Building Products Digest - February 2001

DAVID CUTLER publisher dcutler@ioc.net

New Ways To Steal

When the Wise Men of the Internet first brought forth the miracle of doing business on that very same Internet, oohs and ahhs could be heard across the land. The promises of speed, efficiency and quick service were dazzling. What could be better?

How about getting paid?

It didn't take the dishonest long to realize that the wonders of the Internet could also be turned to their dark purposes. The very speed and efficiency that was so admired could be perverted into high speed theft. Wham bam your goods are gone and your wallet is empty.

The loss prevention specialists and credit departments quickly got into the act. They correctly reasoned that business-to-business and business-to-consumer selling was, at its most basic, the same kind of commerce that has existed since time began. The old rules still applied, though their application might take strange and wondrous paths though electronic thickets.

The speed and lack of controls on the Internet

made accurate credit checks more difficult. The ability of thieves to steal credit information from the Internet and use it to purchase goods added another headache. Once false orders were placed they could be quickly shipped to a destination where they faded into the underworld of stolen merchandise. Once gone, tracking stolen shipments became nearly impossible.

Today, B2B and B2C merchants are increasingly realizing how imperative it is to secure that key element of any transaction: the money. Those whose job it is to make certain that payment is received after a sale are learning the deceptions of the criminals and are placing every barrier possible to thwart the thieves.

Reputable sellers and buyers still constitute the vast majority of transactions. Enlightened management now knows that the dollars spent educating and training loss prevention and credit people is money well spent. Intemet transactions will only become more secure as our newest form of commerce continues its expansion.

West Building Materials Liquidating

West Building Materials, Atlanta, Ga., has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and retained Universal Capital Partners LLC, Minneapolis, .Mn., to oversee its liquidation.

The retailer, which has been in operation for over a century, previously engaged Universal Capital Partners in 1997, when it began closing unprofitable units.

Locations that have yet to be shuttered are "liquidating their existing inventories," according to executive assistant Kelly Connolly. "At one time we had over 150 employees here in our corporate office, now we are down to about 15."

A store employee in Valdosta, Ga., said he did not know when that location would close. "It could be any day now," he said. "All of the stores are closing." A worker in Jonesboro, Ga., confirmed that the company is liquidating. "Our store is expected to close

New Texas DC A Capital ldea

Capital Lumber Co., Phoenix, Az., has opened a distribution center in Waco, Tx., to serve its growing southem customer base.

The three-acre site, which has 8,000 sq. ft. of covered storage space, will inventory 1,500,000 bd. ft. of redwood, cedar, spruce, Douglas fir, white fir, pine, composite lumber and other specialty building products.

Mike DeArmon, Curtis Roberts and Bruce Griffin, longtime employees in Lubbock, Tx., are overseeing the new facility. The Lubbock DC will continue to be staffed by Kirk Albright, Nancy Blanco, Philip Lopez, Andrew Miles and David Estrada. who recently joined Capital after seven years with McCoy's.

Name Change For Hickson

Arch Chemicals has changed the name of recently acquired wood preservative chemical manufacturer Hickson International, Atlanta, Ga., to Arch Wood Protection, Inc.

The Norwalk, Ct.-based coatings and chemicals firm purchased the company in August.

Arch Wood Protection plants in Georgia, Washington and Indiana supply chemicals for Wolmanized pressure treated wood, Wolmanized Extra water repellent lumber, Wolmanized Natural Select wood, Dricon fre retardant treated wood and Outdoor wood.

by the end of February," he added.

The firm's Web site is "temporarily disabled."

Canton Shops Southern DG

Several unnamed buyers are considering acquiring the Southeastern Division of defunct wholesaler Canton Lumber Co., said v.p./cfo John Cizek.

Opened in 1993, the profitable Greeneville, Tn., branch was one bright spot in 2000 for the 70-year-old wholesaler, making its sale "likely," said Cizek. The operation consists of

a sales office, distribution yard, warehouse and reload. Cizek also hopes to find a buyer for its Brooklyn Park (Minneapolis), Mn., headquarters.

The Tennessee and Minnesota branches closed their doors in early January and began liquidating remaining inventory. Cizek said branches in Kansas City, Mo., and Chicago, Il., were shuttered at the end of November after Canton lost its Home Depot business to Weyerhaeuser.

In late January, Trex Co. petitioned the bankruptcy court to place Canton into involuntary receivership, alleging over $216,000 in unpaid claims.

\ile treasure our most important assets: our customers.

Pacific Forest Products' rapid growth and success can be attributed to our commitment to providing customers with Honesty, Reliability and Quality Service.

From warehouses in Miami, Fl., and Birmingham, A1., we distribute softwoods and hardwoods, including Southem Yellow Pine Lumber, Plywood, Hem-Fir, Spruce Products, Millwork, and Doors-from coast to coast.

We are agents for many European and South American companies for pine and hardwood.

Our Hardware Division in Miami offers a wide range of brand name lines such as Moen, Liasco, Price Phster, Elkay, Dewalt, Black & Decker, American Tool, Seagull Lighting, Sylvania, Eagle, Kwikset, Leviton, and others.

Come visit our new showroom!

BIRMINGHAM,

(Wholesale Distribution/Domestic Sales) SYP, Lumber & PlyTvood, Hardwood Specialty Products, Imported Softwoods & Hardwoods, Spruce, Gypsum Products

Rack makers address home center safety

SEEMINGLY more frequent of late L)are reports of injuries caused by merchandise falling from racks or forklifts at big box home centers.

The accidents have gotten so much publicity that two Massachusetts representatives are pushing a bill that would require consumers to wear hardhats while shopping in warehouse stores. And, the law firm representing the family of a small girl killed in a Twin Falls, Id., Home Depot, launched a Web site at www.homedepotlitigation.com.

Rack manufacturers feel their products don't cause the accidents, but they are often in the middle of them. "Usually problems in a retail environment occur when prescribed procedures are not followed and someone takes a shortcut, such as setting something in the wrong place," says John Nofsinger, Rack Manufacturers Institute, Charlotte, N.C. "It's like at home when you fall off a ladder. There's not some inherent flaw with the ladder."

Nonetheless. manufacturers are also making tougher racks, especially for applications in areas prone to earthquakes. Not only are engineers taking into account what the racks can support, but also the force they can withstand and balance they can maintain when pushed back and forth or side to side.

While primarily targeted at preventing damage from earthquakes, sturdier racks also provide reinforcement in the event of user error, such as stacking lightweight merchandise on the lower levels and heavy merchandise at the top (as can easily hap-

pen when rearranging seasonal products) or removing a pair of lower beams from a rack to create a taller display area.

Engineers are designing for worst case scenarios by using more metal and sturdier connections. Overdesigning does increase the cost of a rack, so manufacturers must weigh if reinforcements add practical value.

occur when someone takes a shortcut."

RMI is constantly conducting testing. In fact, such research is usually the group's biggest annual expense. In 1999, along with American Iron & Steel Institute, RMI began computer modeling to better predict the behavior of metal racking in countless circumstances. So far, the two institutes have spent $250,000 developing the program.

Addressing safety concerns is one factor RMI is taking into consideration as it currently revises the national safety standard for metal racking.

In addition, rack manufacturers are always trying to advise and alert users on the needs for proper use and maintenance. The retail store. after all. is the one that pays the insurance premiums and is most susceptible to lawsuits.

Home center safeguards include:

o fall protection, such as installing protective decking across lower rack

beams to catch materials that fall from higher levels;

a better constraining loads, especially for higher levels, such as securely banding together everything on a pallet so stray boxes can't fall off;

o barrier protection for rack supports in high-traffic areas, and checking for cracked, broken, undersized or overloaded pallets.

"If you walk into a home center today you'll see much more uniform practices compared to five years ago," Nofsinger says. "The industry has learned a lot from unfortunate circumstances. You won't see many pallets multiple-stacked unless the pallet below is strong enough. Forklift operators usually close off the aisle they're working in as well as the aisle behind it in case they bump an adjacent pallet. Safety posters are all over the walls. They have safety devices, rack anchoring devices, regular safety and maintenance programs."

But, others won't be happy until home centers find a way to keep customers away from 20-foot-tall racks-unlikely since combining their storage and sales areas conserves the big boxes so much space. "In my opinion," says David Johnstone, national sales mgr. for rack producer Clymer Enterprise, "the racks should be in the warehouse. Forklifts are loading and unloading pallets and you've got customers and kids running around. The store is not a place for that; the racks should be in the back. But, that, of course, is a little more expensive for the store."

"Usually problems

Llft oll

Dealers up training for forkl ift operators

QPURRED by recent OSHA L)requirements. trainins for forklift op"ruto.r has increased -clramatically throughout the lumber industry. Increasingly, dealers are implementing customized in-house programs as well as turning to their equipment distributors and manufacturers.

"Dealers' forklift training is getting a lot more attention from OSHA inspectors," says Vicki Worden, director of public affairs for the National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association.

In two years, NLBMDA has distributed more than 4,000 copies of its "Forklift & You" training package, which addresses the new OSHA standards as they apply to dealers. "It's the only comprehensive program specifically designed for the lumber

industry," says Rosako Enterprises' Ron Koons, who helped NLBMDA create the program. "Instead of being generic and applying to a chemical factory or whatever, it addresses a lumberyard's concerns and equipment, such as truck-mountable forklifts."

The program has won four awards and, more important, the respect of OSHA investigators.

"From the reports I'm getting, when OSHA inspectors come to a site, they take one look at the program and are so impressed that they don't probe a whole lot further," Worden says. "Unless there's been an incident, inspectors suddenly become very disinterested in looking further at dealers' forklift training records."

Forklift safety has, in fact, been a

point of concern for OSHA ever since the organization's inception in the early 1970s. From Day One, OSHA has required that "only trained and authorized operators shall be permitted to operate a powered industrial truck." Absent, though, were guidelines for what constituted proper training. As a result. training consisted of anything from an intensive, offsite week-long class to simply pointing out the controls to the operator and letting him begin.

According to Forklift Training Pro, LLC, Albuquerque, N.M., training historically was done either on-site or off-site by the forklift distributor, an independent trainer, or with a program purchased or designed by the employer. Forklift distributors would often hold Saturday classes for their customers and train several operators from many different companies and applications. In many cases, operators were shown some videos, given a test, placed on an unfamiliar forklift, asked to drive around some orange cones, patted on the head and given a certificate and a wallet card that proclaimed them to be certified operators. These classes were very general and did not cover any specifics of facilities or unique operating conditions and equipment. If the forklift distributor did on-site training. it was conducted at a customer's location, but it was the same general, canned class. The only benefit was that operators could at least drive their own forklifts through the orange cones.

Employers usually discovered too late-after injuries, fines or damaged merchandise-that they provided insufficient training.

By 1999, OSHA introduced new standards that better spell out what constitutes proper training and leave less room for interpretation. Most companies have been forced to increase and be(ter document training. Another major change is that training must be facility and equipment specific training. OSHA currently requires that operators be trained to the specific conditions of the operating area and the specific equipment they will be operating. The training must be formal and include a hands-on evaluation.

The changes have led many dealers to add in-house instruction. If a dealer sends a new employee for off-site training at the factory, he might be away from work for days and be expected to absorb an enormous

amount of information in a short period of time. By creating a structured program of in-house instruction, employees can receive training in small doses and, since they remain on-site, they can begin to apply what they' ve learned immediately.

According to Forklift Training Pro, an in-house trainer provides cost effectiveness and convenience. Outside training expenses are reduced, while training sessions are held more often and more regularly.

Arguably the most important factor of any training program is the trainer, according to Hyster New England. Don't assume that just because someone is capable of conducting group presentations that he or she will be a good trainer. Likewise, technical expertise alone is not enough. A good

Atlanta, Ga., offers three training programs for new drivers. The most comprehensive, a 40-hour/five-day course, teaches trainees how to drive three different trucks. Topics covered include instruction on the electric pallet, sit down counterbalance and narrow aisle reach/order picker; OSHAmandated safety procedures; pedestrian awareness; basic principles of lift truck theory, design and operation; fork I ift famil iarization/pre-trip inspections; battery safety and charging; propane safety and refueling; pulling orders; dock safety, and first aid/CPR.

A 24-hour/three-day course trains the operator on two trucks: the electric pallet truck and either the sit down counterbalance or narrow aisle reach/order picker. A l6-hour/twoday course trains on one truck, either the sit down counterbalance or the narrow aisle reach./order picker.

pallet and not cause damage."

When Ecklund asks drivers if they have any bad habits, they indignantly and emphatically say no. "Then I watch them," he says. "I see that they don't look behind them when they back away from a rack; or when their head tums, an arm reaches out to hold a head guard. A lot of these bad habits are done without thinking; safety precautions are taken for granted."

trainer must possess a unique mix of technical knowledge, hands-on experience and excellent presentation skills.

Previously. training services focused almost exclusively on equipment operators. Since formalizing the program, the scope of the training has expanded to include supervisors. yard/warehouse safety personnel, any employees who work in the vicinity of the equipment ("pedestrian training"), and human resources personnel with responsibility for evaluating the performance of operators.

Nevertheless, stricter OSHA training requirements also have increased the demand for training from equipment distributors and manufacturers. As a result, notes the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association, over the last two years many suppliers have honed onceinformal services into full-scale training programs. In 1999, Hyster New England added a formal training program within its service department. The program enables the distributor to improve the quality of its services and meet additional customer needs, while providing a source for the training of its own employees.

Toyota Forklifts of Atlanta,

In an area set aside within the company's warehouse is a 2,500-sq. ft. "mock" warehouse set up with racking solely for training. Short racks have no middle so trainees get used to setting the pallet and splitting the rack. A variety of pallets are used and barrels of water are moved around. Aisle width has a 14-112 ft. clearance. Once trainees begin to get comfortable, the aisle is made nalrower with pallets. "This way," says safety services director Spencer L. Ecklund, "a trainee can knock over a

TFA conducts seminars for inexperienced as well as long-time drivers. "A lot of people think that if they have a driver's license, they can drive a forklift," says Ecklund. Experienced drivers often say, "Old Fred taught me. He's been driving forklifts for 40 years." Ecklund notes, "Well, nobody ever trained Fred; he's just been doing the wrong thing right for 40 years and getting by with it. Eventually, the wrong thing will turn wrong and then there is a problem."

In the end, dealers who don't comply with all of the new OSHA regulations may be opening themselves up to both legal and liability issues. An injury or death involving a forklift, whether to a pedestrian or an operator, is often followed by a lawsuit. A prime legal defense is being able to prove that complete training has been done, covering every aspect of safe forklift operation and complying with the standard set by OSHA.

"A lot of people think that if they have a driver's license, they can drive a forklift."

MORE DETAILED OSHA requirements have led lumber yards across the country to increase their training of forklift operators.

Vast upside for value-?dded OSB

INCtNeERED wood products l-lsuch as OSB continue to replace traditional lumber in home construction.

Processed with wood and adhesives, they exhibit stronger properties than their sawn lumber counterparts, and have not only caught on among architects and builders but are appreciated by home buyers.

Larger homes will also require more product usage, including OSB. The National Association of Home

Builders estimates new homes will average 2,200 sq. ft. by 2010, up from 1,000 sq. ft. in 1950 and 2,000 sq. ft. today. Larger garages, larger rooms and higher ceilings will require more paneling, sheathing and flooring supporting longer spans. OSB's flexible 4'x9' to 4'xl0' sizing fits higher ceilings, works well with wall assemblies, and offers reliable shear strength.

The market will remain lucrative for those who deliver on quality. Although interest rates are expected to take a bite out of the furious pace of housing starts in the U.S., don't forget that more than 50Vo of the U.S. population by 2010 will be between 25-64 years old. That demographic group will spend the most on buying new homes, building new ones or renovating existing homes. Boomers will make up half of this group.

Many of these home buyers will be from double-income families. If current trends prevail, they will demand and pay for improved quality in home components and products. Manufacturers realize this as much as builders. If the old sheathing panels that builders refened to as "commodity" were classified as regular gasoline, the panels that you will see today and in the future will be closer to premium with one great exception: they will be priced more competitively.

No longer will every professional identify OSB as a sheathing panel, because companies are producing new specialty panels as well as engineered components. These products will continue to take over important parts of the residential construction process that have not historically been associated with OSB.

I-joists, which began to make inroads from the 1990s, are expected to support more than half of new homes that will be built in the U.S. soon. Made of OSB webs connected by lumber or LVL flanges, I-joists reportedly do not crown, shrink, split, warp, twist or pull away from the subfloor like sawn lumber joists. They

are lighter than lumber, strong enough to carry large loads, and reduce or eliminate squeaky floors. I-joists are among the fastest-selling wood products in residential construction.

Structural insulated panels, made up of a core foam sandwiched by OSB panels, are also catching on in residential construction. Acceptance of SIPs is high among builders and architects concerned about insulation. comfort.

No longer

will every professional identify OSB as a sheathing panel, because companies are producing new specialty panels as well as engineered components.

strength and sound-proofing characteristics.

SIPs offer cost advantages. A small custom house with SIPs can be built, sheathed, insulated and sealed for air tightness in one day. Owens Corning recently launched a new line of SIPs.

Manufacturers are doing wonderful things with panels. One firm has introduced an OSB panel incorporating perforated aluminum, which acts as a barrier to keep out as much as 957o of the sun's radiant heat. Firms are also offering lifetime or 5O.year warranties for flooring systems combining OSB tongue-and-groove panels with I-joists.

Another firm is offering an OSB concrete forming product that will be used for industrial applications to build concrete walls and foundations-an application long dominated by plywood. The new product consists of an OSB panel, with a medium density overlay, which allows for multiple usage. This development signals OSB's increasing diversification into new markets.

OSB'S SHARE of the floor, wall sheathing and roof decking markets in the U.S. has tripled to nearly 75o/o in the last 10 years.

As the recognized voice of the building moteriol industry in Texss, 0klohono, Arkonsos, Louisiono, l1lisissippi, Alobomo, tlorido, Georgio, South Corolino, North Corolina, Virginio, Kentucky ond fennessee, Building Products Dige$ keeps ylu up to the minute on the South. Euch issue of this glossy monthly mogozine contoins the lotest in industry news, neuls of people ond componies, plus New Products, New Literoture, ond orticles ond tips on how to monoge, norket ond merchondise .. ideos

thot con moke you mlney 0s well os sove ylu money. Building Products Digest is sent free to oll quolifying building products retoilers ond wholesolers in the 13 Southern stoles or of ressonoble rotes to others in the industry.

lust fill out the form below und tAX to 949-852-0231, or noil ir with your check to Building Products Digest, 4500 hmpus Drive, Suite 480, Newport Besch, h. 92660. Que$ions? CollAutumn ot (949) 852-1990.

Assembling atop-notch outside sales team

fD ECRUITING an outside sales force is a never-ending -[\p.o."s. By continually seeking to identify potentiall candidates, companies can make a better decision when an opening occurs.

Although experienced salespeople speak the language, they are not always the most qualified prospects. According to Doug Murdoch, market development manager for TruServ, ability is far more important than experience.

Asked what abilities he looks for in an outside salesperson, Murdoch puts listening at the top of the list. "I don't think you can have a good outside salesperson who doesn't listen," he says. "In fact, I don't think you can have a good salesperson who doesn't listen."

Criteria he desires in a good outside salesperson include:

Listens

Able to solve problems

Keeps good records

Good planner

Can work the plan

Able to effectively communicate

Ability to learn

Loyal

Dedicated

Honest

. Competitive

. Demonstrates initiative

. Exhibits resilience

. Self-confident

Displays a high level of energy

Exhibits self discipline

Able to analyze and make decisions

Persistent

Sales oriented

Possesses good leadership qualities

Can adapt to any situation

. Flexible

. Emotionally stable

Likable

. Intelligent

There are several places to look for potential candidates:

(1) Youn coMPANY.

Many firms first consider their own employee base when filling an outside sales position. Businesses that have hired long range and are constantly building the quality of their personnel should have a roster sprinkled with potential candidates.

Promoting from within allows you to invest in a known quantity, while at the same time can invigorate the morale of all employees. Workers will see that there is room for opportunity and growth.

In the building materials business, the natural candidate for an opening in outside sales is the inside sales or contractor support person. Remember, though, that many people who thrive in a sales environment lack the discipline to do the prospecting and cold calling that outside sales require. Consider each candidate on the basis of how well you think their talents will fit in with the needs of the position. Promoting someone ill-suited to the job hurts both the company and the employee.

(2) Tnn coMPErrrroN.

Recruiting from like businesses provides an outlet to experienced help, but can sometimes be a risky proposition. Is the salesperson being considered failing with your competitor? Are you recycling mediocrity? Is this person a Band-Aid to your needs?

Keep in mind that how candidates treat their current employer likely will be how, after you hire them, they will

treat you. Murdoch advises avoiding salespeople who will jump to join you at the drop of a hat. Your target is the salesperson who is happy where he is and is not interested in leaving his current employer.

Avoid salespeople whg promise to take all of their current accounts with them. More admirable is someone who would be offended by any request for current account information.

Avoid salespeople who say they failed because of price. You want someone who feels that quality and service are more important than price.

Avoid salespeople who demand some form of compensation guarantee. Look for someone who wants to be paid open-ended.

Murdoch suggests asking some of your established pro customers their opinion of some of the outside salespeople who call on them. There's no sense in hiring someone who seems qualified to everyone except the people they will be selling to.

Avoid salespeople who will jump

to join you at the drop of a hat. Your target is the salesperson who is happy where he is and is not interested in leaving his cunent employer.

Still, you may be able to attract qualified, successful candidates if you can demonstrate concrete advantages to joining your company. Possible advantages include:

Offer a wider selection of building materials

Offer higher quality products at a competitive price

. Excellent services support

Inside sales support

. Good credit history

. Good reputation in the community and among vendors

Good commission with draw

. Excellent benefits

Growth opportunities (make sure one salesperson doesn't have all the best accounts)

Training

Expense allowance

. Equipment (such as pagers, mobile phones and company vehicles)

Territory exclusivity

Account exclusivity

. Security

. Financially rewarding

(3) Youn SUPPLIERS.

Recruiting from associated vendors provides access to experienced salespeople whose strengths and weaknesses you've seen first-hand. Be warned, though, that your vendor probably will react in the same way that you would if the vendor raided your worKorce.

As in the case of recruiting from the competition, ask yourself why a successful salesperson would want to jump ship. Murdoch says it may be that they are tired of overnight travel, constrained by the limited product lines

distributed by their current employer, disheartened by a lack of future opportunities, under pressure to relocate or accept additional responsibilities, or unhappy with a change in corporate culture.

(4) VLl rHE MEDTA.

Advertising to the public at large through newspapers, trade publications and other media gets your name and number into the hands of a wide range of potential candidates. You are, though, competing with other companies for the candidates' attention and often are reaching a diluted audience. "My rule of thumb is that for every 200 resumes you might get, you'll get one good potential candidate," says Murdoch.

Employers afraid of attracting the wrong candidates sometimes use "blind box" advertising, which keeps the advertiser's name out of the ad. Respondents are asked to send their resumes in care of the newspaper or magazine.

Ads should clearly identify a company's needs, for example:

BUILDING MATBRIALS RETAILER hAS AN opening for a salesperson. Experience helpful, but not necessary. We will train. Some established accounts provided. Leads supplied for identifying new accounts. Salary to start, with liberal benefits. Send resume with salary and employment history to Box 123, clo Building Products Digest. Equal opportunity employer.

Although applicants without experience may lack industry and product knowledge, they often can be compensated at a lower rate, at least initially, and may be more loyal if they are allowed to grow with the company.

R:rlrrrs

Smith-Phillips Lumber & Building Supply, Winston-Salem, N.C., has acquired the assets of Custom Builders Supply, WinstonSalem...

MilI Creek Lumber & Supply Co. closed its Bartlesville, Ok., yard...

Caprock Home Center, Quitaque, Tx., has changed its name to Caprock Appliance

Tindell's Knoxville, Tn., truss plant received the SHARP (Safety & Health Recognition Program) Award from the Tennessee Occupational Safety & Health Administration

Sutherlands Lumber Co.'s former Houston, Tx., site was purchased by the kxas Department of Transportation

Home Depot this month opens new 108,000-sq. ft. stores in W. Oklahoma City, Ok., and Oakridge, Tn., and a 110,860-sq. ft. unit in E. Bradenton, Fl. the chain is preparing to break ground in Chambers County, Tx., on a roughly I million sq.-ft. DC; will add a 2nd Corpus Christi, Tx., store, and is seeking zoning permission to build in Paris, Tx.

Home Depot was presented a 2000 HR Professional Excellence Award from the Atlanta, Ga., branch of the Society for Human Resources Management

Lowe's Cos. opens new stores this month in Harvey, La., and Knightdale, N.C. (Keith Brock, gen. mgr.), and recently added 150,000-sq. ft. superstores in Winter Haven, Fl. (store mgr. Gary Dickerson, asst. mgr.-lawn & garden Jeanna Foulke); Muscle Shoals, Al. (Chris Braddock, gen. mgr.), and Guntersville, Al. (James Baker, gen. mgr.) ...

Lowe's expects spring openings of two $15 million Orlando, Fl., stores: summer unveilings in East El Paso. Tx., and Rockingham,

N.C., and fall openings in Norman, Ok.; Southwest Augusta, Ga., and S. Charlotte, N.C. the chain will receive a tax rebate to build in Port Arthur, Tx., and is considering possible locations in Sandy Springs, Ga.; bidding for a Kelleq Tx., site, and seeking permission to build in Bluffton, S.C., and Albemarle, N.C.

Wnorrsn:rs/trrurraurErs

Coalition for Fair Lumber Imports intends to file a counter* vailing duty case with the Department of Commerce if U.S. and Canadian officials aren't close ts finalizing a new agreement when the Softwood Lumber Agreement expires March 3l

Magnolia Forest Products, Terry, Ms., added a Jacksonville, Fl., sales branch; Kennard Varn and Blair Huffman, both exChampion Inte rnat ional, joined the firm -..

Esst Texas lrzss Co., Gun Barrel, Tx., has closed Lakeside Lumber. Eufala, Al., has been acquired by the owners af Garrison Bros. Lumber Co.. Eufala; Jimmy Day remains head ofoperations...

Hixson Lumber Sales, Pine Bluff, Ar., has added new lumber sheds at the Caddo Mill. Tx., treating plant it acquired in Aug. from L.L. Brewton Lumber Co., Inc., Winnfield, La.

Truserv is closing its 343,000sq. ft. Henderson, N.C., DC in 2nd quafier 2001

FAX us your news!

Have a notice of your recent expansion, promotions or other company changes published in the next issue of Building Products Digest!

Just FAX your news to 949-852{231. (atrce seNbe)

Willamette Industries upgraded the log processing equipment at its Dodson, La., mill ... Willamette's full line of composite panel products have been certified by Scientffic Certification Systems

Wood Products Co.,Inc., Newport, Tn., a turnings manufacturer, has closed

Rayonie4 Jacksonville, Fl., sold its 25Eo interest in 41,0ffi acres of New Zealand timberland to joint venture partner UBS Timber Investors for $14.6 million

The Hardwood Group, Charlotte, N.C., opened its 8th Southeastern DC in Charleston, S.C.

ITW Pe rformance Polymers

Consumer Division, Riviera Beach, Fl., has acquired N.J.based Qualco Products Co.

International Fore st P roducts earned certification under the Sustainnble Forestry Initiartve of 7.2 million acres of its Canadian public forestland

Style-Marlc has changed its name to Style Solutions, Inc. ...

Georgia- P acific is expanding distribution of its Savannah shingles from the Southeast to the mid-Atlantic and Northeast

DW Distribution, Inc., DeSoto, Tx., is now distributing U^lG Corp.b acoustical ceiling pr<rducts in Tx. ...

Boise Cascade's Bailding Materials Division, Dallas, Tx., is now distribating Spacelolsr engineeredjoists...

Garden.com, Austin, Tx., sold its brand assets to seed distributor Burpee Holding and its Web content to Walmart.com

Horne improvement sales tose 6.2Vo in 2000 to a record $178.4 billion, according to the Home Improvement Re search Institate; 4,9Vo annual growth is forecast through 2m5 ...

Housing starts in Dec. (latest figs.) held steady at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.575 million single family starts rose 6Vo to a 1.313 million rate; multifamily slipped to a rate of 234,M for 5+ units, 28,000 for 2-4 units .., permits fell1Vo to an annual rate of 1.493 million.

ln 1987 ,lumberyards and building material dealers were just discovering the Sunbelt difference. But it didn't take long for Sunbelt's reputation, of providing cost effective and flexible sheds and rack storage systems, to spread across the country.

Today, Sunbelt is still leading the pack and providing the same expert advice and high quality steel rack systems that lumber and building material dealers nationwide have come to rely on. We design, engineer, furnish and install warehouse racking and rack supported buildings that are tailored to each customer's specific needs. At Sunbelt, we provide solutions, let us show you the Sunbelt difference!

For a free catalog of the best racks available for the lumber and building materials industry, call Alana Chipman at Sunbelt today.

Listings are often submitted months in advance. Always verify dates and locations with sponsor before making plans to attend.

F:rnumv

Oklahoma Lumbermen's Association - Feb. 12-14, estimating seminar, Oklahoma City, Ok.; (80O) 444-1771.

Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers - Feb. 15-18, annual convention, Registry Hotel, Naples, Fl.; (336) 885-8315.

Moore-Handley Inc. - Feb. 16-18, spring show, Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham, Al.; (205) 663-8235.

Carolinas Woodworking & Furniture Supply Show - Feb 1617, Greensboro, N.C.; (828) 459-9894.

Moore-Handley Inc. - Feb 16-18, market, Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center, Birmingham, Al.; (205) 663-8235.

Kentucky Lumber & Building Material Association - Feb. 1820, annual convention, Northern Kentucky Convention Center, Covington, Ky.; (502) 245-6730.

International Hardware Fair - Feb. 18-21, The Fairgrounds, Cologne, Germany; (212) 97 4-8835.

National Paint & Coatings Association - Feb. 18-21, spring committee meetings, St. Petersburg, F\; (202) 462-6272.

Builder Marts of America - Feb 19-21, spring market, Paris Casino Resort, Las Vegas, Nv.; (864) 281-3633.

Wood Moulding & Millwork Producers Association - Feb.2124,38th annual meeting, Las Vegas, Nv.; (800) 550-7889.

Houston Hoo-Hoo Club - Feb. 22, presidents night, Houston, Tx.; (281) 485-1855.

Orgill, Inc. - Feb. 22-24, spring market, World Convention Center, Atlanta, Ga.; (901) 948-3381.

National Hardwood Lumber Association - Feb. 23-24, wood manufacturing seminar, High Point, N.C.;(800) 933-0318.

Hardware Distribution Warehouses, Inc. - Feb. 24-25, spring trade mart, The Arena, Tunica, Ms.; (800) 256-8527.

National Wooden Pallet & Container Association - Feb.24-27, annual meeting & expo, Orlando, Fl.; (703) 527-7667.

Window & Door Manufacturers Association -Feb.24-28,74th annual meeting, La Jolla, Ca.; (800) 223-2301.

Wood Truss Council of America - Feb. 28-March 3, truss technician training seminar, Atlanta, Ga.; (608) 2'14-4849.

Mlncn

National Association of Women in Construction - March l. Austin chapter monthly meeting, Austin, Tx.; (512) 476-5534.

Texas Home & Garden Show - March 2-4. Austin Convention Center, Austin, Tx.; (800) 654-1480.

National Hardwood Lumber Assn. - March 3-7, leadership seminar, AmeriSuites Hotel, Memphis, Tn.; (800) 933-03 I 8.

Kentucky Lumber & Building Material Association - March 5, blueprint reading seminar; March 6-8, residential estimating seminar, Executive Inn, Louisville, Ky.; (502) 245-6730.

Kentucky Forest Industries Association - March 6-7, annual meeting, Marriott's Griffin Gate Resort, Lexington, Ky.; (800) 203-9217.

Wood Truss Council of America - March 6-9, truss technician training seminar, Atlanta, Ga.; (608) 274-4849.

Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association - March 7, annual meeting, Roy O. Martin Lumber Co., LeMoyen, La.; (4t2) 829-0770.

FrameBuilders 2Wl - March 7-9, Indianapolis, In.; (800) 5576957.

Southern Building Material Association - March 7, sales seminars, Holiday Inn Central, Richmond, Va.; March 14, Holiday Inn Lake Norman, Charlotte, N.C.; (704) 376-1503.

Hardwood Manufacturers Assn. - March 8-10, annual conference, Hyatt Regency, New Orleans, La; (412) 829-0770.

North American Building Material Distribution AssociationMarch 8-10, conference, Phoenix, Az.; (888) 747-7862.

For Lumber Distributors And DealerS,

Here s I

a i n e r. :1,: :'i, ll i :'::l,lil' .;,lltJ'T: jl:i:Hl,l::

Shcrtthing l'hrrt -s lrct.r-rsc nrorc rrncl more homebr,tl'crs rrt'c clcnrrutrltn{ tt \()L,\lL B(),-\Rt). ntrrclc ltr Intern:rtional Paper'. is thc t'ool clccliing rtncl urtll shcathing that-s lantinarctl riith ltolisl'iccl rrluntirrur.r.r. rvl-rich, rn summer'. rcllccts r-r1t to t)7'),, o['t-etlirtnt hcrtL frttm the slln-\\trch rcrluccs thc cost ol'cooling a hor-ne b1-as tlltch rrs 2i'),,. l'ot'honrcbrt;'crs lt'hrt cltt tl-re urath on cost \-s. ener!a\ srrvings. ils lr no blrrurcr. For builders u-ho ckr lhc nrrrth ott thc ralticlll'tttcrclsing cierland. rt-s a urtr- to it-tct'crtsc honrc sltlcs.

And for lumbcr clcalcls rrncl ilistlibLrtors u'ho clo the math. SOI-AR BOART) rs rr brg ()l)l)()rlLnlrht(r lllel'c.tSc profits. In Iirct, our ur-ricluc l.rtclirrnt ]rrrIricI s]reatl'}lng offers signilieillttlV g|cilLcl'Illilfglll ()pp()rtunjtjes o\.e r slanclat'cl cot.ttt't'trtclttr ()SIl lutcl ltlr ri oocl.

\bLr'll also be g1acl to knrru u'c licclr ri lrrrgc strurclir-tg it-tvcnttrrl'trn thc I-lcrot'-s(). \'()tt (1()lrI 1,..,. ttr-.',d *.'11 d.li.-. ln llrct. )'()Lt ctrn alu,ltl's count ctn ltrlct-ttlttl()ltlll Pill)cl.t() proviclc glctrt scn-ice ancl sr-tppott-l)cIr)l'c rincl rtItct' thc slllc.

'lb orclcl St)LAR BOARD-anc1 rrclcl nrolc Prolit t() \'()r-tr ltr'rllont linc-. A crrll r-rs rrt l-800-5 27-5907.\br-r'11 see fot lolrt'scll. it.s rr...r',,,,

READY TO ROLL

^++^^tr^i ^,^ ^^l^i d rrdu rqu iJ u- uduYu nesses m0ney.

Millwork Deliverer Pulls A Switch

Rcccnt qt-ort lh irr its nrill* olli lrntl tlool tlir i:iorr hlLrl rcnt labor- lrnrl ti llrclroLr:irrL eo:ls slivrrrclictinlt trt Ile s[)ool'. Fort \\'olth. T',.

,\s tlre irrrsincrs uleu. rllircrs ttotrltl n()[ gct ltack 1o tltc nlrlclroLrse Lrnlil itltcl lt()ul\. Iltc rrlu-chousc ltersonnel. ri itlr plotlrrct lirl tltc ncrt tllrr ulrcurlr ltrrllcd and sta-gccl. llrcl to riuil on orcltilnc ul)tlllltr'trLreks r-ctrrlned. The loarl ing thcn olterr orclllrppctl into tltc rrcrt r.nolning. resLrltirrg in thc tlr-ire r-s scttllt. ll llt. \tiu1 orr thlLt rllir's deliterics.

Iror lrclp. [{csl)oOI tuIncrl ttl I)cntOuntuble f'0nccltts' rle rttorrrtlirblc lrotlr sr \tcll. \\ hich allo* s cach tnre k to rrsc rrrLrlti;llc. irrtclehlutsculrlc trLrek [rorlics. \\'itlt tu o botlics lor clclr 1r-trck. * lrlchou\c llL-fs()nncl no\\ lolrrl thc ncrt rllrt's ltnrs tlurirtg nolnurl brrsiness hours llnrl rlon't ltnc to u lLit lor tlrc lruck to rcturn. \\'hetr thc rlr-ir cl lclLrrns. lre str lrps Itis crnpt,r' lrocly lirr a loailecl borlr rrnrl rs lclLtlr to loll

thc nc\t nt()r'nrr)!. "l{csl)oor-lrls lclt thc Plcssurc to find and retuirr goorl trLtcl' tlrir cr':." sltitl \.1r. I'ut Vacler. "\\'c rtraclc it orrr- to1r priorilr to kccp orrl rllir L'r\ ()lt lhc roacl trs ntLrclt lrs ltossiblc. 'l ltc tlctttottntltblc borlr s\stcll lllous trr lhc ()||()t tLlnit\ I'r llrvc ltll thc borcs louclerl ancl rcatlr for thc rlr-ir cr': curlr cutlt tttot-tting. Ottr lttrn-arountl tintc is lreutlr r-ctlrrectl unrl oLrr higlrcst plrirl people (clrir r-r's) lrrc on lltc r-olttl. not lotiti ing 1r'Lreks."

'l-lrc eonrpan) plans to eontirrue lirlrlinc tlcnrorrnlrrhlc

c(ltilPlncnt lLs thCt |cpllrcc lrgirtr. tr-Lreks.

Other cortrpanics using tlerrrorrrtlrhlc botl ics irrelLrtlc Il\l( \\'est. Cunrcr-on Ashlcr. ('lrlrrlrnlr Holilings lLnrl []Lrildcrs First Soulcc.

Plastic Lumber Firm Consolidates

.-\tlcl lr I clrl ol corrccrrlr-lrting on t]r'ou tlt. thc uor'lcl's lurucst plorlrrLcr' ()l rt'r\ e lcrl pllrstic lrrntbcl is nou fircusin-c olt eUtult9 e()\l\.

[ .S. I)lrrstie I.ttnrlrct l-trl.. rr rlir ision o1' LJ.S. I)lastic Lttrtthct' ('ot-p.. Iioe rr Il.lLton. I;1.. ltl: secn sules clirnb 3-57 y e ltt-lr but ltlts bccn inctcltstn I clLl-trcitr ancl operatine costs lll ll lllstcr'Plrec. liecor-tlinu to p|csiclcnt Tottt \'lcE,r01,. '\s u lcsrrlt. ['SPl- pcrnlrncntlr closcd its Srrcctscr. In.. llcilitv rrnrl itlletl. bLrl Iclt c11ui1.rnten1 in. plunts irr Vclnon. ('u.. untl (irccrr Iltn. \\'i. -l'hc f irnt continuc\ rrP11;11i11. ci!ht lacilitics. irrcludinc Ocala. Fl.. i-inrl Trcnt()n.'ln. i\s purl ol tlrc r-col ganization. Rick \\'olst llrs.joincrl tlrc c()nrl)rurv ls \ .p. ol opcrations. anrl Rohin .llrcohs. lirr-nrcllv ri ilh .lohns Marrr illc antl ntost rr'(cnil\ (icollitL I)rLe ilie is llc\\ lls r'.1'r. o1' rrrarketing. OOSE,

Wbat I build,I build to hsr. So I choosc tbc deching gwaranteed for 20 1tgav5. Wal,evfiortrtrr CboiceDeh" composite u,ood dacking is huilt for /ivtrtg. ('lrrrtrsc \\ isclr t',,,,.'.'lt

wwrv.choicedek.corr

The future is growing'"

Demountable truck bodies can be nterchanged and , savrng drivers and warehousemen t me and busi-

1,,,i,. fi.i'

Marketing ln The Footsteps Of History

Since 1974. Mountain Lumber Co., Ruckersville, Va., has recycled at least 20 million bd. ft. of lumber from old factories, barns and even 20O-year-old piers. Woods culled from these seasoned structures, including cypress, heart pine and the now-extinct American chestnut, are turned into flooring planks, architectural accents, stair parts and counter tops for commercial and residential projects.

"Old wood has a warmth, stability and character that new wood lacks. It has a history, too," says president and founder Willie Drake. "I marvel at the age of this wood and often wish that I could have walked throueh some of

New Ace DC Replaces Smaller Centers

Prince George, Va., in Sept. 2001 (see Oct., p. 54), necessitating the closure of its Charlotte, N.C., and Baltimore, Md., facilities at the end of February.

Retailers who receive goods from the Charlotte facility will be shipped merchandise from the Gainesville, Ga., RSC for the next few months. Those serviced from Baltimore will get their goods from Wilton, N.Y.

The closures affect about 200 workers, some of whom will remain with the company. Both DCs are less than 20 years old and service up to 300 stores. The new complex, which is about 150,000 sq. ft. larger than the combined size of its soon-to-be-shuttered counterparts, will house about $40 million in inventory and employ roughly 325 people.

the heart-pine wilderness."

Drake first became interested in reclaiming old wood back in the early 1970s when, as a carpenter, he went to West Virginia to get chestnut lumber from several old buildings.

"I stood looking at the old structures wondering if more of this material existed and if it could have new uses," he recalls. "When I started sharing this idea with others, people looked at me as if I was crazy."

Soon after, Drake switched from carpentry to the wood-salvaging business. Nowadays, his problem isn't finding clients, it's finding old wood. "We used to be given lumber or be allowed to buy it real cheap," he says. "Now there are five to l0 companies bidding on each demolition site."

While barns are still a good resource, Drake spends a lot of his time in New England where many defunct textile mills and other industrial plants are being torn down. He keeps careful track of where he gets his stock, describing the history of each deconstructed building in a booklet he gives his customers, so they know exactly where the wood for their floors originated.

The firm offers reclaimed wood from places as diverse as a grain elevator in Port Arthur, Tx., Union Station in Charlottesville. Va.. and a Naval Yard pier on Washington, D.C.'s Anacostia River. It sells more than a dozen types of flooring, each with a distinctive look, from highly refined, with nary a knot or nail hole, to heavily distressed with original saw and "character" marks.

"This wood is a time capsule," says Drake. "Every time we find wood with an item embedded in it, such as Civil War-era bullets or colonial-era nails, I wonder about the story and the people behind it. These little items always remind me how old this wood is and the role it played in our nation's history."

HEAR FOOTSTEPS? Allof Mountain Lumbe/s reclaimed wood flooring planks and millwork have a story behind them.

NOBLE BARNS provide woods for flooring, architectural accents, stair parts and counters.

ON TRACK: Ace's Prince George, Va., DC is on schedule for a September start-up, as workers erect one of the 222 conqele tilt-up panels that will support the 778,000-sq. ft. center.

Every other co-op in the industry has so[d off thejr lumber business tn :r nr lc:dp \ Inn ipr Wr.rt "rill this mean? lvlOre haSS[es? less buv''ro ieverage? SmaL[er rebates?

Not if you're o member of Do it Best Corp.

Do it Best Corp. is novt the only full-service member-owned distributor of hardr,vare ond lumber and building materials products in America.

We don't offer a one-size-fits'aLL approach. We tailor our offerings, providing lhe right products and innovative services, like insta[[ed sales and pro marketing, to help our members grow their businesses [oca[y. And thanks to our rebate program that returns a// ofthe profits to our members for a/l orodrct purcnases-bott- -BM and hard ,inesretailers ljke Scott Parker have the capital funds they need to invest jn their businesses or open new stores.

Do it Best Corp. has a proven track record of supplying the best products, at the best prices, maintaining the Lowest cost of operation, and providing consistently high rebates for alL of our membersLumberyards, home centers, and traditionaL hardrnrare stores.

To learn more about how you can profit from a relationship with Do it Best Corp.. catl 888-D0 IT BEST (888-364-8237).

AnEx'T You cLAD YOU usE PLYwooD?

Actually C P Plus plyrvoocl Stulcl I-Floor to be precise. G P Plus Plpvoocl Floonngr.nakes a real dil'f'elencc in long-term clurabilitv to the homeowner. It pcrfor-ms qleat u,hen ten'rpor"alily wet. l)lus, plywood is strong. dulable, easy t() use, and its ploven reputatiot) has nruclc it thc prele lred subfloot'fbl over'3o vears. Cl P Pltrs ph.wood St,-rld I Floor- w,rtl'r its fully s:rr-rcled lace ancl irnproved corc allorrs homecrrvners the velsatility to change 1)oor coveringslater,asellingpointlbryou.Don'tsettle fblsubstitutes,trustG PPlusplywoodSturd I-Floor',the quality choice that qualitv builclers build their repututions on.

RnerWoop Prvwoop. Dorv'r Srrrr-n Fon SunsrrrrrrEs.

Georgia.Pacific Call 1-800-BUILD G-P tr -BOo-284,s347)

For f ree sales sheets and counter card.

CrceNo 116onp 38

nols

Dave'6Swishtt Swisher has been promoted to corporate installed sales mgr. for Cox Industries, Orangeburg, S.C.

Dwight Patterson, ex-Marks Forest Products, has rejoined Stringfellow Lumber Co., Birmingham, Al., as plywood sales and purchasing mgr.

Jennifer Quitta is new to plywood and OSB sales for Martco Plywood, Alexandria, La.

Clifford M. Hambleton has been promoted to Texas regional v.p. for Lowe's Cos., N. Wilkesboro, N.C., overseeing eight districts and 56 stores throughout Texas and sunounding states. He succeeds Ted Hudler, who relocates to Wilkes County as merchandising v.p. for building materials. Tony Starliper is now Central regional v.p.

Joe Ollitt III has been named v.p. of Forest Sales Corp., Augusta, Ga.

Byron B. Magnum was promoted to v.p. of Richmond Lumber Sales, Augusta, Ga.

Rick Smith is now overseeing sales in El Paso, Tx., for Sierra Pacific Industries, Redding, Ca.

Buddy Ables has been appointed president of l5-unit Leeds Building Products, Kennesaw, Ga., succeeding George Poulos, who remains chairman. Greg Poulos is senior v.p. and general mgr. and Ricky Gunter, senior v.p. and chief admi nistration offi cer.

Jason Parker has been appointed president of Parker's Prime. Inc., Denton. Tx., succeeding his father, co-founder Oneal Parker, 66, who died July 9.

Michael W. Greer is now director of national accounts for DW Distribution Inc., DeSoto, Tx. Jim Thornton is distribution specialist for southeast Texas.

Mike Price is the new contractor sales mgr. for South Atlantic Lumber Industries, Greensboro, N.C.

Bob Milhoan has been promoted to. y.p., e-commerce, of HandySource.com, Bradenton, Fl. Brian Geverd is director, marketing communications, and Steve Dabbs. chief financial officer.

o 1" Southern Pine Boards & Patterns

Michael Dube has been promoted to v.p. of operations, Southwest Region for Universal Forest Products. Patrick Benton is now general mgr. of operations for the New Waverly and Silsbee, Tx., plants.

George Tremblay was named v.p.-corporate accounts for SNE Enterprises, Inc., Norcross, Ga. Mark Rieser is directormarketing and business development, and Michael Farris, v.p.-sales and distribution.

Tom Patrick and Bob Clift are new to pre-hung door equipment sales in Tx. and Ok. for Wise Corp., Largo, Fl. Jim Tuberville, ex-Northcutt Woodworks, is now in sales at Conner Industries, Conroe, Tx.

Andy Grizzell has been promoted to comgr. of 84 Lumber, Knoxville, Tn.

LeAnn Hetrick was named Southeastern regional sales mgr. for Mansfield Plumbing Products, Inc.

Philip Skoropat has been promoted to v.p. of sales and marketing for Gilman Building Products, St. Mary's, Ga., succeeding Robert A. "Bob" Knight, who retired after 26 years with the firm.

Bruce Dixon, ex-Bird Vinyl Siding, has been named commodities marketing mgr. for Texas Wholesale Building Materials, Inc., Carrollton, Tx. Jeff Tatman, ex-Hope Lumber, is operations mgr. Credit mgr. Debbi Blair has been elected president of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Roofing/Siding Credit Group.

Randall Burks has been named store mgr. of the new Lowe's in Conyers, Ga. Clay Womack and Phillip Wyatt work in the hardware and tool departments.

Richard ((Dick" Fitzgerald, ex-Peachtree Doors and Windows, has been appointed v.p. of sales and marketing for Nichiha USA. Atlanta. Ga.

Richard McGuire has been named Midwest regional mgr., including Ky., for Neogard, Dallas, Tx

Larry Maker was appointed president and ceo of Value Holdings, Miami, Fl.

Michael Natale and Steven Adams are new to sales for Swan Secure Products.

Ed LeBlanc, ex-Regent Lighting Corp., has been appointed president/ceo of the residential and commercial division of Kidde Safety, Mebane, N.C.

James Fitzpatrick has been appointed v.p.-merchandise planning & control for Payless Cashways.

Ralph E. Jackson, Jr. has been promoted to chief operating officer of Cooper Industries, Inc., Houston, Tx. Terry A. Klebe is chief information technology officer and David A. White, Jr. is venture development officer.

David T. Brown, has been named chief operating officer of Owens Corning, succeeding Domenico Cocere. Brown will continue to serve as president, insulating systems business, until a successor is named.

Quent Ondricek has been appointed national sales mgr. of Do it Best Corp.

Alan Kessel, ex-Roto Frank of America, is a new partner of The Gemroi Co., Fredericksburg, Va., covering N.C.

Ron Pink, president; Curt Burdick, v.p. of sales, and Ron Draghi, chief financial officer, have resigned from Distribution America. Dave Heider, chairman, wholesaler merchandising group, and ceo of United Hardware Distributors, is in charge until a new management team is appointed.

Al Pine is now handling Swiss mountain timber sales for Mungus-Fungus Forest Products, Climax, Nv., report owners Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus.

"Home Depot is a good indicator for a consumer recession. This indicates the Federal Reserve better start cutting rates fast and furious. This is for the Fed to fix, not Mr. Nardelli."

- Peter Caruso, Merrill Lynch Global Securitie s, on Home Depot's first quarterly earnings decline in 15 years

o 1x6-8' to 20' Rough SYP Corral Fencing (Uniform 15116")

o Western Red Cedar Timber &.poards

o Lx4, 1x6 WRC Premium,6'THICK" Pickets

o 2x4 WW Studs (Solid & F/D 92-518",96",104-Sl8u,116-518"

o 2x4 Std./Btr SPF

on news

Kentucky Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association's upcoming annual convention will feature college football's Terry Bowden addressing "Leading with Audacity." The event, Feb. l8-20 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, Covington, also will include a trade show, management sessions on succession planning and margins, and buyer sessions on vinyl railing products, concrete siding, truss technology and engineered wood.

Early next month, Bill Darling will lead a pair of estimating seminars at the Executive Inn, Louisville. He will teach a blueprint reading class March 5 and a three-day residential framing course March 6-8.

Southern Building Material Association will hold advanced selling and sales management seminars March 7 at the Holiday Inn Central, Richmond, Va., and March 14 at the Holiday Inn Lake

Norman. Charlotte. N.C.

SBMA is among 10 federated associations endorsing BuildNet, Inc., Research Triangle Park, N.C., as an e-commerce provider for its members.

Lumbermens Association of Texas is heading to the Omni Downtown Hotel, Austin, for its winter board and committee meetings/lobbying days Feb. 6-8.

International Wood Products Association will hold its 45th annual convention and 13th international forest products exhibition March 14-16 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Speakers at World of Wood 2001 include Dr. Ariel Lugo, on mahogany and tropical forestry; Charles R. Widman, the future of softwood imports; Tim Stanceu, the new administration's effect on international trade; Marc Morano, myths of the rainforest: Keister Evans. sustainable forest management, and author Ron Arnold.

McCoy's To Open, Shutter & Remodel Stores

McCoy's Building Supply Centers, San Marcos. Tx.. has closed four of its Texas locations, plans to remodel four units this winter and will open one new store this year.

The shuttered units are in Beaumont, Jasper, Texas City and Weatherford, Tx., all of which were unprofitable, according to president and ceo Brian McCoy.

Though the firm did not reveal which units would be upgraded, spokesperson Ann Frugoni later said a retrofit was recently completed in

Corsicana, Tx., leaving three sites to be remodeled by the end of March. To date, the chain has renovated 12 Texas locations, as well as one in Hobbs, N.M.

The company also said that construction is underway on a new store in Kingsville, Tx., which it expects to open early in the second quarter.

The 7S-year-old firm operates 96 stores in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

British Parent Sells CSI

Laporte plc has sold several divisions, including wood preserving chemical producer Chemical Specialties Inc., Charlotte, N.C., to private investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., L.P.

The acquired businesses-timber treatment (CSI), pigments, additives, plastics compounding, water technology and electronics-will retain their names and management teams as divisions of newly formed Rockwood Specialties Inc., Princeton, N.J. Michael J. Kenny, formerly a division chairman and director of Laporte, will serve as president.

"We will remain CSI," said CSI's Dave Fowley. "We've just gone from being a part of a publicly traded British company to being part of a privately held U.S. company.

Knoxville Business For Sale

Parker Brothers Ace Hardware, Knoxville, Tn., is up for sale.

Third generation owners Chuck and Linda Lee (granddaughter of the founder) say they are selling because none of their three adult children are interested in running the 7S-year-old family business.

"What we're hoping to do is find someone local that cares about the community and our customers," said Chuck Lee, adding that the decision to sell had nothing to do with Home Depot's interest in opening nearby. The city is already home to one Depot, an 84 Lumber and a Lowe's.

Parker Brothers has been at its current location since 1994, when the business relocated after its original location was torn down to make room for a grocery store. Not long after the move, the Lees expanded the store, which, according to Chuck Lee, has remained successful.

TruServ LBM Sale To BMA Official

Builder Marts of America, Greenville, S.C., has completed its acquisition of TruServ's LBM division, crearing the nation's largest Lumber & Building Materials group with combined 2000 sales of over $2 billion.

LBM sales operations in Butler, Pa., and Springfield, Or., will continue to service TruServ retailers. Marketing, procurement and other support functions will be handled out of BMA's Greenville headquarters.

With 225 associates and nine sales offices across the U.S., BMA now offers lumber, building materials, millwork, hardlines and business services to over 4,500, primarily pro-oriented customers.

Louisiana Retailer Goes Wholesale

Lumber Investors, Inc., Alexandria, La., has converted its Point Coupee Lumber, Lafayette, La., retail location into a wholesale distribution center in order to better serve South Louisiana dealers.

According to president Allen Wiggins, the newly-named Martin Distributors-Lafayette will help "reach potential growth markets in Southern Mississippi and East Texas."

The l4-year-old business has two retail units, Howard Lumber & Supply, Minden, La., and Martin Building Materials, Pineville, La., and another DC in Alexandria.

Big Box Hard Hat Bill Proposed

Legislation has been proposed by two Massachusetts representatives that would require customers and employees to wear hard hats while inside warehouse retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe's and Wal-Mart.

"Sprawlbuster" Al Norman said he helped craft the bill, which pertains to stores that stock merchandise more than l0 ft. above the ground and operate heavy equipment. "It's all part of telling the story about what these big box retailers are doing," he said. "One of the many ways Wal-Mart holds down prices is to have less need for warehouses because they've chosen to put the warehouse over the head of you, at your risk."

Jeffrey Hyman, a Denver, Co., lawyer who represents plaintiffs in cases involving falling merchandise, said Home Depot gets 185 claims a week. However, Depot spokeswoman Carol Schumacher said most of the claims are not injury related, adding that the chain does not release information on customer injuries.

The bill would require retailers to report customer injuries and deaths to the state's Department of Labor. Employee injuries are now required to be reported to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Do it Best To Offer Seminars

Do it Best is holding 36 Executive Retail Symposiums nationwide during February, offering members the opportunity to recognize and profit from industry trends.

Among the topics in "Planning for Profit in a Changing Retail Environment" are methods for combating the expected economic slowdown in 2001, recruiting and retaining employees, industry competition, merchandising techniques, and making better use of new technologies.

Dates for the South are Feb. 8, Arlington/Dallas, Tx.; Feb. 9, San Antonio, Tx.; Feb. 9, Oklahoma City, Ok.; Feb. 15, Richmond/Midlothian, Va.; Feb. 20, Birmingham, Al.; Feb.22, Atlanta, Ga.; Feb. 26, Greensboro, N.C.: Feb. 28. Charleston. S.C.. and March 2. Orlando. Fl.

SCFIWERD'S Quality Wood Columns since 1860

A.F. Schwerd Manufacturinq Co. has been producing wmd columns a-nd pilasters for over 1 35 years. The wood is thoroughly seasoned oine for exterior use: addit]orial lumber soecies available for interior.

Production beqins with a minimum 2" shaft wall thickness usinq solid piece lumber (no linger joins) resulting in a quality, durable column. Columns are available in diameters from 4" to 50' and in the length required for your specific installaiion up to 35'. To assist in your restoration projects, we can manulacture columns to match yor existing design. Capitals, shafts, bases and plrnths can be purchased separately.

No, 150 lmm Codnilhian

#$ffifri:.

Our comolete aluminum bases are manufactured of thick metal and are recommended for exterior columns lor a seamless base that will last a lifetime. The aluminum olinths are ventilated for air circulation through the column shaft Comolete alumiriirm bases are available in three architecturallv-correct swles for even diameter colu'mns from 6' to 3d. Call or write for our free catalog.

COMPANY

3215 McClure Avenue, Dept. BP Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Telephone: QlD7E6-6322. Fcoc: (412) 76F2262

roducts

Screws Loose? Not Here

A masonry screw for fastening wood and composite materials in new

construction, remodeling and construction maintenance has been introduced by Swan Secure Products, Inc.

Swancrete screws reportedlycombine the strength and corrosion resistance necessary in extreme conditions while providing a neat and finished appearance.

The fasteners come in both hex washer and flat head in sizes from l-114" to 4".

Each package includes the appropriate drill bit.

Circle No. 201

Tanks For The Memories

A 1.5-gallon tank sprayer made from high grade and corrosion resistant plastic that weighs only 2.8 lbs. is new from Solo Inc.

reportedly set the edge of a knife or tool in l0 seconds is new from Smith Abrasives, Inc.

GetSharp can be mounted on a workbench and its blades are prealigned. The product comes with a leather carrying case for hanging and a plastic storage top for protecting the Arkansas stone.

Circle No. 203

Lightens Up Concrete's Load

An artificial polymer-based aggregate that reportedly makes concrete lighter is new from Artificial Aggregates.

PolysBeto can be used as a partial or composite substitute for natural aggregates in buildings, prefabrication and roadways.

Circle No. 204

Model 430 has 45 rsI spray pressure, an adjustable nozzle, a 36" long flexible, high pressure hose and a long 18" shut-off valve and wand for hard-to-reach places.

The UV resistant polyethylene tank can be wheeled around on a cart that is available separately.

Circle No. 202

The Time Of Your Knife

A knife sharpening system with tungsten carbide cutting blades that

Tiles From The Rockies

American Marazzi Tile has introduced 13"x13" faux stone floor tiles for residential and commercial use.

Colorado Stone has a Class 4 durability rating and are 6"x6".

The product comes in five colors.

Circle No. 205

On Retainer

Retaining wall blocks in straight face and beveled three-way face styles for straight or curved retaining walls and terraces up to 3' in height are available from Anchor Walls.

Diamond blocks have a lip on the back that glides the product into place, reportedly ensuring accurate alignment and precise setback without mortars or pins.

Circle No. 206

The Giant Claw

Vaughan & Bushnell Manufacturing Co. has a new tool with a broad, thin blade for scraping, cutting and prying moulding and other materials.

The Great Regulator

A self-powered flow regulator that secures a constant flow independent of upstream or downstream pressure variations is available from Jordan Valve.

The MKl30 operates without receiving energy or steering impulses from any external devices and may be installed in any position with the flow in the direction of the arrow.

Try A Different Rout

Makita USA, Inc. has four new 2l/4-vp industrial production routers with rugged aluminum housing and an electronic soft start feature for smooth operation.

All 1100 series models feature an electronic speed control, which monitors and maintains a constant rpm even under load.

Routers can be used on a variety of materials, including hard and ioft wood and man made components.

Circle No. 212

Pre-Finished Door Frames

Contact Lumber Co. has introduced a pre-finished door frame component with a l0-year warranty on the painted finish, film integrity and wood decay.

Bear Claw Scraper Bar has a nailpulling end that can be hammered into an imbedded nail with sharp gripping edges that can lock onto a headless nail for extraction.

The 10" tool is made from quality forged and tempered steel and its special rocker design gives maximum leverage for prying and pulling.

Circle No. 207

Fork Sure

Sellick Equipment Ltd. has a new 12,000-lb. capacity forklift rhat runs on a Perkins 1000 low emission, 4.2 liter, 4-cylinder, 86-sp diesel engine.

The product comes in l/4" -2" sizes and can be used to control the volume of oil, lubrication, liquids for irrigation, or regulating the bleeding of filters.

Circle No.209

Flush With Success

A toilet tank fill valve and repair kit has been introduced bv Dearborn Brass.

NexGen installs from the top, setting the height in one step, from above the water line.

The product is said to eliminate overflow problems and water hammer for a quieter operation.

Its anti-siphon design prevents fresh water supply contamination, while precision shut-off occurs at the same level every time.

Circle No.210

What A Crank

J.W. Winco has developed a new nylon retractable hand crank.

PIC machines like primed wood and is architecturally correct to show the detail of the molded wood.

The product can be painted and also can be machined to the specifications of most door manufacturers' systems. allowing for end-sealing aft-erwards to prevent water absorption.

Circle No.213

Skylights Go Commercial

A 21" tubular skylight for commercial buildings that reportedly provides up to 12,000 lumens is new from Solatube International Inc.

The SolaMaster Series, which can be used in suspended ceilings, finished drywall ceilings and open warehouses, can be reconfigured for future interior layout changes.

The product is said to illuminate up to a 400-sq. ft. area.

Circle No.214

Let lt Drain

The SDl20 has high visibility SeeThru masks with lift heights to 30', full syncromesh transmission with optional power shift, high capacity L2 loader tires, wet disc brakes, torque proportioning differential and optional 4-wheel drive.

Circle No. 208

The product has a steel, zinc-plated spring loaded retracting mechanism with a matte black, glass-filled nylon plastic crank handle and body with a zinc-plated steel molded-in hub.

Circle No. 211

A perforated pipe sleeve that is said to reduce drain pipe clogging from soil and small particle buildup is new from T. Christy Enterprises, Inc. Designed for encasing perforated pipes in underground drainage systems, Drain-Eez comes in 3", 4" and 6" sizes, in 100'rolls.

Circle No. 215

Fiber-Cement Wall Panels

Nichiha Wall System has introduced fiber-cement wall panels for residential and commercial applications.

The 1.5'high, 6 long', and 3/4" or 1" thick panels are attached to metal or wood framing with anodized aluminum clips, that reportedly eliminate any exposed fasteners.

The product provides an air laYer between the sheathing and the panel to minimize moisture damage to the structural substrate.

Circle N0.217

Ladder For That

A Type IAA rated stepladder with a 375-lb.load capacity is new from Werner Co.

Arbor Days

A vinyl arbor that is said never to require painting or staining and will not peel, flake or rot is new from Westech Fence.

Reportedly impervious to moisture and termites and resistant to denting and scratching,Legacy is over 7'high and about 5' wide with a 4' opening. Vinyl trellises, picnic tables and wishing wells also are available.

Circle No. 216

The 7300 Series has reinforced steps that are IOOVo braced and triple riveted for sturdiness and has bright yellow non-conductive fiberglass rails with black diagonal stripes.

The unit comes in3'-12' lengths.

Circle N0.218

Slugfest

Slugging wrenches made from matched steel are new from ATP.

Twister mixes liquids to a smooth consistency and comes in I and 5 gallon sizes.

Circle No.220

Socket To Me

Makita USA, Inc. has a new angle socket driver with five torque settings and a mechanism that automatically stops the tool when a specific torque is reached.

Model #6706DW's angle design and 15-9/16" tool body can reach into tieht areas and also can be used for ci6se quarter driving.

Circle No. 221

They Come Out At Night

RAB Electric Manufacturing Inc. has a new cutoff wallpack with a glare shield that is said to eliminate light trespass.

Striking wrenches come in inch and metric sizes from 1/8" (22mm) to 9" (200 mm).

Circle N0.219

Do The Twist

A paint mixer that is said to mount easily on any variable speed, corded or cordless drill is new from Allway Tools.

The fixture comes in 35, 50, 70 and 100 watt high pressure sodium, 50, 70 and 100 watt metal halide or 42 watts cfl.

The retrofit kit converts current and older WPls to cutoff units and comes with a cutoff frame, glass lens and mounting hardware.

Circle No. 222

The

Laminate flooring tiles that are said to be scuff-, stain-, and scratchresistant are new from Wilsonart International, Inc.

Classic and Designer tiles come in 24 colors.

Circle N0.223

uqnes

Elmer Cornelius "Bucky"

McCoy, 64, founder and ceo, South Atlantic Lumber Industries. Inc.. Greensboro, N.C., died Dec. l9 in Greensboro.

A native of Acworth. Ga.. he was a graduate of the University of Georgia and president of McCoy Lumber Industries, Greensboro, for many years, before founding South Atlantic Lumber in 1990.

He served on the board of the North American Wholesale Lumber Association and worked in the lumber industry for more than 40 years.

Victor Herbert "Vic" Dassow, 80, retired president, New Home Building Supply Co., Greensboro, N.C., died Jan. 16 in Greensboro.

A native of Medford. Wi.. and graduate of King College, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1940-1942, retiring with the rank of Major.

He became a sales manager for New Home Building Supply in 1954 and purchased the firm four years later, retiring in 1988.

He was a member of the former Carolina Lumber Dealers Association.

Ivey Holland, 89, retired secretary-treasurer, J.E. Sears Inc., Appomattox, Va., died Nov. 12.

A native of Virginia, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Artillery Mechanized Calvary, retiring with the rank of Major. A past president of the former Virginia Building Materials Association, he retired from J.E. Sears in 1996.

Hardware Show Scales Back

Determined to retain past exhibitors and visitors as well as attract new companies, the National Hardware Show and Building Products Exposition have been trimmed from four days to three.

The combined shows will run from Aug. 12-14 at Chicago's McCormick Place. "Until this year, the fourth day was open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the floor population traditionally less than the three days before. Research showed many industry professionals spent the fourth day traveling," said spokesman Dennis MacDonald.

To further help exhibitors save money, Freeman Decorating is introducing new booth package options and reducing overtime charges on outbound material handline.

Other changes include addition of an on-site Buyers Lounge, an enhanced conference program, and early morning hours for the Lakeside East Building.

For an in-depth look at the upcoming shows, see the special, full-color "Expo Preview" supplement in the July issue of Building Products Digest.

Trees Stump For Votes

The National Arbor Day Foundation is asking Americans to vote for a national tree, amid a field of 2l nominees.

Votes can be cast online before Apil 26 at www.arborday.org or via mail by April l: National Arbor Day Foundation, Dept. P, Nebraska City, Ne.68410.

The results will be announced on Arbor Day, April27.

Let's all hope there isn't a call for a recount.

Old Growth Protection Plan

U.S. Forest Service chief Mike Dombeck has launched a new policy that directs all national forest supervisors to map and protect old growth timber to help envision how much ancient forestland will be created for the future.

The policy is said to go beyond former President Clinton's plan that prohibited most logging and new road construction on 58.5 million acres of national forestlands.

Jailed Ozark Man Files Claim

An Ozark, Ar., man jailed for nine months for allegedly robbing two local businesses, including a Lowe's store, only to have all charges against him dropped, has filed a wrongful incarceration claim against police.

D'Andrea Robinson. 20. was arrested April 9, 1999 on suspicion of robbing two businesses in Enterprise, Al. Unable to make bond, Robinson was imprisoned, where he stayed until being released Dec. 4, after another man confessed to the crimes.

In filing his claim against police, Robinson said he could not understand why it took so long for the charges to be dismissed once someone else confessed.

SFPA Debuts Treated Home

The second Southern Forest Products Association-sponsored Habitat for Humanity house made from all pressure treated southern pine framing materials was presented to its new owner Jan. 13 in New Orleans, La.

The I,140-sq. ft. home, the 49th structure erected by the local Habitat chapter, was constructed from over 8,000 bd. ft. of 0.40 CCA-treated southern pine lumber donated by customers of Elder Wood Preserving Co., Mansura, La. Customers include Poole Lumber Co., Lumber Products, Camrth Bros. Lumber Co., Gueydan Lumber & Plywood, Vetter Lumber Co. and Liberty Lumber Yard.

literqture

Sunshine State Cypress Info

A 4-p., full-color brochure on Sunshine State Cypress is free from Universal Forest Products. Inc.. 560 Indusrrial Dr., Moultrie, Ga.3l-768, (229) 985-4009.

Hardwood Rope Mouldings

A product sheet of hardwood moulding styles from 5/8"xI-3/8" to 1-|/16"x6-|12" is free from Braided Accents, (208)'/629663.

Let's Gall lt A Wrap

A full-color product sheet on Drainage Wrap DF, which is said to provide a clear drainage path for moisture evacuation from plywood or OSB, is free from Senergy, Inc., (800) 221-9255.

Go To The Head Of The Class

An L-Shaped Header field guide, with span tables and construction details, is free from the North American Steel Framing Alliance, (800) 797-8335.

Pushing Tin

A catalog of pressed-tin ceiling styles is free from Chelsea Decorative Metals ('t t3) 721-9200.

Follow The Ladder

A 20-p., full-color catalog of ladders is free from Cosco Inc., (812)372-Ol4l.

Trim Sum

A color brochure on MiraTec Exterior Composite Trim is free from Masonite Corp., (312) 750-0900.

2-4-6-g Home Decorate

John Holms' Home Depot's Decorating I-2-3, a 416-p. book on how to professionally redecorate your home, is $34.95 from Meredith Books, 1912 Grand Ave., Des Moines, Ia. 50306; (515) 284-2257.

Now You're Cooking

A 24-p., full-color catalog of wheel free carriers and outdoor cooking equipment is free from Masterbuilt Mfg. Inc., 450 Brown Ave., Columbus, Ga. 31906; (800) 489-5622.

Roll Ups & Accordians

A pair of full-color catalogs on roll-up and accordion style doors are free from Woodfold-Marco Mfg. Inc., Box 346, Forest Grove, Or.97l l6; (503) 357-7181.

Battery Park

A rechargeable battery recycling program is detailed in a free brochure from the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corp., 1000 Parkwood Circle, #450, Atlanta, Ga. 30339; (877)723-1297.

Tile Away The Hours

A 28-p., full-color catalog of bath tiles is free from Original Style Ltd., (800) 273-0636.

Installing Hardwood Floorlng

A guide on how to install hardwood flooring over a concrete slab is free from the Hardwood Council. Box 525. Oakmont, Pa. I 5 I 39; (412) 281 -4980.

Step Lively

A full-color brochure on CleanStep, a non-skid pad that reportedly keeps dirt out of homes, workplaces and offices, is free from Advanced Laminated Material Applications Inc., l25l Montalvo Way, #K, Palm Springs, Ca.92262; (800) 4442562.

Steeling Home

A revised edition of the Perspective Method for Residential Cold-Formed Steel Framing, reportedly the industry standard for building homes with steel and the basis of steel requirements in the International Building Code, is free from the North American Steel Framins Alliance, (202) 263 -4483.

Appliances Galore

The 2001 appliance catalog is free from General Electric Co., (800) 6262000.

How Does A Garden Grow?

Grout & Gaulk Show

A 6-p. grout and caulk color selection guide is free from TEC Specialty Products, Inc., (800) 323-7407.

Lights On Command

A product sheet on IntelaVoice, a voice-operated light switch, is free from VOS Systems Inc., 13000 Danielson St., #J, Poway, Ca.92064; (800) 596-0061.

Secrets Of The Ancients

Kenneth R. Wright and Alfredo Valencia Tngana's Machu Picchu: A Civil Engineering Marvel, a 136-p. book detailing how the Incas built the famed Lost City, is $49 from the American Society of Civil Engineers, 1801 Alexander Bell Dr., Reston, Y a. 2019 | : (8OO) 548-2"1 23.

"Products for Successful Gardening," a l2-p. catalog of soil meters, test kits and other lawn and plant accessories, is free from Luster Leaf Products. lnc.. 2220 Techcourt, Woodstock, Il. 60098; (516) 678-3196.

Unlike a few of those so-called "maintenancr-free imitation wood" ads you may have seen, you wont find any digitally enhanced or fake photos here. That's because when it comes to decking products, nothing can replace the natural beauty and strength of real wood.

DuraPineo Outdoof Wood by Cox" is manufactured only from high-grade southern yellow pine that is strong and durable. Then, the additional step of redrying the wood afrer the treating proces results in a more dimensionally stable decking producr with advantages only Mtural wood can provide:

. Greater strength and stiffness

. Lighter in weight and easier to handle

. Minimal expansion after installation

. Up to 40% costsavings

Treated with genuine Wolman@ preservative and built-in Wolman

Extrao water repellent, DuraPine

Outdoor Wood decking provides a lifetime of protection against decay and termite damage. And, with annual weather-protection maintenance. DuraPine Outdoor Wood will stay looking great for years.

DuraPine Outdoor Wood is a natural fit for you, your customers, and your bottom line! And it's real wood. Honest.

For information in becoming a stocking dealer, call 800.476.+401 far 803.534.6328

email: salesl@coxwood.com

www.coxwood.com

AusAtrt

Georgia-Pacific....................(800) 866-1414 (205) 233'0256

Grayson Lumber Corp.......................,............(256\ 292-3227

Great Southem Wood Preserving..................(800) 633-7539

Gull Lumber Co., Inc. ......................,...,...,......(334) 457-6872

McEwen Lumber Co ......(334\ 432'2322

McShan LumberCo. .....(2051375-6277

Mead Southem Wood Products.................,...(800) 273'6597

Pacific Forest Products........(800) 730-6330 (205) 682-7550

Sanford Resources (TrimJoist)...........,...........(205) 695-7128

Stringfellow Lumber Co., Inc. .............,...........(800) 825-9400

Weyerhaeuser C0................(800) 541-4825 (256) 381'3550

Anrrrsrs

Anthony Forest Products Co. .........................(8001 221 -2326

Bean Lumber Co., Curt .......(800) 232-2326 (800) 482-2352

Deltic Timber Corp. .......(870) 881'6414

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

Lewis Lumber & Manufacturing Co. ,...,..........(870) 387'2884

Weyerhaeuser Co. ........(800) 643-1515

White River Hardwo0ds............ .......(800) 558-01 1 9

Jrorlor

Alpine Engineered Producis...........................(954) 781 -3335

Building Products of America.................,.......(800) 962-1518

Hoover Treated Wood Products, Inc..............(904) 258-7818

Lumbermen's Underwriting A||iance...............(800) 327-0630

McEwen Lumber Co. (Delray Beach)...,.........(561) 276'5155

McEwen Lumber Co. (Jacksonville)...............(904) 783'0170

McEwen Lumber Co. (Orlando).............,........(407) 299 4280

McEwen Lumber Co. (Tampa).......... ......(813) 248-41 1 1

Pacific Forest Products........(800) 845-0224 (877) 955-9663

Precision Architectural Products, Inc..............(888) 966-372

Robbins Mfg. (Ft. Myers) ....(800) 330-2219 (54113u-2219

Robbins Mlg. (Orlando) ......(800) 432'8858 (407) 293-0321

Robbins Mtg. (Tampa) ........(800) 282-93i]6 (813) 971-3030

Southeastem Metals Mfg. Co.........................(904) 757'4200

Southem Pine Inspeclion Bureau...................(904) 434-261 1

Souihem Pine Timber Products.....................(800) 229-7463

Southem Wke Cloth Co.......(800) 345-6589 (305) 688-2572

Weyerhaeuser BMD (Jacksonville).,........,.....(800)

1angboard............................(800) 864-3730 (912) 263-8943

Moultrie Manufacturing C0, ............................(800) 841 -8674

Osmose.................. .......(770\ 228-84U

Pacilic Lumber Co.. .......(I/0) 99$8939

Ray0nier................. .......(912) 367'3671

Savannah Wood Preserving(800) 847-9663 (912) 2364875

Sunbett Material Handling....(800) 353-0892 (7701 569'2244

Universal Forest Poducts..............................(91 2) 985-8066

Weyerhaeuser Co................(800) 282-3370 (404) 355'5971

Glen Oak Lumber & Milling ............................(800). 242-8272

McEwen Lumber Co .......(502) 297'8321

Weyerhaeuser C0................(800) 752-6032 (502) 368-3331

lournm

Elder Foresr Producrs..........(800) 256-7197 (318) 625-8141

Elder Lumber Co., Roy O...............................(800) 844-0615

Elder Wood Preseoing........(800) 467-8018 (318) 964'2196

Landry Lumber Sales, Richard.......................(318) 442-0453

Martin, Roy 0......... .......(800) 299'5174

McElroy Metal, Inc...............(888) 562'3576 (318) 747-8045

Southem Gull Trucking ..................................(318) 222'8106

Southem Pine Counci|....................................(504) 4434481

Willamene Industries......................................(31 8) 255'6258 tmlsppt

Columbus 1umber...............(800) 654-6743 (601) 833-1990

Hankins Inc..........................(888) 837-9286 (662) 837-9286

Hood lndustries...... .......(601) 735'5071

Shuqualak Lumber C0....................................(601 ) 793-4528

Southem Lumber C0...........(800) 748-8919 (601) 362'0019

TrimJoist................. .......(800) 844-8281

Weyerhaeuser BMD ............(800) 858-0310 (228) 865-107

llonr Cmourr

BargainBuilder.com .......(888) 960'3979

Chemical Specialties, Inc...............................(704). 5?2'M25

Crumpler Plastic Pipe, Inc..............................(800) 334-5071

DLH Nordisk, Inc. ...........................................(800) 688-2882

Huber Com., J.M. ... .......(7c4) 547'9220

McEwen Lumber Co. (High Point)..................(336) 472'1676

McEwen Lumber Co. (Raleigh)......................(919) 772'7550

Smith Millwotk, Inc. ........................................(336) 249'81 71

Southem Lumber Sa|es..................................(919) 937'8800

Southem Software Technology & Research ..(910) 484"5518

Staubach Co., The. ........(704)

Trrrssrt

frru

(800) 866-1414

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

DONKEY TRUCK MOUNTED FORKLIFT

Low operating weight averaging 3,000 pounds

Suitable for use on single axle trucks

Detachable mount works with dump beds

Diesel engine, automatic transmission, automotivestyle disc brakes make operation easy

. Legendary reliability

Call800-383-30f 8 for the name of your nearest dealer and to arrange a demo.

ified sds

Rates: 25 words for $25, additional words 700 ea. Phone number counts as I word, address as 6. Headline or centered copy, $6 per line. Private box or special border, $6 ea. Column inch rate: $45

REMANUFACTURING SPECIALIST.

center match on 1". 2". 3"and 4" lumber. Other patterns including flooring, ceiling, log siding and more. Custom CCA treating. Custom KDAT. We manufacture Southern Yellow Pine lx4 and 1x6 S4S and patterns. Call Billy Ryals, Laurel Lumber Co., Laurel, Ms., (601) 6497696; Fax 601-428-1214.

IF YOU ARE a market-driven supplier, call 800-966-2801 or visit our Web site StainlessSteelNails.com and learn how to become a Program Dealer for Swan Secure.

FOR SALE

Hardwood Decking & Flooring

Meranti/Kempas-strong and durable.

Kiln dried-virtually free from defects.

lx4 e4e, lx4t&g,514x4 e4e,514x6 e4e.

Truckload quantities.

Please inquire with JCS Wood Products Inc., Jamestown, N.C. (336\ 454-0052

DRY KILN STICKS

HONDURAN HEART PINE FLOORING DECKING BOARDS

Interamerican Wood Products has available for sale hardwood dry kiln sticks from Malaysia, heart pine Honduran flooring, and imported decking boards. We can ship all over the U.S. Please call us for a quote at (912) 2830353 and ask for James Stovall. Yozr complete satisfaction is our guarantee.

camera-ready, $55 if we set the type. Names of advertisers using a box number cannot be released. Address replies to box number shown in ad c/o Building Products Digest, 4500 Campus Dr., Ste. 480, Newport Beach, Ca. 92660-1872. Make checks payable to Cutler Publishing. Mail copy to above address, Fax to 949-852-023 I or call (949) 852-1990. Deadline for copy is the 20th of the month. Payment must accompany copy unless you have established credit with us.

WANTED: Plywood/OSB strips, drops; sound, square, uniform, dry, thickness l/4 throttgh 23/32. Preferred width,3-112, 5-ll2 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. 38117. Phone (888) 576-8723 ISOURCE).

Sellers

List

Log

H00K SHOTS: Golfing and fishing lured many to New South lnc.'s annual Customer Appreciation Day in Myrtle Beach, S.C. On land: (1) Pat Guifee, Mack Singleton, John Gunn, Bob Williams, Lloyd Benton. (2) Charles Gray, Ben Bundy, Ed Belken, Ernie Menchinger, Joe Godfrey. (3) Bob Thompson, Bob Fox, Carl Hamilton, Ken Sexton, Ray Nelson. (4) Doug Warstler, Mike Johnson, Frank Robertson, David Haddock, Richard Benton. (5) Alan Gray, Mitchell Frye, Jerry Wiggins, Jim Halstead, Johnny Hall. (6) Steve Singleton, George Small, George Flanders, John Davis, Greg Allen. (7) Bobby Smith, Morris Tolly, Trip Derryberry, Dick Rose, Ronnie Thomas. (8) Joe Oliff, Allen Harris, Jimmy LeRoy, Gene Parker, Joe Outlaw. (9) William Hemphill, William Young, Greg White, Plato Williams, Travis McDonald. (10) Kevin Berkey, Ken Mayer, Dick Peccie, Rusty Ottaway, Gene Tanner. (11) Don 0lson, Lee Asburn, Bill Cox, Bryan Mulvaney, jim McElheney. (12) Ricky Stroup, Ed Robinson, Harold Clark, Chester Abee. Steve Rountree. (13) John Blades, Donna Thorton, Charlie Williams, Rick Harris, Larry Thorton. (14) Chuck Roberts, J.D. Wilson, Mike O'Connell, Dean Lazzaro. Steve Swails. (15) Jack Coward, Harold Stowe, Joey Singleron, Raymonri Goodman, Sandy Hill. (16) Peytbn enittipsifevin Thornburg, Brian Poovey, Charles Young, Matthew Williams. On sea: (17) Kim Vick, Ann Cash. (18) Trevia Chadwick, Chris Cook. (19) David Woodruff, Bill Blevins. (20) Nancy Gillis, Sharon Hardee. (21) Judy McManus, Ann Huckabee.

EAX to 949-852-0231

or call (949) 852-1990 or mail to Building Products Digest, 4500 Campus Dr., Suite 480, Newport Beach, Ca.92660-1872.

Building Products Digest - February 2001

Name (P/ease print)

State _ Zip (+4)

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

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

Arch Wood Protection [101].......Cover I

BargainBuilder.com U221....................35

Bowie Sims Prange [116] .....................26

Building Products Digest ....................13

Burk Distribution [128]........................25

Cox Wood Preserving Co. [110]....18,33

Crumpler Plastic Pipe, Inc. tl181........27

Deckorators [14]

Do it Best [115]......................................23

East Coast Millwork Distributors (A&H Windows) [127]........Cover IV

Elder Forest Products [125] ....Cover III

Georgia Pacific [116] ...........................24

Hankins, Inc. [126] ..................Cover III

International Paper Co. If I f ]..............19

Jordan Redwood Lumber Co., Lee Roy t1031........

Lightning Brand Products [10,4]...........5

Louisiana Pacifi c ll07, 123).............8, 37

McEwen Lumber Co. [124].....Cover III

Pacific Forest Products [106].................7

Want to Subscribe? Check the appropriate boxes to begrn receiving your monthly issues.

tr I Year ($25) tr 2 Years ($41) E 3 Years ($55) A For Southern Retailers and Wholesalers Only (Ftee)

E Bill Me tr My Check Is Enclosed

News or Comments? We welcome your comments on articles, the magazine, or news of your company such as promotions, new hires, expansions or acquisitions (Tlrls is afree service)l

Princeton Delivery Systems lll3l .......21

Quality Corporation U21l ...................34

Savannah Wood Preserving [119].......30

Schwerd Manufacturing, A.F, IllT'i...27

Southern Wire Cloth Co. [120]...........31

Sunbelt Material Handling [109] ........17

Swan Secure Products [108]................f5

Terry Distributor, Inc., Walter U02l ...3

Top 25 Pressure Treaters .........Cover II

Weyerhaeuser Company 11121............20

Williams Lumber Carolina [105] Company of North

ave money on your inventory, place of redwood and cedar. This beautiful, versatile, all around species, for exterior and interior use, finishes better than cedar or redwood and is more stable than southern pine.

We mill to your specs-any paftern siding, plus finish, S4S, fine bevel/bungalow sidings, 1" sidings, paneling, ceiling, wainscot stock and flooring. All kiln dried, from finish to common grades. No order too small.

Large cypress timbers/beams also available.

Center Circle, Sulphur, LA 70663

256.7197 (318) 625-8141 FAX 318-625-5275

f Uula a better window-one with high standards--we created our all-vinyl Designview Window with a full-width 4eho" iamb. There's no need for messy, labor intensive sheetrock returns or wood jamb extensions to match the wall thickness. That's an industry first.

Then, another industry first, we added a built-in wood nailing strip* for unsurpassed ease in applying interior trim. Also Designview has other innovative features like fusion-welded corners, and integral nailing fins. Designview is available in single or double-hung models, custom shapes and designs.

Widen your vision-and your success-with D esignview'Windows.

Contact your dealeror call us at 1,-800-627-3263.

Your world looks great