Building Products Digest - September 2004

We were having trouble keeping the shelves stocked, but it wasn't due ro sales. Partial orders, late shipments, no shipment-our store looked picked over, and obviously we couldn't sell what we didn't have. So wc converted to Do it Best Corp. Now, I can spend nry time serving rrly customers, not worrying about mv inventol. The shelves are stocked and we have access to more products thrn cver before, with thousands availabie in one-each qtrantities. With a better tl.ran 97oh fll rrre, what rve order actually shorvs up. Thanla to Do it Best Oorp., lve're keeping sales that rn:ry have gone elservhere. Bottom line-our customers are getting the products they need. Anc{ it's all becruse the people at Do it Best Corp. are as gurd as their rvorcl.

1'$ make sLrre yoLir customers get the procluct$ ti!ev

o' em a il r.r I idoitbestaor dc.'rtbes t.ccrn.

I needed

and full shelves, not empty promises.

Patrick Metzger, Metzger's 0o it Best- Hardware Los Alamos, New Mexico

t6

BPD

Bvtt onto PRoouczs Drcesr

Sertsing lumber 8t building products retailers 8L usholesale distributors

Speriolfocus: Eoslern white pine

Rich in hi$ory, fhe pride of the Northeost is in demond for its noturol propertiet excellenf workobility, ond proprietory grodes. / five-poge speciol repot.

(Stster publication The Merchant Maguine seves the West)

PUBLISHER Alan Oakes (ajoakes@aol.com)

PUBLISHER EMERTTUS David Cutler

EDITOR David Koenig (dkoenig@building-products.com)

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lisa Maresca (lmaresca@building-products.com)

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Chuck Casey (ccasey@building-products.com)

ADMINISTRATION DIRECTOR/ SECRETARY Marie Oakes (mfpoakes@aol.com)

CIRCULATION HeatherKelly (hkelly@building-products.com)

How to Advertise

Contact our advertising offices for rates:

SOUTH, MIDWEST & WEST: Chuck Casey, 4500 Campus Dr., Ste.480, Newport Beach, Ca. 92660. Phone (949) 852-1990 Fax 949-8520231 E-mail ccasey@building-products.com

N0RTHEAST: Paul Mummolo, 404 Princeton Ave., Brick, N.J. 08724. Phone (732) 899-8102 Fax 7 32-899-27 58 E-mail pmummolo@aol.com

INTERNET ADS: Alan Oakes, www.buildingproducts.com. Phone (949) 852n990 Fax 949852-0231 E-mail ajoakes@aol.com.

How to Subscribe

Call Heather at (949) 852-1990 or send a check for the lollowing amount to Building Products Digest,4500 Campus Drive, Suite 480, Newport Beach, Ca.92660-1872:

U.S.A.: One year (12 issues), $18

Two years, $29

Three years, $39

FOREIGN leer year paid in advance in US funds): Sudace-Canada or Mexico. $39 Other countries, $50

Air rates also available.

Single copies, $3 + shipping

Back issues lwhen available), $4.50 + shipping

Vrsr Us Onune nr WWW. BUILDING.PRODUCTS.COM

About the Cover

The

ALAN OAKES publisher ajoakes@aol.com

Pulling the plug on a customer

Are there some orders you wish you never had? Are there some buyers you wish you could never speak with again? Are there some customers who are just not worth the grief of dealing with?

Admit it-the sad fact is that we all have them. We are all looking for the next sale, but often ignore signs that a certain piece of business or certain customers are simply not worth it. It may be because there is no real profit, the customer always finds something to complain about that costs you, you cannot trust them, or they do something unsavory. Down the road, we live to regret our decisions, and then when the phone rings the next time. we go and do it all over again with the same customer. The hardest thing for some people to say is "No."

Once in a prior life, a very national wholesaler sent us shortage credit invoices after every shipment to the point it was clearly not true-every one written, I may add, in the same hand. After a while, I decided to have every shipment reviewed by the warehouse manager before we shipped, and yet shortages on every shipment continued to be claimed. I personally called them and carefully advised them that we were concerned about their request for shortages and had taken steps to have every shipment triple checkedthinking that would stop them. Still the claims came, along with slow payments. I made a tough decision to discontinue all shipments to this company, which represented about llVo of our business. I held every order for about six weeks before

their c.e.o. called me personally and demanded that I meet them at their Hq. and explain myself. I did, and I laid it out that I saw no value to our mutual relationship due to slow payments, high credits resulting in low or no profitability, and poor communication, and saw no reason to continue doing business in the future. I vividly remember my knees knocking together under the table at the time. After a heated debate about. "How could I not trust them?", they agreed to meet our terms of business, and we started shipping again. Miraculously, we rarely saw another credit claim.

On another occasion. a wholesaler became totally untrustworthy due to some very questionable business practices. While our competitors capitulated to them, I refused to supply them for about two months, before a clearing of air, releasing of orders and keeping them on a very short leash. Their c.e.o. later moved on, and I recently noted that he has resigned from a publicly traded company that is under investigation by the SEC for accounting irregularities. Not a surprise!

Looking back over a number of jobs and industries, there were several companies that I decided were far more trouble than they were worth. Time and effort would be better spent on developing other or new customers. Marginal customers who want, want, want are rarely worth it. If you find the customer insufferable, a time-wasting nuisance, remember what's Iikely to follow.

I think one of the hardest lessons to learn in business is to cut your losses and walk away from negotiations-or from a customer. I am a great believer in the old adage that 20Vo of your customers give you SOVo of your revenue and profits. If the tough customers are in the 80Va, I think there is good reason to question whether you really want their business at all. Generally, most people who are difficult to deal with during negotiations rarely change. Experience has taught me that when it does not feel right, listen to your instincts and walk away. Part of the reason for writing this column was based on dealing with a potential customer today, and the bad taste left in my mouth after two recent communications.

I have had many difficult customers over the years, but many were fair and many were right. You learn a lot about people by how they act, their demeanor under pressure, and how they negotiate. Difficult negotiations do not mean the customer should be ignored, but one factor rarely included in your price is the transactional cost of just doing business with that client. Any disproportionate time on managing a sale or customer depletes profit from that sale. Marginal profit deals invite Murphy's Law to take hold (whatever can go wrong, will go wrong). When you feel you are being bled, it is time to sav. "No thank vou."

LESS IN A CULL PILE MEANS MORE IN YOUR POGKET

It's simple. The more usable wood your customers get from a load, means fewer returns and more money for you in the long run. Heck, you'll make money even in the short run. That's why Canfor lumber is optimally kiln-dried and carefully wrapped - to ensure greater stability and straightness. Which means you deliver lumber that goes straight into a wall, and not straight into a cull pile. Demand a higher

level of lumber'".

I-IRIENTED strand board is now \-fcoming close to capturing nearly all of its core market. Seventy-five percent of North American homes built are sheathed with OSB floor. wall and roof panels. Further growth in this market is possible, but limited due to a minority of home builders and owners who will only use plywood.

"In order to see the sort of growth that OSB experienced from the early 1990s when it began to overtake plywood in the residential construction market, OSB makers will need to focus on developing value-added specialty products, and most importantly, expand into new non-residential markets," says Mark Angelini, Structural Board Association.

Because OSB is an engineered product, it is uniquely suited to be adapted for new specialty applications requiring lighter weight, smoother surfaces, durability and moisture resistance. The product is made of tree strands that are oriented horizontally or vertically in different layers that are pressed into structural board with waterproof resins. The strand or flake orientation, dimension and length of the flakes, and resin content can be adjusted to develop more flexible or stiffer panels that are suited for different applications.

More resin, for example, increases stiffness, durability, load tolerances and resistance to edge swelling. Specialty OSB panels for flooring have a higher resin content. Research findings have also shown with longer, thinner strands will improve most

board properties by providing more actual contact area and better stress transfer.

The recent spread of specialty OSB products also coincides with marketing advances in which several products incorporating an OSB member or panel are sold and promoted as a single, branded package. The most successful specialty OSB product introduced nearly l0 years ago was the Ijoist, made of wooden or engineered

lumber flanges connected by an OSB web. I-joists now are combined with OSB panels and marketed as complete flooring systems. Additional packaged OSB specialty products, providing greater value than separate panels, parts or members, are making a strong mark. They include:

High Performance Subfloor

Sheathing

More producers are penetrating the subfloor market by offering products

OSB Capacity & Production 2004-2009 Forecast

Capacity shown is structural panel at yeat-end. Fot new mills, the full annual capacity was included in the year of start-up. Capacity includes a forecast of new mills as well as capacity resufting from nill modernization and mill closues

OSB*w

Rank Company

(including number of OSB plants)

Louisiana-Paci{ic Corp., Nashvile, Tn.

14 plants: Hanceville, Al.; Dawson Creek, B.C.; Woodland, Me.; Athens, Ga.; Houlton, Me.; Sagola, Mi.;Two Harbors, Mn; Hayard, Wi.; Swan Valley, Manitoba; Roxboro, N.C.; Jasper, Carthage, Tx.; Maniwaki, St.-Michel, Chambord, Quebec

J- Weyerhaeuser Co., Federat way, wa.

9 plants: Arcadia, La.;Grayling, Mi; Elkin, S.C.; Sutton, W.V.; Drayton Valley, Edson, Alberta; Wawa, Ontario; Miramichi, Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan

I Norbord Industries, toronto, ontario

r I plants: Hughley, Al.;Cordele, Ga.; Bemidii, Mn.; Gunlown, Ms.;Joanna, S.C.; Jetferson, Nacogdoches, Tx.; La Sane, Quebec

EII

Georgia-Pacific Corp., ntranta, ca.

6 plants: Fordyce, Ar.; Grenada, Ms.; Dudley, N.C.; Brookneal, Skippers, Va.; Mt. Hope, W.V.

IiI

Grant Forest Products, Engteharr, ontario

3 plants: Englehart, Timmins, High Level (50% JV with Ainswonh)

l5I Tolko Industries, Hish Prairie, Atberta

r 3 olants: High Prairie; Slave Lake, Alberta; Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan

Huber Engineered Woods, ctrartone, N.c.

4 plants: Commerce, Ga.; Spring City, Tn.; Easton, Me.; Crystal Hill, Va.; (sth plant opens in 2004 in Broken Bow, Ok.)

Iil

Ainsworth Lumber, 100 Mite House, B.c.

r 3 olants: 100 Mile House; Grand Prairie, Alberta; High Level, Alberta (50% JV with cranr)

Potlatch Corp., spotane, wa.

3 plants: Cook, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Mn.

Slocan Forest Products, Richmond, B.c.

'I plant: Fort Nelson (Bought in 2004 by Canfo0

Boise, goisie, td.

l-P[4t Banrick (Bought in 2004 by Ainsworth)

Martco Partnership, Le Moyne, La.

'1 olant: Le Moyne

Tembec, ll|c,, Temiscaming, Quebec

1 plant: St.-Georges-de-Champlain, Quebec

Langboard, Inc,, euirman, Ga.

1 olant: Quitman

2003 2003 2002 2002-03

with better durability, thickness tolerances and longer warranties against material imperfections such as delamination and edge swell.

These high performance subfloor sheathing or single floor OSB panels are now in direct competition with similar plywood panels, and are becoming more readily accepted by most builders and designers.

Treated OSB

Several products are now on the market for areas that are prone to insect infestations such as termites. Panels are treated with borates or coDper-based preservatives that are highiy efficient as insecticides, while at the same time imparting a higher moisture tolerance than untreated commodity OSB panels. Improved mold- and fire-resistance are added benefits.

Thermally

Reflective Overlaid OSB

A number of companies have developed a decking product in which foil is overlaid on OSB boards. The result is a radiant barrier sheathing that significantly reduces heat transfer through the roof, reduces attic temperatures, prolongs the life of heating and air conditioning systems, helps retain heat during the winter, and cuts energy costs.

Overlaid OSB

1282

Companies, such as Kronopol, have also pioneered innovative flooring systems for basements. There are other various brands but the concept is the same: OSB or waferboard subflooring tiles glued to polyethylene cleats, high density polystyrene or corrugated plastic are placed on the cement basement floor, typically without nails or glue. Airflow is created between the cleats and the floor, deterring mold and allowing for moisture to be channeled away to a central drain. Various types of flooring (laminate, vinyl and engineered hardwood) can be placed over this subfloor system. The result is a warmer. drier. less dusty and more comfortable basement.

Rim Board

Several producers offer these specialty OSB products as part of a package, installed as perimeter beats in IJoist floor systems. They consist of thick OSB, usually 1-l18" or l-114" thick, with higher compressive properties to resist vertical sravitv loads from the walls above.

Stairs

Some OSB manufacturers, such as Ainsworth Lumber and Weyerhaeuser, market engineered stair systems combining OSB treads, risers and stringers, which are marketed as single branded packages that eliminate squeaks and provide solid dimensional stability.

Siding

Another OSB manufacturer's panel siding combines OSB with a paint-based overlay that creates a cedar grain texture. It doesn't look like OSB but a natural wood product. Keys to its weather-, insect- and moisture-resistance are its resin-saturated composition, borate-based treatment, and edge and groove coating. This product signals OSB gaining a larger share of the siding market in which sales last year were dominated by stucco and related non-brick masonry materials, vinyl and wood.

Aside from applications for new residential construction, there is significant potential for OSB products to tap the remodeling and industrial markets, respectively the largest markets for OSB following residential construction. OSB already is being used for packaging and crating, chair seats and backs, decks and platforms, furniture frames, trailer walls, and shelving and display racks. The aim for manufacturers is to develop OSB products with greater value benefiting business users and consumers. This has begun in some key categories that many previously found difficult for OSB to succeed in.

Concrete Forms

The largest obstacle to OSB penetrating this market was finding a reliable and cost-efficient means to combining OSB with an overlay to avoid imprinting OSB's strand surface on concrete and to developing a board that was resistant to damage over multiple pours. Louisiana-Pacific Corp. has tapped this market with an OSB concrete form that has a higher concentration of resin, creating strength and durability. The board also has a smooth medium density overlay-properties that put it on a par performance level with competing fir concrete forms. This also marks OSB's deeper entry into the concrete form market.

Oriented Strand Lumber

At least one firm, Grant Forest Products, is marketing oriented strand lumber for use in molded upholstered furniture frames. OSB used in furniture applications is generally developed under the same principles as ordinary structural OSB except that longer strands all oriented in one direction are utilized with more resin to create thicker wood members. OSL replaces solid wood for furniture parts including stress rails, arms and backs.

The Future

More breakthroughs are expected in molded OSB for furniture and OSL for lumber framing. "These products are likely to enter the market within the next five years," says Angelini. "The impact will be considerable."

According to Angelini, OSB won't just match or better non-engineered products in these categories as far as price or product performance. He said, "It will also have an environmental advantage over traditional wood products because OSB uses all parts of the tree and is harvested from fast-growth species or plantation thinnings-factors that help promote environment management and efficiency."

OSB Capacity Changes

ARIENTED strand board has \-fmatured from a questionable alternative to plywood in the early 1980s to the most widely used structural sheathing panel in North America. Demand for OSB continues to rise, thanks to a healthy housing market-in which new construction and remodeling jobs consume about 75Vo of the industry's annual production of 4l billion sq. ft. of OSB.

The OSB industry also enjoys environmental benefits because modern panel manufacturing uses more of each tree harvested and relies on fastgrowing, non-traditional timber species instead of those from oldgrowth forests. Unlike other types of building materials, the OSB manufacturing process uses nearly 1007o of a log for the finished product.

Broader Applications

One of the primary reasons that OSB now dominates the structural panel market, from a mere 47o share in 1980 to 57Vo share in 2003, is the broadening range of applications for the material. Another reason is the cost effectiveness of manufacturins

xt {eneration of OSB

OSB panels. This significant cost savings is passed on through the channel from dealer to builder to homeowner.

OSB is currently manufactured to several thicknesses and performance values that allow specifiers and contractors to achieve what they need for certain applications, as well as allowing wholesale and retail lumber dealers to broaden their inventories to solve explicit needs. For instance, upgrading from a nominal 112-inch to a 5/S-inch OSB subfloor panel creates a stiffer floor assembly. In addition to the variety of thicknesses, OSB also offers flexibility in panel size from the standard 4x8-ft. panel, to panels manufactured in sizes up to 12x24 ft., accommodating an even greater variety of uses, including recreational vehicles and other factory-built structural components.

OSB panels are engineered to withstand job site conditions and exposure to the elements. The most reliable brands of OSB, such as Structurwood Edge Gold. achieve a minimum "Exposure l" rating, in which the panels are designed and manufactured to endure limited exposure to rain and moisture before they are eventually covered by flooring, roofing, siding, and finish materials.

Premium panel products often have even higher exposure ratings. The TJPerformance Plus Panel, a component of Trus Joist's Frame-Works Floor System, for example, is specifically designed for performance with proprietary design values. By using this system, a builder can achieve a stiffer, more solid floor without using a thicker panel.

Other grades are designed for

industrial uses, such as cabinets, cladded window and door components, shelving, or furniture in which no exposure to the weather or to excessive moisture is expected.

Product Improvements

For the thousands of engineers, architects, contractors, and suppliers who increasingly rely on OSB panels in various construction applications, manufacturers continue to make improvements that address specific conditions.

From floor systems to shear walls, OSB panels are the structural panel of choice to achieve what architects and builders tout as a "systems" approach

OSB is manufactured to several thicknesses and performance values that allow wholesale and retail dealers to broaden their inventories to solve explicit needs.

to residential design and construction; that is, a home that provides better comfort. requires less maintenance. and provides improved long-term durability by virtue of the way its properly installed parts work together and impact the performance and reliability of other products in the home.

This "systems" approach to building has become more popular, especially with regard to structural assemblies, as the issue of moisture control

continues to be a hot button among homebuyers. While Exposure 1-rated OSB panels are manuf'actured to resist the effects of lvater and moisture. manufacturers have upgraded the OSB panel's ability to shield itself (and thus thc floor assembly ) from moislure infiltration and potential darnage, specifically damage from srveliing along the edges of the panel. Structurrvoc'ld is also among a fcw brands in which the tongue-andgroove design of the panel's long (8fbot) edge is self:spacing. thus saving time and labor costs r'vhilc ensuring proper installation.

Additional product enhancements that address ease-of-use include prestamped grid lines on the panels in common construction measurements to simplify and hasten measuring and cutting ehores. Other improvements to OSB over the years includc: improved orientation of the layers of thc strands rvhich increases the strength of the panel; edge seal which aids in the prevention of rvater absorption on the job site; and treated panels to protect fronr rvood-destroying insects.

Panels such as Weyerhaeuser's Structurrvood RBS (Radiant Barrier Sheathing) also f'eature a layer of perfirrated foil that reflects tp to 97c/t of the sun's heat and radiant energy. Used as roof sheathing, this product can reduce heat build-up in attics. translating into energy savings and increased property value for the homeowner.

Indu.stry Challenges

Although OSB has traditionally been an affordable building product, the industry's drive to continually broaden its applications and improve its products has fostered a demand that. at times. puts it at near-cupacitl production causing price fluctuations. Current production is at an estimated 90% capacity the highest percentage since 1998-99-and prices havc risen sharply since 2003.

With demand not expected to slacken any time soon, OSB providers are r,vorking to add capacity. Six ner'v manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Canada are on the boards and expected to go online during the next fbur years, resulting in a net gain ot more than 2.4 billion sq. ft. of North Americrn production capae itl

This new capacity rvill help meet the 9cl growth in housing starts projected during this decade, while stabi-

lizing prices and rivailability.

Along the entire building materials supply chain, OSB has becorne the staple of the structural panel market. From its becinnincs in the 1980s to its

continued gror.vth in capacity and market share, the OSB industry remains committed to evolving its products to suit a variety of construction and industrial applications.

OSB'S varied thicknesses and grades allow contractors to address multiple applications

Gaution! Beware ol substandard imported plywood

By Kevin Hayes APA-The Engineered Wood Association

IfOf DEMAND and high prices in llNorth America have created a big market opportunity for imported wood panel products. Some of these products, however, may not live up to the quality that builders have come to expect from the North American wood structural panel industry.

APA-The Engineered Wood Association recently consulted on a residential job in Maryland and a commercial project in Pennsylvania and found that inappropriate panels were used in both jobs. In one case, the panels were marked with incomplete grade stamps; in the other, the panels were unmarked. In both cases, panel quality was substandard for the intended application, and the panels were removed from the job sites.

In the first occurrence, Walt Schneider, P.E., with John C. Haas Associates had specified 3/4" Plyform panels for a complicated ramp demolition/rebuild for Pennsylvania State University. The forms were in place before the demolition began and would remain through the new pour.

Workers had complained about weak panels, and when one snapped under the weight of a worker, Schneider investigated. The panels had no grade markings, making it impossible to verify veneer grade, certification or country of origin. The questionable panels were torn out and replaced with certified panels.

"This is nasty stuff," Schneider said. "As a structural engineer, this scares the hell out of me."

In the second instance, Bill Bryant, chief building inspector for Anne Arundel County in Maryland, was called to inspect plywood used as wall and roof sheathing on a residence in his district. The stamp included a

third-party certification mark; however, Bryant has seen enough stamps to know that the mark didn't look right. His instincts proved correct, as the stamp did not provide the information required by the product standard nor the building code (i.e., the certification agency trademark, span rating, thickness and bond classification).

Bryant had the offending product torn out and replaced with properly certified product. Bryant, a veteran building official who logs upwards of 35 inspections per day, has noticed an increase in imports and questions product consistency with required quality standards. It was determined that the imported plywood in question was manufactured for non-building construction use such as pallets, but the panels had been misapplied in a sheathing application. While culpability is hard to pin on anyone in particular, a general lack of grade stamp knowledge along the distribution chain is clearly contributing to problems expressed herein.

APA remains vigilant against counterfeits and product misapplication in North America to protect builders and the public.

Why should distributors, dealer and builders care? Engineered wood products, like many U.S. products, are manufactured under voluntary product and performance standards (PS 1-95 Construction and Industrial Plywood, PS 2-92 Performance Standard for Wood-based Structural Use Panels). The Office of Standards Services of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) assists in developing voluntary product standards on a nationwide basis through the cooperative efforts of producers, distributors, consumers, and users. Imported or

best time to

check grad- lf ing stamps is ''

when the bundles are cut. Grading agencies in the U.S. have clearly defined stamps. The typical APA stamp will have the following information:

Certification agency mark Panel grade (Sturd-I-Floor, Rated Sheathing, Rated Siding or plywood grade [A-C, C-D])

Span rating and thickness (e.g., a span rating of 32l16 means that the panel can be used for a maximum span of 32" on a roof and 16" on a floor)

. Exposure classification (Expo-sure I panels are suitable for wetting and drying under normal construction conditions; Exterior panels are designed for long-term exposure to weather)

Mill number

. Product or Performance standard (PS l-95, PS 2-92, PRP-108)

Substandard panels ofton give themselves away during installation. Panels that flex excessively or break under low loads may be manufactured from species with inferior strength or with improper adhesive bonds. If dealers or builders have concerns as to the validity of the mark, call the APA Helpline, (253) 620-7400. A photo of the stamp may help determine the source and course of action.

off-grade products, may not meet the strict criteria necessary for the intended application. Such panels could certainly impact building durability or, worst case. compromise safety.

Policing this threat is up to the professionals within the industry; code officials, builders, specifiers, designers, engineers, dealers and certification agencies all play a role in keeping substandard product off the market.

EgEry

W

S[lffi(lruH x[Ulillf IUtL

ffi When it comes to structural integrity, ffi stability, durabilty and performance, ffi western plywood is unmatched. We have 8', 9' and l0 press capability producing everything from sheathing an underlayment to overlays, concrete form marine grades. f4ckenzie has a plywood panel for almost any requirement.

z' _yyE-o::is -,7 1- JP-g --t,:l::v:y:-ety-:, '' ,'Irr.o-"r Sp..inJ z

Josh Gibeau Steve Killgore

H, ,l $q ,e $$

Marcy Parrish

etitive ligence

By Carla Waldemar

D ALPH Osmando is the first to l\admit it: He's been born again. Ralph had been a salesman in the industry for over l6 years, but joining New Jersey-based Bradco Supply four seasons ago was the like the Second Coming. "Within a week, I wished I'd been here all my life," he testifies.

"When Bany Segal, the owner, sat down with me, I was shocked-honestly!-to find he was a genuinely real, down-to-earth person, who talked to me about opportunities with the company. I'd never met that kind of owner before-none of this 'upstairs is upstairs' stuff. I'd never had that kind of openness. And his son, Brad, the president, is the same kind of leader. That's what really made me decide to work here-the door's always open."

In return, Ralph brought a list of builder customers that just wouldn't quit. "My following is"-he searches for a word-"is unusual," he lights upon it, "in an industry not known for loyalty. I'd built relationships in the

field. I'd grown with them as they grew from one house to multi-tracts."

The market has changed dramatically over those 16 years, he agrees, but not the loyalty he evokes in his customers. Ralph is one of those fellas who doesn't shrink from the "C" word: He commits to their success. Starting out in the '80s, "l got real involved in their businesses. I'd come home at night and my answering machine was all lit up. Then came the recession, and I was back to square one. But I nurtured those guys through the hard times; I worked to keep them afloat, and the rewards are still with me," he's won the right to boast.

A hint of wonder creeps into his voice as he talks about a recent ohone call from a big developer. He recounts. "I'd worked with him l4 years, from when he started out sweeping floors till he became vice president. Now he says to me, 'Price shouldn't be such an issue: there's so much more value in lovaltv. And I

know I can count on you.'

"I was taken aback," Ralph reports. "Hearing that was the best reward of my career."

Here's another. When hailed in an industry publication for his outstanding success as a sales rep, a call came from a competitor. "Thank you," his rival told him. "Why?" "Because you made it seem possible to achieve what you've achieved."

Competition in his neck of the East is "strong-very rugged. But, to tell the truth, it's fair. It's just part of the industry," he believes. And it drives Ralph to new heights of service. "I'll never, ever stop putting little pieces in my car rather than wait to schedule a truck," he maintains.

Yct he's on top of the bigger picture, too. "You've got to stay focused," this sales pro has learned"and not get lost in the details. I balance my time, or I wouldn't be talking to you," he kids a reporter. "Still, my day doesn't end at 5 o'clock. I'm busiest between I and 8 or 9 at night. It's a way of life," he states. "It's what I do."

What he does also includes hooking his clients up with Bradco's "really strong" credit department, if necessary. And while the company doesn't undertake installing, he introduces subs to customers and lets the builders make their own selection. Matchmaker?" he ponders a listener's query. "Not a bad word...."

But not a divorce attorney. Asked if he ever fired a customer. he answers, "I wouldn't go that far. We try to talk and salvage the relationship, as I did in the late '80s. That person then will never forget you.

"You can show them ways to help them. like how to maximize their budgets, find a less costly product that will work as well. There are programs we can put them on."

In-house. he nurtures the same kind of affiliations. "Here, there are strong

CURTAIN TRAILER rolls out of Bradco Supply yard, on its way provide customers with the chain's hallmark: service.

branch managers, who help me get things done. If it weren't for these relationships, the job wouldn't get accomplished. These interior relationships are vital, too," he underlines his message.

Those ties begin with Rick Fiore, Bradco's new-business development manager, whom Ralph had known for years. In fact, "We competed against each other. Then Rick joined this team a while back to round out the balance of marketing and sales."

It's a good match: "A lot of faith is put in me." In turn, Ralph sweats for his commissions. "I make every customer feel like he's my only one. Maybe he calls and needs to see me at 3:00 in the afternoon; well, either I get there or very politely let him know I just can't arrange it and find a good alternative. I'm on the road constantly, maybe only back in the office once or twice a week to pick up samples" and tune in to "the people in the trenches who help me when I'm on the road. I give a lot of credit [for sales achievementsl to having the right people around me-branch managers, regional managers, who help me in make immediate decisions-ones that will benefit both the company and the

The premium his builders treasure most-no surprise-is service. "You've got to be aware of your customer's needs and keep a step ahead of him [without insulting him], so there are no delays," Ralph explains. "My inside guys back me up on this, too-'no coil sheathing? Did he forget to order it?' They'll check."

He's savvy to the vastly differing needs of tract builders and of remodelers and massages them accordingly. "For new construction," he says, "I try to package it all together as if it's a lumber drop-as complete as possible. [For me] it becomes repetitive, based on their model. But for a remodeler, that one order is more significant to him, and you pay attention to every bit of the details. He's got a variety of needs, and they're changing on a daily basis."

An innocent question: With your strong following of repeat customers, are you still scouting for new business? "Every day of my life!" Ralph shoots back. "If I see a trailer or trees being cleared, I do some investigation. I'll cold-call, then set an appointment, do a takeoff, show them a variety of plans, point out needs-even some

Trade$ecrets: Just the Facts

Founded: 1956 in Avenel, N. J.

Principals: Barry Segal, c.e.o.; sons Brad Segal, president, and Martin, operations

Facilities: 130 locations, from Arizona to the Atlantic Ocean; in the process of acquiring several dozen Wickes stores

Revenue: $l billion by end of 20O4

Rick Fiore on Bradco: The word Rick uses most is "passion. That's why people love doing business with this company. The culture is so honest, so legitimate, in a world that's not."

they didn't know they had," he laughs. "I offer value-not just price."

He also offers the company's new hires a high-octane shot of mentoring. "I'll help them find out that this is a career, not just a job," he says. "I realized that when I came to Bradco."

- A former award-winning LBM trade maga1ine editor, Carla Waldemar writes frequently on the building material industry. C ontact he r at cwaldemar @ mnl r.com.

Rrrrrrrrs

Hancock Lumber, Casco, Me., expcted to finalize its acquisition of three-unit Marriner Lumber Co., Brunswick, Me., from Neil LambSept. I

Andy's Lumber, Midland, Tx., was closed by Trim Rhodes ,..

Castles Lumber & Ace Hardware, Carlisle, Pa., closed July 30 after 72 years due to big box Competition...

Lanphear Lumber, Evans Mil1, N.Y., suffered tens of thousands of dollars in damage from an Aug. 13 fire of susupicious origin

Scott Lumber Co. is closing after 135 yeius, with locations in Lansing and Triadelphia, W.V., to be liquidated by year's end

Dwyer's Home Improveme nt Center lac. i* closing its *tores in Massena and North Bangor, N.Y. afterS0years..

Marvin's Building Materials & Home Centers opens a 35,000-sq. ft. store with drive-thru yard late this year ih Brewton, Al,

C&C hmber, Tarrs, Pa., filed to liquidate under Chapkr 7 bankruptcy after more than 50 years

84 Lumber Co. leased lOracres in Wilmington, N.C., with plans to move its current Wilmington store to the new location

True Value Hardware, Marco, Fl., has remodeled witir a new fagade, tile roof, paint, dock and restructured parking lot

Beatty Lumber Co., Upper Darby, Pa., suffered $50,000 to $80,000 in damages from an early Augustflood...

Mahomet Ace Hardware, Mahomet, Il., was purchased Aug. I by Jim and Amy Hood, owners of Gibson City Ace Hardware, from Millie and Ernie Rosenberg, who have retired after 56 years

Grossman's Bargai) Outlet gpels a discount store Sept. 16 in Lockport, N.Y.,

Home Depot opens its first in Manhattan, N.Y.-a 105,@0-sq. ft. store in the Flatiron District-Sept.

l0 and unveiled new home centers July 29 in W. Fredrick, Md.; Cleveland, Tn., and Rowlett, Tx.; Jlly 22 in Opelika, Al., and July l in Palatka, Fl.; Zachary, La.; Corsicana and South Central Dallas, Tx., plus relocations July 22 in West Palm Beach, Fl., and July 8 in Largo, Fl.

Home Depot agreed to become an adviser ta MaverSource, while launching www.homedepotmoving.com to assist customers with the moving process...

lowe's Cos. opened new stores Au'g.27 in Bedford, In.; Aug. 20 in Palatka, Fl., and Aug. 13 in Hinesville, Ga., and Easton, Pathe chain has broken ground in Aurorao Il., and is eyeing a 12.7acre site in Pawleys Island, S.C, "..

Lowe's plans openings in early 2@5 in Mt. Dora, Fl.; Brunswick, Me.; Flowood, Ms.; Eatontown, N.J., and Aransas Pass, Tx.; in the spring in Alabaster, Al.; Blytheville, Ar.; Bolingbrook, Il.; Seekonk, Me.; White Lake Township, Mi.; Epping, N.H.; Matamoras and Upper Moreland Township, Pa., and late next year in Bedford, N.H.; Cicero, N.Y., and Clearfield. Pa-

Wrorrsrrrls/trrcncTurrrs

Tornball Forest Products, Tomball, Tx., is a new NatureWood ACQ plant serving lower Texas with treated timbers and dimension lumber, as well as remanufacturing and millwork capabilities ...

Huttig Building Products relocated its Indianapolis, In., millwork and building materials DC to a new 96,000-sq. ft. warehouss ...

Steinkamp Warehouse, Inc., Huntingburg, In., added dry kilns and Advance Guard borate treated wood production, joining NatureWood ACQ andCCA ...

TimberTecft is building a new 140,000-sq. ft. warehouse in Wihnington, Oh.

Pennington Hardwoods moved from a 2,O00-sq. ft. facility in Clarksville, In., to a l5,ffi-sq. ft. building in Sellersburg, In.

North American Plywood Corp. has acquired a 95,000-sq. ft. building on 8 acres in Parsippany, N.J.; its S-acre Jersey City, N.J., location will relocate to the new facility as soon as renovations are complete; about 10,000 sq. ft. will be devoted to expanded panel processing and CNC departments ...

MG Building Materials, San Antonio, Tx., added a CCA treating plant and truss plant to complement its door/millwork plant and NatureWaod fteating faciiity ...

HipTruss, Simpsonville, S.C., is shutting down

Great Southern Wood Preservfag, Bushnell, Fl-, added CCA capacity to complement its Indurz borate and YellaWood ACQ treated wood capabilities ...

Epoch Composite Products, Inc.,Lamar, Mo., has purchased a 580,000-sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Chilhowie, Va., for its third and largest EverGrain composite product plant

IJniversal Forest Products added borate treated wood capacity at its Gordon, Pa, and Union City, Ga., facilities, complementing their FRTW and ACQ production ...

Winton Gl.obal, Pas Lumber Co. and Intermountain-Orient are teaming to market Winton brand products in the Southeast

Valspar purchased Associated Chemists' Orangesburg, S.C., forest products plant, which prduces edge sealant for OSB ...

Trout River latnber, Crewe, Va., has two new distributors of its Yirgircia Pine Plantarion prefini*hed southern pine flooring- four-unit Crescent Hardwoods Supply, New Orleans, La., and sixunit Custom Wholesale Flooring, Jacksonville, Fl.

Sherwin-Wtliams agreed to buy paintbrush and roller maker Paint Sundry Brands, Philadelphia, Pa., for $295 million

Hasko, Inc. movedits Hq. and mill machinery manufacturing plant in Soddy Daisy, Tn.

Housing starts in July (latest figures) rebounded, jumping 8.37o to an annual rate of 1.978 million ... regionally starts ranged from up 4.3Vo in the South and Midwest to 15.87o in the Northeast and West . permits climbed 5.7 Vo.

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

Srprrmsrn

New Jersey Lumber Dealers Association - Sept. 9-L0, managemenr roundtable, Atlantic City, N.J.; (800) 269-9603.

Architectural Woodwork Institute - Sept. 9-11, finishing seminar, Vineland, N.J.; (703) 318-1520.

Northwestern Lumber Association - Sept. l0-12, fall board meeting, Cragun's Resort, Brainerd, Mn.; (763) 841-2300.

Florida Hardware Co. - Sept. ll-12, fall market, Radisson Twin Towers & Convention Center, Orlando, Fl.; (904) 783-1650.

Ohio Lumbermen's Association - Sept. 13-14, dealer roundtable, Mentor, Oh.; (800) 282-4632.

Southern Pine Inspection Bureau - Sept. 13-16, dimension lumber grading course, Pensacola, Fl.; (850) 434-2611.

Illinois Lumber & Material Dealers Association - Sept. L4, planning meeting; Sept. 15, board meeting, Springfield, Il.; (800\ 252-864r.

Lumbermen's Association of Texas - Sept. 14-15, basic estimating seminar; Sept. 16, advanced estimating class, Baton Rouge, La.; (8OO) 749-5862.

Hardware Distributors - Sept. 15-16, fall show, English Hills Terrace, Grand Rapids, Mi.; (800) 686-9950.

Amarillo Hardware Co. - Sept. 17-18, market, Amarillo Civic Center, Amarillo, Tx.; (800) 949-4722.

JLC Live Residential Construction Show - Sept. 17-18, Convention Center, Columbus, Oh.; (800) 261-7769.

Kentucky Forest Industries Association - Sept. 19-20, annual expo, Bowling Green, Ky.; (5O2) 695-3919.

American Wood Preservers Institute - Sept. 19-23, fall com-

mittee meetings, Colorado Springs, Co.; (800) 356-2974.

Hoo-Hoo International - Sept. 19-26, international conference. Alaskan Cruise; (888) 245-1900.

Timber Products Inspection - Sept. 20-23, lumber grading course, Conyers, Ga.: (770) 922-8000.

Construction Suppliers' Association - Sept. 20, roundtables, McDonough, Ga.; Sept. 26, Rockmart, Ga.; (770) 751-6373.

Kentucky Lumber & Building Material Dealers AssociationSept. 21, golf tournament; Sept. 22, board meeting, Bardstown, Ky.; (8OO) 844-1714.

Virginia Tech Center for Forest Products Marketing & Management - Sept. 23-24, forest products sales course, Blacksburg, Va.; (540) 231-4406.

National Lumber & Building Material Dealers AssociationSept. 23-25. annual convention, The Breakers, Palm Beach, Fl.; (800) 634-8645.

Blish-Mize - Sept. 24-26, fall market, Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, Ks.; (800) 995-0525.

International Lawn, Garden & Power Equipment ExpoSept. 24-26, Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.; (800) 558-8767.

Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association - Sept. 26-28, fall conference, Toronto, Ontario; (703) 435-2900.

Southern Forest Products Association - Sept.26-28, annual meeting, Grove Park Inn, Asheville, N.C.; (504) 443-4464.

Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association - Sept. 2729, eastem pine grader training, Sanford, Me.; (207) 829-6460.

Eastern Building Material Dealers Association - Sept. 29-Oct, 1, trust & board meeting, Rocky Gap, Md.; (800) 296-3278.

National Hardwood Lumber Association - Sept. 29-Oct. 2, annual convention. Toronto. On.: (901) 377-1818.

0crosrn

NOFMA-Wood Flooring Manufacturers Assn. - Oct. 2-6, flooring inspector school, East Memphis, Tn.; (901) 526-5016.

Construction Suppliers' Association - Oct. 3, roundtable, Little Ocmulgee State Park, McRae, Ga.; (7'7O) 751-6373.

Forest Products Society - Oct. 4-6, housing durability conference, Aladdin Resort, Las Vegas, Nv.; (608) 231-2152.

Ohio Lumbermen's Association - Oct. 5-8, Canadian mill tour, Ontario, Canada; (8OO) 282-4632.

Indiana Lumber & Builders' Supply Association - Oct. 6, sales techniques seminar, Indianapolis, In.; (317) 875-3737.

Lumbermen's Association of Texas - Oct. 6-8. board/committee meetings, Wyndham Anatole, Dallas, Tx.; (800) 749-5862.

Wood Products Manufacturers Association - Oct. 6-9. annual meeting, Cranmore Resort, Lennox, Ma.; (978) 874-5445.

Southern Pine Inspection Bureau - Oct. 7-8, dry kiln course, Pensacola, Fl.; (850) 434-2611.

Virginia Tech - Oct. 7-8, solar dry kiln program, Blacksburg, Va.: (540) 231-4406.

TruServ Corp. - Oct. 8-11, fall market, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fl.: (773) 685-5000.

#l southern pine

Wolmonized' Noturol Select" wood

Dricont fire relordont treoted wood

Wood Truss Council of America - Oct. 9, quarterly meeting, charlotte, N.c.; (208) 274-4849.

Association of Millwork Distributors - Oct. 9-13. annual convention, Salt Lake City, Ut.; (727) 372-3665.

Eastern Building Material Dealers Association - Oct. 11-13, basic estimating seminar; Oct. 14, advanced estimating class, Mechanicsburg, Pa.; (800) 296-3218.

House-Hasson Hardware - Oct. 15-17, fall market, Chattanooga Convention Center, Chananooga, Tn.; (865) 525-0471.

Do it Best - Oct. 16-19, fall market, Indianapolis, ln.; (219) 7485300.

American Architectural Manufacturers Assn. - Oct. 17-20. fall meeting, Registry Resort & Club, Naples, Fl.; (847) 303-5664.

Indiana Lumber & Builders' Supply Association - Oct. 18-22, estimating courses, Indianapolis, In.; (3 I 7) 875-3137

Metalcon -Oct.20-22, Las Vegas, Nv.; (800) 537-7765.

North American Wholesale Lumber Association - Oct. 2l-23. Traders Market, Hyatt Regency, Chicago, Il.; (800) 527-8258.

Serving noilheosl Texos f ond beyond ) with top bronds ond quolity grodes

The Gangs AII lfere!

to say.er \nr€ at Mid-State Lumber Cotp. want to express our thanfts to our many loyal customers and friends who through their pauonage have shown confidence in the quality, service and reliability of our products. Thanh

I.lastern Building N,Iaterial I)ealers Association holcls its quartcf ly trust rnccting Scpt. 30. lirlkrriecl br a boarcl nrcctin-r Oct. I in Rockl' Gap. Nlcl.

l'lte its:,rt'ilttirttl ir lrl'o \|()r)\()fil)g il basic estinratin_s scnrinar' Oct. I 1- l.l ancl an advirncecl class Oct. l4 irr Mcchanicsburg. Pa.

Lunrllermcn's Association of Teras has btxrkcd Kcith Kluis to prcsClll il l\\rr-tlltr hlt.ie eslirilatlrtr: :etttinar Scpt. l:1 l5 in Baton Rousc. La.. luncl un lclvarrcccl singlc clay scntinar' Sept. | 6.

Thc busic scnrinaL provicles initials skills to calculate dctailcd fratnins lurnbcr lccluirenrcnts lirr thc conrplete shell of'thc housc. Thc arlr uncecl scntinar is lor cxpcricncecl cstimirtrtrs Irceding hclp cstinrating lir r.nore coniplicatecl roollines.

Northcastern Retail Lumber Association has hilcd Davc Gluck. cr Hancock I-urtrbcl ancl ltast prcsitlcnt of thc Northcastent Yor-r nq Lurnbcr Erccs. as rcgional clircctor lirr' Murnc. Neri Hampsltirc and Vcn-nont.

Rita Fcn'is has bccn prontotecl to v.p.: Andv Rosen trori hcacls rncrnbcr' prograrns lrncl selr iccs: Tlrnrny Wancllcr'-Gincxi is nol, r'ccional clirec tclr/stal'l' liaison. and Ilcnc Kanc. ntar kcting coorclinator

Ohio Lumbcrmen's Association is stasing a Iarec dcalcr rouncltable Scpt. 1.i- 1.1 in Mcntor. Oh.

Thc OLA Canuclian Mill Tour is Oct. 5 fl in Ontario. and n ill include tours ol Domtar's lispanolu pulp ancl pa;ler nrill ancl Nairn Ccntlc san ntill. l)vnanric Earth's nickcl n'rinc in SLrrlbur'1 uncl Grant lrorest Products' OSB plarrt in Englchart.

Nlid-Arnerica l,urtrbermens Association has slatecl its F'all F'ling for Nov. l8- l9 at the Cltate uu on lhc l-akc. Brirnson. Mo.

Michigan Retail Hardu'are Association has clectctl Nl ike Srcel as erccutivc dircctor ancl c.e .o.

Kcntuckr l.umber & Building

Nlatcri:rl De alcrs Association's Con-ulcton Cup golf'outing is Scltt. 2l at thc Marrioorl Goll'('lLrb. llarclston t-t. Kr.

A boald mcctins is Sc1tt. 2l at thc I)avs Inrr. Barclstori n.

Construction Suppliers' Association's fall rouncltablcs arc scheclulctl 1'or Sept. l0 at thc Holiclay Irrrr Arrlxl't. Mcl)onough. Ga.: Scpt. 2(r lrt thc Winns I-akc l-oclge. Rockntlrt. Ga.. and Oct. 3 at thc Littlc Ocntulscc Stutc Park. McRac. Cia.

Illinois l.umbcr & \laterial

Dealcrs Association is hcllding a long rartec planrriug ntccting Se 1tt. 1:1 in Springl'iclcl. Il.. tirlloriccl bv a btxrrcl ol clircct()rs r.nccting Sept. l-5.

Northn'estern Lunrber Association plans a fall boarcl of dircctors meetins Sept. l0-12 at Crasun's Rcsort. [Jraincrrl. Mn.

North Amcrican Deck & Railing Association is thc nantc of a ltcu organization beins launchccl fbr clcck buildels and venclors. Thc uroup u.,ill clcct its boarcl ancl officcrs cluring an irurugural nreetins clLrring l)eckExlto l(X)-5 in Tarrrpa. Fl.

Compunics joirring bv thc encl ol' thc cot-tr"cntion uill reccirc "chartcr' nrcrnber" stlrtus.

'l'lrc groLrp's Web site. nu.'u..naclra. ors. is expcctcrl to go live this rnonth.

Southeastcrn Lumber N,Ianufacturers Association has launchcd thc S<tuthcrn Pinc Advcrtising Nctrvork. an cflirrt to brand southcrn pinc ltrodLlcts t() consLnncrs throLrgl-t t'cgional aclvert isinc and public lclations.

B1' taking its rlessa-ec dircct to consr.lrners. SPAN hopes to crciltc a "pullIltrott!.1t" e l'lc. l Ii'r' \()utItr'trI pinc.

"Wc har,e to lirst crealc the ilwurcncss in consumcrs of u,'hat sets solttltcln pinc proclucts ul)art." saicl SLMA's Dcbbie BLrrns. "By introclucing thcnt to the wanr)th anrl bcautv o1' southcrn pinc. rl'c ri ill be ablc to crciltc an ento tionirl attachnrent lo lhc pnrclucts rvhilc ltlso cclucuting thcnr on tltc strengtlr anrl cnr"ironnrcntal ltropcrtics."

Sl-MA hus retainctl Heruscr Group. an acl agcrrcy that has assistcd in Honrc Depot's brancling eftrtrts. Sct to launch in Januar\. thc cantpaign r,vill targct consLrrrrcls in tlrc Southcast. initially via raclio. print ancl online ntcdia ancl cxllLncling t() tv in l(X)6.

The $impson Redwood Gollection of products combines Redwood's natural beauty with Simpsonts innovation and smart design.

Let the Gapital Redwood specialists help select the best materials for your needs.

SYSTTM

Sunbelt, the company that pioneered rack supported buildings for lumber and building material storage, brings you the next generation in automated building material storage systems..... introducing Power Bin.

Power Bin is an automated handling and storage system that loads materials into pigeonhole bins with a battery powered loading unit. Operation of the Power Bin is simple...the loader is picked up by a forklift, aligned with the correct storage bin, a safety hook is engaged, and the materials are fed automatically into the storage bin. The entire operation takes less than 1 minute. The time savings and labor efficiencies are huge.

The Power Bin can easily incorporate mezzanine storage, form the support structure for a shed, or become part of a rack supported, drive-thru building. Sunbelt can integrate the Power Bin with cantilever rack, pallet rack, A-frame rack, stack racks and drive thru buildings to create a state of the art lumber yard. A Sunbelt sales person can guide you through the entire process and manage all stages of your project, from the initial design to the final installation.

Call Alana Franco at Sunbelt today to learn more about Power Bin and Sunbelt's complete line of storage systems and rack supported buildings. 800-353-0892 Ext. 215

. Fax 770-569-9944 www.SunbeltRacks.com

sensible ronmentqlist

By Dr. Patrick Moore

es they can make. Farmed salmon is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are proven to help prevent heart disease and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. If people eat less farmed salmon, there is a very real concern that they will not get sufficient amounts of this important nutrient.

Dear Dr. Moore:

There's been a lot of controversy over farmed salmon. Is it safe to eat?

Not only is it safe, it's healthy.

Some environmental groups are using a recent study of PCBs in salmon to support their general position against fish farming. The problem is, they've completely disregarded the conclusions of the study's authors-that levels of PCBs in farmed salmon are well within the safety guidelines set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

To give you an example, the U.S. FDA has set PCB safety levels at

2,000 parts per billion (ppb). Meanwhile, the numbers in the study ranged from just lVo to 3Vo of that amount.

It is unfortunate that our food contains trace amounts of PCBs, but they're found in farmed salmon for the same reason they're found in wild salmon, beef, chicken, milk and many other foods: they've accumulated in small amounts in the food chain. In fact, the levels of PCBs in our food have been reduced by 9OVo over the past 30 years due to pollution control and cleaner industrial processes.

The tragedy in all this is that consumers are being frightened away from one of the healthiest food choic-

The good news is that, while certain groups continue to spread false claims, clear statements of support have been issued by the National Cancer Institute, the National Academy of Sciences, the American Council on Science and Health, the American Heart Association, the World Health Organization and the National Fisheries Institute.

Consumers can't be expected to analyze every study that comes along. But I believe a sensible environmentalist would look at the facts of this case and continue to include farmed salmon as part of a healthy diet.

- Dr. Moore has been a leader of the environmental movement for more than 30 years. A co-founder and former president ofGreenpeace, he holds a PhD in ecology and a BSc in forest biology. Send questions to patrick@ sensibleenvironmentalist.com.

\A/E'VE GONE, -TO GftEAT LEINGTHS Quality Southern Pine Lumber

Proudly Made in the USA

A full product mix is available at our mills located in Mississippi and Louisiana. Random lengths of 8' to 24' can be mixed with2x4 thru2xl2 dimensions. Available grades include DSS, #1, #2,and#3. Mix your truck or railcar with any of the items we produce and turn your inventories faster. Call today to speak to one of our friendly representatives about pricing and availability.

EasternWhite Pine In fashion

explained. "We usually have one or two items [that sell particularly well], but this is industrials, everything."

The species' versatility allows it to do a lot of things well. L.R. McCoy, an $80 million-a-year wholesaler, sells a full range of eastern white pine products, "from green log home timbers to edge-glued panels and molded-and-

tenoned parts," Quitadamo noted. "The only limitations are the mills' [capabilitiesl. I play matchmaker."

Those limitations are becoming fewer. "There have been massive improvements in the quality of the planing," he noted. "Mills in the region have made large investments in moulders and planers."

ffEAVY overall demand for wood llproducts and a renewed recognition of the benefits of eastern white pine have kept wholesalers and mills plenty busy over the last 12 months.

"The market is strong," emphasized Peter Buckley, Mill River Lumber Ltd., N. Clarendon, Vt. "It's been strong for a while. It started last fall and continued right through the winter. Our biggest problem is we can't get enough wood to satisfy our needs."

"The market has been good," agreed Doug Britton, Britton Lumber Co., Fairlee, Vt. "Demand is ahead of supply, which is a switch compared to a year ago when there was a bit of oversupply. Due to a devaluation of the dollar, we had a lot of foregin species coming in."

At the same time, severe weather earlier in the year reduced the capabilities of logging firms. "Between the weather and heated market, it prevented the mills from building up inventories," said Rich Quitadamo, product manager for eastern white pine at wholesaler L.R. McCoy & Co., Worcester, Ma. "Many of the mills I deal with are at 2}-year lows as far as finished inventories. They've put us on a much shorter leash. Order files are three to four weeks. It's definitely a seller's market."

Eastern white pine boards, siding, paneling, specialties-everything is moving. "It's not one item," Buckley

CHARACTER and history radiate trom an eastern pine floor.

ITS WORKABILITY and inherent character made eastern white pine an obvious choice Jor this (above) Nordic-style house featuring handcarved mouldings and (below) f ully paneled playroom.

Many castern mills also harve begun cndstamping to minirnize the use of gurr.r labcls or stapled tags. rvhich might fall off.

Qr-ritaciamo also attributcs eastcrn rvhite pine's success to "proprietary grades. grades that 'nvork tirr the cus tonrcr" and suppliers' "ability to gct n.rixcd loads. crcating smallcr, morc custonicr-fiiendly bundles. "

Prirnarily, ho"vcvcr. eastcrn rvhite pine is in demancl bccausc of liou' it looks and how it pcrftlrms. "lt has a nice appcarancc." Britton noted. "Thcrc's a lot of rccl knottecl rvood up in thc Northeast that compares tuvorably to othef specics. It u'orks and takes a l'inish ivell."

Mill Rivcr has custorners in thc loc hrlrne inclustry in Tenncssce atrcl ships cilsleflr rr lritc pirre ltr lirIrtiturc rtllrrtu facturers as far arvay as California, cvcn thougl'r portderosa pinc woulcl bc rnore economical. "Thcy prcfer cast crn pine." Buckley saicl. "Ponderosa pinc is rnorc brittle. lt clocsn't take a finish as rr'cll."

Quitadamo cchoed: "lJastern pinc has superior rnachining capabilities. It's a lot less brash. You can hand or -uun nail it u'ith a lot less loss. lt's

Admirable Qualities

The trvo main attributes of eastern rvhite pine are Durability and Character.

Durability for Function.

Torvcring ovcl' the grr:at Northeast landscape. eastcrn rvhite pinc has been rnuch sought after lirl building pr()jcct\ requirin-e quality and durability. This unique rvood has a fine grain and unifbrm texture, shapes easily fbr profiles, stays true to form. and hcllds flnishes extrernely rvcll.

For centuries, eastcrn white pinc has bccn the mlinstay in quality construction and fine woodworking. Eastern rvhite pine stands strong.

Character for Design.

The contours of the knots and rich golden color are a perfcct balance for the fast pace of our modern life. Blending simply with rnany aesthetics and environments. its ability to hold colurs. and shorvcase dctail. make this rvood species a favorite for historical accuracy and contemporary designs. Eastern pinc adds valr.re.

much rnore stablc than ponclcnlsa or any ot' the Southcrn pines. Thcre's very littlc residual loss; the cLlstorner can utilizc it almost I'ully. Sonretirnes people fi)rget to analyzc the final cost. There's the invoice cost and thcn the cost after some hars bccn throrvn arvay in the dumpster."

Even aftcr the sr-rppl1' loosens and irnports rcno."' the battle. the inclustry can continLlc rccciving a premiurn firr the species. "What r'vc need to do is try to get pcople to think of eastcrn pine as a dcsign item. like these cottasc homc picces," Quitaclamo saicl. "Vicrv it as a l'ashion itern."

EASTERN pine is selected for rafters and beams due to its structural strength, but lefl ovnnqod fnr iic hoar rirr

HE Northeast has a long hi standardization in lumber. where have been in use since 1833-which may be the resl recorded use in the U.S. Through Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, size and quality standards for the Northeastern softwood species are established to benefit all segments of the lumber producing and using public.

Grading rules are developed through the need for product uniformity between mills producing the same or similar species. Regardless of the nature of the log, the natural differences in the lumber are blended to produce a grade level of suitable uniformity of appearance and/or utility.

NeLMA's Eastern White Pine grade descriptions set forth the limiting characteristics that may occur in the lum-

MIIL RTVER LUMBER

Manufacturers of Quality Eastern White Pine Lumber

Our old fashioned commitment to quality and a modern production facility guarantee you a superior product

. Sawing over I6TOOOrOOO bf annually

. 3OO;OOO bf of Dry Kiln capacity

. Planer Mill producing S4S and pattern

lumber ln 414 and 514

. Member of NELltlA, NAWLA and NEKDA

Certified graders

Mill River Lumber, Ltd.

2639 Middle Road

N. Glarendon, VT 50759

l8o2l775-OO32

www.millriverlumber.com

What's A NeLMA?

Established in 1933, The Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association is the rules writing agency for Eastem White Pine lumber and the grading authority for Eastern Spruce, Balsam Fir, Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPFs) species grouping, and other commercially important eastern softwood lumber species. NeLMA provides a direct voice in the standardization, promotion. and education on behalf of the softwood lumber industry in the Northeast. The association supports the building design and construction industry with technical information and design trends utilizing wood products manufactured under the agency's grading and quality control program. NeLMA's grade-mark signifies quality and integrity that has built customer confidence for more than 70 years.

NeLMA members include hardwood and softwood producers in New York, Pennsylvania and the six states of New England. The forests of this region have helped supply the nation's timber needs for over three centuries. Sustained yield, multiple-use concepts applied to these forests in the past few decades assure the continuation ofthis great heritage.

ber of each grade. Therefore, the rules describe the poorest pieces in a grade. All, or nearly all, of the permissible characteristics of the grade are never present in maximum size or number in any piece. Any piece with an unusual combination of characteristics which seriously affect normal serviceability is excluded from the grade.

Eastern White Pine Grades include: Select Grades of C and D, and Common Grades of Finish, Premium, Standard and Industrial. The following represents the general characteristics of each grade.

Selects

There are two select grades: C Select and D Select which may be combined into a single marketing group, D & Better Select. All selects are graded from the best face.

C Select (C Sel., abbreviation)

This is the highest NeLMA Pine grade. While some of the pieces are clear, most pieces have minor characteristics which do not affect their high appearance or quality.

Material of this grade is best used for natural or stained finish, fine woodworking or interior trim. The reverse face of C Select shall permit sound characteristics typical of D Select.

D Select (D Sel.)

The last of the select grades, D Select, takes its appearance from both the select and the common grades. Its characteristics are more pronounced than C Select, but are well spaced giving much clear material. The reverse face of D Select shall permit sound characteristics typical of Standard.

Commons Finish (Fin.)

This is a fine appearance knotty grade calling for sound, tight knots. Material of this grade can be finished to take advantage of the natural highlights of the piece or to give a fine smooth painted surface. The reverse face of Finish shall permit sound characteristics typical of Standard.

Premium (Prem.)

This is a good appearance knotty grade. It is used in the same area as Finish where a slightly rougher natural appearance is desired. The reverse face of Premium shall permit sound

History & Heritage

The character of eastern white pine is steeped in a rich history. It is New England's history.

Once reserved for the exclusive use for the British Royal Navy, New England's tallest pine trees were marked with three blazes in the shape of a broad :lrTow.

The broad arrow signified the tallest and straightest trees in the forest and became the symbol of excellence, strength and quality.

characteristics of Standard.

Standard (Stand.)

This is a highly serviceable grade used chiefly for construction. It may be used where a coarser rustic decorative appearance is desired.

lndastrial (Ind.)

This is the lowest common board grade. It admits large characteristics

in any combination as long as the piece is usable full length. This material is generally used in rough construction where strength and appearance are not of primary importance.

- For a copy of NeLMA's Standard Grading Rule Book for Northeastern Lumber, contact NeLMA at (207) 8296901 or info@nelma.org. The book is also available online at www.nelma.orp.

"...A tremendous tree which stood head and shoulders above other pines in the forest... it was blazedwith the King's arrow."

- S.F. Manning fromNew England Masts and The King's Broad Arrow

MOVING OUT: "Customer-friendly" grades ease use-and sales-of eastern pine.

Kentuclry tSL plant a improves its marks

f MPROVED legibility. faster Ichanseover time. lower maintenun"" uid ink costs, and cleaner production-marking have been major advantages to Trus Joist since its TimberStrand laminated strand lumber plant in Chavies, Ky., went to a new electronic marking system.

TimberStrand products include wall framing, window and door headers. rim board. roof trusses and floor joists flanges. Sizes vary from the standard 2x4 product to others with dimensions as deep as 24".

Broadly employed in residential, commercial and industrial applications, the LSL is marketed through building product retailers nationally

and internationally. The product markings thus have an important branding overtone, but also contain many essential pieces of information stamped on the surface, such as details about the grade, date/time and place of manufacture, applicable building codes. and TJ. TimberStrand and third party inspection logos.

"Quality marking is very important to the Timberstrand LSL product line," said Brent Edwards, technical director at the East Kentucky plant, "because it provides product credibility and traceability information that is essential to our customers. The new system from Matthews International offers improved marking capabilities than the previous inkroller system, gives us quicker changeover time and has worked well since its installation in June of last year."

He explained that the former system had several drawbacks, among them poor legibility, slow changeover time (which the Matthews R4 controller and 5100 DOD system accomplishes in a third the time). and much longer printer cleanup time, now improved by as much as 757o. Plus, the old equipment needed more maintenance.

In operation, he added, the R4 control system "nicely mates with our own HMI (humanmachine interface) system." The R4 controller communicates with the existing HMI system to permit bridge height adjustments and changes the message to be printed on the product. All of this can be done from a remote operator control

cab in the plant. An integrated emergency breakaway system protects the mounting bridge from structural damage in case of a mishap. Information such as message selection, printhead choices, printhead fluid management as well as the bridge height adjustment are all handled directly in the operator control cab.

Further, automatic height adjustments for the printer mounting bridge can be made from the same control point by the operator who has to be careful about maintaining clearances between the ink-jet heads and product surface.

The R4 marking system consists of 14 32-valve printheads, each of which prints product specifications, I I unique messages, all fixed information and variable text. The overall height of the mark is approximately 2.4", and the EKY stamps can be reconfigured to utilize the 32-dot format.

Jet-A-Mark DOD 5100 large character printing equipment can process at speeds up to 780' per minute.

It is installed on a mounting bridge spanning the production line, with the printheads over the line and marking down on the LSL product surface. The system includes a custom powered height adjuster with two guided machine screw actuators, l/4-horsepower 2301460 VAC brake motor, a 5:1 ratio gear reducer, a Temposonics type transducer for position feedback, digital position display accurate up to 0.001", and pushbutton job controls for oveniding the automated controls.

Printheads are mounted to 14 individual mounting plates with machined wedges for accurate tilt positioning. Mounting plates have independent horizontal adjustability, and the entire mounting structure has emergency swing-away capability.

"Our new system is extremely userfriendly," said Edwards, "is clean and has worked as we expected, giving us substantial savings in maintenance, ink costs and areas of operability."

STAMP WITH APPROVAL: New equipment (top pholo) at LSL facility provides quicker changeover and cleanup time in addition to (lower photo)cleaner marking.

SeX* The *mrv*m*

\\rtlr thc tllin:ition t() irllclnlrlr\c

u ootl tre lrtrne nt\. ( ()lll)()ncnt r)tiuttt

l trelurcr': lirrtl rlistt'ilrLrtt)l \ \ll()ul(l l\tt()\\

tltc ltropcl tlelrtl r'ottttcelrrt ltllites ttttrr

:rtlr t.trl l,,r ltlt-\ ;rltltli..rti,'tr.

\lost .ltctttie ltl lirt rttttlrttols tce

onrnrcrtrl tlurt :otl itt ttt hot lt tc lt tttL

iorlirrc blLsctl l|cirlrtcrtl\ lrc ttsctl u itll

ttPielrl (i(r0 tlLlr;trtizctl lo.(ro (),/ ,/lllt

l)cr- \rl. lt. ol 'lrccl \tte l. |.1 \S I'\l

A(r5.i 1 111r'1',1 L()lrrce l(r' IllLtc: tllrt lttc

irt gcnclltl urc lotlllr lirl irttctior lrltltli e ut ions. 'l'r pie rl bonttc lrli:ttl tlcltt nlcltt\ lit'c iruiltlttrrltt'ilttc lot- trte tiot' \\ct scr'\ iec ultyrlrcutir)lt\ rc.g c\l)() sr,lrc to u cttirtg tllr ing t.

' Il roLt alc t'etltLitctl [tt ttsc ltt)t ttt' thc nc\ cOytPcr'-blr:ctl lrr'atnrcnts. tl.tc chcnrical folnrLtllitott \ug!e\t thlit thc hest plaetice is to usc Ci l E5 glLlr lnizcrl t l.E5 oz. ,/rne l)e | \rl. tt. \tccl

shce t |cr .\S I \l .\65-l t. It()\t lttitlttl

llre tLrrc lrot tlip !llr lLrtizctL pcr .\S't'\l '\ l-5.1 ot :tll ittlc:s stccl e ottlle ( t()r p lirtcs.

.l1 rs tcerrrlrncntlctl thlrl e()r)ll)() ncr)t nrilrulil(lttrers ittultttla tllc l)lc\cr' r utir cs' \lltcrilrl Slilclr I)l1l Sltccts \ rtlt cr cr'\ l)fa\\Lu c t|clrlcrl \tfLlr tu|lll L()nrl)()ncnl lt|otltret slt i1tIltnt.

ffiwwxsreww&mrs F*r Trsst*d Yraxsffi#s

.

'\s 1tro.icet syrccilielttiotts tttltr

r-ctlLri|c thc ttsc ol' lr slt..e i1it l)fc\cl\ ii tr\c tfclrtntcltt. llle c()ntl)()ncllt Iltilltu lletrrrct'shotrltl consrr lt lts eLl\t()nref lrttl pro.jcet tlcsiln 1l'ol.'sstotlt]s Iirt lt le r icrr ltntl ltllpr-or lrl ol llnt 1lt-csctr l ti\ c llcrtr)rcnt sttlrstittttion.

I;or'plr.jctts thlrt inrolrc lltc use o1' l)r'c\cr\ lrtiVc trcirtc(l lttnrhct. r'or)tlie l \ oul lr-uss cttr:incct ltntl ot' tttctltl r'ott rrcctor- plutc srrpplrcr' pt'iot' 1o hirlrlirtg tlrc.lolr rrnrl inlolrrr tlrcnr o1 thc 1r'tt:: lrllplication lrrrl lr-cutrttclt bcing tt:crl. 'l'lris corrsultlrtiorr ri ill ullo* tlrc cnqi rrccr anrl/()r-c()nllcet()f stt Pllltct trl ilctclrninc thc rlc:iqrt critcria anrl con ncctor llliltc tt Pc untlcI ri hich a tru:r desi-i:n can be- prepalctl. .\ll s1t'r'l c()nrponcnls. not .iust thc n-rctal con nector plutc. that conre in contae t u ith thc trcatccl toocl. ncctl thc santc cott :idcration. This irrclLrtlcs arrr untl itll lltstcrrcls lrrtcl constl ttct ion hltrrln ltrc.

Irr utklition to the lrbor c sLtitlclincs Itirrr'tl ,rn r'ilil(r\i{rtl lr'rislltllr't'. Il tl.. c\P()srrrcs sh0Lrlrl lr()t r-csult irr |cltctitirc rrctting lurrl tltr irrg. Iikc u itlt lotrl pcrrorls ol crlcliol c\l)()\urc. SLrelr

c\l)osulcs t-cstrlt irt n)c1lll e()nncetr)l

Plutcs blckirr! oul ()l lunrbcr'(luc t() iin

crcessire anroLlnt of n'oocl sn'ellirig rncl shrinklcc. Il' s;lccil'ications rL-rlr,l ifc u c0ppcr'-basccl prcsct'ratirc f or crtcriol Llsc ()r art crtcriol lit'c rctltr(llrnt lreltnlL'r'lt. i1 slrorrlcl bc VcIi f ictl thlrt tlrc nle trrl conttcctor' plltlcs r ill lrc Lr sctl irt u rl ry cxprtsr.r rc Io lur oitl plltc brie k out.

!'trl,Ii:It,rl r rtutlr':t rr/ Slttteltttrtl l3rriltl ing ( ()nlpon('nl\ Nllrg:r,t ittc (rllrr'. \l)t ilttt\.!ttlt)).

Wickes Lumber Sells Final Units

Bankrupt Wickes Inc., Vernon Hills, I1., is winding down operations and trying to settle outstanding leasing obligations after selling the last of its lumberyards to Bradco Supply, Lanoga, Hope Lumber & Supply and Edward Hines Lumber (see BPD, Aug., p.30).

The Wickes Lumber name, however, will continue, since Avenel, N.J.-based Bradco bought the name as well as 20 locations that will retain it. Bradco now operates 132 locations in 27 states with the addition of Wickes yards in Newtown, Ct.; Argos and Mishawaka, In.; Portland, Me.; Frederick, Md.; Coldwater, Mi.; Hampton and Meredith, N.H.; Kenvil, N.J.; Ithaca, Menands and Walden, N.Y.; Elyria and Rootstown, Oh.; Ephrata, Exton, Harrisburg and Saegertown, Pa., and truss plants in Bear, De., and Ephrata.

According to c.e.o. Barry Segal, "The Wickes locations will allow us to offer more products to our customers and will give us a platform to grow both the lumber business and Bradco, since we will be able to add Bradco locations to many of their facilities."

Bradco also recently added new locations in Canton, Oh., and Chandler, Az., and consolidated its Detroit operations into its Warren, Mi., facility.

Lanoga Corp. acquired 27 Wickes locations to add to its United Building Centers division. Included were 20 lumberyards (Colorado Springs, Co.; Breese, Decatur and Tolono, Il.; Anderson, Ellettsville, Fort Wayne, Marion and Vincennes, In.; Hopkinsville, Lexington and Shelbyville, Ky.; Davison, Grand Blanc, Kalamazoo, Mason, Rochester Hills and Romeo, Mi., and Holland and Mansfield, Oh.), five component plants (Decatur, Lexington, Rochester Hills, Mansfield and Elwood, In.), and two distribution cen-

GOOD SAMARITANS: Six-unit dealer John H. Mvers & Son's Road Crew recently made a surprise stop in Campbelltowh, Pa., dropping off beverages for contractors, residents and volunteers working in sweltering temperatures to clear debris and begin reconstruction following a July 14 tornado. Every weekday throughout the summer, the company's black Road Crew van makes random stops at construction sites throuqhout southcentral Pennsylvania to hand out beverages, coupons and c6ntractor-oriented specialty items. The company created lhe outreach to increase awareness and spread goodwill during the hot summer months.

ters (Mason and Ellettsville).

UBC now has over 200 operations in 17 states. "One of the real plusses of the deal is that there are very few overlapping markets, so this will add to the growth we've experienced recently," noted UBC president Dale Kukowski.

Hope Lumber & Supply, Broken Arrow, Ok., bought I I Wickes units - yards in Greenville, Pelham and Tuscaloosa, Al.; Longmont and Platteville, Co.; Pensacola, Fl.; Augusta, Ga.; Charlotte and Morehead City, N.C., and component plants in Pensacola and Mountain View, Co.

Edward Hines Lumber, Chicago, Il., took over Wickes' Westfield, In., yard.

Angel Sosa is the new store mgr. of McCoy's Building Supply Center, Brownsville, Tx. Will Krause is now store mgr. in Beeville, Tx.

Joe Kusar has been named president of Tolleson Distribution and Remanufacturing Co., Perry, Ga.

Wanda Smith and Scott Teague are new to sales at Southeastern Forest Products. Cordele, Ga.

Tom Steelman has retired after 38 years with Foxworth Galbraith Lumber Co., Dallas, Tx. Jack Foxworth was appointed c.o.o.; Ken Black, executive v.p.-strategy & business; Corby Biddle, v.p.commodities distribution, and Daniel Brunson. v.p.-construction services.

Lawrence "Larry" R. Johnston, Albertsons. and Laban tt[,abe" P. Jackson Jr., Clear Creek Properties. have been elected to the board of directors for The Home Depot, Atlanta, Ga.

Mark A. Suwyn, chairman and c.e.o., is retiring from Louisiana-Pacific Corp., Nashville, Tn., effective Oct. 31. Richard W. Frost. executive v.p.-commodity products, procurement & engineering, will succeed him as c.e.o. and will join the board of directors. E. Gary Cook will become chairman.

Bruce McKean is now commodity lumber sales mgr. for the Central region and Mike Voelker for the Southwest at Bluel-inx.

Marty Hauge has been promoted to software training mgr. at Alpine Engineered Products, Pompano Beach, Fl. Rocky McDonald and Donna Davis. ex-A- I Roof Trusses. are new software trainers. Dwight Bailey has joined the TrusSteel Division in software development.

Brad Samples has joined the Midwest sales staff at Metropolitan Lumber, Chicago,Il.

Joe O'Neill, ex-Robbins Lumber, has joined Progressive Affiliated Lumbermen, Grand Rapids, Mi., as lumber department sales mgr.

Paul Michalowski has resigned as v.p.-merchandising & advertising for Distribution America. Des Plaines, Il., to join Solutions OnSite.

Kent Barbee has been named senior v.p.-operations for VT Industries Inc., Holstein, Ia. Randy Gerritsen is now chief financial officer, and Rick Liddell, senior v.p.-sales & marketing.

Chris Bailey has been appointed sales mgr. for TEC brands at Specialty Construction Brands, Arlington Heights,Il.

Dale Mitchell was promoted to converting mgr. at Weyerhaeuser's Plymouth, N.C., pulp, paper and packaging mill.

Sandi Sparks, Sparks Lumber Co., Ellijay, Ga., was elected chairman

of the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association. Mack Singleton, New South Lumber Co., Myrtle Beach, S.C., was presented SLMA's Beal Award.

Mike Zipser was named v.p.-retail development and new business at Ace Hardware, Oak Brook, Il. Art McGivern is v.p.-general counsel and secretary.

Rajeev Sharma, president, Frontier Building Products, South Plainfield, N.J., was honored by the Asian-American Business Development Center as one of the 2004 "Outstanding 50 Asian-Americans in Business."

Harvey and Dorothy Parker, Barnes & McCullough Lumber, Stephenville. Tx.. celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June.

Frieda Doolittle is on vacation from Mungus-Fungus Forest Products, Climax, Nv., report owners Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus.

Wholesalers Favor Bush

Four out of five wholesalers would vote to re-elect President George W. Bush were the election to be held on the day they indicated their prefer-

ence, according to a straw poll by the National Association of WholesalerDistributors.

Among 3,405 managers and executives polled in early August, 8l.3Vo would vote for Bush, I7.3Vo for John Kerry, O.5Vo for Ralph Nader, and O.9Vo for "Other."

President Bush prevailed in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Kerry tied Bush in Alaska and Rhode Island. Bush's support was 90Vo or higher in 12 states, while Kerry held Bush below lOVo in five states, including his home state of Massachusetts, where Bush received 697o of the vote.

"We're not surprised that senior executives strongly support the President given his initiatives to strengthen the economy," said NAW president Dirk Van Dongen. "But, his margin was uniform throughout the management ranks of those participating in the poll-branch and other middle management participants expressed the same level of support for the President. This seems to make the case that all of them are clear about the positive impact of the President' s economic policies."

NAW will repeat the poll in early

October to gauge how the candidates' campaigns may have influenced wholesale distributors.

Menards Sued Pey Sias

,:

A former employee filed suit against Mgnards, alleging th*t "KKK," "White Nazi Power" and Nazi swastikas were written and carved in the men's bathroom of the store in Matteson, Il.

Jeff Tucker claims that he and another black employee also received death threats written on the bathroom walls.

:Dawn Sands, general counsel for Menards, says that Menards does not condone discrimination and expects the home center chain will be cleared. Since the bathroom was open to the public, Sands doubts the racial grafFrti was written by employees.

This is not the fnst time Tucker has expressed his beliefs that he was discriminated against by Menards. The former forklift operator alleges he was fired in March 2@2 after filing two complaints with the EEOC.

o Retail Lumberyard & Building Materials

o Wholesale Building Materials

o Furniture Manufacturing

o Sawmill Operations

. Specialty Wood Manufacturing

o Woodworking & Cabinet Manufacturing

many more

Ply Gem Buys Window Maker

MW Manufacturers, Rocky Mount, Va., has been acquired by Ply Gem Industries, Kearney, Mo., for $320 million.

The deal includes MW's facilities in Hammonton, N.J.; Fayetteville, N.C., and Tupelo, Ms. MW will continue to operate as a stand-alone facility and will market its windows under the MW Windows, Patriot Vinyl Windows and Twinseal Vinyl brands.

The acquisition will allow Ply Gem, which manufactures hardwood floor and wall planking, to expand into the window and door market.

"The combination of Ply Gem and MW Manufacturers will provide us with a great platform to accelerate our growth in the windows segment, both organically and by acquisition," said Ply Gem president and c.e.o. Lee D. Meyer.

USPL Files For Chapter 11

US Plastic Lumber Corp., Boca Raton. Fl., has filed to reorganize under Chapter I I bankruptcy. The firm is seeking an order to get DIP financing to fuel current operations.

"Given our company's current condition," said chief financial officer

Michael Schmidt, "we believe that this action will give us the ability to preserve and maximize our value. With the hard work and dedication of our employees and the support of our customers and suppliers, we are confident that the business will emerge from this process a stronger company."

He added, "Our filing provides US Plastic Lumber with the opportunity to position itself for a viable future. After the filing, US Plastic Lumber will continue to operate without interruption."

USPL has hired Triax Capital Advisors to supervise and direct its reorganization efforts.

Second Life For N.H. Sawmill

Monadnock Forest Products, Claremont, N.H., may be getting a second chance at success.

In February, Monadnock shut down its two mills and laid off its employees because of operating losses. Then in late July, Bradford Forest, Bradford, Pa., acquired the Claremont facility at auction.

"We bought it with the ultimate intention of reopening the facility," said Bradford president Mark Conolly. The deal is yet to be finalized.

Monadnock's facility in Jaffrey, N.H., also went up for auction in July, although it is not known who purchased the site.

Canfor Cancels Maine Plans

B.C.-based Canfor has decided to use ocean shipping to overcome a shortage of rail cars that has slowed its business in eastern North America.

The change in shipping has resulted in the suspension of building a mill complex in northern Maine, which Canfor had been planning since early 2003 when it bought Daaquam Lumber, Quebec, to strengthen its presence in the Northeast and eastern Canada.

Canfor is also mulling over its needs after the April merger with Slocan Forest Products.

"It's an element of timing here," said Canfor c.e.o. Jim Shepherd. "We need to get the lay of the land, and where these various opportunities are in this bigger company called Canfor."

Shepherd said the amount of qcean shipping in the future will depend on how rail carriers deal with the shortage issue, but it could become a permanent part of the company's North American transportation system.

banding. \tur bottom line is ltrraatened by damaged product, expensive repairs, and rising insurance rates.

Sweed Choppers turn this profit-sucking menace into valuable scrap that you can easily recycle. Increase safety! Out-of-control insurance claims, repair bills, and storage problems will become a distant memory once Sweed's money-making choppers are put to work.

(Culvert Pipe - 8" to 48"Comes in 20 ft. lengths) Corrugated

Slotted, Solid, or Septic-Leach Bed Styles

Drain Pipe - 4" or 6"

Sold in 10 ft. lengths or rolls

Depot Opens lmport Facility

Home Depot has opened a distribution center in the Dallas/Ft. Worth, Tx., area focusing on imports.

Depot's other two distribution centers in the area stock lumber and domestic products.

Depot leased the 450,000-sq. ft. warehouse in Roanke, Tx., from Hillwood, which was able to appeal to the big box by increasing its dock door count to 98, and adding a six-acre parking lot for 130 trailers.

S.C. Sawill Fire An Accident

Fire officials say that a fire that destroyed part of Watts Mill, Laurens, S.C., was accidental. Officials believe that sparks from sawing ignited the July 13 blast.

"Workers had been working there the whole day," said Laurens County Fire Chief Keith Garrett. "They'd been sawing pipes and that causes a tremendous amount of sparks, which get into the wood and debris."

The mill closed in 2001. but reopened last December when Dave Culver bought the property.

From now on, work will stop earlier in order to monitor the site for potential fires. Plans are in the works

to renovate the part of the mill not damaged by the fire, converting the area into an office or retail space.

Lowe's Hackers Plead Guilty

Three men pleaded guilty to hacking into the national computer systems of Lowe's in April 2003 to try to steal credit card information.

Brian Salcedo faces l2 years and seven months in prison for his role in the unsuccessful hacking at Lowe's Southfield, Mi., store. His two accomplices, Paul Timmins and Adam Botbyl, admitted to lesser charges.

The men, aged 2l to 23, faced 16 counts of conspiracy, computer fraud, wire fraud, unauthorized computer access. intentional transmission of computer code, and attempted possession of unauthorized access devices.

The trio allegedly drove around Southfield looking for a vulnerable connection in a wireless network. then used a laptop computer, wireless card and antennae to break into Lowe's. They entered Lowe's centralized computer network and installed a program to acquire credit card information. No customer data was obtained and the hackers never made it into Lowe's national database in Wilkesboro. N.C.

ANNOUNCINC ...AN OPPORTUNITY YOUR COMPANY CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS...

Domeslic & lmport Hordwoods

Russion Birch Chinese Birch

Unidirectionol , Foncy Venear

Suref loor Underloymenl Prefinished &

TH E CAROLINA PLUM,

o*ned and operated by Andy and Maria Freeman, specializes in reloading and transporting wood products for companies wishing to penetrate the Southeast via the Carolinas.

Centrally located in North Carolina, The Carolina Plum (TCP) is only 45 miles from Charlotte, 135 miles from Asheville, 55 miles from Greensboro, and 130 miles from Raleigh. This prime location offers your company accessibility to markets in an area that is one of the hottest building spots in the U.S.

TCP has the ability to unload centerbeam railcars, flat bulkheads, and boxcars. TCP can also handle your transportation needs at a competitive price with prompt dependable service.

Service is the main part of our business at TCP. We encourage you to consider THE CAROLINA PLUM for your RELOAD and TRANSPORTATION needs.

Executive Decking from SA KwikDek

E-Z Column Framing

Scorpion Fasteners' new E-Z Column Framing Collar frames round support columns for finishing with sheetrock and paneling.

less steel, they are also compatible with lumber treated with copperbased preservatives.

Tiger Claw has also introduced an entire line of deck related products, including deck heaters, recessed deck lighting, ceramic post caps, balusters, fire pits and decking books.

- Please contact (800) 928-4437 or visit www.de ckfaste ne r.com

A Deck For The Ages

Composite decking that has the fade. stain and scratch resistance of vinyl and the workability of cedar is new from Edge Building Products.

DurationDeck is a fiber-reinforced cellular vinyl, reportedly making it lighter, stronger and easier to install. It does not require pre-drilling, con-

The collar frames out 3", 3-112" and 4" structural columns. Simply spread open the devise around the column, secure with supplied screws, and the column is ready to be finished. One piece construction makes installation easy, eliminating the need for tracks, studs and masonry anchors.

The collar accepts drywall screws and finishing nails, and comes with five collars per pack with screws.

- Please contact (800) 233-0461 or visit www.scorpionfasteners.com

Fastener Find

Tiger Claw's TC-4 hidden deck fastener offers superior hold-down power in hardwoods.

The fasteners were desisned specifically for exotic hardwdods. including Brazilian redwood and ip6.

Since they are constructed of stain-

tains no harmful chemicals, and carries a Class I Flame Spread Rating.

The deck's "DuraSkin" makes it highly resistant to stains, wear, scratches, mold, mildew and insects. Its lower density and moisture resistant fiber increases stability.

- Please contact (717) 567-2311 or vis it www.durationde c k.com

Write On The Door

A door that combines engineered wood stiles and rails and pan6ls made of a thick specialty material designed to look and act like a chalkboard has been introduced by Simpson Door Co. The chalkboard panel doors are available in one door-lensth chalkboard panel, two vertically-stacked chalkboard panels separated by a rail,

and two vertically-stacked chalkboard panels separated by a rail with one panel on top and a wood panel below.

Each door comes 1-318" thick and in heights of 6'8", 7' and 8', and in successive widths of 2' to 3'

The doors come in Douglas fir, western hemlock, American red oak, maple and cherry.

- Please contact (800) 952-4057 or v i s it www.simpsondoor.com

Electronic Deck Design

An easy-to-use design tool that helps create a custom outdoor deck has been introduced by TimberTech and DIYonline.com.

Users can navigate TimberTech Deck Designer to decide on the basic shape of the deck, color (cedar, gray or redwood), plank type, and the layout direction ofthe planks.

When finished designing, the program sends the user a designer specification kit that includes selected views of the deck. a list of materials and tools, layout, cut list, installation guidelines, permit page, and tips for construction.

Railing options are also available.

- Please contact (800) 307-7780 or vi s it www.timbe rte c h.com

Software That Sells

Suncoast Softrvare's SOR software is designed to help businesses sell unsold inventory.

The softrvare tracks inventory by location, and sold items by category,

A Cut Above The Rest

category, vendor and vendor, location, and salesperson.

Designed rvith the sales staff in mind, the softrvare can also be used to vierv sales statistics rvhile digital images can be inserted for onscreen vierving of unique items.

- Please contact

Five utility knif'e models f'eature 19" cutting angles and inside storage tbr five blades.

Knife options include ProTcluch ergonomic grip or standard metal grip designs, fixed or retractable blade positions and one model in oran-r{e.

- Please contact (800) 464-7946 r;r visit w,w,v'.irn'in.ccttrt

Touch Of Moulded Eleqance

Moulding that features high-end ilood veneers laminated over fingerjointed pine is nerv fiom Louisiana-Pacific.

The mouldings are available in oak. maple and cherry, up to 7-112" wide.

Irwin's new Blue Blade line of utility knives features unbreakable blades that reportedly stay sharp three times longer than traditional carbon steel blades.

The blades' bi-metal material makes them virtually unbreakable under normal construction conditions. imoroving cuts and productivity while reducing blade changei.

The blades come in packages of five, 20, 50 or 100.

The mouldings cut and finish like solid rvood, come presanded and unfinished, and are installed using regular rvoodlvorking tools. They are available in several profiles including baseboard, crown, casings, chair rail and plank.

Plectse contact (800) 521-4259 or ,qo onlitte ur nttv'. lpc'orp.com/moulding

Beautiful Inside. Durable 0utside, Remarkably Distinctive, outhern Yellow Pine is a beautiful product used fol centuries as paneling, flooring and exterior sidings, lts durability along with its distinctive grain and color makes it an ideal product for staining or painting,

0ur patterns are end capped and paper wrapped bundles ideal for the DIY trade or traditional lumber yard,

Product Patterns include Paneling, Ceiling and Flooring Products for Interior and Exterior uses.

We also offer 1" and 2" trim to complement both the interior and exterior products.

Custom Lumber Manufacturing Co. 334-793-1527

-:j#r-'*-"*"-""'

Thick Sheathing

G-P Gypsum's new DensGlass

Silver residential wall sheathing can be used on the exterior of the buildins envelope as a structural panel whei walls are braced.

The I12"-thick exterior sheathine resists moisture and mold, and can bE used over steel or wood framing up to 24".

Cool, Dry Basement

A polyethylene membrane Cosella Dorken Products keeps ments dry and protects against forms of moisture.

from baseother

Delta-Ms has dimples that act as air pockets, keeping concrete walls dry and basements free from dampness.

The wrap acts as a slip-joint, allowins for some movement of the soil and providing an air gap. The easy-toinstall wrap measures up to any basement size, is impervious to moist ground soil, is non-toxic, and remains unaffected by extreme temperatures.

- Please contact (999) 433-5824 or visit www.deltams.com

SPEGTES

Western Red Cedar

. Incense Cedar

. Redwood

Hem-Fir. Douglas Fir

. Pine. White Fir

Alder

Grind Away

Metabo Corp. has upgraded seven angle grinders to improve performance and to provide 157o more power.

The 4-ll2" and 5" grinders feature an 8-amp motor. Five models also

It features slass mats on the front and back of the board, increasing moisture and mold resistance. Its structural values are comparable to wood fiberboard and related structural materials.

- Please contact (800) 225-61 19 or v i sit www. gp gypsum.com

PRODUGTS

Fingerjoint Boards . Pattern Sidings

Spa Components . Engineered Products

Edge-Glued Panels

,12Dry Kilns for Custom Drying .

feature the "Quick" rapid spannerless tool change system for safe, tool-free wheel changes with less operator downtime.

All grinders feature an epoxy resin coating on the field coil, a winding protection grid, and an S-automatic safety clutch.

All seven models also provide up to 21" lbs. of torque and a spindle thread of 5/8"-l 1".

- Please contact (800) 638-2264 or vis it www.metabousa.com

TAIfrMETGG PTItrIGts II$ TOil I

Patented trim accessories for fiber cement

Srtructural tetal Connectors Including G-ISSforAGQ

^ersKlYoo^ I ronEsr PRoDucrs I -A -a-ag4>€--A.

Anderson, Ca.: (800) 427-8253. (530) 378-6980

Fax 530-378-6987 Fred Duchi Don Cherovsky

Mike Webster. Danen Duchi Dean Duchi

Weed, Ca.: (800) 374-0210 (530) 938-2771

Fax 530-938-3227 Bill Duchi. Dennis Duchi

frs.lmdtn6tt

Dlamond Bladss

Martin Eyeing Sites

Louisiana and Texas are in a battle to become the site of a nerv OSB plant that r,vould create 160 processing jobs, and a possible 280 to 380 additional loggers (see Jult', p.l8).

Roy O. Martin Lumber Co.. Alexandria, La., is expected to decide this month where to build the plant. ivhich rvould open two years later.

The governors of Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi have contacted Martir.r about the possibilities in their states.

"We're in hot competition," said company president Roy O. Martin Ill. "We are a Louisiana company, but Texas has some excellent opportunities. I can't say rvho's leading."

The company is looking at areas in Lake Charles. Leesville and Alcxandria, La., and southeast Texars betr.veen Lufkin and Jasper.

Martin is looking for a plant that rvould cover betrveen 150 and 200 acres l() process extra woorl f'rom its recent purchase of 108,000 acres of timberland fiom Louisiana-Pac ific.

Worker Crushed At Sawmill

A mill worker at Boiceville Lumber Co., Boiceville. N.Y., ivas killed after becoming pinned between two

large stacks of lumber.

An attempt rvas made to resuscitate Joseph Debellis, Jr., 49, afier he was fieed by yard workers and a delivery person, but hc died an hour later at Benedictine Hospital. Kingston, N.Y.

Police are rvorking to detcrmine the cause of the accident.

Wolf River Plans Expansion

A $3 million to $5 million expansion is in the works for Wolf River Lurnber Co., Ncw London, Wi., to increase its global rnarket presence.

"With our new state-of-the-art equiprnent, we are able to give our customers the width, length and color of lumber they require. reducing their material cost," said Cary Ort, president. "We are ablc to do three times the squlre-foot production per man compared to five years ago, reducing our costs."

The company plans a 16,800-sq. ft. building to house l0 additional dry kilns. The 50-acre hardwood complex currently operates 20 kilns.

Work is set to begin Oct. 1. Future expansion may include a $2 million addition in kilns. a $i million addition to the plant in 2006, and a $2 million exoansion of kilns in 2007.

Aceept only the bestAdvanced building materials for todayts dreams.

the Capital specialists help select the best materials for your needs.

Simpson Buying Quik Drive

Simpson Strong-Tie Co. parent Simpson Manufacturing Co., Dublin, Ca., signed a letter of intent to acquire the assets of Quik Drive, U.S.A., Inc., and its related companies.

Gallatin, Tn.-based Quik Drive manufactures collated fasteners and fastener delivery systems.

The transaction, slated to close later this year, is estimated at $30 million in cash and $5 million in stock.

Ashland Sold But Unchanged

Five-unit Belletete & Shea LLC, Jaffrey, N.H., has acquired Ashland Lumber Co., Ashland, N.H., from A. Walter "Butch" Hill and his brother, Alan W. Hill, for $ l. I million.

Belletete & Shea owns lumber outlets in Jaffrey, Nashua, N.H., Peterborough and Winchedon, Ma., and a hardware store in New Ipswich, N.H., and expects few changes at the new location.

The purchase included two large lumber warehouses and a retail store, which in time may be converted to True Value.

Depot To Get Fewer Kmarts

Kmart has decided to reduce the number of stores it's selling to Home Depot fiom 24 stores for $365 million to 18 stores for $271 million.

According to Kmart, the change came about because "certain closing conditions were not satisfied."

Kmart has already sold four stores to Depot for $59 million, and was to complete the sale of another nine stores in August.

NICE CATCH: North American Plywood Corp., Jersey City, N.J., and Santa Fe Springs, Ca., recently enjoyed its annual fishing trip to Sportsman Cove Lodge about 20 miles west of Ketchikan, Ak. A 45'L long, 44-lb. king salmon was among the haul reeled in by (l-r) Dave Figlo, Jim Belfiore, Cliff Lowy, Carla Pratt. Christv Mills and Don Kuser.

THE SOUTHEAST traveled to San Francisco, Ca., for the Southeast ern Lumber Manufacturers Association's conference. "Golden opportunities" was the theme, and there were oppofiunities for all attendees to have some fun with a trade expo, speakers, galas, and parties for the kids. (1) Pam Baker, Nancy Bloch. (2) Debbie Burns, Wendy Burnetl, Katie Bodiford. (3) DeLaine Woodruff, Lionel & Karen Landry, Amanda Taylor. (4) Brenda, Ron & Julie Coker. (5) Julie Longanecker, Wayne Brooks. (6) Penny & Ed Doss. (7) Jack & Sue Jordon. (8) Steve Rountree, Pam Joseph, Lee Ashburn. (9) Paige &

BurLorxc Pnonucls Drr;nsr Seprevaen 2004

Mark Wells, Connie Ganison. (10) Ben & Sallie Garrison, Hal Storey. (11) Dave & Maeve Gagnon. (12) Gale Miller, Kelly Crisci, Daniel Dickert. (13) Alison Davis, Blair Albert. (14) Thuy & Norm Murray. (15) Vikki Scott, Kelly Pastore. (16) Dick Chilvers, Ardis Almond, Woodus Humphrey. (17) Brian & Connie Mulvaney, Clif Jones, Matt Mulvaney. (18)Pam Mitchell, Jimmy Price, Andrea & Joe Kusar. (19)Jim & Babs

LeRoy. (20) Mark & Lanette Williams, Lee Howell, Michael Benner. (More photos on next page)

SLMA conference bontinued from previous page) kicked off with the (1) 49ers cheerieaObrs welcoming gudsts to San Francisco. (2) Joe Ambrose, Kevin Orbinski. (3) Robert Daniel, Mary Goodloe, David Tucker. (4) Doug & Beth Warstler, Martha & Bobby Smith. (5) Jeff & Sandy Miller. (6) Richard Rothwell, Peyton Phillips, Hunter Phillips. (7) Brent Steed, John Beach. Dick Elliott. Patti McWhirter, Susette

Beach, Andrea Elliott. (8) Debbie Garrett. (9) Marqo & George Varn Jr. (10) Mary Atice a iack Busch-. (11) Jerry, Patricia & Sandie Sparks, Jerry Seabolt. (12) John & LeAnne Covle, Eddie & Laura Garrett. (13) Ruth Wiseniann, Danell Davis. (14) Janet & Robin Swift lll. (15)Tori, Michele, Kennon & Alex Morris. (16) Sharon & Mark Anthony. (17) Dick Elliott Jr., Larry Lewis. (18) Stephen & Shelly Jones, Chris Raybon.

RKFASTENERS%.*

The Industry's Toughesf Screws

BPD welcomes Letters to the Editor. Please send to Editor, 4500 Campus Dr., Suite 480, Newport Beach, Ca.92660; Far 949-852-023 I, or via e-mail to dkoenis@ building -pr od uc ts.c om

WHAT 15 DRIVING DEMAND FOR COMPOSITE DECKING?

I read with interest the article in your August issue, "What's Driving the Demand for Composite Decking?" While many reasons were given for "homeowners willing to spend serious money" on composite decking, I believe the primary reason was omitted. No doubt the main reason driving the increase in these products is marketing. How else could you explain a consumer's desire to pay up to three times as much for composites when tried-and-true real wood decking is readily available?

We lumber producers have to hand it to the fake wood guys. They have capitalized on our inability to get together and tell the great environmental story of lumber. The composite decking industry has risen out of the unfounded fears of pressure treated wood, brought about by junk science and media hysteria.

I'm not suggesting the composite industry has done anything wrong. They

just did what any good businessman does: they found a need and filled it. Undoubtedly there is a market out there for girlie men who have acquiesced to their wives' uninformed fears of treated wood.

Composite companies tout their low maintenance as their primary selling point. Recent magazine ads and articles should grve anyone reasons to consider the validity of these claims. These include:

A report on Trex being named in a class action lawsuit for warranty failures (LBM Journal, July '04);

. Ads by at least three companies now producing water repellent treatment and restoration products for composite decking (BPD July, Professional Deck Builder, July-Aug.);

o Quotes from the US Forest Products Lab citing research on the durability of real wood siding and stating that there are no "no maintenance" products (BPD, July).

The composite industry also touts its environmental friendliness, as it is made from recycled materials. However, in every life cycle analysis of the total energy required to produce these "recycled products," good old wood always comes out on top.

It is interesting to note the number of tlmes composite ads use "like real wood" in their marketing materials. There is only one thing that has the beauty and character of "real wood," and that is real wood. As humans we are naturally drawn to natural

products. One has to wonder how this composite "wood" will be received in a few years. I'm sure you remember the fake dark wood paneling that was popular in the '70s. I suspect fake wood decking will be just as unattractive to homeowners at some future date (it already is to those who appreciate real wood). But who knows, with the right marketing, they may be able to sell us the polyester leisure suits and bouffant hairdos to go with this fake wood. Frank Zappa's "Plastic People" would be a great theme song.

Mark Junkins

McShan Lumber Co.

P.O. Box 27

McShan. A1.35471

uotres

Grady Davis, 82, vice president of sales at Tolleson Lumber Co., Perry, Ga., died July 2l in Macon. Ga.

He worked for Tolleson for 45 years.

John O. Moore, 67, vice president of Longleaf Timber Co., died July 23 in Laurel, Ms.

He was a forester for the Mississippi Forestry Commission and was a member and past president of the Mississippi Forestry Association and Mississippi

llD Montrose rulfl -Reioeai;".

1915 N. Townsend Ave., Montrose, CO 8140f (97O) 24O-L945. Fax s7o-240-Ls6s

We can solue gour ul,o;reh;ousing rrnd. trarl"sportation need.s

o Providing Nationwide Coverage, specializing in Western Colorado, Utah and Northern New Mexico

c 22-acre Reload Facility

T n coastal constructi0n or when using pressureI treated wood, you need connectors, anchors and I fasteners with greater resistance to corrosion.

For extra protection, Z-MAXT|V (G1 85) connectors have a zinc coating two times thicker than standard products. 0r, in severe exposure, choose Strong-Tie stainless steel (SST300) connectors for even longer life.

Helping to build better buildings.

ll's whal you'd expecl h1n the leatler in connecllts llt w00d construction.

www.slrongtie.com

f te WortO's "t'to-Equal" Structural Connector comoanv

. 346,000 sq. ft. of Inside Covered Storage

o Inside Loading and Unloading

o 28 trucks

o Truck Broker's License

o Short or l,ong Distance

o Union Pacific Rail Served

Experts in llloteriol Hondling Jor the Forest Products Industry

Lumber Manutrcturers Association.

He rvas a retired forestry consultant, trustee of thc Mississippi Forestry Foundation, and rvas selected Fellolv in thc Society of American Forcstry.

Allen Joel Fortson. III, 58, formcr or'vner of Fortson Hardrvare & Lumber. LaSalle. La.. died July 2zl in Grayson, La.

He also managed Loerver Truc Valuc Hardrvare. Alexandria. La.. in 1996.

Virgil E. Hickman, 87. fbrmer rnanager firr Covington Lumber Co.. Covington. In.. and Veedersburg Lumber Co., Vcedersburg. In.. died July 20 in Covington.

Afier lcaving thc lumber industrv. he rvorked at Harrison Steel Castings Co.. Attica, In., until r"etiring Dec.3l. 1978.

John Robert "Bob" Stagg, Sr., 8l, formcr president of Stagg Lumber Co.. Danville, Ky.. died July 22 in Wilnrorc. Ky.

A staff selgcant in the Arrny during World War II. Mr. Stagg rvas a sales representative in central and eastern Kcntucky for Forest Products/Pacil'ic Lumbcr Co.

William Allen "Al" Fellers. 92. former manager and orvncr of Aberdeen Lumber Co., Aberdeen. S.D., diecl JLrly 24 in Anaheirn. Ca.

Mr. Fcllcrs stalted his carccr in the carly 1930s, rvorking fol TLrthill Lr-rmber Co.. Abercleen. He later became assistant

manager for Larnpert Lr.rrnber, Abcrdeen. befbre olvning Aberdeen Lumber.

He also orvned a paint and building supplies store, AIlen Fellers. lnc.. Aberdeen. retiring in 1988

William David Eisenhauer. 81, fbrmer owner of William D. Eisenhauer Wholcsale Forest Products in Maryland. dicd atier a long stnrggle rvith liver discase July 28 in Canton, Oh.

Aftcr recciving aclvancccl degrccs in forestry and rvood technology, Mr. Eiscnhauer started his lumber business in 1961. He closed his business and retircd to Hilton Head. S.C.. in 1980.

James E. Hiller,84. orvner of Charlcvoix Lurnber Co.. Charlevc'rix. Mi., clied Aug. 3 in East Lansing, Mi.

A veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corp in the Philippincs during World War Il. hc also rvorked as a building contractor and as nrayor of Charlevoix.

Walter H. Dorrity. ll5. fbrmcr officc and salcs managcr at Whitencr Lumbcr Co.. Nervberry. S.C.. died Aug. l0 in Marietta. Ga.

A U.S. Army vctcran of World War II. he also rvorkcd fbr thc Continental Group. Augusta. Ga.

Margaret R. Wise, 81. fbrmer sccretary fbr Sigafoos and Winbi-eler Lurnber corr.rpanies. Jcromesville. Oh.. died July 30 in Jcromesville.

Rates: 25 words for $25, additional words 700 each. Headline, centered copy, private box or special border, $6 each. With art, $4-5 per col-

umn inch. Send ad copy to BPD,4500 Campus

Dr., Ste. 480, Newport Beach, Ca. 92660, Fax

Deadline for copy: l Sth of the previous month. To reply to ads with private box numbers, send correspondence to box number shown. c/o BPD. Names of advertisers usins a box number cannot be released.

EXPERIENCED LUMBER TRADER WANTED

Great opportunity for experienced trader with steady accounts. 60% commission split for trader. Any product line. Relocation not necessary. Excellent office support, great credit, and financial strength. Call John at Lakeside Lumber Products, (623) 566-7100. for confidential discussion.

EXPERIENCED LUMBER TRADERS WANTED.

We are Hardwood and Softwood log and lumber wholesalers with otfices in the United States and Canada. We're seeking sincere, experienced lumber traders who have a view towards the long term. Work INDEPENDENTLY from your part of the country, OR from our offices in the Toronto area. This is an excellent oppoftunity with a well-established company. We enjoy an OUTSTANDING financial and marketing reputation.

For complete details of our interesting and rewardin g program, please phone Bob Wilson lN STRICT CONFTDENCE. We'il atso invite you to speak with one of our current trad,ng panners.

I

E-Mail:

Website:

Total Square Footage: 85,575

Acreage: 22.05

xThis plant has NEVER been used to produce CCA treated wood.

WE BUY AND SELL PANEL STRIPS

Plywood, OSB, particleboard and MDF by the truckloads. Lumber Source, Phone (800) 814-1953, Fax 888-576-8723, e-mail LumberSource@ worldnet.att.net.

SouuElsr

Anthony Forest Products C0. .........................(800]' 221 -2326

Arauco Wood Products ..................................(770) 379-9270

Arch Wood Pr01ec1i0n .............,.........,.....,..,...(770) 801 -6600

Atlas Rooling.....,.,.. .......(770)952-1442

Banner Elk Trading. .......(877) 909-8575

Bean Lumber, Curt {Ar.) .....(800) 232-2326 \800) 482-2352

Carolina Atlantic...., .......(800) 922-5245

Cedar Creek Wholesale (Ar.) ................,........(866) 760-5344 Columbus Lumber ..........,.,..(800) 654-6743 {601 ) 833-1990

Comercial Corza..... .......(770) 668-1095

Custom Lumber Manufacturing Co. .......,....,.,(334) 793-1 527

Dairyman's Supply Co. (Al.) ...,........,..............(800) 883-6633

Dairyman's Supply Co. (Ky ) ......(800) 626-3903

Epperson Lumber Sales (Tn.) ...................,....(866) 292-1 414

Everwood Treatment Co. .,......,............,.........$00\ 226-3444

Georgia Lumber Co ..,.....(800) 995-8627

Great Southern Wood Preserving (Al.)...........(800) 633-7539

Gulf States Paper Corp..................................(205) 562-5000

Hogan Hardwoods (Hot Springs, Ar.).............(877) 523-0200

Hogan Hardwoods (Little Rock, Ar.)...............(800) 985-7385

Hogan Hardwoods (Santa Rosa, Fl.) .............(866) 758"7041

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

Hoover Treated Wood Products...,,.....,..,.......(800) 531 -5558

langboard.............. .......(229) 263-8943

McEwen Lumber Co (Al ) ..., .,...(334l'432-2322

McEwen Lumber Co. (Delray Beach, Fl.).......(561 ) 276-51 55

McEwen Lumber C0. (Jacksonville, Fl.) .........(904) 783-01 70

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

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

McEwen Lumber Co (Ky ) ',.-\502)297-8321

McEwen Lumber Co. (Memphis, Tn.)........,....(901 ) 794-1 050

l\,lcEwen Lumber Co. (Nashville, Tn.).............(61 5) 793-7746

I/emphis Hardwood Flooring Co. (Tn.) ,..,....,.(800) 346-3010

Osmose .................. .......,770]' 228-8434

Precision Architectural Products ....................{888) 966-3777

Robbins Wood Preservin9.....................,........(888) 558-81 99

Weyerhaeuser StructuMood......................

Williams & Sons, Inc., Jerry G....................

Williams Lumber Co. ol North Carolina......

lloruErr

....(800) 523-0824 ....(919) 934-4115 ....(252) 442-2136

Auto-Stak Systems..............(800) 313-6562 (201) 358-9070

Benjamin obdyke.... ......(800) 523-5261

Churchill Coatings... ......(508) 839-9700

Computer Associates Inc. .......,..,...................(401 ) 232-2600

conect Building Products....(207) 284-5600 (888) 290-1 235

Cowls, Inc., W.D...... ......(413) 549-1403

Hancock Lumber..... ......(207\627-7600

L,latthews Internati0na1......................,...,.......,(412) 665-2500

Mid-Slate Lumber C0rp...,...(908)

lUho-Arurrc

Beautiful Home Supply (l/d.) .......................,.(800) 761 -9663

Beautiful Home Supply (Va.)..........................1540) 7 10-7 144

Carolina Atlantic..... .......(800) 672-3555

Carolina P1um..,....., .......(704) 209-3882

Chadsworth's 1.800.Columns ........................(800) 486-21 18

Chemical Speciallies, lnc. .................,...,..,.....(704) 522-0825

chesapeake Hardwood Products...................(800) 446-81 62

Cox Wood Preserving C0...............................(800) 476-4401

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

Epperson Lbr Sales .....,.,.,.,. (800) 222-1 41 4 (7 04) 87 3-4321

Fortress Wood Products (Elizabeth CiIl) .......\252) 264-2466

Fortress Wood Products (Greensboro, N.C.).(866) 878-9663

Fortress Wood Products (Va.)........................{800) 289-3678

Hoover Treated Wood Products.....................{800) 531-5558

Louisiana-Pacific.,., .......(800) 648-6893

Madison Wood Preservers.............................{540) 948-6801

McEwen Lumber Co. (High Point, N.C.).........(336) 472-1676

l\4cEwen Lumber Co, (Raleigh, N.C.) ,............(919) 772-7550

l\,lcEwen Lumber Co. (Charieston, S.C.)........(843) 766-5383

McEwen Lumber Co. (Greenville, S.C.) .......,.(864) 277-8865

New South Wood Preserving Co....................(800) 346-8675

Smith Millwork, lnc. ........................................(336) 249-8171

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

swan secure Pr0ducts...................................(800) 966-2801

Tank Fab Inc. ................(910) 675-8999

Universal Forest Products........................,.....{704) 855-1 600

Valley Timber Sales ......(540) 832-3646

Vinyl Windows & Doors Corp. ...................,....(91 0) 944-21 00

Weyerhaeuser Building l\ilateflals......-............(877) 235-6873

Southern Cypress Manufacturers Assn..........(877) 607-7262

Starborn Industries (DeckFast) ......................(800) 596-7747

Tenon USA.............. ......(888) 372-9663

Vinyl Concepts & Desi9n......................,.........(508) 580-3072

Wanen Trask C0..... ......{800) 752-0121

Weaber. Inc............. ......(800) 745-9663

Weyerhaeuser Building Materials,.,.......,........(877) 235-6873 Sourn Grrmr

Allied Plpvood & 1umber ...............................(800) 231 -0061

Austin Wholesale Decking...(877) 834-3325 (51 2) 834-1 200

Breco Wood Products..........(800) 742-3093 (903) 868-1 541

8urkDistributi0nCenter.......,..,......................(800)580-7748

Capital Lumber Co. (Tx ) ............................(254) 741-1727

Cedar Creek Wholesale (oklahoma City) ......(800) 375-6025

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

Eastex Forest Products .......(800) 533-3 1 7 6 1281 ) 442-2591

Elder Forest Products....,,.,..(800) 256-7197 (318) 625-8141

Elder Wood Preserving........(800) 467-801 8 (31 8) 964-21 96

Fry Wholesale 1umber.........(800) 274-4849 (940) 648-2999

Hogan Hardwoods (Baton Rouge, La.) ..,,......(888) 343-5488

Hogan Hardwoods (Fort Worth, Tx.)..............(888) 593-5488

Hogan Hardwoods (Houston, Tx.)..................(888) 343-0667

Hogan Hardwoods (Lafayette, La.) ................(337) 289-9355

Hogan Hardwoods & l\,loulding (Ruston, La.),(800) 255-5a60

Hoover Treated Wood Pr0ducts.....................(800) 531 -5558

Internalional Paper-Panels Divisi0n...............(214) 934-4343

Jordan Lumber, Lee Roy.....(214) 357-7317 (800) 442-3396

Landry Lumber Sales, Richard (La.) .,............(31 8) 442-0453

Lumbermen's Association of Texas ......512\ 472-1194

M&M Lumber C0..................(800) 336-6483 (71 3) 433-6483

l\,4artin, RoyO...,,..... ......(800) 299-5174

Simpson Strong-Tie (Tx.) ...............................(800) 999-5099

Southern Pine C0unci|..........,.,..,..,...,..,..........604\

STOCK TIID ALL. IDIJITIDOSI] /II,TI] TTNATIITB

DlIlllD S$r/filIID OYIDIBIISS *',,#{i,}i,li"[l:l:g*'""'

Save money by stocking Deep Swamp Cypress in 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 oine.

We mill to your specs-any pattern siding, plus linish, 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.

Elder Forest Products. Inc.

Plant: 1726 West Street, Crowley, LA 70526 (800) 256-7197 . (337) 625-8141 . FAX 337-625-5275

FAX 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.

Name (P/ease print)

Position Company Address City Stare _ Zip FAX Phone E-mail

address

Want to Subscribe? Check the appropriate boxes to begin receiving your monthly issues. tr lYear($tS; E 2Years($21; E 3 Years ($3e; * Best Deal

i Qualffied Dealers & Wholesalers (Free)

tl Bill Me tr My Check Is Enclosed

For more informationfrom advertisers, call them directly or visit their Web sites in brackets.

Canfor [www.canfor.com]

Capital Lumber Co. [www.capital-lumber.com].........22, 42, 47 Carolina Plum, The ......................37

Chesapeake Hardwood Products Inc. [www.chpi.com]..........37

Colville Indian Precision Pine ............................47

Cowls Inc., W.D. [www.cowls.com] ...................29

Cox Wood Preserving [www.coxwood.com],,,.........................39

Crumpler Plastic Pipe [www.cpp-pipe.com]............................36

Custom Lumber Mfg. [www.plantationcypress.com] .............40

Dairyman's Supply Co. [www.dairymanssupply.com] ...........42

Do It Best Corp. [www.doitbest.com] ..................3

Elder Forest Products [www.elderforest.com].........................49

Forever Wood [www.forever-wood.com] .......................,........43

Fry Wholesale Lumber Co. ,..,,,,,,.20

GRK Fasteners [www.grkfasteners.com]. .........45 A9

Hancock Lumber Iwww.hancocklumber.com] .......................27

Hood Industries [www.hoodindustries.com] ...........................24

Hoover Treated Wood Products Iwww.frtw.com]...................34

Krauter Storage Systems [www.krauter-storage.com] ...........19

Matthews International [www.woodmarking.com] ................33

Martin Lumber, Roy O. [www.martco.com] .............................8

McKenzie Forest Products [www.mckenziefp.com]................15

Mid-State Lumber Iwww.midstatelumber.com]......................21

Mill River Lumber [www.millriverlumber.com].....................28

Montrose Re1oad........... ................46

Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association [www.nelma.org] ..........................25

Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Co. [www.palumbermens.com]. ....................,......35

Plating Technolog;r [www.911-nails.com]

Potlatch Corp. Iwww.potlatchcorp.com]...................-.-..........32

Quality Fencing & Supply ...........43

Robbins Manufacturing Co. [www.robbinslumber.com] .......31

Savannah Wood Preserving Co.

Iwww.boratepreservatives.com]...................................,.......13

Scorpion Fasteners Iwww.scorpionfasteners.com] ....................5

Simpson Strong-Tie Iwww.strongtie.com]................................46

Siskiyou Forest Products.................. ...................41

Sunbelt Storage Systems [www.sunbeltracks.com].................23

Swan Secure Products [www.swansecure.com].............,...40, 50

Sweed Machinery [www,sweed.com]

Tamlyn & Sons [www.tamlyn.com]..........................................41

Tolko Industries [www.tolko.com]................................Cover III

Universal Fasteners [www.91l-nails.com] ..,,......6

Western Red Cedar Lumber Association

[www.wrcla.org].................. ..-.............Cover II

Weyerhaeuser Co. [www.cedarone.com]...-....................Cover I

Weyerhaeuser Co. [www.structurwood.com] ........,.....Cover IV

Williams & Sons, Jerry G......... ..........................17

The Professional Floor Choice

Weyerhaeuser Srnrcturwood Edge Gold' panels are available throughout North America and have become the new industry standard for improved performance at a good price. And we have a 25 Year Limited \Warranty to back it up.

ugh At The Elements

Designed in 1993 with the harsh-weather environments of the Pacific Northwest in mind, Structurwood Edge Gold@ panels combine a proprietary wood-resin combination to provide superior resistance to edge swell. They stand up to weather - keeping the work flowing and the jobsite going.

The Peffect Fit

Each Srructurwood Edge Gold@ panel is engineered to be the same as the next. Our tongue and groove is designed to make installation a snap. That means faster installation, fewer callbacks, and increased customer satisfaction.