Colorado Lumberman has a better idea, too

Every lumberman has always known that quaking aspen, a ttweed" tree, is not good for much except fall scenery, pallets, and maybe chips-it warps too much. Every lumberman, that is, except James F. MacDonald, who had a better idea.

As a result of that idea, MacDonald founded the Great Scot Timber and Logging Co., with a mill at Bayfield, Colorado. This mill, in the heart of the aspenrich San Juan countryr, produces prefinished Aspen paneling.

From idea to mill was a long way. Because no one had taken the time to determine the potential of the aspen, there were no established metJrods for convertins it into a valuable product. With the heli of the U.S. Forest Service. which owns most of the timber, and the Colorado State University Forestry Dept., plus lots of trial and error, the idea began to take shape. Market surveys were made to determine dimensions, colors, packaging requirements, and marketing methods: Mill tests were performed to determine milling characteristics, and the degree of drying necessary. A financial projection was made.

"We learned a lot about aspen," said MacDonald, Colorado's only member of the \ational Hardwood LumLer Association.

Youthful Monogement Teom

Probably tle youngest management team in the lumber industry was appointed recently to top executiv" op"ruiitn. at the Diamond National Re-manufactured Wood Products Division, Chico, California.

Stepping up from sales manager to general manager is Bernie Sloop, 28. Sloop has been with the company two years and came into the firm from retailing. New sales manager is James Hawkins, formerly assistant s.m., 26, and with the company less than a year. His assistant is Eail Moore, 26, a two and a half year ttveteran,' with the company. Moore came from Massachusetts Lumber Company of San Diego, California.

"We found that aspen will not splinter, This led us to the knowledge that roughsawn aspen can be used on walls which are partially covered by drapes, and for door jambs and mouldings, which give a continuity of decor. Other roughsawn products invariably ruin drapes and ladies, hose when used in this manner."

"We also found that the financial projection was absolutely necessary. We hit -the