OsBlog

Osborne Participates in Bee Smart Spelling & Trivia Bee 2009

Melody — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:58:49 +0000

Well, it is that time of year again. The Stephens County Education and Literacy Foundation (SELF) hosted their annual Bee Smart Spelling & Trivia Bee. The bee raises money for child and adult literacy programs throughout the county, in efforts to eliminate illiteracy in our region. Once again, Osborne was excited to bring together their best spellers to join in the event.

Our team of three came from three different departments. Representing Osborne at the spelling bee were Russ (from Shipping), West (from IT), and your friendly Osblogger (a.k.a. myself, Melody, from Customer Service). While we did not win this year, we advanced further than last year, finishing in the top 8, and ahead of last year’s defending champions.

Our team thoroughly enjoyed the event, and appreciated the opportunity to participate in such a good cause.

Above (L-R) Myself (Melody), Russ, and West. You can see how well we were doing by how empty the seats behind us were. Go Team Osborne!

Above: A little earlier on in the match, Russ, West, and I discuss the spelling of a word. We were limited to 30 seconds for discussion before we had to start spelling.

Osborne Wood Products - World Travelers

Melody — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:44:07 +0000

In an effort to expand our market presence, Osborne Wood Products, Inc. looks to increase our physical presence in Canada through trade expos and our first international showroom. “Canada has always been a market for us, though we have been long awaiting an opportunity such as this, to display physical products to a truly international audience,” stated Christian Smedberg, Director of Marketing here at Osborne.

Company CEO Leon Osborne attended the Woodworking Machinery and Supply Expo in Toronto on September 24th and 26th. While he attended primarily in an effort to promote our new international showroom, he was also there to lend support and service at the Woodworking Components Manufacturer’s Association (WCMA) booth. As members of the WCMA in good standing, we have enjoyed their support in many ways, and Mr. Osborne was excited for the opportunity to be of service at their booth. A sampling of Osborne products was on display at the WCMA booth, along with our most current catalog and our new CAD Catalog 4.2.

In addition to meeting new people and making connections with potential customers in the Canadian Market, Mr. Osborne learned much about that market. For instance, he was surprised to l earn that, unlike our own market, the Canadian market is strengthening - with a housing industry that is growing in the double digits. He also learned a great deal about specific ways in which our company can contribute to designers and cabinet makers alike.

Mr. Osborne indicated that he was very satisfied with the trip, overall; stating, “It certainly was a pleasure making friends in Canada, and learning how we can be a source of strength in this demanding market.”

In addition to a presence at the WMS Expo, we will also have a more permanent display in the Toronto Design Center, Designers Walk. Our showroom within Designers Walk should be completed by mid-November.

Designers Walk (www.designerswalk.com) is located in Toronto and provides design professionals an opportunity to view, specify, and purchase exquisite products from suppliers throughout North America. Open to the public, this design center displays appliances, lighting, flooring, paint, tile, and much more - all under one roof.

We will exhibit a full line of cabinet legs, corbels, decorative carvings, as well as other various cabinet components - including our new carved Ionic Column. At Osborne Wood Products, we have been providing quality cabinet and furniture components to the trade for over three decades, and while much of their appeal has been to manufacturers, we are now providing tools and venues for designers, such as this new showroom in Designers Walk.

Pictures from the trip follow below:

Tips on staying Lean and Green: Energy Audits

Melody — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:19:05 +0000

At Osborne Wood Products, we are excited about the opportunity we have to inspire those around us to make changes for the better. Featuring the information that we have on Lean Manufacturing and on eco-friendly ways of doing business, we are certain that many of you have seen how being “lean” and being “green” can go hand in hand. Today’s post is no exception. We recently decided to do an energy audit, in the interest of Lean Manufacturing, but have realized its implications for helping us to be a greener business, too!

This week we had Bob Hitch come and do an energy audit for us. Hitch is the Project Manager for Energy and Environmental Services at Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute. He came out to the plant and took a good look at the way we operate, analyzing data, and making observations. While some of that data is still being transformed into usable reports, we have already been able to draw several action points from the audit. Although one of the end goals of an energy audit is a smaller energy bill, the actual measuring rod - so to speak- is kilowatt usage per hour (kwh), so what we are looking for is an overall reduction in kwh from month to month.
We were able to discern the three biggest energy-users in our plant, which is integral to determining how to decrease energy consumption without hindering productivity. In our plant, the Big Three were our dust collection system, the production equipment, and the air conditioning system (during cooling months).

Here are some of the action points derived from that data:

1) The dust collection system has a maximum capacity of 45,000 cubic feet per minute of air removal, but not all of the intakes on the system are constantly in use. We are looking at the possibility of gating the intakes and cycling down the motor using a variable speed drive in order to consume less energy.

2) We are already using High Efficiency T5 (energy reducing) lighting in the offices, and we are currently looking at implementing the use of this same lighting in the shop.

3) We are looking at what the optimal temperature is for each area of the plant (office, warehouse, production floor) to keep the workload on the AC/Heating system as low as possible, while still ensuring a) optimal temperature for working and storing of wood products, and b) comfort of employees.

The data collected from this audit is turned into charts and graphs, giving us easily read sources to compare the usage against in the coming months.

These changes do more than just save money and streamline our processes. They enable us to use less energy, reducing our carbon-footprint even more. This is a great example of how Lean and Green go hand in hand. Waste not, want not, as the old adage goes. Energy Audits and subsequent practical analysis helps you to “waste not” your monetary resources and the resources this planet has to offer!

Now Offering Select Products in FSC Certified Wood

Melody — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:52:42 +0000

As you have been browsing the website, some of you may have noticed that our list of wood types has changed. The wood types are now broken down into groups. The “Traditional” and “Premium” selections are relatively easy to discern: Traditional includes both commonly used woods and paint grade woods, where the Premium includes the rare wood types and also higher quality stain grade woods. The third category that is available for select products, though, might not be as instantly recognizable: FSC Certified.

For some of our customers, FSC Certified lumber is something long requested, but we realize that many of you may not be as familiar with exactly what FSC Certification is. What does it tell you about the product?

FSC, first of all, stands for the Forestry Stewardship Council. It is a non-profit group whose purpose is to promote and encourage responsible management of the world’s forests. Primarily, the purpose of the organization centered around certifying producers of lumber, and these types of certification are often referred to as F.M. (Forestry Management). However, the FSC also has a chain of custody (COC) certification, to ensure the high standards that the FSC puts forth are followed all the way down the line to its sale to an end user. Basically, at every step along the way a company or handler of products must show that they are meeting these standards, or they are not allowed to use the FSC name or logo. This prevents the use and promotion of products as “FSC Certified,” unless at every point on the chain, these requirements are met. If even one handler of goods along the chain is not FSC certified, then the end-product is not, either.

The FSC does not actually issue certification itself. Instead, the FSC has accredited certain third party groups to do inspections and issue certification. This allows the FSC to keep its independent status. There are four groups in the US which may issue certification, and the list of requirements is quite specific:

* Documentation of all the suppliers of lumber being certified are
themselves FSC certified.
* On-site inspection in which it is clear that anything FSC
certified is kept distinct from all products that are not, where
the two would not be accidentally mixed up.
* Additional documentation is required that shows any person
handling FSC certified products has been thoroughly trained in FSC
processes and procedures.
* All of the procedures for handling FSC
certified products must be thoroughly documented in the form of a
manual.
* Annual audits are performed to ensure that these
procedures are being consistently followed.

These criteria, though stringent, prevent what is commonly referred to as “greenwashing,” or exaggerated claims of “green” or “eco-friendly” products which are not backed by any evidence. As a sense of responsibility for how we treat the planet has grown, marketing groups have of course caught on and tried to “angle” things to appeal to that audience. FSC Certification prevents this “angling,” by ensuring that nothing can be called “FSC Certified” unless it meets every one of their requirements, and has met those requirements at every step in the journey from raw material to finished product.

So, when you order products from Osborne Wood Products in an FSC Certified wood type, you can know that you are ordering wood that - from the moment it stood in the forest to the moment it is shipped from our facility - has been harvested, milled, and assembled in ways that promote reforestation and responsible forest stewardship, and are generally eco-friendly.

Osborne Wood Products, Inc. is pleased and proud to be able to offer options to our customers; enabling them to choose products with ecological responsibility in mind.

Customer Photos - 1520 Pedestal and 1430 Pedestal Feet

Melody — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 20:40:53 +0000

Anne S. of Bartow, Florida recently purchased a pedestal center and four pedestal feet for a granite table. The Extended Pedestal Center (1520) and the Cabriole Pedestal Feet (1430) were used to make a lovely round counter-height table, in order to create more workspace in a kitchen that was short on counterspace. Counter-height tables are a great solution to such a problem, as well as a fantastic way to add a unique appeal to your dining area.

Here are the photos of Anne’s lovely table!

Osborne Requiring GA Work Ready for Applicants

Melody — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:41:35 +0000

At Osborne Wood Products, we are always looking for ways to get involved with the local community. Whether it is through mentoring in the local school system or helping Boy Scouts with their projects, we make it a priority to be a visible force in the community. Recently, Osborne Wood Products has become aware of a new way to engage the local community, in realizing the importance of the Georgia Work Ready Test.

In 2006, the State of Georgia launched the Georgia Work Ready Program. The State of Georgia began offering the Work Ready Test as a way to certify job seekers, and let potential employers know that GA residents are certified to work. The test is a state-funded skills assessment. It tests four basic areas: reading, applied mathematics, locating information, and skills assessment. It is designed to help unemployment rates drop all across the state, by engaging the local community to rally around those who are either unemployed or looking for a new challenge in the job market; enabling them to accomplish their goals. The test, while lengthy, is not difficult. The test is free, the results are immediate, and – once an individual is certified – the certification lasts for 5 years.

Communities who aggressively implement the Georgia Work Ready test commit to dropping unemployment rates, increasing high school graduation rates, and meeting GA Work Ready Community goals; all for the purpose of increasing economic growth and prosperity.

Companies all across the state are realizing the vast benefits of the Georgia Work Ready Test. These benefits include, but are certainly not limited to, community involvement; great resume enhancer for job seekers; employers can easily see that, regardless of education level, job seekers who are GA Work Ready certified are more prepared. In addition, the GA Work Ready advertises that:

“Companies implementing Work Ready make an investment of their employees’ time to develop strong job profiles. This initial investment can reap great rewards for years to come including:

· Improved hiring procedures

· Reduced turnover

· Reduced training costs

· Increased productivity and profitability

· High employee morale”

After realizing the benefits of the Georgia Work Ready Test, we now require the Georgia Work Ready Test as part of the Osborne Wood Products, Inc. job application process. Any potential employees of Osborne Wood must now bring their Georgia Work Ready Test scores along with their completed application.

As the newest Osborne employee, I can speak from experience about the test. Prior to applying to Osborne Wood Products, I had never heard of Georgia Work Ready. After taking the test, and then doing further research, I am a huge fan of the Georgia Work Ready Test! Georgia Work Ready is an easy and proactive way to say, “I have taken the initiative!” That is something that speaks volumes to employers. I firmly believe that anything an individual can do to better his or herself for the job market should be done. The Georgia Work Ready Test enables individuals to do just that. So, are you Work Ready?

For more information, go to: www.gaworkready.org.

This blog post is a Guest Post by Bethany, a recent Osborne employee. Having recently taken the Georgia Work Ready test prior to her employment here, Bethany has some great perspective on the procedure and its benefits, so we thought it ideal to invite her to share this information with you.

Customer Photos - Pencil Post Bed

Melody — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:09:01 +0000

Today’s Customer Photo actually features two part numbers: 2500 - Our Pencil Post bedposts, and 3003, the Heritage Finial.

Alan H. sent us these photos of a beautiful bed he constructed using these two pieces. The finials blend with the post so easily that on first glance, it looks like they were constructed from one piece! The Heritage Finial is the perfect complement to the simplicity of the Pencil Posts, adding a touch of elegance that is not too subtle, but not overstated, either. Thank you, Alan, for sharing your handiwork with us!

Working While Walking: Osborne Considers the Treadmill Desk

Melody — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:20:07 +0000

“We believe in developing, implementing, and maintaining innovative efforts to sustain and improve our quality of life, our community, and our planet; recognizing that these areas are interconnected.”

~ Osborne Wood Products, Inc. Sustainability Statement.

“Osborne Wood Products, Inc. seeks to sustain the quality of life of our employees. In addition to full medical benefits, employees enjoy an array of preventative health care. From seminars on whole-body wellness to a full work-out facility, employees of Osborne Wood Products, Inc. are encouraged to take care of their bodies before sickness occurs. Our gym facility includes a full basketball court, racquetball court, weight room, and an aerobics room. Such benefits inspire the employees, allowing them to contribute to an uplifting workplace atmosphere.”

~ “Sustaining Our Quality of Life,” Osborne Wood Products Catalog 112, p. 21

At Osborne Wood, we have made it no secret that the health and well being of our employees is something that we consider to be integral to true sustainability. Recently, we have implemented a new wellness program, helping employees of OWP meet fitness goals tailored specifically to individual needs (as opposed to something more abstract and general).
A new trend has caught the attention of the news-media: treadmill desks! We recently saw a broadcast on these and decided they were worth consideration. After all, having recently started a new wellness program here, this could be a great way to help the office members (the only employees who sit all day long) to meet their fitness goals.

Studies have shown that regular walking for moderate distances (2-5 miles a day) can improve the immune system (which is key in an office. Colds are so easily spread.), memory (up to 15% in 6 months time), and mood; as well as significantly decrease bad (LDL) cholesterol while increasing the good (HDL) cholesterol. In conjunction with that, it can seriously decrease the risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia, and also reduce the risk for a host of cancers, in addition to lowering your blood pressure. You would never think that something as simple as walking could be so beneficial! But, in the typical working American’s day, there is not necessarily a lot of time to walk 4 miles.

Enter the treadmill desk. Walking at a slow pace of 1 mile an hour a person can walk up to 8-10 miles in a single work day. And walking for long distances at such a slow speed actually improves the health of your back, as opposed to the damage that office chairs can do.

So, all of this information in hand, we decided to make one treadmill desk and have someone try it out for a while and share their feedback (they can be ordered for anywhere from $400 - $4000, but they can be easily constructed from a basic treadmill for less than that so if you have the know-how, it’s a good idea to make your own). We ordered the equipment, put it together, and selected the lucky guinea pig - your friendly Osblogger.

I have been using the treadmill desk for almost 2 weeks now, and I love it. My phone, keyboard, and monitor are quite accessible on the shelf we built in to the treadmill, and my monitor sits on a shelf on my desk so I can view it easily. Walking at this slow pace, it is very easy to stop the treadmill if I need to get something out of my reach, or run various errands around the office and plant. After a few miles, if my feet are getting a little tired, I can stop the treadmill and put a chair on the base, and see and access things just as easily from there. After 20 minutes or so, however, I am usually back up and walking again.

It did take me some time to get used to typing while walking, but after about a half an hour of “practice,” I was well on my way to typing at the same speed which I do sitting down. I can definitely attest to the fact that, rather than serving as a distraction, walking actually helps improve my focus.

Alright, so that is all well and good, but one downside most consider when thinking about exercising in the workplace is sweat. No one wants to sweat at work. Well, walking at such a steady and gradual pace (remember, one mile an hour. When I’m walking to get somewhere I can walk a mile in 12 minutes! This is a much easier pace, and you’re still burning about 100 more calories per hour than you would be sitting at your desk), sweat is definitely not an issue.

Some practical “cons,” if you will: The board installed across the arms is small; so while my phone, keyboard, and mouse fit easily, I do have to sit down if I am going to do something like address catalogs or write notes to customers. With all the walking I am getting in now, though; it is not really a significant sidestep, and it is certainly not incredibly inconvenient. Another is that I am not as protected from office sounds as I would be if I were sitting at a lower height. My cubicle walls only go a few inches higher than the height of my head while I’m walking, so there is not as much of a sound barrier. Again, this issue is pretty minimal.

The news reports showed users who said they could easily walk all day in their work shoes, but I have not found this to be true. I keep a pair of sneakers on hand, so I can easily change into work shoes to go meet with customers, and just wear sneakers on the treadmill so I am not walking in any discomfort.

Thus far, I am really enjoying the experience! I feel like I have more energy during the day, as being sedentary for so long can make one sleepy and / or irritable. More energy and better overall health are certainly enough incentive to stick with this, not to mention the fact that it is so easy. It does take a little bit of time to get used to your new work surroundings, but after the adjustment it is really quite simple. Most of the time it does not even “feel” like I’m making the effort to do all these things while walking.

OK, pictures of the new setup:

Customer Photos - 1109P

Melody — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:25:54 +0000

Recently we received photos of a beautiful pine table using our Husky Dining Leg - part number 1109. James S. of Wisconsin sent them along.

The table looks great, obviously complementing the knotty pine flooring and trim quite well. Thanks, James, for sending this picture along! We love to see how our customers use our products. The glossy finish on the legs and table top looks fantastic! And those Husky legs are the perfect fit for the thickness and breadth of the table top. Very nice work!

AWFS Recap

Melody — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:36:30 +0000

The Osborne team is back from our recent trek to the AWFS fair. Though it is true that numbers were down from previous years, we felt that we had a really good show, all in all. We had the opportunity to meet many of our customers face-to-face, getting great feedback and learning more about what you need! We gave away copies of our CAD Catalog on DVD, and demonstrated the various software programs it could be used with. We were so thrilled to be present at the show, and also glad to chat with everyone who stopped by to visit us.
We brought some new products along, such as our new line of metal corbels, and everyone was so helpful in letting us know specific applications they saw for such products, as well as offering insight as to what they would like to see along those lines in the future.

We also brought several potential new products along, and again were blown away by the responsiveness of customers and prospective customers alike. Adjustments in the methods for mounting new corbels, materials they could be offered in; great suggestions were made across the board. And now that we are home and getting back to work, we are eager to put these ideas into action!

The CAD presentation made by Christian went very well, and in fact he had opportunities in the next few days to help various cabinetmakers put some of those principles into action by beginning the process of choosing a good design software program.

We were so excited to spend the time chatting with those of you who were there, and are grateful for your insight and of course also for the appreciation expressed. We are truly seeking to see how we can better serve our customers, and love opportunities (such as tradeshows) to learn how to do that more and more.

Here are some pictures from the show:

Above: Leon speaking with customers
Below: Christian assisting a customer

Above: Liz explains some new products to current customers (and tells them about the bamboo combs we were giving away)
Below: Haden is writing down some customer suggestions (which we go over and turn into action points, later).

Above: Dennis (L) and Nathan (R) both display their knowledge of Osborne products and processes to eager listeners
Below: Haden discusses new products with a visitor to our booth

The following pictures are the CAD demonstration Christian did for a customer. We were able to demo six different software programs to customers who want to see how our DVD imports into their particular program. The programs we were able to demo are AutoCad, Cabinet Vision, 20 20 Design, Rhino, Pro100USA, and Google SketchUp. The booth was set up in such a way as to allow for the customer to look on with Christian or Haden (both were doing demos), and display the drawing on a screen above as well, so passers by were also able to see.

And last, though certainly not least, here is our team photo:

L-R Back: Liz, Dennis, Nathan, Haden
L-R Front: Christian, Leon, Melody