Who We Are

Since 1978, the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA) has represented importers and distributors of woodworking machinery and ancillary equipment in North America. WMIA is the recognized voice of importers and distributors, and serves as a vital communications link between suppliers and manufacturers of wood products in North America.

WMIA members are not only importers and manufacturers of machinery, but also integrators, substrate, auxiliary equipment, tooling suppliers, and providers of consumables. Our members include educational and training facilities, as well as other associations supporting the industry. WMIA members offer cutting-edge equipment, technologies, and services that enable North American companies to compete profitably. The association is the global and inclusive link serving our wood and furniture industry where all members will benefit.

Our Mission

The mission of the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA) is to establish a platform for its members to network and present the best global technology, services, and information to the North American marketplace.

What We Do

WMIA advocates both for the industry and its members in a number of ways, including:

International Woodworking Fair (IWF): Together with the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA), WMIA is a joint venture partner in the biennial International Woodworking Fair (IWF). IWF is the largest woodworking machinery and supply show in North America and the second largest in the world. It is held in even-numbered years in Atlanta. As a co-sponsor of IWF, it is part of WMIA’s mission to keep members and their customers informed about the latest in the international and domestic marketplace.
Woodworking Industry Conference (WIC): WMIA and WMMA co-sponsor the annual Woodworking Industry Conference, which brings together members of both associations along with members of other allied wood industry associations. WIC offers several days of business development, networking opportunities, education, and the discussion of industry-wide issues.
Ensuring the Future of the Industry: Through its Educational Foundation, WMIA provides scholarships to college and high school students to assist them with continuing their woodworking industry education, awarding nearly $450,000 to date. WMIA also recently launched an outreach campaign to help members identify and recruit technicians to assist customers and service machines.
Setting the Standards: WMIA has been working with the International Organization on Standardization (ISO) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), to harmonize international standards for woodworking machinery. As the administrator of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group, we have the ability to participate in and influence the development of standards at a global level and make sure that the needs of the U.S. marketplace are represented internationally.
Recognizing the Best: WMIA recognizes industry leaders with its Wooden Globe Award program, saluting the Innovator and the Educator of the Year, as well as the strongest demonstration of a commitment to excellence through technology.

History of WMIA

WMIA was founded in 1978 by seven visionaries who wanted to make the North American woodworking industry more productive and globally competitive. The founding members of the WMIA were Edwin Bass (Holz Machinery Corp.), Richard Byrnes, Sr. (Richard T. Byrnes Co.), Alvin Corenblum (Woodworking Machinery Imports), Roger Criau (Danckaert Woodworking Machinery Co.), Edward Joel (Allwood Machinery, formally Amersaag), Peter Kleinschmidt (Stiles Machinery Co.), and Bert Lewyn (Lewyn Machinery).

In 1980, these leaders organized and launched the World Woodworking Expo, a trade show created to showcase its members and their imported woodworking machinery. In 1982, that show was consolidated into the International Woodworking Fair (IWF), now the premier woodworking industry event in North America. WMIA co-sponsors and co-owns IWF in conjunction with the Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America (WMMA).