NEWS BRIEFS: Wood Industry Ransomware; Maple Veneer Logs; IWPA Board Changes; Milwaukee Tool

Beware ransomware: As wood manufacturing firms integrate manufacturing and amp up digitalization, weak links in the connections for IIoT and Industry 4.0 can make firms vulnerable to ransomware attacks, wherein hackers hold corporate operating systems hostage until ransoms are paid. Colonial Pipeline paid millions this month for release following a cyber attack. Last year Steelcase in Grand Rapids, MI suffered a Ryuk ransomware attack, forcing a two-week halt in global operations at the world’s largest office furniture manufacturer. Read more

Milwaukee Tool will invest $60 million in advanced technology and manufacturing equipment at a new 500,000-sq.-ft. factory in Grenada, MS. When it opens in late 2022 it will employ 800. A new hand tool manufacturing plant in West Bend, WI is also to open in 2022. Milwaukee Tool has U.S. manufacturing, distribution, and operations in Greenwood, Olive Branch, and Jackson, MS, as well as in Brookfield, Menomonee Falls, Mukwonago, and Sun Prairie, WI, and Greenwood, IN. Last month Milwaukee Tool said it would create in downtown Milwaukee a branch of its Brookfield, WI headquarters in downtown Milwaukee. Read more

The Wood Tooling Shop launched May 5, with offerings based on essential tools for cabinet makers and other woodworking professionals. “The product mix is limited to basic operations initially but will expand as the customer base grows,” the company says in a release. Products include circular saw blades, drilling, boring, and CNC router bits. A unique vacuum pod system, collets, chucks, and tool holders are also in stock ready for shipment. Read more

Maple veneer logs are released from trade restrictions by the European Union, which gave its blessing to imports from Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, and Vermont, says the Decorative Hardwood Association.

At its annual gathering, the International Wood Products Association named Michael Schultz of Floor & Decor president. Vice President is JoAnn Gillebaard Keller of Holland Southwest International; Treasurer is Jordan McIlvain, Alan McIlvain Company.

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