Safety First

APA fetes safest EI|UP mills

f P. NnsHvllm, Tn., and Canfor-LP I-,rOSB Ltd. Partnership. Fort St. John, B.C., won Safest Company Awards in their respective categories. while Georgia-Pacific Wood Products, Camden. Tx.. earned the coveted Innovation in Safety Award in the 2010 Safety and Health Awards Program sponsored annually by APA for the structural wood panel and engineered wood products industry.

LP, a leading North American manufacturer of structural wood panels and engineered wood products, earned top honors among companies with four or more mills with a 2010 average weighted incident rate (WIR) of 1.20. Canfor-LP, which produces oriented strand board, won its award in the category for companies with three or fewer mills. The company posted a perfect 0.00 WIR for 2010.

Georgia-Pacific' s Camden plywood mill took the innovation prize for developing and implementing a proactive initiative called the STARS Card Program. STARS (Stop, Think And React Safely) is a behavior-based pro- gram that promotes interaction among employees in an effort to correct hazardous practices and encourage safe behavior. Employees conduct a 10-15 minute observation of their co-worker(s) performing a task, note both safe and unsafe actions and/or conditions on the STARS card, and give immediate feedback to their co-worker(s). The card's data is analyzed to determine trends and to develop action plans to eliminate risk behaviors.

Among the criteria for the Innovation Award is demonstration that the innovation reduced occupational injuries or illnesses. During the four years the STARS Program has been in place, the facility-wide incident rate at the G-P mill has decreased from 2.12 to .33, and healthy communication among employees concerning both safe and unsafe practices has become the norm.

Innovation Award entries can be submitted by a mill, a group of mills, or an entire company. Thirty-six Innovation entries were submitted in 2010, a 507o increase over the previ- ous year.

The awards program, begun in 1982, honors the managements and employees of companies and mills with the lowest severity-weighted incidence rates based on guidelines established by the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration. It employs a weighted incident rate that is calculated using both the number and severity ofrecordable incidents. Since 2008 was the first year that WIR was used, awards and reports for 2009 and 2010 continue to also show total incident rate (TIR), the measure used in previous years.

Eighty-eight APA member structural wood panel and engineered wood product facilities in the U.S., Canada and abroad participated in the 2010 program. A total of 25 mills representing 10 APA member companies-Abitibi-LP Engineered Wood; Anthony Forest Products Co.; Anthony EACOM; Calvert Co.; Canfor-LP; G-P; LP; Norbord; Rosboro, and Stark Truss Co.-earned awards in various competition categories of the 2010 program. Some of the mills were multiple award winners.

All major product categories produced by APA's membership were represented among the winning mills, including oriented strand board, plywood, glulam timber, wood Ijoists, and structural composite lumber.

In addition to the Safest Company and Innovation awards, other competition categories include Safety Improvement, Annual Safety and Health Honor Roll, Three-Year Safety Average, and Incident Free Honor Society. Twenty-one mills achieved a zero incident rate for the year and thus were named to the Incident Free Honor Society. The annual honor roll, three-year average, and safety improvement categories are divided into two divisions based on hours worked annually-more than or fewer than 400900 hours.

While the program awards are limited to APA members, data is collected from both member and non-member mills in order to provide a broad-based industry performance benchmark. A total of ll2 mills reported data for 2010. The 2010 industry total incident and weighted incident rates were 2.44 and 10.94, respectively, up slightly from 2.18 and 10.64, respectively, in 2009.

The winning facilities and companies will be recognized and their safety accomplishments celebrated during the Chairman's Dinner at APA's annual meeting in October in New Orleans, La. Award plaques also will be presented to the winning mills by APA president Dennis Hardman or other APA management staff.

The 2010 safety awards program was the third year under a revitalized safety program effort spearheaded by an APA Safety and Health Advisory Committee comprised of several APA member company safety professionals. Under the committee's guidance, three main goals were established: make the APA program the premier safety awards program in the industry, encourage the sharing ofbest practices as a means to improve the industry's safety culture and programs, and most importantly, improve the industry's overall safety performance.

The APA Safety & Health Advisory Committee recently sponsored a free webinar on Wood Dust Best Practices. Over 50 safety and health professionals participated in this informative event. More webinars will be developed and a full-day safety workshop will be held in October in conjunction with APA's annual meeting.

More information on the APA Safety and Health Awards Program can be found at www.apawood.org.

2O1O APA Award Winners

Krauter Merges with Auto-Stak

Krauter Solutions, Indianapolis, In., and Auto-Stak, Westwood, N.J., have merged, forming Krauter Auto-Stak.

The new company, a division of Krauter, will be based in Indianapolis, with field offices in Westwood and Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Chris Krauter will serve as c.e.o., and Mark Ritz will remain in Westwood as coowner, executive v.p., and director of the lumber storage division.

The automated, high-density Auto-Stak System will be incorporated into the full line of Krauter racks, rack-supported structures, steel frame retail/warehouse buildings, yard planning, design, engineering, and general construction capabilities.

"We're very excited to have the two originators of the most accepted lumber storage techniques coming together under one roof," Chris Krauter said. "They are complementary products, so our companies have worked together in the past."

"Most of the time, when dealers need help in metal storage products, they choose an Auto-Stak or a cantilevered rack system," Ritz added. "Now we have one company that has expertise in both."

USDA Promotes Wood as Green

At a recent event to launch the Intemational Year of the Forest, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a three-pronged strategy to promote the use of wood as a green building material.

"Wood has a vital role to play in meeting the growing demand for green building materials. Forest Service studies show that wood compares favorably to competing materials," Vilsack said. The plan includes:

(1) The U.S. Forest Service will preferentially select wood in new building construction, while maintaining its commitment to certified green building standards.

(2) The Secretary asked the Forest Service to examine ways to increase its already strong commitment to green building by reporting to him on ways to enhance the research and development being done around green building materials.

(3) The Forest Service will actively seek opportunities to demonstrate the innovative use of wood as a green building material for all new structures of 10000 sq. ft. or more using recognized green building standards such as LEED, Green Globes, or the National Green Building Standard.

In carrying out this initiative, Forest Service chief Tom Tidwell issued a directive to all units calling for increased use of locally milled timber in all new agency facilities. Vilsack also directed the heads of all other USDA agencies to incorporate the Forest Service policy of using domestic sustainable wood products as the preferred green building material for all USDA facilities and buildings.

Wood products groups throughout North America applauded the announcement. Cees de Jager, executive director of the Binational Softwood Lumber Council, described the strategy as a "triple win. This will create new jobs in rural communities, reduce energy use in buildings, and lower overall construction costs in buildings."

Temple-lnland Rebuffs lP Bid

The directors of Temple-Inland, Diboll, Tx., voted unanimously to reject an unsolicited takeover bid by Intemational Paper Co., Memphis, Tn., to acquire the company for $30.60 per Temple-Inland share in cash.

The board said IP's offer "grossly undervalues TempleInland and is not in the best interest of Temple-Inland's stockholders."

U.S. Timberland Ownership Morphs

The changing face of timberland ownership in the U.S. has made supply agreements and timber leases prominent parts of land transactions, according to the recent Warnell Center timberland investment conference.

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Just l0 years ago, forest products companies owned approximately 20Vo of private timberland in the U.S., primarily in the South. By the end of 2010, most of this land had changed hands, some tracts multiple times. Most of the remainder had moved to different ownership structures.

The top 10 forest products companies reportedly owned 38.7 million acres in 2000. Today, the top l0 firms hold only 21.5 million acres. Four of the top five are Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), tax-advantaged entities with timberland/real estate as their principal business.

Timberland Investment Management Organizations (TIMOs) purchased many of these acres. In 2000, Hancock Timber Resources Group was the only one with more than three million acres. Ten years later, the three top TIMOs each held more than 3 million acres and the top 10 TIMOs held more than 20 million acres.

Over the past decade, transition activity peaked at about 7 million acres in 2006 and by 2010 had fallen back to 2000 levels. Land prices also fluctuated. Prices averaged about $800 per acre nationwide from 2000 through 2004, peaked at almost $1,800 per acre in2001 , and returned to 2006 levels last year.

Filling the Void for End-Cut Solution

With Merichem Co.'s recent announcement of its exit from the copper naphthenate business (see May, page 22), there is an opening for a brush-on preservative that effectively protects cut ends and drill holes in pressure treated wood.

Most manufacturers of preserved wood require application of end-cut solution to validate their residential warranties when western species are involved, and they recommend it for all species. Producers of heavy duty materials, such as poles and piling, also apply surface coatings to protect inner wood that is exposed after sawing or boring.

One prime candidate for replacing copper nap is an established preservative with the poetic though tonguetwisting name of copper-8-quinolinolate. It has long been listed in standards of the American Wood Protection Association as a pressure treatment, and is recognized for its value as a topical coating. Copper-8-quinolinolate enables wood to resist termites and wood-ingesting insects, while inhibiting mold and fungal decay.

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Copper-8-quinolinolate for use as end-cut solution and preservative stain is found in Outlast Q8 Log Oil from CTA Products Group, Southaven, Ms. The product name suggests its roots-it was developed to protect logs for log homes. Its formulation includes trans-oxide pigments for UV control and water repellent to reduce moisture effects.

Six pre-mixed colors are available. If other shades are desired, the product can be colored with machine tints.

Outlast Q8 Log Oil is registered for sale in 49 of the 50 states; it is expected to have necessary approvals in the lone remaining state, California, in the near future. It is currently being sold by dealers in the Pacific Northwest and is used by manufacturers elsewhere.

It has been accepted as a warranty-complying end-cut solution by the licensors of Wolmanized Outdoor wood, and is available from treating companies that produce Wolmanized wood and from Arch Wood Protection, Inc., Atlanta, Ga.

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David Bond has been named v.p.-purchasing & vendor relations for Cedar Creek, Broken Arrow, Ok. D. Wayne Trousdale is now v.p.operations.

Cesar W. Caro Jr., ex-84 Lumber, has joined the outside sales force at Riverhead Building Supply, Shirley, N.Y. Bill Hofius is now New England sales mgr.

Cliff Jones, building products mgr. at Osmose, Griffin, Ga., retired May 3l after 14 years with the company and more than 40 years in the industry.

Eddie Wilkins, Wholesale Wood Products, Dothan, Al ., has been promoted to tenitory sales mgr. of the Gulf Coast region. overseeing from Gulfport, Ms., to Gainesville, Fl.

Jason LaFountain, ex-James Hardie, has been named sales mgr. for Bellevue Builders Supply, Schenectady, N.Y.

Josh Nau, ex-LMC, is new to Boise Cascade, as mid-Atlantic area mgr.

Dave Pard has joined the sales team at Snavely Forest Products, Baltimore, Md., as Typar housewrap expert. Justin Pence now provides technical expertise for the engineered wood department in Greensboro, N.C.

Ryan Vaughn, ex-G.W. Murphy, has rejoined Seaboard International Forest Products, Nashua, N.H., as a commodities broker.

Michael B. Glenn has resigned after five years as c.e.o. of Universal Forest Products, Grand Rapids, Mi., due to health concerns. He will stay on until a successor is found.

Daniel Swanson, ex-Lampert Yards, is now general mgr. of ProBuild, Lakeville, Mn.

Jennifer Sloan. ex-Builders FirstSource, is now in inside sales at Brand Vaughan Lumber Co., Tucker, Ga.

Mark Ely has been named digital marketing mgr. for Carter Lumber, Kent, Oh.

Peter lzzo, ex-Kaycan, has rejoined Louisiana-Pacific Corp., Nashville, Tn., as New England channel mgr. Bob Lunt, ex-Hy-Tek Material Handling, has been appointed Central Region sales mgr. for TimberTech, Wilmington, Oh. Mark Chamberland, ex-Home Depot, is new to sales at James Hardie Building Products, Houston, Tx.

Tim Worcester, ex-84 Lumber, has been named general mgr. of Foxworth-Galbraith Lumber, Belton, Tx.

Justin Pence is new to Snavely Forest Products, Greensboro, N.C., providing technical expertise for the engineered wood department.

Tim Johnson has been named president and c.e.o. of the Independent Builders Supply Association, Smithfield, N.C.

Romel Bezerra, ex-Elof Hansson, has launched wholesaler InterSomma LLC, Pembroke Pines, Fl., specializing in lumber, decking, plywood, flooring and other imports from South America, Africa and Asia.

Steven D. Ziessler has been named president of Guardian Building Products, Greenville, S.C. He succeeds Duane Faulkner, who is retiring after more than 30 years as division president.

Matt Landrum, ex-Snavely Forest Products, is a new inside sales rep at Capital, Houston, Tx.

Tim LeVigne is a new OSB team trader at Silvaris Corp., Charlotte, N.C.

Allan Swofford, ex-Nevamar, has been named plant controller for Georgia-Pacific's OSB mill in Allendale, S.C.

Patrick Penza has joined the outside sales team at Beacon Roofing Supply, Peabody, Ma., covering southeast Massachusetts.

George Overly, ex-McElroy Metal, has joned the sales team at Alexander Lumber, Champaign, Il.

Wayne Davis is now warehouse mgr. for Ace Hardware, Prince George, Va.

Mike Smith has been promoted to v.p.-procurement for The Merit Group, Spartanburg, S.C., replacing Pat Rourke.

Travis Gross, Koppers, Pittsburgh, Pa., has been appointed sales mgr. for the Northeast.

Bill Cooke, ex-BB&S Lumber & Distribution, has joined Nichiha USA, as territory sales mgr. for New England, New York, and eastern Canada.

Kenneth White, a partner at consulting firm Tatum LLC, has been named c.e.o. of Handy Hardware, Houston, Tx. Tina Kirbie remains president.

Steven Weinberg has been named New Jersey-based national sales mgr. for California Faucets, Huntington Beach, Ca. He is current president of the Decorative Plumbing & Hardware Association.

Steve Holdsworth has joined Moen Inc., North Olmstead, Oh., as v.p. of wholesales sales.

Jennifer ttSallyt'Crabb is a new customer service rep at Orgill, Inc., Memphis, Tn. Rick Walz is a new regional business development specialist, based in Fort Wayne, In.

Marty Schroeder, ex-Shamrock Building Supply, is now territory sales rep for Andersen and Eagle Windows & Doors in southeast Missouri and parts of Illinois.

Tom Chieffe has resigned as c.e.o. of Associated Materials, Cuyahoga Falls, Oh., to pursue other interests. Director Dana Snyder will serve as interim c.e.o. until a successor can be found.

Tim Hawkins has been appointed director of home center sales-North America at Hitachi Power Tools, Atlanta, Ga. David Hamer is a new account executive. serving Minnesota and Wisconsrn.

Michael Deal, ex-Century Truss, is now production superintendentinsulation systems at Johns Manville. Cleburne. Tx.

Mike Skowronek, ex-Owens Corning, has been named general mgr. of DragonBoard USA, a division of Super Stud Building Products, Edison, N.J.

Thieves Strike Yard-Twice

Authorities are investigating twin thefts at Kibler Lumber, Maysville, Ky., in late May.

During the first, suspects broke in and stole thousands of dollars in merchandise, a computer that held security videos, and a truck owned by an employee.

A week later, suspects stole lumber and other items stored outside. Authorities are not sure if the thefts are related.

Jeanine Murray is now associate brand mgr. for Danze, Woodridge, Il.

Joe Marmon, ex-Aacer Hardwood and Shamrock Hardwood Flooring, has been appointed president for Surelock Industries, Oswego, N.Y.

Harry Barton, 82, has retired from Moynihan Lumber, Beverly, Ma., after 51 years at the yard.

Jeff Ploch, district mgr.-Wisconsin; Jim Gann, district mgr.-Alabama/ Tennessee, and Don Hamby, branch mgr., Lake Worth, Fl., were honored by ABC Supply Co., Beloit, Wi., with the inaugural Ken Hendricks Awards.

William P. Farrell has retired as vice chairman after 30 years with the American Hardware Manufacturers Association, Schaumburg, Il. He remains a liftetime honorary member of the board.

Nicholas R. Lang, mgr. of the research and development lab at the National Concrete Masonry Association, Herndon, Va., received the 20l l President's Leadership Award from ASTM International.

Bourne A. Loser was fired from the sales dept. at Mungus-Fungus Forest Products, Climax, Nv., according to co-owners Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus.