WoodTech Connect 2025 Recap

5/28/2025

The WCMA Plant Tour & Networking event—WoodTech Connect 2025—proved to be a key annual conference for industry professionals. Held in Central Pennsylvania, from May 20-22, this signature event provided attendees with invaluable networking opportunities, insightful facility tours, and industry updates.

The event kicked off on Tuesday evening with a lively welcome reception. Attendees enjoyed a delicious assortment of appetizers and a build-your-own slider bar while reconnecting with familiar faces and welcoming newcomers.

Wednesday marked the beginning of an exciting lineup of plant tours. Participants visited five distinguished manufacturers: Legacy Crafted Cabinets, Conestoga Wood Specialties, Northway Industries, Gilson Snow, and Tilo Industries. That evening, WCMA hosted a dinner, where Executive Director Amy Snell recognized event sponsors, plant tour hosts, and supporters of the Real American Hardwood Coalition. Departing WCMA President, Phil Menzner, was honored for his dedicated service with a commemorative plaque and gift from the membership. The evening concluded with an informative presentation from guest speaker Tim Knol of Hardwood Review, who analyzed market trends in the hardwood industry, including recent statistics on exports, imports, housing starts, and the broader economic-political landscape.

Day two featured additional plant tours, including stops at Lewis Lumber Products, Bentley & Collins, and RT Machine Company. Given the region’s prominence in the forestry industry, attendees were joined by representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, as well as association leaders from Keystone Wood Products Association (KWPA), Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group (AHUG), Northern Tier Hardwood Association (NTHA), and Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc. (AHMI).

Post-event survey results highlighted the top reasons for attending, with networking and facility tours ranking highest, followed closely by opportunities to engage with WCMA Tech Partners and industry suppliers.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our event sponsors--Conestoga Wood Specialties, Eagle Machinery & Supply, Elliott Woodworking, Federated Insurance, Lewis Lumber Products, and Osborne Wood Products—as well as our generous plant tour hosts, whose hospitality made this event possible.