Building Products Digest - December 1995

Finally, A Decking Nternative That Mokes Sense!

It lsn't easy fur a treated wood company to nscommend PvC deddng At Mellco, we've looked at dl of the plastic alternativeq and we finally found one that makes sense. It's Teds Deck!

Teck Deck is alightrreight two piece q/stem that is easy to cut and install. The deck top comes in 160 ft. rolls, making it possible to build a deck of almost any size with no searns or butt joints and without visible fasteners. It's covered by a [,ifetime Limited Warranty, and doesn't ro! weather, spawl, or drange color.

Teck Deck is easy to clean and as close to mainte nance free arr you can gel Sound inleresting to you? Call Mellco today to find out about our introductory package.

Phone: (8OO) 866-1414. Fax: (800) 777-3299

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And no matter the size of your business, from giant mu lti-branched operations...

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We'd like the oppoftunity to share the lifetime benefits a DMS+ system can provide your business. For more information, please fax in this page.

DECEMBER 1995

8

7996 Annual Business Forecost: Windows to g6 Computer experts look ahead at the future of the buitd.ing material industry

o Coming technology

o Operational benefits

o New challenges

o bols for suruival

o Partners on line

. 1-5-10 year forecasts

Boost engineered utood sales by getting LVL speeificd Customize efforts to architects, engineers and contractors

Deluxe year-Iang ind.ustryteolendar of eaents

Retailers diseouer benefi,ts of gtaing

Euerybody profits frorn Tbxas charity prograrn

Georgia-Paaific opens first tWiad,, distribution eenter Georgia complex part of new integrated logistics network

Fast-growing Lowets opens temporary ogenc!

Serving 13 Southern states

ADYtFn$rioffiEs

Adrerliing trbs rpon Gq.pst

USA: Chuck Cas6y,,f500 Campus Dr., Suite {EO, Ne|pofl Beadr, Ca" 9G60. TdophdE Ot{l 8S2-rS Far Tllt{52{Zt1

SoUTH AIERICA: Cha.tos Hattifar, Ay. Anorico Vospucio t{ode e, A. $, L.s Con&s, San[ago, Ofe. T* (01lFe2 mt trt r,J.o1I'-*zmt t*!.

6 Ed.itoriol

16 Nerr,s

PUBUSHER DavidCuuer SEfltOREDnOR-Da,iJt(ostJ ASSOC| IEEDnOnSaraOary

COitT8lBtmilc EDITORS Drfutrrt Oro, Gae Ucrcnnay

AFITXRECTOR MarrhaEnery STAFFAFIbi ltaryscd -gnCUUitOlUettm,d

suBscHmotls u's': gsfle yeac $41'two y6ats; $s$hreo years. roreifi: me-year.ry+ l-@le o u.s. rrn<b snraceaanarh q Maico, l$r. orhe ccurffis, t{s. Aa nrs also avaihble. sindo cottss'$3; bad( issues-$4.s0 rfqr avaraie, prrs {tiiJing. c'xmbi or rooness seno aoaes. hbol frun rec.tr trr r pe, rE, adhss and zb .orb. BUll'Dll{G PRoDUCTS DIGEST b publi$Ed monfty at l5O Cqrr'0r., Sri'f6, frpon gdt C.. O060, Of} fSZ.tsO, rA( zi+gs2i23t, by qe, rl6rhg. hc t b n i6p* gE#-?[YEjiSj,Hl:H*11lSH3$ gll'o_- r ano trorne cenrer marras n ii sqhBm $ards i"pytlororgss by oro' Rffii,fh d;;rfr cont€nbarotultprotsdsdandmuslnotbsrepod,csdinanymamerwit\orivittsrparmisim unig*iussvej. g61cfi;fr''91fi;";;;ffitilfr;ilL;ffi;;i

KDAT? DEANg

For pressureteated wood fiafs kilndiled afier teatnent, call Dean Lumber Co.

The gente condi[oning of our steam dry kilns yields exceptional products sudr as Dean Deck, Dricono fire retardant feated wood, Outdooro wood, Wolmanizedo Extra' lumber, and teated specialties.

/ Mail box k.ifs ",'ilJJius edge decking

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/ Handratts

2'il.orcd Pt\wood '"'r-* eored fencing

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?lue Dean Marts

Green Liaht Specrals

One Stop ShoppinU

No need to buy three truckloads from three different suP pliers to get what you want. Buy one truck from Bean and get it all,.. untreated, treated, pattern stock, fencing, etc. We offer mixed trucks with dozens of items.

One call gets it all.

Curt Bean Lumber Co., your one stop shopping supplier.

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EDITORIAL

T?uly Fearless Forecasts

Inside this issue are experts' prognostications ofbusiness changes in the next few years. On this page, however, we relate to our breathless readers a forecast fable from 25 years in the future. That's right, what it will be like in the year 2020.

FORECAST #l: The oh-so-fragile Environment, after 7,000 years of battering by humans, just simply dries up and blows away.

FORECAST #2: President of the United States Sonny Bono, using accounting techniques learned during his Hollywood days, decrees home mortgage interest rates can't exceed one percent per annum.

FORECAST #3: Earlier shortages of old growth timber are solved when scientists find that Douglas fir and southern yellow pine trees grow to 100 foot heighs in th'ree weeks when fed on a diet of Geritol, Jack Daniels andZ,antac.

FORECAST #4: The Great American Public, tired of shopping at big box warehouses, now only

pafonize local lumber dealers with three or fewer employees.

FORECAST #5: The Sierra Club and The Wilderness Society, finally exposed as self-serving commercial enterprises with no rcal interest in Saving The World, have been sold to a consortium of five big forest products companies. Early reports indicate the two enviro groups will soon begin selling aluminum siding.

FORECAST #6: Treated wood, known for decades as a valuable and safe product, additionally has been discovered to be good to eat and so nutritious and delicious it now comes in chocolate, vanilla and lemon-lime flavors.

FORECAST #7: Frustrated by slow truck and train deliveries, all lumber is now shipped by air freight, with local deliveries exclusively via helicopter.

And there you have it, the 2Ol2O foresight for the year 2020. Stay tuned, film at I l.

The Quality Leader in Treated Wood Producfs

Temple-lnland Plant On Line

Temple-Inland' s state-of-the-art, $60 million particleboard plant in Hope, Ar., is set to come on line this month.

Headed by panel products div. operations mgr. John C. McClain, the 290,000-sq. ft. facility will produce 180 million sq. ft. on a 3/4" basis. Its 9'x25' press will enable it to produce thicknesses from 3/8" to l-1l8."

It joins other plants in Monroeville, Al.; Thomson, Ga., and Diboll, Tx., to up Temple-Inland's 1996 particleboard capacity over 519 million sq. ft.

Lowe's Plans New Southeast DC

Lowe's Cos. will build a new 750,000-sq. ft. Southeastern Regional Distribution Center in Valdosta, Ga.

Set on 200 acres to accommodate future expansion, the center should begin receiving products by December 1996, be fully operational by mid1997 and employ 350 people.

"This new facility is a direct response to the growing needs generated by Lowe's rapid expansion - both now and in the future. Our goal is to have 600 stores by the end of the decade," said pres./ceo Leonard Herring.

The facility will assume many distribution activities from Lowe's current Southeast DC in Villa Rica, Ga., which is being considered for other distribution uses.

Lowe's also operates regional DCs in North Vernon, In., and North Wilkesboro, N.C., plus five specialty DCs, four reload facilities and over 360 stores in 22 states. New DCs are also under construction in Iredell County, N.C., near Statesville, and in Franklin County, Tx., near Mount Vernon.

month. lt will produce larger panel sizes for optimal cut patterns and produce less waste.

lnvestors Buying Riverwood

A private investment group has agreed to purchase Riverwood International Corp., Atlanta, Ga., from Manville Corp. for $2.7 billion.

The group is led by New Yorkbased buyout specialists Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Inc. and includes Riverwood management and a fund managed by the investment firm Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.

Riverwood, which produces packaging machinery, paperboard, lumber and plywood and owns 540,000 acres of timberland, has been looking for a possible suitor since April.

No matter what the deeign challenge for wood web or other compoeite wood products, Sirnpson Strong-Tie has a connector designed and engineered.to meet tl.e needs of your cuatomer.

Working cbsely with the major component manufacturer€, we are constantly developir.rg new prpducts to rneet the neede of manufactured wood products. Often these connectorg are in stock at our local distributors for same day quick shipment.

So if you're a manufa.cturer of composite wood producte or lumber dealer wtro supplies these building components, look to Strong-fie Connectors to ma}<e your life easier and your customer service rlpgdor.

Contains iINtEt€d b@-tD.do-it inatallation infomation.

Ken

Carla

Steve Webb

Dan

Chisty Silva

Ben Buschbacher

STATE-OF-THE-ART 290,000-sq. ft. particleboard plant in Hope, Ar., comes on line this

Tn= t.r-uer and $ffi materiats indus-

trg has nre in the last 15 ueEtrs than In SBsombined.

A drMng furce Cgnputers. TheU harre business is distributor to retaller. Theg ifih/e-firiltle,ff|anu tasks faster and more effig;lg:ffinfraEed manu posluons and sometfng cated others in thelr place. Theg haiE"@ created mdnu new things to spend mrGU m. while promising to save manu tlrres their irvestment.

Yet the technological revolutiBn does not seem to be slowing. Sgstems oftrlng new and greater capablliUes arE being Introduced constantlg, ensurlng that our industru ls In store fur contlnuous change.

How. how soon and hovrr drasUcallg Wll our businesses change? Bulldlng Praducts

Digesta=ked the computpr ergerts that specialize in our industrg to forecast Bne. five and lO Uears into the f,-ture. to predict what lies ahead in computer technologg - and what our industru Wlllook like as a result.

Innovations at hand

RidtrdA"Afrmutl

Compder q/sHn ryrantcs (CSD) Demer, Co.

CSD ias been proftling amputer srllv tbns to tln hfldng nateials idustry exdv sively sirw 1983, uiil, neady l,lN irctallationsnatbmi&.

Fls we move through the final years of this century, we will see significant advancements in the use of computer technology in the building materials industry. In the '70s, we focused on back-office accounting functions; in the '80s, point of sale and inventory control; in the early '90s, the emphasis has been on purchasing. What we see in the future is a focus on the use of advanced computer technology to improve customer service and to speed up communications at all levels.

A few examples of the more advanced computer technology we can expect to see being utilized to improve customer service include:

Wireless "RIr'(radio frequency) hand-held rcrminal units will be used for on-line data entry of sales orders, purchase receipts, physical inventory, and price and cost inquiries. Access to your computer will no longer be limited to the CRT in your office or at the sales counter.

Electronic catalogs in a CD-ROM format will soon be available by all of the major hardware co-ops and wholesalers. Customers will be able to view the entire inventory offering, both in stock and special order items, in a graphical and color presentation. These CD-ROM systems will interface with POS computers for ease of special order processing and other important functions.

. Order and delivery tracking systems will be implemented by a growing number of contractor yards to improve customer service. These systems will track an order from the time it is entered into the computer until it is delivered to the customer site. A variety of analysis reports and inquiries will be available regarding vehicles, promised times, drivers and other important information.

Laptop/notebook computers will see an increase in use by outside salesmen for the preparation of quotes and the transmission of sales orders. Additionally, notebook computers, with pertinent inventory information, will also become more prevalent at trade shows and conventions to assist with show purchases.

Electronic credit card and check authorization systems will be integrated with the in-store POS function. As a byproduct of a single swipe of the credit card at point of sale, the system will automatically dial for an authorization, print the credit card ticket and complete the entire transaction. Customer check-out will be quicker, bad checks will be reduced, and day-end settlement will be easier.

Some of the computer technology we can expect to see in the near future that will speed up and improve communications will include:

EDI (electronic data interchange) and vendor communications programs are fast becoming an essential element of our industry. Dealers can electronically transmit purchase orders and receive acknowledgments, invoices, hot sheets, price changes and other vital information directly from the manufacturers, wholesalers or their co-op.

. Computer fax allows you to automatically send purchase orders, quotes, invoices, statements and other documents directly from your computer system. It will be used by the majority of dealers in the next few years.

E-Mail is increasing in use as an important communication vehicle for inter-company messages and announcements. As computer (PC) workstations become as common as telephones, E-Mail will become commonplace.

. The Internet with all of its hype and intrigue will be the most significant technological advancement over the next several years. We will see building material dealers on-line and "surfing the Net" for such things as commodity prices, product information, building starts and permit data, answers and instructions relating to their computer systems, and much more. We will even see some building material dealers with their own "home pages," so existing customers and potential customers can have easy access to information and messages that will help improve service and attract new business.

By the year 2000, we will see significant maturing within the building materials industry as it relates to the use of computer technology. Computer proficiency will not be optional, it will be a requirement for all dealers in order to do business and survive. The good news is the industry is fortunate to have a number of quality computer companies with which to partner and help apply this technology.

Miuo-rhips

Randy:F,arls :,:: : ,, Dimensions/Compril6ii:Advisors, Inc. salt Lft .cly; [Jt., ......,...'.., Founded in | 968; Dimensions/Conputer Advisors':::,gpagiaYpg,'t1xt, r solutions lor wholesale aN retail buHing material dealers throughout the Uni6d,States and Canada.

TI he past decade has seen barc,ode technology grow from staple status in our grocery stores to virtually all large retail concerns. With checkout lanes expected to keep pace with rising national speed limits, consumers and business alike prefer the benefits of faster, more accurate accounting of their purchases. But wait - the best is yet to come.

Recent advances in radio frequency gadgets promise change for anyone engaged in stocking, counting, tracking and selling inventory. Barcodes are nice, but what if you could sit at your desk and single-handedly "count" your entire inventory with the press of a button? Such technology exists today in the form of tiny radio transmitters that emit a constant signal to receivers in the store.

These devices, about l/4" square, are imbedded into products at the time of manufacture, and each device carries its own unique "signature," much like the electronic signature of a cellular phone. A hammer, therefore, would have a chip implanted into the handle which would identify it as a specific make and model just as barcodes do today.

Here is where the similarity ends, though, because in addition to broadcasting the make and model, these tiny transmitters also send a unique identity code letting the retailer know which Stanley Model X Deluxe Hammer is running through the checkout or sitting on the shelf. Imagine every item in your store broadcasting all day long to your computer in the back. You always know how many, and where they are; this is perpetual inventory in its truest form.

Let's let this technology solve a couple of other problems while we're at it. You like the speed of barcodes at checkout, right? How about placing a shopping cart under a specially designed "garage" and having the entire contents scanned in less than a second. Once scanned, those radio devices imbedded in the products "know" they've been sold, and their electronic signal changes slightly to allow the product to slip out the door without setting off your security scanner. Clothing and electronic retailers have implemented security tags on high-priced items for years, but there's been no simple, cost effective solution for the majority of items that populate the shelves of a typical hardgoods retailer.

There are other benefits as well. Since every single item is essentially coded with its own "serial number," the origin of returned goods would never be in question; either that particular hammer was once in your inventory or it wasn't. Receiving product at the back door

would be as greasy (that's great and easy) as slipping it out the front. And of course, the savings in beer and pizza costs associated with all night/weekend inventory "parties" would fund a company get-together that people would actually like to come to.

The chips are small, the benefits huge. Today's price, however, is still bigger than the benefits. These little chips cost about fifty cents apiece, affordable for big ticket items only. As with all high+ech inventions, though, the price is headed south. In the next few years, manufacturers of the chips are confident they can produce mass quantities for a nickel or less, at which time everyone in the food chainmanufacturer, wholesaler, retailer and consumer - will save time and money far in excess of the costs of these little jewels.

Informarion managers

Jim Hassenstab Distdbution Managemenl Systems, lnc. Omaha, Ne.

DMSI is a supplier ol software to the wholesale building produds distnhution industry.

II believe the winners and losers in the building products distribution industry will be determined by who does the best job of managing information that is pertinent to their business. The winners will have real time information about all aspects of their business and will make getting that information by employees, customers or suppliers convenient. Following are my predictions as to the impact of technology in this area over the next one, five and l0 years.

One Year Forecast

Windows 95 will become the standard on desktop PCs. More and more building product retailers, distributors and manufacturers will embrace EDI (electronic data interchange) although it still will happen slowly.

More manufacturers will be labeling their products and wholesalers will increase their use of barcodes for controlling their inventory. Barcoding is a slow but sure technology.

Use of the Internet for E-mail and information exchange continues to increase at an ever faster pace. Manufacturers and distributors will communicate product specs, pricing changes, etc., to retailers via Internet.

Five Year Forecast

EDI explosion. Everyone is getting into the act and the Internet backbone is one of the reasons as it is carrying a lot of EDI documents.

Graphical workstations are in, dumb terminals are out. PCs are the preferred desktop workstation. Distributors are able to pull up a map of their trading area and see the exact location of their delivery trucks at any point in time, enabling them to communicate precise estimates as to delivery time to their customers.

Paperless businesses are a reality. Wireless warehouse automation systems are being adopted by progressive building product distributors. When combined with EDI document transmissions and electronic storage of documents (invoices, delivery tickets, etc.) on optical disk, paper becomes unnecessary.

Salesmen laptops are common. Retailers won't see too many distributor salesmen, but those they do see will be toting laptops. The salesman will be able to determine up to the minute product availability and pricing as well as place orders. Cellular modems will make this easy to do.

10 Year Forecast

EDI is old hat. Everyone is doing EDI to some extent. Paper is the exception, not the rule. Not much paper around most retailen or distributors. PCs with l0 times the power of today's are on everyone's desk running a Microsoft operating system.

E-mail to anyone, anywhere. From your desk you can send messages to and receive messages from anyone in the world, even if you are traveling. The Internet has evolved into a worldwide network with oversight by an international governing body that sets standards for its use. All the large phone companies are involved since long distance phone calls are being placed by instantaneous E-mail.

There is no question that technology is going to change the way building product retailers and distributors run their businesses. By embracing change as a way of life, you will be able to succeed in a world that is changing at a very rapid pace.

T,enos for tomorrorv

JenyLXadrba*r

CBM $plans0oqary,lnc.

San Anlodo, Tr

CBif $afems hqny prwides appncetion sr/fuare andsfbns h@ntim *nira to trc buildhg prorJ;ds tfrls,ny ndiqafy.

IIt seems that every morning we awaken to startling new advances in information technology, computer systems and communications. Yet every day the problems and opporrunities of running a business stay the same. In the rurmoil of information technology change we still must purchase and market with wisdom and provide services to customers that keep them as customers.

If we stop and look it is not hard to see the future because it is being formed today. The building producs industry is a mature industry with a high level of heritage and stability. The fascination with change is in many ways just that, a fascination. From that base we can sce that the trends which will form the funrre are being molded now both in the industry and in information technology. Some significant factors in both ofthese areas are:

(l) Centralization. There appears to be increased centralization of both markets and the scope of products and services offered in the building products industry.

(2) Commonization. Building products have always tended to be a commodity-based industry and centralization requires more "look alike" qualities that make it even more difficult to be different.

(3) Service. Customer service has always been touted and revered as a necessity for business success. The reality of what customer service is will become a necessity.

The traditional reaction to increased competition for customers has been focused in pricing or increased product availability. Both of these reactions have a direct negative impact on gross profit and the capital requirements for a business. Improved customer service is a goal that can be accomplished with remarkable economic efficiency. Fortunately, information technology in business can provide a practical and economical path to new levels of customer service. Unfortunately, the technology industry has the same centralization and commonization forces in play that could limit a specific company's ability to be different.

The implications that result from trends in both building materials and information technology could overwhelm us except for the fact that businesses are run by people. People are remarkably resilient and will adapt and even excel in the new opportunities that are presenting themselves. The reflection of this adaptation will be a decline in "techno-fascination" and an increase in the practical ways that information technology can serve the business.

Preoccupation with operating systems, languages, chips, networks and other technical matters will give way to functionality and how information can be used to improve business practices and customer service. We will, for example, be concerned with responsive pricing on quotes. and not so much on respon-',.: sive terminals.

Fortunately, the information services industry can provide these tools if we quit focusing on bits and bytes and start focusing on what companies really need in their business. Along those lines, there are several trends which information technology will not only support but cause to be fulfilled in the way we conduct business. Some of these trends are:

(1) Vendor-Business Integration. Technology provides for systems to enhance vendor relations that will lead to more stable. longer term vendor relations.

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nificant

being abler:i faster and, tfigtiffiig;i.! or being able: faster. or knoWr likely to respondi: appeal, is often enough."

These are scary days, but I cannot remember a time when the future was certain. The important thread is to wisely focus on the business and not be distracted by tools or hype regarding the importance of tools.

tar Wa,rs:rtochnology

Jim.rTgingirirrri::!:,:,,,.;, :1:.;,;,,,,,, VerSy-s''5;;,hC: :, :,, :"":::::|:t: :")::, :, :':t::: Needham;,Ma,.,.........1......

veiyqg tn:rc., i sibsiaiatry ot ecx hc,, has been a technology iifCgrator and supplier ol complete oonpiter:,soI.rtians:;fer the building supply industry since 1074.

allet ready for Star Wcrs technology. Emerging technologies will be commonplace throughout the building supply and lumber industry for years to come.

It is important for building supply companies to take advantage of these new technologies by strategicglly implementing plans that utilize historical information. For example, in the 1980s more and more lumber companies rapidly expanded their businesses beyond anyone's wildest forecasting abilities. Eventually, there was a shake-out that dramatically affected both the East and West Coast. By the early 1990s, restructuring became the business staple for most companies.

Today, the industry again looks promising, and economists are forecasting consistent growth with low inflation, possible interest rate reduction, and new commercial construction on the rise. One might optimistically predict another boom before the turn of the century. However, this time around the building materials industry must arm itself with quicker, more accurate information to remain competitive.

l:::l:liiiliii:iiiii:::::::::::i:iii:::::l::::::::

Rather than looking to survive, companies must implement technological advances to thrive. A good offense is better than a good defense.

Here are a few examples that one should implement now and as the technologies become more available in the next several vears.

" Credit Collection Database

(2) Customer-Business Integration. Information about customers and marketing that anticipates customers' needs can be supported with information systems.

(3) Business-Business Integration. The conflict between inventory levels and sales levels can be optimized for the company with information systems. In addition, information sharing can bring back team management with a common goal.

A solid building supply business should take advertising heed from the '80s and grow profitably. Your computer credit collections module should allow - G.A. Wright, lnc. you to not only place a credit limit within POS on the balance, but also provide you with a warning if the aging is past due on outstanding invoices. Your system should also serve as a tickler file to prompt you daily with a message to call people who owe you money. Computers today have the ability to store lots of data to enable you to have a strong history profile on your customer accounts. Average payments month to date, year to date, and two years running will help you identify your best customers and those who use you as a bank-interest free!

On-Line Faxing

Most software packages today now have the ability to fax transactions including quotes, orders, invoices, credit memos, and purchase orders without having to get in line to send a fax. An average fax takes approximately l0 minutes from the time the fax is sent and the receipt is acknowledged. Those who can send a fax from their terminal, work station or CRT save time since they never leave their work area (desk or sales counter).

Graphical User Interfaces (GUI)

More information at POS and within the back office via blown-out windows, highlighted descriptions, and split screens will empower your personnel to service your customers expeditiously. GUI is a friendly look and feel that will help the building supply industry navigate through a system more easily and quickly than ever imagined.

0n-Line Banking

Computers talking to computers are to take effect this year with most of the major banks. Hence, the "float" that contractors may take advantage of in current business practices may be a way of the past. Cash receipts and accounts payable will be electronically transferred on-line with computers with a debit to one bank account and a credit to another.

FIVE YEARS AND BEYOND: World Wide Web

llileOnens

WoodY\lare $prems, lnc. Mem$fs, Tn.

For more than 12 years, WoodWare Sysfems has yw*H solharu and tedndogy sddiors tutp niW< dtd buiding nate rials industry, especially for ompanies that pre-hang dws and nilwin&w wib.

TI echnology has allowed businesses and individuals to move in new directions at an increasingly faster pace. But technology just for the sake of technology usually doesn't make good business sense. There must be a business rcason and a financial justification for any investment, including investrnents in technology.

For many companies in the building materials and millwork industry, these technology changes arc requirements. Wholesale distributors of building materials and millwork who sell large retail chains, for example, are faced with business requirements, such as the use of EDI and barcoding, in order to continue selling to the chains.

EDI increases productivity and profitability.

EDI (electronic data interchange) is becoming an increasingly important business technology in the millwork

atic Autornaliu,,,iS,,A*r0ffi':Hing used by retailers to inpiove syst€tts,h,,ffi 'b$orilg areas:

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Our kids today look at the Internet as a form of entertainment the way we once looked at television. The Internet connects you on-line to different databases and software programs. The World Wide Web is a technology that may be used in the building supply industry to: build more customer traffic. Picture having access to product catalog information on pricing, delivery and availability that would come from suppliers all over the United States, even the world. Your customers may place orders with you 24 hours a day. Your customers may be able to view and bid on open jobs all in one central database.

The information highway is here. Other industries, such as real estate and retail clothing, have already joined the Web. Don't be surprised if the fabric of your business adopts this technology in a big way!

Video Teleconferencing

If technology continues at the pace that we are all seeing, we will all be conducting business our PC work stations using an emerging technology called video

i*j,:,ttii$titpi.i.iEeigq:.ta:i:tnffi,::to facilitate lapid ieimntd,fr rvry,t!0u,rutm$$tr,,

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fl) Credit scoftCftrclurgp,aeqq1g1|'*@, . ,,

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conferencing. Several PC manufacturers are implementing video conferencing cards to allow users to not only talk to another person, but also see the person as you speak. Your sales people may be using their computer to negotiate on a job.

and building material industry. Many large retailers are requiring their suppliers to use EDI for orders and invoices.

EDI is the computerized exchange of business documents. It is being increasingly utilized by companies to eliminate or reduce human involvement, to reduce order lead time, to improve accuracy and to reduce paperwork. EDI also helps to increase productivity, to reduce keying and re-keying of information, to improve customer service, to provide for faster payment of invoices, to reduce errors, and ultimately, to cut costs.

Another growing trcnd is the use of other means of electronic cornmunication between trading partners. Many millwork and building materials manufacturers provide interfaces for their distributors to electronically quote or place orders directly into the computers of the manufacturers.

Numerous window manufacturers have developed or are developing this type of application for their distributors and dealers. The trend is for more and more of these types of

electronic ordering or quoting capabilities to expand in the future. Wholesalers and retailers should look for ways to incorporate these types of eff,rciencies into their business plans, too.

Itlsir*fl

Barcoding

One of the best ways to achieve efficiency for building materials wholesalers and retailers is through the use of barcoding and data collection equipment'

Applications where barcoding provides significant imprwement in productivity and profitability include receiving, shipping, physical inventory, label printing, time and attendance and production and labor tracking' Independent Millwork Inc. has used barcoding and data collection to improve their inventory accuracy to better than 98.7Vo accuracy while reducing physical inventory count to a matter of hours.

Many retailers require their suppliers to provide accurate barcoded labels on all products sold and shipped to them.

Value-added products and services provide margin protection.

Another trend justifiably causing concern among companies at every step of the distribution channel is the trend iowards tighter margins. The retail chains are squeezing frorn one ind, and the manufacturers are squeezing from the other. The distributors are just plain squeezed as their

margins grow thinner and thinner.

Increasing etficiency

Chd $chneller

Triad SyCtems Oorp.

Livermore, Ca.

With more'than 1,300 lumber accounts, Tiad is a leeiding applied, inlormation sysfems and services suppltier in North Ameica. The Hardlines & Lttmb:er,tDiiisionls team ol over 120 industry speciatigts is'bad<edtby 240+ cus' tome r se ruices, profeseion als,

f\Vomputerizing business information has become essential for businesses which intend to stay competitive in today's market.

c0mto five sleeker card inte-

One of the keys to survival for the distributor is adding value to their Products or their service caPabilities. If the distributor is primarily selling commodity products that his customer can also Purchase from multiPle sources or from the manufacturer directly, the added-value emPhasis must be on service excel-

Today, lumber independents large and small are computerizing their operations to improve efficiency and itreamline operations, while utilizing sophisticated pricing tools to ensure that they maintain and grow the conhactor' specialty and d-i-y sides of their operations. During the nixt lO years, computers will continue to transform the lumber industry at an accelerated pace.

Service - a key differentiator.

Looking forward, service and selection will be key differentiatois, because products will be readily available from many sources, traditional and non-traditional, such as "virtual yards" or other suppliers outside of local or regional trading areas.

Computer technology will assist in providing superi-or service. For example, technology will make it easier for conftactors to check special order delivery dates, place fillin orders, or check job statuses at any of their favorite LBM suppliers from any remote site.

Twenty-four-hour servicing of their contractors will become a standard business practice and product information, in addition to training and business applications will be readily available via the Internet or delivered to the contractor from the LBM supplier on CD-ROMs.

sales and service personnel, more convenient (for the customer) delivery schedules, and better information for order tracking, pricing and Products.

ThiJ type of information can be easily accessible with quality computer software' The customer-first mindset -urt iorn"-from top management and be preached, believed and practiced throughout the organization to be most effective.

Computer solutions also add to profitability'

Al,ong with value-added products and services, companies can-add to their bottom line through the use of quality computer software for tracking inventory levels, improving purchasing efficiency, increasing inventory turns and prouiaing better credit controls. As companies plan for the futurl, computerized business applications designed specifically for their type of business are critical to their future success.

As companies seek software solutions, they should talk with companies similar to their own. The right software fit can bringgreat financial returns to companies, and companies who do not embrace beneficial technologies are likely to be left behind.

Consumers will also enjoy shopping on the Net for specific products and contractor services, too. In fact, an estimated 25Vo of the future lumberyard's d-i-y orders will arrive electronically, which would mean that these d-i-yers will buy products and services without ever walking into the yard!

Electronic supplier connections - partnerships on line'

Today, eleitronic data interchange (EDI) is providing "paperless" business document exchange for orders, order acknowledgements, price changes, promotion prices, receipts, invoices, item maintenance and catalog information. EDI will continue to evolve and become more valuable to our industry. We will see more and more businesses' operations become paperless and these.same businesses will ihare product availability information on-line with their customers.

EDI computer technology utilization and "just-in-time" ordering processet witl be the standard. Suppliers will work niore closely with lumberyards to provide exactly what they need, when they need it - including product assortments as well as quantities on hand based on market position, competition and customer buying patterns.

Computerized decision managemenl

Running a profitable business will become a more complex. challenge. To effectively manage operations, profitability management and progress monitoring decision support tools will be utilized.

Lumber dealers will use these tools to implement their business plan, and the "smart" system will monitor and report on performance progress against their plan. The system will report the exceptions on a regular basis, suggest changes to be made and optionally implement the desired changes. From stocking decisions, to employee scheduling, to targeted pricing and promotional plans, all key aspects of the lumberyard will have access to more information and utilize it to make better decisions.

Corprter Revolution

John F. Canoll Dataline Com.

I

winon. ct

With regional suppoft @nters nationwide, 2*yearold Dataline Corp. provides'tumkef hardware aN soltware sofuticrlls, exctusively forthe buiding natefiat tue$y.

lr ro, think the building material industry has changed Technology and information will drive change.

Computer technology and information availability will continue to drive changes in the lumber industry during the next l0 years. The industry iself will continue to become more efficient, and more business partnerships will be formed between the supplier and the independent lumberyard in order to win the contractors' and consumers' patronage.

The customer will be in the driver's seat. therefore, the independent who continually re-invents himsell anticipates real customer needs and exceeds customers' expectations, will be the true winner in our industry's transformation. I look for the next l0 years to be full ofchange and incredibly exciting!

We&sck

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'',1'',1'1ffi"' h ting

over the last l0 years, imagine an industry (hat sees major changes in is technology occurring every l4 months...with the process of change continuing to accelerate. That is what is happening in the computer industry. There are two components to every computer system: hardware and software. Let's first discuss hardware changes that are taking place. Raw computing power has been doubling every l4 months over the last five years. What this means is that today's computer processor has the ability to process twice as much information as last year's. Computer hardware has ' basically become a commodity, much like studs. Whar we will see in the futurc are pricei of pCs continuing to drop, allowing businesses to put a ..smart" terminal or PC on every employee's desk.

. The second major compbnent of any computer system is software. Software is a program written to help pe-rform certain tasks, such as writing an electonic purchase order or entering a customer order. Significant changes have taken place in this arena over the last several years as well. Advanced computer software use rclational database technology and CASE tools to generate new programs. Using these tools greatly improves the ability of a software manufacturer to respond to its customers' needs.

In the near future, as your customers become more computer literate, they are going to demand more from you in terms of information access. Most computer systems will :9-91 b" able to provide electronic communicarions capabilities between suppliers and conhctors.

Other developments in software to look for include online ordering capabilities and computer faxing capabilitias. By placing your orders electronically, you can save a great deal of time and insure order accuracy. Faxing directly from your system saves time and money as well.

In short, lumber and building product retailers will see that personal computers are going to revolutionize the way we do business, much in the same way the fax did in thl late 1980s. As prices for these products continue to fall and as software such as Windows 95, accounting packages and estimating software become more preval,ent in itre marketplace, you will be able to access and use information about your business as never beforc.

Technology is one of the few tools you can use to help you compete against the "boxes." And as technology continues to change, it is essential that your computer system can change with it.

How to get LVL specified

l\TO MATTER how many benefits

I \ purportedly are provided by laminated veneer lumber, there is no sale to the contractor unless the architect and structural engineer specifies the product.

Increasing specifications and usage of LVL depends on targeted marketing efforts to the architect, structural engineer and contractor, according to Leonard Guss Associates, Inc.

Like other building materials, laminated veneer lumber is specified by architects and/or their structural engineers, but bought by contractors. Yet while contractors bid to specifications, they often have much influence over architectural specifications.

Story at a Glance

Customize efforts to architects, engineers and contrac' tors to boost LVL sales.

Contractors may be able to persuade an archiect to use an alternative material if they can present a reasonable case for saving money, using a material more readily obtained or installed or gaining some other advantage (or simply by complaining enough).

Architects, engineers and building contractors all influence the structural materials used in roof and floor systems. Each have their own motives and rationale.

Architects select their materials based on the freedom theY gain in organizing interior space and exterior appearance. They weight such concerns as how thick the floor or roof must be, what spans are available for the open space they want, how exposed structural elements will look, and how they can create unique designs. Architects are also the key decision makers since they hire the strucfural engineers, either as staff or as subcontractors.

To increase their specifications of LVL. architects must be shown how the use of the material allows for complex designs, cathedral ceilings, cantilevered construction and other innovative applications. Architects typically respond well to "missionary calls," technical presentations at their offices and product literature, especially literature that showcases actual examples of usage by other architects.

Like other professional licensed engineers, structural engine ers specify in full detail performance needed and expected, as well as what, where and how they use materials in their structures. They acquire confidence in familiar, reliable materials that will not fail and potentially harm their reputations.

Their major concerns are "reliability based design" and "load and resistance factor design," which require materials with known properties that can be measured within narrow ranges. Such concerns provide the opportunity for LVL and other engineered wood products.

Structural engineers need to be

assured about the strength values of LVL, especially its consistency from piece to piece and within each piece. They react positively to technical presentations and literature.

Structural engineers work very closely with the contractors during construction and try to be responsive to their wishes. Contractors also prefer traditional and proven materials, but are receptive to new materials or techniques that may lower their costs - especially if they see their competitors using them. Contractors can and often do demand and receive "variances" from the engineers to enable them to substitute materials.

Yet contractors are reluctant to use only one or two pieces or parts of a new material or product, since it may require additional effort to obtain and learn its use for little if any additional return. They are less resistant if the material or product is used on a large enough scale tojustify the effort.

Large builders of commercial and multi-family residential buildings know their total, in-place costs better than smaller, single-family builders, who look more at material first costs. Many structural elements, such as girders, beams, purlins and joists, are fastened with metal couplings. These are standardized to dimension lumber, encouraging the use of l-3l4" LYL.

Contractors will use what is specified, if it is readily available at their preferred distributor or other supplier. They are open to instruction in application techniques, such as nailing practices.

LVL Photo by Weyerhaeuser Co.

NE$TS BRIEFS

Retailers

Lawson & Quarles Building Supply, Ball Ground, Ga., has closed, with Lawson's Home Center to open in its place by year's end

Owens & Oliver Ltunber held a grand opening at its new quarters in Greenwood, Ar. ...

Currie Lumber Co., Baton Rouge, La., has closed, with Bill Eason retiring and Chris Villarreal moving to Jerry Smithb Building Supply, DenhamSprings, I,a.

McCoy's Building Supply Center has closed its Little Rock, Ar., store; mgr. Pat Lay has been transferred to Hot Springs, Ar., as mgr-...

Combs Lumber Co., Muldrow, Ok., has closed

84 Lumber Co. is considering sites between Chatham and Danville, Va., after the board of supervisors rejected a proposed site in Blairs, Va.

84 Lwrber lost a small building in a fire at its Jacksonville, Fl., location ...

Scotty's will open two experimental pro-oriented Scotty's Contractor Warehouse stores in existing markets before the end of the year

Lowe's opened superstores in Mobile, Al.; lVinchester, Ky. (store mgr. Dan Gentry); Statesboro, Ga. (gen. mgr. Lee Futch); Rome, Ga.; San Angelo, Victoria (store mgr. Chris McDougal),

Texas City (store mgr. Scot Black, operations mgr. Glen Sellers), and Wichita Falls, Tx. (store mgr. Rodney Kerns, asst. mgr. A.D. Hambright), and two in Baton Rouge, La.

lnwe's closed a smaller Baker, La., store; will open late this month or early next in Eni4 Ok. (store mgr. John Faulkner), and is set to begin construction on a 131,500-sq. ft. unit in WinstonSalem, N.C. ...

Lowe's Cos. reported its first quarterly earnings decline since 4th quarter 1991 and recently introduced a Home Page on the World Wide Web at http://www. lowes.com...

Home Depot opened stores last month in Spring Hill, Fl. (store mgr. Doug Curtis); Manassas, Va; Fayetteville, Ga., and lrwisville, West Plano and (its 4th Expo store) Dallas, Tx.

Home Depot opens a 132,00O. sq. ft. location in a former Pace Membership Warehouse in Orange Park, Fl., this month, rcplacing a lGyear-old, 94,00Gsq. ft. unit ... new Depots will open next year in Georgia in Columbus, Dalton, Rome, Athens, Conyers and Buckhead (a replacement)

Hechinger Co. posted a 3rd quarter net loss of $6.4 million as rcvenues fell13% ...

Wholesalers/llan uf actu lela

Wood Lumber Co. -Westside Division, Chidester, Ar., has purchased Huffman Lumber Co.'s

Idabell, Ok., lumber mill and will specialize in decking, with an emphasis on irnproved finish and appearance...

Owens -Corning, Toledo, Oh., has acgir,ed Soltech lzc., Shelbyville, Ky., a zu1rylicr of structural, thermal and acoustical insulation products and assernbte.s

Clopay Corp., pareNrt of Clopay BuiAing Ptducts Co., Cincirmati, Oh., has acquired Atlas Corp. afr Roll-Lite Door Corp., both of Orlando, Fl., manufacturers of commercial rolling service doors, fire doors, cormtcr shutters, grilles, operators and residential garage doors

Georgia-Pacific Corp. has opened its first "Triad" major delivery/warehouse operation in Lawrenceville, Ga. (see story, p. 49) and has acquired Domtar Inc.'s wallboard division (see story p.48) ...

Marathon Equipment Co., Vernon, Al., has presented a g€neral recognition award to Lowe's Cos....

Caradon Peachtree, a unit of the Caradon Doors atd Wbdows Group, Norcross, Ga., will begin distributing its door and window products direct to dealers in New England and certain mid-Atlantic states Jan. I from its own new Worcester, Ma., warehouse; current area distributor VP. Winter Co. will continue selling Peachree entry door products

LR. Nelson Corp.Ms acquired the asses of electnonic walertirner manufacturer RainMatic Corp.; rcsponsible forma**ing and selling RainMatic timers since 1992" Nelson now as$[nes all manufacturing and future product develop m€ntfunctions...

Housing sr4rtJ rEports for Oct were delayed due to last month's weeklong federal government shutdown caused by the budget rmpasse.

SFPA Tightens lts Budget

In light of declining membershiP dues, members of the Southern Forest Products Association examined program funding and priorities at the association's annual meeting.

In keeping with the meeting theme "By Dawn's Early Light," the board of directors approved a balanced budget, altered programs for that funding and called for efforts to find fresh revenue sources.

Several speakers brought exPert insights into specific topics, including an analysis of plastic lumber as a building material, an uPdate on the high wind/seismic project, and a first look at the home Page of a World Wide Web site on the Internet for southern pine lumber Products.

Rep. Charles TaYlor (R-N.C.) gave top attention to environmental issues, including endangered species, property rights, wetlands and non-wood building materials.

Political analyst Charles E. Cook, Jr. told delegates that 1996 looked like a good year for RePublicans' however, voters remain nervous about the party's aggressive agenda.

Buford W. Price, Union Camp Corp., was elected chairman; John Hammack, Hood Industries Inc., vice chairman; Jim Olmedo, WeYerhaeuser

Co., treas., and G. Robin Swift III, immediate past chairman.

Karl W. Lindberg was reelected pres. and Lionel J. Landry, sec.

Nearly 300 people attended the meeting Nov. 4-8 in Asheville, N.C.

immediate

In business since 1955, HooverTreabdWood Prcducts, Inc., isthe prcmierfull-line pressurctleater in North America. In addition, Hoover's firc retardant fomulations are licensed to a select group of licensee trcating plants.

Hoover has had the same Amedcan ownership since 1983 and the same executive team for over 20 years. Stability and experience assurcthe industry's most effective products and support.

NEW SFPA olficers for 1995'96, standing lrom left, are John Hammack, v.p.; Buford Price, chairman of the board; G. Robin Swift lll'

past chairman, and Jim Olmedo, treas. Seated from the lelt are Lionel J. Landry, sec., and Karl W. Lindberg, pres.

L.istings qre often submitted montls in advance. Alwats verifi. dates and locations with sponsor before making plans to auend.

DECEMBER

Virginia Building Material Association - Dec. 12, sales seminar, Williamsburg, Va.; (B04) 323_9262.

Mid-America Lumbermens Association - Dec. 13, warehouse comperition seminar, Tulsa, Ok.; ($ffi) 747_6529.

JANUARY

Hardware Wholesalers [nc. - Jan. 5-6, winter market, Walt

_ Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Orlando, Fl.; (219) 74g-5300.

Buttery Hardware Co. Inc. - Jan. 6-7, annual show, palmer Auditorium, Austin, Tx.; (915) 247-4141.

Servistar - Jan. 7-10, rental convention, Marriott World Center, Orlando, Fl.; (412) 2834567.

Ace.Hardware Corp. - Jan. ll-12. lumber & building marerials show, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Orlando, R.; fZOg) 990-6U1.

Handy Hardware Wholesale, Inc. - Jan. 12-14, market, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Tx.; (713) 644_1495:

Cotter & Co. - J"n. 14-16, winter lumber market, Las Vegas, Nv.

International Housewares Show - Jan. 14.17, McCormick

_ Place Exposition Center, Chicago, Il.; (70g) 2g2-42W.

Louisiana Building Material Dealers Association _ Jan. lg-21, annual convention, Baton Rouge Hilton, Baton Rouge, La.j (504) 927-4317.

Carolinas-Tennessee Building Material Association _ Jan. 19. 20, annual convention, New Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, N.C.; (704) 376-1503.

Monroe Hardware Co. - Jan. 20-21, dealer market, Charlotte

_ Merchandise Market, Charlone, N.C.; (70a) 2gg_3121

Southern Pressure Treaters Association _ Jan. 2l_22, winter meeting, The Statehouse Horel, Starkville, Ms.; (205) 96g_ 5726.

Southeastern Pole Conference - Jan. 22-25, Mississippi State University, Starkville, Ms.; (205) 96g_5726.

Mid-America Lumbermens Association - Jan. 22-26, Skill Builder Week, Fayetteville, Ar.; Jan.25-26, esrimating school, Little Rock, Ar.; (800)747-6529.

Virginia Building Material Association - Jan. 25, seminar, Richmond, Va.; (804) 323-8262.

National Association of Home Builders _ Jan. 26-29, annual convention & exposition, Astrodomain Complex, Houston, Tx.; (800) 368-5242.

National Association of Wholesaler.Distributors _ Jan. 29_31, annual meering, Capital D.C., Washington, D.C.; (202) g7Z0885.

INDUSTRY CALENDAR of EvENTs

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Retailers Find Benefits Of Giving

The giver certainly receives much when private enterprise puts its energy into projects that benefit the community while showcasing the company's goods and services. Here's how a group of building industry professionals in Texas recently did just that:

To kick off its "Spring Tour of Homes," the Tarrant County Builders Association needed an event to generate enthusiasm among builders and home buyers. At the same time, a group called A Wish with Wings was looking for a way to raise money to help grant wishes for children suffering from life-threatening diseases.

Together, the two organizations created the Fantasy Playhouse Show. Local builders would participate in a "home show for tots" by building elaborate playhouses, using materials donated by retailers and manufacturers. Those viewing the exhibit at Six Flags Mall in Arlington, Tx., could buy raffle tickets to win their favorite playhouse, with ticket proceeds to benefit A Wish with Wings.

The idea was presented to builders and retailers at a homebuilders association meeting. The local Home Depot and Payless Cashways got the ball rolling by volunteering to supply the necessary materials to builders who signed up that evening. Soon, eight different building teams had signed up to create playhouses.

Trish Johnson, Builder's Program manager for Home Depot, Arlington, says her store saw many benefits in donating a sizable portion of the building materials for the playhouses plus 80 hours of staff time to transport the playhouses to the mall and reconstruct them on site.

Although their primary reason for involvement was to help children, she admits, it also benefited Home Depot. "The show helped acquaint HBA members with our new Builder's Program and showed them the superior service we give," she said. "We forged strong ties with the eight participating building teams and have seen increased business from them. Most important, the community sees us as a company that has a heart."

Builder Fred Parker Co., Fort Worth, went all out, using the upscale design touches and products it uses in its custom homes. Manufacturers such as James Hardie and Marvin Windows donated materials to build a $15,000 house.

The firm received marketing benefits from its participation, including community exposure, a profile in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, and several large remodeling jobs.

"The Bi Profit Line"

ll Building Materials rs your business, get to know BpA, a leader in the lield. We offer a diversified money making line of products

Complete line includes regular, coarse thread, plated, drill points. pan heads, etc

BRAND NEW!

Now available in fast selling. high-profit 1# and 5# packages tor the retail and contractor trades.

BPA ORYWALL SCREWS -

8PA BUCKETS Giant prof its. 1t/s# packaees

Color coded contractor buckets of drywall screws sells like wildfire to the gypsum trades.

BPA PIIEUMATIC NAILS

Fits most popular tools. Framing/Sheathing Nails wire welded and plastic framing sticks. coil roof ing nails all on one shipment.

BPA C(IIL BI|()FING NAILS

From 7 18" thru 1-3/ 4" Shipped directly f rom regronar warenouses.

Call or lax tor immediate information.

MINI-DREAM HOME built by Fred Parker Co. used Dutch-style entry, fiber cemenl siding and roofing, ivory marble-finished firepldce (nonw-orking), porch glider, ceiling lan, hand-painted child's dining set, home office wilh computer, and other amenities donated by supplieis.

SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION

Louisiana Building Material Dealers Association is staging its annual convention Jan. 18-21 at the Baton Rouge Hilton, Baton Rouge. The program includes banquet speaker Vince Lombardi, son of the late great football coach Vincent T. Lombardi; an address by National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association chairman Roger Scherer; awards and installation banquet entertainment by humorist Jack Smith. and seminars on "Do You Need a Will in Louisiana?" and "How to Be a Successful Investor."

The ladies program includes a tour of the Old State Capitol and Nottoway Plantation in Plaquemine.

LBMDA's executive committee has

"Cluote" Yof.u. MOnth

"There is something tenibly wrong when a man is arrested and faced with jail time, hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and loss of property because he inadvertently killed a rat plowing his field. The arrest of Tuang Ming-Lin is an example of a situation out of hand."

- Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Ca.), on the Endangered Species Act

formed a suppliers advisory council to serve as a sounding board for ideas from its supplier members, providing a formal vehicle for them to voice their ideas and concerns to the executive committee and board of directors,

President A.J. Harris will appoint a chairman and committee members in time for the group to hold its first meeting in conjunction with the state convention.

Lumbermen's Association of Texas is gauging interest for a possible one-day basic estimating seminar Jan. 19 in Waco. The association will hold its winter board and committee meetings Feb. 7-ll at the Wyndham Southpark, Austin.

Florida Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association is teaming with the Carolinas-Tennessee Building Material Association, the Lumbermen's Association of Texas and the Illinois Lumber & Material Dealers Association for a dealer business roundtable March 22-29 at the Marriott Castle Harbour Resort, Bermuda.

Mid-America Lunbermens Association's board has decided to hold "cluster meetings" to (l) educate, (2) provide a time for discussion among dealers, and (3) unite dealers. Director Willard Binder felt such meetings could provide information as to what MLA is all about.

Carolinas-Tennessee Building Material Association's annual building products buying show Jan. l9-20 at the New Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, N.C., sports the theme "Score Big in '96." Motor Sports Hall of Fame

personality Benny Parsons will speak.

Seminars include "Do Your Contractors Want to Buy U.S.A.? (Unexpected Service Always)," "What Every Sales Person Needs to Know to Increase Their Stair Part Knowledge and Sell More," and "Are You the Oldest Discount Lumbcr Yard in Town?'

G-P Buys Domtar Wallboard

Georgia-Pacific has agreed to purchase Domtar Inc.'s gypsum wallboard division for nearly $350 million.

The deal, expecrcd to close in early 1996 and subject to various approvals, includes the division's 18 plans in the U.S. and Canada with combined annual sales of approximately $300 million.

Lumberman Roasts Owl

The Endangered Species Act has caused enough economic and penonal devastation to fill a book... so lumberman Karl Drexel did just that.

Drexel's just-released book,'"The Politically In-Correct Cookbook The Facts, Fantasies and Fallacies of the Endangered Species Act," is culled from five years of rcsearch on the effects of the Act on businesses, individuals and private property rights.

In addition to real-life horror stories of how "endangered" species have affected the lives of thousands, the book includes humorous illustrations and "recipes" for such delicacies as Roast Red-Cockaded Woodpecker and Chinese Smoked Spotted Owl.

A2l-year veteran of the wholesale lumber business, Drexel's aim is to educate the public in a logical, meaningful and light-hearted way.

The book is available for $12.95 plus $3 shipping from Whitney-Hill, Box 2910, Santa Rosa" Ca 95405.

Building Materials Software

G-P Opens First "Triad" DC

Georgia-Pacific Corp.'s Building Products Distribution Division has opened its first "Triad" major warehouse and delivery center in Lawrenceville, Ga.

The DC marks the debut of G-P's new integrated logistics network designed to improve warehousing and delivery. The logistics network is part of a three-point strategy - enhancing product procurement, sales and delivery - the division has undertaken to reinvent itself.

Triads are being developed to combine the three elements of a successful building products logistics system in one large warehouse: a bulk distribution center handling large volume orders and full truckloads of product orders; a fabrication center for centralized order assembly and cutto-size orders, and a piece-pick center serving less-thanfull-unit orders and handling the availability of slow-moving items.

Expected to be fully occupied by early next year, the Lawrenceville facility features 390,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space, 190,000 sq. ft. of millwork space and 116,000 sq. ft. ofshed space on a 65-acre site.

Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it offers all GP product lines (5,000 to 6,000 SKUs) and serves customers direct within a 200-mile radius, shipping product each night to G-P bulk distribution centers in Memphis, Nashville and Bristol, Tn., and Birmingham, Al.

The Triad is staffed by 225 to 250 warehousemen, drivers and millwork assembly employees, utilizing 75 tractor trailers with on-board trip computers.

Lowe's Opens Temp Agency

In response to anticipated explosive growth by the year 2000, Lowe's Cos. Inc., North Wilkesboro, N.C., has opened an in-house temporary agency.

Established on a trial basis, Lowe's Temporary Services Division will be assessed in the upcoming months to determine its usefulness.

Prospective job applicants can call a 24-hour hotline, updated each Friday, to hear a list of available positions ranging from clerks to accountants.

Once these employees complete one year of service, they will be eligible for Lowe's Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Employee Stock Investment Plan.

"This was more a reaction to our hoping that we could enhance employee loyalty and performance by being their direct employers and doing our own skill-building," said Lowe's Cinny Haynes.

FIRST 'Triad' center, opened recently by G-P in Lawrenceville, Ga., combines bulk DC, labricalion center and piece-pick center.

PERSONAI,S

Finn Hurley is new to the sales force at Tampa International Forest Products, Tampa, Fl.

Ray Carroll is now the sales mgr. for Cal-Tex Lumber, Nacogdoches, Tx.

Scot Whittington has joined the sales staff at Miller Lumber Sales Co., Jackson, Ms.

Wayne Noll has joined Chesapeake Hardwood Products, Inc., Chesapeake, Va., as regional sales mgr. in Tx. and West La.

Nancy Noll, gen. mgr., Mid-America Lumbermens Association, Kansas City, Mo., has resigned after l8 years with MLA.

Rob Green is new to outside sales at Klumb Lumber Co., Point Clear, Al. George llarmony is new to millwork sales.

Tim Cornelius and Craig Carrigan are now covering the charlotte/Mecklenburg area for Wrenn Handling, Inc., Charlotte. N.C.

Michael Lewis has been named pres./ceo of Lumber Sales Corp., Richmond, VaLori Paquette has resigned as administrative assistant of the Virginia Building Material Association, Richmond, Va.

Steve delinde is now mgr. at Dyke Industries, Hot Springs, Ar.

Richard Miller has joined Bruce Hardwood Floors, Dallas, Tx., as business unit mgr. for the new Bruce Floors product group, according to Mike Kearins, v.p.-sales & mktg.

Butch Johnson is now marketing Insulspan structural insulated panels for Perma "R" Products, Inc., Johnson City, Tn.

Grover Atlgood, pres. of Melrose Timber Co. and v.p.-procurement for McShan Lumber Co., McShan, Al., has been named pres. of the Alabama Forestry Association, succeeding L. Kim Lloyd. L. Frank Walburn, woodlands director for MacMillan Bloedel, Pine Hill, Al., is pres. elect.

Carl Tindell, Tindell's Inc., Knoxville, Tn., is now chairman-elect of the National l,umber & Building Material Dealers Association.

Ilenry Dorsett has been named senior v.p. of operations at Caradon Doors & Windows Group, Norcross, Ga. I)ennis M. Miller is now group director of materials.

Daryl llower has bcen promoted to v.p.mktg. for Leslie-Locke, Atlanta, Ga. Sal Casas is now director of mktg. and Tom Marsh, v.p.-market development.

Ileather Suzenne Cerlson, West Building Materials' Associated Distributors, Inc., Atlanta, Ga., married Matthew Jason Scott in October.

Cindy Wild, Building Products Digest, and her husband, Rob, are the proud piuents of 7 lb. I oz. MacKenzie Nocl, born Oct. 28.

Doug Urich has been prcmoted to architectural window product mgr. for Vistawall Architectural Products. Tenell, Tx. Cindy Aveard is new to sales for the south central region. Bill Oates has been named project mgr., Dallas, Tx.

Ilolly Hospel was promotcd to director of conventions for the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, Arlington, Va. David Janolf is now director of mktg. & communications, and Chijioke Nwonr is controller.

Ernie Davis is the new mgr. at 84 Lumber, Hickory, N.C. New co-mgrs.: Joe Lee, Chattanooga, Tn.; Eric BIaz, Madisonville, Ky.; Kirk Randolph, Asheville, N.C., and Todd Henley, Midlothian, Va.

Stanley Walsh is now exec. v.p.-mdsg. & mktg. at Builders Square, San Antonio, Tx., replacing Frederick Meiser, who resigned to become chairman of Lcchmere's department store chain.

Kevin Callison has transferred from Home Depot, Stone Mountain, Ga., to manage the new Macon, Ga., location.

Charlotte Ragsdale, Ragsdale's Building Supply Center, Petersburg, Va., and Cliff Carnes, ABC Building Supply Co., Chester, Va., married Oct. 13.

Peggy Thornberry is mgr. of the new I"owe's, Cartersville, Ga. Bill Smith is store mgr. and Rick Brown operations mgr. at the new Newnan, Ga., unit.

John Purcell, J.S. Purcell Lumber Corp., Louisa, Va., was appointed to the state Small Business Advisory Board.

Dixie Headden, Cox Wood Preserving Co., Orangeburg, S.C., and her husband, Jim, are the proud grandparents of 7 lb., ll-ll2 oz. Connor Seth Whisenhunt, born Nov. 3.

Olden C. Nile is in charge of Social Security administration at MungusFungus Forest Products, Climax, Nv., according to owners Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus.

LETTERS

TORCHJOB

I would like to address the article ("Fireproof Wood: What a Concept," Nov. p. l2). First and foremost, I would like to point out that there is no such thing as "fireproof'wood; might I suggest that the term "flame resistant" wood would have been a more accurate description of the FRTW available on the market today.

As a consultant to a manufacturer of a three-in-one product (wood preserver, insect repellent and flame retardant), I am baffled by the continued industry-wide support of "pressure treated" wood. Enclosed please find two reports by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Forest Service describing in detail the problems associated with this process ("thermally degraded plywood roof sheathing"). These studies negate even the most modest claims of pressure treated wood enthusiasts.

As you may or may not be aware, the major corporations involved in the "wood treatment" industry have successfully held a monopoly over the market since its inception and are now faced with the longterm consequences of their products' inherent degradation of wood over time. By setting the standards/requirements

enforced by ASTM, these entities have virtually eliminated any opportunity for new technology to penetrate the industry. Rather than addressing the proven defects of the existing treatment methods or working to find a solution in order to remedy the situation, they seem to continue to uphold the self-defeating "our way or the highway" attitude.

There are alternatives. For example, has anyone considered the possibility of a spray-on application which will not degrade the wood? Ofcourse not. Due to the present code structure, there is no spray-on test method currently in place to validate this as an "accepted and approved" application. Members of the fire retardant community must, therefore, go to great lengths (and expense) to now develop new standards in order to have a product recognized as an effective "spray-on" or alternate fire retardanVwood preserver.

Considering that the cost of this "problem" is estimated to exceed $2 billion, I feel the Big Boys should neither ignore nor neglect their responsibility in remedying the situation. In the meantime. the focus should be on those who are devoting their efforts to offering new and innovative technology to the industry in order to reverse the negative, downward spiral associated with 'pressure treated" wood.

Christina Cuddy

1977 Coldwater Canyon Dr. Beverly Hills, Ca. 90210

Durable Vinyl Siding

Transitions vinyl siding by OwensCorning reportedly will not dent or rot, doesn't need painting and can be cleaned with a garden hose.

NEW PRODUCTS

a;lnd selected scrtes o;ids

Simple l-Beam Installation

FiberStrong Rim Board from Georgia-Pacific Corp. reportedly makes installing wood I-beam joist systems easier.

Designed to melt snow in temperatures below 0', Melt Man reportedly will not harm plants, fiees and shrubs, burn hands or leave a chalky or oily residue.

It is available in an l8-lb. or 4Glb. bag on a 6Gbag (40 lbs.) or l2Gbag (18 lbs.) pallet.

Circle No. 402 on p. 62

Deck Brightener Display

A colorful counter display for Wolman's Deck & Siding BrightenerlRejuvenator is new from Wolman Wood Care Products.

It has a .040 gauge, comes in a 4" lap, 5" lap and 4" Dutchlap in eight colors. Soffit. trim and J-channels are also available.

Circle No. zl04 on p. 62

It's Tool Time For Tim Allen

Home Improvement star Tim Allen collaborated with Hart Tool Co., Inc., to introduce the new Tim Allen Signature Hammer.

Designed to fit G-P I-beam joist depths from 9-114" to 16" with a 5,700 PLF vertical load capacity, it eliminates the need for blocking panels and squash blocks.

It is aitached to floor sheathing and toenailed to the plate with its 1-l/8" thickness, and its 12" and 24" lengths result in fewer pieces to handle.

Circle No. 401 on P. 62

Mr. Cool Miser

An ice-melting Product that contains no rock salt is new from LangeStegrnann Co.

Standing approximately 10" tall and 6" wide, the display holds a 2l/4-lb. canister. It has a built-in literature holder and can be used to prc' mote the cedar/redwood formulation of Brightener or the original formulation for pressure-treated wood.

Circle No. 403 on p. 62

It features an axe style handle with an antique brass finish nameplate. The head is heat treated, polished and embossed with Allen's trademark

Circle No. 'lO5 on p. 62

Concrete Spreader

A rugged aluminum rake speciallY designed for placing concrete has been introduced by l,eslie-Locke. Featuring a one-piece bracing system riveted to the head, Superlight Concrete Placer Model 650 has a 54" handle with a 20"x3-ll4" blade for easy movement of concrete.

Circle No. 406 on p. 62

Lacquered False Ceilings

A new stretched ceiling system from Prestige Design offers a fast and cost-effective solution to cracked, peeling or discolored ceilings.

surfaces, it reportedly increases wet edge, reduces lap marks, shiners and spray tip plugging.

It also decreases water spotting in mid-tone and deep-tone colors without changing the color of dry paint or stain.

Circle No. 409 on p. 62

High Roller

A heavy duty rolling warehouse ladder from Louisville Ladder Corp. is designed to fit easily in narrow aisles and confined spaces.

Garefree Concrete

A water-based acrylic sealant from Quikrete helps prom6te proper curing by retaining moisture in freshly placed concrete.

The system features a durable, lacquered PVC sheeting stretched parallel to the ceiling and clipped to support rods that are stapled at the juncture of the walls and ceilings.

It requires no edging or soldering of clip rings to the PVC sheet and is reportedly fireproof and waterproof.

Circle No. 407 on p. 62

Laminated Floor Stapler

A stapling tool from StanleyBostitch provides a cost-saving alternative to gluing of laminated flooring.

The SX Series ladder is available in four sizes with maximum lengths of 31-118",39-9116", 48" and 567116". The heights from the floor to the top step are L'7",2'4-112,3'2" and 3'll-l/2". The three larger sizes come equipped with handrails.

Ideal for driveways, patios and sidewalks, Cure & Seal dries to a shiny semi-gloss finish, is available in one-gallon containers, and is applied with a sprayer, broom or roller.

Circle No. 411 on p. 62

Classic European Tub Slider

Euro shower enclosures from Cardinal feature all4" and 3/8" heavv glass option and can be fitted for ail popular shower and tub installations.

The Floor Runner features a foot to fit 3/8" laminated floors with no adjustments and drives 1" laminated floor staples. A tapping block draws floor boards together for an even tighter fit.

Circle No. 408 on p. 62

Waterproof Paint Additive

When added to either latex paint or stain, Okon TCS Additive from Okon Inc. reportedly makes the surface last longer, reducing mold and mildew problems by keeping paint film dry.

Designed for interior and exterior

It features a l-ll4"xl-114" angle iron base designed to reduce damage from repeated abuse and is constructed with a 50" angle. Its reinforced rear legs are made of steel angle iron which is reportedly five times stronger than 16-gauge, 1" steel tube.

Circle No. 410 on p. 62

FREE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION on any product in this section is available by circling the corresponding Reader Service number on the form on page 62 and sending the form to Building Products Digest, either by FAX 714-852-0231, by mail to 4500 Campus Dr., Ste. 48O, Newport Beach, Ca. 9266O, or just call (714) 852-1990.

Circle No. 412 on p. 62

All-ln-One Gutter System

An easy-to-install gutter system from Bemis Manufacturing Co. is a flat to fold system with the gutter, leaf guard and drip edge already attached.

Constructed with a living hinge made of durable, flexible PVC, the Rain Master 3 starts out flat for installation to the fascia board. The sys-

are arranged in an offset or brick pattern with a 3116" extruded polycarbonate sheet attached to both the interior and exterior sides of the window.

A l/16" space between the window and overlay prevents rubbing.

The window's extruded aluminum frame has a plastic insert to prevent heat and cold transfer and angled irons to secure the block, overlay and aluminum to the 2"x10" wooden buck.

Circle No. 414 on p. 62

A Bit Of Twisting

Twist drill bits from Milwaukee Electric Tool Co. reportedly penetrate SOVo faster than general purpose bits.

Designed to drill different materials, Thunderbolt bits have a self-centering split point design for easier penetration and less drill walking.

tem's three joints feature snug-fitting gaskets for leakproof performance, ieoortedlv never rust, corrode or need pa'inting, and are available in white and brown.

The system includes right and left end caps, drop outlets, down sPout elbows, down spout connector brackets, gutter connectors, inside and outside corners, fitting leaf guards, snap anchors, transition elbows and Belbows.

Circle No. 413 on p. 62

Hurricane-Proof Windows

A hurricane-proof, polycarbonate glazed block window is new from Miles.

Bloc-Ease hurricane windows weigh 3.5 lbs. per sq. ft. and are made of 8"x8"x3" interlocking blocks that

A heavy-duty cutting surface powers through deep or shallow holes and a unique flute form improves chip ejection and coolant flow while reducing drill retraction.

Available in a variety of styles, including jobber length, stub length, silver and deming, and titanium-coated, the bis have a black and bronze friction-reducing finish or titaniumnitride to reportedly increase drill life up to 5007o over comparable uncoated drill bits.

Circle N0.415 on p. 62

Vent-Free Gas Heater

A vent-free, freestanding gas heater with an ivory finish is new from Superior Fireplace Co.

Ttte 23-7t8-wide by lGl/4"deep bv 29"-hieh VFFS can be installed in front of a-wall. in a corner or in front of a window. It includes a natural gas or propane burner with a manual or modulating thermostat. Its reportedly 99,97o fuel-burning efficiency is said to be three times greater than conventional gas logs.

It has an easy-to-open control panel and comes with brass trim and a

naturallooking split-oak vent-free gas log set. A standard oxygen depletion sensor automatically shus off the system if the oxygen level in the room falls below 18.5%.

Circle N0.416 on p.62

Hot Mama!

A lightweight heat gun from Skil softens paint and caulking, heas liquids and shrinks electrical tubing and packaging.

Featuring a powerful 12.5-amP motor, the HDl000 heat gun weighs 2 lbs. and has three lemperatue ranges: l2O',750' and 1,0(X)'. A slide switch that controls temperaturc and airflow is designed for right- or left-handed users and the tool's stand is useful for benchtop applications. Optional nozzle finings are available.

Circle N0.417 on p. 62

Prefinished Shingles

Shakertown's new prefinished sidewall shingles eliminate on-site finishing and improve durability.

The 18" western red cedar PreFinish Shingles are coated with an oilbased finish on all sides and are available in four colors.

Circle N0.418 on p. 62

Lightweight Work Light

A versatile light that fits into a tool belt or pocket is available from Powermate Lighting Tools.

The 2AA Pivoting Head Clip Light features a head that rotates 360' and adjusts to multiple vertical angles to pinpoint an exact area that needs

Each tray of the Building Box measures l2-ll2"xl8"x3" and contains one l3-ll2"x9-5/8"x2" box with eight individual dividers for customized organization. The tray has a push and release feature to keep the box in place. The tool box holds up

light. A spring-loaded belt/pocket clip allows the lightweight light to be easily attached, freeing the hands to work. It also features a shatterproof lens, all-weather grip, Xenon bulbs and alkaline batteries.

Circle No. 419 on p. 62

Multi-Eye Detector

The Vigibat 2800 from AGT automatically turns lights, heat and air conditioning on when people enter an area, then turn the devices off when they exit.

to four trays and boxes and has a gray finish, two safety yellow trays and two transparent boxes.

An expansion kit containing one tray and one box is available.

Circle No. 421 onp.62

Handy Hinge Butt Marker

The Hinge Butt Marker from Swanson Tool Co., Inc. produces an accurate mortise in doors and jambs.

Two-Piece Vinyl Planking

A non-toxic, polymer vinyl planking for boat docks and deck coverings is new from Heritage Vinyl Products.

Featuring a two-piece design with a top and bottom piece snapped together, Teck Deck has no protruding nails and reportedly will not splinter, crack, rot, fade or require painting.

Circle No. 424onp.62

Formidable Fiberglass Doors

A fiberglass entry door from Ceco Entry Systems is reportedly tougher than steel, lasts longer than wood and replicates the cathedral grain structure ofexpensive oak doors.

Capable of handling up to 32 areas simultaneously, it uses optical detectors that combine infrared and motion control technology to activate it.

Circle No. 420 on p. 62

Stackable Tool Box

A modular tool box from Flambeau Products Corp. has removable trays and boxes for adjusting space.

Featuring a chisel guide for depth and size, a butt gauge for proper hinge width and length, and a l"-wide lip to control depth and keep the chisel level, it comes in a 3-112" size for inside or a 4" size for outside hinges.

Circle No, 422 on p. 62

Hardboard House Trim

A new line of house trim has been introduced by ABTco Inc.

Hardboard-based Pro Trim has a deep-grain cedar texture side and a smooth alternative. All four sides are finished with four layers of factorycured acrylic latex primer.

The trim comes in 16'lengths with widths of 4", 5", 6", 8", 10" and 12" and thicknesses of 4/4" or 5/4". The line also offers matching plowed back fascia board in 6" and 8" widths.

Circle No. 423 on p.62

Constructed of fiberglass-reinforced engineered composite materials, Oakcraft doors are said to have a 25Vo deeper grain pattern than similar doors. The pattern runs vertically on the stiles and horizontally on the rails.

The core is insulated with polyurethane rigid foam and the wood stiles provide a l-314" thermal barrier between the exterior and interior face sheets.

Circle No. 425 on p.62

NEW LITERATURE

Safety In High Places

"Builder Tips: Worker Safety on Pitched Roofs." is free from APA-The Engineered Wood Association, Box 11700, Tacoma, Wa.984ll; (206) 5656600.

Tile Installation Focus

A six-panel ceramic tile installation products brochure is free from North American Adhesives, 530 Industrial Dr., West Chicago, Il. 60185; (800) 637-7753.

Poly Want An Accessory?

Wood Building Booster

A 4-p. brochure describing the benefits of building with wood is free from the Florida Wood Council, Box 1076, Mount Dora, Fl. 32757; (904) 383-l 155.

Fiberboard Sheathing Tips

A fiberboard sheathing brochure is free from American Fiberboard Association. 1210 W. Northwest Hwy., Palatine, Il. 60067; (708) 934-8394.

Barcode Bonanza

A barcoding systems brochure is free from Monarch Marking Systems, Box 608, Dayton, Oh. 45401; (800) 543-6650.

Anti-Corrosion Brochure

A 4-p. phenolic resin coating brochure is free from L.J. Wing, 515 John Fitch Blvd., South Windsor, Ct. 06074; (203) 289-6843.

Retail Into The Year 2000

A five-year retail industry projection booklet is free from G.A. Wright, Inc., 4105 Holly St., Denver, Co. 80216; (303) 333-4453.

Timely Handling Topics

"Innovations" featuring timely materials handling articles is free from Hyster Co., Box 847, Danville, Il. 61832: (800) 497-83',n.

Spanned To The Max

A revised 36-p. booklet on maximum spans for southern pine joists & rafters is free from the Southem Pine Council, Box 641700, Kenner, La. 70064; (504) M34464.

A polyurethane accessories catalog is free from Architectural Products by Outwater, L.L.C., 52 Passaic St., WoodRidge, N.J.07075; (800) 8354400.

Insulating Cathedral Geilings

"How To Insulate Cathedral Ceilings" is free from CertainTeed Corp., Box 860, Valley Forge, Pa. 19482: (800) 523-78,14.

GET YOIIR COPY

of anv New Literature items bv contacting each company directly. Please mention vou saw it in

Home Sweet Home

"Do-It-Yourself Housebuilding: The Complete Handbook" is 24.95 from Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 387 Park Ave. S., New York, N.Y. 10016; (212) 532-7160.

Hardwood Floor Mania

"lnstalling Hardwood Floors over Radiant Heating" is free from The Hardwood Council, Box 525, Oakmont, Pa. 15139; (412) 2814980.

HR And Training Software

"Human Resource and Training Software Library," cataloguing over 100 programs, is free from HR hess, Box 28, Fredonia, N.Y. 14063; (800) d44-7139.

Solid Surfacing Brochure

A l3-p. solid-surfacing brochure is free from Swan Corp., Dept. 281, One City Centre, St. L,ouis, Mo. 63101; (314) 23 I -8 148.

Wire Products Galore

A l6-p. and 64.p. wire material handling and storage systems catalog is free from Gillis Associated Industries, 750 Pinecrest Dr., hospect Heights, Il. 60070; $w\225-54U.

Durable Wood Windows

An I l-p. WoodClad window brochure is free from Milgard Windows, 3800l36th St., N.8., Marysville, Wa. 98271; (360) 6s9-0836.

Wood Technology Factbook

"Wood Technology 1995-96 North American Factbook" is $277 plus $5 ship ping from Wood Technology, 6600 Silacci Way., Gilroy, Ca. 95020: (E00) 848-5594.

Spotted OwlSouffl6

Karl Drexel's "The Politically InCorrect Cookbook: The Facts, Fantasies and Fallacies of the Endangered Species Act" is $12.95 plus $3 shipping from Whitney-Hill, P.O. Box 2910, Santa Rosa, Ca. 95405; 0m) 5754306-

Best Business Practices

An industry trends studiqVaction guide is free from NAW's Distribution Research & Education Foundation, 1725 K St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20O06; (E00) 659-3r75.

Signing Off

A catalog of safety, identification and compliance signs, tags, decals and labels is free from Americraft Co., Inc., Box 250GCI, Palmeno, H.342?n: (800) 2373984.

The Lumber ond your operoting costs to distinguish yourself from the competition, Success todoy relies on mointoining ond exponding your customer bose by selling the right inventory, ot the right time, ot the right price,

Building Moteriols morket is o service oriented business. You must exceed your customer's expectotions while wotching

To top it off, the lumber morket is volotile. ond prices chonge every doy, You con't be cought with too much inventory when the morket price drops. Or too little; your customer moy drop you for the competiiion.

At the end of the doy, you wont to hove more in the bonk thon vou $orted with,

We solute ihose of you with ihese issues under control ond wish you continued success. But;

WHEil... You wont to monoge evenis thot seem to be out of your conTrot, WHEil... Some of vour business is with conirocrors, WHEil... You do window ond door fobricoron, Ialk to us about Woodstock Plus 1-800-377-0391

Software lhat Knom lumhr And Buildins Materials. like you.

Obituaries

Lester "The Reverend" Wood, 56, co-founder of Stacy-Wood Lumber Co., St. Petersburg, Fl., died of pancreatic cancer Oct. 13 in Indian Rock Beach, Fl.

Born in Jacksonville, Fl., he worked for Foley Lumber, Alice & Wadsworth, Gilman Building hoducts and A.C. Dutton, before cofounding Stacy-Wood in 1980. In 1985, he sold Stacy-Wood to his partner, Norm Stacy, rejoining A.C. Dufton, St. Petersburg, in 1992.

George Caton, 77, former sales mgr. and v.p. of The McGinnis Lumber Co., Inc., Meridian, Ms., died Sept.20, 1995.

He spent his entire 52-year career trading lumber with Mccinnis, retiring in 1992.

Henry D.'tlank" Anderson, 76, a pioneer developer of laminated flooring, died Oct. 19 in Buckhannon, w.v.

He helped develop the flooring at Veach-May-Wilson Co., Alcoa, Tn., and F.C. Cook Lumber Co., Buckhannon, W.V., and also managed plans for E.L. Bruce Co., Memphis, Tn., and Arkansas Oak Flooring Co., Sheridan. Ar.

Jess Burdett, 55, mgr. of Gordon White Lumber Co.. Davis, Ok., died of cancer Oct.23 in Pauls Valley, Ok.

Born in Grand Coulee, he worked for B&B Lumber, Davis, and Arbuckle Lumber Co., Sulphur, Ok., before joining Gordon White in 1985.

Acid Evacuates 3rd Scotty's

For the third time in recent months, a Scotty's store was evacuated after a muriatic acid spill.

A forklift punctured a bottle of the cleaning acid Nov. 2 at the Kissimmee, Fl., store, spilling three quarts of acid inside the front entrance. Fumes from the substance can cause swelling and fluid in the lungs of those who breathe it.

Two customers and an emploYee were treated and released at area hospitals.

Similar accidents occurred recently at the Clermont and Leesburg, Fl., stores (see Building Products Digest, Nov., p. 35).

CHARGES:

$23.00 (25 word minimum) ........$21.00

.70 each additional word...........

6.00 per line for headline or centered copy ...-

6.00 for special border........

6.00 for private box

TOTAL

(Column inch rate: $45 for camera ready copy; $55 il we set type)

TO RUN: -TIMES

Classified Advertising

Twenty-five (25) words for $23. Each additional word 700. Phone number counts as one word. Address counts as six words. Headlines and centered copy ea. line, $6. Box numbers and special borden, $6 ea. Col. inch rate: $45 camera-ready, $55 if we set the type. Names of advertisers using a box number cannot be released. Address replies to box number shown in ad in care of Building Products Digest, 45fi) Campus Dr., Suite 480, Newport Beach, Ca,92ffi0. Make checks payable to Cutler Publishing, Inc. Mail copy to above address, FAX to 714-852-0231 or call (714) 852-1990. Deadline for copy is the 20th of the month. PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPAIIY COPY unless vou have established credit with us.

WANTED: Plywood/OSB strips, drops; sound, square, uniform, dry, thickness 1/4 through 23132. Prefened width, 3-112, 5-ll2 or wider. Length 32 to 96 inches or longer. Mixed or truckload. Send price and availability to FAX #901-682-8501, or mail to: Lumber Source, 4746 Spottswood, Memphis, Tn. 381 17. Phone (800) 874-1953.

fanuary

Southern Pine On Line

. Selling SP for Trusses

Doors & Windows

. Treated Producs

SPECIALTY BROKER: Expanding Southern Oregon lumber wholesale company has immediate opening for an independent specialty wood products commission broker with strong clientele base. Superior financial split; professional office support; private office provided. Renowned fishing/skiing/hunting/golf area. Neeley-Nelson Lumber Co. Phone (503) 7737368 or (800) 547-5988.

. Material Handting, Storage & Delivery

Millwork & Moulding

. Douglas Fir

. Remanufacturinq

ldaho Timber Corporation

Aggressive sales and marketing company has openings for qualified sales representatives for our fast growing manufacturing & distribution facilities.

Openings available in our Boise,Id., Fort Worth, Tx., and Lake City, Fl., locations.

Experience in wholesale lumber distribution a plus.

Must be creative, persistent and able to capture new markets as well as maintain existing customer base.

Excellent benefit package. Pay commensurate with experience.

Send resume to:

Jack Davis

GeneralMgr.

P.O. Box 67

Boise, lD 83707

FAX (208) 378-9449

J.P. Bullara

Sales Mgr. 900 W. Risinger Rd. Fort Worth, TX 76140 IDAHO

CORPORATION

FAX(817) 293.5031

R. Yazdanpour

Sales Mgr.

Rt.7 Box 174 B

Lake City, FL 32055

FAX (904) 755-5914

ARKANSAS Anthony Forest Prcducls Co. .........................(Wl 21-2PG

B€an Lumber Co., Curt .......(8m) 232-2326 (800) 482-2352

Hixson Lumber Sales (Magndia)...................(501) 23+7820

Hixson Lumber Sales (Pine Bluff) ..................(501) 5311436

Hixon Lumber Sales (PlumoMllo)................(501) 391-1503

King & Co.............................(800) 6439530 (501) 75+6090

Weyerhaeuser Co. . ........(800) 6491515

White River Hardw0ods..................................(800) 558-01 1 9

FLORIDA

Bonlel Fastener C0rp...........(800) 241 {790 (81 3) 544-6667

Erown Mouldng Co. ............(800) 756-0399 lnTl 323-2cf,2

Brungart Equip.nent .......(813) 62&6700

Building Products of America .........................(800) 962-151 I

CsD{omputer System Dynamics.................(404 788-1003

Dataline Corp.......... .......(800) 72$3676

Dixi6 Pvwood Co. (Fon Lauderdale) .............(O5) 583{551

Dkie Plywood Co. (Tampa).............................81 3) 248-4107

Flodda Perma-Wood Treaters........................(800) 2334992

Hardio Building Producls, Jarnes...................(800) 942-734i1

Scientilic Plastics Inc...........(305) 557-3737 (800) 683-0099

Soulheastem Metals ......(800) 737-797

Southem Pin€ Inspeclion Bureau...................(904) 43+261 1

Southem Wire Cloh Co.......(8cn) 345€589 (305) 68&2572

Hmve. Trealed Wood &p-9663 86G1414

Melton Chssics Inc.. .....(800) 96$3060

osrnose................... ......(Z,0) 28-8431

Pacific Lurnber C0... ......(7/0) 99$8CP

Randall 8rohers...... ......(800) 47S1539

Sunbelt Malerial Handing....(8c0) 353692 [n0) 587-5Ct3

Thomas LurT$of Co. ............(800) 845-78n (Wl n2{f/,2

Thompson Lurnbsr Co., Inc., H.V. & T.G. ......(912) 58$2236

universal FoBst Products..............................(912) $t8066

Weyefi aeussr Co................(800) 282-370 (1{X} 35t5971

Wrenn Hardtng....... ......(r/0)S7-7666

KENTUCKY

Brown Morldng Co. ............(800) 756S99 (502) SC4578

Kentucky Cedar Prodrrcls, Inc..............--.-.(Wl 8712718

Woyeftaeuser Co................(800) 752-6fiP (502) S&gnl

LOUISIANA

Manin Lurter Co., Roy O...(8m) Z€95171 (318) 11t1973

REAL Software $Bte{rE................................(800) r/7{391

Soulhem Forest Prcdrcb Associatidr...........(501) 113-116..|

seen the You've heard the stories... Now

The Complete New Book on the FACTS, FANTASIES and FALUCIES ot ttrc

iJq*g tS$""*

Sc!0|em Lu$srCo...........{fl}1) C{x)l9

TrinJdsi................

Cheiticd Spedali5 lnc.................... enmuer FEsoc-P6. til-:-:::::::::-:-:.:::.: OKUTHOTA

Ce<bt Oaek ltltdesale

Ce&r Cn* ll,tdesale.

Ro(nGa Pdler

The Book Every Lumberman, Farmer, Rancher, Property Owner and Taxpayer Should Have

Comprehensive facts from 150+ sources

. Read reaFlife horror stories

. Learn how'Endangered' Species have affected the lives of ttrousands Chuckle at the illustrations and light-hearted'recipes' such as

Texas Blind Salamander Shish Kebabs

Roast Red+ockaded Woodpecker

Chinese Smoked Spotted Owl

Stuffed Kanab Amersnails

SEND ONE TO YOUR CONGRESSMAN

Mail check or money order to:

Box 2910 Santa Rosa. CA 95405

Wsyert|aa.Eor Co. ..............(8ml il2€058

ttlson Lmber Co., bc

TEXAS

Camem & Co., lvnr (Fo.t Wstt) ...-

Carne.m & Co., Wfn (l{arftgst}..-...

Carson & Co., l\rnr. (tlor$o.r).........

Camrm & Co., Wm. fuftocld...--.

Carrpm & Co., Vrtr (odossa).......-.

Camm & Co..l{n (San Anodo).-

CarErUl & Co., h,rtt (San Arfi*rl.-

Canem & Co., t|/in tlylq)..............

CSD{crgrugsn

thlas Whdesa|o......................

Dean Lrrr$or Co.

oixh Ptymod Co. (Dalas)

Dilio Ptyd Co. (I.|djstm}........................

Oixh ftid Co. (Sil ftfiio).*..-..-...-

Easlsr Fo.€sl Prodrds.......lml $S3176

Gerdri S]6toms So{traro ................-.........

Guftio Untor Salss, lm. .(8,m1 m€526

Hou$m lYbdrsc'r hc,..-...(8m) 3e-1612

fhdr€s Wod ProdJcts tt{h€sWod Prodrcb

.ra&sar a Langto.d m*sal turtii......

Joflbn Redmod (Ddasl....(21{) 357-7ts17

Jo.dan Rednood (llo.rsb.r) ftl3) 2*555

LodJa|&Pacjfic Cdp

Ltn$d Tag Sr(iltios Co.(8m) 7t0$f

lla*hg & Mlnt hc....(8o) 123.CI68

Rqnds & Pqte(.....

Siryeon SUongTn.

Spyde( |lE..............

Steran t Swensm l|abrbl tbnfrg......

S|.perir Shalc ol Teras, IrE-........-.---.

IilIyr| & Smq R.H

U|ivolsal Focsl Prodxb

tii[ty C0.rpo6fes (Ra& ]€ls)......-

Wstshaeusor Co. (Canilar).-.....- wEqhaeusor (Canilq|).-.....-

Woyofiao|Eor Co. (E Paso}........-... Wood Proloclion Co

Tetaite-llad Fors Pmdrds cdp. vrRGtiltA

tloHm &rt&ls AflEican

Deding

"The Politically In-Correct Cookbook" by Karl W. Drexel

EAX to 714-852-0231

or call (714) 852-1990 or mail to Building Producs Digest, 4500 Campus Dr., Suite 480, Newport Beach, Ca.92660

Building Products Digest - December 1995

For more information on products or companies (see list at right), circle the appropriate Reader Service FAX Response number(s):

For more information from advertisers, use FAX Response nwnbers h braclr;&,.

Itrstitute lf 8l..----*--..61

Bean Lunber Co., Curt tf06l.*5 26

Bowie Sirns hange [f|I7l -.-.-.-*5

Building Products Digest ------*4f

Building Products of America [ll2l-47

Cal Statc Forest hoducts---.. ..-.30

Coming Issues

Contact Internetiond ----*----34

Crumpler Plastic Hpe, Inc. [1f9]-Jl

Dallas Wholesde [f f 6l -.*.----49

Ihan Lumbcr Co. [05]-------4

Dimensions, Inc. If Zl...-..-..-Cover fV

Distribution Menagemcnt Systems, Inc. FMI

Dyke Industries [115] --.---49

Haase Indusbies (Megnetic hrsh Broom) [Utl ----.---.-.-51

Hickson Corp....-..-.-- ...-......-..tt

Holston Builders Supply [ff5] --..-49

IIoo-Hoo Interoationel *-**-35

Iloover Treated Wood hoducts Uf0l17

Ilouston Woodtech [f f fl.-..*-.--lt

Idaho Timber Corp. -*.-.-----59

Jordan Redwmd Lumber Co. Lee Roy [1031.-.* Cover II

King & Co (Thermollle) [117l-*-5)

Lafayette \tood-lYorts [f f5l..-49

News or Comments? We welcome your ideas about particular articles, the magazine, or news of your company (promotions, new hires,

acquisitions, etc.):

IJB Lumber Sdes FlDl..-7

Market Rcsource Associatcs tf f 4l *4E

Mass Systems Co., IDc. lf f5J..---4E

Mellco [f 02] .--..----.Cover II

Merc-hsnt Magazine Tbe.-*------3t

Millwork Sales [115]--..-.--49

Ornamental Mouldings [f f6].....-*49

Osmose [10U ..-.-**.*--C,over I

Product Sales Co.--.-.-42

Randall Brothers [1 15].-**.*49

REAL Applications F2U*.*-.-5t

Seconds In Building Metcrids ----J9

Simpson Strong-fie [f(}tl *-----*7

Spyder-.-..-- *32

Sunbeft Material Eandling **---JA

Surs.Wood Forest Products [l2l--47

Swen Seore [1211]

Whitney-Ilill [122]

NBw YBan's AD oNLY $60 D.*:'

ffse this low cost opportunity to deliver New Year's greetings to customers, friends and suppliers. Your business card will appear in a Special Section in our January issue, exposing your message at an extra tow price. Cards will be reduced slightly, to 2-3 / 8" x 1 -3 / 8"

Celebrate the New Year by communicating with the trade. And at a price that can't be beat!

SUPPORT

Support is an area where Dimensions excels! With the highest ratio of support people to customers in the industry Dimensions is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! IBM on-site support is always included and is the most cost effective on the market.

TRAINING

We want to see you get the most out of your Dimensions system and the best way to do that is through training. We provide local advanced training classes throughout the United States, classroom training monthly and a national Users' Conference every year.

Nancy Zimmerman SUPPORT MANAGER

. Member of a familyowned lumber business System Manager of a lumber yard

. Dimensions' employee for 9 years

Bruce Hiller TRAINING MANAGER

. Lumber yard Controller for l7 years

. Dimensions'employee for 5 years

. MBA