Founder of Felder Group dies

The Felder Group is mourning the death of its founder and long-time managing director, Johann Felder (1930-2021).

“With his passing, his family as well as the company’s employees are losing an inspiring and striking personality, who turned the Felder Group into the successful family business it is today,” the company said in a statement.

“Johann Felder was known for his positive outlook on life and his progressive worldview. He was greatly respected, in Austria and abroad. His wife Gertraud, his sons Hansjörg and Martin Felder, the company’s current managing directors, his daughter Elisabeth, his grandchildren Daniel, Patrick, Tamara, and Alexander Felder, the third generation working in the family business, as well as the entire Felder Group staff are deeply saddened by Johann Felder’s passing. They are losing not just an altogether fascinating and strong personality, but also a mentor and a dear friend.”

Castle USA, a manufacturer of pocket cutting machinery, face frame assembly tables and tooling, has named Mathias Forsman as Chief Executive Officer. Forsman was hired by Castle as Director of Sales earlier this year.

“I am genuinely excited that Mathias will be our new CEO,” Max Durney, founder of Castle USA, said in a statement. “His depth in marketing, sales, and industry knowledge is unsurpassed. With Mathias at the helm, our team is complete and the future auspicious.”

“We’ve already accomplished great things this year and we have exciting initiatives ahead,” said Forsman. “Leading a company like Castle, one that never compromises on quality and innovation, is truly an honor.”

Cefla North America announces the addition of Jude Zimmermann as manager of its finishing laboratory in Charlotte, N.C.

“A dedicated production manager, Jude has 20-plus years of experience in manufacturing and operations,” the company said in a statement. “With a background that has heavily involved printing, wood and metal boutique finishing, metal fabrication, and CNC, Jude is an ideal fit for the role and will offer a new lens with which the department can organize and be structured for success.”

“With his team, Jude will facilitate daily testing either on behalf of Cefla customers, via virtual testing, or alongside them to conduct testing that achieves the customer’s finish objectives.”

The San Diego County Fair, in association with the San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association, invites entries to its 39th annual Design in Wood competition.

More than $20,000 in prizes will be awarded, including a $1,000 prize for Best of Show. The competition features 26 entry categories, including contemporary and traditional furniture, scroll saw fretwork, wood carving, and more. The entry deadline is April 29. For more, visit sdfair.com.

KL Communications has announced shows dates for 2022, including the May Day Market on May 21-22; 27th annual Fine Furnishings Show on Nov. 4-6, and Holiday Market on Dec. 3-4.

“All our events will be at the WaterFire Arts Center [in Providence, R.I.] which is the perfect venue for exhibitors, vendors and attendees alike,” says show owner Karla Little.

For more, visit finefurnishingsshows.com. 

This article was originally published in the February 2022 issue.