Building Products Digest - February 2000

We chose Our Own Hardware as our supplier *t.r Our Own Hardware merged with Do : While I was excited about the I thought Do it Best Corp. serving their lumber a fraditional store like mine. Nothing could have been further from the the size of our store, items to expanded our product selection in like paint, hardware, and electrical, and specialty categories in sporting and seasonal And we've done it by ordering everything Do it Best Corp. warehouses.

We've alwavs store, and now, thanks to help from Do,it' Corp., our customers believe it too. To

more about the full range of services -,.. Do it Best Coqp. provides to help meg1.'.: the expectations of customers,

business in 1989. say I was

usedto DoitBestQpry odrrsold

Serving 13 Southern states

PUBLISHER David Cutler (dcutler@ioc.net)

SENIOR EDITOR David Koenig (dkoenig @ ioc.net)

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dave DetVal (ddelval@ioc.net)

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Dwight Cunan, Gage McKinney, Ead Moore

AD SALES MANAGER Chuck Casey

ART DIRECTOR Martha Emery

STAFF ARTIST Chas. Balun

CIRCULATION Autumn Schwanke

How to Advertise

Conlacl our advertlsing offlces for rales: U.S.A.: Chuck Casey, 4500 Campus Drive, Suite 480, Newpod Beach, Ca. 92660-1872. Phone (949) 852.1990 Fax 94$852t231

INTERilEf ADS: David Cutler, www.buildirg. producls.com. Phone (9{9} 852.1990 Fax 949-852.@31

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From There To Here

When Asian economies bottomed out in the late Nineties, affecting prices and supplies of foresd products, it brought home sharply the dramatic results that occur when part of the world economy stumbles. Suddenly markets disappeared, prices fl uctuated and availabilities dwindled.

While Asian markets are now recovering, threats to American forest products companies in world trade are hardly going away. And what affects U.S. companies in international trade determines prices all the way to Main Street.

A new report by the International Trade Commission says that our companies are facing foreign tariffs that threaten jobs at home and stunt our economic expansion. Additionally, non-tariff barriers, such as local building codes and product standards, certification programs, government interference through quotas, taxes and bans all impede fair trade even where tariffs are low. For example, U.S. tariffs on wood products are at zero or close to it, yet competing countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and China have tariffs from lS%o to 4580. While raw mater-

ial tariffs are free or low in most countries, value added products face higher tariffs. On wood panels these range from SVo to2l%o.

According to the ITC, an independent, nonpartisan, fact finding federal agency, during 1994-1998, the value of U.S. forest products exports increased by 5Vo. Exports peaked at $23.3 billion in 1995, then declined 16%o Io $19.5 billion by 1998. Canada, Japan and Mexico were the principal export markets, accounting for just over half of all forest products exports two years ago.

The value of our forest products imports hit $28.6 billion in 1998, a 33Vo increase over the 1994-1998 period. Canada accounted for over TOVo of 1998 imports. Mexico, China, Brazil and Finland each accounted for about 3Vo.

Government and industry need to work harder to accelerate tariff liberalization and remove non-tariff barriers for forest products. These days, what affects the other side of the world, affects us all.

Increase Gtade Recovery andstop Wet Claims

Wagner has the key elements to increase grade recovery. Introducing the new $ystem 750 in two configurations to raise your average MC and prevent wet claims.

Pre-Planer

Wagner's new System 750M220 enables you to increase your average MC coming out of the kiln. By measuring every board coming out of the kiln, comparing it to your target average MC and dropping out too-wet boards for re-drying, an investment of a little inconvenience and additional labor returns BIG dollars in higher grade recovery. Info-Pak PlusrM for Windows NTrM tracks the MC of every board back to the exact location, date and time it was dried and provides archiving and reporting. The Solution to raising auerage MG.

Post-Planer

Wagner's new System 7500146 detects every wet spot exceeding your target average moisture content (MC) and marks it for your QC staff. (Available with Info-Pak PlusrM for Windows pplr; The Solution to wet claims.

The Wagner System 750M and 750D, as outlined above, include state-of-the-art hardware and software enabling you to increase the average m0isture content of the wood coming out of your kilns and prevent wet claims. Euery System 750 sold in the US includes initial onsite stail up, calibration and opetation training.

Stickered Units

Single Boards

t612 lligital hand meter 50 on board species, downloadable software records 5000 MC readings in 200 groups for average, min/max, standard deviation calculations.

1712 Stack Plobing Sensor together with the L612 this is the most valuable and popular in-kiln "Hot Check" system in the industry.

Start saving money today! Call toll free to speak to an Applications Specialist and learn how to raise your average MC while preventing wet claims.

t601-3 Analog hand meter rugged, non-intrusive, fast, easy to use.

Material handlingchecklist

O L: l.t J',?$fl',-l ?li"ll lJ; in profit can be traced to inefficient material handling. The flrst step in solving problems is identi$ing them as problems. tlren ask why they occur and implement tlre needed solution. To identify possible shortcomings, review your operations using the following checklist provided by the Material Handling Institute:

! t, you, material handling gquipment more than l0 years old?

L_-l oo you use a wide variety of m-akes and models which ,"qoit" u high spare parts inventory?

f__] Are equipment breakdowns the result of poor preventive maintenance? ,:..:i;i:..

! A." yout for servicing?

! Are there accidents due materials?

lift trucks sent too far excessive employee to manual handling of

rhat require two or more employees?: '

lJ Are skilled employees wasting time handling materials?

f-l noes material become congested at any point?

! ls production work delayed due to poorly scheduled delivery and removal of materials?

To identity possible shortcomings, review your

using this cfecklist.

I Oo shop trucks operate empty more than 207o of the time?

I Oo"r your facility have an excessive number of rehandling points?

I n po*o equipment used on jobs that could be handled by gravity?

I nu" rnany handling operations unnecessary?

I et" single pieces being handled where unit loads could be used?

E er" floors and rarnps dirty and in need of repair?

l_J ts handling eq&lpment being overloaded?

f_-l II ed?

I nr" high demurrage charges experienced?

I nt" inade.quate storage areas hampering efficient scheduling of movement?

I Ir it difficult to analyze overall material handling operations because ! Rr" materials weighing more than 50 lbs. handled manuallyr?,:,

l__l Rre there many handling

]];li; ;l: tii*ks

there is no detailed flow ctrart? .. :

n ,+* iiran*t labor costs too high?

Hot racks Trends in lumber racki ng

D UILDfNG material dealers aren't the only ones beneI-Dfitting from the current strength of new construction and remodeling-so are racking suppliers.

"The thing that's changed is finally dealers are beginning to realize the importance of material handling," says Jerry Ritz, Auto-Stak, Westwood, N.J. "They used to think material handling was a fork truck and efficiency was a computer at the point-of-sale. The yard's actually their biggest expense-it requires their biggest piece of land, most people to operate, and most expensive equipment."

Improved efficiency goes right down to the bottom line. "Dealers would tell me, 'Space isn't important. We've got 10 acres,"' Ritz recalls. "But I'd answer, 'You want to travel l0 acres to pick something?"'

Ritz also sees more smaller stores beginning to carry lumber. "Seventy percent of all do-iryourselfer and small contractor projects include building materials," Ritz explains. "Lumber's not the most profitable thing in the store, but it's the hook, the thing that gets (customers) in. Then you can sell them everything else."

According to Chris Krauter, Krauter Storage Systems, Indianapolis, In., the best sellers continue to be "the interior rack hybrids, introduced about l5-20 years ago: the pallet rack adapted for plywood, pallet rack adapted as an Aframe for trim and moulding, pallet rack adapted for storing doors and windows, plus your basic cantilever racking."

Various tried-and-true types of traditional racks also remain in vogue at SpaceRak, Marysville, Mi. In particular, says v.p. of sales & mktg. Vince Sindone, "the push back rack continues to gain in popularity, since it improves space utilization and lessens product damage."

Even Auto-Stak, which was formed l0 years ago to provide an innovative automated bin system said to require half the space, labor and forklift use, now finds itself selling traditional racks as well. "Over the last few years we've had to be able to offer it all, so we can custom design a complete system incorporating the Auto-Stak as well as A frames, door and window racks, and so on."

Even with interest rates beginning to creep up, the rack manufacturers all expect demand for their products to stay strong. "We're at an all-time high for both the number of quotes we have out and the number of jobs we have on board," says Krauter. "Lead times in (rack) factories are getting ridiculous. The norm was three to five weeks, six max. Now we start at six. Six to eight is standard, and we're drifting into l0 weeks."

Everyone seems to be buying racks. "A lot of dealersespecially the secondary and third level dealers-held off for so long, and now they're buying, finally," he adds. "The guys with sales over $15 million have been doing it all along. Now we're very busy with the $l-3 million guys and the $3- l5 million guys."

He points to a common scenario: the conversion of retailers into contractor yards. "An old lumberyard often has a nice retail location along the main drag of town, and his biggest asset is his piece of dirt," Krauter says. "So he sells the location, moves to a more industriaVcommercial site [o serve contractors, and then reinvests the profit from the sale into racks."

"A lot of dealers held otf for so long, and now they're buying racks, finally."

VOUR DECKING customers can |. now stack their decks entirely with plastic components-right down to the understructure.

Expanded applications of plastic lumber are running alongside increased demand. Researchers expect use of plastic and composite lumber as building products, especially as decking, to grow more than l07o

Despite a considerably higher price tag, plastic lumber does offer several advantages over wood.

annually over the next 10 years. Other industry sources claim the composite decking market has doubled each year since 1995, and predict the market to surpass $350 million by 2005 and $600 million by 2010.

With supplies tight a year ago, new capacity should help. Trex Co., Winchester, Va., recently opened a plant in Fernley, Nv. U.S. Plastic Lumber, Boca Raton, Fl., hopes to bring a new plant in Fontana, Ca., on line next month (annual capacity 180 million lbs.).

Louisiana-Pacific, Portland, Or., plans to begin production at its first two wood fiber composite decking plants by the end of the third quarter of this year. Products will include solid and hollow planks in addition to railing systems.

Despite a considerably higher price tag, plastic lumber does offer several advantages over wood, including no splinters, no maintenance and improved workability. Yet, plastic

has traditionally been sold for nonstructural applications. U.S. Plastic Lumber hopes to change that perception. The company has begun adding fiberglass to its formula to produce Carefree Structural Lumber, well suited for load-bearing applications such as posts, beams and joists used in constructing a deck, says product mgr. Jim Chew.

USPL now boasts that it offers the only complete non-wood decking system on the market, since others require the use of pressure treated wood or other load-bearing construction material in the understructure to provide adequate support.

According to Chew, recent BOCA approval that Carefree products comply with national building code requirements opens the door to architects, engineers and contractors specifying them, in most applications, as alternatives to wood.

Although none of its products are

for structural applications, Trex Co. has just introduced the last piece of the non-structural puzzle: a rail post. "This new profile, along with our surface planks and rail parts, allows us to sell a complete deck and railing system," says Maureen Murray.

StranDEK, a 50/50 mix of wood and plastic from HoffForest Products, Meridian, Id., alleges one advantage over Trex products, which fade to a driftwood gray instead of a natural wood color. "(StranDEK) is more attractive in appearance," says Hoff's Doug Budell. "It not only performs, but looks good."

The product is now offered in decking profiles, as well as 2x2 and 2x4 for railings. But don't be surprised to see the line eventually expanded. "We have seven extruders, and four or five will always run decking," Budell notes. "But the others may run some experimental things..."

NEW 52" long, 4x4 rail post allows Trex to offer an entire railing system made ol composites

rbulent times ahead for lumber and panels

(]TRONG North American lumber and panel markets in |J2000 should sive wav to at least four more turbulent years, according tlo a n"* R.E. Taylor & Associates study.

"While 2000 looks like it will be a continuation of 1999 for at least the first half of the year, the prospects of declining demand in the U.S. for 2001 and the onslaught of new OSB capacity in2OO2 paints a cloudy picture ahead fbr the industry," says Russell Taylor. "Volume and prices in the U.S. market should be good in 2000, although not as good as 1999, which broke many records."

He adds: "Industry consolidation, wood and non-wood substitutes, off-shore competition, distribution channel dynamics, e-commerce and the renewal of the Sofiwood Lumber Agreement in April 2001 will all be key challenges to meet hcad on. This means that the industry needs to get ready for some tougher times ahead."

Softwood Lumber

According to the 400-p. "Wood Markets 2000" report, U.S. lumber demand will remain stable through 2004 due to strong U.S. and global economic factors and nronetary policy. For 2000, another demand spurt will bolster the unprecedcnted economic growth started in 199 l.

Substitutes for construction grade lumber (engineered wood, steel, plastic, vinyl, etc.) will increase 500 million bd. ft. per year. Softwood lumber imports from Europc and the Southern Hemisphere will climb by IOOVo-from 900 million bd. ft. in 1999 to well over 2 billion bd. fi. by 2005.

Total Canadian production rose 3Vo in 1999 to 28 billion bd. ft., but should slip to 27.6 billion ft. in 2000 and to 27.5 billion in 2001. The Softwood Lumber Agreement after April 20Ol will be the wild card in the lumber scenario.

In 1999, U.S. output reached 36.4 billion bd. ft., the highest since 1989, partly due to the softwood pact. From 2000 to 2004, total U.S. lumber production is expected to move toward a sustainable level of 35 billion ft.

U.S. average annual lumber prices are expected to be off by only 2Vo to 4Vo in 2000, while most export prices (except green hemlock in Japan) should improve. From 2001 to 2003, prices will be tempered by morc cornpetitive markets and slightly lower economic growth.

Plywood/OSB

While 2000 should be another great year lbr structural panels, a wave of new OSB plants will intensify overcapacity starting in 2001. In 1999, softwood plywood and OSB usage in North America was estirnated at a record 39.4 billion sq. ft. Increased demand was due chiefly to soaring housing starts and greater use of panels per new start. Consunrption in 2000 and 2001 will decline slightly due to lower starts and GDP, but pick up again in 2002 and 2003,

approaching 1999 levels.

Over the next five years, North American OSB capacity should clirnb from 20.9 billion sq. ft. to over 28.4 billion ft. (about 2 billion ft. from incremental capacity "creep" at existing plants and up to 6 billion from new installations and expansions at up to l0 locations). But by the end of 2004, capacity could exceed demand by over 3 billion fl.

While competition fiorn OSB has caused southern plywood output to fall since 1996, strong demand provided a reprieve against further mill closures in 1999, with production at 12.3 billion sq. ft. By 2004, competition fiom OSB could push U.S. plywood output well below I I billion ft.

Weak export markets will see a big reversal. By 2004, plywood exports will rebound 6OVo and OSB exports 757o. OSB and plywood prices should be healthy in 2000, due to strong housing demand and little new capacity. However, snrall production increases and easing demand by the second half of the year should result in average prices about lTVo lower than 1999's near-record average of $260/lvISF. Still, prices will be double cash costs.

Given plywood's cost structure and the upconring growth of OSB capacity, plywood prices will sut'for greater downward price pressure during the coming years. Plywood prices could fall by 2oo/o-a point nearing breakeven levels for many mills.

Production/capacity rates may fall as low as 857o fiom 1999's lotiy rates of over 9'7Vo. Plywood production and capacity will gradually erode through to 2004.

Particleboard/MDF

Excess capacity in MDF and particleboard will lower North American operating rates and panel prices for most of the five-year forecast period. However, MDF could finally improve since little new capacity is planned in North America. While particleboard has enjoyed higher operating rates in the late 1990s, new planned capacity lbr 2000 to 2002 could create oversupply.

The rnost significtrnt capacity-bascd wild card is the emerging fiber technologies of urban waste utilization and strawboard. Strawboard offers a low-cost alternative to particleboard and lower grades of MDF. Up to a dozen new plants could create a surge in new capacity, adversely affecting MDF and particleboard output and prices.

Timber Supply

The world is not running out of wood in the short-term. Shortages are not expectcd fbr at least a decade. Regional deficits (and surpluses) will occur frequcntly, but not prolonged shortages due to ample, diverse global resourccs. Consequently, higher timber prices are likely during periods of strong denrand.

fN THE last l0 years. medium denlsitv fiber has established itself as a staple among timber processing companies. The international MDF market is estimated to expand this year to a total consumption of 72 million ft., virtually triple the amount produced in 1993.

According to a recent Wood Moulding & Millwork Producers Association member survey, use of MDF continues to increase, especially in the paint grade market-despite the resultant increase in demand for fiber, tightening supply of MDF board and rising board prices.

What is MDF and why are so many milling companies jumping on the bandwagon? MDF consists of fine wood fibers combined with a synthetic bonding agent. The raw materials are extracted mainly from small timber, residual wood left over from timber processing and worn out wooden products.

MDF is lower in price than solid wood, but possesses excellent technical qualities including high dimensional stability and mechanical strength. In contrast to solid timber, MDF is homogeneous in structure, has no natural flaws and no grain. MDF surfaces can be easily painted, coated or wrapped with foil.

Originally MDF was used as a substitute for chip board and was found almost exclusively in furniture production and interior fittings. Now it is put to many other uses, such as mouldings for furniture fronts or picture frames, skirting boards and curtain rails.

MDF has a finer material structure than solid timber. In order to achieve the required high surface quality for mouldings, shorter cutter marks must

Mouldinss bank on MDF

be used when processing MDF work pieces. This is especially important if the moulding is to be painted with a high gloss or if a fine foil is to be used as a wrapping rather than a thick foil. If conventional tools are used, however, short cutter marks are only possible with a slow feed speed (2640 ft./minute). According to Michael Weinig AG, this disadvantage can be overcome by using jointed hydro tools. Thanks to the hydraulic clamping, the cutter head fits with zero tolerance to the spindles, while at the same time jointing guarantees that all tool cutters are used uniformly. This ensures an optimum true running so that the desired surface quality can be achieved, even at high feed speeds. The prerequisites for jointing are a

heavy construction moulder with a smooth and even feed, and high-performance spindles with optimum speed.

When MDF work pieces are moulded, the fibers on the surface are cut out. The "hairs" sticking up must be removed before the mouldine is

Why are so many

milling companies jumping on the bandwagon?

coated with fine foil or painted, preventing them from remaining visible as a rough surface. This is done by sanding.

Weinig, in fact, now offers a highspeed moulder for longitudinal processing that moulds and sands MDF work pieces in one work sequence. Based on the time-tested Hydromat series, these combination moulder/ sanding machines have special aggregates and a unique spindle arrangement.

MDF mouldings that are coated with thick foil may not need sanding.

In the end, MDF is a low-cost, hightech material extracted from natural substances. A material that is finding more uses, MDF reportedly is easy to process as long as its features are taken into account and suitable machines are used.

NEW moulder from Weinig speeds up manufacture of MDF mouldings.

Top executivest I biggest mistakes

By Alex Cunningham President Profit Management Consulting

rnHE top executive's leadership |. ability and management style are two key indicators of a company's success. Is the person at the helm of your company guilty of one or more of these common mistakes?

Mistake #1: Failure to Plan

Just as no architect would build a house without blueprints. no company should be built without a business plan. Without a definite direction, a company becomes reactive to unanticipated events-with haphazard results. Who is responsible for planning?

In the end, it's the owner's choice: trSr to succeed by design or by default.

Mistake f2:Failure to Listen

Undoubtedly, failure to listen is the most prevalent shortcoming among executives. Yet. listening reveals what a company's customers want and need, what the competition is doing, what problems the employees are experiencing, and how to build a better organization. Don't underestimate the value of employees and their ability to share information. Employees watch situations unfold, discuss controversial matters, complain about management, and have strong opinions about it all. The people in the trenches are the ones who really know what's going on.

The business owner who chooses to ignore employee input or who only pretends to listen is doomed to making decisions based on incomplete or incorrect information. Successful leaders realize that effective leadership comes from listening, not talking.

Mistake #3: Failure to See the Big Picture

Many ceos hide behind the security of their daily routines so they can avoid dealing with the more vital decisions. Priority issues must be isolated. Owners must stand back and determine what's really important to building and running their businesses successfully. By formulating the big pic-

ture, the planning process becomes easier and less intimidating.

Remember that the big picture isn't just projecting out three or five years, but also annually. Quarterly progress reviews allow for adjustments along the way versus realizing that a company must shut down without recourse.

It's the owner's choice:

try to succeed by design or by default.

Mistake #4: Failure to Delegate Studies show that ceos share many characteristics. One is a strong ego, which often translates into a heavier workload for the ceo. Certainly that shouldn't come as a surprise considering that many have gotten where they are through sheer grit. Naturally, they'd want to be involved in every aspect of running their business. However, it does become an obstacle when they believe their way is always superior to that of any employee.

What works better is hiring good employees and delegating to them as much as possible. In turn, employees experience a sense ofcompany ownership through their sfrong level of commitment. By gaining accountability, they learn what it's like to either srumble or receive the accolade. Warning: give accountability without authority and any purpose will be defeated.

Mistake #5: Failure to Expect the Best Owners typically get what they expect. If they don't expect the best, employees sense the lack of commitment and react accordingly. Owners must first demand the best of themselves. Adhering to "best practices" dramatically affects the corporate culture and bottom line. Owners can get workers to reflect the tone of manase-

ment by demonstrating this attitude in their interaction with them. The ageold example is the boss who, when needed, comes in early and stays late.

Mistake #6: Failure to Take Responsibility

No amount of delegation ever absolves ceos from ultimately being responsible. The buck does siop witf, them, and they should never seek to dispense blame elsewhere. On the contrary, when employees excel at what's been delegated, the accolade belongs to no one but them.

Ceos who shoulder all the responsibility find it has a trickle-down effect. Employees who watch the owner step up to the plate feel more obligated to be responsible themselves.

Mistake #7:Failure to Learn

With change a constant of every organization. companies must ever learn new ways of succeeding. Failure is a valuable teacher only if something is done with it. Don't repeat the same ineffective behavior and expect a different outcome.

Good management means understanding the purpose and limitations of the tools available. Many ceos approach problems one building block at a time, when the solution may already exist through training, consulting, automation or focus groups.

Mistake #8: Failure to Lead by Example

Subordinates tend to reflect the traits of their leaders. When a company reaches a pinnacle of success, there is rarely a lack of pride. Yet, over time this pride at the top turns into complacency and drives up other costs, fosters inappropriate decision-making based on "what it used to be like," and ultimately erodes gross margins.

Questioning their own performance often comes too late for owners or ceos. They've been sending out one message to their people for so long that it's difficult for their people ro accept anything else from them.

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thut csn moke you mlney 0s well os slve you nlney. Building Products Digest is sent free to oll quolifying building products retoilers ond wholesolers in fhe 13 Southern stotes or ut reqsonoble rotesto others in the industry. lust fill out the form below ond FAX to 949-852-0231, or muil it with your check fo Building Products Digest, 4500 Compus Dilve, Suite 480, Newporf Beoch, Co. 92660. Que$ions? Coll Autumn ot (949) 852-1990.

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f,:rlrrns

84 l*mber opened a new yard in Jefferson City, Tn. (Randy Scalf, store mgr.); is nearing completion on a store in Bardstown, Ky., with others on the way in Shelbyville and Leitchfield, Ky.

McCoy\ Building Supply held a grand opening for its newly remodeled store in Brownwood, Tx.; Mike Jones, store mgr.

Wheeler's Building Materials has opened a 38,0@-sq. ft. store on three acres in Bessemer (Birmingham), Al.; Bobby Wolfe, mgr....

Carolina Holdings has acquired McGinnes Lumber Supply, Plant City, Fl.; Willard McGinnes Jr. stays on as gen. mgr. ...

Home Depot opens stores this month in Cornelius, N.C.; Midlothian, Va., and Richardson, Tx.; bought at auction Hechinger's McAllen, Tx., location, and had its site plan for a new store in Peachtree City, Ga., again tabled by the planning commission ... t2 current and former workers at Depot's Southfield, Mi., store have filed a racial discrimination suit seeking $1.12 billion ...

lowe's Cos. opened new superstores in West Nashville, Tn.; Cumming, Ga. (Alan Harkins, store mgr.); Lakeland, Fl. (store mgr. John Williams, co-mgr. Dwight Marsh), and at the redesigned Beacon Mall in Alexandria, Va. (Robert Rawlings, store mgr.)

Lowe's plans a spring opening in Fayetteville, Ga., and applied to build a 135,000-sq. ft. store with 48,000-sq. ft. garden center in Knightdale, N.C.

Truserv's Top Lumber Member for t999 include Causeway Lumber, Fort Lauderdale, Fl.; Forest Products Supply, Sarasota, Fl.: Mobile Lumbet Mobile, Al.;

Cape Cod Lumber, Fort Lauderdale; Fairfax ltmber, Springfield, Va., and Sminy's Lumberteria, Alexandria, Va. TruServ is consolidating its $10 million Yellow Pages ad account with agency TMP Worldwide

Ace Hardware Corp.'s new marketing program trains associates to be "professional space consultants" for products such as shelves and bins...

Wxorrsnrrs/trrurrcru RrRS

Roy O. Martin Lumber Co. has sold Dura-Wood Treating Co., Alexandria, La., to RailWorks Corp....

TexTrim Mouldings, San Marcos, Tx., has closed after l5 years

Ce ntral Lumber Te chnolo gies (CUf), Oklahoma City, Ok., a subsidiary of Tom L. Davis Lumber Co., Oklahoma City, has not been closed as erroneously reported here last month; Cl,T, a specialties firm, is three years old this month; the parent company has been in business since 1958

Marks Forest Products, Birmingham, Al., has opened an Atlanta, Ga., branch office managed by George Small, with Tony Gambino, Kathy Hedgepeth and Clay Hoard, all ex-GeorgiaPacific

Norbord Industries Inc. is building a $120 million OSB plant on 320 acres in HuguleS Al.; construction of the 500 million sq. ft. capacity mill should be completed within l6 months...

Cameron Ashley Building Products' senior management, an investment fund and a Citigroup subsidiary plan to buy all outstanding shares of the Dallas, Tx.based distributor...

Weyerhaeuser has completed its purchase of TJ International

Doorlite, Inc. (Westem Reserve Products), Gallatin, Tn., has sold its assets to ODL Inc.

Gilman Pape4, St. Marys, Ga., has been acquired by Mexicobased Durango Paper; the Howard Gilman Foundation will still run Gilman Building Products Co....

Louisiana-Pacific has sold its sealant division Associated Chemicals, Inc,, Portland, Or., and Orangeburg, S.C., to ACI management and an equity firm

Hughes Supply /nc., Orlando, Fl., is helping to fund bestroute. com LLC, a business-to-business online stocking distributorship for the electrical industry

Hitachi Power Tools, Norcross, Ga., is now offering its complete power tool line through Amazon. com...

United Forest Products, Spartanburg, S.C., is now stocking Willamette Industries'full line of engineered wood products ...

U.S. Concrele, Houston, Tx., agreed to acquire ready-mixed concrete/lime slurry producer Beall Industries, Dallas, Tx.

New Web site: World Buyers' Guide for Hardwares & Building M are rials, www.bui ldingmaterialsguide.com

Ve lux-Gree nwood /nc., Greenwood, S.C., has earned ISO 9002 certification ...

Anniversaries: A.F. Schwerd Mfg. Co.,Piusburg, Pa., 140th...

Engineered wood products use in U.S. and Canadian residential construction rose nearly 80Vo per start from 1995 to 1998, reports APA...

Housing starts in Dec. (latest figs.) climbed 7Vo to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.712 million ... single family starts rose 8Vo Io 1.402 million, multifamily was at a rate of 280,000 with 5+ units and 30,000 for 2-4 units an estimated 1.663 million units were started in 1999,3Vo above 1998's 1,616,900.

Scotty's Converts Stores To Bargain Outlets

Less than a month after converting l0 of its Florida hardware stores into Bargain Outlets, Scotty's is switching nine more units to the format.

If the concept continues to be popular, it could be rolled out to dozens more stores within the next few months. Sales at the first 10 units were up over lOOVo during their first week. The stores were so busy, the company had to add more shopping carts, shopping baskets and cash registers.

The first Scotty's Bargain Outlets opened Jan. 15 in Seminole, Brandon, Orlando, Titusville and Key West, plus three in Tampa and two in Bradenton. On Feb. 12, remodeled stores open in Savannah, Ga.; Neptune Beach, Port Orange, Punta Gorda, Homestead, Sarasota, and three in Jacksonville, Fl.

The units are actually five stores in one: a Closeout Store, Dollar Store, Home Fashions Outlet. Floorstore Outlet and Hardware Store.

The 5,000-7,00O sq. ft. closeout area will offer a wide range of brand name discontinued goods, including housewares, electronics, sporting goods, luggage, books, food, tools, toys, cosmetics and seasonal items, at trp to TOEI off retail.

The 4,000-sq. ft. Dollar Store will sell over 100,000 items for $l or less, including books, picture frames, medicine, plastic storage, dishes, shampoo, paper towels, party supplies, canned foods, candy and kitchen gadgets.

The pre-existing home fashions and floorcovering areas were remerchandised to carry closeouts and special buys.

To make room for the new sections, the hardware store now carries fewer SKUs, eliminating items such as toilets and guttering.

Drywall Demand Wanes

A year after drywall demand reached an all-time high while supplies lagged far behind (see April, p. 25), manufacturers report their operations have slowed slightly from capacity levels of lNVo. Yet prices remain at record levels.

Indeed, with Sheetrock currently selling at roughly $160 a thousand sq. ft., a figure that galls most home builders, many are wondering why the shortage appears to have concluded.

For starters. new home construction is expected to decrease from the lofty levels of the past three years as

demand is mollified and mortgage rates rise.

Leery of inflation, the average 30year fixed-rate mortgage is around 8.3l%o, up from 7Vo last summer, experts report.

November's housing starts slipped 3.3Vo to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.6 million, contrasted to 1.65 million last year, the lowest since September 1998. The expected slowdown of overall economic growth could cause a 7Vo drop in housing starts, to 1.55 million, compared to 1.66 million in 1999, said David Seiders, chief economist of the National Association of Home Builders.

Despite this, the drywall industry is in the midst of its first major expansion in decades. and manufacturers are increasing capacity. Last year, USG Corp., the industry leader, opened its first new product plant in 30 years, and experts are predicting about l0 new plants to open within the next two years.

Manufacturers remain optimistic about the continued good health of the industry, all the while proceeding with the revamping of their operations, even as home builders report that while the product is easier to obtain, delays are still troublesome and costly.

-Ustings.are ofien submitted months in advarce. Alwoys verily dates and locations with sponsor before making plans to dttend,-'

F:rnunv

Lumberments Association of TexasFeb. 10-12, board & committee meetings, Austin, Tx.; (800) ?49-5862.

Texes Home & Garden ShowFeb. 11.13, Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, Tx.; (800) 65/t-l480.

Ilouston IIoo-Hoo ClubFeb. 12, a day at the rrces, Honston, Tx.; (2El) 485-1855.

VYindow & Door Msnufacturers AssoclationFeb. 12-16. annual meeting, Thcson, Az.; (80O) 223-2301.

lltood Moulding & Mlllwork Producers AssocladonFeb. lGl9, annual meeting, Tbcson, Az.; (8fi)) 550-7889.

Carolinas Woodworklng & Furnlture Supply ShowFeb. 18-19, Greensboro, N.C.; (828) 459-9894.

Mid.Amerlca Lumbermens AssodadonFeb. l&19, building products expo, Kansas City, Mo.; (8Nr747-6529.

Appalachian llardwood ManufscturersFeb. 2$tl, cnnvenrion, Chadeston Place, Charleston, S.C.; (336) 885-8315.

Texas Home & Garden ShowFeb.2S-tl, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Tx.; (8m) 65+1480.

Western AssociatlonFeb. 25-27, annual convention, Ritz Carlton Hotel, Kansas City, Mo.; (816) 561-5323.

National Wooden Pallet & Contalner AssoclatlonFeb. 2.G 29, expo, Marriott Hotel, Marco Island, Fl.; (7O3> 527-76f7.

National Rooflng Contractors AssoclationFeb. 27-March 1, annual convention, Atlanta, Ga.; (847) 299-9mO,

trncn

Kentucky Forest Industries AssociationMarch 1-2, annual meeting, Lexington, Ky.; (800) 203-9217.

National Sash & Door Jobbers AssoclatlonMarch 1.2, regional meeting, Arlington, Va.; (800) 786-7274.

Architectural Woodwork InstituteMarch 2.5, board meeting & conference, Phoenix, Az.; (703) 733-06m.

Canadian Fence IndustryMarch 3, Fencecraft 2000, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; (ffi4) 7 36-2568.

Texas Home & Garden ShowMarch 3-5, Market Hall, Dallas, Tx.; (800) 654-1480.

Hardware Distribution WarehousesMarch 4-5, spring mart, Jackson Convention Center, Jackson, Ms.; (800) 2568527.

International Mass Retail AssociationMarch 7-10, loss prevention seminar, Houston, Tx.; (703) 841-2300.

Mid-Americo Lumbermens AssociationMarch 9-10, estimating seminar, Best Western Saddleback Inn, Oklahoma City, Ok.; (8oo) 747-6529.

North American Building Material Dlstribution AssociationMarch 9-11, executive management conference, Eden Roc Resort & Spa, Miami Beach, Fl.; (888) 747-7862.

Charlotte Woodworking ShowMarch 10-12, The Merchandise Mart, Chadotte, N.C.; (800) 826-8257.

International Hardware FairMarch l2-15. The Fairgrounds, Cologne, Germany; (212) 97 4-8835.

Southeastern Green Building ConferenceMarch 13-15, Grove Park Inn Resort, Asheville, S.C.; (919) 851-8444.

International Panel & Engineered Wood Technology Clinic & ShowMarch 15-17, Portland, Or.; (800) 227-4675.

Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition - March 15-19, WorldBex 200O, World Trade Cenrer, Manila, Philippines; (415) 883-271 l.

Center for Forest Products Marketing & Management - March 16-17, annual workshop, Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg, Va.; (540) 231-5876.

ofion news

Carolinas-Tennessee Building Materials Association and Virginia Building Material Association have completed their merger.

Since the newly formed Southern Building Material Association operates on a July through June fiscal year, each chapter will have six representatives on the board for the remainder of this year. Starting July l, each chapter will have four members on the new board.

Representing Virginia, David Cappellari and Jack Williams will serve as directors until this summer, Tim Tobin and Freddy Siewers until next year, and Bruce Edwards and Joe Mullen until 2OO2. Jim Van Landingham is 3rd vice chair.

VBMA's Cindy Hartley remains as director of SBMA's Virginia Chapter.

Construction Suppliers Association is sponsoring an "Art of Getting Paid" seminar March 29 at the

Holiday Inn, McDonough, Ga., and a truss roundtable April 30-May 2 atthe Holiday Inn-Skytop, Rome, Ga.

Kentucky Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association is holding a small projects estimating class Feb. 28 and a residential framing lumber estimating seminar Feb. 29-March 2 at the Executive Inn, Louisville.

Greater Houston Lumber & Building Material Dealers Associ. ation is seeking applications for its seventh annual scholarships. Deadline is Feb. 28. They will be presented at the annual barbecue and membership meeting in May.

Mid-America Lumbermens Association has installed Pat Thorne, Pat Thorne Lumber Co., Chillicothe, Mo., as pres., succeeding John Humphreys, The Home Lumber & Supply Co., Ashland, Ks.

Upcoming MLA events include the annual Expo Feb. 18-19 at the Crown Center Exhibit Hall, Kansas City, Mo.; a basic estimating school March 9-10 in Oklahoma City, Ok., and a "Riding the Waves of the Web" seminar March 23 in Sedalia. Mo.

New Lawn & Garden Website

E*Garden, Inc., Raleigh, N.C., has reportedly launched the first businessto-business e-commerce Web site for the lawn & garden industry.

The site (www.egarden.com) features an auction for surplus and rare merchandise, and in the spring plans to open a Wholesale Store for product sales.

Linda Watson is company president; Peter Loewer, a garden writer, editor and illustrator, is contributing editor in charge of the online newsletter, and Catherine Maxwell, director of associate relations.

Gunmen Wound Alabama Yard Manager

A midday holdup by two mrsked gunmen at United Plywood and Lumber Inc., Birmingham, Al., left onc employee woundcd and scveral others terrified.

Gregory Bates, 39, company nranager, was treated at University Hospital in Birmingham fa a gunshot wound to the face, but reported back to work Jan. 10, two weeks after the Dec. 27 rcbbery.

The holdup was the second in less than a week at the firm. Earlier in the day, company officials had met with experts about upgrading security after the previous heist.

The incident occurred around 12:15 p.m. when two men, both wearing white masks and white gloves, entered the main office.'"They came in shooting," said employee Blaine Bgoth, who was seated at the switchboard. "They were shouting obscenities."

The men dragged one female ernployee up a flight of steps to the safe, demanding she open it. After she refused, the robben opened fire and the woman dropped to the floor, shaken, but unhurt. The two assailants fled.

Soon thereafter, the police arrived and evacuated the building, believing one of the robbers might be inside. After using police dogs to search the premises, authorities confirmed that the robbers had escaped and allowed the employees back inside.

The holdup was brief. '1They were stumbling over each other to get out of here," recalled employee Kim Williams. "Never in my whole life have I been robbed. My heart was just

pounding."

Duing the Dec. 2l rotrbery the assailants allegedly escaped with a large sun of cash, causing police to warn employecs that the men might rleturn.

'I guess they thought it wrs an easy target," BoCh said. Batcs, who wasn't around when the first incident occurr€d, told several employees that he was sorry he had missed the robbery. He was told that it was just as well because the gunrnen might have gotten agitated when confronrcd by a man.

On Jan.5, police arested one of the suspects, J.D. Rush, 24, of Birmingham, and charged him with three counts of robbery, two from the United Plywood incidents, and the other for a car dealership holdup that occurred three hours after the second episode.

Reportedly, Rush and his accomplice were overheard bragging about their exploits, leading a tipster to notify police.

Rush is being held without bail in the Jefferson County Jail where he faces additional charges of attempted murder and discharging a firearm.

Authorities said he does not have any apparent connection to either company.

Blazes GutWarehouses

Investigators continue looking for the causes of recent fires at building material warehouses that caused millions of dollars in damage.

A Dec. 14 fire ripped ttuough r netd buiHing d Forwortlr-Galbrsitll

Lumber's Van Alstyne, Tx., yard. As flames spread thnoughout the warehouse, the structur€ ballooned and collapsed into a heap of smoldering debris, destroying the inventory insi&.

The blaze, the second at the yard over the last few years, was extinguished within two hours, even though tlre nearest fire hydrant was more than a quarter of a mile away. Three fire departments used tank tucks to bring in about 3,0(X) gallons of water, which was dumped into a holding pond and then collected by pump trucks.

Tlvo weeks prior, a fire at The Lumber Yard, Inc., Farmville, Va., ravaged a warehouse, including all of the trucks, forklifts and materials inside.

The store and yard were spared in the blaze, which was contained in the warehouse.

Owner/manager Dave Martin reported that arson is suspected.

Plywood Worker lnfured

An l8-year-old worker at Salisbury Lumber& Supply Co., Salibury N.C., caught his hand between the two rollers inside a plywood laminating machine.

Rescue worken pried the rollen apart and freed the man, who was airlifted to a hospital and is expected to recoverfrom the Dec. l0 injuries.

OVER 70,000 trade professionals attended the International Builders Show [photos below]: (1) Duane McDougall, Marvin Brown, Eddie McMillan. (2) Jack Merry, Dave Rogoway. (3) Bill Wachtler, Darren Hanis. (4)Jim Carroll, KelliO'Shea, Melissa Morinelli, JoelAdamson. (5) Melissa Monell, Misty Mounger. (6) Leslie Newkirk, Brenda King. (7) Eric Gee, Richard Kleiner, Richard Wallace, Ewell Smith. (8) Christian Gunther, Marty Fajerman, Pat Massux, George Strakes. (9) Doug Budell, Jerry Love. (10)Eric Hansen, Craig Forbes. (11) Monis Carey, James Carey. (12) Rob Guzikowski, Bruce Lewis, Mike Moran, Norm Hall. (13) Al Blanchard, Marge Jones. (14) Jeremy Mitvo, Kent Newberry, Pat Aldred, Susan Chibers. (15) Henry Eadie, Lisa Carson.

DALLAS CONVENTION Center, Dallas, Tx., was the site ol the National Association of Home Builders' Jan. 14-17 International Builders Show [photos on next page]: (1) Huck DeVenzio, Pam Mitchell. (2)Jace Ray, Rodney Hardison. (3) Bill Burleson, Krista McKennah, DanielWoods. (4) David Cieslik, Joan Spanyer, Kevin Kratch, (5) Nicole Bigham, Ed Shapiro, Jennifer Kulisiewicz. (6) Bill Toupey, Tom Marshall, Tom Shuford. (7) Millicent Davis, Rafe Hagel, Kami Camsford. (8) Marty Hawkins, David Hebbard. (9) Tom Kraeutler, Mary Banetta. (10) Mark Hageman, singer lrlene Mandrell, Jim Precht. (11) Katie Shea, Mark Gagnon. The over 1,000 exhibits spanned more than 1 million sq. ft. across 100+ product categories.

Wood Preservation Standards

American Wood-Preservers' Association's 466-pg. 1999 Book of Standards now available. All 96 of AWPA"s Standards for wood preservatives and for preservative treated wood products. CD-ROM version included with every order. Standards of interest to the building products industry revised in 1999:

C2-99 Lumber, Timber

C9-99 Plywood

C28-99 LaminatedMembers

M4-99 Care of Preservative Treated Wood

C2O-99 & C27 -99 Fire Retardant Treated Lumber & Plywood

Introduced in 1999: the Use Category System for specifying treated wood. Most building construction applications will be Use Categories I and 2 (interior construction above ground), 3 (exterior construction above ground), and 4 (ground and fresh water contact). This simplified system will soon be the method of specifying treated wood.

$ l8 1 per copy, prepaid, sent by Priority Mail ($81 for AWPA Members). U.S. addresses only for foreign purchases add $15.

American Wood-Preservers' Association, P.O. Box 5690, Granbury, TX76049 Phone: (8 1 7) 326-6300. F ax: 817 -326-6306.

onols

Tracey Fountain is the new office mgr. at Bowlings Home Center, King George, Va.

Ted Carlson has been named v.p. of sales and marketing for DixiePaci fic Manufacturing Co., Gadsden, Al.

Scott Schaefer has been appointed pres. of Schaefer Sash & Door Co., Cordova, Tn. Dudley Schaefer, Sr. is ceo; David Schaefer, v.p., and Tommy Thompson, sales mgr.

Barry Garcia was named plant superintendent of Willamette Industries, Inc.'s plywood plant and sawmill, Zwolle, La., succeeding David West, who was promoted to plant mgr. in Dodson, La. Bobby Rivers is plant mgr. in Zwolle. Scott Elston has been promoted to general sales mgr. of the Southern Building Materials Group, Bennettsville, S.C.

Edward H. Mosher, Jr. has been elected executive v.p. and gen. mgr. of Lumbermen's Underwriting Alliance, Boca Raton, Fl.

Jim Arthurs has been named engineered wood products segment leader for Weyerhaeuser Building Materials, Federal Way, Wa. Also previously with MacMillan Bloedel, Chip Register is now commodity trading group leader; Kevin Seward, cedar products segment leader; Jim Warnke, U.S. operations leader; Carlos Guilherme, Canadian operations leader; Ron Herrin, Customer Service Center gen. mgr., Gulfport, Ms.; Mark Niewerth, CSC gen. mgr., Dallas, Tx.; Scott Shee, CSC gen. mgr., Pompano Beach, Fl.; Robert Taylor, CSC lead gen. mgr., Jacksonville, Fl., and Vic Viorde, CSC gen. mgr., Houston, Tx.

N'IATEf,IAL EIT'EIEI

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bundle in under 2 minutes

o Manufactured from high grade steel and Laboratory tested to lift 3.0OO lbs.

o A must for any operation where partial bundles are required.

o FOR USE WITH Hardwood lumber, dimension lumber, sheathing plywood, any material where a finished surface is not required.

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Judd S. Johnson, The Hardwood Report, Memphis, Tn., was elected president of the Lumbermen's Club of Memphis, succeeding Dan Mayhew, Jimmy Whittington Lumber Co., Memphis. Others elected: Paul J. Miller, Jr., National Hardwood Magazine, Memphis, lst v.p.; Terry Wilson, Wilson Lumber Co., Memphis, 2nd v.p.; Elsie Starr, secretary/ treasurer. Named directors: Dan Meyer, National Hardwood Lumber Association, Memphis; Jolene Jordan, J&J Lumber Co., Memphis, and William "Bill" Turner, Frank A. Conkling, Brunswick, Tn. Returning directors: Paul Houghland, Jr., National Hardwood Lumber Association; J.R. Johns, Bruce Hardwood Floors, Jackson, Tn., and Robert "Bob" Jorgensen, Jorgensen-Bennett Manufacturing Co.

SCTTWERD'S Quclity Wood Columns since 1860

A.F. Schwerd ManufacturinB Co. has been oroducing w@d columns and oilasten for bver 135lears. The wood is thbroghly seasoned pine for exterior use; additional lumber smies available for interior.

Production besins with a minimum 2'shaft wall thickness-using solid pice lumber (no finger ioints) resultine in a qualitv durable column. Columns ari availible i'n drameters from 4' to sff and in rhe lenqth required for your specific installaiion up to 35'. To assist in your restoratio projects, we can manutacture columns to match y@r existinR design. Capitals, shafts, bases ind plinths ian be purchased separately.

No 150

f.f*Ufr*t-B

Our comolete aluminum bases are manufactured of thick metal and are recommended for exterior columns for a seamless base that will last a lifetime. The aluminum plinths are ventilated for air circulation throuqh the column shaft. Comolete aluminium bases are available in three architecturally-correcl styles for even diameter columns from 8' to 30'. Call or write for our free catalog.

John DeMeter has been named sales mgr. of Anthony Forest Products' Anthony Log Homes division in Arden, N.C. Ed McGinnis is new to sales in Arden, and Jason Arrington is in sales in El Dorado, Ar. Clay Evans, plant mgr., Atlanta, Tx., has been appointed to Gov. George W. Bush's Career & Technology Advisory Committee. Charlotte Humphries is the new environmental, health and safety coordinator in Troup, Tx.

Malinda Weir and Don Smallwood have been named co-mgrs. of the new Home Depot in Alpharetta, Ga. Kraig Kowalski is store mgr. of the new Myrtle Beach, S.C., home center.

John Collie, Causeway Lumber, Fort Lauderdale, Fl., has been promoted to roof truss director for the East Coast Operations. Mike White is new as director for West Coast Roof Truss Operations. Mike Gilbert is now asst. roof truss director at the Bonita Springs, Fl., facility.

Dennis Bliss has been appointed comgr. of 84 Lumber, Manchester, Tn.

Howard McClure has been named v.p. of Loxcreen Co., Brooklet, Ga.

Len Kuhr has been named chief financial officer of TruServ Corp., succeeding Kerry Kirby, who has retired. Ed Detrich and Tom Capalbo have been promoted to, respectively, national sales mgr. and general mgr. of the rental division; Thomas J. Filipski was named chairman of the board of Member Insurance Ltd., and Robert Ostrov was elected to the board.

Larry Lucas has been promoted to inside sales/customer service mgr. for Streuli Sales, Colfax, N.C.

Bob Nixon has been appointed a partner of Gemroi Co., Fredericksburg, Va.

Richard L. and Judy Nunley, Better Living, Inc., Charlottesville, Va., received the Paul Goodloe McIntire Citizenship Award from the regional Chamber of Commerce.

Bruce H. Cowgill, president-Insulation Group, CertainTeed Corp., was re-elected chairman of the board of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, Alexandria, Va. Thomas L. Caltrider, Johns Manville, was elected vice chairmau Kenneth D. Mentzer, president and ceo, and Angus Crane, v.p. and general counsel.

Arthur Blank, president and ceo, Home Depot, Atlanta, Ga., was named one of Basiness Week'sTop 25 Executives for 1999.

Sue M. Dailey has been retained as general counsel to Mungus-Fungus Forest Products, Climax, Nv., according to owners Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus.

U.S. Lumber lmports Soaring

Quota restraints on Canadian exports have caused European and Southern Hemisphere lumber exports to displace North American suppliers, according to Wood Markets Quarter/y, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

The publication reported that market shares of U.S. West Coast lumber exports have plummeted because other exporters have invaded their turf.

"Now, domestic U.S. producers find these same producers right at their back door, aggressively competing in the U.S. market." said publisher Russell Taylor. "As a result, U.S.

"The beeping of the trucks reversing gets really bad. If (the noise doesn't go away), I guess we'll start looking at the real estate ads."

-TqmerGoldmann,

Costq Mesa, Ca., homeowner on a Home Depot opening next door imports of softwood lumber from Europe and the Southern Hemisphere are forecast to reach over 2 billion M. ft. in 2005."

Taylor noted that while production rates for six selected European countries and three Southern Hemisphere countries have collectively increased by almost 4OVo during the 1990s, the growth of their exports is a resounding9OVo during the same period.

"It is evident that European producers, especially the large integrated firms, have developed a strategy to position themselves in all three of the major lumber markets in the world," he said. "(However), the most efficient Scandinavian and Austrian mills can be cost competitive in the U.S. market with domestic North American production."

Predictions for 2005 of U.S. imports of European softwood lumber range from 400 million bd. ft. to I billion, mainly as dimension lumber.

Pine lumber exports to the U.S. from New 7-ealand, Chile, Brazil and Argentina rose from 12 million bd. ft. in l99l to about 625 million last year, according to the report.

The Quality Leader in Treated Wood Producfs

roducts

This Skylight Snaps To lt

Andersen Windows Inc. has introduced a skylight with a snap-in sash and tempered glazing for better energy efficiency.

The skylight's frame and sash are installed separately, allowing installers to reach throush the frame from the roof to line up the frame with the rough opening.

Circle No. 605

One Cool Ceiling Line

A black liner that reportedly provides thermal insulation, reduces airborne sound transmission, and acts as a visual barrier for walls and ceilinss is new from Knauf Fiber Glass Co. -

Shake Shingle & Roll

Celotex Corp. has introduced a three layer, laminated asphalt shingle that reportedly has the look and feel of a wood shake.

Presidential Tri-Laminate Shake Shingles come with a lifetime and

one-time transferable warranty and have a UL Class A fire rating.

The product's top layer and two base tabs feature a heavyweight fiberglass mat with weathering grade asphalt and granules.

Circle No. 601

from United States Gypsum Co.

The product is available in tape-on and nail-on styles and comes in 8', 9' and l0' standard lengths.

Circle No. 603

A Whammer Of A Hammer

A 22.5-lb. demolition hammer for chipping. chiseling. digging. tamping and ground rod driving is new from Bosch Power Tools.

An Inside Job

Interior Products has a new bendable substrate for creating fast and accurate interior and exterior radiuses. Kerfkore's horizontal ribs suide the shape of the finished cohimns, eliminating the need for vertical ribs. The dimensionally stable product accepts contact adhesives. seams easily and requires only light laminating pressure.

Circle No. 602

Get A Bead On lt

Paper-faced metal drywall bead and trim that reportedly ensure excellent adhesion to Sheetrock are new

The 1l3l6EVS features a built-in dust shield, a 360" rotating front handle and a service light reminder that indicates the need for service eisht hours in advance of shutdown.

The product's quick-lock chuck allows chisels to be rotated and locked into 12 different positions.

Circle No. 604

Liner M can be fastened to walls or suspended above ceilings in theaters, sound studios, public concourses and other acoustical treatment areas and meets all appropriate specifications and building codes.

It comes in 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 PCF densities and 1", l-112" and 2" thickNESSCS.

Circle No. 606

This Saw ls No Hack

Stanley has introduced a slopenosed hacksaw designed to cut up to 4" deep, even in the tightest spots.

Its I-beam frame is made from high impact polymer and features a handle lever for quick blade changes.

Circle No. 607

Replacement Windows

Fully-assembled replacement windows that secure in place with six screws and tilt out for easy cleaning are available from Pella Corp.

The Force ls With You

PowerShot Tool Co. Inc. has introduced an ergonomically designed staple gun that puts the force over the staple, making it easier to control and drive staples flush.

Precision Fit windows have an allwood interior and aluminum-clad exterior, and come in three styles.

Circle No. 608

Shingles For The Southeast

Georgia Pacific Corp. has introduced residential roofing shingles that reportedly have the look and feel of architectural laminated shinsles.

Savannah shingles corie in five colors: coastal black, highland brown, weathered wood, cobblestone gray and sawgrass green.

The product's notched side lap allows roofers to quickly determine where shingles should be aligned both horizontally and vertically.

Circle No. 609

Cut Tiles In Style

A 17" tile cutter for pros and d-iyers alike is new from American Tool Cos.

Irwin Tile Cutter comes in three sizes from 13" to 19" for both wall and floor tiles.

Forward Action features a non-slip rubber handle, a drop-in staple chamber and a window for viewing remaining supply.

The product also fires 9/16" nails.

Circle No. 611

Storage Time

A modular drawer, shelf and rollout tray storage system for protecting small parts to tools is new from Lista International Corp.

Storage Wall's drawers and trays hold up to 44O lbs. each, while its wide span beams support up to 1,500 lbs., and come with a variety of deckings, including steel, wire, and plywood.

The product can be changed or added to and is available in several heights to take advantage of all vertical space.

Circle No.612

Fix Me TWo Screwdrivers

Stanley Tools has introduced a pair of tri-lobe, bi-material handle screwdrivers.

Multi-Bit screwdrivers come with 10 standard l/4 bits, six of which are inside the driver magazine and four in

a clip-on unit that doubles as a storage rack.

The products have a spring-loaded, hard-wearing ball bearing indexing mechanism for bit changeovers, and a magnetic bit holder that ensures bits are held securely.

Circle N0.613

A School Of Cordless Tools

Bosch Power Tools has introduced four new 24-volt cordless power tools.

The 24-volt series includes a drill/driver, a 6-l/2" circular saw, a flashlight and a dual stroke reciprocating saw.

Circle N0.614

This Door's No Pal Of Storms

A l-ll8"-thick wood storm door made from exterior grade panels of recycled wood fiber is new from Columbia Manufacturing Corp.

The product features a frame for holding the tile, a gauge for accurate measurements, a carbide cutting wheel for scoring and a device to snap apart the tile.

A pair of 1"-3" wall hole tile cutters that attach to the 19" model or stand alone are also available.

Circle No. 610

is ovoiloble by circling the corresponding Reoder Service number opposite lhe inside bock cover ond sending the form to New Products Editor, FAX to 949-852-0231, by E-moil to ddelvol@ioc.net, by moil to 4500 Compus Dr., Suite 480, Newport Beoch, C0.92660, or by colling (949) 852-r 990.

Huron doors are protected with moisture-proof, scratch-resistant, UV stabilized polyurethane and come in six colors.

The product's brass handles are reversible for left or right opening and can be customized with decorative brass or beveled glass.

Circle No. 615

Blades Of Steel

Circular saw blades made from durable, heat-treated steel for cross cutting and ripping hardwood, softwood, plywood, composition board and most other woods are available from American Tool Cos.

Irwin Pro blades come in 27 sizes, ranging froml-l/4" to 12" in diame-

ter and from24 to 100 teeth.

The product also cuts non-ferrous metals and plastics.

Circle N0.616

Bid Adieu To Squeaks

A tool said to fix floor squeaks without having to pull up carpets is new from O'Berry Enterprises Inc.

Squeek No More's joist finding screw finds the floorjoist from above the floor, then, the alignment and depth control fixture drives down a scored screw as far as it will go. Next, the screw gripper snaps off the screw head directly below the surface of the floor, with no damage to the carpet.

Circle No. 617

With Mallet Toward None

An ergonomically designed mallet for woodworking, metal fabricating,

machine shop, tool and die and masonry is new from Vaughan & Bushnell Manufacturing Co.

The product's polyurethane head is securely mounted on a hardwood han-

with the quolity, dependobility ond service you con rely upon for

dle with a molded rubber handle grip and delivers a solid blow without recoil.

Circle No. 618

Composite Entry Door

A high-density composite entry door that gives the appearance of real wood but resists warping and bucklins is new from Premdor.

The Colorado Series is available in four textured door panel designs with standard widths of 30", 32" and 36"

The product comes primed, ready for finish and standard lockset.

Circle N0.619 Delivery Available

This Display Shutters 'em Up

A shutter merchandiser display that adjusts to construct floor, hanging, one- or two-sided free standing or tower displays is available from Cellwood.

H$

Point-of-purchase displays allow dealers to merchandise and stock product all in one place and feature promotional brochures.

Circle N0.620

'Round The Bend

A 10" flexible substrate that is reportedly an alternative to bending plywood for radius fabrication is new from Interior Products Inc.

Flexboard requires no sanding, patching, multiple layers, or special installation and reduces cost, scrap, and weight.

The product comes rn 4'x4',4'x8' and 8'x4' sizes with a particleboard, MDF or plywood core and a 0.080" thick hardboard face.

Circle No. 621

Lumber Dealer Software

Spruce Computer Systems has introduced new software to reduce the costs of storing large volumes of paperwork.

The Relational Information Suite consists of two modules: Relational Database Framework and Relational Management Tools, both of which run parallel with the main system on a Windows NT server. The systems graphically capture and store invoices, purchase orders and associated documents that can be saved on CDs, eliminating the need for hard copies.

The information can be easily retrieved when needed. Users can also create their own templates if desired.

Circle No.622

How To Nail Home Depot

By Al Norman, author, Slam-Dunking Wal-Mart: How You Can Stop Superstore Sprawl in Your Hometown

fN 1996, Home Depot opened a new store once every four Idays. By 1999, Home Depot claimed it would cut a ribbon every two days.

Now controlling more than lSVo of the $200 billion home improvement market in America, Depot chairman Bernie Marcus says, "There are markets in the U.S. that are so badly undersaturated that they will need to have lots of Home Depots." By October 1999, the store count was up to 866. The chain now boasts it will more than double its stores to 1,900 over the next four years.

It ain't gonna happen.

The main thing that stands in their way is not stock performance, housing starts or what their competitors do. It's organized citizen opposition. All it takes today is the orange shadow of a Home Depot to fall across a community, and the organizing begins. It's happening in North Miami, Fl. It's happening in Santa Cruz, Ca. Depot bashing is taking place from Roanoke, Va., to White Bear Lake, Mn., from Tucson, Az., to San Francisco, Ca. Citizens are saying: "Hometowns, Not Home Depot."

What used to be a 90-day permitting process can now take one or two years----even longer. Every time Home Depot delays a store opening for one year, that's $5 I million in lost revenues to the company. Marcus tries to shrug it off: "Now when we're opening 130 stores and you hear about (protests) in five or ten, you'd say, 'Well, my God,

this is quite awful.' But it's not, it's about the same as it was before." It's not the same, it's getting worse.

Community opposition to Home Depot has escalated over the past six years because citizens now see the economic and social damage that big box retail can cause at the neighborhood level. "You want the nicest neighborhood in North Miami cluttered with this garbage?" asked one opponent.

Like-minded residents have formed do-it-yourself coalitions to defeat Depot. They need only four tools to succeed: (l) a broad-based citizen's group, (2) a land use attorney, (3) constant visibility in the media, and (4) money to pay for the first three.

Merchants and others in the industry often try to keep a low-profile in such campaigns, hoping the citizens will succeed, but doing little to make it happen. Here are three ways for local businesses to help ensure that hometowns win over Home Depot:

( | ) Be Preemptive. Communities such as Tucson, Santa Cruz and others are updating their zoning ordinances to make it harder for big box retailers to overwhelm smaller businesses. Some consultants tell hardware stores how to hide in a niche once Home Depot arrives. But the competition to survive begins before Depot arrives, and zoning amendments like size caps, special permits or regional economic impact reviews are much more effective in winning the battle early, rather than finding some obscure corner to hide in.

Begin now to renovate your city or town zoning codeeven if you already have a Home Depot in your community. St. Petersburg and Clermont, Fl., are examples of two communities that used their zoning codes to reject big boxes.

(2) Join a Coalition. To build a house, you have to start with the foundation. Identify now which people or groups in your community could take up the hometown banner. When Home Depot comes, they will set up an "astro-roots" group to counter any grassroots effort that crops up, so beat them to it.

Look around your regional trade area, and get your colleagues in the building supply industry together to plan for a battle. In Santa Rosa, Ca., the Redwood Empire Merchants Association hired an organizer and took on Depot directly. Home Depot took the path of least resistancc, and left.

(3) Invest in Your Future. Home Depot spent nearly half a million dollars to win a voter referendum in Toledo, Oh. The citizens opposing the project received little financial help from community businesses. Financial support for community coalitions can be provided in a low-profile way. Since Home Depot is investing heavily to put you out of business, consider your investment in community organizing as a downpayment on your future. Competition for market share does not begin once Home Depot opens, it starts before their site plan even reaches town planners.

For New Construction or Remodeling

Fiber-cement is the best product to have on your home. lt has the warmth of wood with high structural strength, holds paint very long, is noncombustible, and will not rot, crack or delaminate. Tamlyn PVC accessories are lhe perfect complimentary products in reducing homeowners'wonies by helping build low maintenance homes. Build your profits by promoting Tamlyn PVC trim to go with every fiber cement order shipped!

Home Depot is a hammer aimed at your neighborhood. For people in the lumber industry, this is your battle as much as anyone else's. Home Depot is hoping that you will leave the fight to others. But this is one job that's strictly di-y. A Home Depot TV spot I heard recently begins: "Communities aren't made of nails and boards, they're rnade of people." It is people in your trade area who can help nail Home Depot shut. If you're skeptical, remember Arthur Blank's words: "We have the abilitv to rnake a chanqe in the world."

Truck Or Treat

A trio of full-color brochures on truck transportation and logistics services are free from Schneider National, 1400 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, Ca.92835; (877) 464-5033.

Y2K Wholesaler Directory

The 2000 Membership Directory is available from the North American Wholesale Lumber Association, 3601 Algonquin Rd., #400, Rolling Meadows, Il. 60008; (8OO) 52'7-7470.

Southern Pine ls Mighty Fine

A revised 24-p. brochure on using southern pine lumber is $3 from the Southern Pine Council, Box 641700, Kenner, La. 7 0O64; (504) 443-4464.

Forestry Career Video

"The Right Choice," a video about working in the forest products industry, is $ 19 from the Temperate Forest Foundation, 14780 SW Osprey Dr., #335, Beaverton, Or. 97 OO7 ; (503) 57 9-67 62.

Not-So-Sleepy Hollow Doors

A catalog of hollow metal doors and frames is free from Amweld Building Products, Inc., 1500 Amweld Dr., Garrettsville, Oh. 44231:. (330) 527-4385.

Blade ln The Shade

A 28-p. catalog offolding tools, blades and knives is free from SOG Specialty Knives, lnc., 6521 212th St. SW, Lynnwood, Wa. 98036; (425) 77 I-6230.

Don't Wait: lnsulate

A 4-p., full color brochure on Styrofoam insulating products is free from Dow Chemical Co., 200 Larkin Center, 1605 Joseph Dr., Midland, Mi. 48674;' (800) 441-4369.

Hardwood Technical Tips

Hardwood technical brochures, covering such topics as installing millwork, tub surrounds and flooring, are free from The Hardwood Council, Box 525, Oakmont, Pa. 15 I 39; (412) 281-4980.

I'm On Your Side

A 2O-p., full color brochure on siding products is free from CertainTeed Corp., Box 860, Valley Forge, Pa. 19482.

A Plumbing We Will Go

An 18-p. color brochure of plumbing repair products is free from Chicago Specialty. (800) 32 I -8809.

Lien On Me, Follow The Law

The Y2K edition of the "Credit Manager's Survival Kit," with instructions for filing mechanics liens in any one state is $89 (or $495 for all 50 states) from Leslie Weissburg, Box 6625, Madison, Wi. 537 16; (608) 222-367 6.

Throw The Blue Book At Him

The 2000 Blue Book of Building & Construction is now available from Box 500, Jefferson Valley, N.Y. 10535; (800) 43r-2584.

An Uplifting Experience

An 8-p. brochure on the G3 Series lift trucks is free from Daewoo, 4350 Renaissance Pkwy., Warrensville Heights, oh. 44128" (21 6) 595-t2r2.

Insulation Training Video

A new worker training video, "Insulation Time," is free from the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association, Canal Center Plaza, #310, Alexandria, Y a. 22314', (703) 684-0084.

Oh, Give Me A (Log) Home

A 62-minute construction video about building a log home to sound engineering standards is $15 from Anthony Forest Products, (800) 837-8786.

The Burden Of Roof

A 40-p., four-color roof installation brochure is free from Globe Building Materials. (800) 456-5649.

The Green Berets

The environmental home-building book Building Green in a Black and White World by David Johnston is $45 from the National Association of Home Builders, (800\ 223-2665.

Windows To The World

sA 214-p. window and patio door catalog is free from Andersen, 100 4th Ave. N., Bayport, Ma. 55003; (65 I ) 439-5 150.

Hardwood Lumber Guide

The 224-p. book Hardwood Lumber: Buying & Selling is $37.50 postpaid from Highland Press, Box 933-21, Wilsonville, Or. 97 07 0; (5O3) 625 -5926.

It's A Frame Up!

A brochure on the E-Z Frame System is free from Willamette Industries, 1300 SW 5th Ave., Portland, Or. 972O1:' (877) 303-'7263. of ony New Literoture by contocting eoch compony directly. ond pleose mention thot you sow it in Building Producfs Digest.

ified qds

Rates: 25 words for $25, additional words 709 ea. Phone number counts as I word, address as 6 words. Headline or centered copy, $6 per line. Private box or special border, $6 ea. Column inch rate:

MATSUSHITA SAW BLADE manufacturer is looking for long-term, reliable independent representatives calling on building supply retailers. Must have a proven track r€cord as an account developer with established contacts, routes and lines. Send portfolio/resume to Boone, P.O. Box 587, Donald, Or. 97020; (503) 678- I 200.

$45 camera-ready, $55 if we set type. Send copy to 4500 Campus Dr., Ste. 480, Newport Beach, Ca. 92660-1872,FAX949-8520231 or call (949) 852-1990; checks payable to Cutler Publishing. Deadline: 20th of ea. month. Payment must accompany copy.

To reply to ads with private box numbers, send conespondence to box number shown, c/o Building Products Digest, 4500 Campus Dr., Ste.480, Newport Beach, Ca. 92660-1872. Names of advertisers using a box number cannot be released.

IVANTED: Plywood/OSB strips, drops; sound, square, unifonn, dry, thickness l/4 through23132. Preferred width, 3-l12,5-12 or wider. Length 32 to 96 inches or longer. Mixed or truckload. Send price and availability to FAX #901-682-8501, or mail to: Lumber Source, 4746 Spottswood, Memphis, Tn. 38 I l 7. Phone (888) 576-8723 (LSOURCE).

t-Gr/-- --------1 iT cLAssrFrED ADVERTTSTNG I Order Blank RATES

$25.00 (25 word minimum)

.70 each additional word.........

6.00 headline (per line)..........

6.00 centered copy (per line)

6.00 border

6.00 private box

.........$25.00

TOTAL

($45 per column inch for camera ready copy; $55 if we set type)

36" TWIN BAND Mershon Resaw: 2 rewound motors, wheels. Excellent. $8,500. Call Jerry Ensworth, (530) 898-9900.

AMERICAN 2O"X 2O'' TIMBER SIZER, $13,500. Other cquipment. (318) 899-5226. www.pinmac.com.

for l2 montftlyisres coll (949) 852-1990

949-852.0231

REMANUFACTURING SPECIALIST, center match on 1", 2". 3"and 4" lumber. Other patterns including flooring, ceiling, Iog siding and more. Custom CCA treating. Custom KDAT. We manufacture Southern Yellow Pine lx4 and lx6 S4S and patterns. Call Billy Ryals, Laurel Lumber Co., Laurel, Ms., (601) 6497696: Fax

| 4.

ToRY-PntuED

DunnPINEt TngATED WooD.

THE Wntr Is OvER.

To ensure paint coverage that lasts, priming of wood is essential! Factory-primed treated wood by Cox provides this important step by saving the extra time and expense required for job site applications and providing lifetime protection from decay and termites.

Cox factory priming is done in a controlled settingone piece at a timeusing a vacuum coater that ensures the coverage is thorough and complete. The wood is then oven dried to cure the primer and touch-up is applied to individual pieces where needed. All factory-primed

treated products by Cox are pressure treated with Wolmano preservative and re-dried after treatment.

The wait is over. Factory-primed DuraPine@ is a step saver, and that's something your builder customer will appreciate! For more information, call 800.476.4401 or fax 803.534.6328.

PACTRIM- pto{il.r h..," "1..y, Ll.nJ"J

*"ll to th" -oJ".r, rtrd. truJitio.ral ho.rr" sfuI", o{ toJry. Now we're pro.rJ to introJuce our ,r"*.'.J ""l"ttat.d architectural litr. u premier assortment o{ unique p.o{il.r .*p."rrly J".'.lop"J {o. u."hit..ts anJ J"rig.r.., ulit". Contact us to learn rnore. .s/

(Chadone)...(800) 532-0329 (704) 375-5547

weverhaeuserco.(Greensboro).. ..... 1333]333.31iJ

Williams Lumber Co. ol North Carolina, lnc...(252\ 442-2136

Wrenn Hand|in9...................(800) 456-0322 (704) 588-1 300

0xuxoml

Cedar Creek Wholesale (0klahoma City)......(800) 375-6025

Cedar Creek Wholesale, Inc. (Tulsa).............(800) 299-9870

E-Z Splitter Co........ .......(918) 366-4282

Weyerhaeuser C0...............(800) 256-4469 (405) 671-3540

Sourx Cnnouxa

Cox Wood Preserving Co...............................(800) 476-4401

Diamond Hill Plywood Co. .............................(803) 393-2803

Georgia-Pacilic......... .,. (800) 866-1414 (803) 324-8050

McEwen Lumber Co. {Charleston)..........,......(843) 766-5383

ftrxrsstl

Ttus

Co.......

Ame'rca r Wood- Prese rvers' Associ atron

Boolh I Lnoer Co...

Bowie-Sims-Prango Treating Corp

Breco Wood Products .........(800) 742-3093

Capilal Lumoer C0.................,.....................

Cedar Supply Inc...............

Columns, Inc.

Easlex Foresl Producls.....

Easl Texas Forest Producls.......,,.....

|pix.....,.,..................

Inlernal.onal Paper....

Jackson & Langford Wholesale Lumber......

Jordan Redwood, Lee Roy..(214) 357-7317

Lumber TaC Specialties Co. {800) 770-0984

Mouldings & Millwork 1nc.....(800) 423-0868

M W Supply, Inc...................{972) 623-11 1 0

Simpson Slrong-Tie

Snavely Forest Producls

Spyder lrc.

Supero' Shaxes ol Texas............................

Terry D stributors, Walter.....(71 3) 227-6369

Weyerhaeuser Co. (Carrollton)

Weyerhaeuser (Houslon) ....i800) 203-5634

Wood Proleci on Co..............

Vincrxta

..(800) &3-7883

..(214) 659-5300

..(21 4) 934,4343

..(800) 3338418

(800) 442-3396

{281) 304-0771

(915) 886-5741

(800) s62-3227

/Rnnt aqa-qnqq

(214) 342-0199

..(800) 231-s91 6

..(409) 856-4586

(800) 633,823s

(800) 442-9792

(713) 455-0683

..17 13) 733-7 421

American Wood Preservers Inslitute..............(800) 356'2974

Chesapeake Hardwood Products ..........,,......(800) 446-81 62

Hoover Treated Wood Products.....................(800) 832-9663

Madison Wood Preservers.............................(540) 948'6801

Supreme Decking... .......(800) 532-1323

Weyerhaeuser Co. ..............(800) 552-771 0 (804) 236'55m

CAPACIIY CROWD of nea;ly 20 building producls dislribulors atlended DMSi's lirst erommerce seminar, which covered basic Intemet conneclion and hosling oplions, firewalls, EntryNET Order/Quote and Catalog set-up, back-end integration, and customer rollout programs. (L-0 Kim Buffington, Buffington Corp.; Brent Boicourt, DMS|; Rick Johnson, Amerharl; Greg Buzalski, Grand Rapids Sash & Door; Simon Sikora, Bridgewater Wholeasler; Duanne Kahlenbach, Woodharbor Molding; Ed Pear@, DMS|; Kyle Juhnke, Shelter Products; Dawn Hemond, Grand Rapids; Dave Webber, Orepac; Byron Hansen, DMS|; Kad Apilz, Shelter Producls; Bob Fleming, lron City Sash & Door; Dave Reed, Shelter Products; Mary Jane Bearer, lron City; Glen Macy, Calilornia Builders Supply, and Lamar Butfington, Butfington Corp.

Teachers Tour Backers Sought

National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association is searching for sponsors to give science and environmental teachers a chance to learn about forest management.

Teachers Tours 2000 enables teachers to tour paper and saw mills and discuss issues such as sustainable forestry, harvesting, reforestation, conservation and industry laws. Attendees can then take the information back to thcir students for classroom discussion.

U.S. tours will be held in Asheville, N.C. (June 14-17); Fortuna, Ca. (July l2-15), and Green Bay, Wi. (July 2620). A Canadian tour will be held Aug. l6-19 in Edmundston, New Brunswick.

Over 100 teachers nationwide participated in the 1999 tours sponsored by the Temperate Forest Foundation, along with other individuals and organizations.

Participating sponsors cover program costs, and attending teachers will reportedly receive continuing education credit. For further information, contact NLBMDA, 40 Ivy St., SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. Completed applications must be received by March 31.

Insulated Panels Up In Commercial

The Structural Insulated Panel Association's annual survey revealed structural insulated panels (SIPs) showed significant gains in light commercial construction.

Generally associated with residential construction, 27Vo of SIPs produced in North America were shipped for use in such non-residential projects as schools, motels, assisted living facilities and churches.

The majority of survey respondents indicated a large increase in architectural specifications for engineered wood during the past year. Design professionals cited their concern about the quality and price volatility of dimensional lumber as one reason for the change.

Labor shortage was listed as another t'actor contributing to the increase. "In the western states. the labor issues have been quality as well as quantity," said board member Frank Kiesecker. "The commercial contractors out here are seeking experienced, reliable help. SIPs have helped them compensate for the lack ofit."

Wh olesale Man ufactu rer

Custom Architectural Mouldings. Challenge Interior Doors. Econo-Lite Interior Doors

. Lag-Lok Door

System . and exclusive Florida distributor of Pau Lope, The World's

Finest Exterior Wood

PaU LOpe, a Brazilian hardwood offering incomparable strcngft, natural vdrer resistanceand beauty. Thetropical hardwood is 4000/6 stronger than pine and several times harder than domestic hardwoods. Despite Its high density, hardness and weight, Pau Lope is not difficult to work with and is sultable for any outdoor or indoor proiect.

Pau Lope doesn't absorb moisturc like softwoods, nor tend to splinter, crack or cup. lt needs no preservatives or water repellents, and is cover€d under a 25-year limited war. ranty against rot, decay and termite damage.

Plastic Lumber Firm Shake Up

In light of a lawsuit filed by Waste Management, a Houston-based trash hauler, U.S. Plastic Lumber, Boca Raton, Fl., has removed its chairman, Louis D. Paolino, Jr., and named president and ceo Mark Alsentzer as his replacement.

The board also accepted the resignation of director John E. Drury, Waste Management's former ceo and chairman.

Waste Management is suing Paolino for allegedly overstating profits at Eastern Environmental Services, a company he oversaw and eventually sold to them for $1.15 billion. The suit contends that Drury helped Paolino gain control of Eastern with the understanding that it would be sold to Waste Management's predecessor company.

Both Paolino and Drury have denied any wrongdoing in this matter. USPL did not announce a reolacement for the board vacancy.

uqrreS

James W. "Jim" Walter, 77, founder and chairman emeritus of Walter Industries, Tampa, Fl., died of complications from lung cancer Jan. 6, 2000, in Tampa.

A native of Lewes, De., he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1946 and founded Jim Walter Homes in Tampa after the war.

As a builder of partially finished, "shell" homes for people with limited financial means, he pioneered "onyour-lot" homebuilding, eventually selling over 330,000 homes in 24 states, reportedly more than any other conventional homebuilder in history.

He expanded into other industries by acquiring such companies as Celotex Corp. and Georgia Marble Co. In 1987, the firm was acquired for $2.4 billion, emerging in 1995 as Walter Industries, Inc.

Mr. Walter retired later that year, on the eve of thc comoanv's 5Oth anniversary.

Orval A. "AI" Ayers, Jr., 67, sales representative for Jeld-Wen Corp., Orlando, Fl., died of cancer Dec. 8, 1999, in Apopka, Fl.

A native of Eureka, Ca., he attended Humboldt State College and served in the Army during the Korean War.

He worked for Simpson Timber Co. in several different states from

1963 to 1980, before relocating to Florida and joining Jeld-Wen's TeePee division in 1980. He retired in 1998. He was a member of the HooHoo Club of Florida.

Eugene M. Lynn, 81, chairman emeritus of Lumbermen's Underwriting Alliance, Boca Raton, Fl., died following back surgery Nov. 28, 1999.

A native of Kansas City, Mo., he attended Stetson University and the Spartan School of Aeronautics.

He started working for LUA in 1939, but left in 1940 to enter aeronautical training. He was a pilot for

Trans World Airlines from 1943 to 1947, becoming a Captain.

He returned to LUA in 1947 and served as manager, director, president, ceo, and chairman of the board before being named chairman emeritus upon his retirement in 1998.

He and his wife, Christine, were major benefactors of the former College of Boca Raton, which was renamed Lynn University in their honor in 1991. The Lynn School of Business at Stetson University also bears his name.

Christine Lynn is president, ceo and chairman of the firm.

EAX to 949-852-0231

or call (949) 852-1990 or mail to Building Products Digest, 4500 Campus Dr., Suite 480, Newport Beach, Ca.926ffi-1872.

Building Products Digest - February 2000

For more information on products or companies (see list at right), circle the appropriate

For more information from advertisers, use FAX Response nwnbers in brackets.

Pole & Timber Company

Sims Prange If f 6l .....................25

Products Digest ....................15

Trim [23] Cox Wood Preserving Co. [121]....17,33

Plastic Pipe, Inc. [1191........29

u071....... ....................8

Do It Best Corp. [02]............Cover [I,3

Elder Forest Products, Inc. [061..........8

Expo Preview ................21

E-Z Splitter U f 4l .................................U

Haase Industries, fnc. (Magnetic hrsh Broom) t1201.............. .,....................29

Hickson Corp. [0U --.-.............Cover I

Jordan Redwood Lumber, Lee Roy 1u01.............. .............19

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Martin Lumber Company, Inc., Roy O. [127].............. .Cover IV

Pacific MDF Products Inc. [22].........34

Precision Architectural Products 11241.............. .............36

Schwerd Manufacturing Company, A.F. [Us]...... .............U

Southern Wire Cloth U171..................2E

Sunbelt Material Handling If03] ..........5

Swan Secure Products, Inc. [l121........23

Tamlyn & Sons U 281............................30

Terex Princeton [ 126]...............Cover III

Terry Distributor, Walter UIf l..........20

Wagner Electronic Products t1051........7

Weaber, Inc. [25] .........37

Williams Lumber Company of North Carolina If 041....................................6

In today's hrghly competitive marketplace things like product placement upon delivery to the jobsite take on new significance. Putting materials exactly where your customer needs them is value added. Doing it efficiently is money in your pocket. That's why you should take a close up look at our new family of PIGGY BACK'Delivery Systems, specially designed for the building materials industry.

The all-new, rough and ready PIGGY BACK D-50 handles the heavier loads with power to spare. The four-way M-3V lets you tum wide loads sideways for travel through narrow passages. The light weight Z2-3 rough tenain machine is at home on a wide variety of delivery applications, including single-axle trucks.

Working in confined areas or over a long distance... on a small truck, large truck or trailer... a PIGGY BACK@ Delivery System can dramatically reduce total delivery costs while improving customer service. We've proven it time and again, around the world.

Call or write for the name of your nearest dealer. Terex Princeton, 955 Walnut Street, Canal Winchester, OH 43110. Telephone 800-331-5851 Fax 614-834-5001.