GffiI6

Northeast

Authorized O Distribuiors

George McQuesten Co.

Iron Horse Park

North Billerica, MA 01862

(508) 663343s

Mid-State Lumber Co.

200 lndustrial Parkway Branchburg, NJ 08876 (nD7254W

SOUTHEAST

Earl Raiford Lumber Co.

P.O. Box5498

Asheville, NC 28813 (704)25}s6r7

Epperson Lumber Sales, Inc.

P.O. Box 1559 Statesville, NC2flf.n (7M)87v32L

Furman Lumber Co.

8960 Henkels Ln.

Annapolis function, MD 2070L (n\792-22v

LAKE STAIES

Boehm-Madieen

N15 W22100 Jericho Dr. Waukesha, \M 53185 (414)sffi

Dekoit Forest Products

12707 Eck]es Rd.

Plymouth Township, MI 48170 (313) 459-s808

Empire Wholesale

P.O. Box 249 Akron, OH 44309 (216)4W54s

Forest Products Group, Inc.

P.O. Box 310 Piqua, OH 45356 $B)n8-0272

UPPERMID-WEST

Canton Lumber Co.

P.O. Box 9328

Minneapolis, MN 55440-9328

(612) 425-1,M

WEST

All4oast Forest Products, Inc.

P.O. Box M

Chino, CA 91708

(71.4\ 6n-85s1.

All{oast Forest hoducts, Inc.

P.O. Box 9

Cloverdale, CA 95425-0009

Qgn89U28r

Colorado Foregt Industries

P.O. Box 16t144

Denver. CO 80216

(303) 28&2600

How is the Denver. Co.. economy doing?

Better, according to Alan Herring, Denver general manger, Lone Star Plywood and Door Corp. "The overall economy is picking up. Housing starts in 1989 were running approximately 200/o lower than in 1988, but our market share is increasing steadily."

"We've redirected our attention to greater service, better quality, and a more aggressive sales program," explains Herring. "l have to credit our overall team effort for the success. We share a common goal: take care of customers, increase business and market share. Our service is good, our quality is good, and our prices are competitive."

"We like to be associated with quality manufacturers and suppliers. That's one of the reasons we became a Simpson door supplier last year," he continued. "The other two Lone Star branches in Dallas and Houston stock them and we wanted to come on board. Simpson, the only stile and rail entry door we stock, is our major supplier. They have been selling well and we are constantly adding new patterns and designs."

The Denver Lone Star branch was established eight years ago as a onestep distributor selling direct to builders. It buys direct from the manufacturers on all items stocked. Servicing the Denver metro market as well as some outlying areas, they distribute pre-hung exterior and interior door units, mouldings, lumber, plywood and stair parts.

Much of the door program success can be attributed to four factors: pre-hanging services, high quality, diversified millwork products, an aggressive and informed sales force, and a 1500 square foot showroom and 55,000 square foot warehouse. Lone Star also maintains a fleet of l0 radio dispatched delivery trucks.

"When customers come to Lone Star, they see that we are in the millwork business. Our new showroom is second to none in Denver, and the amount of inventory we stock in all items is representative of the commitment we have here," Herring says, "We want to display our entry doors in a way people can come in and pick out their choice. We have 20 working displays showing transom, sidelight and door combinations. Our showroom has been received very well. The only problem is that people want the unit they are looking at. Of course, we sell it to them. But then, we're always having to fill it back up again!"

Alaska Remodeling Up

Home improvement is helping to bring home centers in Alaska out of their slump, although new home construction remains sluggish.

Despite virtually no new construction and a glut of repossessed homes on the market, dealers are reporting increased sales for remodeling and home additions. Angie Kruckenberg, part-owner of OK Lumber, [:airbanks, thinks the increase in remodeling is a positive economic trend.

"l don't think we'll see another boom like we did during the pipeline," she said. "lt's going to get slowly better, but slow growth is a lot healthier than a boom, because it forces community and business leaders to be more in tune with the needs of the community."

Kruckenberg, who has been involved in the Fairbanks lumber and hardware business for over l7 years, discussed OK Lumber's recent move to a more visible and accessible site nearer the center of town. The move has tripled walk-in traffic for the store. "We moved from a 3,000 sq. ft. store to almost a 23,000 sq. ft. store," she said. "We had better warehouse space at our old location, but this new store is more convenient and has a much better atmosphere."

Richard Cook of Ace Plywood agrees that the remodeling is a boost for the industry. "lt was a fabulous summer. Right up there with the boom days," he commented. "Very little of it came from new construction. Most of it was individuals remodeling or adding to their homes."

Although the oil spill money helped the economy, Cook believes it had little effect on the sale of building products. "Most of that money went to pay offold debts. Those people will be remodeling next year," he commented.

Equipment rental stores also are profiting. They report increased rentals of power tools. Mike Shields, owner of Shields Rental, sees the remodeling trend continuing as long as there is a glut of repossessed homes on the market. "Many of those homes are in various states of disrepair," he said, "with a lot of them run into the ground."

The increase in remodeling is helping all building related businesses and is welcome since many of these companies experienced severe cutbacks during the past few years.

Environmental & Economic Glimate Closes Mills

Mounting logging restrictions and recent bad weather are teaming to either temporarily or permanently close a number of mills in the Pacific Northwest.

"We just can't buy enough timber," says Barney Olberg, president of Taylor Lumber & Treating Inc., Beaverton, Or., which has sharply curtailed prodqction at its Forest Grove. Or.. and Sheridan. Or.. mills. "And the snow just caps it off. With four to five feet of snow, there's no deck space for the timbers."

Taylor cut the second shift in Sheridan and was operating one shift three days a week in Forest Grove, expecting to be out of logs by early March, Olberg said. Taylor will use the down time to install a new edger at Forest Grove.

Hampton Lumber Sales' sawmills in Willamina. Or.. and Fort Hill. Or..

are also temporarily down due to a snowstorm, said John Hampton. Hampton's veneer plant in Willamina was closed last year due to the wood shortage, and the company is looking for a buyer for the facility and its modern computerized equipment.

Hampton is also searching for a new occupant at its Willamina plywood plant, which had been used by Conifer Plywood until it recently broke its lease and terminated all employees, said Hampton.

Roseburg Forest Products, Roseburg, Or., will close its Red Bluff, Ca., sawmill complex in mid-April. "We're concerned about the timber supply," said Mike Wildey, acting controller. "There are regulatory issues coming up to further restrict logging in California. And it's also economicsl it's an old mill and it's no longer efficient to operate."

Similarly, Weyerhaeuser Co. will close its larger timber Mill A in Cottage Grove, Or., in the spring. "lt's outmoded," said unit manager Don Lenhart. "lt can no longer economically convert our available raw materials at a profit."

Weyerhaeuser's smaller log Mill B in Cottage Grove continues production without interruption.

Diamond Reopening Mills

Diamond Wood Products, Eugene, Or., has purchased at auction the closed Erickson Hardwood Co. mill in Garibaldi, Or., and plans to resume operations by May l.

The company is also discussing reopening the former Al Pierce Co. small log mill in Coos Bay, Or., although "it would be down the road," reports director of operations Rod Buck.

KlIGllEll Design Centers now at all Home0lub locations feature design and installation experts, in-store displays and a state-of-the-art computer which generates 3-D kitchen plans personalized for each customer's requirements.

HomeClub Design Genters

Emphasizing personalized customer service, HomeClub has introduced Kitchen Design Centers in all of its 58 locations.

Staffed with skilled professionals, the centers utilize a state-of-the-art computer system to assist customers, free of charge, with kitchen creation and renovation. Working from a basic diagram and measurements of a kitchen, the computer allows customers to preview their design by experimenting with a variety of options and layouts.

Do-it-yourselfers bring in a rough sketch and measurements of their existing kitchen - including wall, window and appliance placements. The information is entered into the computer, which creates both a two dimensional and three dimensional representation of the room. The 3-D "picture" can be manipulated to show different perspectives and elevations, such as what the room will look like through each door and window. For renovation projects, preexisting appliances and other features can be incorporated.

With assistance and suggestions from the staff. customers can com- pletely customize their kitchens by selecting their favorite designs, including a range of cabinet styles, countertops, flooring, hardware, accessories, wood stains, appliance styles, lighting fixtures, pantries and shelves.

Once finalized, kitchen plans are printed out for the customer and are filed by the computer for future reference. Overall cost estimates are also provided.

Also on hand are installation experts and in-store kitchen displays with photographs and product samples.

New Aerosol Product Codes

New fire safety code regulations governing aerosol products being drafted by the National Fire Protection Association will be voted on by members in May.

The rules will not affect level I products (nonflammable materials mixed in a nonflammable base), but will restrict level 2 (alcohol based) and level 3 (petroleum based) products. Technically applying only to new or renovated buildings in cities and states that incorporate the rules into their fire laws, the impact of the code is uncertain.

Many dealers carrying level 2 and 3 products which include paint, insecticides and herbicides say they will stop selling them.

Distributors On Guard

Despite 1989 fourth quarter increases in net sales and income over a year earlier, the nation's wholesale distribution industry views 1990 with caution, says a National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors' survey.

The confidence survey index, initiated in the fourth quarter of 1989 at a level of 100, declined to 98.3 for 1990's first quarter.

"The fourth quarter results and current quarter expectations reflect growing concern about a slowdown in the U.S. economy," says NAW president Dirk Van Dongen. "Although the participants believe first quarter 1990 sales and orders witl be higher than in the first quarter 1989, the rate of sales increase slowing."

Survey respondents were asked to supply 1989 fourth quarter data and frrst quarter 1990 estimates for eight measures of company activity: net sales, gross margin percent, net income, inventory, employment, capital spending, incoming orders and days sales outstanding.

Intensifying competition was often

Gorner more drywall sales and profits.

o Quick and easy to apply.

o Provides flexibility of tape with strenqth of steei reinforcemeit.

. Tape affords excellent adhesion of joint compound and paint.

o Cuts with heavy duty scissors.

o Do-it-yourself appeal.

o Step-by-step instructions included.

cited for the wariness. "Our sales continue to increase but our profit is not what it should be due to extreme competitive pressures," says Don Stanaway, president, A&I Distributors, Billings, Mt. "We're lean and mean and we've cut everywhere we can,tt

Spotted Owl Debate ln Phoenix

Opposing viewpoints on critical lumber topics such as wilderness areas, old growth timber harvests and spotted owl habitats were set to be highlighted at this month's meeting of the Phoenix Hoo-Hoo Club.

In a letter distributed prior to the meeting, club president Richard J. Bilby warned industry members that "how these problems are solved could have an impact on timber supply and how your business is conducted in the short term future."

Dennis Hayward, executive vice president of the Northwest Timber Association, and a representative from an environmentalist group were scheduled to speak at the March l3 "Spotted Owl Dinner."

Distributors New Directory

The 1990 National Building Material Distributors Association membership and product directory is now available.

Names, locations, key contacts, fax numbers and products handled are listed for each of the over 500 distributor, manufacturer and allied members. NBMDA member services information also is included. Non-members can obtain a copy for $710, the same price as an associate membership.

Treaters Aim To lmprove

Sirrcc thc rcsults ol'thc lirLrrth lrr-rr-nral C'onsrtntcr,\ulrrct'tcss [)rogranr (( \l') iiudit lrrc irlcntical to its prcdccessors'. thc ,.\nrerican Wood I)rcscrrcrs Institute irnrl the Socicty' ot' \ ntcrican \\ ood I)rcsclu ers plan to nrc-ct this ltt()lrth \\ith the Fnvironnrcntul [)rotcction .\genr'r lo rliseLlss lrllerttrrtire: to the unnuul S100.(X)() auclit.

"( an'l rie spe nrl it On sor.ttcthing othcr thun tlking thc patient's tcnrperilturc ilgain'?'' asks ,\\\ [)l's John lllll.

[:leh vcarlr' sLlf\cv sincc tlrc

Earth Day Action Encouraged

All companies in the fbrest proclucts busincss inclucling wholcsalcrs lnd retailers are being urged by the ,'\merican Forest ( ouncil to titke part in I:arth Da1 activities.\pril 22 ( clchrrrting it\ ,)lllh rrnnirt'r:.rrr. Earth I)av will attract natiorrwitic attenlion end otler thc lbrest proclttcts

CAP Standards

( \l) bcglin in lt)fi5 has shorrn ir 7()I riite ol ptirticipution iilnolrg rctuilcrs in clrsplul ing ( rittsLttttcr Inlirrnralion Shccts ilt trcltcd rioocl's point ol purchrisc.

"Sonrc l)L-()plc think thirt i1 \'oLl can gct i0 ol'thc lctrrile rs l,' ,lo lrttrthilt!:. \()[t rr'ir gL'ttiLts." :rt1s Illll. "lhe l:Pr\ *oLrlcl like thc tigLrre inrprovctl. So wc'll nrc.t to scr-- il it's f casiblc 1o sLrspcnd thc irLrclit until l99l lncl rlcl'er lilrcls to adr'crtising. lircr-rs groups. tlrscussions luncl othcr nrcans ol crlLrcation."

Preservers Go To Capitol Hill

Thc tinrbc'r sr-rpplv itncl huzltrclorts wastc listings/lL( R \ rcaLlthofi/ltiolt will bc aclclrcsscrl lt thc fburth rrnnual \\'oocl I'rescrving Industn l.cgis[itir c ( onf'ercnec \lurch 26-21] in \\'lrshington. l).(.

Spons<lrs ine lLrtlc thc \ rncrican \\'oocl I)rcscrvcrs InstilLrlc. Socict\ ol \rlcricun \\'oocl l)t'cscrrcrs. .\nrcritlrn [:orcst I{csourcc \lliancc. ,\nrcricrrn I)lrrioorl \ssoeirrlion. \litionlrl l;orcst I)r'otlucts \ssociution. \ltionul LLurbcr & IlLrilcling \lutcritrl I)clrlu-rs \ssoe iatiorr. SoLrtheustcrn I- irrlbcr \Irin Lif lretr-r rcrs \ssoci;.rtion. Sor-rthcr.n Iorcst I)r'orlucts \::ociation. SoLrlhcrn I)rcssurc'frcuta r'\ \ ssoeirr t i on. \\'cs tcrn \\'oocl I)r'riclLrcts \ssociution rrntl \\'cstcrn \\'oocl I)rcscrr crs I nstitLrtc.

indLlstrt an ol)portuniti' to tcll thc goocl nerls abor-rt,'\ntcricu's loresls rrnd thcir rccord in land stcriarclship ancl conservattot-t.

Inf'ornration kits arc lrailriblc tl'onr thc .\nrcrican l:orcst ('or.rr.rcil. 1250 ('onnccticLrt '\\'c. N\\'. SLtitc -120. \\rishington. l).(. 1000b

Fishman Resigns From Show

Bill l;ishrran" rr eolumnist tirr this nragazinc irnd (lifcctor ol profcssionlrl progranrs antl speciul cvcnts lbr thc- Nationril IIonre C'entcr Show sincc its inccption in l9r(r. riill resign lrlicr thc ciosc ol-Lhc i t)90 slrolr.

It's Done With Mirrors

A miniature door display which doubles as an order desk to assist consumers in ordering sliding and bi-fold mirrored doors is new from Hoyne Mirror.