^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

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.

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