1991 innovator/educator of the year awards.1991 INNOVATOR/EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS The Woodworking Machinery Importers Assn. announced that Buchner Design Studio Inc., San Francisco San Francisco (săn frănsĭs`kō), city (1990 pop. 723,959), coextensive with San Francisco co., W Calif., on the tip of a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, which are connected by the strait known as the Golden , Calif., will receive the organization's 1991 Innovator of the Year Award. Michael Weinig Inc. has been named Educator of the Year. The WMIA WMIA Woodworking Machinery Industry Association honored the recipients at a mid-November luncheon in Chicago. "This year's award recipients are truly outstanding examples of leadership and innovation in the American woodworking industry," said George Force, WMIA president. "Buchner Design Studio has not only demonstrated innovation in the use of imported machinery to create new products and increase productivity, but the company has implemented innovative programs in management and sound environmental practice as well." In naming the Michael Weinig organization Educator of the Year, the WMIA departed from its previous practice of selecting a member of academia. "Since its inception, the WMIA has understood that with the technological revolution represented by the equipment introduced to the U.S. market by our members, came a responsibility to educate the American woodworker," said Force. "Michael Weinig Inc., one of the founding members of the WMIA, is a pioneer in this effort and has set a standard for commitment to education by which any other woodworking machinery manufacturer or importer can be measured." Buchner invests in its future Founded in 1983, Buchner Design Studio Inc., a member of the Architectural Woodwork Institute National Standards-setting Trade Association - Monday; April 24, 2006 The Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI),founded in 1953, is a professional trade association. , specializes in custom furniture and millwork. The firm cites its investment in imported equipment as the primary factor enabling it to profitably produce the custom veneered panels that are the hallmark hallmark, mark impressed on silverwork or goldwork to signify official approval of the standard of purity of the metal, also called plate mark. The hallmark was introduced by statute in England in 1300 and enforced by the Goldsmiths' Hall, London. of its work. "When we started, we found ourselves at the mercy of specialty panel suppliers that required a two- to six-week lead time and often sent us material of inferior INFERIOR. One who in relation to another has less power and is below him; one who is bound to obey another. He who makes the law is the superior; he who is bound to obey it, the inferior. 1 Bouv. Inst. n. 8. quality," said Buchner. "In 1986, we made an initial investment in a precision sliding table panel saw, zigzag stitcher stitch n. 1. A single complete movement of a threaded needle in sewing or surgical suturing. 2. a. A single loop of yarn around an implement such as a knitting needle. b. and a cold press, which enabled us to do our own veneered panels within 24 hours of receiving the raw veneer veneer (vənēr`), thin leaf of wood applied with glue to a panel or frame of solid wood. The art of veneer developed with early civilization. ," Buchner added. The company eventually upgraded and expanded its machinery to include a veneer saw The veneer saw is a small double-edged tool for cutting thin hardwood veneer. Its narrow curved blade facilitates precision work, and its elevated offset handle makes it possible to cut flush with a surface. The blade is usually 3 or 4 inches long and it has 13 tpi (teeth per inch). , semi-automatic stroke sander, hot press and glue glue: see adhesive. glue Adhesive substance resembling gelatin, extracted from animal tissue, particularly hides and bones, or from fish, casein (milk protein), or vegetables. spreader spreader, n See condenser. , and was soon selling custom veneered panels to other manufacturers in the area. The high-tech equipment investment also led to production innovation. By installing roller conveyors A materials handling aid containing rollers over which cargo is moved. strategically throughout the plant, Buchner was able to reduce the time necessary to produce customized panels. Weinig: educating the industry The Michael Weinig Moulding Tech-School opened in June of 1979, less than three years after this American subsidiary of Michael Weinig AG opened its doors. Carrying on the parent firm's commitment to education, Michael Weinig's training operations were initially designed to provide customers with intensive training on advanced wood machining and tool room operations. Six people attended classes during the first year. Jon Morris
Jon Morris was an American college and professional football player. At Gonzaga College High School, in Washington, DC he was a three sport athlete. , marketing manager at Weinig and initiator of those first classes, recalls that after the limited showing, the company had some doubts about the program. "Today's program is a tribute to the parent company's commitment to education," Morris said. "We felt then, and still do, that on-going education is important to the U.S. woodworking industry. After the slow beginning, the Weinig Moulding Tech-School expanded rapidly. Housed in its own 7,000-square-foot building, the school now employs a full-time staff of four instructors. In 1990, more than 600 students attended courses at the facility. In addition to its headquarters school, the company also conducts field training and seminars around the country. More than 2,500 people have attended the school and more than 3,500 have attended the seminars. PHOTO : J.R. Powell, Paul Hobbs, Lance Thrall, Jim Shepherd and David Hise comprise the core of the Michael Weinig education staff. The company received the WMIA's Educator of the Year Award. PHOTO : Lewis Buchner, president of Buchner Design Studio, was named the WMIA's Innovator of the Year. Pictured with him are: Gordon Bartram, vice president operations, Peter Ice, vice president sales & marketing, and Lin Spanier, vice president of administration. |
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