Stiles Machinery partners with Steinemann Technology
Stiles Machinery and Steinemann Technology AG have formed a strategic partnership, making Stiles responsible for the sales, service and support of all Steinemann Technology in the U.S. and Canada.
Founded in 1917 with headquarters in Switzerland, Steinemann manufacturers wide belt sanding machines for the panel industry.
“Steinemann’s unmatched expertise in calibration and sanding in the composite panel industry, paired with Stiles’ industry leading service and support, will propel both companies to better serve their customers. In addition, both companies are looking forward to further contributing to the future of the composite panel industry and the growing cross laminated timber (CLT) and mass timber industry in North America,” the companies said in a joint statement.
Grant funding program
Bucks County Community College in Newport, Pa., has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Windgate Foundation to support its fine woodworking program.
The two-year award funds the Windgate Fine Woodworking Legacy Residency, coordinated by associate professor Chris Todd, and keeps the unique program that was founded by professor emeritus Mark Sfirri running, according to the college.
“There is a long tradition of fine woodworking in Bucks County and southeastern Pennsylvania,” Todd said in a statement. “Windgate’s generous support of our program allows us to continue to offer a high quality woodworking education to those in the area.”
Todd notes that as trades across the country have seen a decline in interest among younger people, the program remains even more vital. “It prepares those interested in crafting fine pieces in wood an opportunity to develop their skills and the time to find their own artistic voice.”
In addition, Todd is also grateful for previous grants from the Windgate Foundation that have helped outfit the shop on the Newtown Campus with high quality machinery, and another that allows Bucks to give awards for outstanding works in wood to students each year. “They are indeed an extraordinary source of support in the wood arts,” said Todd.
Bucks offers a 62-credit Associate of Fine Arts in Fine Woodworking, designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college; and a 31-credit certificate in Furniture and Cabinetmaking, for students looking to directly launch a career.
Ownership change
B&W Communications has acquired Active Interest Media, the publisher of Woodshop News. B&W is a newly formed company launched by Andrew Clurman, the longtime CEO/President and co-founder of Active Interest Media. With this transaction, Clurman and his fellow investors are purchasing 100 percent of AIM’s outstanding stock from Wind Point Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm.
The company will continue to be known as Active Interest Media and remain headquartered in Boulder, Colo.
“My partners and I are thrilled to be forging a new path for the brands and organization that our team has nurtured to category-leading positions with Wind Point’s support,” said Clurman. “We intend to accelerate the work of reinvention and product development creating world-class content for our customers while innovating new ways to engage with them. Whether through virtual events, new interactive experiences, or services that make it easier for them to pilot a boat, grow a garden, or restore a historic home.”
This article was originally published in the April 2021 issue.
