CWMDA Develops Idea Centre at WMS

MISSISSAUGA, ON - The Canadian Woodworking Machinery Distributors Association (CWMDA) announced that its members will develop and participate in a new Idea and Innovation Centre on the exhibit floor at the Woodworking Machinery & Supply Expo, Sept. 24-26 at the International Centre.

The Idea and Innovation Centre, located in the main machinery hall, will include an auditorium where free demonstrations and educational workshops will be presented throughout the three-day event. The centre will also feature an all-new Materials Showcase in which attendees will be invited to view and touch sample of cutting edge materials including metals, textiles, glass, composites and more.

The participation in this all new featured attraction further reflects the CWMDA’s solid commitment to the success of WMS and the Canadian woodworking industry. Collectively, CWMDA member companies represent many of the world’s leading woodworking machinery manufacturers. CWMDA members include Akhurst, Giben, Holz-Her, Homag, Normand Machinery,SCM and Taurus Craco.

“The CWMDA recognizes the need to support to this new feature of the WMS exhibit floor,” stated Blair Tullis, speaking on behalf of the CWMDA. “Even in the tough times, the members are committed to bringing new education opportunities to WMS attendees and look forward to developing a variety of activities for the centre.”

“As the economy moves towards the inevitable recovery, new opportunities will come along.” said Claude Arsenault, Vice President of Holz-Her Canada and current CWMDA President, “Our members will be at WMS in force to support our customers from all across the country, with displays of machines appropriate to their current and future technological needs.”

“As a member of the CWMDA, we are happy to support the 2009 Toronto WMS, and encourage Canadian woodworkers to improve their manufacturing by learning about new technology at the show,” said Wes Love, vice president of Taurus Craco Woodworking Machinery.

“We deeply appreciate the CWMDA’s rededication to the industry through its participation in the show, attendance promotion and the Idea & Innovation Centre,” said Steve Reiss, VP of Tradeshows for Vance Communications Canada, owners of WMS, “There are strong signs that the Canadian housing market and economy are on the upswing. This bodes well for the exhibitors and attendees of WMS who are positioning themselves for the improved business climate that lies ahead.”

Look Who’s Coming…

Pre-registration has already topped 1,200 attendees. Among some of the better known companies planning to send buying teams to the show are: Candlelight Cabinetry, Descor Industries, Downsview Kitchens, Dynamic Furniture, EBSU, Elmwood Kitchens, Expert Mfg., Frendel Kitchens, Global Wood Group, Golden Windows, Knoll North America, Krug Furniture,, MagickWoods, Neff Kitchens, Norcraft Cos., Normac Kitchens, Paris Kitchens, Raywal Kitchens, Spec Furniture, StoreImage, Talon Systems, Tayco andYorkville Sound.

“Canada’s leading wood products companies recognize the importance of attending  WMS to keep abreast of new technologies and supplies,” said Rich Christianson, WMS Conference Director. “We are thrilled about our expanded conference program, which includes two half-day sessions, one on opportunities in the Closets market and the other on Wood Finishing. We’re all pleased to be working closely with the organizers of IIDEX-NeoCon Canada, including joint promotions for our overlapping events. There’s lot to get excited about.”

For more information on exhibiting or attending WMS, please visit www.woodworkingexpo.ca.