KCMA is committed to bringing you the latest news in the cabinet manufacturing industry. Take a look at what’s been happening:

SURVEY: MORE SPACE AND UPGRADED KITCHENS ARE TOP DESIRES OF HOMEOWNERS SHELTERING-IN-PLACE

With homeowners across the United States confined to their homes during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many are shifting their preferences for their current living conditions. A survey conducted by Realtor.com indicates many homeowners and renters pine for more space, updated kitchens, and home gyms in their current home. The survey also indicated that 32% of consumers have taken on some home improvement project while sheltering in place.

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There are a lot of changes going on in an uncertain world, but those changes can’t keep a good event down! Many woodworking industry events have been cancelled or postponed due to the covid-19 pandemic.  We’re sharing an update on where these events stand:

The Hardwood Manufacturers Association postponed its National Conference and Expo until August 19-21, 2020 in Nashville, TN.

Originally postponed until June, the High Point Market Authority recently announced that its spring High Point Market has been cancelled. Their Fall Market is set to take place October 17-21, 2020.

KCMA is committed to bringing you the latest news in the cabinet manufacturing industry. Take a look at what’s been happening:

Pennsylvania commonwealth releases guidance for businesses in construction industry to operate during covid-19

The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on our economy and thrown manufacturing businesses off-kilter. Some are even struggling to stay afloat while maintaining recommended precautions. At KCMA, we understand how difficult and uncertain these times are. Our commitment remains strong to the industry and supporting your business, and we want to share some best practices for maintaining your business during a time of social distancing.

KCMA is committed to bringing you the latest news in the cabinet manufacturing industry. Take a look at what’s been happening:

Housing market shows first signs of trouble from pandemic

March started out as a strong month for the U.S. housing market, but by the second half of the month, the first indications that the coronavirus pandemic would impact home selling activity began to emerge. In the weeks ending March 21 and March 28, the number of newly-listed properties fell by 13.1% and 34% respectively when compared with the same period a year ago. This is an indication that home sellers may be holding off on listing their properties right now.

At KCMA, we’re committed to bringing you the latest news in the cabinet manufacturing industry. Here’s a look at what’s happening:

COMPANY PIVOTS TO MAKING FACE SHIELDS FOR LOCAL HOSPITALS
New Orleans-based Furniture maker GoodWood NOLA LLC began manufacturing face shields for hospitals in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many hospitals across the country are beginning to run out of personal protection equipment (PPE) due to the high number of coronavirus patients. The company’s core business is designing and building mixed-media furniture. They were approached by a local hospital group to help produce prototypes and iterations of PPE products, and chose face masks as it fit well with their existing business.

More and more homeowners these days are concerned about how their purchases and their lifestyles are impacting the environment. They work hard to create green, environmentally responsible healthy homes. And that means they want to work with companies that have environmentally responsible and sustainable processes. That’s why they look for the KCMA ESP Seal.

WHAT THE ESP SEAL MEANS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
The KCMA Environmental Stewardship Program Certification was designed to identify cabinet companies that have environmentally responsible and sustainable production processes. Companies that have earned the KCMA ESP Seal not only feel confident knowing their cabinets are recognized as being produced in responsible and sustainable way, but also benefit from:

At KCMA, we’re committed to bringing you the latest news in the cabinet manufacturing industry. Here’s a look at what’s happening:

DEVELOPING INDUSTRY-RECOGNIZED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS (IRAPs)

Work-based learning, specifically apprenticeship programs, help address the skills gap and skilled trade worker shortage. However, employers face the challenges of developing industry-specific standards and certifying those authorized to create the standards. The U.S. Department of Labor seeks to help expand and ensure high-quality apprenticeships in the U.S. Under this new system, third-party entities called Standards Recognized Entities (SREs) can develop IRAPs which allow workers to get workplace training and skills to earn an industry-recognized credential - all while being paid. Those eligible to become SREs include trade groups, companies, educational institutions, non-profits, etc.