Pope & Talbot On Sales Block

Unable to meet earning requirements set by its lenders, Pope & Talbot, Portland, Or., is soliciting bids for parts or all of the company.

"Basically. what the company is doing, is everything is on the table," said spokesman Mark Rossolo.

As part of a deal with its lenders, Pope & Talbot agreed to retain a financial adviser to discuss restructuring the company. The company's revolving credit line was also reduced from $75 million to $67 million.

Analysts predicted that if the 158year-old company can not find a

Simpson Buys Swan Secure

Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Pleasanton, Ca., has acquired Swan Secure Products, Baltimore, Md., manufacturer and distributor of fasteners specializing in stainless steel.

Simpson purchased all shares of Swan Secure for $43.5 million in cash.

Second Thoughts For Az. DC

Home Depot recently opened a 9acre regional distribution center in buyer by the time its deal expires September 17, it could be forced to file for bankruptcy. know the details of Depot's search, but suggested that the chain may be considering a move for their lumber shipments only. If they move their container business to Tucson, he said, "that would certainly be exciting news for us."

Following the announcement, Pope & Talbot temporarily shuttered its sawmills in Castlegar and Grand Forks, B.C., for two weeks.

In the meantime, its stock price, which had been as high as $8.44 six months ago, sank as low as 40Q a share.

Pope & Talbot employs nearly 2,40O at facilities in Oregon, British Columbia, and South Dakota.

The port recently completed a 342acre expansion that includes another 1.8 miles of railroad siding and purchased additional acreage, bringing the total to nearly 700 acres, adjacent to the Union Pacific mainline.

Eagle Spreads To Northwest

Phoenix, Az., but may be looking for a better location in Tucson, Az.

According to local officials, Depot likes the idea of moving its distribution operations from Phoenix to someplace in the Tucson area that has access to Union Pacific's main railroad line. Phoenix is not on the railroad's main Sunset Corridor line, which makes it difficult for the new center to receive shipments.

Jason Fata, operations manager for the Port of Tucson, said he didn't

Eagle Roofing Products, Rialto, Ca.. has entered the Pacific Northwest, continuing its push to eventually serve the entire country. A dedicated sales force will support the new territory, providing concrete tile roofs and solar systems throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Western Canada.

Paul Olson, previously Eagle's Southwest sales manager, will supervise the expansion from the company's office in Portland, Or.

Eagle recently established automated high-speed manufacturing facilities in central Florida. Phoenix. Az.. and Stockton. Ca.