TECO has a long history, dating back to its formation in 1933 by the National Lumber Manufacturing Association (which later became NFPA and later still AF&PA). Yet even today, in certain circles, the name 'TECO' is associated more with metal connectors (like split rings and shear plates) than with engineered wood product certification.
TECO exhibits at more than a dozen trade shows each year, including the CWC's Wood Solutions Fairs in the U.S. and Canada and the International Builders' Show. At these shows, we are often still asked about metal connectors, something that was separated from our business more than 15 years ago.
The TECO you know is a private and independent certification agency, whose TECO TESTED certification mark is recognized in the U.S., Canada, Japan and the UK, and has certification clients in 11 countries. After almost 75 years, we are not your father's TECO.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Knoxville, TN
June 10-13 |
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QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"It is impossible to begin to learn that which one thinks one already knows."
- Epictetus, Greek philosopher | |
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The new PS 1-07 Product Standard for Structural Plywood has been under development and review since 2003. The PS 1 Standing Committee charged with updating the standard completed its work in February 2007, resulting in a draft of the revised standard that will be submitted to NIST (National Institute of Science and Technology, U. S. Department of Commerce) for editorial review and eventual publication. TECO staff members participated in the development of this standard and anticipate that the revised product standard will be published as PS 1-07 this year, possibly as early as this summer.
TECO has placed a copy of the February 2007 Draft of PS 1 on our website, at this link: PS 1-07 Draft. Remember that our posting is a Draft of the new PS 1 standard rather than an exact representation of what will be published later in 2007 as the final standard. However, our expectation is that the NIST review of the Draft standard will be limited to editorial changes rather than technical issues.
If you have any questions regarding PS 1-07, please contact Dick Bower at TECO's corporate office in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin at (608) 837-2790 or via email at dick.bower@tecotested.com. |
Hurricane Preparedness Week:
May 20-26
The National Hurricane Center of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has labeled May 20-26 Hurricane Preparedness Week. "By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster."
The Atlantic hurricane season begins officially on June 1 and runs until November 30. Although there is nothing magical about these dates, over 97% of all tropical activity has occurred during these six months, according to NOAA.
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HGTV 'Dream Home' Searching for Partner
Every year since 1997, Home and Garden TV (HGTV) has been giving away a home to one lucky viewer. Last year, HGTV received nearly 54 million entries in its Dream Home Giveaway. If you know of a builder, architect or developer with a special project that could highlight your products during the 2009 Giveaway, read more at HGTV >>. |
ITC To Investigate Competitive Conditions in US Wood Flooring and Hardwood Plywood Industries
In response to concerns of improper trade practices, particularly those of hardwood plywood imported from China, the U.S. International Trade Commission is investigating competitive conditions affecting the U.S. wood flooring and hardwood plywood industries. Initiated by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and formally submitted by Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, the report by the ITC is due back to the Finance Committee by June 6, 2008.
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California Tightens Air Quality Standards
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) adopted regulations on April 26 that require manufacturers of composite wood products, such as hardwood plywood, particleboard and fiberboard, to reduce formaldehyde emissions to protect public health. The regulations require all composite wood products sold in California to meet strict formaldehyde limits. Similar products sold outside of California are exempt. To ensure compliance, foreign and domestic manufacturers must certify their products by a "third party" laboratory approved by ARB and clearly label the items as meeting California's emission requirements. Distributors, contractors, panel manufacturers, and importers will be held responsible for assuring their products comply.
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