Combines Framing Divisions

of Weyerhaeuser's total revenue of $22.6 billion.

Called ilevel. the newly integrated division rvas created to simplify the construction process for both dealers and builders, and transform Weyco from its traditional role of wood products manufacturer and supplier into that of a value-adding provider.

"Weyerhaeuser is changing from a product-driven manufacturing business to that of an integrated, marketdriven culture-a necessary approach to remain successful long into the future," explained Lee Alford, senior v.p. of residential wood products. Products. services and tools will remain the same, yet now coordinated and rebranded. Brands include ilevel Trus Joist engineered lumber, ilevel Structurwood engineered panels, iLevel Performance-Tested Lumber. and iLevel Services Integrated Building Resources. Standard lumber will retain the Weyerhaeuser name, and complementary products such as decking and siding will retain their brands.

Instead of dealing rvith separate reps for individual products, retailers contact ilevel professionals who can provide all necessary components.

Dealers will benefit by:

. Partnering with a single point-ofcoordination, working with a host of experts trained to answer questions and suggest the best solutions, such as managing inventory and supporting framing design solutions.

. Positioning themselves as a necessary component of the purchasing process beyond the traditional role of supplier.

Their builder customers rvould benefit through:

. Reduced time. labor and callbacks

. Optimized structural frame performance and reduced rvaste

. Tools that make custom designs and design changes easier

. Efficient. reliable deliverv of products and services

Simplified business processes

Using ilevel, builders can walk into dealer locations rvith architectural plans and rvalk out with a complete. integrated solution for the homervith materials customized for their individual needs.

Independent distributors carrying Weyerhaeuser products rvill also be incorporated into the il.evel system. Weyerhaeuser officially rolled out il-evel April 20, but personnel rvas reorganized effective January I in anticipation of the overhaul. Amid the changes. Weyerhaeuser will continue to implement the nerv system in rvays that best benefit its customers. "ln reorganizing people and implementing new structures. we realize that rve may be intemrpting relationships. and that customers are getting used to nerv contacts. We don't take that lightly." said Scott Elston. director of national accounts for ikvel.

"Treating You Bighlttt

Gontact your pressure-treated lumber source about the FPRL products.

O No Arsenic Added O Minimal Mold o Low Gorrosion

Depot Closing Yardbirds

By July l, Home Depot will close the l0 Yardbirds stores it acquired in December, erasing the 30-year-old Northern California chain recognized for its white bird mascot.

The larger format stores in Santa Rosa and Martinez will be converted and reopen as Home Depots in November. The store in Rohnert Park will reopen as a Contractor's Warehouse in2OO7.

Smaller stores in Alamo. Concord. Petaluma, San Pablo, and San Rafael will be remodeled, but their new formats have not been determined.

Stores in Vacaville and Vallejo, as well as the Yardbirds' offices and warehouse in Petaluma, will be permanently closed.

Depot vowed to try to find jobs for Yardbirds' 650 employees.

Stock Buys Home Lumber

Home Lumber Co., San Bernardino, Ca., has been acquired by Stock Building Supply.

"Home Lumber is located in one of the most robust economies in the United States," said Fenton Hord, Stock president and c.e.o. "The company has been a consistently strong performer for many years."

Founded in 1947, Home Lumber's product mix includes lumber, OSB and plywood, engineered wood products, and miscellaneous building materials. Last year, Home Lumber reported sales of 592.2 million.

Home Lumber operates yards in

San Bernardino, Bishop, Ca., and Yerington, Nv., and employs 143. All senior management, including company owner and founder's son, Milt Johnson. will remain with the firm.

Raleigh, N.C.-based Stock now operates 287 locations in 33 states, with annual sales of M. I billion.

LBM Dealers Seek Liability Protection

A bill to protect dealers from product liability lawsuits was one focus of the National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association's annual legislative conference April 3-5 in Washington, D.C.

"We've got dealers here from every state in the union," said NLBMDA chairman Kevin Hancock, president of Hancock Lumber, Casco, Me. Other attendees included Walter Foxworth. Foxworth-Galbraith; Steve Kelly, Kelly Bros. Lumber, and Paul Hylbert, Lanoga Corp.

The legislation was designed to protect retailers rvho sell a legal product to a customer and are sued when something goes wrong. According to NLBMDA. one in four retailers has been named in product larvsuits over the past five years. Most don't have the time or resources for a costly defense and are forced to settle out of court, including:

. An lllinois dealer sold a circular saw to a customer who lost a finger and sued the dealer.

. An Ohio dealer sold imitation slate shingles that were shipped directly from the wholesaler to the jobsite. When the coating later wore off some of the shingles, the dealer was forced to pay $16,000 in a settlement.

. A dealer sold a water heater that was improperly installed by the customer and exploded. causing property damage and bodily injury. The dealer was held liable.

A dealer sold a hammer to his attorney, rvhose son hammered rocks and injured his eye. The customer/ attorney sued the dealer.