LUMBER 411

LUMBER 411 By NELMA Staff

A Special Series from Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association

Choose real wood over “wood-look”

Arecent Freedonia Group study forecast demand for “woodlook” plastic lumber to rise by 3.7% annually to reach $4.9 billion in 2024. Hmmm.

Think about this: How many times has a customer walked into your showroom, made a beeline for the fake lumber, touched it lovingly, and commented what a beautiful product it is? No? How about this: did they lean over and smell it, commenting on the natural smell of an authentic product? We’re guessing also no.

Here are four reasons why your customers should choose real wood over “wood-look:”

Authenticity.

Call it biophilia, call it good taste. The fact is, people are happier and feel better around real wood. And there are studies to prove it! Wood is the greenest building product on the market today: it’s created directly from the earth, the sunlight, and the rain—no finite resources used, no weird extrusion processes.

People want to touch wood, to feel it. A stretch of gorgeous wood flooring, sunlight touching the side of a home covered in wood trim and siding, or a stark white ceiling or wall brightened by real wood bead board and paneling tends to elicit smiles and warm comfortable thoughts! Everyone has a good wood project story to share.

Ease of care.

It’s real, it’s natural, and it’s easy to maintain. Let’s talk wood outdoor decks: naturally renewable wood is easy to maintain, and it’s the earth-friendly choice. Maintenance is easy: inspect your deck once a year for signs of decay plus the overall condition of structural connections and guard rails.

Cedar, redwood or treated decking wood, like southern pine, can be stained or painted as needed. Don’t let the consumer be fooled by the “wood-look” plastic variety’s maintenance-free ploy!

Ease of installation.

No special tools needed. No special skills needed. No training, no extensive installation crews. Just a good hammer and some nails.

Environmental impact and sustainability.

Consumer products of every kind are being rightfully scrutinized for their sustainable attributes and lineage to assure that usage will truly

EASTERN WHITE PINE was featured in this Maine Cabin Masters project. lessen or negate impact to the environment if purchased. Wood-look products should be held to this same standard.

Bonus reason.

Why do you think companies press a fake woodgrain look onto their product? Because that’s what consumers like and want, and what they would rather have! You can see the fake look from plastic decking all the way to plastic beadboard. They’re simply trying to recreate the beautiful, desirable, natural look of wood… but they’re using chemicals and sacrificing finite fossil fuels.

Here’s a fact: Within the U.S. forest industry, for every one tree that’s harvested, between three and five trees are planted. Another fun fact: our managed U.S. forests are healthier and more abundant now than they were a century ago.

More facts for you: choosing locally grown wood brings centuries of endurance (and constant regrowth!), it supports local economies, it’s durable and decay resistant, the product is safe for all environments and is naturally resilient, and you’re choosing a product that is locally grown and manufactured. On the plastic side, you’re looking at a large carbon footprint, plus the environmental loss of finite fossil fuels.

While the descriptor “green” has become a bit overused, we still enjoy assigning it to a stick of wood—because it’s 100% accurate. The so-called “wood-look” products offer nothing natural, nothing authentic to the end user. Be sure to direct your customers to the all-natural, environmentally friendly, authentic choice: real wood.

FIFTY YEARS OF FIVE-STAR BACKYARDS.

We’ve thrived for 50 years thanks to your support and trust. It only makes us more determined to continue striving to be the best for 50 more.

YellaWood® brand pressure treated products are treated with preservatives (the “Preservatives”) and preservative methods, and technologies of unrelated third parties. For details regarding the Preservatives, methods, and technologies used by Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated, see www.yellawood.com/preservative or write us at P.O. Box 610, Abbeville, AL 36310. Ask dealer for warranty details. For warranty or for important handling and other information concerning our products including the appropriate Safety Data Sheet (SDS), please visit us at www.yellawood.com/warranties or write us at P.O. Box 610, Abbeville, AL 36310. YellaWood and the yellow tag are federally registered trademarks of Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated. All other marks are trademarks of their respective owners and are used with their permission.

US LBM Takes Over Zeeland

US LBM has purchased Zeeland Lumber & Supply’s six locations in Michigan and northern Indiana.

Zeeland operates three truss and wall panel component manufacturing facilities and three full-service lumberyards. The entire Zeeland management team will stay on, including Mark Miller as president, and Mike Dykstra and Rob Groothuis in key leadership roles.

Miller said, “Joining US LBM, with its national platform, expert team, and relationships with the industry’s top suppliers, creates new and exciting opportunities for both our employees and customers.”

With the acquisition, US LBM now operates 16 locations in Michigan, including five component manufacturing plants, and four branches in Indiana.

West Fraser Buying Norbord

West Fraser Timber, Vancouver, B.C., is acquiring Norbord, Toronto, Ontario, in a $3.1-billion, all-stock transaction.

When the deal closes, expected in the fi rst quarter of 2021, the combined company will operate as West Fraser and become the top global producer of both lumber and OSB.

TW Perry Adds Maryland Yard

TW Perry has purchased Peoples Supply Co., Hyattsville, Md.

Founded in 1932, Peoples serves Prince George’s County, Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas with a contractor yard and retail store.

The current management team of Peoples will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of the location.

With the addition, TW Perry now purports to be the largest regional independent serving the area with six retail stores, a design studio, custom millwork operation, and truss plant.

Tolko Buys into SYP Mill

Tolko Industries, Vernon, B.C., has purchased a 50% interest in Jasper Lumber Co.’s existing sawmill, shavings business, whole log chipper, and trucking operations in Jasper, Al. The 50-50 joint-venture will be known as Jasper Forest Products LLC, A Jasper-Tolko Partnership.

According to Tolko CEO Brad Thorlakson, “This is our third U.S. lumber partnership and supports our product and geographic diversifi cation. We’re pleased to support this facility and enhance its sales, marketing and logistic capabilities to service existing and new customers across North America and abroad.”

Jasper chief operating offi cer Roy Beall added, “We look forward to working with Tolko, our valued customers, and the state and local economic development community as we create jobs and expand capacity from our current 70 million bd. ft. to approximately 200 million.”

Depot Moves Up in Manhattan

Home Depot has agreed to a 20-year lease on a new home for its store in Manhattan, N.Y.’s Upper East Side.

Construction will begin next year on the 120,000-sq.-ft., four-level space on the corner of First Ave. and 61st St.

Aetna Rolls Out New Identity

Wholesale distributor Aetna Plywood, Maywood, Il., will now be known as Aetna Building Solutions.

The new brand identity is a refl ection of the company’s fast-expanding product portfolio that now includes plywood, hardwood lumber, decorative surfaces, composite panel products, and hardware.

“In recent years Aetna has greatly expanded its Midwest footprint and our depth and breadth of products to keep pace with the needs of our customers for a complete array of solutions that deliver superior performance and signifi cant value,” said president Jon Minnaert. “Aetna Building Solutions and our new tagline, ‘We Have What It Takes,’ describe our company more accurately and align with our strategies for growth expansion going forward.”

The re-brand also coincides with the launch of its OneSource eCommerce portal, which now enables thousands of new and existing customers to instantly access information online about product availability, pricing, deeply discounted specials, statements and a shopping cart feature to speed every transaction.

“OneSource takes it all to the next level, saving time and adding value to any transaction, all from a desktop, tablet or smartphone,” said Minnaert. “OneSource is just one example of what the future holds for Aetna Building Solutions and its customers.”

Builders FirstSource has purchased the assets of Kansas City Building Supply, Overland Park, Ks.

Dennis Donnelly, president of Kansas City Building Supply, will also manage BFS’ other existing locations in the Kansas City market.

White’s Building Supply, Keysville, Va., reopened Nov. 2, nearly 11 months after a fi re destroyed its hardware store.

The lumberyard had remained open while the showroom was rebuilt.

Westlake Ace Hardware inked a lease for a 14,355-sq. ft. storefront in St. Peters, Mo., to open its fourth St. Louis area location in late March 2021.

Leflore Ace Hardware , Tx., has been purchased by Davis and Lisa Moore and Tina and Bill Thornburg from Bubba and Lisa Standrod.

Phillips Hardware, Altamont, N.Y., has closed its 27-year-old branch in Voorheesville, N.Y., and is building a larger facility in Guilderland, N.Y., targeting a spring completion.

Ace Hardware, Mentone, In., has been purchased by longtime employee Devin Severns and his grandfather, Ron Severns.

Winter Harbor Ace Hardware is the new name for Anderson Marine & Hardware, Gouldsboro, Me., following its purchase by Brent and Cheryl Hurd.

Harland Ace Hardware has relocated to larger 35,000-sq. ft. quarters in Perry, Ia.

Hagan Ace Hardware opened its ninth location on Nov. 20—a 20,000-sq. ft. store in Yulee, Fl. (Thomas Doby, store mgr.).

Backstage Hardware, South Boston, Ma., is closing after 32 years. Owner Jim Robichau is contemplating continuing the business online.

Coastal Building Materials, Cape Coral, Fl., has been acquired by L&W Supply.

Stepping up the standards of wood protection

MIDWEST RETAILER Mike MacKay “cuts the ribbon” on Vassar Building Center’s new location by sawing through a 2x4.

Michigan Dealer Moves into New Digs

With the ceremonial cutting of a 2x4, Vassar Building Center opened the doors to its new home center store in Vassar, Mi. Co-owners Mike and Brenda MacKay welcomed the community, city and Do it Best co-op officials, and invited guests to a new shopping experience not far from the location they called home since 1964.

“We couldn’t be more excited for everyone to experience the new Vassar Building Center,” said Mike MacKay. “From the weekend DIYer to the pro contractor, we’ve always been proud of the unparalleled service we offer. Now, with our new and much larger store, we’ve been able to greatly expand our product selection to meet all our customers’ project needs.”

The new location includes nearly 20,000 sq. ft. of hardware, plumbing, electrical, and hand and power tools, along with new or expanded categories like lawn and garden, work clothing, and The Color Bar, a comprehensive paint destination. It also features a kitchen and bath design center and a full-service lumberyard.

Cameron Ashley Purchases Martin

Cameron Ashley Building Products, Greer, S.C., has purchased Martin Distributors, Alexandria, La.

Martin’s distribution centers in Alexandria and Lafayette, La., have been rebranded as Cameron Ashley.

The acquisition adds lumber and engineered wood to Cameron Ashley’s product mix.

Martin’s retail operations—Martin Building Materials, Pineville, and Howard Lumber & Supply, Minden, La.— were not part of the deal and continue under existing ownership.

Fortune Acquires Door Maker Larson

Fortune Brands Home & Security has agreed to acquire storm, screen and security door manufacturer Larson Manufacturing, Brookings, S.D., for $660 million.

The corporation is also renaming its Doors & Security segment to “Outdoors & Security” to better represent its brands, such Therma-Tru and Fiberon.

“The acquisition of Larson is aligned with our strategic focus on the fast-growing outdoor living space,” said CEO Nicholas Fink. “The Larson suite of products creates a bridge from the inside to the outside of the home, and further strengthens Fortune Brands’ offerings in doors and decking.”

Zeskind’s Hardware & Millwork, Baltimore, Md., has acquired Lamar & Wallace, Landover, Md., quadrupling its warehouse space.

Littfin Lumber, Winsted, Mn., was purchased by Canadian component manufacturer All-Fab Group.

SRS Distribution opened new locations in Waldorf, Md.; Rapid City, S.D.; Milan, Il.; and Bridgewater, N.J.

BlueLinx expanded distribution of MoistureShield decking to its branches in Sparta, Wausau and Madison, Wi.; Grand Rapids, Mi.; Monroe, La.; and Frederick, Md.

Snavely Forest Products, Liberty, N.C., is now distributing the Vista Railing Systems product line to dealers in the Carolinas and parts of Georgia and Virginia.

Wholesale Millwork’s branches in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia are now distributing Vista Railing Systems’ exterior railings.

Russin Lumber, Montgomery, N.Y., is expanding its partnership with Deckorators, adding the new Trailhead composite decking line, as well as additional sales staff to service the Northeast and mid-Atlantic markets.

Wolf Home Products, York, Pa., has expanded its distribution of Fiberon decking and railing into Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and upstate New York, and will also start carrying Fiberon’s Promenade premium PVC line.

Since 2018, Wolf has been distributing Fiberon products in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and Carolinas.

Parksite, Batavia, Il., has signed a multi-year deal to distribute Maibec’s Eastern White Cedar Shingle and Maibec Stave Lake Western Red Shingles across New Jersey, New York, the Midwest and the Southeast U.S.

Parksite has also picked up LP Building Solutions’ latest offering, LP SmartSide ExpertFinish Trim & Siding, for the New Jersey and Syracuse markets.

UFP Industries subsidiary UFP Construction has acquired the assets of steel panel/truss manufacturer Atlantic Prefab, Wilton, N.H., and sister installation companies Exterior Designs and Patriot Building Systems, Londonderry, N.H.

MI and Milgard Windows & Doors raised a record $1.4 million for charity at its annual MI Foundation Charity Golf Outing in October. As part of this event, the foundation is donating 600,000 meals to food banks in communities where MI operates manufacturing facilities.

Drew Public Relations , Midland, Ga., won an Award of Excellence from the Georgia Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America for its BPD article “Today’s Lesson: Sustainable Versatility” (Sept. 2019, p. 46), submitted on behalf of Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association.

Trex Co. was named #57 on Fortune’s 2020 list of the 100 fastest-growing companies in the world.

Nation’s Best Buys Fort Wayne Chain

Dallas, Tx.-based Nation’s Best has purchased Connolly’s Do it Best Hardware & Rental’s five locations in Fort Wayne, In.

“We are thrilled to welcome Connolly’s Do it Best Hardware & Rental into the Nation’s Best family and are committed to continuing to provide the best level of service and support to Connolly’s customers and staff,” said Chris Miller, CEO of Nation’s Best. “Since 1981, the Connolly’s team has built an exceptional reputation among DIYers and contractors throughout northeast Indiana and they are a great strategic fit for our expanding company.”

“My brother John and I have dedicated our 40-year careers to serving our customers and growing our family business,” said Michael Connolly. “Becoming a part of Nation’s Best ensures that Connolly’s Do it Best Hardware & Rental and all of our associates will remain a relevant and vital resource for hardware, paint, and rental products and services for many years to come.”

Connolly’s will operate under its existing name with its key leadership team continuing to oversee operations alongside Nation’s Best, which will provide strategic and financial support to achieve optimal growth and profitability.

Investment Firm to Acquire US LBM

US LBM, Buffalo Grove, Il., has signed a definitive agreement for Bain Capital Private Equity to acquire a majority stake in the company. US LBM will continue to operate under the leadership of president and CEO L.T. Gibson and the current management team.

Founded in 2009 with 16 locations in three states, US LBM has grown to be a leading national distributor of specialty building materials with over 250 locations. Its unique operating model combines the advantages of its national scale and central team of industry experts with the high service levels, local expertise, entrepreneurial culture, and customer relationships of its 37 operating divisions.

Bain’s global experience in building materials includes investments in businesses such as HD Supply and MKM Building Supplies. Kelso & Co. has been US LBM’s investment partner since August 2015.

The transaction is expected to close this month.

SRS Buys Ohio Distributor CC Supply

SRS Distribution has acquired three-unit building material distributor C.C. Supply, Barberton, Oh.

Founded in the early 1970s by Tony Crookston Jr., it was sold by his three sons—Tony III, Dan and Larry Sr.— who are assisting with the transition. C.C. Supply also has locations in Akron and Wooster, Oh.

HD Supply Returning to Home Depot

Home Depot has agreed to re-acquire HD Supply.

According to Home Depot CEO Craig Menear, “HD Supply complements our existing MRO (maintenance, repair & operations) business with a robust product offering and value-added service capabilities, an experienced salesforce that enhances the strong team we have in place, as well as an extensive, MRO-specific distribution network throughout the U.S. and Canada.”

The deal is expected to be completed during Home Depot’s fiscal fourth quarter, which ends on Jan. 31, 2021.

HD Supply is one of the largest building material distributors in North America, serving 300,000 customers from 44 distribution centers in 25 states and two provinces.

TREX has partnered with Albertsons’ nearly 1,700 pharmacies to collect over 54,000 lbs. of medication bottles to recycle into composite decking.

NHLA Streamlines Inspector School

The National Hardwood Lumber Association is permanently changing the format for its NHLA Inspector Training School.

The traditional 12-week program will now be offered as an eight-week course, beginning Jan. 5, 2021. Class hours will be extended by a half-hour each day and will now meet for half a day on Saturdays.

Do it Best, Orgill Move Markets Online

Do it Best Corp. and Orgill are switching their spring markets to virtual events.

Do it Best’s spring market will be held from March 7-19.

“While we had to pivot quickly to move our fall market to an online format, it far exceeded expectations,” said Do it Best president and CEO Dan Starr. “We posted a strong increase in overall attendance and number of stores participating along with substantial growth in member purchases. We were able to connect with our members on special deals, new products, and training opportunities. With what we’ve learned, we’re looking to make the spring market even better, drawing in more members to lock in all the great savings available.”

Do it Best is also considering other opportunities to bring members, vendors and staff together in late spring for a special event. More info will be provided in early 2021.

The next fall market is scheduled for Sept. 17-20 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, In.

Orgill meanwhile will replace its spring market with the first of several online buying events planned for the new year. Similar to its successful e-Volution online market held last August, it will run from Feb. 8-19. A pre-event planning period is set for Feb. 1-7.

Plans for additional online buying events and interactive educational conferences will be unveiled in early 2021, including an August fall market in Chicago. Going forward, Orgill will take “a more dynamic approach to its physical shows that will incorporate online, live and hybrid events.”

“The days of a stand-alone physical event are a thing of the past,” said Greg Stine, executive VP. “We believe that this expanded strategy will provide a platform of support for our dealers, allowing them to efficiently buy products and gain knowledge that will help them grow and strengthen their businesses.”