Pictured above: Packman bundle turner SHELBY, Ohio — Cooper Enterprises, Inc. has acquired two new machines: a bundle turner and vacuum lifter. This equipment helps Cooper Enterprises maintain high levels of safety and quality while improving efficiency. The bundle turner clamps units up to 6,000 pounds and flips the load. Operating next to a planer sander, the bundle turner will mostly be used for inverting bowling alley lanes and bundle boards in between sanding both sides of the material. The benefit of the bundle turner, named “Packman” and supplied by Thomas Manufacturing, is threefold: safety, speed and quality. With the Packman, boards no longer need to be flipped by hand, which makes the process much safer and faster. The machine is also safe for the material, ensuring that quality is maintained. The vacuum lifter uses a Gorbel bridge crane with an Anver vacuum system. The vacuum system is rated to safely handle 500 pounds. This system lifts and holds material for safe and simple movement from workstations to shipping pallets. Risk of injury and fatigue from lifting heavy objects are significantly decreased. “While the bundle turner and the vacuum lifter both excel at streamlining production, resulting in measurable increases to efficiency, both additions are invaluable by removing the hazards associated with lifting awkward or heavy items,” said Ralph Boltz, safety and quality coordinator. “Completely removing a hazard is the best way to make a workplace safe. The bundle turner and vacuum lifter go a long way in protecting our most important asset—our employees.” Cooper Enterprises, Inc. is a contract fabricator of wood and laminated components and complete assemblies. The panel processor serves many industries across the United States, including store fixture, commercial casework, office furniture, recreational product and industrial component markets.

Wood is better for the environment when compared to other common building materials. According to the American Forest Foundation, “steel and concrete consume 12% and 20% more energy, emit 15% and 29% more greenhouse gases… and generate 300% and 225% more water pollutants than wood, respectively.” What these statistics don’t describe, however, are the environmental benefits from using composite wood panel products specifically. In recent decades, the use of composite wood panels has been increasing, especially in furniture, casework and retail environments, due to their longevity and low cost. Moreover, composite panels have tremendous environmental benefits. We made an infographic that describes some of the main “green” benefits of panels. View a PDF version of the infographic. Panels are recycled products. Particleboard and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) are common composite wood panels. These panels are made by combining wood fibers with resin and applying high temperature and pressure. These fibers were waste products from other operations, which makes the panels a recycled product. Less carbon is released. Composite panels are considered to be better than climate-neutral materials, according to the Composite Panel Association. Panels store carbon, which is released as greenhouse gases when wood is broken down by decomposition or fire. These greenhouse gases are a cause of climate change. The amount of stored carbon offsets the panels’ carbon emissions, resulting in a negative carbon footprint. Additionally, furniture made from panel products–especially when a decorative surface like HPL is applied–are very durable and last a long time. Forests are managed responsibly. Wood is a renewable resource, and more and more trees are planted to keep up with the demand for wood. Organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) combat deforestation by ensuring that certified forests are managed responsibly and sustainably. According to FSC, its mission is to “promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests.” Cooper Enterprises is FSC®-certified (FSC-C115184) and is part of the Chain of Custody (SCS-COC-004511). Panels emit less formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen in the resins that make up panels. However, formaldehyde is a natural substance in our world. Certain pieces of legislation set limits to the amount of formaldehyde that can be present in composite panels. These strict regulations cause panels to have less formaldehyde than what occurs naturally in panel products. As a result, composite panels contain less formaldehyde than wood and other natural products. Composite panels are great for many applications, as they are environmentally-friendly, and they typically cost less than hardwoods. Particleboard is used in many commercial casework and store fixture projects. While Cooper Enterprises can machine a variety of materials, the most common substrates we use are particleboard and MDF. Interested in learning more? Visit our laminating page and view a list of our common materials. Recommended further reading and sources: Wood: A good choice for energy efficiency and the environment by American Forest Foundation The science of sustainability: How composite wood panels measure up by Composite Panel Association What’s our sustainability story? ‘Waste wood made good’ by Kenn Busch via Woodworking Network Frequent questions for consumers about the formaldehyde standards for composite wood products act by the EPA What consumers need to know about CARB 2 compliance by European Cabinets & Design Studios Forest Stewardship Council Disclaimer: Product mentions and links in this article do not imply endorsement; they are provided as examples and sources for further exploration. Blog by Rachel Brumenschenkel, Marketing Specialist

On March 22, 2020, the Ohio Department of Health and Governor Mike DeWine ordered all “non-essential” businesses in the state to shut down temporarily (link to Ohio’s Stay at Home Order). Many other states have mandated that certain businesses close in order to combat the spread of COVID-19. This not only disrupts business operations, but also the lives of the employees. How do you continue to be responsive and provide value to customers when you are shut down? We offer you three ways to make it through uncertain times: 1. Outsource to meet customer deadlines. Outsourcing lets you continue to deliver products to your customers without needing to cancel or postpone orders. You can have assurance that your project is being taken care of, is completed to your specification and is of high quality. We at Cooper Enterprises are experts at providing manufacturing solutions to our customers, including panel lamination, CNC machining, edgebanding and assembly services. As of March 23, 2020, Cooper Enterprises is open (deemed “Essential Business”) and can help you with manufacturing and delivery. Feel free to contact us or request a quote. 2. Provide valuable content to stakeholders. Creating content to help your customers is a way to stay in touch and maintain relationships. Perhaps you’ve seen fitness centers posting workout videos online while they are closed. Or theaters providing exclusive content on social media when they have to cancel performances. This concept can expand to many types of businesses and go further than social media. Email and blogs are good ways to provide valuable content to audiences. 3. Utilize your local chamber of commerce and industry organizations. Chambers of commerce are staying abreast of new developments and are providing many resources for local businesses. Other organizations are providing educational materials. A time of slowdown can give you an opportunity to learn new skills and ways of doing business. During times of crisis, businesses will adapt. We’ve seen restaurants provide takeout and delivery for the first time. Companies are reevaluating remote work policies. When we all get through the uncertainty together, we will learn new ways of innovation. We at Cooper Enterprises hope that you and your families stay safe and healthy during this uncertain time. We are here to help! Click here for Cooper Enterprises’ COVID-19 Statement. Do you have any thoughts on the suggestions in this blog post, or any additional ideas? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Cooper Enterprises, Inc. is a contract fabricator of wood and laminated components and complete assemblies. The panel processor serves many industries across the United States, including store fixture, commercial casework, office furniture, recreational product and industrial component markets. Blog by Rachel Brumenschenkel, Marketing Specialist #coronavirus

Updated 11/23/2020 To customers, employees and business partners: Keeping safe and healthy is of utmost importance during the COVID-19 outbreak. The purpose of this statement is to keep you informed on how we will continue to serve you during this time of uncertainty. November 23, 2020 Update: Cooper Enterprises is open. At this point in time, we are open to scheduled visitors. All employees and visitors must enter through the employee entrance and submit to a temperature check and symptom screening if they choose to enter the building. Masks must be worn by all employees and visitors. We follow all social distancing guidelines. May 11, 2020 Update: Cooper Enterprises is open. If you are picking up an order, please proceed to the shipping/receiving entrance through the parking lot. You can park by the garage door, where an employee will give you your products and shipping paperwork. If you enter the building, we will check your temperature, and a face covering is required. Please do not enter through the main or employee entrances. Please see below for information on our social distancing policies. March 23, 2020 Update: Cooper Enterprises is remaining open. On March 22, the Ohio Department of Health enacted a Stay at Home Order, requiring businesses deemed “non-essential” to suspend operations. However, Cooper Enterprises is considered an “Essential Business.” Section 9 of the order states “construction” as Essential Infrastructure, and therefore exempt from the business closure order. Sections 12 (k), (q) and (v) of the order specify that building, construction and manufacturing companies, and all suppliers supporting those trades, are “Essential Businesses and Operations,” and also exempt from mandatory closure. Cooper Enterprises supplies wood products, such as components, cabinets and furniture to essential industries and businesses, including: Medical buildings Hospitals Hotels Construction industry Restaurants Education buildings Law enforcement buildings Agriculture industry Therefore, because the continued operation of our facility, and the operation of our supply chain related to the products produced here, is critical to our region’s direct response to the pandemic, we have determined that Cooper Enterprises’ operations constitute an “Essential Business” as defined in Ohio’s March 22, 2020 Stay At Home Order. Cooper Enterprises has launched new PPE products in response to the coronavirus: face shields, acrylic shields and more. If you are in need of these products, please contact us. Safety Products | Shop Now We have implemented temporary policies and precautions for the safety of our workforce, including (but not limited to): Limiting visitors. We are best reached through email or phone. We will gladly respond to any inquiries and set up online meetings. We will utilize teleconference/video conferencing when possible. We may accept pre-approved and pre-scheduled in-person meetings. Updating our employee sick leave policy. For more information, contact Human Resources. We are following the CDC guidelines on proper cleaning, social distancing and employee education. For more information on Ohio’s response to COVID-19, please click here. Additional measures we have implemented include (but are not limited to): Asking employees to check their temperatures before coming to work. Employees are not to come into work if they are sick and/or have a fever. Checking employee temperatures and asking screening questions before employees enter the facility. Employees may be sent home at this time. Wearing face coverings. If you need help with manufacturing due to the shutdown, feel free to call us and see how we can help. Thank you for supporting Cooper Enterprises. We wish you all to stay safe and healthy during this time. If you have any questions, please contact us at (419) 347-5232 or use our contact form. Best, The Cooper Enterprises Team #coronavirus

Update 6/11/20: IWF 2020 has been CANCELLED. SHELBY, Ohio — IWF Atlanta, North America’s largest woodworking event, is slated for August 25-28, 2020. Cooper Enterprises will exhibit at booth #C1417. In 2018, the International Woodworking Fair featured 1,081 exhibitors and 30,395 visitors, according to its post-show report. Attendees visit IWF to learn about the latest manufacturing equipment, materials and technologies. At booth #C1417, Cooper Enterprises will showcase new component samples, casework and our manufacturing services. IWF Information Location: Georgia World Congress Center | 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW | Atlanta, GA 30313-1591 Show Schedule Tuesday, 8/25, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday, 8/26, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday, 8/27. 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, 8/28, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Additional show information Why attend IWF? By attending IWF, you can make face-to-face connections with business partners and find ways to grow your business. You can connect with suppliers, grow your network and learn from industry leaders. Benefits of attending IWF Conference information Where to Find Us Visit Cooper Enterprises at booth #C1417 in the Building C exhibit hall (the yellow star on the map). Register for IWF Click HERE to register for IWF! We hope to see you there! Feel free to stop by our booth or schedule an appointment to meet with us by using our contact form. Cooper Enterprises, Inc. is a contract fabricator of wood and laminated components and complete assemblies. The panel processor serves many industries across the United States, including store fixture, commercial casework, office furniture, recreational product and industrial component markets.

SHELBY, Ohio — Cooper Enterprises, Inc. has been listed in the FDMC 300 for the second consecutive year. According to Woodworking Network, the FDMC 300 “is a group of the 300 largest cabinet, furniture, millwork, store fixture, office/contract and component producers in North America.” Sales for these companies grew 4.5 percent from 2018 to 2019. Cooper Enterprises is the 266th listing. The full list can be found by clicking here. Cooper Enterprises, Inc. is a contract fabricator of wood and laminated components and complete assemblies. The panel processor serves many industries across the United States, including store fixture, commercial casework, office furniture, recreational product and industrial component markets.

Each year, the major color companies reveal a “color of the year.” For 2020, paint companies tapped into the natural world for inspiration, with the majority of the colors being a shade of blue. We may see more of these colors in both commercial and residential applications. 2020 Colors of the Year (L-R) Pantone’s Classic Blue (19-4052), Behr’s Back to Nature (S340-4), PPG’s Chinese Porcelain (PPG1160-6), Benjamin Moore’s First Light (2102-70), and Sherwin Williams’ Naval (SW 6244). Employee Poll We polled our employees to see what their favorite color of the year is: Our employees chose Sherwin Williams’ Naval as their favorite 2020 color. Sherwin Williams describes Naval as “a rich navy that creates a calm and grounding environment infused with quiet confidence… Giving a nod to Art Deco influences, Naval fuses the striking and bold opulence of Art Deco with the awe‑inspiring power of nature – from the infinite night sky to the mysterious depths of the sea – bringing navy out of its comfort zone to usher in an empowering new year and fresh decade of change.” New Laminate Collections In addition to colors, there are other design trends in our industry worth noting. Both Formica and Wilsonart (manufacturers of laminate sheets) have recently launched new laminate collections. Formica describes its SurfaceSet® 2020 Collection as uncovering “the overlap between natural, human and digital aspects.” It includes 30 laminate colors and designs and 2 new textures. This past fall, Wilsonart released its LUJO™ Collection. The high pressure laminate (HPL), thermally fused laminate (TFL) and edgeband designs feature “authentic-looking wood finishes that invoke the presence of real wood construction,” according to a press release from Wilsonart. Additionally, Wilsonart introduced new colors in its Color Me Intrigued Virtual Design Library. Cooper Enterprises uses HPL in many of our cold press lamination projects. When you choose Cooper Enterprises for laminated panels, we can source laminate from many of the popular suppliers. What color and design trends are you excited about this year? Let us know! Disclaimer: Product mentions and links in this article do not imply endorsement; they are provided as examples and sources for further exploration. Blog by Rachel Brumenschenkel, Marketing Specialist

depression in the 2030s. Of course, the political climate plays a large role in economic success. Tariffs on Chinese products have affected some companies in our industry. And, the results of the 2020 presidential election can certainly impact the economy. Employment In 2019, the United States experienced the lowest unemployment rates of the decade. In November, the U.S. unemployment rate was 3.5 percent. Nonfarm payroll employment rose by 266,000 jobs that month; 54,000 were in manufacturing, according to the BLS. Seventy-six percent of those manufacturing jobs were in the automotive sector, which reflected the return of workers previously on strike. In the past 10 years, the employment rate has continuously decreased, with the highest unemployment rate at 10.0 percent in October 2009. With the employment rate so low, it is safe to say that employees who want to work have found jobs. That makes it challenging for companies to find and retain skilled employees. One reason our customers may outsource their manufacturing to Cooper Enterprises is because they may have a shortage of skilled labor. Outsourcing can be easier than hiring. Recommended further reading: Ending the year at a torrid hiring pace by David Payne of Kiplinger and 21 states raise minimum wage in 2020 by Robert Dalheim of Woodworking Network Technology material handling systems. These systems are common in Europe and are gaining popularity in the United States. For Cooper Enterprises, perhaps the most important pieces of technology are our CNC machines with multiple heads. Additionally, we can expect that artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) will gradually be embraced in the industry to enhance customer experiences. What technology are you looking to adopt in 2020? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Markets We’ve all heard how online shopping could threaten sales at brick-and-mortar retail stores. Yet, in 2019, we’ve seen a rise in “clicks-to-bricks” retailers, where formerly online-only retailers have opened physical locations. An example is UNTUCKit. Physical stores, and surely wood store fixtures, are not going away; they are just evolving. Interactive and digital experiences will be among the shelves of more retailers. Other markets in our industry have optimistic futures as well. For instance, the demand for millwork is expected to rise 2.4 percent annually for the next three years, Woodworking Network reports. Recommended further reading: Retail evolving by Surface & Panel and Woodworking industry experts offer forecasts for 2020 by William Sampson and Karen M. Koening of Woodworking Network 2020 Events There are many 2020 events to look forward to, including IWF! The biennial International Woodworking Fair (IWF) takes place this year in August. We love to exhibit at IWF and look forward to seeing the industry’s new trends and technologies in Atlanta. 2020 industry events include (but are not limited to): AWI Spring Leadership Conference, March 8 Cabinets & Closets Conference and Expo, March 11 NeoCon, June 8 RetailX, June 9 *IWF, August 25 *AWI Annual Convention, September 30 Wood Pro Expo Lancaster, October 15 *Cooper Enterprises will be exhibiting at these events. What are your predictions or resolutions for 2020? Let us know here. Disclaimer: Product mentions and links in this article do not imply endorsement; they are provided as examples and sources for further exploration. Blog by Rachel Brumenschenkel, Marketing Specialist

When I walked through the large furniture showrooms at NeoCon this past summer, I noticed the prominence of plywood being used. I could easily tell the material by the exposed edges, revealing layers of veneer. I sometimes saw that an edgebanding was applied on MDF tabletops to make the edge look like exposed plywood. When you’re able to make MDF look like plywood, I thought it would be interesting to investigate the differences between those two materials. I spoke with Jerry Truex, our account executive for the Midwestern states, who has extensive knowledge of the different types of board. Our conversation resulted in the infographic below: View a PDF version of the MDF vs. Plywood infographic The Materials Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is composed of wood fibers, wax and resin, which are then formed into a panel by applying a high temperature and pressure. The standard thicknesses of MDF range between ¼ and 1¼ inches thick. MDF has no grain pattern and is free of knots, as it is a flat, smooth panel. MDF is commonly used for furniture and architectural millwork. High-end environments like court rooms, for example, use MDF for its consistency and smooth appearance. The core of plywood is made of stacked wood veneers that are bonded with adhesive. The direction of the grain alternates 90 degrees between each sheet of veneer. A face veneer, such as maple or walnut, is applied to the top of the core. Common uses of plywood include store fixtures, cabinetry and tabletops. Benefits and Drawbacks MDF is a common alternative to plywood because MDF is generally 10-15 percent less expensive than plywood. MDF also has a uniform, smooth surface. Plywood can often be uneven due to knots and inconsistent veneer thicknesses. If a dark stain is applied to plywood, you may experience “core transfer.” This is when you can start to see some of the core grains, which run in opposite directions. Since MDF does not have a grain, you will not experience this with MDF. However, plywood weighs less and does not absorb moisture as quickly. Plywood does not have to be edgebanded. European plywood is great for exposed edges. Domestic plywood should be avoided if exposed edges are desired; the veneers are thicker, and voids are much more noticeable. Nevertheless, if you want a less expensive panel but with exposed, plywood edges, you could opt for using MDF and applying a plywood-looking edgebanding. This edgebanding can only be applied to a straight edge and cannot be applied to a radius edge. At Cooper Enterprises, we have experience using both of these materials. What are your thoughts on using MDF and plywood? We’d love to hear from you with comments or questions. Blog by Rachel Brumenschenkel, Marketing Specialist

SHELBY, Ohio – Cooper Enterprises has adopted a new mission statement, vision statement and core values. The company has updated the statements to better define what is important to its culture and goals. The new statements are as follows: Mission To provide strategic manufacturing services for our business partners by offering cost-effective outsourcing solutions, quality products, on-time delivery, and exceptional customer service. Vision To help our customers grow and compete in their ever-changing business environments. Values We strive for continuous improvement through Collaboration, Excellence & Integrity. “Our mission, vision and values really hone in on who we are as a company and how we serve as a valuable resource for our customers,” said Monty Friebel, president of Cooper Enterprises. “Customers come to Cooper Enterprises when they need strategic manufacturing support. By living our mission and values, our team is better equipped to face challenges, work together and deliver value to our customers.” The company launched the new mission, vision and values during a recent employee cookout. “We are thrilled for the roll-out,” said Brandi Leonard, human resources manager. “Focusing on our core values will promote accountability and support our company culture, which are vital to our success and having a strong team.” Related Links: About us Career opportunities Below: photos of our recent employee cookout, where we launched the new mission, vision and values.

Update 10/1/19: Our booth has moved to #1047. SHELBY, Ohio – Cooper Enterprises, Inc. will exhibit at booth #1047 at PRINT 19. Held Oct. 3-5, 2019 at the McCormick Place in Chicago, PRINT 19 is one of the largest trade shows for the printing industry. PRINT 19 will feature keynote presentations, 80 learning sessions and an exhibit floor of over 200 exhibitors. Cooper Enterprises is the premier supplier of end boards to the printing industry. End boards, made for web printers, securely hold web press signatures before binding operations. The company’s boards are made from high density fiberboard (HDF), which are durable and free of splinters, unlike plywood end boards. In addition to end boards, Cooper Enterprises also fabricates point-of-purchase displays for this industry. As a contract manufacturer of wood and laminated components, Cooper Enterprises has specialized in fixture and display fabrication and assembly for retail environments. All of Cooper Enterprises’ products are custom-made to meet the requirements of its customers. Click here to register. We hope to see you at PRINT 19! Cooper Enterprises, Inc. is a contract fabricator of wood and laminated components and complete assemblies. The panel processor serves as an outsourcing solution for many industries across the United States, including store fixture, commercial casework, office furniture, recreational product and industrial component markets.

The trade show featured over 600 exhibitors and nearly 50 educational sessions. AWFS also highlighted numerous competitions: Visionary New Product Awards were announced. Ten companies were recognized for product innovation and leadership in the industry. View a list of the winners. Thirty-two students earned honors in the Fresh Wood student competition. “Best of Show” was awarded to Nicholas Maraldo, a student at the Furniture Institute of Massachusetts. View full press release. At booth #5826, Cooper Enterprises featured outsourcing solutions for contract manufacturing. Interested in how we can help grow your business when you outsource panel processing? Contact us today. Cooper Enterprises, Inc. is a contract fabricator of wood and laminated components and complete assemblies. The panel processor serves many industries across the United States, including store fixture, commercial casework, office furniture, recreational product and industrial component markets. Please visit awfsfair.org for more information about the AWFS Fair.