Happenings

Q2 Happenings

Sherwin-Williams Company Acquires AquaSurTech

The Sherwin-Williams Company completed the acquisition of AquaSurTech, effective Feb. 9. The acquisition further strengthens Sherwin-Williams' position as a leading provider of coatings solutions in the building products market, according to the company. Based in Canada, AquaSurTech has focused on developing, manufacturing, and selling durable, environmentally friendly coatings for the vinyl/ PVC building products industry for more than 25 years. AquaSurTech has a manufacturing footprint in the greater Toronto area and color blending facilities in the U.S. and Canada. "This transaction helps accelerate our growth into one of the most important segments of the building products industry. AquaSurTech's unique technology and strong product platform will help us advance our growth strategy and better serve the strong demand of Sherwin-Williams customers,” said Karl Jorgenrud, president and general manager, General Industrial Division, Sherwin-Williams. n For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com.

Woodwork Career Alliance of North America Releases 2021 Progress Report

High membership and the launch of two new credentials are only some of the accomplishments achieved by the Woodwork Career Alliance (WCA) of North America in 2021. According to the WCA’s 2021 Progress Report, a total of 686 new students enrolled in its Passport Credentialing program; 55 new schools were added as EDUcation members (bringing the total number of high school and post-secondary woodworking WCA programs to a record 151), and seven new companies joined the alliance as MANufacturing members. Other notable achievements include developing two new credentials— EDU Core and EDU Green—for students in the EDUcation woodworking programs and an online accredited skill evaluator (ASE) training program. Additionally, WCA teamed with the Woodworking Network to conduct a study on the U.S. and Canadian woodworking workforce. n Visit woodworkcareer.org for more information.

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Tangram Adds Two Employees to Dallas, Texas Office

Tangram has appointed two long-time employees to its Tangram’s new regional headquarters in Dallas, Texas. Amber Jones has been named vice president of sales of new regional headquarters in Dallas and Sales Executive Lauren Ghizzoni has joined the office. In her role, Jones will run both the Los Angeles and Dallas Fort-Worth teams and oversee the evaluation, budgeting, and delivering furniture-related services through installation, product knowledge, and curating meaningful spaces. During her eight years at Tangram, Jones has expanded the company’s market position through aligning team members' services to best match the customer’s business objectives, according to the company. Jones has served as director of education since 2014 and was promoted to the position of vice president of sales in 2018. She has 16 years of industry experience. “Amber has been a leader and a key asset to Tangram’s growth and strategic company evolution,” said Joe Lozowski, chief executive officer and president of Tangram. “Leveraging Amber’s expertise across the Dallas region will further bind our people-focused culture on the highest level. Furthermore, she understands how to deliver the quality and service our clients deserve, and I look forward to her leadership as we continue to grow in our expanded market.” Ghizzoni joined Tangram in January 2022 and brings nine years of industry experience to the position, as well as her expertise in healthcare sales. In her role, Ghizzoni will continue to execute premier sales strategies and positioning for Tangram including internal sales and operations with a focus on healthcare and education markets. “I am incredibly excited to welcome Lauren to our Dallas team. She will be instrumental in the leadership of sales in the Dallas Fort-Worth market,” said Jones. “She has displayed dedication and drive to Tangram’s overall mission and vision, and we look forward to seeing her expand our client base and overall industry reach.” Tangram, a curator of highly creative commercial interior environments and a flagship dealer for Steelcase Inc, announced its finalized acquisition of the BKM Total Office of Texas in October 2021. n For information, visit tangraminteriors.com.

AMBER JONES LAUREN GHIZZONI

Happenings ‹ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 2022 • Q2

Baldwin Hardware Expands

Quick Ship Program

The Quick Ship program launched by Baldwin Hardware has extended its product line, offering customers more than 5,000 SKUs. This third expansion of the program adds more than 1,800 pre-configured knobs, lever sets, handle sets, deadbolts, general hardware, components, and pocket door locks in several Estate finishes. “As the world continues to experience global supply-chain and shipping issues, our Quick Ship program, now offering over 5,000 locksets, enables homeowners and builders to complete their projects on time with delivery in days instead of weeks or months,” says Stefanie Kastner, senior product manager for Baldwin Hardware. “Our bestselling Estate products offer nearly endless possibilities of finishes and styles to create the custom look of any design dream.” These pre-packaged, ready-to-install Baldwin Estate Hardware products ship within five business days of shipping confirmation and come with all the hardware needed for installation. The Estate portfolio consists of more than 17 finishes and textures. n For more information, visit baldwinhardware.com or baldwinhardware.com/quick-ship.

Threespine added to Magnus Andersson Manufacturing Portfolio

Välinge Innovation has announced the addition of a new licensee in Sweden that will start producing furniture with its furniture click technology—Threespine. Magnus Andersson in Huskvarna AB manufactures and supplies kitchens, bathrooms, wardrobes, and furnishings to construction projects and building material outlets in Scandinavia. The company also produces private label products and manufactures furnishings under its own brand, ALBA. “This is a unique case, and it is not common for a relatively small furniture manufacturer to make this kind of significant investment in machinery and new technology. We see a great potential for a very successful investment at Magnus Andersson since the interest in easy assembly is rapidly increasing,” said Johan Hallin KAM at Välinge Innovation. A new machinery line from HOMAG has been installed at Magnus Andersson and began furniture production in March 2022. The machine line is equipped to produce all forms of cabinets, drawers, and storage furniture, including Välinge's Bed Concept with clicked and compact bed frames. n

Stephanie Rodrigue Named Managing Editor of International Wood Magazine

The International Wood Products Association (IWPA) has promoted Stephanie J. Rodrigue to managing editor of International Wood magazine. Rodrigue previously served as assistant editor for the publication and brings more than 25 years of experience in the wood products field. She has held director of marketing positions in the hardwood lumber, flooring, and architecture fields and is the owner of the marketing firm, YOUR Marketing Department. “We are excited for Stephanie to take on this new role with the IWPA team, and to deliver additional value to members through the International Wood magazine and related marketing and communications activity," said Bradley McKinney, executive director. "Stephanie brings a uniquely valuable background to IWPA, and we look forward to continuing to tell the story of international wood products with her expertise." Rodrigue holds a B.S. in Forestry from the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse and an M.S. in Forest Products Marketing from Virginia Tech. n

NBMDA Launches Emerging Distribution Leaders Program

To give a voice to the next generation of distribution leaders, the North American Building Material Distribution Association (NBMDA) is helming a new initiative to help up-and-coming professionals reach their full potential through the provision of coordinated education and relationshipbuilding opportunities. Members of the newly launched Emerging Distribution Leaders Program will have opportunities to connect and build relationships through education, networking, and involvement in the association. The year-long program consists of both in-person and online education and training. Those who finish the program will be publicly acknowledged and presented with a certificate of completion when the program concludes at the NBMDA Annual Convention in November. “Currently, we are accepting applications from our member company's executive teams. We believe this new program will help us curate a network of individuals who are eager to learn, hungry for growth, and ready to engage with their peers in the channel," said Kevin Gammonley, executive vice president of NBMDA. n More information on the Emerging Distribution Leaders Program is available at nbmda.org.