2018 Wooden Globe Awards

Joe Davis, Dura Supreme, and Lazy Lee USA Receive Wooden Globe Awards.

Each year, WMIA also recognizes extraordinary companies and institutions with the prestigious Wooden Globe Awards. These awards are presented for notable success and achievements, accomplished in part through the use of high technology machinery and software supplied by WMIA-member companies.

Commitment to Excellence through Technology

Perry Fails (left) and Jim Besonen

Taking top honors for Manufacturing Excellence through Technology was Dura Supreme, a major cabinet manufacturer based in Howard Lake, Minnesota. The company invested heavily in new equipment and technology despite the recession and managed to maintain profitability through the crisis. Accepting the award was Perry Fails, vice president of manufacturing, who said he was convinced more than ever of the importance of investing in automation and new technology.

Innovator of the Year

Brett Messer (left) and Logan Owens of Lazy Lee USA.

The Innovator of the Year Wooden Globe went to Lazy Lee USA, a closet cabinet manufacturer based in Cedar City, Utah. The company developed a rotating storage unit that can be shipped flat packed to be assembled on site by two people without screws or glue. The units use Lockdowel fasteners and are more than 7 feet tall. They provide a solution for corner storage in modern closet installations. Lazy Lee CEO Brett Messer and Product Engineer Logan Owens accepted the award.

Educator of the Year

Joe Davis (left) and Erich Mazurek

Educator of the Year honors went to Joe Davis, a high school woodworking teacher in Lewisville, Texas. Davis has educated more than 1,200 students so far in his career, and many of those students have gone on to successful careers in the woodworking industry. His program encompasses traditional furniture techniques on to modern CNC manufacturing.