About National Hardwood Lumber Association
National Hardwood Lumber Association: Empowering the Hardwood Industry with Expertise and Education
The hardwood industry is a vital sector of the global economy, providing raw materials for various applications such as furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and construction. However, like any other industry, it faces numerous challenges that require innovative solutions and continuous improvement. That's where the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) comes in - a non-profit organization dedicated to helping hardwood companies achieve profitability and competitiveness through data-driven insights, expert advice, and hands-on training.
Founded in 1898 in Memphis, Tennessee by a group of lumbermen who saw the need for standardization in grading hardwood lumber, NHLA has grown into an influential association with over 1,200 members across North America and beyond. Its mission is to promote the use of high-quality hardwoods through grading rules that ensure consistency and fairness in trade. Moreover, NHLA provides a wide range of services that help its members navigate the complex landscape of the hardwood industry.
One of NHLA's core offerings is its education program which covers all aspects of hardwood lumber production from log scaling to kiln drying to grade inspection. Whether you're new to the industry or an experienced professional looking to enhance your skills or earn certification as an NHLA Inspector or Grader Supervisor - there's something for everyone. The courses are taught by seasoned instructors who have years of experience working with different species of wood under various conditions.
NHLA also offers customized training programs tailored to specific company needs such as quality control systems development or employee safety training. These programs can be delivered on-site at member facilities or online via webinars or e-learning modules.
In addition to education services, NHLA provides valuable resources for its members such as market reports that track trends in domestic and international markets for different species of wood; technical publications that cover topics like moisture content measurement or lumber stacking; networking opportunities through regional chapters and annual conventions; advocacy efforts on behalf of the industry at local,state,and federal levels;and access to legal counsel on issues relatedto trade regulationsor intellectual property rights.
Another key aspectof NHLAservicesisitsgradingandinspectionprogramwhichensuresconsistentqualityinhardwoodlumberproductionandtrade.ThegradingrulesarebasedontheNationalHardwoodLumberGradingStandards(NHLGS)whicharewidelyrecognizedasindustrybestpractices.These standards cover six grades from FAS (Firsts And Seconds) which represent premium quality boards with minimal defects,to No.3 Common which include boardswithmoreknotsandotherimperfectionsthatstillmeetminimumrequirementsforuseinlower-gradeapplications.NHLAsinspectorsarehighlytrainedprofessionalswhoapplythesegradingruleswithprecisionandobjectivitytoensurefairnessandsatisfactionforallpartiesinvolvedinthetransaction.Inaddition,NHLAsupervisorsprovideoversightandsupporttoteamsofinspectorsatmemberfacilitieswherelargevolumesoflumberneedtobegradedquicklyandeffectively.
Overall,NationalHardwoodLumberAssociationisanindispensablepartnerforanycompanyinvolvedinthehardwoodindustry.Itprovidesaccesstoexpertise,knowledge,andnetworkingopportunitiesneededtosucceedinacompetitiveglobalmarketplace.Whetherit'slearninghowtogradealumbersampleorunderstandingthelatestmarkettrends,NHLAcangiveyoutheedgeyouneedtomaximizeyourprofitsandgrowyourbusiness.Soif you'relookingtocreateacareerinthehardwoodindustryornavigatethechallengesofrunningahardwoodsawmill,distributor,flooringmanufactureroranyotherrelatedbusiness,youcanrelyonNHLAtobebyyoursideeverystepoftheway.Learnmoreaboutourprogramsandservicesbyvisitingourwebsiteatwww.nhla.com.Welcomeaboard!