Diversified product offerings: in addition to solid wood, WCMA members are diversifying into engineered wood-based components.

In order to meet their customers' ever-changing needs, WCMA members are producing a wider variety of products to become more of a "one stop shopping" source for customers. They are diversifying their product mixes with a wide variety of wood-based materials, including: hardwoods, softwoods, plywood, veneer, laminates and engineered wood materials.

The reason for this is the growing need for engineered wood parts as a way to lower material costs and compete with imports. This is why more component manufacturers are offering engineered wood parts in addition to solid components.

The WCMA represents manufacturers of all types of wood-based component products and is the only association that focuses on the wood component manufacturing industry. For more information on WCMA programs and activities, or to become a member, contact the WCMA office at: Wood Component Manufacturers Association, 741 Butlers Gate, Ste. 100, Marietta, GA 30068; 770-565-6660; FAX: [phone]; e-mail: [e-mail]; www.woodcomponents.org.