58 under the rule “Clear-Face” Cutting Grade).”

There is another area in the Rules Book that also states the limits for FAS boards; page 15, paragraph 61 says that: “Warp and Cup shall be admitted if the entire board will surface two sides to standard

surfaced thickness in accordance with the rules for lumber surfaced two sides, except that cupped or warped pieces 12” and wider are admitted if they can be ripped to produce two pieces each of which would grade FAS and meet this warp and cup requirement. The exception as to pieces 12” and wider shall not apply to contracts for lumber in special widths 10” and wider.” The major difference between these two rules is the allowance for the 12” and wider pieces mentioned in the last sentence.

The two different Rules listed above have both mentioned standard surfaced thickness and the rules for lumber surfaced two sides. They are citing the rule on page 58, under the heading of “The “Clear-Face” Cutting Grade.” It states: “Slight skips, chipped or torn grain will be admitted on the better face of the required cuttings, the aggregate area not exceeding 6” long by the width of the piece in FAS; 12” long by the width of the piece in F1F and Selects;” The important thing to note here is that when it mentions that the Selects and Better must surface two sides to standard surfaced thickness, there is some allowance for skip.

To wrap things up for this question, if the lumber is indeed intact and not surfaced, the NHLA Inspector would inspect the lumber based on the Standard Grades and apply all limitations listed. To the best of their ability, the Inspector would then determine if the warp limitation (considering the skip allowance) was exceeded. If so, either grade the board as 1 Common or below based on the Cuttings being flat or measure for thickness at the thinnest cutting used and determine if it is thick enough to be considered 8/4 (1 7/8” (1.875”) after kiln drying). This is a lot of information to absorb, but the Inspector must consider all of this when inspecting lumber and all of the other Rules involved.

If you have questions, please contact me at 901-399-7551 or by email at d.spessert@nhla.com.

NHLA PROVIDES EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO IMPROVE YOUR BOTTOM LINE

APRIL

April 25-27

Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading

Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.

Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN

Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor

MAY

May 2-5

Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading

Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.

Venue: WV Wood Technology Center Location: Elkins, WV

Instructor: Mark Depp, National Inspector

JUNE

June 6-July 29

Inspector Training School 199th Class

Traditional 8-week hands-on training to achieve the certificate of completion in Hardwood Lumber Inspection.

Venue: Clearfield County Career & Technology Center Location: Clearfield, PA

Instructor:

Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor

Pennsylvania companies can receive a 50% tuition reimbursement!

June 13-16

Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading

Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.

Venue: Yoder Lumber Co., Inc. Location: Millersburg, OH

Instructor: Mark Depp, National Inspector

JULY

July 19-21

Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading

Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.

Venue: Emerging Technology Center Location: Franklin, PA

Instructor: Tom Byers, National Inspector

AUG

Aug. 22-Sept. 2

Inspector Training School

Online Training Program

MODULE 1

Two weeks of hands-on training.

Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN

Module 2: Online study

Module 3: Three weeks hands-on training and final testing at NHLA headquarters.

Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor

SEPT

Sept. 7-9

Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading

Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.

Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN

Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor

Sept. 26-Nov. 18

Inspector Training School

200th Class

Traditional 8-week hands-on training to achieve the certificate of completion in Hardwood Lumber Inspection.

Venue: NHLA Headquarters Location: Memphis, TN

Instructor: Roman Matyushchenko, ITS Instructor

OCT

Oct. 17-21

Intro to Hardwood Lumber Grading

Intro class to gain a basic understanding of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and how the rules affect the value of lumber.

Venue: Wood-Mizer, LLC Location: Indianapolis, IN

Instructor: Kevin Evilsizer, National Inspector

“Earning my certificate from the NHLA Inspector Training School was a great opportunity for me to start a career in any facet of the hardwood industry, whether sales, operating machinery, grading, or drying lumber. It is a great alternative to college and creates an easier path to management.”

Kyle

Stepherson 188th Class | NHLA Inspector Training School Alumnus

NHLA JOB BOARD

Here you will find our current job listings. To see more details or to post a job, visit www.nhla.com/industry-services/job-board.

HARDWOOD LUMBER GRADER CONNOR SPORTS

The primary responsibility of the Lumber Grader is to coordinate inspection and processing of purchased lumber, validate board foot and grade of individual boards and bundles; establish conformance to PO specifications utilizing the optical scanner and operator interface console; create and download files used to track utilization of the lumber. To inspect incoming lumber quality using the NHLA rules. SCOPE • Stacker Shed reporting • Reports to Raw Lumber Supervisor

Responsibilities include:

• Complete all work assignments as directed by the Raw Lumber Supervisor.

• Utilizing scanner, confirm board foot data and lumber grading at the operator station, green chain, or lumber pack.

• Accurately determine grade of lumber using the National Hardwood Lumber Association rules and regulations.

• Upgrade lumber grading for maximum revenue.

• Determine length, thickness and board footage by sight, board rule and thickness gauge.

• Determine/identify lumber species visually.

• Mark boards for grade using a marking stick or register with counters on the automatic station.

• Report total pieces of lumber according to grade and board footage.

• Follow safe practices without exception in job performance.

• Comply with the 5s program to ensure areas are organized and cleaned.

• Understand and support the ISO 9001/ISO 14001 Integrated Management System.

• Assist the yard department for other tasks as required.

• Complete assigned work consistent with the operational practices.

Skills & Experience Require

• High School diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Certified forklift operator

• NHLA graduate with certificate from the long course or willingness to attend NHLA long course for training.

• Demonstrated basic math skills including converting fractions to decimal.

• Demonstrated ability to read a tape rule/measure and digital calipers.

• Basic computer skills.

• Good safety and housekeeping record.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

QUALITIES

Dependable • Focused on quality, efficiency, and safety. • Self-motivated • Team player. • Ability to follow instructions • Accurate • Timely • Ability to maintain a clean & safe environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and hear.

• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl and climb.

• The employee must frequently lift or move items up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move items up to 25 pounds.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

• Completes work assignments primarily inside stacker shed with some outside work.

• Exposed to elevated noise levels requiring hearing protection to be worn.

• Work station adjacent to conveyors used to sort and transport lumber.

• Exposed to warm and cold conditions.

Salary & Benefits

• Full-time; pay is $19.63 per hour.

• Company Paid Life Insurance and Short-Term & Long-term Disability

• 30 day waiting period for medical, dental, vision, accident, critical illness, identity theft & pet insurances.

• Company matching 401K

• Weekly Production Bonus Eligible

• Paid Time Off & 11 Company Paid Holidays

How to Apply

Send your resume to: careers@connorsports.com

Connor Sports 251 Industrial Park Rd | Amasa, MI 49903 801-401-3546

NHLA JOB BOARD

Here you will find our current job listings. To see more details or to post a job, visit www.nhla.com/industry-services/job-board.

HARDWOOD LUMBER GRADER HARTZELL HARDWOODS

Hartzell Hardwoods is looking for a Lumber Grader in Piqua, OH.

Responsibilities include:

• Climbs stairs onto grading platform. Visually inspects lumber according to species, grade, and dimension.

• Uses NHLA lumber grading rules to inspect lumber while sitting on an automated grading deck.

• This position operates and controls the Lumber Handling Machine from the grading deck platform.

• The employee must be aware of the manufacturing process and the safety hazards related to the machine’s operations.

• The Lumber Trainee will grade offline, or with an experienced grader until they are qualified to grade at the accuracy and speed determined by Hartzell standards.

• Must be able to operate a grade console and board turner.

• May be required to do their own sorting setups before starting another run per sorting specifications. (e.g., vendors, kilns, etc)

• Corrects any skews and situations that stop the lumber line from running. This may require getting off the grading deck and correcting the problem within their area.

• All inspectors may be required to switch off with another lumber inspector. Lumber inspectors are required to work in another assigned position when they are not grading lumber.

• Grades and tallies lumber at certain work stations to obtain surface mea sure and grade of the boards.

• Single boards are measured and tallied by making a dot on the tally sheet under correct column.

• Reports tallies to Team Leader or Supervisor who reports to the Lumber Office.

• Determines total board footage by adding and multiplying tally columns.

• Occasionally turns boards weighing between 5 lbs. to over 60 lbs. using lumber grading rulers.

Skills & Experience Required

• Previous experience in grading walnut lumber along with other hard woods species is desired.

• NHLA schooling is preferred but not mandatory.

• Long periods of sitting on grading deck. Familiar with lumber grading rules, calculator, tally book, pencil, lumber crayon stick, grad console and board turner is plus.

Salary & Benefits

• $20-$25+ an hour, depending upon experience

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• 401k company match

• Profit-sharing bonus

• LARGE relocation package

How to Apply

Send your resume to: larling@hartzell.com

Hartzell Hardwoods

1025 S. Roosevelt Ave. | Piqua, OH 45356 937-615-1924

HARDWOOD LUMBER GRADER

MOSS LUMBER INDUSTRIES, INC.

Moss Lumber Industries, Inc. is a family owned hardwood sawmill and kiln drying operation located in Gurley, Alabama. The company is currently seeking to hire a candidate to fill a hardwood lumber grading position for our mill operations. Duties will include, but not limited to the following:

• Grade and mark all lumber to be sorted according to NHLA rules/ guidelines and industry standards.

• Communicate effectively with your team and other departments.

• Adhere to all safety policies and perform tasks in a safe and responsible manner.

Skills & Experience Require

• Must have certification from NHLA or equivalent.

• Minimum of 1 year experience grading green domestic lumber.

• Must be physically capable of performing all duties of the job and any other duties assigned by Mill Manager.

Salary & Benefits

Full time position. Salary is negotiable. Company offers medical and dental benefits.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE NHLA JOB BOARD

How to Apply

Send your resume to: paige7231@bellsouth.net

Moss Lumber Industries, Inc.

PO Box 338 | Gurley, AL 35748 256-776-9441

INVENTORY CONTROL MANAGER BAILLIE LUMBER

Baillie's secondary manufacturing location in Sherburne, NY is looking for an Inventory Control Manager. This is a full time, permanent opportunity working for a world class hardwood lumber manufacturer, supporting our ripped inventory for the manufacturing plant.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide overall internal customer communication and service

• Managing and scheduling production for three production lines

• Managing orders

• Direct involvement in lumber needs and deliveries on incoming lumber

• Develop and maintain reports for products and customers

Skills & Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree, preferred

• 2 years of hardwood lumber inventory or manufacturing experience, preferably in NE USA

• Computer skills in Microsoft Excel, Word & Outlook. SAP Experience preferred

• Organize multiple work assignments and establish priorities

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines required, sometimes after hours

• Strong written and oral communications skills

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience

• Benefits including 401k, paid vacation and holidays

How to Apply

Send your resume to: llandahl@baillie.com

Baillie Lumber

40 S. Main St. | Sherburne, NY 13460

607 -250- 1900

SUPERIVSOR OVER DRY KILNS BAILLIE LUMBER

Baillie Lumber is looking for someone to handle quality control for dry Kilns. Baillie is looking for an individual who can manage and continuously improve Baillie Lumber Kiln Drying. This is a full time, permanent opportunity working for a world class hardwood lumber manufacturer supporting the overall growth and development for the concentration yards. This position can be fully remote.

Responsibilities include:

• Supervise all aspects of the quality control program across Baillie concentration yards

• Maintain and develop programs to maximize lumber values, grade, and recovery

• Identify opportunities to improve hardwood lumber and grade recoveries

• Work closely with production and maintenance staff in resolving quality issues

• Willing to travel regularly to PA, NY, NC, KY, and OH

Skills & Experience Required

• Minimum high school diploma, and preferably post-secondary degree in forest products or a related field

• A minimum 3-5 years of experience in Hardwood Lumber Drying process

• Understanding of lumber manufacturing principles and processes

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Possess excellent interpersonal, team-building, and communication skills

• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Salary & Benefits

Competitive Pay – DOE. Full Time hours can be fully remote, plus a full Plan of Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, 401k, paid vacations and holidays

How to Apply

Send your resume to: troyal@baillie.com

Baillie Lumber

4002 Legion Drive | Hamburg, NY 14075 716-649-2850 | www.baillie.com

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