Growth reported in the stairway industry

The Stairway Manufacturers’ Association reports 34 percent growth in membership in the last year.

“An increase in new members is usual prior to a conference, but this kind of sustained acceleration is not characteristic over a year-long stretch”, executive director Dave Cooper said in a statement. “The diversity of applicants is unique and each has unique reasons to join or return to the fold from a more stressful economy.

“The common thread is they are strategizing for growth and the SMA is providing valuable resources.”

The association also reported that registrations for its 25th anniversary annual conference in New Orleans are exceeding projections. At five weeks out from the April 11-14 event, early registrations are 30 percent higher than last year at the same time.

Officially formed in 1988, the association is dedicated to insure the growth and prosperity of the industry and craft. The group has grown to include stairbuilders, installers, stair-part manufacturers, millwork distributors and related ancillary businesses that support the stairway industry.