ARTICLES PUBLISHED IN 2006
 
Alternative Materials (Plastic, Corrugated, etc.)
Alternative Pallet Materials 101 - Alternative Materials 101: A guide to the wide variety of pallets available today that are made of alternative materials. Covers things to consider when looking for a new supplier. (11/1/2006)
Is Recycled Plastic Lumber a Viable Alternative for Pallets? - At present wood pallets dominate the pallet market, nevertheless, pallets made from alternative materials are necessary in certain niche markets. (11/1/2006)
Plastic Pallet Makers Respond, Adapt to Market Opportunities:ISPM-15 Spurs Interest; Manufacturers Launch Edge-Rackable Versions - Plastic Pallets: Manufacturers of plastic pallets and containers have made a number of improvements and changes to their products in recent years as they adapt to new market conditions. (11/1/2006)

Associations
NWPCA Annual Meeting Draws a Large Crowd - NWPCA Annual Meeting: Members of the National Wood Pallet and Container Association gather in Florida for annual business session, program and networking opportunities. (4/1/2006)
Members of Western Pallet Association Hold Annual Meeting - Western Pallet Assn. Meets: Western Pallet Association enjoys stable growth as members meet in California for annual business session, program and leisure activities. (4/1/2006)
Canadian Pallet Council Continues Growth - CPC Meets: Members of the Canadian Pallet Council gathered for organization’s 29th annual conference and general meeting; theme was ‘Partners in Progress.’ (8/1/2006)
CWPCA Group Tours Pallet Plants And Supplier in Mid-Atlantic Region - Canadian Wood Pallet and Container Association sponsors tour of pallet plants in the Mid-Atlantic region. (9/1/2006)

Design/Engineering Research
Virginia Tech Study Shows Potential For Finger Jointing Pallet Parts - A recent pilot study by Virginia Tech’s Center for Unit Load Design has concluded that finger jointed green and dry hardwood pallet components can perform at strength and stiffness levels approaching those of solid wood. (2/1/2006)

Environmental Issues
Does Logging Impact Biodiversity? - Harvesting, especially when most of the trees are removed, has a considerable impact on species diversity but only in the short term. (1/1/2006)
Making Sense Out of Environmental Policy: Interview with Dr. Patrick Moore, Part 1 - Patrick Moore, author of ‘The Sensible Environmentalist’ column and defender of the forest products industry, answers questions in part one of an extensive interview with Pallet Enterprise. (2/1/2006)
Part II--Making Sense Out of Environmental Policy: Interview with Dr. Patrick Moore - Patrick Moore, author of ‘The Sensible Environmentalist’ column and supporter of the forest products industry, answers questions in part two of an exclusive interview. (3/1/2006)
Owl Be Damned - Spotted Owl: The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service knows that wildfire is the leading cause of spotted owl habitat loss, yet it opposes thinning forests to reduce the risk of fire. (5/1/2006)
The Sensible Environmentalist: Treated Wood Is Safe, Very Effective - There are a number of treated wood products that are highly effective at resisting bugs, mold and rot — and are also safe in terms of human health and the environment. (10/1/2006)

Equipment, Products & Services
New on the Market - New Products (1/1/2006)
New Products - New pallet and affiliated wood products machinery is featured. (2/1/2006)
New on the Market - New prodcuts for the pallet industry. (3/1/2006)
Saw Lines: File Room Key to Recovery, Production - There has always been a lot of secrecy attached to the work done by the saw filer or ‘saw doctor’ as some like to call him. Manufacturers of saw filing and benching equipment have developed automatic machines in recent years, which has removed at least some of the mystery. (3/1/2006)
Pellet Fuel Potential: The Resurgence of Wood as a Heating Source - Potential in Pellets: Wood resurges as a fuel source as home heating bills soar; companies with wood waste can carve out a new niche in growing wood pellet fuel industry. (5/1/2006)
New on the Market - New products in the pallet industry. (5/1/2006)
Peter C. Herman Continues Trend of Self-Reliance by Heating with Wood: Wood Furnaces from Biomass Combustion Systems Prove Effective - Heating with Wood: Pallet manufacturer Peter C. Herman Inc. invests in Biomass Combustion Systems wood furnaces so it can heat its buildings by burning scrap wood. (5/1/2006)
Sawlines: Scanners, Computers Optimize Machines - In his final regular column, Alan Froome continues his discussion of sawmill ideas and methods and how they evolved, along with a review of some recent developments in technology. This series of columns is intended to be a generic overview of different methods used in the sawmill industry in response to readers’ requests. (6/1/2006)
New on the Market - New Products in the Pallet Industry (6/1/2006)
Sawmill & Treating Insights: Keys to Buying the Right Portable Sawmill - Portable Sawmills: Plan ahead, save time and money when making a decision to buy a portable sawmill. Dr. Brian Bond of Virginia Tech has submitted his first column in a new series. (6/1/2006)
New on the Market - New machinery products in the pallet industry. (8/1/2006)
Virginia Tech, Sawmill & Treating Insights -- Going with the Grain: Sawing with the Curve - The idea of curve sawing is to produce a two sided cant using some type of head saw with the main curvature remaining in the cant. The cant is then sawn in such a way that the true form is followed thus producing longer lumber, improved lumber grade and less slope of grain with boards. (9/1/2006)
Smart Products Introduces Two New Machines for Recycling Block Pallets - Got Blocks? Get Smart: Smart Products has developed two new machines that automate the process of repairing block-style pallets; machines are being used successfully by pallet recyclers. (10/1/2006)
New on the Market - New Macinery products. (10/1/2006)
New Products - New Products in the pallet industry. (11/1/2006)
New Products - New products and innovations for the pallet and sawmill industries in order to help your business continue to increase profits. (12/1/2006)

General Advice
Thinking Ahead–Letter from Chaille: Managing for the Next Quarter vs. Ten Years down the Road - After a number of accounting scandals, the new reporting laws that followed and a flat stock market, many companies are wishing that they had never gone public. (2/1/2006)
Setting a Value on Business Now Will Help You Sell It in the Future - What You Are Worth: The time to think about your company’s value is not when you want to sell it, but while you are building it; valuation process can benefit your business now and in the future. (4/1/2006)
Family Businesses and Succession Planning: Driver’s Ed. All Over Again -- Pallet & Lumber Companies Share Their Succession Experiences - Succession Planning: How do you plan to pass the reins of the company to another, younger family member when the head of the family business wants to retire? (5/1/2006)
ERP 101 -- The Instrument Panel and Navigation System For Your Business: New Technology Unites Business Management Functions - ERP 101: IT expert from AMS explains why ERP software may be what you need to take your company to the next level. (7/1/2006)
Post-Disaster Business Continuity: There’s No Such Thing as Luck - Disaster Recovery: There is no such thing as luck when it comes to the ability of your business to recover from a disaster and continue operations; planning and preparation are the keys. (8/1/2006)
Mold, Fungi Still Pose Threats to Pallet Businesses - Mold & Fungi on Wood — Causes & Remedies: Explores why mold and fungi tend to grow on pallets in the summer and what companies can do to fix the problem. (8/1/2006)
Markets in Transition: Plan for the Worst, Hope for the Best; Flu Pandemic Planning in Spotlight - Flu pandemic planning is rapidly becoming a requirement for many larger customers, pushed down to the distribution center or plant level by corporate headquarters. Many large customers are preparing contingency plans for a H5N1 flu outbreak. (8/1/2006)
Letter from Ed: What You Are Hearing Is Not What I Am Saying - In today’s society all of us need to watch what we say and, more importantly, how we hear things. Unless we are careful on both the giving and receiving fronts, there will be a great deal of room for spin when communicating. (10/1/2006)

Global Shipping
Pallets Move the World, but Seaports Keep Businesses Afloat - U.S. Seaports: Economic Lifeblood of International Trade - Ports and Pallets: American seaports remain vital part of international trade as the global supply chain faces an uncertain future. Discover how changes could impact your customers and pallet demand. (12/1/2006)

Government
Letter from Ed: Looking to the Government for Leadership? - Everyone seems to be looking to the government for a solution. But the problem is that even longstanding allies are divided about what is the best possible solution about the issue of illegal immigration. (5/1/2006)
IFCO Raids Bring Immigration Law To Forefront - IFCO Immigration Raids: Federal officials arrest hundreds of illegal immigrants working at IFCO Systems plants in raids in 26 states; seven managers charged with helping undocumented workers falsify their identities. (6/1/2006)
Thinking Ahead–Letter from Chaille: The Challenge of Human Nature - The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is continuing its investigation although it remains to be seen if any more criminal charges will be filed against IFCO managers. (6/1/2006)
TENURE FOR TIMBER: How Canadian Provinces Foster Community Forestry - Canadian Forest Management: Canada’s approach to timber management could be what America’s ailing public forests need; environmental think tank outlines benefits of a collaborative management strategy. (7/1/2006)
Letter to the Publisher: Do Away with Most Immigrant Labor - One reader takes a look at the somewhat confusing issue of immigrant labor. (7/1/2006)
Employer Responsibility Clarified When Immigrant Worker Records Don’t Jive - Immigrant Issues: Federal government to allow electronic documentation of key work authorization verification form, proposes rule to clarify responsibility of employers in case of discrepancy in records. (8/1/2006)
Power Shift – Democrats Win Big, What Does the New Congress Bring? - Power Shift: Democrats won big in the November elections, capturing control of both the House and Senate; what does the shift in power mean for the U.S. forest products industry? (12/1/2006)

Grading Standards
Effect of Southern Pine Dimension Lumber Grade: Lumber Grade Impacts the Flexural Strength and Stiffness of Pallet Lumber - Southern Yellow Pine: Virginia Tech recently completed a study dealing with lumber made of Southern Yellow Pine. The primary result is that processing higher lumber grades into pallet stock yields stronger material than cutting lower grade material and then grading the cut stock to a minimum quality standard. (10/1/2006)
What’s In a Board Foot? - Board Footage: Measuring board footage, being more complicated than it might appear, has caused some confusion in our industry. Dr. Brindley analyzes the factors involved and how to interpret them. (12/1/2006)

I-9 & Immigrant Workers
IFCO ICED? - Government conducts immigration raids, levels criminal charges against IFCO managers. (11/1/2006)
States, Localities Vote on Immigration When Feds Won’t - Lawmakers across the country at state and local levels are feeling the pressure to make a decision regarding immigration laws. While Washington continues to talk about the issue, others around the country are taking action. (11/1/2006)
Government Offers Social Security Verification Service - After the recent IFCO immigration raids, companies have wondered what they can do to comply with laws prohibiting the hiring of illegal workers. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a free verification service that employers can use to check the viability of social security data provided by new employees. (11/1/2006)
Form I-9 Question & Answer - Question & Answer article on I-9 Forms (11/1/2006)
I-9/Immigration Law Compliance 101 - The I-9 employment eligibility verification process was instituted as part of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. All employees (citizens and non-citizens) hired after November 6, 1986 must complete the applicable sections of the I-9 form. The employer is responsible for ensuring that the I-9 process is followed. Employers must retain completed I-9s for three years after the date of hire or one year after the date employment ends, whichever is later. (11/1/2006)
Quick Lessons & Tips on I-9 Compliance - The I-9 employment eligibility verification process was instituted as part of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. All employees (citizens and non-citizens) hired after November 6, 1986 must complete the applicable sections of the I-9 form. The employer is responsible for ensuring that the I-9 process is followed. Even the company owner must have an I-9 on file if he was hired after the verification program began. (11/1/2006)
FAQ's about Employment Eligibility - FAQ concerning Form I-9, employee work authorization, and immigrant worker issues. (11/1/2006)
ICE Best Hiring Practices - Best hiring practices for employers that want to avoid any problems with unauthorized workers. (11/1/2006)
DHS Issues New I-9 Guidelines - The Dept of Homeland Security (DHS) has authorized the use of electronic signature and storage of Forms I-9 as well as proposing new guidelines for employers that receive no-match letters from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Both changes could impact pallet companies looking to update their worker eligibility verification procedures for new hires. (11/1/2006)

Industry News
Small Wood, Big Potential: Conference Explores Challenges, Opportunities of Small Diameter Timber Resources and Products - Conference focusing on small timber brings together a few hundred members of forest products industry, exploring issues and trends concerning small logs. (9/1/2006)
Industry Tweaks Promotional Efforts: Focus on ‘Green’ Benefits of Wood Construction, Potential in Non-Residential Building Market - Marketing Wood: Forest products industry tweaks its approach to promoting wood products; focus shifts to ‘green’ benefits in wood construction and potential in non-residential building market. (11/1/2006)
Thinking Ahead–Letter from Chaille: Branding Wood – Harley Lessons - The forest products industry needs to do a better job of marketing itself to the world. This includes all sectors of the industry. In many ways, the radical preservationists are winning the PR war. (11/1/2006)

Industry Standards
Markets in Transition: Is the Customer Always Right on Pallet Standards? - In North America, the prerogative of a powerful customer to specify the pallet used for shipments of incoming product is typically, although sometimes begrudgingly, taken for granted. (5/1/2006)
Virginia Tech Series: Optimizing Pallet Sizes within the Global Supply Chain -- Connecting Northeast Asia And North America - As recognition of the important relationship between pallet size selection and supply chain optimization continues to grow, interest in standardizing pallet sizes is also increasing. (8/1/2006)
Pallet Standards And Specifications – The Evolution to Today - Pallet Standards: The NWPCA has made a number of attempts through the years to establish quality standards. Dr. Brindley covers these historically and looks at the factors influencing these efforts and any future changes. (12/1/2006)

Industry-Military/Defense
Reusable Wooden Packaging Delivers Armored Cabs to Mid-East for Army - Stewart & Stevenson: Texas manufacturer develops innovative reusable wooden packaging to deliver its armored cabs for the Army to the Middle East. (11/1/2006)

Industry-Other
Markets in Transition: Businesses Can Prepare for Flu - Think about your core business activities. Have you developed the ‘bench strength’ to keep them going if your company suffers a flu outbreak for several weeks? (11/1/2006)

International Market
America’s Future in the Global Forest Products Industry - Dr. Douglas Parsonson, an expert in lumber markets, discusses America’s future in the global forest products industry. (3/1/2006)
Irish Company Surmounts Challenge By Diversifying Accounts, Business - C.J. Sheeran: Irish pallet company responds to the huge blow of losing a major customer by diversifying its accounts and expanding its line of products. (6/1/2006)
International Pallet Sizes: What Does the Future Suggest? - Global Pallet Sizes: What are the leading pallet footprints and specs used around the world? There is a handful that dominates material handling. Article examines leading global pallet sizes. (10/1/2006)

Law
Pallet Scam: Has a Bogus Buyer Come to a Market Near You? - With a very competitive core market, it can be easy to get scammed if you don’t do your homework on new contacts and clients. Several pallet recyclers and trucking firms in the Midwest, East Coast and Southeast are finding this out the hard way. (9/1/2006)

Lumber Drying
Va. Tech Sawmill & Treating Insights: Determining the Value of Logs - Many mills approximate log values by comparing the value of the total volume and grade of products produced from a single run or multiple runs for a particular species. (12/1/2006)

Lumber Market
What Do Regional Changes in Hardwood Production Tell Us About Future Competitiveness? - Dr. Bill Luppold provides analysis of recent decreases in hardwood production along with information related to species shifts. (3/1/2006)
Weekly Hardwood Review Indicates That Cooling Market for Railties Expected To Rebound in the Spring of 2007 - Railtie Market: Prices for railties are expected to decline moderately, according to the Weekly Hardwood Review (WHR), but if sawmills exercise discipline, tie purchases and prices should rebound in the spring. (11/1/2006)

New Pallet Manufacturing
2-Inch Bands Mean Big Gains For C & L Wood Products: New Brewco Band Resaws Boost Alabama Pallet Company - C&L Wood Products: The Brewco B-800 2-inch band resaw changed Henry Bowman’s perception about band resaws; he turned to Brewco for a resaw system that has benefited his company. (4/1/2006)
Millwood Expands to Control Raw Material, Lumber Supply: New Brewer Machines Expected to Double Cut Stock Production - Milltree: Millwood expands to control raw material and lumber supply; new Ohio plant turns to Brewer Inc.-Golden Eagle for equipment to increase production of pallet stock. (10/1/2006)

Pallet Lumber
Calif. Company Turns Timber Damaged by Insects into Quality Pallet Lumber: Woodwurx Corp. Relies on AWMV LT300 Thin-Kerf Head Rig and Resaw System - California company turns insect-damaged timber into quality pallet lumber with aid of AWMV LT300 thin-kerf head rig and other Wood-Mizer equipment. (2/1/2006)
Northern Alberta Cut Stock Maker Bounces Back Quickly Following Fire: Aspen Valley Relies on Baker, Pendu-Cornell, Newman-Whitney in Rebuilding - Cut stock manufacturer in northern Alberta bounces back quickly following devastating fire; Aspen Valley relies on equipment supplied by Pendu-Cornell, Newman-Whitney and Baker Products. (2/1/2006)
Hardwood Flooring Market And Its Impact on Pallets - The hardwood flooring market’s history and current market trends are examined to look at its direction and how it might impact the hardwood and pallet industries. (2/1/2006)
Industrial Wood Resource Systems Focuses on Fast, Timely Service: Georgia Lumber Remanufacturer Supplies Industrial Wood Products - Industrial Wood Resource Systems: Georgia lumber remanufacturer focuses on fast, timely service in supplying customers for industrial lumber products in the metropolitan Atlanta market. (5/1/2006)
Emporium Hardwoods Reaping Benefits from INOVEC Optimization Technology: Optimized Head Rig, Edger and Trimmer Increase Production, Yield, Quality - Emporium Hardwoods: Pennsylvania hardwood lumber manufacturer is reaping benefits of INOVEC optimization technology for head rig, edger and trimmer. (5/1/2006)
Sam Baker Launches New Cut Stock Plant in Missouri: Plant Has Biggest, Most Automated Line from Samuel Kent Baker Inc. - Samuel Kent Baker Inc. - Sam Baker enters the wood business, forming affiliate to manufacture pallet cut stock; new plant is fully equipped with companys most automated cut-up line. (5/1/2006)
KHEOPS Winter Mill Tour: Showcases Commitment to Quality, Customer Service - Kheops Tour: Mill tour of Canadian cut stock suppliers showcases KHEOPS’ large network and quality service. (7/1/2006)
Acquisitions Help Fuel Growth At All Star Forest Products in MS - Mississippi lumber remanufacturing business provides lumber and panel products to industrial companies, pallet and container manufacturers, and also operates specialty pallet division. (9/1/2006)

Pallet Market
Market Update -- Recycled Demand White Hot but Cores Are Scarce - The record hurricane season is over, but the impact is still being felt. Most of the business lost along the Gulf Coast is now or soon to be back online. The slowdown in pallet activity was felt as far north as Ohio. (1/1/2006)
Market Update: Supplies of Low-Grade Hardwood Improving - Some of the improvement in lumber inventories has been more the result of demand dips rather than improved supply. (4/1/2006)
Market Update: Hardwood Inventories Returning to Normal - The low-grade hardwood shortage that has gone on for more than three years finally has found some relief. Low-grade hardwood is not abundant, but many contacts report normal or close to normal inventories. (7/1/2006)
Market Update: Hardwood Supplies Gain; Urgency Exits Pallet Market - The ongoing saga of what has become the low-grade hardwood shortage is now over three years old. Each time that the market seems to adjust and level off, a new twist or wrinkle interrupts the potential relief. (10/1/2006)
Pallet People Say the Darndest Things - Review of Best Pallet Quotes Since 1992 - Quotable Quotes: Pallet people say the darndest things. A look at the most memorable comments we have received for the ‘Quote of the Week’ feature in Pallet Profile Weekly. (12/1/2006)

Pallet News
Letter from Ed -- Can You Believe It’s Been 25 Years? - The Pallet Enterprise is entering its 25th year in 2006. The growth that we have achieved was possible solely because we had developed a large contingent of readers who believed in the Enterprise during our early years. (1/1/2006)
NEWS STORY of the Year -- Hurricane Force – A Cruel Reminder of Change in our Society - Devastating storms impact forest products industry. (1/1/2006)
Letter from Ed: Our Beginning – A Story of Dedication - Ed Brindley is posed the question of how he got started in the pallet industry. The answer is a story of good fortune and dedication. (3/1/2006)
Wyoming Logger Wins Buck Photo Contest: Oregon Teen Wins In Youth Category - Wyoming rancher and self-employed logger Tim Jones submits photo of 10-point mule deer to win Big Buck Photo Contest; Oregon teen Micaiah Mullins wins youth category. (3/1/2006)
Pallet Industry Loses Bill Thomlison — A Real Mentor and Great Friend - Pallet industry loses a valuable friend with the passing of Bill Thomlison, who was a leader in the Canadian pallet industry and a friend to all who knew him. (3/1/2006)
New on the Market - New products in the pallet industry. (4/1/2006)
Thinking Ahead - Letter from Chaille: Making Memories - The staff of the Pallet Enterprise is currently compiling the best moments, personalities and stories of the last 25 years in the pallet industry. These will soon be forever memorialized in a special 25th anniversary CD that the Pallet Enterprise staff is preparing for distribution later this year. (4/1/2006)
Pallet People - People in the pallet inudustry. (4/1/2006)

Pallet Treatment
European Union Further Delays Debarking Requirement - The EU has voted to delay the debarking requirement until 2009. (3/1/2006)
A Scientific Perspective: Expert Voices Opinion on Phytosanitary Challenges And Standards - Pallet Enterprise interviews Dr. Eric Allen, a leading scientific expert on phytosanitary issues for solid wood packaging. (3/1/2006)
Treated Wood Overview — A Product Constantly Changing - Introduction of heat-treated pallets has spurred interest in treated lumber; an overview of treated lumber and wood treating options. (3/1/2006)
Greenpak Takes Solution-Oriented Approach to Servicing Customers: Kiln-Direct Enables Company to Move Quickly into Heat-Treating - Greenpak takes solution-oriented approach to servicing customers; Kiln-Direct enables company to move quickly into heat-treating pallets for export applications. (3/1/2006)
Hardwood Association Provides Audit Service for Heat-Treated Pallets, Lumber - NHLA HT Program: National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) has been, and continues to be, intimately involved in the phytosanitary standards for solid wood packaging used for export shipments. (5/1/2006)
New Hampshire Company a Pallet Industry Leader in the Northeast: HHP Relies on Pendu Saws, Viking Nailers, Nyle Heat-Treater to Serve NE Market - HHP: New Hampshire company, a leading pallet manufacturer in the Northeast, makes necessary investments to heat-treat pallets to meet global export regulation. (8/1/2006)
Phytosanitary Regulation Update: International Standard Rolling, Concern Raised about Recycling Issues - Phytosanitary Rules: Report on the latest developments impacting phytosanitary regulations governing wood pallets and wood packaging used in export applications. (10/1/2006)

Plant Case Studies: New Pallet Manufacturers
Demand for Crates, Boxes Keeps Michiana Box & Crate Growing -- Michigan Firm Also Makes Pallets, Relies on Country Saw & Knife - Demand for crates, boxes keeps Michiana Box & Crate growing; Michigan company, which also makes pallets, relies on Country Saw & Knife for blades and blade service. (1/1/2006)
Commercial Lumber & Pallet Enjoys Growth with Subsidiary: Viking Nailing Machines Fuel Pallet Assembly at CLP, Priority Pallets - Viking automated pallet nailing machines fuel pallet assembly operations at Commercial Lumber & Pallet and new affiliate, Priority Pallets. (2/1/2006)
Scotford Woodworks Grows With Alberta’s Economy - Scotford Woodworks: With a very tight labor market and a limited budget for equipment, northern Alberta pallet manufacturer relies on Third Man nailing machines for pallet assembly. (4/1/2006)
L&R Grows in New Pallet Arena, Expands Services to Customers: Colorado Company Likes Rayco Machines for Nailing Pallets - Colorado pallet company has been busy expanding into manufacturing new pallets, adding new services for customers; L&R has added two Rayco nailing machines in recent years. (9/1/2006)
Indiana Pallet Business Subcontracts with Other Companies to Meet Growth - Trace Equipment Distributes New Woodpecker Automated Nailing Machine - Milroy Pallet: Indiana Pallet manufacturer stays with Woodpecker nailing machine; Milroy Pallet likes quick changeover and other features of new nailing machine distributed by Trace Equipment. (12/1/2006)

Plant Case Studies: Pallet Recyclers
French Company Combines Professional Approach With Multi-Site Network: Groupe PGS Expands Rapidly to Become Leading French Pallet Supplier - French pallet supplier has grown quickly as it combines professional approach with a multi-site network of facilities; Groupe PGS has become the leading pallet supplier in France. (2/1/2006)
Spliced Stringers Benefit McNeilly Wood Products: Plating with Eagle Metal Products Helps New York Pallet Supplier - McNeilly Wood Products: Using Eagle Metal Products connector plates and plating equipment has benefited pallet supplier serving the metro New York City region. (6/1/2006)
Indiana-Based Company Opens Recycling Facility in Mid-Atlantic: Industrial Pallet Turns to Trace Equipment for Expansion Plant - Industrial Pallet: Indiana-based company looks to a trusted supplier, Trace Equipment, to equip new pallet recycling plant as it expands operations into the Eastern U.S. (7/1/2006)
Father and Son Complement Each Other to Grow Mass. Pallet Company - Eagle Metal 3-in-One Work Table Helps Recycler Upgrade Pallets, Revenues - Mass Pallet: Father and son complement each other in New England pallet recycling business; new Eagle Metal equipment enables company to upgrade used pallets and increase revenues. (12/1/2006)

Recycling
Can Sorting Increase Efficiency In Pallet Recycling Operations? - To Sort or Not: If you recycle pallets, should you sort them? Should the pallets be sorted before they go to the builders or after? A look at the ins and outs of pallet sorting operations. (5/1/2006)
Biomass Energy: The New Frontier? - Biomass Energy – The New Frontier?: John Zerbe, a former energy specialist with the U.S. Forest Service, analyzes the various technologies and the future of wood energy. (8/1/2006)

Research/Testing
Mark White to Enter Second Career: A Potentially Positive Change for the Pallet Industry - Mark White: Pallet industry’s leading researcher to retire from higher education and begin new career as private consultant; Mark White was an instrumental leader of the pallet industry as a professor and researcher at Virginia Tech. (11/1/2006)

Safety/OSHA
Forklift Safety: Believe It or Not? - Forklifts, although heavy pieces of industrial equipment, have been long treated as machines that can be operated by anyone who can walk, but it is just not so. (6/1/2006)
Forklift Safety: Failing Grade May Be Safest Course - Trainers are always under pressure to pass their students, whether the trainers admit to it or not. (12/1/2006)

Sawmill Case Studies
North Carolina Mill Adds Optimization: Home Lumber Co. Turns to Inovec for Optimized Controls at Head Rig - North Carolina hardwood lumber producer adds optimization to head rig; Inovec supplies technology for optimized controls. (3/1/2006)
Southland Manufacturing Advances to Industry Changes: A New Brewco B-800 Bandsaw System Anchors Lumber Production - Brewco bandsaws are helping Kentucky pallet manufacturer to produce the cut stock it needs; new guide system enables sawing with minimal kerf and no sawdust problems. (9/1/2006)
Barcode Tracking System & Unique, Transverse Saw System: Potomac Supply Makes History in Its Milling and Logistics Developments - Industry-leading Virginia company has made major upgrades to its mill in order to stay competitive in the softwood lumber business and has a unique bar coding process for inventory and shipping control; plant features custom equipment designed for its requirements. (9/1/2006)

Sawmill Case Studies: Remanufacturing
Lumbermen Associates Expands To Meet Growing Demand for Industrial Products: Pennsylvania Remanufacturer Adds New Brewer Inc.-Golden Eagle Gang Saw - Lumbermen Associates: Pennsylvania-based company started as brokers of cargo lumber and has grown to four divisions; growth has been achieved by meeting needs of customers, suppliers. (7/1/2006)

Specialty Wood Products
Swift Creek Forest Products Makes Steady Progress, Upgrades: Sharp Tool an Important Supplier for More Than 20 Years - Swift Creek Forest Products: Jerry Long, founder of Swift Creek Forest Products, knows the value of a good saw blade and a good saw blade supplier; he has relied on Sharp Tool for more than 20 years. (8/1/2006)

Technology
Pallet & Logistics Industry 2031 - A Look into the Future...Redundant Supply Chains, Global Markets, Automation, Tracking & Human Errors - Look to the Future: Writer Rick LeBlanc takes an imaginary look at what the pallet industry might look like 25 years into the future. (12/1/2006)

Third Party Management/Rental
Markets in Transition: Third-Party Plastic Pallets -- To Defend and Expand - Plastic pallet and container companies have shown an increasing interest in third-party management in recent years, and over the longer haul, that should be a good business move for many of them. (2/1/2006)
Recyclers Unite to Form PALNET - This new network allows regional recyclers to service national accounts and stay in the hunt for cores coming from major retailers. (2/1/2006)
IPP Logipal Continues Growth - IPP Logipal: Things continue to look up for the pallet pooling businesses of Netherlands-based Faber Halbertsma Group; revenue from pallet pooling is overtaking sales of new and recycled pallets. (5/1/2006)
Pallet Art Livens Up New Zealand - Pallet Maze: Over 1,500 CHEP pallets are arranged in Auckland City, New Zealand to form a gigantic, life-size maze. (6/1/2006)
Former CHEP CEO Discusses the Future Of Pallet Rental - iGPS: Former CHEP CEO talks about his years at Big Blue and his plans for launching a 100% plastic pallet pool to compete against his former company. (7/1/2006)
Thinking Ahead–Letter from Chaille: All’s Fair in Love & Pallets - Ricky Mock, president of Mock Pallet Company (MPC), Covington, Ga., obviously does not believe the ARP is fair. Mock Pallet has been sued by CHEP and has counter sued the rental giant for unjust enrichment. (8/1/2006)
Federal Judge Awards Mock $5 per Pallet, CHEP Decides Not to Appeal - Proprietary Pallet Return: Series covering fair compensation for the return of stray pallets. Includes Mock trial update, Clarence Leising’s column on CHEP’s ARP and a summary of a recent survey on retrieval/return costs. (10/1/2006)

Trends
Reverse Auctions Reveal Purchasing Pitfalls - Reverse Auctions: Years after the purchasing phenomenon swept through the pallet industry, lessons can be learned from the failures of reverse auctions. (7/1/2006)
Letter from Ed: The Pallet Industry Is Running Strong — What Does the Future Hold? - Everybody knows that the pallet industry is running strong. Business is good, profits are improved, and attitudes are upbeat for a change. The obvious question is in light of today’s improved environment, what do things look like for tomorrow? (7/1/2006)
Thinking Ahead–Letter from Chaille: Finding Treasure in the Garbage - Moments of inspiration are not the sort of thing that you can schedule on your appointment calendar. Bright ideas tend to come when you least expect them. And these jewels of inspiration can be lost forever in the recesses of your mind if you don’t write them down in a place where you can retrieve them later. (9/1/2006)
Interview with Mike Doyle, A Well Known Pallet Manufacturer And Recycler: Mike Was Made Chairman of the NWPCA Board Last February - Enterprise Interview: Pallet Enterprise conducts interview with Michael Doyle, current chairman of the board of directors of the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association. (10/1/2006)
Pallet Enterprise 25th Anniversary Commemorative Disc - 25th Anniversary Commemorative Disc: Learn about the last 25 years from this special commemorative disc. (12/1/2006)
Pallet Industry Timeline: PE Celebrates 25th Anniversary - wenty-Five Years: Pallet Enterprise reviews the last 25 years of the pallet and sawmill industry. Timeline covers industry milestones and major events. (12/1/2006)
Letter from Ed: 25th Anniversary – What a Ride! - Looking back over our first 25 years, many things come to mind. Certainly one of the most significant events that continues to exert its influence today would have to be 9-11. (12/1/2006)

Unit Load
Virginia Tech Series: The Next Big Idea -- A Case for Systematic vs. Component Unit Load Design - Systematic unit load design is a concept conceived by the Virginia Tech Center for Unit Load Design. Using this idea, Virginia Tech is planning on pioneering a revolution in how people look at transport packaging. (5/1/2006)

Unit Load Design
Unit Load Design — A Look Into Our Future Potential as a Materials Handling Professional - Designing Unit Loads: The Virginia Tech short course in unit load design will help pallet suppliers get started with taking a systems approach to determining pallet and unit load configurations for their customers. (6/1/2006)

User Education Series
Conference, Short Course to Precede Richmond Expo 2006 - Small Wood Focus: Two educational opportunities related to the use of small trees in the forest products industry will be held in Richmond, Va. in May immediately preceding the Richmond Expo trade show. (4/1/2006)

Wood Fiber Case Studies (Grinding, Chipping, Etc)
Small Wood, Big Potential: Conference Explores Challenges, Opportunities of Small Diameter Timber Resources and Products - SmallWood Conference: Conference focusing on small timber brings together members of forest products industry to explore issues and trends concerning small logs; part two of two-part series. (10/1/2006)

Workers/Safety/OSHA
Learning Cultural, Language Differences Helps Managing Hispanic Workforce - Working with Hispanics: Immigrants from Spanish-speaking countries bring their unique ways of life; understanding basic differences in language and culture can help in managing Hispanic workers. (4/1/2006)
Lockout/Tagout Law Basics: NY Recycler Fights Fines - Safety on the Job: Lock-out and tag-out procedures are fundamental to helping ensure safety in industrial plants; a look at how these procedures can help keep employees working safely. (4/1/2006)
HOLA AMIGOS! How to Manage the New Hispanic Workers - Managing New Hispanic Workers: Phillip Perry’s suggestions on managing Hispanic workers is timely information for pallet plants and sawmills. (6/1/2006)
OSHA Enforcement Director Discusses the Realities of Inspections - OSHA Inspections: How can you survive an OSHA inspection? Knowing what they will look for and being in compliance with federal safety regulations is the key. (6/1/2006)
Forklift Safety: Pedestrians Need Training, Too - Pedestrians are involved in up to 40% of all forklift accidents, many of which involve very serious or even fatal injuries. (9/1/2006)
Betting on Safety: Escalating Costs Forced California Pallet Company to Take Riskier Insurance, Institute New Safety Initiatives - Betting on Safety: Faced with rising costs for workers compensation insurance, Commercial Lumber & Pallet changes its approach to insurance and ramps up safety efforts. (11/1/2006)