Industry Trade Groups Might Merge

The Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA) informed its membership this morning of a potential merger with the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA).

“In April we reported that WMMA, WMIA, and Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS) were discussing a possible merger, and at the Woodworking Industry Conference we hosted an open forum to answer questions and explain the due diligence process. Our leadership has continued those conversations and, after thorough consideration, believes that a merger between WMMA and Woodworking Machinery Industry Association is in the best interests of our members and the North American woodworking industry,” according to a statement from the WMMA to its membership on Sept. 28.

“WMMA and WMIA will merge to create a new organization, the Wood Industry Association (WIA), whose mission will be to promote the business interests of all those engaged in the manufacture and distribution of woodworking machinery and ancillary equipment in North America. “We will continue to own and manage the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) through our tenured IWF staff in Atlanta; and WIA will continue the tradition of hosting the Woodworking Industry Conference each spring.”

WMMA’s Executive Committee will host a Town Hall meeting on October 12 to explain the details of the proposed merger. For more, visit wmma.org.