For some companies the future is always something to embrace.
Take SelecTrim Corp. DBA The James Wood Co., an architectural millwork, wood products and product design firm in Williamsport.
The company is exploring new markets and putting out new and exciting products.
"We are very positive about the future," said Marcus Annicelli, vice president and partner in the company.
The company turns out decorative wood moldings, wall trimmings, and a line of wood ceiling products.
"Our markets are in hospitality, assisted living and educational settings," said Annicelli.
James Wood founded the business 35 years ago, but exciting changes have taken place in recent years.
In 2008 the company purchased the former Hope Enterprises building on Catawissa Road to allow for expansion and lease out space for start-up businesses.
That gave birth to Woodicelli Enterprises and the pursuit of technology based products.
The location of the Lycoming Launch Pad, a business incubator, is in a Keystone Innovation Zone to allow the company to take advantage of tax credits.
In a perfect world, the incubator, which helps new companies by providing space for their enterprises, will link SelecTrim link to other businesses.
"Given the KIZ designation, we embarked on developing innovative products with a completely new technology," Annicelli said.
SelecTrim has a history of developing innovative products in the millwork industry.
Most recently, a product known as the magnafit has been introduced by SelecTrim.
The innovative product allows for a hollow metal door frame to have wood door casing magnetically fastened. In case of fire the product can be released from the door frame.
"If there is fire it eliminates the ignition threat," Annicelli said. "That's our own product that we are excited about. There's nothing like it."
The magnafit snaps into place over an existing door frame.
Amy Eck, a customer service representative, said the product has been well received in the market.
The company draws many of its resources for production from the hardwoods of Pennsylvania forests.
SelecTrim owns and markets the Naturalines wood ceiling line of products.
We can put a fire-retardant product on it," he said.
The company also works with one local business to make custom frames for art work.
"It's a challenging time. Some of the challenges we face have caused us to regroup," said Annicelli. "We are in some new markets."
Toward that end, the company is developing metal and plastic-based products.
"We generally are wood products, but we do some processing with those other products as well."
Future plans include expansion of the Catawissa Avenue site and moving everything from another production site on Reach Road.
"As you can see we have plenty of space," Annicelli said, looking out on the parking lot in front of the building. "We're still renovating. By next year we will put an addition on to this"
The company employs about 25 people, but is looking to add several workers by the end of the year.
Annicelli said he's proud of the company's environmentally conscious approach.
SelecTrim makes use of geothermal heating and air conditioning and is FSC certified.
"A lot of our work is all-electronic," he added.
