Earlier this month, WCMA members gathered in Munising, Michigan for the Autumn Spotlight Plant Tour—an event that blended hands-on learning, industry innovation, and meaningful member engagement. With 45 attendees, the tour offered a dynamic opportunity to explore cutting-edge manufacturing while strengthening professional connections.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Superior, attendees stayed at the Comfort Inn & Suites, nestled right on the shoreline. The natural beauty of Munising added a refreshing and scenic layer to the event.

The event kicked off with a warm welcome reception at Tracey’s at Roam Inn, where guests enjoyed a creative spread of familiar appetizers with a unique twist—setting the tone for a memorable experience.

Attendees divided into three groups to tour Timber Products’ sawmill, veneer facility, warehouse, and the newly opened Munising Components. The Munising Components facility quickly emerged as a highlight, drawing particular interest for its fully automated, state-of-the-art production line.

Following lunch at the Bear Trap, many attendees returned to Munising Components for a closer look. Eagle Machinery & Supply team members were on site to showcase the processing equipment and provide in-depth explanations of the build process, safety features, and output capabilities. Their insights added valuable context and sparked engaging conversations among participants.

This video features the production line at Munising Components.

For more information on any of the machinery or processing seen in this video, contact Bob Hurst at Eagle Machinery & Supply

​ [email protected]

The WCMA is proud to welcome Matt Yest into his new role as Vice President of the Board of Directors. Matt stepped into the position in May, bringing with him a wealth of industry experience, a deep commitment to the association, and a genuine passion for connection and collaboration.

Matt serves as the Lumber Sales Manager at Kendrick Forest Products, a WCMA member company since 2001. With 15 years at Kendrick and over two decades in the wood industry, Matt’s journey has been shaped by hands-on experience and a steady climb through a variety of roles—from lumber inspector to production manager, sales associate, and now sales leader.

His introduction to the industry began in 2001, when he completed the NHLA Lumber Inspection School in Memphis, Tennessee. He then launched his career as a lumber inspector at a concentration yard in Wisconsin. That foundation laid the groundwork for a career marked by growth, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the lumber business.

Matt has been an active participant in WCMA events for years, regularly attending plant tours and engaging with fellow members. He’s served as a director on the WCMA board for the past two years, contributing thoughtful leadership and a collaborative spirit. When asked why he believes it’s important for businesses to stay active in trade associations, Matt emphasized the power of networking: “Having a good network of industry peers is valuable in many ways.”

Contact Info:

Amy Snell, Executive Director
[email protected]

Office: 651-332-6332

I’m happy to report that the move to hosting our flagship plant tour event to the spring was a great success! The 2025 WoodTech Connect, in Williamsport, PA in May, had over 65 industry leaders, innovators, and advocates, come together to tour seven outstanding manufacturing facilities, and spend time together discussing their various challenges and successes.

The WCMA board of directors has agreed that the move to the spring helped free up their calendars, and we are now looking forward to next spring when we will be touring plants in the Green Bay/Appleton area. The event will be held in May, and you can get more details on our website, www.wcma.com.

But don’t worry – this fall we will still offer an opportunity for members to get together during our 2025 Autumn Spotlight Plant Tour. This event will give attendees an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at Timber Products, a state-of-the-art hardwood manufacturing facility. Founded in 1918, Timber Products produces a diversified range of wood products. We will see three different processes on one property, including a sawmill facility, a veneer processing facility, and a lumber finishing line. The event takes place September 9-11 in Munising, MI, and you can get more information on our website: www.wcma.com.