News
Bakelite Synthetics to Acquire LRBG Chemicals
Bakelite Synthetics, Atlanta, GA, recently announced the planned purchase of resin manufacturer and developer LRBG Chemicals, Inc. The acquisition expands the company’s operations to Canada. Bakelite is a producer of thermoset specialty resins, solutions and engineered thermoset molding compounds for a variety of industries. See Bakelite Synthetics
Consumer Confidence Softens in August
U.S. consumer confidence in August registered at 106.1, decreasing 7.9 points from July after two consecutive months of increases, according to The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index. The index measuring current business and labor market conditions shrank 8.2 points to 144.8 in August. The short-term outlook index for income, business and the labor markets fell 7.8 points
U.S. Kitchen and Bath Cabinet Sales Fall in July
U.S. kitchen and bath cabinet sales in July were $211.0 million, 5.1% lower than the comparable month in 2022 and down 14.5% from June, according to the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association’s (KCMA) monthly “Trend of Business” member survey. Year-to-date sales rose 3.1% from the first seven months of 2022 to $1.7 million. The number of
July RV Shipments Decline
The RV Industry Association’s monthly survey of U.S. manufacturers reported July shipments totaled 20,520 units, dropping 30.5% from the same month in 2022. Year-to-date shipments totaled 185,350, decreasing 47.7% compared to 2022. See RV Industry Association
July Panel Shipments Report Available
The July Panel Shipments report is now available to members.
CPA to Exhibit at Greenbuild 2023
CPA will exhibit at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo on September 26-29 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C. CPA’s booth #1303 will promote industry products and sustainability messaging, including the Eco-Certified Composite (ECC) certification. Members are encouraged to send one or two marked product samples (without literature) for CPA to
Canada Manufacturing Index Down in August
The seasonally adjusted S&P Global Canada Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) last month was 48, declining 1.6 points from July. Manufacturers reported decreased output and new orders, marking the most significant drop this year. The PMI index comprises five sub-indices tracking changes in new orders, output, employment, suppliers’ delivery times and stocks of raw materials.
August Mexico Manufacturing Index Dips
The August seasonally adjusted S&P Global Mexico Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) was 51.2, declining two points from July but remained in positive territory. Manufacturers reported a continued, yet slower, increase in new orders. The PMI index comprises five sub-indices tracking changes in new orders, output, employment, suppliers’ delivery times and stocks of raw materials.
July TFL Shipments Report Available
The July TFL Shipments Report is available now to Members.
Innovation Award Submissions Close September 1
The deadline for the inaugural Innovation Awards submissions is close of business tomorrow, September 1. Developed and managed by CPA’s Decorative Surfaces Council (DSC), the program recognizes significant and creative advances in technology, product development and service solutions in the industry. This is a separate award from the current recognition program for plant safety innovation
Register Now for the Fall Meeting; Exhibit and Sponsor Opportunities Still Available
Registration continues for CPA’s 2023 Fall Meeting, October 22 to 24, at the Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg, Virginia. The resort is located 12 miles from the Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) and is accessible to Reagan National (DCA) and Baltimore Washington (BWI) airports. Speakers include Greg Lewis, Vice President of Wood Panels for Forest Economic Advisors;
CPA Welcomes New Associate Members
The CPA Board of Directors recently voted to approve the following Associate Members. Decor In Printing, Lombardy, Italy, is a decorative surfaces manufacturer specializing in decorative printed papers, high and low-pressure laminate impregnated papers and one-layer edge bandings. The primary representative is Matteo Confalonieri, Chief Executive Officer. See Decor in Printing DSM Firmenich, Rincon, GA,