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CONTENTS
July 2020 Volume 39 n Number 7
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Special Focus
Features
Departments
30 APA ON EWP
10 FEATURE STORY
8 ACROSS THE BOARD
APA–THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION EXPLORES THE CURRENT
STATE OF ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS,
INCLUDING DEMAND, SPECIFYING, IMPORTS, STORAGE, HANDLING AND MORE.
ENHANCE WOOD PERFORMANCE WITH MOLD PROTECTION
12 INDUSTRY TRENDS
MEET PEAK PRODUCT DEMAND WITH EFFICIENT PALLET FLOW RACK
14 COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE BPD
Building Products Digest
JULY 2020
THE VOICE OF THE LBM SUPPLY CHAIN — SINCE 1982
APA ON THE FUTURE OF ENGINEERED WOOD • MOLD VS. TREATED WOOD • RACKING TIPS 20-0622 PWTT BPD Cover Ad-HI_r1.pdf
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KENTUCKY HOME CENTER HAS BUILT ITS BUSINESS ON RELATIONSHIPS
20 TRANSFORMING TEAMS
NOW IS THE TIME TO THINK ABOUT YOUR TALENT
Challengers don’t stand a chance.
28 THINKING AHEAD The world’s first manufacturer-treated LVL with protection through every layer using TRU-CORE® technology. Guards against damage caused by wood-destroying insects, fungal rot and decay. Innovative, durable, and longer lasting, with longer spans and a 25-year warranty—the best in the business. Give our team a chance to solve what’s bugging you: sales@pacificwoodtech.com.
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ACROSS the Board By Patrick Adams
What is a hero today? I magine this: You’re a high school student talking to a career counselor who decides for a minute to tell the truth. She says, “I have a great career path for you. You will start by joining the academy where you will be trained, and punished physically and mentally. Over half of you will either drop out or be cut. After that, you will spend two years on probation making less than you would working at Costco. Then, you will start your career working from 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., where every time you are called will be bad news that you have to handle. You will almost never be thanked and you will be expected to be perfect at all times, in all situations. If you make it to retirement after 30 years of this, you will almost certainly have job-related injuries that will plague you for the rest of your life. Are you interested?” Who would sign up to be a police officer? Thankfully for all of us, there are individuals who are born with a spirit of serving others. In the middle of the night, birthdays, holidays or their kid’s events, they will get a call and put their family— and their lives—on hold to serve. It is universal in all people of this nation that when they are in need, in their darkest hour, they dial 911 for help and never doubt for a second that someone will show up. These are our nation’s over 800,000 police officers. They respond to roughly 240 million calls that are made to 911 each year, plus another roughly 400 million encounters with the public. Almost 650 million public engagements a year. Like all professions, they are filled with humans. We have not yet gotten to the point where this, or any profession, is full of infallible robots. And like other professions, sometimes they make the wrong call. Firemen sometimes make mistakes that cost lives. ER doctors, they estimate, kill over 250,000 people annually due to medical errors and yet, we view those professions with respect and acceptance that their jobs include risk, and chaos, and unpredictable situations that make them more prone to making mistakes. Also, very rarely, a profession’s screening program misses a truly bad individual that is not reflective of the values of the profession. There have been firemen convicted of arson and doctors that were convicted of being serial killers. Many over the generations have fought and died for our rights, which include free speech and the right to be heard if they disagree with our current state of affairs. This is a part of the countless things that make America the greatest country in the world. There is no other country in the world who has experimented with the diversity and opportunity that we have
and in our relative youth to other far more limited and homogeneous countries, it is us who leads the world. But, we are now at an interesting time where what I see being exploited in the news has me ashamed of us for the first time. We are turning on ourselves and searching hard to find an “enemy” to justify our poor behavior when in reality, I would guess we all have 90% of things in common. We care for our family. We want to do the best we can for our kids, our friends and our community. We would try to help someone in need and hope to be helped if we find ourselves in trouble. And yet, our “enemy” is now our heroes? It was said that “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Yes, what I see makes me angry and I want to lash out. But, that will only create more anger. Instead, I’m trying to focus on what my kids will see me do and what they will remember. Being kind. Wise. Patient. Grateful. And, spend our energy thanking, and supporting those heroes who are currently under attack. It’s rare that an ordinary person gets to help a hero, but that is exactly what this time calls for. Go out of your way to just say hello, or thanks, or wave. The heroes that we take for granted will always be there are only hearing that what they do is not honorable. Take a minute to change their minds. It is an honor to serve this industry and each of you. You remain in our thoughts and prayers as we move through this interesting year.
Patrick S. Adams Publisher/President padams@526mediagroup.com
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FEATURE Story By Belinda Remley
Enhance wood performance with mold protection old, because of all the damage it causes, is considered a four-letter word. Mold likes dark, damp, unlit places that are constantly wetted and poorly ventilated. It has the potential to drive people from their homes, to make wood unsightly and undesirable, and to wreak havoc at jobsites with slowdowns because of returns. It can even ruin a builder’s reputation. There are, however, solutions that a dealer can look for to ensure their lumber aisles contain clean treated and white wood.
M
Mold and Wood
Within 24 to 48 hours of a tree being harvested, mold begins to grow. Even as the tree is taken to the
sawmill, debarked, and cut into usable lumber, mold is growing. At first, the mold is unnoticeable, but it does not take long before it truly blossoms on the freshly sawn wood, making the wood ugly and sometimes even unusable. “Some key ingredients that contribute to mold growth—heat, humidity, and precipitation—are present everywhere,” says Ken Trainor, Surface Applied Technologies territory manager for Lonza Wood Protection. “In recent years we have noticed warmer, longer summers and that change has created a stronger breeding ground for mold.” This change has caused the industry to stand up and take notice. “During an
event I attended earlier this year,” says Ken, “I spoke with several truss manufacturers, lumber dealers, and purchasing agents and all of them expressed concern over the growing issue of mold in the market.”
Mold Growth
Because sawmills know mold begins to grow quickly, many prevent the growth of mold by kiln drying the bundles of wood to 19% or less moisture. Then they store their dried wood under cover so that it does not retain moisture from the elements such as dew, rain, and snow. “While that practice is good, the mold does not usually really become noticeable until after the wood leaves the sawmill,” Ken adds. “Even though wood is dry and clean when it is stacked in packs, moisture can seep in, encouraging mold growth that causes unsightly lumber discolorations that result in massive losses in value.” When wood leave the sawmill on trucks and rail cars it is often not protected from the elements. The wood gets damp overnight and wet during rainstorms. Lumber wraps can get torn and eventually water seeps into the middle of the lumber packs where it is trapped on inner boards, providing an excellent breeding ground for mold. Those packs could sit for a while at the distributor, remanufacturer, lumber retailer, or treater before they arrive at their final destination, giving mold time to flourish.
Mold Is Costly WOOD TREATED with anti-sapstain protection can sit uncovered in a lumberyard for a short amount of time before use.
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“In our industry,” says Ken, “mold is costly. When wood shows up at a jobsite where building timelines are always tight, the last thing a contractor Building-Products.com
UNTREATED GREEN southern yellow pine peeler cores are covered in mold only one month after they were stacked and prepared for sale.
WOOD NOT SPRAYED or dipped with an anti-sapstain product can develop mold on its surface, thus damaging the wood and making it unsightly.
wants to do is send the wood back because it is moldy. And, retailers do not want to put moldy wood on their shelves. Consumers won’t buy ugly wood that they deem dangerous to be near their families either in the walls of a house or on an outdoor project such as a deck. “Everyone in the supply chain has their reputations to uphold,” Ken adds. “From sawmills to retailers to contractors, they all want to be known as the supplier who provides clean, beautiful wood. And, every time a pack of lumber is broken, whether at a lumberyard or at a jobsite, those reputations could be in jeopardy. Mold in the middle of the pack means returns and complaints from customers. Costs could mount with every complaint.” Ken notes that at the bottom of the supply chain is the person who takes final ownership of a project, usually a homeowner. “With the growing number of cases of asthma and allergies, homeowners are educating themselves about mold, the damage it causes, and the hit to their bottom line when it is found in their homes. They want to know their home was initially built safely with no hidden dangers behind the walls.” If a homeowner must do mold removal it almost always requires a specialist and the cost could range from as little as $500 for a crawl space to tens of thousands of dollars for whole house remediation.
Stopping Mold Growth
While drying lumber does help mitigate the beginning of mold growth, there is an additional solution that will keep mold from growing on lumber. “Creating a barrier with a mold inhibitor like one from Lonza’s AntiBlu line on the surface of wood stops the mold spores from germinating Building-Products.com
OFFER CUSTOMERS beautiful, clean wood that has been sprayed or dipped with anti-sapstain protection.
and colonizing on the wood,” Ken explains. “The mold inhibitor eliminates the wood as a food source, making it nearly impossible for mold to grow. This results in up to 6 months of clean, bright, beautiful wood, continuing to give wood that freshly milled look.” The process of spraying or dipping wood in a mold inhibitor is quick and easy and not very costly, especially when compared to the headaches and major costs of moldy wood in a lumberyard, on a job site, or even discovered in a home. Application is done almost immediately after the tree has been cut into lumber. This process protects white wood and wood that is being treated for outdoor use. “The reassurance of knowing wood is protected across the supply chain is invaluable,” says Ken. “Knowing you are providing a product the customer will be pleased with gives a certain peace of mind and increases your reputation for quality products that you may not have without mold protection.” – Belinda Remley is a marketing professional with Lonza Wood Protection (www.wolmanizedwood.com). She has been promoting wood and the protection of wood for more than 27 years. July 2020 n Building Products Digest n
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INDUSTRY Trends By Leslie Taylor
Meet peak product demand with efficient pallet flow rack store up to 100% more product than selective racking and reduce aisle space by 75%. Simply defined, this type of dynamic racking system is designed so that when the pallet in front is removed by a forklift, the pallets behind gently “flow” forward to replace it. Inclined tracks, rollers, and brakes—with an assist from gravity—are used to accomplish this task. New inventory is then loaded at the back end of the rack, facilitating FIFO product rotation, which is particularly valuable for items with expiration dates. Flow storage is useful in many applications including ambient, cooler, and freezer environments, raw materials receiving and storage, workin-process, buffer storage, finished goods and cross docking. It is also often successfully used in pick module and automatic storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS). IN TIMES of peak demand, a warehouse’s ability to turn product quickly is critical. (All photos by Steel King Industries)
etailers and the warehouses and distributors that support them know that empty shelves lead to lost sales. But, in any period of peak demand—whether in a crisis like a pandemic, hurricane or other disaster; or a holiday season, etc.—retailers’ shelves can become notoriously empty when logistical bottlenecks occur in the supply chain. When warehouses and distributors are driven to get more product to
R
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stores and consumers, having a more effective racking system that organizes the product and provides quick access for loading and unloading is essential. In this respect, a pallet flow rack system is exceptional and can be a key tool in helping logistics professionals quickly and reliably meet peak demand whenever first-in, first-out (FIFO) product retrieval is required, while minimizing labor and forklift travel. On top of this, the racking can
Expedite Fulfillment, Minimize Labor
In terms of improving shipping logistics, there are significant benefits to using a flow system. Pallet flow rack can drastically reduce the labor required to pick pallets, because a forklift is only needed for initial loading of the pallets as well as final unloading. With static racks, forklifts must travel further down aisles and often must spend time rearranging inventory to access the correct items. However, when tailoring a pallet flow system to an application, it is necessary to plan for efficiency. Building-Products.com
“Forklift travel distance can be minimized with proper pallet flow planning,” says Ryan Wachsmuth, dynamic storage sales manager at Steel King Industries, a major designer and manufacturer of warehouse material handling, storage and safety products. He explains, “You don’t have to travel hundreds of feet to pick a pallet. If you install pallet flow rack in the ideal location, you may only have to travel 20 feet to pick a pallet. When you return, the next pallet is waiting. This minimizes labor as well as speeds loading and unloading.” Wachsmuth says to let gravity do the work with pallet flow by designing pallet unloading as close to the truck loading dock as feasible. When a large number of pallets with a single product SKU are routinely loaded into trucks, locating the pallet flow rack near the loading dock minimizes the distance that forklifts travel, which speeds material handling. Even pallets with varied SKUs that are being shipped to the same location can be located near each other to further speed truck loading. According to Wachsmuth, a similar approach applies to pallet flow storage depth, which should be designed and grouped to logistically ease loading and unloading. “Just because you can design pallet flow storage 20 pallets deep, doesn’t mean you should,” says Wachsmuth.
“Consider what works best. If you can only load 10 pallets at a time in a truck, it may be better to design the system 10 pallets deep but several levels high. After unloading one group of 10 pallets, go to the level above to unload the next truckload of pallets.”
Enhance Storage Density
Since pallet flow design eliminates aisles and fills the space with additional pallets, it provides many times more storage than selective rack. Better space utilization also minimizes the need to light, heat and cool the facility, further decreasing expenses. In this type of “dynamic” racking approach, goods can be stored three, 10, even 20 pallets deep and on multiple levels. This eliminates the need for wide aisles between every row of traditional “static” rack required for forklift access and maneuverability. By storing more palletized goods in less space, facility managers can dramatically increase the amount of inventory in a specific warehouse footprint or, on the flip side, reduce the amount of space required for new warehouse construction. “Compared to traditional fixed racking, a high-density pallet flow system can essentially cut the required square footage for a warehouse in half,” says Wachsmuth. “The savings can be significant in terms of reduced property and building costs.”
A PALLET FLOW rack can be a key tool in helping meet high demand whenever first-in, first-out product retrieval is required. Building-Products.com
Plan for the Future
Because budget and inventory requirements change at both the facility and corporate level, it is wise to select a flow system with a design that can grow as business needs evolve. “With flow systems, bays can be added to groups and the bay widths and depths can be easily be expanded to hold additional inventory, which allows you to buy for your current needs and expand later,” says Wachsmuth. To be even more accommodating of future needs, such as higher or heavier pallets, he also advises selecting a flow system that provides vertically adjustable beams and ample strength. “You can always re-profile your flow rack to handle higher, heavier pallets if you design for it,” says Wachsmuth. “Let’s say you use a 48” high pallet today, but decide later that a 60” high pallet is more efficient because you want to add two more levels of ice cream to each pallet. A system with vertically adjustable beams would allow you to do it, provided you have the rack strength.” To improve pallet flow at any time, entry guides can be installed in flow lanes to allow more forgiving pallet placement. Along with this, heavygauge pallet flow rollers can be placed in the entry and exit flow lanes to better withstand pallet impact. If a warehouse facility is heavily used, forklift drivers are more prone to impact racking. Because a flow system’s entry uprights tend to receive the most damage from forklift impact, Wachsmuth advises working with a vendor that offers a range of reinforced upright options. Guardrail, rack and column protectors, as well as weld bumpers (angles welded to the aisle side beams), can also help to protect the pallet flow rack system from forklift impact. If impact occurs, these safety items can be quickly replaced without having to close off lanes or bays. Facilities should also consider holding extra rack inventory, such as uprights and beams, so any rack damage can be repaired immediately. This keeps production going without waiting for a supplier to ship replacement parts. The bottom line is that a pallet flow system can help retailers and the logistical supply chain keep up with surges in demand today and in the future, while enhancing the efficiency, productivity and profitability of the operation.
July 2020 n Building Products Digest n
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COMPETITIVE Intelligence By Carla Waldemar
Are we having fun yet? he small town of Upton (population 681) fails to earn so much as a dot on my Rand McNally’s map of Kentucky. Yet its mainstay, Jones Home Center, is punching well above its weight. Are you on the Bourbon Trail, I inquire? Or is it race horses in the bluegrass? No, and no. The town, 60 miles south of Louisville, lies in what Ted Jones, general manager and owner, with his father, Ralph, calls Cave
T
Country. “It’s definitely rural,” he instructs. “Most of the folks here work in manufacturing in [nearby] Elizabethtown” (which does indeed merit a spot on the map). Yet there’s enough going on around Upton to keep Jones’ 13 employees hopping. “Our customers are 10% commercial, 40% to 50% contractors, and the rest walkins,” lured by the outfit’s “pretty big hardware selection, lawn & garden” and one-stop shopping that can carry
a home builder all the way from foundation to rooftop. Sure, there’s competition (There’s always competition, right?). “Our buying co-op rep didn’t think so— he said, ‘There’s nothing within 15 miles’—but in Elizabethtown, there’s Lowes, Home Depot, Menards and other independents. Same with Litchfield, 15 miles in the other direction. And people here aren’t afraid to drive 30, 40 miles….”
KENTUCKY DEALER Jones Home Center has built its business on relationships.
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Building-Products.com
SECOND-GENERATION Ralph Jones and third-generation owner Ted Jones enjoy hearty business during Ladies Night.
Well, why don’t they, then? “Here,” Ted instructs, “you’ve got the ability to find someone to talk to you. In the boxes, it’s hard to find someone to help. We can offer both depth and breadth of knowledge, and our staff can switch gears throughout all the product areas. “With contractors,” he continues, “the relationships are the biggest part of it. We’ve done business with them ever since the store’s been open.” That would be back in 1977, when Ralph Jones built a new store from the ground up, enlarging the enterprise his own father, Harvey, launched by expanding his feed mill to include hardware and other essentials back in the 1950s. Ted joined the operation going on 20 years ago. “I’d tried different things, but I always thought I’d get involved in the family business at some point. In college, I’d majored in English and had been working in Indianapolis, editing a national fraternity’s magazine and website. I moved back in 2004 and took over in 2009.” He wasn’t one of those Ivory Tower know-it-alls who wanted to re-invent the wheel. “I just expanded on what we already did well, taking things farther—like, in customer service. And my father definitely embraced that; he’s all for trying new things—not afraid of technology, or of new product areas. So, I expanded on that. “Contractors like that we respond quickly to their needs. If it’s a new product they’ve requested, we get it as quickly as possible—and quick delivery to the jobsite, too which isn’t super-easy lately.” But more on that later on. “Family is very important to us,” he continues, “and we think of our employees as family. We’re flexible; if they need time off, we try to make it happen. Everybody here acts as a generalist (me and my dad, too). They may have aptitude in a certain area (like, I’m the IT guy), but they’re knowledgeable in a lot of different areas, from plumbing to hardware to paint, and that’s a big benefit: to be able to offer good, solid knowledge in all areas.” Jones has come up with a unique niche product— Building-Products.com
making and selling American flags. “It got launched at a Ladies Night event where we gave away a couple, and people really reacted to them and begged for more. It stated as a project of our Fun Committee.” Your what??? “Fun Committee,” Ted reiterates in his patient, everybody-knows-that voice. “It’s headed by our bookkeeper, Heather,” who also happens to be Ted’s wife. The committee can also take credit for launching those successful Ladies Nights, which debuted four years ago. “It’s a real service and a lot of fun,” Ted testifies. “We schedule it around Thanksgiving and get a packed house; women lined up. We also invite local lady craftspeople and other vendors to set up tables and offer give-aways. There’s a toy drive, a wheel spin for coupons, and food. The event’s climax is the give-away of a farm table, which everybody at the store has helped make—sanding, staining.” Customer Appreciation Night, which attracts over 200 contractors and their families, is another item on the Fun Committee’s agenda. “There’s a bouncy house and magic show for the kids, and vendors showcase their products while we grill food. Prizes are raffled off and rebate checks handed out to top customers.” Not only does the popular event recognize everyone who supports Jones Home Center, it may also lure other area contractors to send business their way in hopes of an invitation. Jones (via Heather) also sponsor a Rabies Clinic, which offers shots at reduced fees, and a Wellness on Wheels van, providing free check-ups to the homebound. They also contribute generously to just about every worthy local cause you might think of. That’s because he’s a big believer of supporting the community. “I think people should be able to go to Upton and get anything they need,” Ted stresses. “For instance, we have 16,000 SKUs in the store at this point, plus our warehouse.” And it all comes around. “The community knows that this business goes back to my grandfather.” Jones’ website has helped, too, though, as Ted explains, “I’m not altogether happy with it right now; I’m working to make it better, to add e-commerce, so folks can go online to order.” That project’s on hold for a bit in order to deal with the coronavirus, which has kept Jones “very, very busy. We do a mix of curbside, call-in and delivery, plus in-store traffic is even higher than normal. With a lot of people at home, there’s time on their hands. They see it as a prime opportunity for that honey-do list. So we’ve been very busy—and I’m thankful for that—but it’s kind of hard to control the flow of traffic. (That’s the Fun Committee’s job for the time being).” And Ted loves every minute of it. “How long will I stick around? Oh, probably till the day I die. I do like what I do, the variety— every day is different. To move from product area to product area is challenging at times, but it offers room to learn. I enjoy helping to solve problems— and the whole staff would agree.” Fun, indeed! Carla Waldemar cwaldemar@comcast.net July 2020 n Building Products Digest n
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OLSEN on Sales By James Olsen
Comparative selling uyers want to feel that they have done their job. Their job is to shop for the best deal. Most sellers only promote one item at a time. This forces the buyer to talk to more than one salesperson to get an idea of what market values there are. The Master Seller gives the buyer a wider range of information and comparable options helping the them see more of the market and more importantly, feel more comfortable making a buying decision. So why don’t more sellers do it? Because it takes more work to present a wide range of comparable options. The attitude of many sellers is “You mean I have to prepare multiple options for each of the 40 to 50 calls I am going to make? I’m only going to get 10 to 15 buyers on the phone anyway. That’s a lot of extra work. I’ll just wing it on most calls and prepare (just enough) for the customers that I’m pretty sure I will get on the phone.” This attitude and execution plays right into the hand of the Master Seller. The Master stands out from the crowd. Differentiation is a big part of competition. Most sellers don’t stand out. They are a commodity that is easy to say no to because they don’t bring much value. The Master Seller on the other hand stands out and is difficult to say no to because the buyer KNOWS they are doing more work for them. In essence, the Master Seller “shops” the item (with options) for the buyer, making the buyer’s job easier.
B
Comparative Offerings
Quotron: “Hi, John. I’ve got a car of ABC studs I can get into you at $350/MBF. Wadya think? Master Seller: “Good morning, John. The market is firming up on studs. I know your favorite is ABC, so I’ve got a couple of those at a great price. Their shipment is a ways out and they are at $365/MBF which is a fair price for their stud. I’ve also picked up some studs out of XYZ which is your second choice. Their shipment is better at one to two weeks and they get into you at $360, which is also a great price in our current market. Finally, we can pick up a couple of studs out of LMNOP sawmill, which although not our favorite is a stud we can live with. They get into you at $355/MBF, which is a smoking deal. Any other mill that you can live with is either off the market or higher priced than your favorite, so which option do you want to take?” _______________________ Quotron: “Good morning, Samantha. I’ve got a truck of 2x8 #2 SYP with a tally of 1-2-3-4-5 that gets into you at $450/MBF. What do you think? Master Seller: “Good morning, Samantha. Wides are
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moving is #2 SYP. Let’s talk about 2x8. We talked last week, and you were running low on 16’s. We’ve got several options. I’ve got two trucks of 2x8 16’s, shipping two weeks that get into you at $495/MBF. They are out of ABC, which is a mill you like. I know you will have to pay $565/MBF to pick those up out of distribution, so they are a good deal. We also have three trucks with tallies of 1-2-2-2-8 which are heavy 16’s that get into you at $475/MBF, which, depending on your need of the other lengths are a good deal that gives us a lot of 16’s without having to pay a premium. Finally, we picked up some ‘fighting wood’ quality 2x8 #2 out of a mill you can live with. The tallies are 2-2-3-3-4, but the price is fantastic at $460. My suggestion is that we pick up a truck of straight 16’s and average that with two trucks with the flat random tallies. Do you have three PO’s for me?”
Options = Orders
Customers want and deserve options. They want to know that we have worked for them. They like to see us sweat, so they don’t have to. Master Sellers do a lot more work than the average seller to earn their customer’s business. Customer’s know there is no free lunch, so they will pay for this extra work. Master Sellers do stand-out preparation and presentation and earn more because of it. James Olsen Reality Sales Training (503) 544-3572 james@realitysalestraining.com Building-Products.com
THE REVENUE Growth Habit By Alex Goldfayn
Focus on 4 critical areas to grow your sales now n these difficult times, here are a few critical truths: Some of the changes will be long-lasting. The biggest one is that nearly all of us will need to do more work remotely. Fewer people will come into the office. This means that those of us who sell need to get really good at using the telephone. Because most salespeople do not excel at this. In fact, right now, most salespeople are less active than ever, because there is little face-to-face selling happening. The irony—and the tragedy—is that most of your customers are totally available. Actually, they’ve never been more available. Nobody is on the road traveling. Nobody is running to meetings. They’re all do what you’re doing: sitting at home, never far from their cell phones. Your customers and prospects are eminently reachable. But we don’t call because we don’t want to bother them. We don’t want to disturb them. More irony: truth is, when you do connect with people on the phone, the conversations are longer, deeper, richer, and more meaningful. This is because customers want to hear from you. We’re all craving more human contact. We are not meant to isolate. Yes, many states are opening up. But things are far from normal. And so, here are four of the most important areas to focus on in order to grow your sales, even during our current difficult environment: First, above all else, maintain confidence in your amazing ability to help your customers and prospects. This is the foundation on which your sales success will be built. It is the fuel that moves you to the proactive action that sales growth requires. It can be (extremely) challenging to find confidence in our current environment. We must do it anyway. Go back to customer successes. Review testimonials and positive feedback. Fight for confidence. Protect it. It is absolutely requisite for sales success now. Second, behave as though the customer is much better off with you. Aren’t they? Won’t you serve them better than the competition? Of course you will. Behave accordingly. What does this mean?
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Third, always be present. Do not go silent on your customers and prospects. Let the competition do this. We will communicate. We will ask about our customers’ well-being. We will tell our customers we are thinking about them, because we are. And unless we tell them, they don’t know. Don’t let too much time go by without your customers and prospects hearing from you. Finally, every day, proactively call a number of your customers and prospects. I’d suggest between one and five calls a day. And I think you should do these calls first thing in the morning, because that’s the time to do proactive (and uncomfortable) things. It’s too easy to get distracted by one thing after another and not call anybody at all. Make your calls. Make sure people hear from you, and you’ll make sure they remember you. Proactive communication and remaining present builds business, but confidence and belief in your great value facilitates and enables those behaviors. Go, help people. Help more people more. And watch your sales grow. Alex Goldfayn Revenue Growth Consultancy alex@evangelistmktg.com (847) 459-6322
Building-Products.com
TRANSFORMING Teams By Claudia St. John
Now is the time to think about your talent s states start to open up from their COVID-19 shutdown orders, it’s a great time to start thinking about where your business is heading and what people you will need to get you there. With changes to the business landscape and dramatic upheavals in the labor pool, now is a perfect time to start thinking critically about your talent. Many of our clients have been making hard decisions about retaining staff in a down market. The decision to let employees go is never an easy one, and to do so in such an uncertain time is difficult. I have yet to meet a business owner who is not emotionally impacted by the staffing decisions they face. We have also seen clients recognize that with great turbulence comes the opportunity to correct some problems that may have been lingering within their organizations. On one recent industry Zoom call, a business owner asked,
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Q. My employee is planning a vacation to a beach destination that has had growing COVID infections. Is it okay if I ask the employee to self-quarantine upon her return?
A. There is very little guidance from the CDC on how one should handle voluntary travel within the United States as the stay-at-home orders open up. As we are aware, the opening up of regions is done more for economic purposes than because the risk of contracting COVID is gone. The risk remains present and real. I would encourage you to talk with your employee to assess what she plans to do on vacation (will she be socially distancing while away). If you are concerned, it is best to discuss with your employee the risks involved and the appropriateness of self-quarantining. If she is able to work from home, you may want to request that she does so. If she is unable to work from home, you should discuss with her whether you will require her to take paid time off, or whether you will pay her to remain at home. Finally, I encourage you to do some research. The CDC has an up-to-date tracker of infection rates for all counties across the country. Having a clear understanding of the risks before she goes on vacation should help to guide your decision about self-quarantining upon her return.
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“How many of you, like me, have discovered the weak links in your company since the pandemic hit? You know who’s not cutting it, don’t you?” The consensus on the call was that virtually every owner was able to see with great clarity who are their rock stars and who are their weak links. The consensus among those in attendance was that this is the right time to make strategic staffing decisions in order to have the right team to move their businesses forward during recovery. To that end, we recommend the following: Define what you need: It seems difficult to think strategically when operating in the crisis mode. Workplace interruptions and the push for remote work has realigned not just what employers do but how they do it. The lessons learned during this time may point to a new direction for your company as you work to minimize market or organizational threats and maximize and prepare for future opportunities. As you contemplate that realignment, defining what you need to move forward is essential. Now is an ideal time to imagine what you will need from your people to realize that new future. Perhaps that will require re-tooling and developing the skills and capabilities of your current employees. Perhaps that will require letting go of some staff who lack the competencies or behaviors that you will need. And perhaps that will require hiring different talent for what your new future requires. Building-Products.com
Now is the time to think very critically about what and who you will need on your team. You may not have the financial certainty at this point to hire new talent, but by defining what you will need today, you can start the process of creating space and structure for that talent so that when you can afford to hire, you will be ready and clear about what you’re looking for. Fill your funnel early: Under the best of circumstances, finding and hiring the best talent takes time. Over the past few years, Affinity’s average fill time has remained 45 to 60 days, and this is during times of historically low unemployment rates. With the disruption in the economy and unemployment at record highs, we don’t know what the fill time rate will be going forward, but there is a silver lining: in recent years, many employers have felt the need to hire sub-standard talent to fill critical positions because there was simply not enough talent available with the skills necessary to perform at the level needed. We anticipate that current market disruptions mean that, for the first time in many years, there is going to be a large pool of highly-qualified talent available that was not available pre-pandemic—talent that may be open to entertaining new opportunities who may not have done so two months ago. Once you’ve determined what you need, don’t wait to start looking. Even in this market, quality talent is still challenging to find. Use technology: Despite recent efforts to ease up mandated stay-in-place orders, most indicators point to the continued need to socially distance for the months and perhaps year ahead. There is one silver lining to this as well: with new-found experience managing a remote workforce, many companies now have the tools and mindset to be able to identify, hire and manage remote employees. With geography being less important than perhaps it was before COVID, your pool of potential candidates exponentially increases. Now is the time to start embracing video interviewing. There are many platforms that make it easy to meet and manage your employees face-to-face without leaving your home or office. We believe the new normal will find many companies using expanded technology for both video interviewing and managing ongoing performance as a standard practice for some, if not all, of their open positions. Make offers, even if you’re not quite ready: You can lock in A-players now with the understanding that onboarding may look a little different and may be slightly postponed. Consider offering delayed start dates, sign-on bonuses for delayed starts, and/or remote work/online training. Things are uncertain for everyone so candidates will be understanding of extended onboarding timelines. And, by getting commitment on both sides of the table, there’s less risk of losing them to another offer. At Affinity, we have worked with many employers as they navigate these difficult times. The uncertainty and unpredictability of the current economy is felt by literally all our clients. But there are silver linings. And today is the perfect day to take advantage of them.
Claudia St. John, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, President, Affinity HR Group contact@affinityhrgroup.com Building-Products.com
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LUMBER 411 By Kim Drew
A Special Series from Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association
How to prep now for the Next Normal uicK! Name three new buzzwords you’ve learned in the last several months. We can start with “social distancing,” “new normal,” and “flatten the curve.” And if someone had told you back in January that you’d be conducting regular business via something called Zoom, you probably would have rolled your eyes and laughed. And yet, here we are. We’re all feeling a little off-center, a little thrown, and perhaps a little confused with changes being thrown at us daily. While words like unprecedented, confusing, and challenging roll off the tongue easily, we need to be careful and stand watch: There’s a definite fallacy in getting caught up in the “right now” without a solid eye as to what’s headed toward us down the road. Too much focus on the now takes away from the future. As a dealer, how has your business made it through the last several months? With construction deemed essential in much of the country, we hope your work has remained stable, and any drops have been minimal. Regardless, without meetings and lunches and sales calls, we’re guessing there’s still a little extra time on your hands these days. Chances are strong that putting your business first and promoting your offerings and skills falls down the to-do list on most days. Well, no time like the present to take advantage of that extra time—be it an hour a day or a day a week—and start looking ahead! While you probably have your own marketing and promotion to-do list, here are five easy ways you can kick off an awareness campaign and use this quieter time to bring attention to your business. 1. Professional development. Is there a college or university in your town? If they offer continuing education classes, chose one or two that will help move your business forward. Select a topic or skill that needs improving, and go for it! 2. How’s your social media presence? Now’s the time to launch social media channels for your business… or bring them back to life if they’ve been stagnant a little too long. Search for and share authentic, timely content. Beware of posting for the sake of posting and over-posting! Post consciously, and post well.
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3. As the country begins to slowly open back up, now’s the time to get an event on your customers’ calendars. Have you missed a big company anniversary? Was your traditional spring family picnic postponed? Missing your March Madness barbeque? Your customers—and you!—are likely craving social interaction at this point. Make a bold plan to hold an event later this summer or into the fall—following all necessary guidelines, of course—then start sharing the date with your key audiences. Create a save-the-date card or send out an email invite. Give them something to put on their calendar and look forward to! 4. Evaluate how you communicate with your key audiences, and be honest with how well you’re getting key messages across. E-newsletters, regular postcards promoting specials and seasonal discounts, social media, a solid web site—all of these are strong conduits of information. Which ones are working, and which ones need to be retired? How can you improve the ones you have and give your customers and key audiences more of what they need? 5. The big one: start building an overall communications plan for your business. It doesn’t have to be big and fancy! Find the simple, effective elements that work for you (and get your information successfully to your customers!) and build out from there. Bonus item: Find a way to give back. Communities and the people in them are hurting. How can you help? Challenge yourself and your employees to use this time to start anew and try new things, be it regular online training, writing and developing a new e-newsletter, or upping your local presence by inviting media, bloggers, and/or influencers to lunch to learn more about what you do in the community. Just a little bit of time each week spent promoting your business will increase awareness with both current customers and potential future ones. – Kim Drew, APR, is a long-time communications consultant in the building products and construction industry. She may be reached at kimdrewpr@gmail.com.
Building-Products.com
Ace Plans Larger Florida DC
Ace Hardware Corp. is starting construction on a new distribution center in Plant City, Fl., that will replace a smaller facility it has outgrown in Tampa, Fl. The new DC, set to begin operations November 2021, distributing to stores throughout the state. It will employ at least 162 new full-time workers, with about 119 of them transferring in from the Tampa operation. Projected to be the most state-ofthe-art center in Ace’s network, it is expected to break ground in August or September, finish construction in 12 months, and then fill with product over the next 12 to 16 weeks.
Eyeing Pros, Ohio Dealer Gordon Slashes Store Count
Gordon Lumber Co., Fremont, Oh., will pare back its retail presence from four locations to one, as it beefs up its contractor building services. The chain has already shuttered stores in Fremont and Huron, Oh., moving excess inventory to its Port Clinton location. Port Clinton will operate as a liquidation center before closing Oct. 31. That will leave a single store in Genoa, which will become the new corporate headquarters once the Fremont office closes later this year. “After careful consideration of changes in marketplace trends and practices, the Board of Directors and management team for Gordon have decided to focus our company’s attention solely on supporting the needs of construction industry
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representatives, such as builders, contractors and remodelers,” said Erin Leonard, president of the 152-yearold company. “We make this change from a position of industry strength and following years of increasing professional sales and services.” According to Leonard, Gordon has enjoyed robust growth in its pro services, including estimating, component manufacturing, installation and centralized product offerings. Installed sales is another area of growth. The moves are expected to result in layoffs of about 15 workers.
Westlake to Buy St. Louis Ace
Westlake Ace Hardware, Lenexa, Ks., will purchase Brandt & Sons Ace Hardware, Maryland Heights, Mo. The deal is set to close on July 27. Expecting a seamless transition, the 14,500-sq. ft. store will retain management, staff and much of its current product mix. Westlake currently owns two locations in the area—in St. Louis and Brentwood, Mo. “Since opening this store in 2010, it’s been our pleasure to serve the west St. Louis county area and continue my family’s tradition of offering quality products and outstanding customer service,” said Jeff Brandt, owner of Brandt & Son. “Though I will miss our employees—all of whom I consider a part of my family—and customers, the fact that Westlake Ace Hardware shares our values of community support, reliable and helpful advice, and treating employees like family makes the decision to hand over the reins to them easier.”
n Building Products Digest n July 2020
DEALER Briefs Sparr Building & Farm Supply, Sparr, Fl., has purchased the former Nichols Lumber Co., Dunellion, Fl., and will reopen next month as its 4th location. The operation includes a 5,000-sq. ft. retail store and 6-acre lumberyard with drive-thru warehouse.
True Value Hardware , Van Alstyne, Tx., was opened June 1 by Gerald and Amanda Rutledge. Hatchet Hardware, Brunswick, N.Y., has taken over the former
Dutchtown Ace Hardware in Palatine Bridge, N.Y., with the retirement of Dutchtown founders John Macci and Laurel Rowledge. It becomes Hatchet’s 4th location, with #5 planned for Wynantskill, N.Y.
84 Lumber Co. , Greenwood, In., saw its warehouse severely damaged by a June 5 fire. Alamo Lumber Co., Raymondville, Tx., temporarily closed last month after two employees tested positive for the coronavirus. Menards has broken ground on a new store in Richmond, Ky., and submitted plans to build a new home center in Parkersburg, W.V. Westlake Ace Hardware now carries Benjamin Moore premium paints in its 138 stores nationwide.
Building-Products.com
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84 Lumber Refuses to Slow Aggressive Expansion Plans
Intent to stay on course with its aggressive expansion plans announced early last year, 84 Lumber has opened a new door shop and engineered wood products hub in Greenville, S.C. The new 58,000 sq. ft. facility currently runs one interior door line with plans to open an exterior door line by early July as well as a second interior line at a later date. The store employs 10 and hopes to more than double its staffing as business grows. When the new Greenville store opened, 84 Lumber relocated some of the EWP operation to Wellford, S.C. The addition of the EWP plant in Wellford will increase the production capacity by nearly 50%. “The Wellford/Spartanburg area is an area we are targeting for future growth, so having a location there will set us up for success and allow us to better service our customers in those markets,” said Matt Rinck, area manager. The company is also moving forward with its other expansion plans, including a components plant now under construction in Mansfield, Oh., and expansions in Detroit, Mi.; Boise, Id.; and Stockton, Ca.
DeckExpo Relocates as Sister Remodeling Show Goes Online
To meet the need for inpatient care, the exhibit hall of the Baltimore Convention Center has been converted into a facility to treat those recovering from COVID-19. With the uncertainty of when it will return to hosting professional events, Deck Expo is splitting off from the Remodeling Show, which will move to a new format in 2020. DeckExpo, which previously co-located with Remodeling Show, will now co-locate with the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo (PSP Expo) from Nov. 11-13 in Las Vegas for the first time. “Outdoor living is an important segment that’s been on the rise for several years in the pool, spa, and patio communities,” said Ray Giovine, show director for the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo. “The great energy and audience DeckExpo has cultivated will be key to our combined success as we work together to better serve our industries. We look forward to welcoming DeckExpo among our outdoor living partners, and we can’t wait for a successful show.” This year’s Remodeling Show will be held in a digital format over the same dates, Oct. 13-15. Through virtual technologies and platforms, the show will continue to showcase the latest building products and techniques, while providing unique opportunities to expand professional reach. As the education program shifts to a virtual experience, building clinics, product demonstrations, and conference sessions will be offered on-demand. “While we still powerfully believe in the value of a physical event, having to innovate the Remodeling Show this year provided our team with an opportunity to rethink what makes Remodeling great. A big part of that is the education and thought leadership that the show provides, and we’re excited to work with our community to deliver our best in class conference program in a new and more dynamic way,” said Kristen McKercher, Remodeling Show director.
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SUPPLIER Briefs Canfor has completed its acquisition of SYP producer Elliot Sawmilling Co., Estill, S.C. Cousineau Forest Products , Wilton, Me., has vowed to rebuild after its wood processing plant in Henniker, N.H., suffered an estimated half-million dollars in damage from a May 31 fire. The cause is under investigation. The AZEK Co., Chicago, Il., went public June 12 with a successful Initial Public Offering on the New York Stock Exchange. Griffin Lumber suffered an early-morning fire May 29 at its Cordele, Ga., sawmill. Master Halco’s locations in Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio, Tx., are now distributing Envision Building Products’ Envision composite decking. Lee Roy Jordan Lumber Co ., Dallas, Tx., has started distributing NewTechwood composite decking and siding throughout the state. Dealers Choice , Atlanta, Ga., is now distributing Fortress Building Products’ decking, deck framing,
and railing lines throughout the Midwest. Its Bloomington, Il., and Topeka, Ks., DCs will stock Infinity I-Series composite decking and Evolution steel deck framing, while the just Bloomington will also carry AL13 Home railing and only Topeka will also offer Modern Rail.
Palmer-Donavin, Lansing, Mi., has begun stocking Royal Building Products’ Trim and Moulding. Fortress Wood Products, Martinsville, Va.., is now distributing MoistureShield wood composite decking products to dealers in the Southeast from its locations in Henderson, High Point and Elizabeth City, N.C. Cardinal Building Products, Leola, Pa., is now supplying AGS Stainless’ Cascadia Railing System to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. MaterialsXchange, Chicago, Il., has incorporated rail transportation logistics into its platform via a partnership with Raven Logistics, Naples, Fl. VersaTube Building Systems, Collierville, Tn., has opened a new 22,000-sq. ft. manufacturing plant in Elkhart, In., to produce DIY steel building kits. Monarch Windows & Doors shut down its
Anniston, Al., manufacturing facility June 15.
U2 Fasteners has moved into a new warehouse in Thunder Bay, Ontario, that’s nearly triple the size of its previous quarters. Simpson Strong-Tie has debuted a new YouTube video series on decking construction. Episode 1: “Build a Stronger Deck.” Building-Products.com
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THINKING Ahead By Paul Odomirok
Order your steps any a lumber insider wound up here because they tripped, slipped and fell into the industry. My steps were a little more ordered, I think, even though I didn’t grow up in a lumber family with a mill as my sandbox. In fact, I grew up on a golf course in Georgia; and my dream was to become an investment banker on Wall Street! My dreams and I went off to Georgia Southern to study finance; but experience after experience—step after step—kept pointing me toward my destiny.
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First Steps: Crawl Before You Walk
Maybe the biggest factor was the horrible job market, compliments of the economic downturn, that was waiting for me once I came out of college in December 2008. You might even say that I partially owe the financial crisis for where I’m at today. The employment outlook was awful. With no prospects, I instead did what I loved: GOLF. Ummm, a lot. Out there on the green, I spent a lot of time thinking about my next move. It dawned on me that I’d always loved the outdoors and that, because I dabbled in carpentry with my dad, I enjoyed working with my hands. I also recalled my experience working at a foreclosure company, which gave me some exposure to the housing aspect of wood products, during my undergrad years. Just like that, it hit me: wood products… CHECK! It was a natural match, I was sure, so I started researching my options and possibilities. The first step, I decided, was more schooling. Ticking through a list of programs, I chose Oregon State, whose curriculum was grounded in forestry but also incorporated the business side of the industry. There were only a handful of other people in my class, but I knew I was there for a reason. My time in Oregon also included working for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for six or seven months. Additionally, I had a job “cruising timber.” The consulting firm that hired me sent crews into forests from California to Washington to evaluate timber for
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valuation and fire-burned areas for litigation purposes. These experiences helped reinforce my purpose. Not long before graduation from Oregon State, I attended a career fair. I strolled around until one recruiter invited me to meet his boss—who happened to be John Murphy of the Murphy Co. Everybody in the industry is familiar with the brand and its namesake, and I was lucky enough to be in his sightline just when I needed to be. Part of my destiny? I like to think so, but I also take credit for having the initiative to press forward. After graduating in June 2012, I went straight to work for Murphy, and it’s the best decision I ever made.
Next Steps: Finding Your Cadence
I spent seven or so years with Murphy, and I feel I owe so much to John. He propelled me, introduced me to top executives, got me involved in NAWLA, and gave me a vast amount of opportunity. Under his tutelage, I gained experience in operations management, manufacturing, transportation, sales, and more. But I wanted to continue to drive my career. So when a company called Lumin LLC—which, ironically enough, is owned by a huge investment banker—persistently approached me, I eventually answered the call.
Building-Products.com
A Special Series from North American Wholesale Lumber Association
It took a while for me to come around, in part because I wasn’t sure why Lumin pursued me so aggressively. A South American firm, its focus is plywood, hardwood, and softwood—whereas my career had been built on engineered lumber. I was intrigued that someone recognized my potential and was willing to take a chance on my skills, versus my past. I knew if I wanted to continue to move forward and learn new products and new processes, I had to give it a go. In April 2019, I signed on with Lumin, which maintains all of its operations in Uruguay. I am the company’s lone sales rep in North America, handling all imports onto the continent. Obviously, there’s no need for a physical office for a single employee, so I’m blessed with the perk of telework. I get to be home with my wife and our baby boy, but I also get to travel the world. I visited Uruguay for a month last year to get oriented with my new position and, assuming a return to normalcy after the pandemic ends, will probably travel there at least annually. I also get to visit our owners’ offices in Atlanta and New York as well as all of my customers across North America and attend a couple of conventions (under normal circumstances) each year.
Future Steps: No Marching in Place
But I’m far from complacent. I believe in continuous improvement in myself as well as my organization. I want to be a titan of the wood products industry—I was born for this! I look back and think of everything that brought me to this point: working at a foreclosure firm, working with my hands, getting a finance degree, certifications in Lean courtesy of my father, working at BLM, cruising timber, my degree in forestry, working for Murphy with three different product lines, working the mill to learn the processes, learning the domestic side with Murphy, going to the international side with Lumin, learning the distribution chain throughout the United
States, learning the manufacturing side, and getting involved with NAWLA… and it’s clear to me that I ended up right where I was supposed to. Still, after learning all you can in each process, it’s natural to want to continue to challenge yourself and others. I have a lot of drive and knowledge, and I want to use that to help improve practices, sales, and operations. I also want more involvement with NAWLA. This year starts the clock on my first term with the Education Committee. I put my name in the hat because it is important to show young people just coming into the industry what wood products is all about and to share other people’s stories with them—including mine, as a younger member of the industry. I also think it’s key to try to reach students and market to people who aren’t in the industry. I can’t wait to bring my knowledge, background, and passion to the table and add a new face and vibe to the mix. NAWLA is also a great way to connect with others. The organization is full of people that everybody knows—that’s what I want. But I don’t just want to be known…I want to be known for something. A lot of people get phased out of this industry. They get in, give it a try, decide it’s not for them, and exit after a few years. I want to be the guy that says, “yeah, I’ve been in this industry for 30 years…but I’ve done this, this, this, and this!” And I know it’s possible—for me, and for anybody who recognizes and embraces the opportunities in this industry, does the research, and orders their steps to take them where they want to go. – Paul Odomirok is North American sales and marketing manager at Lumin LLC, Atlanta, Ga. (www.lumin.com).
About NAWLA North American Wholesale Lumber Association is the association that delivers unparalleled access to relationships and resources that improve business strategy and performance through sales growth, cost savings, and operational efficiencies for wholesalers and manufacturers of forest products and other building materials that conduct business in North America. Learn more about how NAWLA can help your business at nawla.org.
Building-Products.com
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APA ON EWP
APA’S MARKET Research Director Joe Elling provides insight into the recent impacts that COVID-19 has had on the U.S. housing industry and the recovery outlook for residential construction.
Unprecedented shock to the global economy BY JOE ELLING, APA 2020 STARTED OUT like it was going to be a gangbuster for the wood products industry. Housing starts in the U.S. had averaged an annual rate near 1.6 million units from December 2019 through February 2020. Single-family starts averaged an annual rate of 1.03 million during those three months. New home sales had averaged an annual rate approaching 750,000 in those months, up 19% from a year ago. Builder and consumer confidence soared. Then the world was shocked by the rapid spread of COVID-19, leading global policymakers to shut down their respective economies. Unemployment has surged to levels not seen since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The rapid
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rate of descent points to the decline in global GDP in the range of 3% to 5% in 2020, much worse than the global gross domestic product during the Great Recession of 2007-09. The rate of recovery in 2021 carries great uncertainty.
Service industries bearing the brunt of the decline Within the U.S., the service industries most severely affected are those relying on person-to-person contact. Data for the Open Table online reservation application in the U.S. and major cities throughout the world point to a 100% decline in sit-down restaurant dinners compared to a year ago. Transportation Security
Administration data show a 95% plunge in traffic through airports. Personal service businesses, such as beauty and nail salons, have shut down. Many retail stores closed operations. The most glaring example of the impact is clothing store sales in April were down almost 90% from April 2019. The average annual income of people employed in these industries tends to be lower than the $57,000 average income based on hourly earnings within the private sector. Reflecting this, the April unemployment rate for those with an annual income of less than $40,000 was 40%, almost triple that of the other sectors of the economy.
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Assessing the impact on the housing industry The housing industry has not been immune from the impact of COVID-19. Key indicators of housing demand and supply have fallen sharply since February. These include home builder sentiment, home sales, attitudes concerning a good time to buy, existing homeowners pulling homes off the market and housing starts. Construction activity through May has been disrupted by public and private sector decision-makers to temporarily halt or slow construction by limiting the number of people on-site and practice social distancing. Shortages of construction materials have also disrupted construction. As a result, the amount of time from start to completion of singlefamily homes and multifamily structures has lengthened from what were near or record highs in 2019, depending on the area of the nation.
This should not be a repeat of 2007-2009 for housing There are several critical differences that should make the current recession in residential construction less severe and shorter-lived than the Great Recession last decade and the sluggish recovery thereafter. First, the estimated vacancy rates for homeowner and rental units are currently at or near record lows, much different than the record highs when entering the Great Recession. (See Figures at right) Second, the rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage is just above 3%, much lower than 5% leading up to the bursting of the housing bubble. Third, there are very few homeowners with subprime or other nontraditional mortgages compared to 2007, when mortgage foreclosures started the ascent to a record high. For those today having trouble paying their mortgage, some will receive relief through the forbearance program rather than having to be classified as delinquent on their mortgage. Fourth, the tight supply-demand balance should prevent home prices from crashing. In fact, in some areas of the country, the competition is fierce. The lack of inventory of homes for sale, especially in the low end where first-time homebuyers are concentrated, promotes multiple offers.
Managing COVID-19 is the key for going forward Unprecedented efforts have been taken and will continue on the part of the Federal Reserve and federal government to limit the damage done to the U.S. economy in 2020 and thereafter. These measures, however, will have limited effects. In a recent forum, I was asked, “What is the one thing that will most benefit the housing industry going forward?” From my perspective, it is the development of reliable testing methods and a vaccine that provides policymakers, business leaders and the general population the
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confidence to return to some form of life in effect prior to the outbreak of COVID-19. The timing of when all that happens is unknown. Any forecast of economic growth and related measures heavily relies on that factor. That is why we see forecasts carrying wide ranges. U.S. real GDP is projected to decline 3% to 7% this year and recover by 2% to 5% in 2021. Housing starts this year are forecast to run in the range of 1.04 million to 1.22 million units and then run in the range of 1.22 to 1.32 million units in 2021. – Joe Elling is market research director for APA – The Engineered Wood Association (www. apawood.org .
July 2020 n Building Products Digest n
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APA ON EWP
Tips for specifying and building with EWP ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS are used in a wide range of construction applications. The evolution of engineered wood products has greatly expanded building options and methods in all forms of residential and commercial construction. For low in-place cost, versatility and superior performance, engineered wood systems are hard to beat.
Wood Structural Panels Panels for construction and industrial applications can be manufactured in a variety of ways—as structural plywood, oriented strand board (OSB) or other woodbased panel products. Wood structural panels are easy to use and specify because the recommended end use and maximum support spacings are clearly indicated in the APA trademark located on the panel. Structural panels are available in a variety of finishes, thicknesses and bond classifications.
Specification Guidelines for Ordering Panels Sanded and Touch-Sanded Panels: Designate Performance Category, APA trademark, grade, Group number, bond classification, dimensions, number of pieces. For example: 3/4 Category APA A-A, Group 1, Exterior, nom. 4x8, 100 pcs. Designate “sanded face” if panels are to be used under resilient flooring. Performance Rated Panels: Designate Building-Products.com
Performance Category, APA trademark, grade, span rating, bond classification, dimensions, number of pieces. For example: 15/32 Category APA RATED SHEATHING, 32/16, Exposure 1, nom. 4x8, 100 pcs. Note “square edge” or “tongue-and-groove” as desired. Rated Siding: Designate Performance Category, APA trademark, face grade (for APA RATED SIDING 303), span rating, texture, pattern, dimensions, number of pieces. For example: 19/32 Category APA RATED SIDING 303-18-W, 16 oc, rough-sawn Texture 1-11, grooves 4” O.C., nom. Concrete Form: Designate Performance Category, APA trademark, Class, dimensions, number of pieces. For example: 3/4 Category APA PLYFORM Class I, nom. 4x8, 100 pcs. Plyform panels are manufactured only as Exterior panels and are available mill-oiled and edge-sealed (OES) if specified. Overlaid Panels: Designate Performance Category, APA trademark, grade, Group number, dimensions, number of pieces. For example: 1/2 Category APA MEDIUM DENSITY OVERLAY (MDO) CONCRETE FORM or (APA RATED SIDING 303-OL in the case of overlaid panels produced under the APA RATED SIDING 303 manufacturing specification), Group 1, nom. 4x8, 100 pcs.
Glued Laminated Timber Glued laminated timber (glulam) is made up of wood laminations, or “lams,”
that are bonded together with adhesives. The grain of all laminations runs parallel with the length of the member. Individual lams typically are 1-3/8” thick for southern pine and 1-1/2” thick for western species, although other thicknesses may also be used. Glulam products typically range in net widths from 2-1/2” to 10-3/4”, although virtually any width can be produced. Glulam may be manufactured as unbalanced or balanced members, and is available in both custom and stock sizes and in a range of appearances all having the same structural characteristics for a given strength grade.
Glulam Manufacture Specification Guidelines • End-Use Application — Indicate structural uses as applicable: Simple span bending member—B, continuous or cantilever span bending member—CB, compression member—C or tension member—T. • Design Values — Provide design values for normal load duration and dry-use condition. The design should specify a layup combination from ANSI 117 or specify a stress class from APA’s Engineered Wood Construction Guide, Form E30. • Appearance Classification — Identify if glulam shall be framing, framing-L, industrial, industrial-L, architectural or premium classification in accordance with ANSI A190.1. (Continued on next page) July 2020 n Building Products Digest n
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• Laminating Adhesives — Specify if adhesives used in the manufacture of glulam shall meet requirements for wet-use or dry-use service conditions. • Camber (when applicable) — Indicate if glulam shall or shall not be manufactured with a built-in camber. • Preservative Treatment (when applicable) — Specify if glulam shall be pressure treated after manufacture with creosote or creosote/coal tar solution, pentachlorophenol in oil, pentachlorophenol in light solvent or copper naphthenate preservatives, as required for soil contact or above ground exposure. • Fire Resistance (when applicable) — State if glulam shall be sized and manufactured for one-hour fire resistance. The use of pressure impregnated fire retardant treatments is not recommended. • Protective Sealers and Finishes — Unless otherwise specified, sealer shall be applied to the ends of all members. Surfaces of members shall either be not sealed, sealed with penetrating sealer or sealed with primer/sealer coating. • Trademarks — Indicate if members shall be marked with the APA trademark indicating conformance with the manufacturing, quality assurance and marking provisions of ANSI A190.1. • Protection for Shipment — Specify
if members shall be not wrapped, load wrapped, bundle wrapped or individually wrapped with a water-resistant covering for shipment.
Construction with Engineered Wood Product Building with engineered wood offers dependable performance and design flexibility over a wide range of construction applications. Engineered wood offers low in-place cost, versatility and resilience for floors, walls and roofs, and is ideally suited for other design needs like wind and fire resistance, noise control, energy efficiency, concrete forming and more. Floor Construction Engineered wood floor systems offer strength, dependable performance and design flexibility. A variety of floor framing and wood structural panel products can be used in floor construction. To select the appropriate products and floor design, builders must define the predicted loads and consider both the structural requirements and compatibility with the finish floor requirements. Wall Construction Walls are a critical structural component in any construction. Building codes
require that walls resist wind pressures and wall-racking forces and provide weather protection. Builders and designers can choose from a variety of wall sheathing products and wall systems that meet code requirements. Several wood structural panel systems are commonly used to meet fundamental requirements of wall bracing in the building codes. Roof Construction Plywood and OSB are used in roof sheathing systems ranging from simple single-family residences to large commercial buildings. Because it can be left exposed, span long distances and carry virtually any design load, glulam is often used for ridge beams. Sloping glulam rafter beams are used to complement ridge beams in exposed applications. – For more on engineered wood products and building systems, see the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide (Form E30), a comprehensive reference manual for both residential and commercial construction. The guide contains up-to-date and detailed information on Performance Rated panels; glulam; I-joists; structural composite lumber; cross-laminated timber; specification practices; floor, wall and roof systems; diaphragms and shear walls; fire-rated systems and methods of finishing. Download the full guide for free at www.apawood.org.
ENGINEERED WOOD is hard to beat for low in-place cost, versatility and superior performance.
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APA ON EWP
Best practices in storing and handling engineered wood TO ENSURE OPTIMUM performance, engineered wood products (EWPs) require proper storage and handling. The following guidelines help protect EWPs from damage in storage, during shipment and on the construction site.
Glulam Loading and Transit — Glulam beams are commonly loaded and unloaded with forklifts. For greater stability and handling safety, place the sides of the beams, rather than the bottoms, flat on the forks. (See image.) Carrying extremely long beams on their sides, however, can cause them to flex excessively. To control flex in these cases, use two or more forklifts, lifting in unison. If a crane with slings or chokers is used to load or unload beams, provide adequate blocking at all beam edges between the sling and the members to protect corners and edges. Only fabric slings should be used to lift glulam members. Using spreader bars can reduce the likelihood of damage when lifting long beams. Transport — Stack beams on lumber blocking or skids when loading them on trucks. Beams can rest on their sides or bottoms. Secure the load with straps to keep it from shifting. Protect beam edges with “softeners” or wood blocking when strapping down the load. Storage — A level, well-drained covered storage site is recommended. Keep beams off the ground using lumber blockings, skids or rack systems. Center beams on blockings or racks with the load evenly distributed. If beams are wrapped, leave the wrapping in place to protect from moisture, dirt, sunlight and scratches. For long-term storage, cut slits in the bottom of the wrapping
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to allow ventilation and drainage of any entrapped moisture. Do not expose glulam members to rapid changes in moisture and temperature, such as may occur from temporary heating units.
I-Joists & LVL Loading and Transit — Do not drop I-joists or LVL off of the delivery truck. Best practice is to use a forklift with wide forks to handle long length material or to use a boom. When handling with a crane, pick up the load using a spreader to minimize handling stresses when necessary.
STACK, STORE and handle engineered wood products vertically and level, and never directly on the ground. Building-Products.com
Always keep I-joists vertical. Do not lift I-joists by top flange. Storage — I-joists and LVL will withstand normal exposure to moisture, but excessive exposure may lead to dimensional changes that affect serviceability. If possible, keep in a covered area to minimize impacts of weather and moisture. If stored outside, keep material covered to protect from dirt and weather and delay unwrapping bundles until the time of installation. I-joists should always be stacked, stored and handled vertically and level— never flatwise. Do not store LVL and I-joists directly on the ground; keep at least 6” to 12” of ground clearance. Store on a flat, well-drained and level surface with longest material on the bottom. Use stickers to separate bundles, spacing stickers every 8 feet and maintaining vertical alignment. Do not store other material on top of I-joists or LVL. Avoid walking on wrapped bundles. Stacks of I-joists and LVL may be unstable or slippery, especially when wet.
OSB & Plywood Panels Loading and Transit — Take precautions to protect panel ends and edges during shipment, especially with tongue-andgroove and shiplap-edged products. If
panels are shipped on open truckbeds, cover them with a tarp or lumber wrap to keep panels dry and clean. Storage — Whenever possible, store panels under a roof. Keep sanded panels and appearance-grade products away from high traffic areas to prevent damage to surfaces. Use pieces of lumber to weigh down the top panel in a stack to reduce warpage from humidity. If moisture is likely, cut steel bands on bundles to prevent edge damage. If panels must be stored outside, stack them on a level platform supported by at least three 4x4s to keep them off the ground. Place one 4x4 in the center and the other two 12” to 16” from the ends. Never leave panels or the platform in direct contact with the ground. Cover the stack loosely with plastic sheets or tarps. Anchor the covering at the top of the stack, but keep it open and away from the sides and bottom to ensure good ventilation. Tight coverings prevent air circulation and, when exposed to sunlight, may promote mold or mildew. – For assistance with technical questions on storing and handling EWPs, go to www. apawood.org/help.
Serving the Industry for Over 85 Years Since 1933, APA has focused on helping the industry create structural wood products of exceptional strength, versatility and reliability.
ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS AUTHORITY
QUALITY ASSURANCE
TECHNICAL AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT
Discover APA’s extensive knowledge and resources at www.apawood.org
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APA ON EWP
LEARN THE BASICS of I-joists and their design properties.
Performance Rated I-Joists:
The quality choice for residential floors THE PERFORMANCE RATED I-JOIST (PRI) is an “I”-shaped engineered wood structural member designed primarily for use in residential floor construction. The product is prefabricated using sawn or structural composite lumber flanges and wood structural panel webs, bonded together with exterior-type adhesives. Performance Rated I-joists provide a high-performance alternative to dimension lumber joists for residential floor applications. PRIs are manufactured to strict tolerances with the following characteristics: • Flanges are either sawn lumber or structural composite lumber, such as LVL. The top flange is of the same type and grade of material as the bottom flange. The net flange size depends on the joist series. • Webs consist of wood structural panels, which are typically OSB, but on rare occasions may be plywood. All panels are classified as Exposure 1 or Exterior and are Performance Category 3/8 or greater. • All PRIs are assembled using exterior-type, heat-durable adhesives that meet both ASTM D2559 and D7247 standards.
Look for the APA Difference The APA EWS trademark signifies that the I-joist manufacturer is committed to the strict quality standards of APA, and that PRIs are manufactured in conformance with PRI-400, Performance Standard for APA EWS I-joists. APA’s rigorous program of quality verification and testing is designed to assure consistent and reliable product performance. PRI-400 brings product standardization while providing for a multitude of design and construction situations. The standard provides design information for numerous types and sizes of I-joists. Now specifiers and builders can select and use I-joists from various APA member manufacturers, using just one set of design and installation criteria. Because PRIs can be selected based on their allowable span for uniformly loaded glue-nailed residential construction, it is easy to incorporate them into your design.
Typical Floor Framing & Construction Details • Except for cutting to length, I-joist flanges should never be cut, drilled or notched.
• APA PRIs are available in four depths: 9-1/2”, 11-7/8”, 14” and
• Install I-joists so that top and bottom flanges are within 1/2” of true vertical alignment.
• PRIs of the same depth are manufactured with various flange widths; flange width is an important design consideration when specifying hangers.
• Concentrated loads should only be applied to the top surface of the top flange. Concentrated loads should not be suspended from the bottom flange with the exception of light loads, such as ceiling fans or light fixtures.
16”.
• Most plants supply I-joists to distributors and dealers in lengths up to 60 feet. These are then cut to frequently used lengths, such as from 16 to 36 feet in 2-foot increments for job site delivery. Check your local supplier for availability.
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• I-joists must be protected from weather prior to installation (see “Storage of Engineered Wood Products,” page 36).
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• I-joists must not be used in applications where they will be permanently exposed to weather, or will reach a moisture content of 16% or greater, such as in swimming pool or hot tub areas. They must not be installed where they will remain in direct contact with concrete or masonry. • End bearing length must be at least 1-3/4”. For multiple span joists, intermediate bearing length must be at least 3-1/2”. • Ends of floor joists shall be restrained to prevent rollover. Use APA Performance Rated Rim Board or I-joist blocking panels. • I-joists installed beneath bearing walls perpendicular to the joists shall have full-depth blocking panels, APA Performance Rated Rim Board, or squash blocks (cripple blocks) to transfer gravity loads from above the floor system to the wall or foundation below. • For I-joists installed directly beneath bearing walls parallel to the joists or used as rim board or blocking panels, the maximum allowable vertical load using a single I-joist is 2,000 plf, and 4,000 plf if double I-joists are used. • See APA’s Performance Rated I-Joist Roof Framing Details, Form D710, for roof framing and construction details.
Fire-Rated Design Considerations To slow or prevent the spread of fire, building codes require fire-resistant or fire-rated assemblies in certain locations, occupancies and types of buildings. There
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are numerous fire-rated floor-ceiling assemblies that incorporate I-joists and wood structural panels. These one-hour floor-ceiling and roof-ceiling assemblies are listed in the U.L. Fire Resistance Directory and are recognized as fire-rated constructions by building codes. Most include a layer of 5/8” or 1/2” gypsum wallboard as a fire-resistive component. These designs are illustrated in the APA Design Guide: Fire-Rated Systems, Form W305. A Rim Board can also serve as a fire barrier when it is installed in a continuous assembly on top of a wall, parallel or perpendicular to the joists. Fire-resistant Rim Board assemblies are shown in the APA Data File: APA Rim Board in Fire-Rated Assemblies, Form D350. In some designs, sprinkler systems are used with APA Performance Rated I-Joists. There are a variety of sprinkler attachments that incorporate fasteners permitted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), design load assump-
tions published by the NFPA, and published design fastener capacities. These sprinkler attachments are illustrated in the APA Technical Note: Sprinkler Pipe Installation for APA Performance Rated I-Joists, Form J745. The 2015 and 2018 International Residential Code (Section R302.13) requires fire protection of floor assemblies. APA System Report SR-405, Fire Protection of Floors Constructed with Prefabricated Wood I-Joists for Compliance with the International Residential Code, Form SR-405, offers options for fire protection of floors constructed with APA Performance Rated I-Joists. – Find newly updated and detailed span ratings, installation specifics, cantilever designs, architectural specifications and engineering design properties in APA’s Performance Rated I-Joists: Design and Construction Guide (Z725). This and all other referenced publications are available for free download at www.apawood.org.
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APA ON EWP
NORTH AMERICAN panels and engineered wood that carry the APA trademark provide assurance that they will perform as labeled.
Comparing North American and imported EWP BY KURT BIGBEE, APA WHEN ORDERING ENGINEERED wood products, it’s important to understand what you will get—superior quality materials, or inferior products that won’t perform. APA certifies engineered wood products to some of the most stringent standards in the world. The standards, PS 1 for plywood only, and PS 2 for all structural wood panels, are designed to assess the ability of engineered products to perform in their intended application and are tested for installed attributes such as concentrated load, uniform load, bond performance and expansion with moisture content. Complementary standards in Canada are CSA-O121 for Douglas-fir plywood and CSA-O325 for all structural wood panels. Structural elements such as structural composite lumber and wood I-joists are tested to develop appropriate design values for bending, tension, shear and compression. SCL is certified to ASTM D5456 and wood I-joists are certified to ASTM D5055. Once certified, engineered wood products are evaluated based on a strong quality assurance policy that includes reviewing mill quality procedures, APA third party audits of the mill quality system and quality testing that verifies the quality and performance of engineered wood products. Finally, APA’s quality assurance policies have proactive steps to ensure quality issues are dealt with promptly. Qualified products are then authorized by APA so the products can bear a trademark that clearly identifies where and how it can be installed. Structural panels are evaluated for qualification and quality assurance that results in a trademark for a specific span for roofs, walls or floors, or for uses such as concrete form. Structural composite lumber certified by APA will bear a trademark for the elasticity design grade and often the design strength grade. Again, the quality assurance auditing and testing provides assurance the quality of the material matches the grade stamped on the product. Imported panels, in comparison, could come in three different categories, and the purchaser needs to be aware of the implications. In one instance, it could be an imported engineered wood
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product that has a similar span rating or grade information as APA uses, but the product quality may not be the same as an APA stamped product. A second instance could be an imported engineered wood product that is trademarked to a foreign standard. The standard could be legitimate, but a foreign standard will not have a North American span or grade rating. How will a purchaser in North America figure out the correct application for the panel? In a third instance, the panel may identify the source of the product, the thickness and the manufacturer—but if there is no standard reference listed in the trademark, there’s no telling how it was made and whether the combination of glue, wood species and manufacturing will result in a product with adequate structural performance. In some cases, the panel might have a clear face with an attractive pattern, and it could look like a 3/4” panel that could be used in a structural application. But without a standard in the trademark, the wood species used could have inferior strength and stiffness, the glue could have inferior moisture performance or high formaldehyde emissions, and the degree of quality assurance is completely unknown. An APA trademark provides the assurance of appropriate qualification and quality assurance evaluation that yields a product that provides performance matching the product trademark. APA has responded to inquiries in the past of questionable trademarks, particularly on structural panels. In certain cases, APA noted that panel stiffness was low in comparison to the product trademark rating. In some of the panels, the bond quality was low, and formaldehyde emissions were higher than normal for North American structural panels. When purchasing engineered wood products, such as panels, structural composite lumber, wood I-joists, glulam beams or cross-laminated timber, the APA trademark provides the assurance of a quality product that will consistently perform as labeled for span rating or grade. – Kurt Bigbee is senior scientist for APA, Tacoma, Wa. Building-Products.com
Francis Powell – Plywood Sales Manager • Charlie Doby – Asst. Sales Manager Plywood & Veneer Barry Beightol – Plywood Sales
Fulton, Alabama • 334-636-4424 • 800-936-4424 • www.scotchplywood.com
APA ON EWP
AS ROSEBURG learned at its recently opened RigidLam LVL facility in Chester, S.C., start with a top-notch product, and expand that quest for quality to all aspects of the customer service process.
Quality pertains to your entire organization, not just your product BY CHARLES E. HARTKE, APA LONGEVITY IN A MARKET depends on consistent customer satisfaction, and quality is the main component that creates it. The perception of your company’s quality extends beyond just your product. Expand your view into all areas of your company’s customer interaction. This can include invoicing, customer service, complaint handling, and response to customer requests. Improving these areas could greatly improve overall customer satisfaction. I have found the following top four tips successful for any industry, including my new role at APA.
1. Measure how you are doing As Peter Drucker stated, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” Most companies have Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). I have found that companies do well in measuring financial and internal process KPIs, and most have customer perspective KPIs, but they could improve in the following areas: • Track mistakes – You may be capturing customer complaints, but are you capturing mistakes caught before they reached the customer? Although these mistakes never make it to the customer, you need to document them so they can be monitored and eliminated. There is a cost associated with finding and fixing mistakes, so if you can eliminate them, bottom-line cost drops. • Act on the data – Do you address all the “needs improvement” feedback identified in your customer satisfaction survey? Do you respond to all complaints, keeping your customers informed on the progress? Are your customers satisfied? • Measure all areas that impact a customer – It is critical that
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you know how your customers are treated, so include the areas of invoicing, accounts receivable, customer service and responding to customers through phone calls, in-person questions, quotes and complaints.
2. Focus on the process, not the people You should evaluate the processes that impact the customer (as noted above) and determine if they are streamlined to meet your customers’ needs. The best way to evaluate these processes is to map out what is being done by talking to the people doing the work. Having management involved in mapping the processes will give you what should happen in the process, but not what is happening. Some helpful tips in mapping your processes include: • Capture tasks and decisions in the process on sticky notes or cards. • Start the map based on the first person’s input. • Validate the process by having each person involved with that process review and identify any differences. If additional steps are identified, add them in or rearrange the notes to clarify the order. • Note these differences as areas to improve consistency. Once the processes are mapped, evaluate them and eliminate any non-value-added tasks. Value-added is used to describe activities that transform input into usable output for a customer (either internal or external). The best way to evaluate this is to look at each task identified from the eyes of the customer and ask the question, “If I am the customer, does this task matter to me?” Building-Products.com
3. Train effectively Training is an area that can always be improved. Consider the following key points to ensure that your training is effective: • A reason to train – The only reason to train someone is if they lack knowledge or skill. If the person does not lack the skills or knowledge, retraining them will not correct the problem. Instead of wasting time on retraining, find out the root cause of the problem and address that. • Clear objectives – Ensure that all training has clearly identified learning objectives. These objectives will identify exactly what the trainee will be able to do or know after the training and will help focus the trainer in creating material needed to ensure the learning objectives are met. • Application and feedback – Ensure that the training includes application and feedback. It is the trainer’s responsibility to know if each of the trainees has met the learning objectives of the class. Use role playing and critiques to demonstrate that the training can be applied effectively in real world situations.
4. Use Lean Six Sigma Process Improvement The Lean approach focuses on making processes more agile by reducing the interval between activities. Key concepts of Lean that can help improve quality are: • Focus on the customer – Any change that is implemented needs to focus on delivering benefit to the customer. • Eliminate waste – By using a spaghetti diagram, you can address the wastes of transportation, motion and waiting time. A spaghetti diagram is a tool that provides a visual representation of the physical flow of materials, papers and people through a process. Start with a map of the work area and draw lines on the map to show movement of materials, paper and people as the activities are performed. Based on the resulting diagram, you can rearrange the sequence, move things closer, or simplify the process. • Use the 5S system to improve quality and safety: 1. Sort – Separate the essential from the nonessential items to eliminate clutter. 2. Straighten – Visually arrange and identify items for ease of use and retrieval. 3. Shine – Clean the work area. 4. Standardize – Continually monitor the level of sorting, organizing and cleaning. 5. Sustain – Establish a maintenance system and make 5S a routine process. • Mistake proofing (known by the Japanese term “Poka-Yoke”) – Where possible, establish processes that eliminate the potential for human error to ensure that the right way to do things is the only way it can be done. • 5 Whys – Determine the root cause of problems in your organization by asking “why?” five times. Each answer becomes the basis of the next “why?” question. It usually takes asking “why?” five times to get to the root cause. These tips can help improve quality at your organization when you remain committed and embrace quality as a core principle. – Charles E. Hartke, the director of Quality Services at APA, is certified by ASQ as a Six Sigma Black Belt, and Manager of Quality/ Organizational Excellence.
Building-Products.com
2019 APA SAFETY & HEALTH AWARDS APA has announced the winners of its 2019 Safety and Health Awards. The program celebrates safety and operational excellence in the structural panel and engineered wood industry.
INNOVATION IN SAFETY AWARD Equipment-Based Innovation Winner Resolute-LP Engineered Wood, Larouche, Quebec Jeff Wagner Process-Based Innovation Winner Roseburg Forest Products, Coquille, Or. SAFEST COMPANY AWARD Three or Fewer Mills Resolute-LP Engineered Wood Four or More Mills LP ANNUAL SAFETY AND HEALTH HONOR ROLL Division 1 (Plywood) 1st place – Boise Cascade Co. Medford, Or. 2nd Place – Boise Cascade Co. Chester, S.C. Division II (OSB) 1st Place – LP Swan Valley | Minitonas, Manitoba 2nd Place – Norbord Barwick, Ontario Division III (Glulam, I-Joist, LVL and SCL) 1st place – LP Wilmington, N.C. 2nd Place – LP Red Bluff, Ca. 3-YEAR SAFETY AWARD Division 1 (Plywood) Boise Cascade Co. Chester, S.C. Division II (OSB) LP Two Harbors, Mn. Division III (Glulam, I-Joist, LVL and SCL) Boise Cascade Wood Products, LLC White City, Or. SAFETY IMPROVEMENT AWARD Division 1 (Plywood) Boise Cascade Co. Chester, S.C. Division II (OSB) LP Two Harbors, Mn. Division III (Glulam, I-Joist, LVL and SCL) Boise Cascade Wood Products, LLC White City, Or.
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MOVERS & Shakers John Rhodes, ex-Distribution International, is now Charlotte, N.C.-based territory mgr. with Atlantic Plywood Corp.
Jennifer Pawluk Brodowski has joined Curtis Lumber Co., Castleton-on-Hudson, N.Y., as kitchen & bath designer.
Chris Guris, buyer, BlueLinx, Atlanta, Ga., has retired after 39 years with BlueLinx and GP. Kelley Jenison, ex-LP, has joined BlueLinx as director of national accounts. Roxane Gray has been named director-financial operations.
Matthias Stipp has joined Welco Lumber, as Bethel Park, Pa.-based regional mgr.-business development.
Dan Stebbins has been promoted to director of export containerboard sales at International Forest Products, Foxboro, Ma. Andy Long, ex-Cameron Ashley Building Products, is new to Jeske Hardware Distributors, Appleton, Wi., as account mgr. for Texas.
Cliff Shimer has been promoted to president of American Builders Supply, Sanford, Fl. He succeeds Mark Garboski, who is now president of parent Kodiak Building Partners’ Production LBM Platform. Linda Hawkins has been promoted to president of sister company AO Door, Carrollton, Tx.
Dustin Ferriso, ex-TAMKO, has joined the outside sales team at Garden State Lumber Products, Oakland, N.J.
Jim Winn, ex-National Nail, has been named president of SPAX, Bryan, Oh.
Jeremy Roupp, ex-Cardin Forest Products, is now export sales mgr. with Bingaman & Son Lumber, Kreamer, Pa.
Mark Pagel has been appointed general mgr. of DaVinci Roofscapes, Lenexa, Ks.
Jim Biewer, ex-Biewer Lumber, is new to lumber sales and purchasing at Pallet Service Corp., Maple Grove, Mn.
John G. Lewis has been named president and CEO of EDCO Products, Hopkins, Mn.
Michael Lambert, ex-84 Lumber, has been named purchasing mgr. for Griffin Lumber & Hardware, Griffin, Ga.
Bruce Golden, ex-Thermal Windows & Doors, is now Missouri-based regional sales mgr. for Polaris Windows & Doors, Austintown, Oh.
J.P. Griffith, ex-Jennings Builders Supply & Hardware, is a new account mgr. with Professional Builders Supply, Greenville, S.C.
Max Dowgiallo, ex-Gulfeagle Supply, has joined the sales team at Stonewood Products, Harwich, Ma.
Chris Donahue has joined Weekes Forest Products’ Construction & Utility Division, Denver, Co., as national account mgr.
Cameron Scott, ex-Union Pacific, has been elected board chairperson of OmniTRAX, Denver, Co. Greg Clarke will become president of the Johns Manvilles’ Insulation Systems business, effective Sept. 1, 2020. He will succeed Bob Wamboldt, who will be JM’s next president and CEO. Mary Rhinehart, current chairman, president and CEO, will retain the role of chairman. Kyle Thomas, Thomas Roofing, Mobile, Al., has been elected 2020-2021 president of the Roofing Alliance board of trustees. VP (and 2021-2022 president) is Dave Lawlor, Rockwool. Hugh Reitz, VP, UCS Forest Group, has been elected president of the International Wood Products Association. Scott Poole, president and COO, RoyOMartin, Alexandria, La., has been named to the Louisiana Legislative Advisory Task Force on Economic Recovery. Tanya Luthi, VP-structures, Entuitive, and Tom Chung, Leers Weinzapfel Associates, have been elected to the board of WoodWorks. Continuing on the board are chief marketing officer Ryan Flom; Joe Patton, Westervelt Co.; John Beers III, Georgia-Pacific; Shannon Hughes, Weyerhaeuser; Chris McIver, West Fraser Timber; Bart Bender, Interfor; and Jeff Morrow. Maggie Hardy Knox, president, 84 Lumber Co., is the recipient of Pittsburgh Business Times’ Women of Influence 2020 Career Achievement Award. Nic Ellen Dimed is the new pricing mgr. at MungusFungus Forest Products, Climax, Nv., report co-owners Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus.
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TANDO Dealer Express program has been upgraded to make it easier than ever for dealers to get the products they need.
Tando Betters Quick Ship Program
Derby Building Products has improved its Tando Dealer Express program to make it even easier for dealers to get the products they need during the pandemic. With the program, Tando products can be ordered through the distributor, but shipped directly to the dealer, quickly and economically, to keep orders moving. Dealers can purchase a variety of Tando products to be delivered to their location within two weeks. Accessories such as J-channel, vinyl corners, and starter strip will be offered in shorter lengths to permit economical shipping. Stocking dealers will receive pricing advantages over nonstocking dealers.
RailFx Launches Rebate Program
Cable railing manufacturer RailFX has launched ProFX, a nationwide rebate program, available to all licensed contractors purchasing RailFX Aluminum Systems now through Dec. 15, 2020. The cash back rebate is good for first-time submitting of a rebate request to RailFX, not a first-time user. The three-tiered program offers a scalable rebate on a minimum purchase of $1,000—a 10% rebate for the first time submitting and 5% for the second and third submitted rebates—and rebates must be approved in order to move through each tier. “We are excited to offer our loyal and new contractor customers a rebate program for installing our all-in-one aluminum railing systems,” said Stuart Itzkowitz, VP of sales & marketing. “We are committed to providing products that meet our customers’ needs while demonstrating our continued support backed by a team of experts, quick turn quotes and delivery.” To be eligible for a cash rebate contractors must fill out a standard registration form on the ProFX page including uploading an invoice and three digital images of the completed project. Rebates will be issued via a check based on the verifiable information each contractor provides and to the address submitted within eight to 10 weeks.
Do it Best Fall Market Moves Online
Do it Best Corp. will reformat its upcoming fall market into a virtual event. This special market, featuring the best buying opportunities of the year from top vendors, will be available exclusively online from Sept. 13-18.
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“Out of an abundance of caution and in light of the considerable uncertainty caused by the pandemic, we have made the decision to move forward with a virtual format for our fall buying market,” said president and CEO Dan Starr. “The safety of our member-owners, vendors, and staff is of the utmost importance. With the thousands of market attendees traveling from all over the world, it’s simply not possible to maintain appropriate social distancing and implement other necessary safety protocols in a convention center setting. By announcing our move now to a virtual fall market format, it ensures our Do it Best team, along with our vendor partners, has the time necessary to launch an exceptional online market experience.” The virtual market will offer such buying opportunities as the popular Sneak Peek and specials tied to the company’s 75th anniversary. It will also feature educational training sessions from industry veterans. The next spring market is planned for May 14-17, 2021, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
Pandemic Ends Wisconsin ReStore
Habitat for Humanity is closing its ReStore discount LBM outlet in Fon Du Lac, Wi., due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The resale goods store said it was harmed by “recent mandates from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, as well as Habitat International.” New requirements regarding staffing and cleaning standards made continued operation of the store unviable. The ReStore, which opened in 2017, will liquidate its assets and sell its property.
Building with Hemp Not Pipe Dream
Builders hoping to grow a market in the U.S. for industrial hemp have high hopes after successful testing for building safety codes. Hemp advocates have cited a lime-hemp building material, called “hempcrete,” as an opportunity to build a market for hemp grown for fiber. Until now, challenges have included a lack of supply, an absence of relevant building code regulations, and the need to educate architects and designers. Building safety tests have begun moving forward quicker than anticipated, said Dion Markgraaff, VP of the newly formed U.S. Hemp Building Association, Denver, Co. He said approvals the group thought would take years could take mere months. This spring, hempcrete passed fire safety tests under the jurisdiction of ASTM International, deeming the material inflammable in smoke development and flamespreading tests. The association next plans to apply soon for certification from the International Code Council, where engineers would to determine the technical standards and mix ratios to include hempcrete as an allowable building material in the U.S. Markgraaff said hemp can be grown quickly and locally, lime is abundant, and hempcrete has a low carbon footprint. The material has been used in building construction for 30 years in Europe, as a substitute for siding, insulation and drywall. Yet fewer than 50 hempcrete structures have been built in the U.S. In addition, an upcoming 200-page book, Hemp + Lime: Examining the Feasibility of Building with Hemp and Lime, will present an overview of a five-year research project on the use of hemp-lime construction for affordable housing. Building-Products.com
YellaWood® brand pressure treated pine is sought after by all the best builders, especially those with leather tails, buck teeth and nature’s highest building standards. Our proven reputation for having high quality products drives demand for the Yella Tag. The five-star service and unrivaled support of the YellaWood® brand puts dealers in position to meet their customer’s specific needs. See how the YellaWood® brand delivers at YellaWood.com.
IF IT DOESN’T HAVE THIS YELLA TAG, YOU DON’T WANT IT.
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.
Russin Lumber Rebrands
Russin Lumber, Montgomery, N.Y., has unveiled a rebrand, with a vibrant new logo and digital footprint designed to recognize the evolving needs of today’s building materials industry. While the Russin Lumber name will continue to be used officially for corporate purposes, the company’s customerfocused branding will go under the simpler identification of “Russin.”
knots, checks, splits, and wane appear. The user is challenged to create the requested board using the maximum options provided, calling upon their knowledge gained from the previous series. A time limit increases the difficulty, and each board must be completed correctly before the user is allowed to move on to the next board. Free from the beginning, the NELMA Grader Academy provides needed grading information in a visual, easy-tofollow format accessible to mill employees, dealers, and anyone interested in learning more about lumber grading. Located at www.graderacadamy.org, the program is accessible 24/7/365.
Yellawood Sponsors NASCAR Race
“The building materials industry is undergoing significant change,” said Jordan Russin, co-president. “While it’s critical that we remain true to the customers and core business principles that have guided us since 1957, we must also recognize that in today’s environment, product selection for most projects begins online. Our branding will now reflect the needs of the broader consumer base our industry serves, while still offering our customers the products and services they’ve always appreciated.” Russin will use the new branding to help attract decision-makers to its products, bringing its customers value by working through the product selection process with architects and end users. With a bolstered online presence and more consumer-centered branding, the company hopes to bring business to its dealer base by helping end users and specifiers to use its resources to make the best product decisions for their projects.
Great Southern Wood Preserving, Abbeville, Al., has inked a multi-year deal for its YellaWood brand to be title sponsor of the fall NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway. This year the company will pay homage to its employees, dealers, contractors and homeowners as it celebrates its 50th year in business. The company’s exciting slate of initiatives will mark the organization’s semicentennial and start in its own Alabama backyard.
NELMA Launches Final Online Learning Grading Series
Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association has launched the final, most challenging element of its NELMA Grader Academy online learning opportunity with the 400 Series. “When we launched the NELMA Grader Academy six years ago, our hope was that the industry would embrace the opportunity to learn more about lumber grading in a fun format,” said NELMA president Jeff Easterling. “The goal was to take what was previously a laborious learning process and offer educational opportunities in a multifaceted, online, visual education program. We’ve done that, and the number of industry members taking the classes shows how much it was needed.” Until recently, three series of classes have been offered for Eastern White Pine: Level 100 – Characteristics (five courses); Level 200 – Grade Application (six courses); and Level 300 – General Definitions & Instructions (seven courses). For the National Grading Rule that dictates SPFs grades, Levels 100 and 200 are available for training. Level 400 takes information learned previously and moves it forward to the real world. A hybrid of instructional and game, the level challenges the user to create a specific lumber grade using a blank board and a template of defects. “We affectionately refer to Level 400 as the Build-A-Board level,” said Easterling. How it works: a 1x8x8 clear piece of Eastern White Pine appears on the screen. Below, a palette of different sized
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IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT: YellaWood is the new title sponsor of the fall NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega.
Beginning in 2020, Great Southern Wood’s banner brand—YellaWood brand pressure treated pine—will be the title sponsor of the fall NASCAR Cup Series playoff race held at historic Talladega Superspeedway. Set to take place less than 200 miles from Great Southern Wood’s headquarters in Abbeville, the YellaWood 500 will be a celebration the whole state – and industry – can get behind. “We are excited to kick off our 50th anniversary celebrations with this NASCAR partnership,” said founder and CEO Jimmy Rane. “We’re honored to join in the great legacy at Talladega as we recognize our own milestone journey as a company. This is a chance to share our vision and our YellaWood brand products during a highly competitive and high profile event.” Currently scheduled for Oct. 4, the YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway will debut providing an immersive YellaWood brand experience. Branding elements will include signage, social and digital media, radio, broadcast and others, all of which will be retained for both this year and the 2021 races at the 2.66-mile venue, NASCAR’s biggest and most competitive track. Additional partnership assets will be featured at Daytona International Speedway, Kansas Speedway, and Martinsville Speedway. Building-Products.com
2.5%, in contrast to gains in each of the previous five years. The collective 2019 output of the 15 firms was 35.7 billion bd. ft.—900 million ft. short of 2018’s 36.6 billion bd. ft.. The group’s collective global market share was nearly 16%, a slight drop from 2018. Three of the top five firms are based in B.C.: West Fraser, #2 Canfor (4.8 billion bd. ft., down 3.6%), and #4 Interfor (2.7 billion bd. ft., up 0.4%). Joining them in the top five were Weyerhaeuser (4.7 billion bd. ft., up 164 million ft.) and Georgia-Pacific (2.6 billion bd. ft.).
ECI Software Buys Prosperity
West Fraser Tops Billion Foot Club
West Fraser remained the largest global softwood lumber producer in 2019, topping the annual FEA-Canada Billion Board Foot Club list for the twelfth straight year. The company’s total lumber output was 5.9 billion bd. ft., a sharp decline of 695 million bd. ft. from the previous year, partly due to the closure of one B.C. mill. The same 15 companies that made the FEA Canada/Wood Markets list in 2018 did so again in 2019, with nine of them suffering decreases. The average decrease in production was
ECI Software Solutions, Fort Worth, Tx., has settled its lawsuit against Prosperity Computer Solutions, Big Sandy, Tx., and, in connection with the settlement, agreed to acquire substantially all of the assets of Prosperity. Prosperity will become part of ECI’s LBMH Group. “With the ever-changing demands on independent software vendors, we feel that our customer base will be uniquely positioned for long-term sustainable growth as part of the ECI family,” said Wade Frazier, president of Prosperity. “We are confident this is the best outcome for all parties involved, most importantly the Prosperity customers now joining ECI.” Prosperity was founded in 2016 by Frazier and several former ECI employees and staff, who developed a unique on-premise software solution known as ProsperityERP, custom-built for the LBM and hardlines vertical market.
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NEW Products
Stylish Steel Railing
Flexible Sealant DAP has expanded its line of Power Point caulks and sealants, specifically formulated for the Professional Painting Contractor, to include a line of high-performance Acrylic Urethane Sealants. The Power Point 300 line provides maximum flexibility and strong multi-material adhesion for a long-lasting, durable seal that won’t crack. It comes in 14 colors to match popular trim and siding hues. Its unique urethanized formula offers strong multi-surface adhesion and up to 600% stretch, letting it seal gaps up to 3” wide without cracking.
DuraLife’s new Concord steel railing system features pre-welded fully assembled panels, and posts with pre-attached brackets, making installation easier. The durable powder-coated panels and posts create a traditional and timeless look, while providing strength, security, and longevity. The sleek styling is offered in 6’, 8’ and 10’ level rail kit lengths, and 6’ and 8’ stair rail kit lengths. It is available in two finishes (matte black and hammered bronze) and a variety of configurations. n DURALIFEDECKING.COM (609) 593-5635
n DAP.COM (888) 543-3840
Benefit-Packed Cladding
RDI has expanded the infill board options for its HideAway Privacy Railing to include one new solid color (gray) and one new woodgrain color (driftwood). The new colors complement top-selling gray deck boards, and bring the number of infill options to eight (four solids, four woodgrains).
Ascend Composite Cladding System from Alside brings together beauty, simple installation, and a low total installed cost to create compelling value for homeowners and professionals. With tall exposures and the deeply grained look of real wood, Ascend comes in 20 fade-resistant colors. Its virtually maintenance-free finish is backed by a best-in-class lifetime limited warranty. Patented (GP)2 Technology (Glass-Reinforced Polymer and Graphite-Infused Polystyrene) provides a Class A fire rating for both flame spread and smoke developed, strong wind load performance and impressive impact and R-2 thermal resistance. It’s also lightweight and easy to handle, plus its self-aligning stack lock makes it simple to install.
n RDIRAIL.COM (609) 593-5635
n ASCENDCOMPOSITECLADDING.COM (800) 922-6009
Graying of the Rails
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CO LU M B U S ,
O H I O
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N OV E M B E R
R E G I S T E R N O W AT nawla.org
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Elite Marine Panels BarracudaPly marine-grade panels from Timber Products are industrial- and commercial-grade with high quality faces and backs. They are certified by APA and available FSC certified. All of Timber Products’ marine panels feature Douglas fir or western larch, fully sanded fronts and backs, and come in 8’ and 10’ lengths, 4’ widths, and thicknesses from 1/4” to 1-1/2”. n TIMBERPRODUCTS.COM (800) 547-9520
Breaking Up Is Easy Milwaukee Tool promises a faster, safer, easier demolition with the MX Fuel Breaker, reportedly the first battery-powered solution of its kind. Providing maximum productivity, it has the lowest vibration and at 63.9 lbs. is lightest in its class, all while breaking over 2 tons per charge. As an added benefit, One-Key provides the ability to track the breaker with community tracking and alerts, complete inventory management, and smart-equipment technology. n MILWAUKEETOOL.COM (800) 729-3878
Light On Its Feet
Premium PVC Decking
A new self-righting flood light from Makita U.S.A. stays in an upright position, even when knocked over, and projects 360 degrees to keep job sites illuminated. It can also be set to illuminate 180 degrees to the left or right. The 18V X2 LXT Cordless/Corded Upright LED Area Light delivers 5,500 (high), 3,000 (medium), or 1,500 lumens (low setting). Depending on the setting, the battery provides from three to 15 hours of continuous illumination. Other features include a dust and water-resistant construction for improved operation in harsh job site conditions, choice of corded or cordless operation, and AC inlet and outlet for chaining multiple upright lights together. Convenient carrying handles and a balanced side position allow for easy transportation.
Fiberon’s new Promenade premium PVC decking features enhanced streaking, premium embossing, and a next-generation surface coating designed for superior weather resistance. Backed by a lifetime limited performance warranty and a 50-year stain and fade warranty, Promenade offers an on-trend aesthetic with the benefits of premium PVC, including enhanced durability. Boards are lightweight and easy to handle, with a slip-resistant texture that makes them ideal for waterside applications. Both grooved- and square-edge options feature four-sided capping with streaking on the unembossed underside. They come in a palette of multi-tonal, in-demand colors. Promenade is positioned as a premium alternative to Fiberon’s Paramount PVC line.
n MAKITATOOLS.COM (800) 462-5482
n FIBERONDECKING.COM (800) 573-8841
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MAKE YOUR DECK A DESTINATION WITH PAKARI.
Pakari Thermally Modified Decking is the innovative choice for your next decking project. Pakari TMD begins its life as clear moulding grade Radiata Pine; each piece is sourced exclusively from FSC certified tree plantations. Then, with the help of a cutting edge Thermal Modification technology, our raw lumber is brought to extremely high temperatures - improving the wood on a molecular level. The result is a product that is more durable, straighter and lighter than unmodified wood. Better still, it is all natural and chemical free.
Âť Learn more about Pakari at westernwoodsinc.com.
Pakari TMD is a Wildlands Urban Interface Certified Product. Get this great product and more exclusively at Western Woods. Call (800) 822-8157 I Click westernwoodsinc.com I Like + follow Building-Products.com
July 2020 n Building Products Digest n
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Aluminum Top Rail DuraLife has updated its Nantucket aluminum railing portfolio to include a second top rail profile. A new stylishly contoured top rail, Cambridge, has been added to the existing architectural flat top rail, Salem. Made of powder-coated aluminum and tested to withstand over 10,000 hours of salt spray, Nantucket Railing is both durable and strong. It is low maintenance and designed to withstand the harshest outdoor weather. n DURALIFEDECKING.COM (609) 593-5635
Powered Caulking Bosch’s new GCG18V-20 18V Caulk & Adhesive Gun provides powered caulking to lessen fatigue on your hand from manual caulk and adhesive guns. It has speed selection and a variable-speed trigger for a consistent bead size and easier caulk application. An auto-reverse feature on the plunger rod helps prevent dripping and material overflow. The tool delivers a no-load max of 21” per minute feed and 790 lbs. of push force, to push even high-viscosity adhesives. n BOSCHTOOLS.COM (877) 267-2499
Firm Foundations AG-CO’s FootingPad post foundations for deck, post-frame and other post-in-ground structures are now available in a 20” diameter version, joining four other sizes (10”, 12”, 16”, 24”). Made in the U.S. of a composite material combining polypropylene and fiberglass, the new footing supports up to 6,545 lbs. per post and has been certified by the International Code Council – Evaluation Services as compliant to IRC and IBC code requirements. Additionally, FootingPad has developed an online footing size calculator that guides users to choose the best size FootingPad for their project. The calculator allows the user to enter data for their deck or post frame projects with output that offers the appropriate footing size. n FOOTINGPAD.COM (858) 900-5080
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Sleeker Siding CertainTeed is introducing the next generation of its Cedar Impressions siding: Double 7” 3G Straight Edge Perfection Shingles and Cedar Impressions accent panels, now in new colors and shapes. The 3G profile is engineered to provide superior aesthetics, simplified installation and enhanced performance. New features include slanted, tapered gaps with deeper shadow, high-definition texture and an offset corner to replicate a woven appearance. The new double course panel provides more coverage and requires fewer fasteners than single course siding. n CERTAINTEED.COM (800) 233-8990
Underwater Epoxy Simpson Strong-Tie’s new FX-70-6FS fast-set epoxy bottom seal is a three-component, moisture-tolerant epoxy grout designed to facilitate same-day filling of underwater fiberglass pile jackets. With set times as fast as two hours, the epoxy establishes a bottom seal that can support same-day jacket filling, helping marine construction professionals repair more quickly. The high-strength, water-insensitive epoxy bonds well to concrete, timber and steel pilings to protect repaired piles from corrosion, deterioration or erosion. n STRONGTIE.COM (800) 999-5099 Building-Products.com
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Truss & Rafter Fasteners A new SPAX Powerlag fastener can be used for attaching truss/rafters to wall plates, ensuring a building code-required continuous attachment method from floor to roof. The #14 x 6-1/4” fastener includes a T-Star plus drive within a cylindric head, thread serrations, and unique 4CUT point for quick and easy installation with no pre-drilling required. It is made of carbon steel with Wirox coating, which is ideal for interior framing use. n SPAX.US (419) 636-6715
Cushioned Knee Pads Lightweight Gel Knee Pads from Klein Tools are the perfect solution for trade professionals looking for comfort and protection on the jobsite while not being weighed down. The pads have slip-resistant rubber caps to grip kneeling surface for enhanced stability and balance. Pressure is dispersed with gel and EVA foam that cushions the knee, increasing comfort and protection, while reducing fatigue. Held tight by clips, cinch-tight straps provide a comfortable, snug fit. The top strap is elastic, while the bottom strap is webbed for needed flexibility. n KLEINTOOLS.COM/SAFETY (847) 821-5500
All Colors, All Sizes
Nova USA’s full color palette of ExoShield Wood Stains is now available in gallon, quart and half-pint sizes to accommodate nearly any application from decks and siding to posts, rails and outdoor furniture. Designed to provide long-lasting, superior protection, ExoShield’s entire line of high-quality Platinum, Antique Bronze, Natural, Mahogany, Walnut and Black Walnut stains can be purchased in all three sizes to enhance the color stability and beauty of virtually any exterior wood product. Using a proprietary blend of tung oil, UV blockers, fungicide and trans-oxide pigments, its water-resistant, acid-resistant formula is ideal for enhancing wood stability, reducing cracking or warping, delaying graying, and protecting against water damage, fungi and harmful UV rays. n NOVAUSAWOOD.COM (503) 419-6407
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Door Handle Holder Mockett’s new Door Handle Cuff offers a hygienic approach to opening traditional interior doors to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Simply rest your forearm into the cuff and press down on the door handle and push or pull to minimize possible contact through contamination. The easy-to-install forearm shield slips over the handle and is screwed into place. The device fits most traditional door handles including square or round handles with a 3/4” to 1” diameter. n MOCKETT.COM (310) 318-2491 Building-Products.com
DATE Book Listings are often submitted months in advance. Always verify dates and locations with sponsor before making plans to attend. Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Assn. – July 19-23, annual conference, Cloister at Sea Island, Sea Island, Ga.; www.slma.org. Northwestern Lumber Association – July 23, fishing outing, Isle, Mn.; www.nlassn.org. Building Materials Suppliers Association – July 22-24, virtual summer conference; www.mybmsa.org. Northwestern Lumber Association – July 27-29, heritage roundtable, Alexandria, Mn.; www.nlassn.org. American Forestry Conference – July 27-30, virtual conference (in place of Georgia Forestry Association annual conference); www. americanforestryconference.com. Forest Products Society – July 27-31, virtual international conference; www.fpsic2020.com. Southeast Building Conference – July 29-31, virtual showcase; www.sebcshow.com. Midwest Building Suppliers Association – Aug. 6, Sycamore Scramble golf outing, Dye’s Walk Country Club, Greenwood, In.; www.thembsa.org. Michigan Association of Timbermen – Aug. 6-8, 1st annual Timbermen Expo, Otsego County Fairgrounds, Gaylord, Mi.; www. timbermen.org Mid-America Lumbermens Association – Aug. 18-20, Summer Shindig fishing & golf, Osage Beach, Mo.; www.themla.com. LMC – Aug. 19, virtual LMC Express; www.lmc.net. Orgill – Aug. 24-Sept. 4, Orgill e-Volution online buying event; www. orgill.com.
Kentucky Building Materials Association – Oct. 1-2, annual convention, product expo, & Jack Congleton Golf Outing, Caesars Southern Indiana, Elizabeth, In.; www.kbma.net. True Value – Oct. 1-4, Fall Reunion market, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pa.; www.truevaluecompany.com. National Lumber & Building Materials Dealers Association – Oct. 6-9, Industry Summit, San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter, San Antonio, Tx.; www.dealer.org. Remodeling Show – Oct. 13-15, virtual; www.remodelingdeck.com. Ace Hardware Corp. – Oct. 19-22, fall convention, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fl.; www.acehardware.com. Green Industry & Equipment Expo/Hardscape North America – Oct. 21-23, Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.; www. gie-expo.com. Sustainable Forestry Initiative – Oct. 22-23, SFI E-Summit; www. sfiprogram.org. House-Hasson Hardware Co. – Oct. 22-24, fall dealer market, Sevierville Events Center, Seiverville, Tn.; www.househasson.com. North American Wholesale Lumber Association – Nov. 4, Sales Advantage seminar; Nov. 4-6, Traders Market, Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Oh.; www.nawla.org. Greenbuild – Nov. 10-12, virtual international conference & expo; www.greenbuildexpo.org. North American Building Material Distribution Association – Nov. 10-12, annual convention in conjunction with North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors, The Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs, Co.; www.distributorconvention.org. Deck Expo/International Pool Spa Patio Expo – Nov. 11-13, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Nv.; www.poolspapatio.com. LMC – Nov. 11-13, LMC Expo, Philadelphia, Pa.; www.lmc.net.
Kentucky Forest Industries Association – Aug. 25-27, annual meeting, Brown Hotel, Louisville, Ky.; www.kfia.org. Midwest Building Suppliers Association – Aug. 27, White Pine Classic golf outing, Tullymore Golf Resort, Stanwood, Mi.; www. thembsa.org. National Hardware Show – Sept. 1-3, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nv.; www.nationalhardwareshow.com. Construction Suppliers Association – Sept. 9-11, annual conference & expo, The Lodge at Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, Al.; www. gocsa.com. Do it Best – Sept. 13-18, virtual fall market, www.doitbestcorp.com. North American Wholesale Lumber Assn. – Sept. 14-17, fall Wood Basics Course, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Or.; Sept. 17, Northeast regional meeting, Portsmouth, N.H.; www.nawla.org. GlassBuild America – Sept. 15-17, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nv.; www.glassbuildamerica.com. Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association – Sept. 16-18, annual meeting, Wentworth by the Sea, New Castle, N.H.; www. nelma.org. Florida Building Material Association – Sept. 16-18, convention and trade show, Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, Fl.; www.fbma.org. American Wood Protection Association – Sept. 20-24, technical committee meetings, El Dorado Hotel, Santa Fe, N.M.; awpa.com. Composite Panel Association – Sept. 20-22, fall meeting, Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, Montreal, PQ; www.compositepanel.org. Mid States Distributing – Sept. 21-22, Fall Rendezvous, Dallas Market Center, Dallas, Tx.; www.msdist.com. LMC – Sept. 21-24, Leadership Summit, Atlanta, Ga.; www.lmc.net. Mid-America Lumbermens Association – Oct. 1, Kansas Sunflower Shootout golf event, Firekeeper Golf Course, Mayetta, Ks.; www. themla.com. Building-Products.com
July 2020 n Building Products Digest n
59
CLASSIFIED Marketplace
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IN Memoriam Harold Clayton Maxwell, 80, retired CEO and president of Temple Inland Forest Products Co., Diboll, Tx., died May 17. After graduating from Texas A&M University, he joined the company as a sales trainee in 1963. He rose to group VP-building products in 1982, group VP-forest products in 1989, division chairman of the board, president and CEO in 1998, and corporation executive VP in 2000. He retired in 2004. He also served as chairman of the Southern Forest Products Association in 1988. Randall Lynn “Randy” Stogsdill, vice president of marketing at Teague Lumber Co., Fort Worth, Tx., died suddenly of a brain hemorrhage on June 10. He was 59. Stogsdill spent his entire career with the firm that was founded by his grandfather. Frederic Daniel “Fritz” Wolfe, 90, retired president of Lima Lumber Co., Lima, Oh., died April 5 from a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. After receiving an engineering degree from Yale, he served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, then earned his MBA at Harvard Business School in 1955 and joined his father’s lumber company as treasurer and secretary. He took over as president when his father passed away in 1967.
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n Building Products Digest n July 2020
With partner Bruce Thompson, Wolfe founded numerous companies, usually serving as president with Thompson as chairman. Together, they launched Wolfe Industries, Inc., Perrysburg, Oh., in 1970, a holding company for numerous lumberyards, stone quarries, building material companies, coal manufacturers, truck dealerships, and nursing homes. Dennis Butcher, 66, purchasing agent with Kight Lumber Co., Evansville, In., died June 3 of COVID-19. He joined the company in 1966. David W. Dolinsky, 59, former head of the paint department at L&M Supply, Virginia, Mn., passed away unexpectedly June 12 of natural causes. After high school, he joined his stepfather’s business, Iver Johnson Lumber Co., Virginia, later working for L&M Supply, Virginia Plastics, and OSI Environmental Services. Philip Roy “Butch” Kersten, 76, co-owner of Kersten Lumber Co., Birnamwood, Wi., died June 15 after a long battle with cancer. Upon his discharge from the U.S. Army in 1965, he and his brother Richard purchased the sawmill from their father and uncle. He also partnered with Woodstock Flooring & Design where his son, Phil, is manager. W. Richard Porteus, 78, former executive with Gutchess Lumber Co., Cortland, N.Y., passed away June 17 in Cincinnati, Oh.
With Gutchess, he served as vice president of sales, later working as plant manager for the start-up of the company’s plant in Latrobe, Pa. Louis Powell LeBourgeois Jr., 86, retired vice president of Bowie Lumber Co., Bowie, Ms., died June 13 in Pass Christian, Ms. A graduate of Tulane University and veteran of the U.S. Navy, he worked in banking before joining Bowie Lumber as land manager. He rose to VP in the 1970s, handling the company’s interests until his retirement in 1999.
Alabama Worker Killed Trying to Unjam Wood Chipper
Officials are investigating the May 27 accidental death of a worker inside a wood chipper at Phenix Lumber Co., Phenix City, Al. After hearing a jam alarm, boiler operator Brandon Van Dyke, 34, climbed inside the chipper to repair it and became tangled inside. He was the second fatality at the mill in the last decade. Allegedly, investigators arrived on the scene to discover as many as 100 safety violations. City inspectors instructed the power company to immediately shut off the electricity to the mill until all safety violations were addressed. In 2011, OSHA fined the 70-yearold sawmill $1.9 million for “willful disregard for employee safety,” after the company compiled a list of 77 safety and health violations over the prior four years. Building-Products.com
d wood product on the market b-300Fv-2.1E r installation - 3 1/2” and 5 1/2” s Timber wood framing systems Initiative (SFI®) Certified nce Page uperior strength e MSR Lumber 32 strength solution for ral applications
800.221. B E A M
ADVERTISERS Index Anthony Forest Products www.anthonyforest.com
9
Norbord www.norbord.com
53
North American Wholesale Lumber Assn. www.nawla.org
Anthony Forest Products is part of the Canfor Group of Companies |
W W W. A N T H O N Y FO R E S T. CO M
37
©
Anthony Forest Products Company, LLC
APA – The Engineered Wood Association www.apawood.org 12/17/18 1:25 PM
50, 57
BPD e-Weekly www.building-products.com
17
Overseas Hardwoods Co. www.ohc.net
32
Canfor www.canfor.com
Cover I
Pacific Woodtech www.pacificwoodtech.com
39
Coastal Plywood www.coastalplywood.com
55
Pakari Thermally Modified Decking www.pakaritmd.com
21
Contechem www.uccoatings.com
3
ProWood www.prowoodlumber.com
44
Crumpler Plastic Pipe www.cpp-pipe.com
Cover II
RailFX www.railfx.net
7
Culpeper Wood Preservers www.culpeperwood.com
27, Cover III
Redwood Empire www.buyredwood.com
51
Do it Best www.doitbestlbm.com
41
Scotch Plywood www.scotchplywood.com
19
Everwood Treatment Co. www.everwoodtreatment.com
Cover IV
Simpson Strong-Tie www.strongtie.com
50, 57
526 Media Group www.building-products.com
55
Sunset Moulding www.sunsetmoulding.com
47
Great Southern Wood Preserving www.yellawood.com
45
Swanson Group Sales Co. www.swansongroup.biz
25
Hoover Treated Wood Products www.frtw.com
35
Timber Products Co. www.timberproducts.com
59
Jordan Lumber www.jordanlumber.com
21
U-C Coatings www.uccoatings.com
49
Lonza Wood Protection www.wolmanizedwood.com
55
Western Woods Inc. www.westernwoods.com
5
Manufacturers Reserve Supply www.mrslumber.com
23
Weyerhaeuser Co. www.weyerhaeuser.com
22
Matthews Marking Systems www.matthewsmarking.com
47
Yellawood www.yellawood.com
Coming in September Building-Products.com
Special Issue July 2020 n Building Products Digest n
61
FLASHBack 70 Years Ago This Month
S
eventy years ago this month, in July of 1950, BPD’s sister publication, The California Lumber Merchant, was filled with glowing reports of record production and demand for housing and all the structural products that went along with it. Among the biggest headlines was Cascades Plywood Corp., Lebanon, Or., manufacturing the largest plywood panels in its plant’s history. The 10 panels—50 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 1/2” thick—were special ordered by a boat builder in Virginia. To produce the 10 mega-panels, the mill actually produced and then scarf-jointed together 70 standard 4x8 panels. Then, due to their large size, the panels were fed through a single deck sander. Loading the finished panels into a railroad car presented the trickiest challenge. A long line of workers lugged the sheets out of the plant, where they were transferred to three small lift trucks. Working in unison, the three trucks carried the 50-footers to an open-end freight car. The panels were shoved into place on top of a shipment of regular panels slated for Atlantic Coast delivery. The panels were each 10 feet longer than the plant’s previous record-length plywood, which was used in a float in the 1946 Lebanon
THE JULY 1950 cover showcased a Los Angeles project built from Western Hardwood Lumbersupplied plywood.
Strawberry Fair Parade. And during World War II, Cascades supplied 36-footers to the U.S. Navy. In other news from July of 1950: • Hills Flat Lumber founder Pete Andreotti retired after selling his sawmills and retail/wholesale yard in Hills Flat, Ca., to Ed Matson. The operation soon passed into the hands of the Pardini family, which scaled back to the retail business they continue to run now under the third generation. • Retired construction engineer Allen S. Hadley and Myron H. “Mike” Koll, the son of well-known Los Angeles lumberman Harvey
W. Koll, started their own wood window business. Hadley-Koll, Inc. manufactured Newreka brand windows from a small factory in Gardena, Ca. Although the partnership did not last long, the building still houses a similar operation—Sonora Valley Window Works. • Masonite Corp. was prepared to kick off one of its most aggressive advertising campaigns ever. Over the last six months of 1950, it planned to buy space in 62 consumer and trade periodicals, including the Saturday Evening Post, Better Homes & Gardens, Fortune, Business Week, 11 farm magazines, three architectural and three furniture trade magazines, and 20 building supply publications—including The Merchant. • San Lorenzo Lumber Co., Santa Cruz, Ca., purchased Felton Lumber Co.’s yard in Felton, Ca. It continues to operate the facility to this day.
THREE TINY lift trucks worked in unison to transport 50-foot-long panels from Cascades Plywood’s mill to an open-ended boxcar.
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n Building Products Digest n July 2020
• The Redwood Empire Hoo-Hoo Club was organized as the lumber fraternity’s 65th chapter. Its first officers worked for Sterling Lumber, Union Lumber, Mead Clark, and Laws & Yaeger. The region—particularly Marin, Mendocino and Sonoma counties— is currently served by the Black Bart Hoo-Hoo Club No. 181. Building-Products.com
THE POSSIBILITIES KEEP GROWING:
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“Growing beyond measure.” Call or visit us today. Our family of Redwood timberland owners will continue to be your reputable and reliable source of Redwood.
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BPD
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