Merchant Magazine - May 1990

hether big or small, complex or simple, the first thing you see when you pull in the driveway is the outside of the house.

Skookum's Knotty Western Red Cedar Siding projects the handsome, durable image you desire. Warm, earthy, rich... must be expensive. Not so! Comparisons show it to be only slightly more per house than panel and artificial sidings and considerably less than clear cedar of the same size. Natural wood siding also increases the resale value of the house over that of lesser products.

Skookum's use of young growth logs and unique processing methods are the ingredients necessary to achieve the appearance and perfotmance desired.

Let one of Skookum's many siding patterns bring out the best in your home!

Ask your distributor about Skookum Sidings or phone us for information about the nearest source of supply.

Editor-Publisher David Cutler

Senior Editor Juanita Lovret

Associrte Editor David Koenig

Contributing Edltors Dwight Curran, Gage McKinney, Ken Thim, Wally Lynch

Art Director Martha Emery

Staff Artist Ginger Johnson

Circulation Lynnette A. Perkins

The Nlerchant Magazine (USPS 79656000) is published monrhly ar 45ffi Campus Dr,. SUite 480, Nervport Beach, Ca. 92660, phone (714) 852-1990. by The Merchant Magazine, Inc. Second-class postage rates paid at Newport Beach, Ca., and additional offices, POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Merchant Magazine, 4500 Campus Dr, Suite 480, Newport Beach, Ca. 92660,

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From all states east of the Rocky Mountains: Contact Jim Hein, national saies manacer.

From Arizona, Nevada and California: Coniact David Curler. Borh may be reached at (714) 852-1990 or by writing 4500 Campus Dr.. Suite 480. Newpon Beach, Ca. 92660.'

From Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Colorado, Northern California and Canada: Contact Carole Holm at (206) '174-3773 or 21819 77th Place West. Edmonds. Wa. 98020.

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The Merchant Magazine is an independently owned publication for the retail, wholesale and distribution levels ofthe lumber and home center markets in 13 western states.

lf time's running out and you still don't have your order, maybe you should have called All-Coast.

We guarantee fast service to all of California and to Arizona, Nevada and Oregon. When you get a delivery date, count on us to make it' We follow through on orders.

Our specialty is timbers - No. 1 and better. Milled to your specifications they're ready for next day delivery. Glulam beams (up to 60' long) are always here when you need them.

Think of All-Coast for all your lumber supplies. With two huge yard inventories in Cloverdale and Chino, plus direct mill shipments, we can get what you want when You need it.

lf the supplier you use keeps you hanging, don't panic. Just make a call to All-Coast and help will be on the way.

13880 Monte Vista Ave., P0. Box M, Chino, CA 91708 (714) 627-8551 FAX 628-6154

P0. Box 903, Grass Valley, CA 95945 (916) 273-2233

End of Railroad Ave., P0. Box 9, Cloverdale, CA 95425 (707\ 894- 4281 FAX 894-3916

DAVID CUTLER editor- publ isher

What do you mean you don't have any?

HE buying of products is generally a pretty I straight forward transaction. Buyer and seller agree on price and quantity and the product is delivered. But amazingly, this may be changing in the forest products industry.

Should certain of the demands of the socalled environmentalists be realized we may indeed see a time when you can't buy what you want. Or if you can, it won't be in an adequate supply or priced affordably. To hear some tell it, that day may be closer than we think.

Can supply from America's vast and bountiful forests really be that threatened? As an example, take Oregon, the biggest timber producing state in the country. Should bans on logging in the National Forests in that state be passed, from 30% to 500/o of the supply for its mills would be permanently lost. In 1988 560/o of the supply for Oregon mills came from federal

timber. With inevitable millclosures, it doesn't take a marketing expert to see a serious crimp in the flow of products to market. Fewer mills, producing smaller quantities of fewer products, make it seem plausible that outright forest products shortages could occur.

While the details vary in different parts of the country, no area is immune to preservationist threats to lessen or eliminate all cutting of federal timber. In some areas they seek to prohibit property owners from harvesting timber on their own lands.

It's not clear at this juncture whether potential losses of logs can be made up elsewhere, should severe restrictions be placed on cutting trees in the National Forests.

One thing is certain: the possibility of forest products shortages is all too real.

THE TREATED ANSWER

Lumber, plywood, round stock stokes, poles, & pilings

Agency stomped, ground contoct

fire retordont pressure-treoted wood products

ll vott'rt'sfrcnrling too tttuclt tirtrr'i)tt Pitrsic,rl cLrttttts of iltvettt()r)' tnstt',r11 tlf rtttttriltg \'()trr rft,lil L.tltittt':s, cotlsitlt'r Iit',rl\\trrld l)oint of Salt' I'lttt ". llt'allVorltl I'rrirrt-ol S.rlt' I'lrrs, lt',ttrrrirtg Sr trchrottits I'oirtI oi Sa lt",., e.rrr ht'11. \'()rlr [rLrsirrr'\\ stJ\ ott t()f ()f p()int O1 s.t]t', ,lccotrtltitlg arrrl vit,rl irrvt'rrtort inl()r'nr.rti()lr. \irtt c,ut krtrrir .tt,t *laltr'('\\'h('lt rrrt,rclr.rntlist'ir nrnrting lon, rr h,rt ite nrs ,trt' :t'llirtg n cll atrtl tltost' * th.tt.rrt' n()t. \\'ith.rrrlonr,rtcd point trf >alt'ltrnctjons lirrkcti tLr itt-

__ \'(,nt()r\', \'()u carr rt'tlrrtc tlrt'tinrt'\frr'r)l ()lr (r)tlnting \'()Lrr illVL'llt()rV dllLl concentrate on nraking profits!

L--\-:.altn

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-'R{ :r-rt,;';:: airc.rtl' t.r"li,rr rr'ith ,r tr,rrliti.^.rl ..rsh rfgistcr. ('ashit,rs crn better service customers br rapiill proccssine s.tlcs tralrsacti()ns, vieu,irrg cust()nl('r accoulrts at thc rcgister, ancl knon ttrg r'\ilctl\' \\'lt.tt items .rre rn stock.

This procluct cLrr-nbir.tr's Iroint of S.rlt', Invcrrtorr' \1atr.tgenrent, Accolrrrts Rtct'ir'.tb1c,..\cctrunt-s I'avable, I'avroll, (,rrrcr.rl l_ctlgcr.rntl C'lieck Ilcconciliation. Ilt'.r 1\\'orld I'oint oi Sale I'lus prrovitle s .r total solution f()r \'()ur rt't,ril ,tct olrntrrrg ,rtrrl bttsitrcss rtcctls.

Ci a l l tod ay for nrorr' in1()nt1,tti()rt ()lt it()\\' Iic,r l \\orltl I)oin t-of-Sa lt' Itlrrs c.rn lrelP 11111 tr,rtk anrl (()ntrr)l irrrt'ntorr'.rntl achievc financi.rl success. |Lrr thi'rr,rnrt'ol a rlt',rlt'r'nr'.rr \'()Ll, call 800-678-6336or' (,()l 22-l ll()().

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NORTHEAST

George McQuesten Co.

Iron Horse Park

North Billerica, MA 01862

(s08) 663-3435

Mid-State Lumber Co.

200 Industrial Parkway

Branchburg, NJ 08876

(201)725-4%0

SOUTHEAST

Earl Raiford Lumber Co.

P.O. Box 5498

Asheville, NC 28813

(704) 253-5ffi7

Epperson Lumber Sales, Inc.

P.O. Box 1559

Statesville, NC28677

(7M)873-4321

Furman Lumber Co.

8960 Henkels Ln.

Annapolis function, MD 20707 (n\7e2-22U

LAKE STATES

Boehm-Madisen

N16 W22100 Jericho Dr.

Waukesha, WI 53186

(474) 54/'4660

Detroit Forest Products

12707 Eckles Rd.

Plymouth Township, MI 48170

(313) 459-s808

Empire Wholesale

P.O. Box 249

Akron, OH t14309

(216) 4U-4s45

Forest Products Group, Inc.

P.O. Box 310

Piqua, OH 45355

F7qn8-0272

UPPER MID-WEST

Canton Lumber Co.

P.O. Box 9328

Minneapolis, MN 55440-9328

(612) 4:25-1.400

WEST

All{oast Forest Products, Inc.

PO. Box M

Chino, CA 91708

(71,4) 627-8551

All{oast Forest Products, Inc.

PO. Box 9

Cloverdale, CA 95425-0009

(707) 894-4287

Colorado Forest Industries

P.O.Box16444

Denver, CO 80216

(303) 288-2600

The ABG's of the electronic world

AIM Automaticldentification Manufacturers

ANSI American National Standards Institute

Computer Aided Design

Charge-Coupled Device

Distribution Center

Data Interchange Standards Association

Electronic Data I nterchange

Electronic Funds Transfer Association

Gross Margin

Gross Margin Return on Investment

Industry Bar Code Alliance

Independent Cash Register Dealers Association

In-store Processor

Just-in-Time

Letter Of Intent

Material Handling Institute

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition

Management Information Systems

National Retail Merchants Association

Optical Character Recognition

Personal Computer

Price Look-Up

Point-of-Sale

Quick Response

Radio Frequency

Radio Frequency Data

Communication

Retail Information Systems

Conference

Shipping Container Marking

Stock Keeping Unit

Electronic Data Interchanse Association

Uniform Code Council

Uniform Communications Standard

Universal Product Code

Voluntary Interindustry Communications Standards Com m ittee

Warehouse Information Network Standard

Story at a Glance

Acronyms you'll need to know as you imple ment bar coding and electronic data interchange. organizations and technological terms of electronic merchandising.

Automation turns dreams into sales

f HANKS to computer aided de- I sign, retailers are now able to transform a customer's back-of-anenvelope sketch into workable plans complete with a materials list and cost or show him how his house will look painted with his color choices.

Kitchens, baths, decks, garages and storage units are among the projects that can be designed using interactive computer systems. Salesmen trained to operate the programs are able to input each customer's unique information to produce a custom design in three dimensional form on a video screen. Similar but less complicated than the computer aided design (CAD) equipment used by engineers and architects, many of the software packages operate on

Story at a Glance

How interactive computer systems are revolutionizing project selling... ability to turn customer's ideas into plans and materials lists cuts selling time, increases profits... visualization is a powerful sales tool.

personal computers.

A number of companies are producing programs and providing software, hardware and training. Using measurements and a rough room sketch provided by the customer, a salesperson after training can readily create a custom kitchen or bath design with a two or three dimensional representation of the room. Customers are able to specify cabinet styles, countertop material, flooring, hardware, appliances and other details. Once the design is finalized to the customer's liking, a detailed plan is printed out along with a materials list and cost estimates.

Decks can be designed using a special deck software package. Depending on the package, a salesman with proper training can easily customize the size and shape of the deck to suit his customer's site and needs. When the graphics on the screen are what the customer wants, a hard copy of the drawing and materials list with costs can be printed. Most programs allow the deck to be viewed from a variety of angles.

Using the capability of such software programs, a store can create a kitchen, bath or deck design center.

Using this computer generated information, the store can complete the

sale and provide installation service if needed.

Computers which can match any color swatch brought in by a customer with a paint formula are becoming standard in many stores. "Just insert the piece you want to match and the computer spits out the right formula," is the way a manager at a Home Depot location describes the process.

Starting with this type of equipment, HomeClub Inc. created a computerized custom paint center in each of its 60 stores by adding a room color visualizer. This innovation allows the do-it-yourself decorator to review color combinations and color layouts on screen.

The program offers a wide range of home styles as well as a selection of rooms which can be shown with different color combinations. Contrasting, complementary and accent color options based on pre-selected designer color schemes also can be offered.

Already in wide use in Canada, color imaging technology is being introduced in this country by many of the large paint manufacturers. The technology is expected to continue to evolve into wider use. Costs begin in the $5000 range and go up with added options.

Smaller stores can achieve a similar result using a color imaging mail service. These services use a photo provided by the customer to process prints in the colors being considered. The retailer sends the photo to the processor which returns the prints to him, thus requiring the customer to return to the store.

In addition to being available for sale or lease through computer marketing firms, computer aided design software is offered by several building material suppliers. Weyerhaeuser, one of the first, introduced their system with an outdoor deck design. Encouraged byits acceptance, they have added a garage and outbuilding module as well as a shelving/storage module.

Hickson Corp. has introduced a software program called the Wolman Project Planner to its dealers. In addition to laying out decks and other backyard projects, it generates a materials list and quick cost estimate.

The Osmose Backyard Designer Series operates on the Apple Macintosh computer to provide deck designs.

JUST.IN.TIME: a new way to profit

D ROF IT depends. on eflficient f inventory control and just-intime delivery promises to increase both SKUs and turns with less inventory and fewer stock-outs.

Using the lumber wholesaler as an example of how a retailer can benefit from establishing a just-intime relationship with a supplier, Bruce Merrifield, president of Merrifield Consulting Group, Inc., briefed those attending his seminar at the National Home Center Show on the cost elficiencies and profits of justin-time inventory management.

He described the capability to stock more items to allow customers one-stop shopping in product lines and services they need and want as one advantage. Another benefit was the ability to stock less of each item, saving space and cutting investment.

Increased fill rates and reduction of stock-outs to improve customer service were additional just-in-time advantages pointed out, along with being able to perform at a higher turn earn ratio.

Considering total procurement cost is the key to efficient and economical buying, those in attendance learned. While buying direct from manufacturers may result in an initial lower purchase price, other costs associated with the purchase may increase. Acquisition and possession costs, the factors of total procurement costs, often can be lowered by developing a partnership type relation with a supplier. In turn, these savings have a noticeable impact on the bottom line.

Lumber wholesalers, for example, are helping retailers to achieve just-in-time delivery and more efficient inventory management by establishing more distribution yards. These yards bring products closer to the retail market, cutting the time needed for delivery. Distribution yards have increased by 250/o in the past flew years according

to a North American Wholesale Lumber Association survey.

This view of wholesaler involvement helping a retailer is supported by the Kiplinger Washington Newsletler which called wholesalers "inventory managers, helping the end seller carry less stock while providing protection against running out if demand suddenly surges" in a recent article.

Story at a Glance

How just-in-time delivery increases turns and earnings ways a wholesaler can help a retailer by maintaining inventory. controlling total procurement costs.

ls Just-ln-Time Rbht For You?

Just-in-time delivery: a new buzz word or a concept to help dealers prosper in the competitive environment of the '90s?

Just-in-time (JIT) originated in Japan as an approach to improving manufacturing operations. Because there is waste in traditional bid-buy, confrontational procurement, the system created demands for major buying method changes.

JIT can benefit the lumber and home center retailer, Basically, it is intended to shorten the delay between a retailer's buy order and the arrival of the product he needs. Unnecessary paper work and communication steps between the buyer and seller are eliminated.

Retailers and suppliers must have a partnership relationship to make the system work. Since JIT principles tend to be developed individually between each retailer and his source of supply, trust, understanding and cooperation are needed.

A retailer shopping for a partner with whom to form a JIT relationship might do well to consider the following five traits deemed necessary in a supplier. They are taken from Just-ln-Time .for the '90s by John Flanagan and James P. Morgan.

(l) ability to meet specific schedules.

(2) ability to supply exact quantities.

(3) ability to supply quality.

R.

Using reload centers, office wholesalers are bringing products closer to retail markets. They then are able to respond to just-in-time delivery. " Reload centers are becoming more valuable to retailers who need to round out their inventories and who require fast access to commodity items," said Nicholas

Kent, executive vice president of NAWLA,

He cites figures indicating 60/o of a recent $300 million increase in office wholesaler lumber sales came from increased use of reload centers. Office wholesalers provide retailers economy through power bulk buying with virtually no overhead expenses, according to NAWLA.

"As most retailers seek to control inventory costs with just-in-time delivery practices, the importance and value of purchasing stock and processed raw materials from a wholesale distributor with products near the retailer's market dramatically increases," Kent said.

(4) ability to adjust deliveries and quantities to meet changing needs.

(5) ability to do all of the above with a minimum of paperwork.

Electronic purchasing including EDl, fax, PC to PC and telephone ordering has cut days off the ordering process, boosting turns and reducing inventory costs. Adding just-in-time delivery can further increase inventory turnover, improve in-stock position and simplify ordering procedures, cutting both paperwork and time.

lnventory control can make a BIG difference

T IGHT INVENTORY control is I the key to success for home centers, industry economists claim. Companies that overstock or don't stock what the customer wants to buy are in for trouble.

Bar code scanning with a computerized inventory system can be the difference between success and failure. When National Lumber and Supply, Inc., a Southern California chain, filed for Chapter 11 protection last month, analysts said that a contributing factor was their slowness to install a computerized inventory system and experiment with new strategies until it was too late.

On the other hand, they point out, strong, successful stores such as The Home Depot, No. I in sales in the nation, and Lowe's Companies, Inc., No. 2, rely on computers for inventory control.

E. Dennis Ross, a Home Depot senior vice president, said that although he is no economist, based on Home Depot's experience, he agrees withthe experts about computer tracking.

Unnecessary inventory buildup is avoided when a manager can monitor inventory on a virtually current basis. With more and more of the retailers committed to bar coding and scanning, the basis of computer controlled inventory, the massive liquidations that historically aid recessions should be avoided, economists explain.

"l do think the technology can help," Ross said, "because I know it certainly does in this company."

Now l0 years old, Home Depot has more than 120 warehouse units with an annual volume of $2.74 billion. Branching out from the parent store in Atlanta, Ga., the chain now has stores on the west coast and in the northeast. Customers are do-ityourselfers and home remodelers.

Inventory at each store averages about 30,000 items. The combination of good management and up to the minute inventory data created by the computer limits stock outs. Customers are rarely unable to find the merchandise they want.

When a customer buys an item, the computer through bar code scanning receives a message of inventory depletion. This information goes from the store's computer to one of three mainframe computers located at regional headquarters in Atlanta, Fullerton, Ca., and Piscataway, N.J. Merchandise managers at these offices use the information to decide what to buy, how to price it and how to present it on the floor.

Both the merchandise managers and the store managers monitor inventory. Using computer records, they can eliminate slow selling items readily or reorder any items suddenly showing substantially increased sales. Managers can override the computer data in reordering if they feel the sales activity was created by an unusual event. An example would be increased plywood sales in certain areas in preparation for storms.

Computer tracing of inventory helps control purchases of out-ofseason products. Using sales figures, these items can be kept at a minimum during the months when they are not popular.

Home Depot will conduct a study this year to see if they can go on line with any of their 1,900 vendors. Using electronic data interchange would allow them to keep inventories even lower with faster stocking.

Lowe's also relies on bar code scanning and computers for inventory control. Ordering for their 306 stores in the south is done by computer hookups with the chain's headquarters in North Wilkesboro, N.C.

The in-store computers automatically place an order when inventories ofan item reach certain levels,

In the northwest, Pay 'N Pak Stores Inc. is implementing a $9 million point of sale computer program which will put management information and point of sale computer systems in each of its 102 stores.

The mainframe of an IBM AS 400-700 system is being installed at Seattle, Wa., headquarters. "This will make it easier for the chain to buy right, stock right and be more efficient in merchandise offerings," John Markley, chairman and ceo, said.

Sales audits, distribution and accounting will be simplified by the installation. Six store test sites will be established by September. They expect computerized cash registers to better anticipate what each store needs, whether it is a 12,000 sq. ft. or 80,000 sq. ft. operation.

The entire system will take 18 months to install. A five year payback is expected by Markley.

Ralph Siegel, a Deloitte & Touche director of retail services, thinks installing new technology is a smart move.

"This is a real issue for retailers in competitive arenas like home centers. The competition is getting so rough, the margins aren't what they used to be and picking better technology will ultimately allow better management of inventory levels, lower dollars invested and increased merchandise turnover," he said.

The second annual Bar Code/EDI Survey prepared by Deloitte & Touche for the National Retail Merchants Association showed retailers strongly committed to scanning vendor provided and internally generated bar codes. They believe point of sale scanning improves their checkout productivity, unit inventory accuracy and pricing accuracy as well as providing improved marketing information.

Story at a Glance

Ways bar code scanning and computerized inventory keep Home Elepot and Lowe's on top...advantages of using the latest electronic technology differences between stores that do and those that don't.

llt HENEVER we decide we need Ut to make a purchase, certain questions automatically spring to mind. The difficulty comes in purchasing something with which we have not had much experience. For many, computers present this problem.

Dealers must first ask, "Where do I look?" Other lumber and building material companies are the best source. If youdon't know other companies using a system, check with your association. Many computer firms are associate members.

You now have to eliminate companies and products which do not meet certain standards. Below are some guidelines. Every business is different and yours may have special considerations. However, if you follow these guidelines, you should feel comfortable that your list of preferred vendors is reliable and qualified.

Does the company provide everything needed to implement your system? Besides the product portion (the software and hardware), does the company provide the customer service (training, education, conversion, local hardware/software service/support, forms design, software customizing) needed to help you manage your organization? If any of these are missing, you're not getting what you need.

Warning: some software companies have struck deals with hard-

Guidelines to computer success

By Pat Decatrel Sales, Building Materials Versyss Inc.

ware suppliers, allowing them to use the hardware company's name. It's possible a salesperson from a software house may hand you a business card with the hardware firm's name on it. They appear to be part of a large corporation, a single source. Actually, they work for the software dealer.

Make sure the company takes full responsibility for everything. Ask, "ls there one and only one company responsible for hardware, software, training, implementation, service and support?" It is the company rep's duty to be honest.

Training and Educatior.'No company can operate a computer management system if no one knows how to use it. The effectiveness of your system depends upon the quantity and quality of the training provided.

Does the company provide both classroom and on-site training? The quality of training can be dramatically better when done in a classroom because trainees learn more when free of everyday distractions and without having to worry about entering erroneous information into a classroom training machine.

Sometimes it is impossible to do without some of your valuable employees, so find out if on-site training is also available. Some suppliers which provide classroom training may want you to travel great distances to their classroom.

Visit the company's education center. Talk with some of the training people. Look at their manuals and documentation. A good company provides documentation for all their software.

Consider the amount of training received vs. the cost of your system. Some companies charge extra for training beyond a certain number of hours. That is not necessarily bad, as

the quality of training may be very good. The quality of training may help you decide between vendors. Local Service and Supporl.. Most companies provide software and hardware maintenance contracts to protect you. Find out each candidate's guaranteed service response time. Eliminate those who do not guarantee a response time or whose time isn't acceptable. You want a "fire department" response.

Story at a Glance

Points to consider when buying a first computer system or up grading... tips on evaluating company, hardware, software, selices...a checklist for both technology and reliability.

lf you have to mail the component parts of your system anywhere, something is wrong. Mail or parcel services can be late. How safe do you feel mailing your valuable equipment?

Software support should cover the same response time issues, specifically availability. A support modem cuts down response time. However, certain instances require the support team to go to thejob-site to actually see the problem and fix it properly. Sometimes miscommunications between your staff and the computer support crew can aggravate the problem. If your vendor's software support staff is local, they can fix the problem quickly.

Conversion and Implementation: Ask to see each candidate's plan for implementation or implementation guide. This is the method used to

IffAlllll{G of employees should be a consideration when evaluating various com0uter systems and companies.

help you convert from Your current system to your new computer solution. For the guide to be effective, it should detail: (1) communications procedures between the two companies; (2) tfre best locations for your equipment; (3) Proper terminology to avoid breakdowns in communicationt (4) the forms and suPplies needed, and (5) the entire conversion with the use of schedules and checklist.

This is your guide to success with your new systemthe more detailed, the better.

So/iware: After a preliminary demonstration, the vendor's representative should do a detailed analysis of the business to know how your software should be designed. He can then demonstrate more than bells and whistles and propose proper software.

Although a company may handle several lumberyards, it's possible the software doesn't do everything needed to run your business. Make certain the software can be customized. If it can't, you may be forced to change the way you do business.

Vendors providing periodic uPdates based on customer needs maY help you avoid customizing Your software. An upcoming update maY provide the change you need before arriving at that point in the implementation. But customize only if absolutely necessary. The costs and associated problems may outweigh the benefits.

Hardwqre: Look for companies which provide hardware that operates on industry specific operating systems. The industry provides software written to work with UNIX or ZENIX operating systems.

Determining who has the best hardware is difficult. First, the company must have a vision for the future of their technology. Ask them to present the hardware technology for you. Consult beforehand with someone who knows about computer technologY, so You are sure that what is being presented is the latest; not old technology.

There are many other things to take into consideration, such as company size and stability, but these are the basics needed to reach your ultimate goala computer solution that works. Happy comPuting!

EDI changes retailer/wholesaler relationship

AINCE the introduction of com9 outers to the lumber and building materials industry about l0 years ago, automation at the retail level has taken off. Today, over 5006 of the retailers have automated business operations.

Now, telecommunications is the latest change in the way retailers conduct business with wholesalers.

Telecommunications is the ability for two parties to communicate electronically via computers, a modem and/or telephone lines.

For the lumber and building material retailer this includes the ability to transmit purchase orders and receive price changes, promotion pricing, order confirmations and file maintenance information from wholesalers like Central Builders Supplies Co., Cotter & Co., HWl, Ace and ServiStar. Over 1600 of their members are using telecommunications in daily operations.

Tim Ritchie of Scarborough Lumber, Scotts Valley, Ca., has been using telecommunications for over a year to communicate purchase orders and price changes. According to Ritchie, this saves a lot of time. "lt's even faster than with the Telxon unit we used to use." he said. Because he bases his orders on the levels suggested by his system, he improves his ordering accuracy by eliminating keypunch errors. "All I have to do is accept or reject the line items on the purchase order generated by the system and push one key to send the order across," he explained.

Ritchie also communicates price changes via telecommunications. Whenever he decides to change the price on an item,he sends the changes via computer to Ace which updates his prices for his next shipment.

At Rancho Ace Hardware and Nursery in Los Altos, (1a., owner Troy Underwood has been taking advantage of telecommunications for

over two years.

"When I started using P.O. transmission. I couldn't believe the effect it had on my productivity," he said, "but once I started receiving price changes, it just got better." Underwood receives price changes dailY from Ace. When he gets in at 8 a.m. the changes are already in his system and by 9 o'clock all the products are repriced and on the shelves.

In Eugene, Or., Stephanie Risbrough, inventory manager for Jerry's Building Material Center, finds electronic purchase order transmission saves almost four weeks per year. "ln the old days, I used to print out the purchase order, key in the information to the Telxon unit and then transmit the order to Ace," she explained. "Using the electronic P.O. transmission eliminates all that work." Risbrough also receives price changes or "Hot Sheets" electronically.

A fourth west coast retail oPeration taking advantage of telecommunications is Silvera Lumber and Home lmprovement Center in Antioch, Ca. Linda Brown, who conducts most of the transactions with Cotter & Co., said that since she has been able to communicate electronically "my purchasing is laster and more accurate. "

"Now, before I send an order across, the system prints out a coPY and lists the items in numerical order by SKU number, with a description of each," explained Linda.

Story at a Glance

How electronic communication gives a dealer a comPetitive edge. retailers praise sYstems for increased productivity, accuracy and speed in transactions with wholesalers.

More mill closures due to log shortages

I AWSUITS and appeals. Log- L ging restrictions. Log shortages. Leaping prices. And, increasingly, layoffs and closures, as virtually across the board major lumber manufacturers are taking drastic steps to survive today and brace for tomorrow.

Recently announced shutdowns at RSG Forest Products, WTD Industries, Weyerhaeuser and other large employers are adding to the thousands already put out ofwork by the mounting problems in acquiring logs from federal timberlands.

RSG Forest Products, Kalama, Wa., has temporarily shut down all four of its Douglas fir plants: RSG Lumber Co., Kalama; Olympic F-orest Products, Mist, Or.; Estacada Lumber Co., Estacada, Or., and its Molalla division, Molalla, Or. Increasingly more expensive and difficult to obtain timbers have left the company with a large inventory of finished products.

The wholesale closure amounts to a loss of about 3 million bf. per day, and the company is evaluating restart on a day-to-day basis, says sales manager Greg Mobley. "There's not much else you can do when you're down to zero production of 2x4s," he says.

WTD Industries, Portland, Or., has also devised a severe restructuring plan. The company will curtail operations at three mills, defer startup of two recently acquired Oregon plants, and write down presently inactive assets.

Scheduled for closure were a chip and veneer recovery mill in Goshen, Or.; a dimension lumber mill in Junction City, Or., and a stud mill in Valley, Wa. lI conditions improve, the mills may be reopened. WTD

Story at a Glance

Log shortages drive prices up & mills under. closure and layoffs strike large and small mills alike.

has also indefinitely postponed startup of a stud mill in Cottage Grove, Or., and a veneer milt in Yoncalla, Or.

Planned for write down are previously closed mills in Eugene and Union, Or., and Olympia, Wa. They are said to be relatively small volume producers of lumber cut from large, more expensive logs and will either be sold or liquidated in the coming months. WTD's investment in a Port Westward, Or., pulp mill project will also be written down.

For the first fiscal year in company history, earnings will not exceed those ofthe prior year. "For the past five months, lumber and chip markets have not supported escalating market prices for logs, except in the most efficient mills," said WTD president Bruce L. Engel. "Concerns for future log supplies generated by preservationist pressures may extend the log price escalation. WTD will meet this challenge with reorganization of mill operations not readily able to contribute to profit margins."

Meanwhile, Weyerhaeuser Co. has reduced the workforce at its Klamath Falls, Or., plant from approximately 1,300 to 910. The cutback results from discontinuation of two of four large log "headrigs" (which had been steadily operating for over 60 years), plus related reductions in downstream manufacturing, roundwood operations and support functions.

The move begins a transition to focusing on the smaller logs from Weyerhaeuser's tree farms, according to general manager Dale Williams.

"Federal logs that have amounted to one-third of our timber supply are either unavailable because of restrictions and set asides for small businesses, or are too high in price to manufacture successfully," he said. "A recent big change is intense buying pressure from west side firms in Medford and Roseburg that are short of federal timber from their traditional areas."

Similarly, Eel River Sawmills, Inc., Fortuna, Ca., has delivered 60 to 90 day layoff notices to employees of its Alton, Ca., sawmill. "We're not mothballing the plant or dismantling it," says controller Tony Titus. "Decisions will be made after the initiatives in November."

William Ford, sales manager, DAW Forest Products Co. and W-l Forest Products, L.P., Lake Oswego, Or., reports W-l's Peshastin, Wa.. mill was recently shuttered, while its central Oregon plywood plant is down from three shifts to two. Gilchrist Timber Co.. Gilchrist. Or., is down from two to one shift at its ponderosa/lodgepole pine sawmill since it is harvesting only off its own land. The closely held company is also having its holdings evaluated, not that the company is looking to be sold, "but with the current situation, maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea," says director of sales Will Ernst.

SDS Lumber Co., Bingen, Wa., is also running at half-speed, after closing and dismantling its Cascade Products mill two years ago and shuttering its Mount Adams Timber Products mill in November.

"We're seeing a 300/o curtailment off last year and production is off 50% from two years ago, while our overhead has basically remained the same," sales manager Leslie Campbell says. "Ours is a voluntary curtailment. We've taken a one year log supply and turned it into a two year supply."

In recent months, companies including Louisiana-Pacific, Willamette Industries, Hampton Lumber Sales, Roseburg Forest Products and Taylor Lumber & Treating Co. have also attributed closures and layoffs to current or anticipated log shortages. $ee The Merchant, March 1990, p. 4s)

"And you can thank your Sierra Club, your Wilderness Society, your Audubon Society when toilet paper costs $10 a roll and you can't get office paper or computer paper," fumed Don V. Berry, controller at Chiloquin Forest Products Inc., Chiloquin, Or. "ln the name of owls, squirrels and woodpeckers do we extinct men and women?"

Chiloquin recently closed its main mill, but hopes to resume operations at a small log site by summer if it can find some logs.

The sturdy cooling shed above is one we built for Georgia-Pacific in the High Sierra town of Foresthill, Ca. Extra strong, it is designed for a 30 pound snow load.

Components include 4"x12" purlins, 36" on center, plus mini glulams, 5.118" x 16" deep. The roof is galvanized metal.

Like all San Antonio buildings it is purposebuilt. We work closely with our customers to ensure that their needs

Cool, Man

are directly and efficiently served by our buildings. Our customers benefit from an invaluable San Antonio extra: our decades of experience in building for this industry. The result: a structure

that is custom designed for their special requirements.

Call San Antonio when you need a new building' an expansion or a remod. eling. You'll like the San Antonio extras.

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1280 Unit F-1 West Lambert Rd.

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(7r4) 52.9-779,0

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Grimes, Ca. 95950

(916) 437-2sO3

,, , ',,, ,""'.,Orchord &tpply Hardwareis ne',i.'rr..r'gotiating for 39 acres in Tracy,, l:l:l:::lli:r'r:eo!r. llto. build' a 450,000 sq. ft. dis' .:''..:''..:''.,'''tr!.birr,tion center MacMillan Bloedel has a new DC in Denver, Co., Kevin Seward, mgr.

HomeClub, Inc. is opening warehouse store locations in Beaverton, Or., and Kirkland, ,Wa. Home Depot is building a ,store in Santa Ana, Ca., and negotiating for sites in San Mateo, .,Sank Clara, Pleasanton Park and Santa Rosa, Ca....

Barr Lumber Co.. Los Alamitos, Ca., has purchased American Euilding Centero Huntington Beach, Ca., from Jim Moore, owner of ABC Lumber Co., Costa Mesa, Ca... . Empire Lumber, Windsor, Ca., plans to relocate to expanded facilities thiS SUmm,ef,;:,l.;t.':..l':,l:tr,;tl:::ll':;:,,::,l:rtll':llt,r.t,'t''

Grossmarll,b..,'.tCg'le,b,iated the grand opening of a new warehouse store with drive-through lumberyard in La Habran Ca. .. Anderson Lumber Co., Ogden, Ut., opened a contractor ,f;ard in Las Vegas, Nv. . . [S ',Cedar Co., Vashon, Wa., suffered ,,4 $200,000 fire "of suspicious origin," April 7.

Buitders Square is closing its 'iFountain Valley, Ca., retail ware,house; regional Hq., located at ,the facility, will be relocated within So. Ca., .. J & tuf Lumber. Montrose, Co., opened a new outlet in Grand Junction. Co.. Bill Holt' mgt'....,,.1'.,..,,.,.,'.,.

OroJino Builders Supply purchased Grangeville Lumber Co., Orofinon :' Id.,;l,ii.'.i.ft8m..',,'',,.F|'onry Demotts,, Steve,:::'DemotiS,, and Joe Vincent, changing the name to Grangevil{e .Bii'lders Suppllt, George Casteel, mgr.; new owners are Steve and Doug Crockett. .

, The Anthony, N.M., yard of ''.Wsodward Lumber Co., Las Cruces, N.M., which closed last year, is being operated by Gary

Woodward as G & W'Buiilding Supply. Diamond Lurnber ii Green River, Wy., is now White 'l{o,untain,',Lumber and Building Matatiak,.,,,,,,,,,,,,

SamSlater Lumber, Culver City, Ca.. closed after 60 years Sawyer Building Materials, Santa Maria,Ca., is still open although one partner has been charged by the other with fraud, racketeering and misrepresentation in a lawsuit fi,led in,Santa Maria Superior goul.', , . ,.1,,', ,,.i.

Northern California Building Materisl Co.,has leased Henris Supply, fnea Sonoma, Ca., operating,]iit'.,4s, Mt,Phail's Building Co. of Sonoma County . . Federal Way Lumber, Milton, Wa., plans to,:td$r:r?hrbg,' $howrooms and an ofifire,.,,,,.,b;Ulildirlg'. Lumber City, Van,Nuis;r,.,Ca,; will add kitchen, bath andrrnillwork design centers to its stores.

Hughes Home Center, Saint M;'i;;: lA.; is il;;'d,rfiil il":'{fi'::,ftf:

,i, #:v f:#f:r

T'"r6rfuf ry3"t$lj-"Tff,r{iihl,ff Bakersfield, Ca. (n, as noted here last r Stockman, mgr....

been fOfmed t y:T::::':,

floor by 900 sq. ft. Ace Hardware/Home Center, Compton, Ca., opened,with a 14 day celebration''',,.,Mark and Sue Vine)rard.l'phnl'::'tO:'open a lumber store in Eden, Id....

Imperial Valley Lumber Co. has

?fl"#1,ff':

Enviros Disavow Tree Spiking

Radical environmentalists Earth

First! denounced tree spiking as a way to protest forest management at a recent rally at Louisiana-Pacific, Samoa, Ca.

Although the activists said theY are against tree spiking because it is directed at loggers and millworkers and not the timber corporations, LP's Shep Tucker speculates the group made the statement to distance itself from any expected violence arising during a planned summerlong protest.

Dealer Adapts, Grows

Healdsburg Lumber Co., Healdsburg, Ca., realizes you can't stand still and remain competitive.

It recently added Dry Creek Millwork & Planing Co. (formerly Sauers Forest Products), which remanufactures lumber for moulding, siding and pre-cut frame packages.

"The motivation to buy the millwork company is to put us that much closer to the source of materials," owner Eric Ziedrich said. "Timber is becoming a much scarcer commodity, being logged and machined by fewer and fewer companies."

Other changes at the group of companies include a redesigned yard area and expanded electrical department at Healdsburg Lumber's retail store, a new spray booth and computer-aided cabinet design system at Healdsburg Cabinet & Millwork Co., and a planned expansion at Healdsburg Door & Sash.

New Hardwood Supplier

Taylor-Ramsey West is the name of the new western subsidiary of Taylor-Ramsey Corp., recentlY opened by LarryKnox, veteran Southern California hardwood lumberman.

Situated on property leased from Mariners Forest Products at their Santa Ana, Ca., facility, the new firm is backed by the parent corporation's own forests, sawmills, kilns, concentration yards, planing mills and dimension plants. Taylor-Ramsey is based in Lynchburg, Va.

The western operation offers hardwood lumber, molding, millwork, laminated parts and various other hardwood items, according to Knox. Sales are to wholesale distributors only.

Quality Control Starts at a Very Early Stage at Pacific ,D Southeast 1 ")) Forest Products ))

Whatever happened to . . .?

By Matt Moulder

What Ever Happened To The Cood Old Days when it tclok the g,ood part of a dav to touch base with all of your lumber suppliers These days the iob can be wraDped up in a couple of 'hours. The number of sawmills that make shoo and better lumber has decreased considerably over the past ten years and the rate at which mills are throwing, in the towel is increasing at an alarmins rate.

necihtlv we read about Weyerhaeuser permanently laying off 390 peoole in their'Klamath Falls sawmill. The week before the San Francisco Chronicle ran an article on various Louisiana Pacific mills either going down or cuttine back personnel. lust prior was the announcement that Roseburg I umber Co]was ciosins down their huge Red Bluff lumber mill permanently. No less than l1 oine ihoo and better- mills have closed their doors recently. The obvious reason foi-all of the cutbacks is the reduction in timber being made available bv the Forest service and the rapidly escalating price of what little timber is currently being offered.

True, some of the"large producers have increased output, but this increased production is almost entirely in the small log categorv The decrease in the number of mills processing old growth timber and the decrease in the amount of old growth produced by the mills remaining ,is alarming and will soon show up in the price ol products made lrom olo n-*tn]nt some ooint the devastation caused by the elimination of wood BroJultr iobs will 'nor be confined to sawmill towns, but will be experienced by communities in all parts of the nation; communities that are the home blse for firms making, wood windows, doors, furniture items, toys, mouldines, picture frames 5nd so on. These are all products that are dependent uoon'old q,rowth timber for their perpetuation. They will soon be priced out oi the piciure due to the high price of the lumber that they are made out ol if the dtewards of our federal timber continue to steer the same course.

The ironic part of this entire scenario is that the exit of wood products from the marketolace would bring about an increase in pollution causing industries such ai steel, plastic and'aluminum and a corresponding increase in minine and oil explorition. This would seem to be counter productive to what th"e environmentalists are striving to achieve. Oil and ore are not renewable; trees are!

Itq

PACIFIC SOUTHEAST FOREST PRODUCTS

P.O. Box 81 9, Diamond Springs, Ca. 956'1 9

Larry White

Curt Crane $16\ 626-4221

Manufacturers: Ponderosa & Sugar Pine Mouldings and Cutstock

Located in the Heart o/' Big Timber Country

CALENDAR

MAY

Inland llmpire Hoo-Hoo ClubMav l8-20. Ladies' Weekend. lllarriott's Rancho Las Palntas, Rancho Mirage, Ca.

Willamette Vallel' Hoo-Hoo Club - May l8-20. mini-convention. Eugene. Or.

Northwest Timber Association - May l9-21. meeting. Eugene, Or.

Western Building l\Iaterial Association - May l9-21, marketing/management conference. Rippling River Resort, Welches. Or.

Home Center Industrl' Conference - May 22-24. sponsore<l by the Anterican IJardware Manufiicturers Association. O'ilare N{arriott. C'hicago. Il.

Spokane Hoo-Hoo ('lub - May 25. wooclworking contesr, Snokanc. Wa.

JUNE

Willamette Vallel Hoo-Hoo Club.lune l, golf'tournanrenl I:ugene C'ountry' ( lr-rb. l.-ugenc, Or.

('entral \en \Ierico Iloo-Hoo ('lub.iune | -2, goll'tournanrcnt. I{io Ilanclro ( ountr., ('lLrb. ILio Ilarrcho (Albuqucrque). N.Nl

Jensen-Byrd Co..Iune -l-.1. ntcrchandise market. River Park ( onvention ( enter. Spokane. Wa.

International Tile ExpositionJune 6-9. Anaheim Convention Center.,,\naheim. Ca.

Building Industrl' Credit AssociationJune 8. credit management seminar. Palm Springs, Ca.

Lumber Association of Southern CaliforniaJune 8-10. Second Growth Weekend. Rancho Bernardo Inn, San Diego, Ca.

Our Own HardwareJune 9-ll, market. Cashman Field Clenter, Las Vegas. Nv.

North American Wholesale Lumber AssociationJune ll15, annual meeting. Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper, Alberta, ('anada.

Pacific Coast Iluilders Conference.lune l3-16. Moscone C'onvention ('entcr. San I:rancisco. ('a.

l.os Angeles Hardwood Lumberman's Club.f une 14. election night. Nieuport 17. Santa Ana, ('a.

Dub's Ltd.June 15. goll'tournament, Presidio Army (iolf ('lub. San [:rancisco. ('a.

Spokane Hoo-Hoo ClubJune 15, golf rournantenr, Snokane. Wu.

Los Angeles Hoo-Hoo ('lub - ,f une 22. golf & dinner, Azusa (ireens (iolf' ('oursc. Azusa. ('a.

Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau.f une 22, annual meeting, \'ancouver. B.('., Canada.

Western Wood Preservers InstituteJune 24-26. summer meeting. Napa, Ca.

JULY

Interforst '90 - July'3-8. fbrest rechnology show, Munich Trade Fair Centre. Munich. West Ciermany.

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Home Center Merchant c.olumnist Bill Fishnan is leaving his home center consulting business and column writing to become vice president o./ marketing and advertising .for Liquor Barn, a 60 store retail chain based in San Diego, Ca. Readers will miss his expertise, but I know you'll .join me rn wishing Bill all success -editor.

BILL FISHMAN Owl lssues Threaten Industry

Spiraling prices and decreasing availability of wood products threaten new housing, repair and remodeling markets if 8.5 million acres of federal forest lands in Washington, Oregon and California are set aside for the protection of the Northern Spotted Owl.

Following the recommendations of the Interagency Scientific Committee would reduce timber from the national forests by 1.3 billion board feet each year, the Forest Service estimates. In addition, thousands of timber and wood product workers would be without jobs. Estimates go as high as 60,000 unemployed.

In discussing the report, the

American Forest Resource Alliance said the agencies are "choosing to follow a public policy that would result in $95 million bird houses" with the loss of thousands of jobs. The Alliance disputed some of the conclusions of the report, noting that "it makes questionable conclusions concerning the impact of roads upon the quality of owl habitat" and that "the complete ban on timber harvesting (in Habitat Conservation Areas set aside for the owl) puts aside a substantial body of research that suggests that some timber management is compatible with the maintenance of owl habitat."

The

has until June 23 to decide whether to list the owl as a threatened species. Despite the evidence offered by the scientists, other reports indicate that Northern Spotted Owls can thrive in second growth forests and other areas not primarily characterized by old growth. Many in the industry feel that the environmentalists are using the owl issue solely to increase wilderness areas.

Senator Mark Hatfield (R-Or.) called the recommendation "an unprecedented application of the Endangered Species Act that will have a devastating economic impact" on the region. Senator Bob Packwood (D-Or.) said, "To the Roseburgs and other communities dependent on timber, this will be a crippling and possibly fatal blow."

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WESTERN ASS0C[ATlr0N NEWS

Mountain States Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association's Building Materials Buying Show in Denver had a 170/o increase in attendance with 645 people from retail building material centers and door, window and millwork specialty operations attending.

Figures were lurther broken down into 183 retail lumber yards represented with 57% of those attending owners, managers, officers or buyers.

The event was a showcase for new products. Those most often mentioned by dealers were southwestern-style doors, curved glass windows, sheet metal ceiling panels, tongue and groove pine paneling, parallam beams and prefinished shelving.

Some 90 exhibiting companies contracted tor 142 exhibit spaces. Sales at the show were estimated at $3.7 million. Three companies were presented

with awards lor having the "best booth." MacMillan Bloedel won in the single booth categoryt Champion International double category and Hudson Millwork multiple category. Three companies received an honorable mention for best booth: Wigand Corp., Capital Lumber Co. and BMD. Criteria for the award is based on an exhibitor's ability to communicate their message and willingness to educate dealers.

Judges were Roger Wulf, BMC West, Aspen, Co., Lee Jordan, Jordan's Building and Do-it Center, Wheat Ridge, Co., and Bill Allen, Russell Lumber, Douglas, Wy.

Some 230 rare Indianhead nickels and pennies were Eiven to dealers who presented 20 or more invitation tickets with different exhibitor names on them. The tickets were collected and traded like baseball cards before the show.

"The association has made a commitment to hospitality at the show. We want participants to feel good and see themselves as part of a larger whole," MSLBMDA executive v.p. Fred Caruso said. "We offer free lood and beverage and friendship."

The Building Materials Buying Show is held each year on the second Thursday and Friday of March.

Lumber Association of Southern California asks members to continue supporting "Trees Are For People," now in its tenth year of spreading the message to Southern California schools. Contributions of $25 or more can be sent c/o director Nancy Inmon, 2588-D El Camino Real, No. 322, Carlsbad, Ca. 92008.

Future Dates

Check our Calendar on page 20 lor information on upcoming conventions, meetings and trade shows in your region.

Lumbermen In Earth Day Event

The timber industry can use traditionally environmentalist forums to tell their side of the story, and Earth Day seemed a good takeoff point for some Southern California lumbermen.

Dennis Dooley, Dooley Lumber Co., Pasadena, organized a booth at a special Earth Day festival April 2l in Pasadena, co-supported by Sierra Pacific Industries, Redding; Arcadia Lumber, Arcadia, and Lincoln Avenue Lumber & Mill Co., Pasadena.

Tens of thousands attended the Arroyo Seco Earth Festival, held adjacent to the famed Rose Bowl, visiting booths at 12 special theme villages.

The lumber companies staffed an industry booth, handing out redwood seedlings provided by Louisiana-Pacific and Sierra Pacific and literature on the industrv and forest

O'Malley Lumber Sold

The O'Malley Companies, Phoenix, Az., have agreed to sell all their operating units to The Levin Group, a two year old San Francisco. Ca.. investment company headed by Michael D. Levin. While no price was revealed in the transaction, informed sources put it in the area of $15 million.

Under the agreement, Levin gets all inventory and receivables and assumes virtually all liabilities. The O'Malley Lumber Co., which is changing its name to the O'Malley Investment Co., retains 16 pieces of property in Texas and Arizona, essentially debt free. The property, consisting of land and buildings, is expected to be sold offover a period

News Briefs

/(-ontittueLJ lrorrt puge l8)

Diamond Pactfic Forest Products, a div. of Pacrfic Southeast Forest Products, Diamond Springs, Ca., has opened a Medford. Or.. wholesale offrce dealing in mouldings, millwork, cutstock and lumber, Butch Abbott in charge Stribling Forest hoducts, Los Lunas, N.M., has been reactivated by Parrill Stribling.

practices supplied by the Western Wood Products Association and California Redwood Association.

But, sighed Dooley, "the one thing that surprised me was that more companies refused to participate financially than did. A lot of the retail yards didn't even know there was a (timber shortage) problem. 'Give $500 for what?' they'd ask."

Grassroots level movements are the key to public awareness, he said. "You need to go to the local communities," Dooley explained. "For many years the Sierra Club has been giving its side of the story with no rebuttal. It's easy to believe when no one is disagreeing. You can do all the statewide television ads you want. But look at those California insurance initiative ads. People didn't go for it; industry didn't win the vote."

Dooley has spoken on radio inter-

of time with the proceeds going to O' Malley shareholders.

Levin gets these pieces ofground: Mallco Lumber & Building Materials, the Phoenix contractor yard, the El Paso, Tx., contractor yard and a 20 acre undeveloped site in Phoenix at 39th and Buckeye Road.

The total transaction includes seven O'Malley contractor and consumer operations in Phoenix, Mesa. Buckeye, Apache Junction and Sun City, Az., and El Paso, together with Mallco Lumber and Building Materials of Phoenix; O'Malley Builders Hardware of Phoenix; O'Malley Glass operations in Glendale, Az., and Albuquerque, N.M., and a door plant and a remanuflacturing unit in Phoenix.

Japan has agreed to accept more U.S. wood products imports in a new trade deal expected to produce up to $ I billion in increased U.S. export sales. .

American China. Phoenix. Az.. has leased a 27,500 sq. ft. industrial complex for additional finishing and warehouse space as well as corporate offrces and a 2,000 sq. ft. lavatories showroom.

views and talk shows and at city hall meetings. He urges others to attend such town gatherings, seeking support for the lumber industry-supported California ballot measure, The Global Warming & Clear Cutting Reduction Wildlife Protection & Reforestation Act of 1990.

He has found city hall meeting audiences to be "concerned people who don't have all the facts. You can't expect to change everyone. But afterone meeting four or five staunch environmentalists came up to me."

The time for action is now. "We've remained silent for a long time and it hasn't worked," Dooley said. "People might think I'm carrying the water for the mills, but you can't expect the sawmills to hold all the burden. It's also the wholesalers' and retailers' responsibility. If people want to be in the lumber industry, it'd be nice to have lumber.

"Environmental issues are going to be with us for a long time," he added. "They're not going away after Earth Day or after November."

The agreement gives Levin the right to rent the land at fair market values for those operating units where he does not own the land. It is not certain at this time if the new owner will choose to continue all operations formerly owned by the pioneer lumber family. A decision is expected in 30 to 90 days.

Duncan R. Hossack. 38. an 18 year veteran with O'Malley and currently executive vice president, has been named by Levin to manage continuing operations. Shareholders approved the deal April 28 at a meeting in Phoenix. Funding for the transaction, being handled by Chase National Bank of Arizona, was expected to be completed within days.

A class action suit has been filed against WTD lndustries, Inc. Portland Or., on behalf of shareholders

A lleyerhaeuser review board accepted a plan to refocus softwood lumber & plywood & export raw materials as stand alone businesses by product line .. five teams will implement changes, part of the refocusing announced in 1989...

NLBMDA Fires Exec. V.P. Hummel

Harlan Hummel was dismissed as executive vice president of the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association and publisher of the association publication, Building Material Retailer, April 7.

Following his termination during a special executive committee meeting in Washington, D.C., regional associations voted overwhelmingly to approve the action. Although he no longer occupies his oflice at NLBMDA headquarters in Washington, D.C., Hummel will not be o{Iicially terminated for six months, an association spokesperson said.

Because of the two and a half years remaining in his contract with the association, informed sources feel there isa possibility of legal action since Hummel reportedly has obtained legal counsel.

A search committee has been appointed to fill the vacancy. "lt is highly unlikely that the executive committee will choose another lumberman as managing officer," a high official in NLBMDA remarked. "They will probably select someone with an association management background."

Hummel, a lumberman by profession, became executive vice president of NLBMDA in early 1986, several months after the resignation of John Martin.

Ahska Cdminal Charyes Filed

The present owners of an almost 70 year old Seattle, Wa., business are in trouble with the law in Anchorage, Ak.

Six counts of racketeering, conspiracy and obstruction of justice were handed down against Ken Rogstad and Wayne Larkin of H. W. Blackstock Co., according to Peter Gamache, assistant U.S. Attorney in Anchorage.

Rogstad is president and Larkin is head of administration of the company located at 2344 S.W. Spokane Ave. They are the second owners of the company since it was sold by family members in 1970.

Founded in 1921 by Herbert W. Blackstock and Clyde Gourlay as Gourlay-Blackstock Lumber Co., the firm became Blackstock Lumber Co. in the '30s. After the company

converted to the manufacture of housing components in the '50s, the name was changed to H. W. Blackstock Co.

Timber Cuts Hurt Horneowner

Timber supply restrictions are increasing the cost of housing, forcing thousands out of the home market.

"Last year the volume of wood withdrawn from harvest in the Pacific Northwest by appeals was enough to build more than 270,000 homes," said Albert Coetzl, American Forest Resource Alliance econo-

mlst.

Stumpage prices are almost 1000/o higher than two years ago, he said. Wood products account for about 1 5% ofthe construction cost ofa new home and about 70lo of the price. The average new single family home requires about 13,000 board feet of softwood lumber and 8,500 sq. ft. of wood panels.

Timber supply restrictions also increase prices for home repairs and remodeling, multi-family housing and low-income housing, according to National Association of Home Builders' figures.

"The Quiet Giant"

0 Giant in LongevityA major West Coast forest products wholesaler since 1926.

0 0 0

Giant in IntegrityContinuing a tradition of solid ethics.

Giant in ExperienceAn efficient. courteous staff-always reliable.

Giant in ServiceCargo, rail, truck and L.A. Harbor inventorv to fit your needs.

ct Andel Forest Products

Robbery Suspects Arrested

Four suspects have been arrested in connection with a string of at least 22 home improvement store robberies throughout Southern California.

The various types of burglaries, including armed robbery, occurred at Home Depot, National Lumber, Builders Emporium and Standard Brands locations in Orange and Los Angeles counties from January 1989 through January 1990.

Police used an undercover agent to infiltrate a Crips gang and pass on details about planned robberies and gang members involved, said Sgt. Mike Foster, chief of the Western Regional Burglary Team. After their arrest, the four suspects were identified in photo lineups by home center employees, police said.

Officers also served a search warrant at a "safe house" in Fontana, where the informant said the robbers would stash cash, goods and themselves. "He said after they committed a robbery, they would hide out there until things cooled down." said Deputy Sheriff Matt Dendo.

Multi-User Accounting System

l,ooking for a mini-computer to do your accounting? Or a network of IBM-PC compatibles?

Here's the On Balance alternative: Add a co-processor card to a PC compatible and give it the power of a mini-computer. Add time tested software that's alreadv in use in rsman plants, wholesaie building material suppliers and sawmills. That's the On Balance Accounting System.

You can buy a four user system for under $25,000, including hardware and software. If you already have an IBM-PC compatible, it's even less. We can finance the software. We offer custom programming to your specifications.

rx:qff*i:;;*""tli#

Red Cedar Shipment For Record Books

Shipment records at the Port of Los Angeles, Ca., were broken recently with the arrival of what is thought to be the largest single shipment of western red cedar ever barged into the big facility.

"lt's been a long time since we've seen this much cedar in the Port," commented Larry Crabtree of Pacific Lumber Terminal, which received the shipment.

Ed Fountain, Sr., president of Ed Fountain Lumber Co., Los Angeles, consignee of the shipment, commented, "Four and a half million feet of rough green western red cedar makes quite a pile."

His company will sort the cedar to the end uses required for the California market. It will be dried locallY

and milled to the various Patterns preferred for local construction' Fountain explained. After seven days on the barge at sea, the cargo, which was five times the usual size of western red cedar shipments, took 20 hours to unload.

Crews of eleven to twelve worked on the dock with four or five on the barge for two and a half 8 hour shifts. Five forklifts were required.

Crabtree observed that it is unusual for the mills up north to have this much cedar available to ship at one time. Because cedar grows intermingled with other sPecies in the forest, the amount available at one time is usually small.

BECOBD shipment ot 4'112 million leet of rough green western red cedar arrived in Los Angeles, Ca., lor Ed Fountain Lumber Co,

How To Organize And Gommunicate Your Lumber Offerings.

From Any Sawmill In 5 Western States. Delivered To The Lumber Buyers In California, Nevada And Arizona.

Instantly.

Now you can quote delivered prices for construction lumber ot any srze, length. grade, specie or finish, from mills in frve weslern states. Delivered anywhere in California, Nevada or Arizona by rail or truck. While you're still on the phone to your customer. Ot generale daily or weekly offerrng reports on 100 cars or more.

You can search for a particulal hard-tofrnd customer inqurry. Compare de|vered prices on allernate onginating and deliverIng carners, ratl or lruck. Find a trucker lhat wrll pick-up and deliver to those out-of-theway locations. To make the system even more cost-effective, there's a servrce to keep both truck and rarl rates up-to.date OJ course, you can also update the svstem yourself.

Posts, poles, pilings, timber, crossarms, grapestakes, dimension lumber.

Pacific Wood Preserving of Bakersf ield produces vi rtual ly all pressure treated wood products. And, with computerized inventory control, Pacific Wood Preserving of Bakersfield offers accurate and complete service. A single phone call can put this co m plete capabi I ity to work for you. Call today:

Steve Ryan, General Manager

n California (800) 582-3950

Outside California (805) 833.0429

The system is LIMS, the Lumber Intormalron lvlanagement System. lt was devel oped taking advantage not only of proven mrcrocomputer and soltware lechnology. but of Art Penberthy s thrrty years expenence as a wholesale lumber trader And jt works.

Recently In a two-month final test, a LIMS system drrectly generated an addrtronal gross prof 'l ot $10.650 for a srngle trader. Let us show you how LIMS did rt by provtdrng more rntormatron or a demonstration

Pre-prepared rarl and truck rate, trucket mrll, mtll product and customer data-bases are avarlable. Complete systems are avarlable

National Lumber Bankrupt

National Lumber & Supply Inc., Fountain Valley, Ca., is restocking its l5 remaining stores and continuing operations while it restructures under Chapter 1 I bankruptcy protection.

Additional financing of $2.1 million from its principal lender Fidelcor Business Credit Corp. came through shortly after the company filed for Chapter I I protection April 3. Prior to that the company had held a meeting of creditors, formed a creditor committee, and closed six stores and a distribution center.

In its bankruptcy filing, National Lumber listed its secured debt as $13.3 million with other liabilities of $24 million.

Las Vegas Lumber Embargo

Lumber continues to roll into Las Vegas, Nv., while Union Pacific and city oflicials negotiate on fire safety conditions which had threatened to shut off lumber supplies.

James Lumber Co., Savage Industries and Sandlin Lumber Co., all located on Union Pacific property at the downtown rail yard, are looking for new sites. "We're trying to come up with a temporary solution that would satisfy the city and allow lumber suppliers to keep accepting shipments," said John Bromley, a Union Pacific spokesman in Omaha, Ne.

The railroad and the three lumber companies were cited by the Las Vegas Fire Department for operating without city permits and without enough water for fire fighting. The railroad, which is seeking a new location, complained that the citations were unreasonable since it would take an investment of as much as $1.5 million to bring the current yard up to code.

They then threatened to stop delivering lumber to Las Vegas. About 80-900/o of the area's lumber arrives via UP rail cars.

The city and the railroad are working on a temporary plan to bring the yard up to code until they locate a new site for storage facilities. Some of the violations cited have existed since 1988 but were not enforced since the Union Pacific was expected to relocate to North Las Vegas, a spokesman said. The city plans a commercial development for the

downtown site Union Pacific now occupies.

New Glen Oak Plant

A new plant using a company developed veneer wrapping process has been opened by Glen Oak Lumber and Milling at its Montello, Wi., headquarters.

Following a fire at their facility a year and a half ago, company president Tom Talbot began work on the new process. Housed in a new 20,000 square foot building, with an

8,000 square foot addition planned for this spring, the facility has two production lines.

One is a veneer line using rotary veneer that wraps and makes door jambs up to lxl2. It can also produce lumber veneered in oak up to 16 feet long. The use of birch, pine and lauan veneer is planned. The substrate is 100% hardwood particleboard.

A second line producing S4S hardwood is slated to be operational in June. The plant manager is Buz Smoots, formerly with Diamond Lands. Red Bluff. Ca.

PERSONALS

Jim Stroupe has joined the sales staffat The Kelleher Corp., Sacramento, Ca., reports v.p. John Ahlers.

Gerald Gearhart is new to Latham Lumber Sales, I)ixon and Roseville. Ca., as exec. v.p./gen. mgr. Greg Betty is new as v.p. of sales and Keith O'Leary, v.p. of finance.

Jim Moore, ABC Lumber Co., Costa Mesa, Ca., and his wife, Audrey, have returned lrom a trip to Cancun, Mexico, joining about 300 others as guests of PRO Hardware.

Cheryl Breshears has been promoted to ofllce mgr. at Arizona Pacific Wood Preserving, Inc., Eloy, Az.

John P. Foucrier hasjoined Pay'N Pak, Kent, Wa., as senior v.p. of administration and human resources. Linda M. James is now director of loss prevention and Beau M. Welch. director of operations.

Jim Fyfe and Mike Duncan are new to sales at Gabbert Lumber Sales, Sacramento, Ca., according to Lloyd Gabbert.

Gary Knight has been promoted to asst. lumber sales mgr. lor Caffall Bros. Forest Products, Inc., Wilsonville, Or.

Bill Fetherston, West Coast Lumber, Wilmington, Ca., is back from a southern hardwood mill trip through New Orleans, La. Bob and Dana Schneider celebrated their 20th anniversary April I I at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Dick Gavis, wife Laura and the lamily spent a week skiing at Mammoth Mountain over spring break.

Steve Baugh, Industrial Forest Products Inc., Diamond Bar, Ca., recently spent lour days fishing with customers in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

J. Phillip Latreille, Morgan Products Ltd., has been elected pres. of the National Wood Window & Door Association, succeeding Robert A. Carlson, Weyerhaeuser, who continues as a director. Re-elected were window div. v.p. Frank Marvin, Marvin Windowst flush door div. v.p. Edward Steves, Steves & Sons, and sec./treas. John P. Semling, Semling-Menke Co. New directors: Frank Altpeter, Kenneth J. Ryan, Mark Kable and Dale Tucker, also stile & rail door div. v.p.

Edward G. Elias has been appointed European managing director of the American Plywood Association, according to director Tom Fast. He succeeds Raymond C. Mitzner, who has retired after 3l years with APA.

Mark Pawlicki has left the National Forest Products Association to join Sequoia Forest Industries, Dinuba, Ca. His wife, Emma Suarez has also left NFPA.

Milton Schulz is the new director of corp. affairs for Sierra Pacific Industries, Redding, Ca.

David Ostin, Van Nuys, Ca., retired pres. of David Ostin Moulding Corp., Sacramento. Ca.. celebrated his 88th birthday April 8.

Aaron Modansky, pres., Ajayem Lumber Corp., has retired after 45 years in the industry.

Robert West is new to sales at MichiganCalifornia Lumber Co.. Camino, Ca., reports sales mgr. John Ferguson.

Steve M. Cohen has been named pres. of Harden Industries, Los Angeles, Ca., succeeding Barbara N. Rodstein, who is now chairman of the board.

Mike Durga has been promoted to lumber sales/mktg. mgr. for Simpson Timber Co.'s Northwest operations, Shelton, Wa., according to Jess Drake, v.p./gen. mgr., Northwest operations. He succeeds George Baker, who will retire this summer.

Libby Riddles, a winner of the lditerod dog sled race across Alaska, is the new spokesperson for United Building Supply. Anchorage. Ak.

Dennis Deeth is now with Home Builders Outlet, Shingle Springs, Ca.

Bob Bretz is now sales mgr. and Lanny Owens asst. sales mgr. of three Ca. mills: Burney Forest Products, Burneyt Clear Creek Forest Products, Redding, and Redding Power Sawmill Div., Redding.

Roger Myers, corporate security/safety director, Dixieline Lumber, San Diego, Ca., recently had surgery to repair a shoulder injury from his football days.

Wayne Baisdon is managing Michiels International's new cut stock plant, Marysville, Ca.

Robert Boyd is now pres. and coo of J.H. Baxter & Co., San Mateo, Ca.

Russ Walters, Brazier Forest Industries, Seattle, Wa., has been named v.p./ gen. mgr. of the Hawaii div., Ewa Beach, Hi. Richard "Dury" Cords Jr. is v.p./gen. mgr. o[So. Ca. operations, National City, Ca., and Mark Peters, v.p./gen. mgr., trading div., Seattle.

Dave Molhoek is now with Intermountain-Orient. Boise. Id.

Dick Morrison has joined the sales force at Perry H. Koplik & Sons, Portland, Or.

Lawrence W. Potts Jr. has joined Collins Pine Co., Chester, Ca., as v.p. and gen. mgr.

Robert B. Kincaid, American Hardwood Co., Los Angeles, Ca., has been elected a director of the National Hardwood Lumber Association.

Ken Thim, James Hardie Gypsum, Los Angeles, Ca., is recuperating after recent surgery.

Mark Botsford is now sales mgr. for Weyerhaeuser's Portland, Or., customer service center.

Charles E. Hurwitz, chairman & ceo, Maxxam Inc., parent of the Pacific Lumber Co., is expected to add the title of pres. when William C. Leone retires Sept. 15.

Dick LeClair is now with Lacy Forest Products, Redmond, Or.

Kiln-dried Frontier Incense Cedar

Siding is an affordable alternative to Standard & Better green cedar sidings. Every unit is PaPerwrapped and contains a two-length mix,pre-bundled and end-caPPed for added protection. And Frontier Siding is available in a variety of patterns suitable for a wide range of architectural styles.

Feafures

Z Kln-Dried; Dimensionally Stable

J Protectiae Bundling rnith End Caps

Z All-Weather Paper Wrapped Units

A 6- tu L6-Foot lcngths

Z Milled from lncense &dar; Naturdlly Decay Resistant, Exceptionally Durable

Sterling Wolfe, now retired from Marquart-Wolfe Lumber Co., Costa Mesa. Ca.. is back from a Caribbean cruise with his wife, Loraine.

Lenny Mahosky is the new gen. mgr. of Babbitt Home Center, Flagstaff, Az.

Dee Holmes is the new national sales mgr. at Western Wholesale Moulding, based at Phoenix, Az., Hq., reports Jim Gonsalves. Greg Cater is new to sales in Anaheim, Ca.

William D. Gaittens has been Promoted to gen. sales mgr. of HaleY Bros. No. Ca. millwork div., Sacramento, Ca., according to gen. mgr. Walter Tharp.

Patrick Hunter, Waldron Forest Products, Carmichael, Ca., and his wife, Lisa, got in a mini-vacation on the coast.

Bruce Pickering has joined Caffall Bros., Wilsonville, Or., as industrial specialties dept. sales mgr.

Art Peterson, western region sales mgr., Wayne-Dalton Corp., has been named Sales Manager of the Year. Paul Brough, Las Vegas, Nv., was honored as Salesman of the Year.

Findas A. Lupole is the new tax consultant for Mungus-Fungus Forest Products, Climax, Nv., rePort owners Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus.

(Plcase turn to page 32)

Personals

(Continued front poge 3l)

Jim Haywood has been added to the sales dept. at Bohannon Lumber Co., Orange, Ca., to handle export and domestic hardwood and softwood industrial lumber, reports Dan Bohannon.

Doug Sherer has been named mktg. mgr. at Windsor Mill, Windsor, Ca., according to Ray Flynn, pres.

Mike Henderson is now with the international div. sales team at Tumac Lumber Co., Portland. Or.

Bob Reed is now handling the northwest region and John Schramm the southwest region at Boise Cascade's particleboard sales dept., Boise, Id.

Barnes E. Mauk has joined Mauk Forest Products, Redmond. Wa.. with an ofllce in Seattle, Wa.

Jay Jahonson is new to TreeSource Inc., Portland, Or.

Richard Anderson is now selling for Blue Lake Forest Products, Arcata, Ca., reports Paul Trueb.

Walt Kellogg, Kellogg Lumber, Denver, Co., has been elected an officer of the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver.

Miki Miconis has joined Unity Forest Products, Fresno, Ca., according to Steve Hagen.

Tom Dittrick is purchasing mgr. at Y. Higa America, Inc., Portland, Or.

Jim Gillette is now mgr. of Tum-ALum, Ellensburg, Wa.

Jon Conde has been promoted to operations mgr. of Lumbermen's, Olympia, Wa.

Bob Jacobsen, Lloyd Lumber Co., Nampa, Id., recently served for two days as a substitute legislator in the ldaho House of Representatives.

Mike Markussen, Patti Matweeff and Gerry Buck have joined the sales force at Fontana Wood Products, Fontana, Ca.

Shawn Kelley, M&M Builders Supply, Tracy, Ca., his son, Larkin, and Tom Fogarty, Osborne Lumber, Newark, Ca., and his sons, Sean and Patrick, celebrated Earth Day with two days of target shooting in the Santa Cruz mountains.

Robin Wood, Lane Stanton Vance Lumber Co., City of Industry, Ca., married Andy Thomas in Orange, Ca., May 5, 1990.

Jim Gaither, Mariners Forest Products, Santa Ana, Ca., celebrated his 30th birthday with an outboard motor dunking ceremony.

Mike Johnson and Jim Mace, Skookum Lumber Co., Olympia, Wa., held a seminar recently for one ol their distributors, OrePac Building Products in Sacramento. Ca.

"Tut" Campbell is a new sales rep at Ed Fountain Lumber Co., Los Angeles, Ca., joining the co. after a quick trip to Australia with his wife and daughter, according to Ed Fountain, Jr.

Bob Riggs, PrimeSource (formerly Sequoia Supply, Fairfield, Ca.), has been named v.p./western region mgr. Jim Summerlin, Sumwood, Inc., Palos Verdes Peninsula (Los Angeles), Ca., has returned from a business trip to the southeastern U.S.

(Please turn to page 54 )

Second Growth Electkrns

Second Growth, the under-40 group within the Lumber Association of Southern California, recently held its first meeting of the Year, electing new officers and honoring its past president.

LASC executive vice president Wayne Gardner spoke on the various forest management initiatives

seeking signatures for the November California ballot. He urged the lumbermen to become informed on the issues and to speak out for the industry.

New officers are John Allen, Capital Lumber, president; Phil Robbins, Fleming Lumber, v.P.l Mark Sabre, Learned Lumber, sec.; Al Reed, Enardi International, treas.

Frost Building New Quarters

Frost Hardwood Lumber Co., San Diego, Ca., is building new offices and a warehouse at its existing Miramar, Ca., site, with plans to move from its downtown location by the end of the year.

Downtown San Diego has undergone a transformation in recent years. "Downtown used to be 'lumberyard row,'but we're the last ones," said G.T. Frost. "Behind us are two Marriott Towers, a $160 million convention center. it's time for us to move." The company has been on the site since 1923.

0FFICERS elected include (l-r) John Allen, pres.; Drew Sasser, past pres.; Al Reed, treas.. and Mark Sabre, sec.

9! West Coqst Lumber Division ol BarWood Investments, Inc.

NEW PRODUCTS

and selected sales aids

BackyardArchitect

The Wolman Project Planner, a software program to assist countermen in helping customers lay out decks and other backyard projects and generate a materials list and quick cost estimate, is new from Hickson Corp.

The program also contains construction tips and ready information on safety, warranties, maintenance and preservative terms.

When in the display mode and coupled with a monitor, the planner can be used as a point-ol-purchase display, showing deck ideas, sale items and helpful hints.

Registered Gredit

An electronic cash register/point of sale terminal featurins automatic dial-up/approval for c[arge card sales and compatibility with all leading credit networks and services is new from Datacap Systems.

Providing credit autho rization/ electronic draft capture and communication to a central office polling system, the 2860 system includes 60-position programmable key- board, built-in intelligent modem with dual RJ I I rear connectors, magnetic card stripe reader, internal alphanumeric printer, alphanumeric operator display, memory pack and PIN pad interface. PLU expansion memory, customer displays and slip/ draft printers are optional.

Operating with most IBM compatible personal computers, the software is available in 3-1/2" and 5-l /4" disks.

White Pine Line

RobbinWood. a new standard in eastern white pine for cabinetry, trim, paneling, siding, sheathing and decorating, is now available from Westwood Forest Products, Inc. A unique kiln drying process reduces moisture content to 8-120/0. The pitch is set at 150' instead of the usual I 10", virtually eliminating knot bleed. The wood is also antistain dipped to prevent blueing. Products include various dimensions of bevel, channel rustic, tongue & groove and corner boards.

High Powered Business

, A new SuperMicroComputer from Dataline combines high processing power and speed to support up to 32 users in a typical lumberyard or home center.

For more information on New Products write The Merchant Mogozine,4500 Campus Dr., Suite 480, Newport Beach, Ca. 92660. Please mention issue date and page number so we can process your request faster! Many thanks!

Compact Out Back

A trash compactor designed to go in the garage is new from Genie.

(ienie Beasts compact as much as five 20-gallon cans of trash into one heavy duty plastic bag.

For safety, compactors can not be operated without a safety key or with the door open, and units automatically shut off at the end of every cycle.

Other features include a built-in caddy to wheel away compacted trash, galvanized steel construction, and a l/3 hp, high torque motor, which generates 3,5001bs. of packing DOWer.

Based on the UNIX System V operating system, the 32-bit, Motorolabased 5/480 operates at 25 MHz lt provides standard interfaces which allow users access to hundreds of software applications.

The system joins Dataline's S/80 and 5/640 computers, all of which are designed to network with each other to ensure maximum flexibilitv and growth potential.

Choice Entries

A solid timber stile and rail door made of American red oak or Philip- pine maghogany has been introduced by Escon Corp.

With a choice of glass designs, the 302 series entry comes 6'8" high, l-3l4" thick and 2'6".2'8". 3' and 3'6" wide.

Marking Upgrades

Reportedly the first in-store bar code printer to combine thermal transfer/thermal direct with electronic article surveillance printing is new from Monarch Marking Systems.

The printers run on pressure-sensitive labels which contain hidden, radio frequency circuitry to protect merchandise from shoplifters.

Producing all popular bar codes, the printer can accommodate a variety of supplies, including ultraremovable, removable, permanent, full-gum and heavy full-gum adhesives, piggyback labels and merchandise hang tags, all in various stzes.

The system is designed for home centers, lumberyards, wholesalers, hardware stores and millwork dealers.

Safe Sealing

An environmentally sound line of sealers and clear finishes containing minimal amounts of ozone-producing Volatile Organic Compounds to meet the strictest regulatory standards has been introduced bv McCloskey.

Sliding Replacement

The new Clad Retro Patio Door from Marvin Windows allows upgrading to a beautiful, energy efficientwoodpatio door without sacrificing the maintenance advantages of an aluminum door.

Designed to replace old aluminum sliding doors, they are specially sized to fit openings created for such doors, which are said to be typically smaller than openings for wood units. The doors are constructed of ponderosa pine, with .055" extruded aluminum cladding on the exterior for weather protection and reduced maintenance.

Featuring built-in alphanumeric keypad, on-line or'off-line capability and 16 pre-defined'fixed formats which can be customized per special order, the machines also offer twoline, 32 character lcd display; a wide range of fonts which can be magnified up to seven times, and reverse printing.

Lumber Manager

Timber, an integrated database software system providing comprehensive control of the diverse product lines and numerous individual items inherent to the lumber business, has been developed by ADD Systems.

The system uses a pre-formatted screen "form" for operator data entry, simplifying and expediting the process while reducing the possibility of errors. Its modular makeup allows it to be phased in on any convenient schedule, beginning with the most important areas and then adding others as the user becomes comfortable with the system.

The package includes order entry, invoicing at point of sale, special orders, quotes, estimates, credit checks, order processing, order modifications, order closing and invoicing, inventory mangement. and mangement analysis of sales by item, department and salesperson.

For outdoor applications, the Man O'War Clear Air Formula line includes four exterior sealers and varnishes (clear wood preservative, water repellent sealer, patio & stone sealer and gloss spar marine varnish). Three clears (gloss polyurethane. glass varnish and gym seal floor finish) protect and enhance interior wood.

Masking Spray

Glas-Strip, a strippable waterbased mask coating for interior and exterior painting jobs, is new from Spraylat Corp.

The product is sprayed over the glass and allowed to air dry. Paint can then be applied without regard to

Weatherstripping along the bottom rail, extruded leafweatherseal at the jambs and double weatherstripping along the stile interlock minimize air and water infiltration.

A scuff-resistant, virtually indestructible sill and double steel ball bearing wheels are also featured.

Hang In A Hurry

Easily attached signs with "peeland-mount" backings are now available from the Allen Holden Co.

The 3-l/2" x 5-l/2" signs are screen printed on heavy duty styrene plastic. Titles include "Beware of Dog," "No Admittance," "Danger," etc.

getting paint on the glass. When the paint dries, the protective coating is simply peeled off, leaving no sticky residue or oversprayed dry paint.

The product eliminates cutting, positioning and scraping off masking tape and paint seeping under the tape through air bubbles and cracks.

ln-Hearth Heater

A vent-free fireplace insert heater is now available from Empire Comfort Systems.

Its vent-free design allows it to be installed in a combustible or masonry fireplace with minimum clearance, with no need for a chimney or other venting. As a result, the unit is said to be 99.90h fuel efficient. since no heat is lost up a chimney and there are never any ashes to remove.

vegetables or filling large pots and buckets is new from Grohe America.

both a flexible easel back for freestanding use and special hooks for pegboard mounting.

Available for LP or natural gas operation, the insert has an input of 18,000 BTUs with three heat settings. An optional blower may be fitted in the top of the heater for increased circulation throushout the room.

Flexible Kitchen Faucet

A European-styled kitchen faucet with a dual-pattern, pull-out spray head for washing dishes, rinsing

The Ladylux features a fingertip controlled, dual-pattern head (stream flow or wide spray) and a 59" hose. The head can also be quickly and easily exchanged with optional accessories, including a water filter, tough scraper/spray for pots and pans, and delicate brush/ spray for fine crystal and china.

The faucet comes in white. black. gray, bone, white/chrome and black/ chrome. Matching escutcheon and soap/lotion dispensers are also available.

Plans On Display

Stanley Tools' four Project Planner kits are now available with a compact, space-saving wire merchandiser.

The display holds 24 kits, has reorder tags and is equipped with

The Home, Kitchen, Landscape and Deck Designer Project Planners feature peel-and-stick symbols that cling firmly to a rigid GridBoard layout surface so homeowners can rearrange them to plan interior or exterior environments.

Indestructible Guard

New Lexan plastic corner guards are now available from Tago Co. Corner guards reportedly are crystal clear, non-yellowing and unbreakable, with tape that stays stuck.

Decorative Beam Line

Decorative beams covered with a durable hardwood woodgrain laminate for designer treatment of walls, ceilings and windows have been introduced by Outwater Plastic Industries.

wood floors and artwork, the clear glazing system also deters wide temperature swings and annoying street nolse.

Shelf Control

Five new garage organizers and work centers have been introduced by LeelRowan.

The precision-cut beams are crafted in a honey pine-grained finish and contain an embossed rough sawn texture. To install, beams are folded around 2x4s and then fastened into place with colormatched nails.

They can be painted, stained or varnished.

Shady & Shapely

Specially shaped windows from Hurd Millwork Co. are now available with Heat Mirror fading protection to block more than 990/o of the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays.

Designed to prevent sun-fading of draperies, carpeting, furniture, hard-

TIMBERS

D.F. CLEAR

PINE PATTERN

PINE COMMONS

CEDAR

Now available are 36-in. wide, l6in. deep storage shelves; two and three-tier door wall racks, and three and five-tier, free standing shelving systems.

REDWOOD COMMONS

REDWOOD PLYWOOD

REDWOOD PATTERN

REDWOOD UPPERS

LONG DIMENSION

Super Greaser

A cleaner designed to quickly and easily remove grease, oil and grime from driveways, garage [loors, patios, sidewalks and other outdoor

Land of DINEH Reputation by Product PONDEROSA

PINE

Fine Textured/ Kiln Dried

NAVA-PINE

Premium Quality

Lumber

Half Pak HIL.

NAVA.PAK

Handi-cut/ Home Ctr. Brds.

Half Pak HLL. and PW.

NAVATRIM

Premium Mldgs. and Millwork

Bundled/Unitized/

Gazebo To Go

A western red cedar gazebo kit which includes everything but the nails and the stain is now available from Sitka Forest Products.

Pre-cut kits have color-coded materials to construct a 10-ft. or l2-ft. wide, six-sided gazebo, including all floor framing, floor sheathing, walls, roof framing, roof sheathing, roofing, pre-flabricated ridge cap, and optional cupola.

surfaces is new from National Interchem Corp.

When applied, the product is chemically absorbed by the surface substrate, causing the grease and oil to float to the surface, where it can be flushed clean by rinsing. The biodegradable product is said not to clog or foam sewers or pipes.

It can also be used to clean barbecue grills, lawnmowers and garbage cans and as a "pre-soak" to remove weather and wear stains from outdoor funiture, fabrics and carpeting.

The cfeaner comes in a 20-oz. plastic conainer with a push pull cap.

Gutter Inserts

Vinyl gutter liners from Dr. Gutter can stop leaks and save 750/o over replacing old, rusted gutters. Rolls of the 10 mil pvc white vinyl insert are measured, cut, re-rolled and slid under gutter spikes, until the material reaches a corner. Companion pieces are attached to avoid seams.

Foundation For Brick

Do-it-yourself perntanent plastic brick-lnying guides lront Argee help create patios, walkways and driveways quickly and prolessionally.

The l6' x 16" Patio Palguides are said to assure alignment of brick rows.block out weed growth,guarantce spacing and pattern ot bricks. and l-eature holes for complete drainage.

To install, patterns are interlocked on a sand base. Bricks are then plrrced intothc guides. joints are fllled and the surfitce misted. (iuides conte l0 to a pack.

ViewWith A Point

An equal sided triangle window that can be custonr ordered to fit any rough opening up to 60 sq. fl. has been added to Andersen's PerntaShield Flexiframe line

The Isoscelcs Trianglc window features white or Terratone-colored low maintenancc exterior and unfinished white pine intcrior.

Hit The Showers

Shower Veil Neo-Angle doors constructed from virtually unbreakable polycarbonate - the same material used in airplane and race car windshieldsare new from Lyons Industries.

cleaning. They come in two sizes (36" and 42") in white, almond or black trim with bronze or clear panels.

decibel alarm and battery, and a smaller unit providing the water contacts and cable attachment.

Other features include a circuit test bar, low battery indicator, and built-in suction cup to adhere to suitable surfaces.

For more information on New Products write The Merchont Mogazine.4500 Campus Dr.. Suite 480. Newport Beach. Ca 92660 Please mention issue date and page number so we can process your request faster! Many thanks!

Waiting For A Flood

The shower doors have no bottom track to provide easy entry and

Floodwatch water sensor from Sonin detects the onset of high water conditions as a result of rain. leaks. appliance failure or faulty plumbing. Operating on one standard 9v battery, the device includes two hieh impact plastic parts: a main uiit housing the detection circuitry. 85

The device can also be used as a watchman for filling tubs, sinks, spas or pools to sound when the water reaches the desired level.

With a four acre drying yard, dry kiln and complete milling facility, we look forward to serving your requirements.

Wood Properties Computer

A new portable E-computer from vides quick, convenient and accurate wood material properties.

Metriguard promeasurement of

The testing device works with a personal computer to measure modulus of elasticity, density and vibration damping ratio. The complete system includes software, hardware interface, load cell, tripod supports and hand control.

It accommodates wood specimens ranging in size from small dimension lumber pieces to panels, composite materials, timbers, beams and headers.

More To Store Outdoors

The Big Box, a universal outdoor storage container for decks, patlos, yards, garages or docks, is new from Contico Manufacturing.

FAMOWOOD

is the PR(lFESSI(INA['S Att PURPOSE PLASTIC Boat builders, furniture makers, cabinet makers, etc. have found it the one suie answer to correcting wood defects, filling wood cracks, gouges, covering countersunk nails and screws.

Can be used under Fiber Glass!

Readv to use right out of the can, Famowood appli6s like puttysticks like glue; dries quickly; won't shrink, a'nd will not gum up sander. Waterproof and weatherproof when properly applied. aa

Availalle in 16 matching tvood colors and white.

The container reportedly will not rust, dent, chip or peel; has a rustproof hinge and lid support, and can be padlocked for added security.

Available in beige, the 56" long by 30" wide by 24" high box has a 17 cubic ft. capacity.

Tape & Measure

Three disposable measuring products are now available from Kestrel Development Corp.

Carpenter's Layout Tape, a laminated adhesive tape printed with symbols indicating 4, 8 and l6-in. cen-ters' bxpedites the layout of floor joists, wall studs and rafters.

-For setting trusses, another tape is also imprinted with 24-in. markings, using a shading technique to speed visual recognition of each 2-ft. segment.

An Elevation Tape is printed in inches from 1 to 48 for establishing elevation points and determining grade.

Hem-Fir

Hemlock

Douglas Fir

GREEN or DRY o DIRECT MILL SHIPMENTS . LCL e CARGO o

RAIL . TRUCK & TRAILER o

PRESSURE TREATED LUMBER

Ex-Manager Sues Pay 'N Pak

Pay 'N Pak Stores, Kent, Wa.. and company chairman/ceo John Markley are being sued by a former district manager who alleges he was forced out of the firm after being promised the presidency.

Kirk Knapp's suit claims Pay 'N Pak "abruptly required (him) to relocate from Hawaiito Washington to temporarily assume the responsibilities of company president. Shortly thereafter, Pay 'N Pak promised (him) permanent employment as an executive or senior vice president, a base salary exceeding $120,000, and a 2o/o corporate performance bonus. The company also promised that an impending change in management would not affect (tris) joU security."

Chairman David Heerensperger and president Jerry Marlow resigned in August and Markley joined the firm. A 16-year veteran of the firm, Knapp was promoted to vice president, but resigned the position in December. He now works for Heerensperger's new company, Eagle Hardware & Garden, Kent.

0UTSTAI{011{G performance won Capital Lumber Co. a place in Sirnpson's Redwood Million Foot Club for the 15th consecutive year. lll Dean Winters, Phoenix, Az., operation; l3l Steve Hollingwbrth, Denver; l2l president John Gaskin each received a leather desk folder award from Bill Scott, Simpson redwood sales mgr., right.

Hardwood Distributors

Longevity seems a mark of hardwood groups as the Pacific Coast Wholesale Hardwood Distributors Association proved at its 67th annual meeting, held this year at the Westin La Paloma Hotel, Tucson, Az.

Seven sectional reports on business conditions in the U.S. plus one on western Canada were upbeat and optimistic. with all areas reporting continued good business. The sole exception was Arizona, still suffering from the savings and loan crisis that has produced such a negative impact upon the state's building business.

Changes in the foreign and domestic markets and their effects upon each other were explored in an illustrated talk by George Barrett, editor and owner of the Weekly Hardwood Review. He noted that the chip business was up, affecting hardwood supply, due to a number of

new southern mills. Barrett said distributors should become involved in just-in-time delivery activities, noting that those who do can increase their profits.

Randy Holt, Motorola, Inc., spoke on credit, stressing that teamwork, cooperation and communication between different areas within a business are essential for profitable credit management.

Elected new president was Butch Pope, Weber Plywood; lst v.p. Brent Mullen, Southwest Hardwoodl 2nd v.p. Shirley Reel, Reel Lumber, sec./treas. Lynn Monthaven, Lane Stanton Vance; sec/treas. elect Jim Frost, F'rost Hardwood. lmmediate past president is Jack Butson, Brady International Hardwood.

Next year's convention is slated to be held in Palm Springs, Ca.

C(lMPAIIY APPRECIAII0I{ night for Hoo-HooEtte Club N0..2, Eugene, 0r., brought out all the bosses. lll Bobbie Snell, Cary Young, Cle Frederick, Al Hallstrom, Janet Brioht, Carl Hallstrom. l2l Sneita Walker, Rondl Harris. Greg Pittman. l3l Sue Ferguson, Bonnie Morgan. l4l Connie Miller, Bamona Miller, Zaretta Leischman, Cathy Miller, Don Lenhart. lSl Dict< Tutt, Tom Maks. 16l (front)

Depot Robbers Shoot Guard

Two gunmen assailed an armored car guard carrying cash into Home Depot, Van Nuys, Ca., shooting him in the hand and fleeing with a bag of money, according to Los Angeles police.

With guns drawn, the robbers followed the guard through the store March 23 and when he refused to surrender the money, they shot him, according to an unidentified employee. An unidentified suspect was later arrested, police said.

Northwest Mini-Conference

A Pacific Northwest regional mini-conference for Hoo-Hoo International members is set for May l720 in Eugene, Or.

Hosted by the Willamette Valley Hoo-Hoo Club at the Eugene Red Lion Inn, the event begins with optional trapshoot and golf tournaments. May l9 features a full day of business sessions, chaired by HooHoo director Dave Blasen, Blasen & Blasen Lumber Corp., Portland, Or.

S0UTIIWEST Pll{E Association's 2nd annual I was held mid-March, in Scottsdale, Az., 74 golfers, 150 guests for the banquet. lll Tommy Davis, Bill Herman. l2l Jean & Don Crane. l3l Mitch Boone, Ed Richards, Frank Curley. l4l Angie Cheshire, Barry Garrison, Greg Cheshire. l5l Janeen Burkholder, Steve & Tammy Walsh, Terry Burkholder. 16l Larry Christopher, Tom Lapinski. {71 Mike & Kiki Crenshaw, Jim Pope. l8l Greg McGuire. [91 Paula Morton, Larry 0lson. ll0l Scott Hill, Randy Schaal, Brian Biewer. llll Frank Stanek, Rex Zeiger, Don Fink. ll2l Norma & Lee Nelms. ll 3l Don Kruse, Ken & Diane Ghiz. ll4l Dick & Laura Gavis. llSl Ron & Jonell McClellan. ll6l John Emmer, Terri Porter, Don Olson. llTl Emil & Annie Romero. llSl Greg & Whitney Kruse. ll9l John & Cindy Cornell. l20l Tom & Sharon Walsh.

Debbie Spence, Carrie Evans, Jill Beals, Drenna Bjork, Burrie & Judy Elmore; (back) Jon Anderson, Russell Spence, Nancy Jodoin, Dave Evans, Jim Bjork, Mike Jodoin. Linda Bryant, 0regon State University, and Diane Hickok, Humboldt State Universitv. are recipients ol 5800 scholarships frorir National Hoo-Hoo-Ette Club, a lumber sororitv.

M0ST DISPIAYS were excellent at the show. such as P&M Cedar's lll with Jean Fakundiny, Mark Fish, Charles Berolzheimer, Mark Jantzer. l2l Jerry Parlee, David Still. t3l Linda Priddy. l4l Dick Lundgren, Donna Brown. [5f Bill Bird, Steve Zieg. 16l Hat Huff, Dick Platner. l7l Dennis Moroz, Dan Gauthier. C-huck Felix, John Sturges, Randy Gregory. l8l Wayne Schwerin. l9f Tom fosiOa. O"ottie

Klotz, Huck DeVenzio. ll0l John Cashmore. Bill Blankenship, John purcell. llll Steve Layton, Mike Roach, Bob Baeppler. (l2l Hank Feenstra, Fritz Brayton, John Snead. Il3l John Redding, Gene Myers. ll4l Mike Liqas. Rodney B. Sessions, Linda Treb. llil Lalra Schulze, Rich Viola, David Butk. lt 6l Lee Evans, Donald. MacDonald. llTl Ed Gray, Sc0tt Klein. ll 8l Janis Hearrell, Susan

Detchon. (l9l Denis Deeth, Bob Riggs. l20l Pat Aldred, Martha Grissom. ltil paul Bouchard, Palle Jensen. 122l Bob Curtis, William Morton. (231 Chris Hatton, Linda Campbell, Al Wells. [24] Bill Schneider. Carv Lawrence. l25l Bob Ashley, Richard Leder-mann, Daniel Ledermann. 126l Rick Kost. Hal Huff, Jerry Kohnke, Earl Miller.

National Home Genter Show

ATEGORIZATION

the V grouping of productswas the buzz word at this year's National Home Center Show. A dozen different categories of Products were arranged, each in its own separate area, complete with color coded carpet so showgoers with color coded maps could easily locate exhibits.

Exhibitors and attendees alike seemed to like the new format, though total traffic by each booth was below last year as most People visited only those areas of interest to them. Additionally, 36,000 square feet had been added for a total of 476,000 square feet within cavernous McCormick Place, Chicago's humongous convention center.

"We've had fewer people in the booth," one exhibitor told us, "but they were all quality people and I haven't wasted my time on a lot of people who aren't real prospects."

Total attendance was essentially flat at34.477. down 500 from 1989, and composed of 19,991 showgoers and 14,486 exhibitors and others.

Shortened from four to three days this year, the March 1I-l3 show Presented several seminars and speeches during the day long exhibit hours. Dr. Richard Lancioni spoke on customer service at a MondaY

breakfast meeting, saying that front line people must be emPowered to solve service problems, that the company service policy needs to be consistent and that customer service should be pro-active, not reactive. "Listen to your customers," he said, "treat their complaints as an opportunity."

Story at a Glance

Redesign that groups Products into categories was well received at the popular show. attendance echoed last year. event was shortened from four to three days and was enlarged.

plus hidden costs and "the best deal is the best price with ro hidden costs," Merrifield said. "To cope, you must try differently, not harder."

David Ai, City MillCo., Honolulu. Hi.. and Melvin Cohen, Somerville Lumber, Waltham, Ma., were inducted into the Home Center Hall of Fame during ceremonies at this show. James Sweet. former chairman of the board, Scotty's, Winter Haven. Fl.. received the 1990 Leadership Council Pioneer Award.

D. Bruce Merrifield, Jr., addressing a North American Wholesale Lumber Association seminar Tuesday, March 13, discussed the distributor's role, stating that Just In Time delivery policies have reduced the number of vendors a firm uses and that JIT will supplant the present distribution system.

Total procurement costs are price

Among the Innovator Award winners for new products were Black & Decker for a wallpaper stripper; Garrett & Co., Tug-A-Plug; Vermont American, Around the Corner Wood Boring Bit. In store sales support systems winners were Andersen Corp. for their Window Center Planning Model, Behr Process Corp. for a color matching system and HoYne Mirrors' new miniature door display/order desk.

The 15th annualshow was blessed with record temperatures, 74" on Sunday and an amazing 81' on Monday, l0' above the previous record. The show had more than 1,300 displays.

Next year's National Home Center Show dates are March 24-26 at McCormick Place.

NEW LITIERATURE

Security ln Numbers

A 24-p. security device catalog is lree from Se-Kure Controls. $00) 322-2435.

VinylTile Flooring

A 32-p. catalog of resilient vinyl floor tile products is free from Azrock, Box 696060, San Antonio, Tx.78269.

Cabinet Members

The 1990 Directory of Certified Cabinet Manulacturers is free from the National Kitchen Cabinet Association, Box 6830, Falls Church, Ya. 22046.

Side With The Facts

"Siding Basics" is free for up to l0 copies, 150 ea. thereafter, from the Western Wood Products Association, Yeon Bldg., 522 SW 5th Ave.. Portland. Or.97204.

Insulation Instructions

"Guide to the New Model Energy Code" is 500 and a stamped, selfaddressed envelope from the Mineral Insulation Manulacturers Association, 1420 King St., Alexandria, Ya. 22314.

Fiber Cement Roofing

"The Fiber Cement Roof, of a LifeTime," a 4-p. brochure on nonasbestos Southern Slate, EuroSlate and Beaver shingles, is f,ree from FibreCem, 7 Woodlawn Green, Ste. 212. Charlotte. N.C.28217.

Rubber Under Foot

A rubber flooring products catalog is free from Endura, 2 University Office Park, Sawyer RC., Waltham, Ma. 02254.

Duratemp Siding

Information on Duratemp plywood siding is available from Miller Redwood Co., (800) 637-5886.

Gathering Dust

The 20-p. "Wood Dust Control & Collection Systems" is $3 from Delta, (800) 438-2486.

Computer Pluses

A 32-p. booklet on the advantages of automation for retailers is free from Triad Systems Corp., 3055 Triad Dr., Livermore, Ca. 94550.

Finish Off

A cement, brick/block and drywall/ plaster finishing tools and accessories catalog is free from Marshalltown Trowel Co., (800) 876-9357.

Nail Mail

Two nail data flyers, "How to Choose Them" and "How to Use Them," are free from Keystone Steel & Wire Co., (E00) 447-6444.

Pallet Recycling

"Recycling...A New Approach to Pallet, Container and Reel Management" is available from the National Wood Pallet & Container Association, 1625 Massachusetts Ave. NW. Ste. 200. washington, D.c. 20036.

Frontiersln Space

"Build-It-Better With Hardwood plywood," an updared l6-p. booklet bf space-saving storage projects, is free from Georgia-Pacific, 133 Peachtree St., NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30303.

The Trowel Trade

A ll2-p. cement finishing, bricklaying, drywall finishing, tile installation, plastering, paint sundry tools, wallcovering and carpetlaying catalog is free from Goldblatt Tool Co., Box 2334, Kansas City, Ks. 66110.

For all New Literature offerings write directly to the name and address shown in each iiem. Please mention that you saw it in The Merchont Magazine. Many thanksl

Safety's Standard

Three new safety booklets on OSHA's standards on hazard communication, asbestos removal and chemicals in the workplace are available from EMED Co., (800) 442-3633.

Lift Lights

A booklet on flashing light products for lift trucks is free from Hyster Co., (800) 221-r l9l.

Panel Buyer Profile

A summary of a wood paneling survey of 5,000 interior designers is free lor up to l0 copies from the Western Wood Products Association, Yeon Bldg., 522 SW 5th Ave., Portland. Or. 97204.

Get With The Program

A 4-p. folder on Sentry Hardware's lumber/building materials program is free from Sentry, 2700 River Rd., Des Plaines, Il. 60018.

Roofing Material Manuals

The Roo/ing Materials Guide, a 435-p. twice yearly report, is $95 annually from the National Roofing Contractors Association, 6250 River Rd.. Rosemont. Il. 6001 8.

Healthy Coatings

"Guide to Using Clean Air Coatings," a brochure on environmentally safe products, is free from McCloskey. (.8.00) 767-2532.

Truss Clips

An expanded plated truss connectors catalog is free from Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Box 1568, San Leandro, Ca.945i7.

Crawl Space Solution

A 4-p. brochure on insulating the "naked crawl space" is free from Dow, (800) 441-4369.

American chestnut attempts

a comeback

ln NcE oNE of the most plentiful Vand useful woods in U.S. forests, American chestnut (Castanea dentata) has long since fallen on hard times. But a current upswing in interest and research is aimed at returning the beautiful, durable hardwood to its former prominence.

Long ago, about one ofevery four trees in the eastern United States was an American chestnut. But in the early 1900s, a devastating fungal plague hit New York, quickly spreading to destroy virtually every chestnut in its path. Although some American chestnuts can be found today in the West, young trees and sprouts struggling to grow out of dead trees in the East eventually succumb to chestnut blight themselves. Blighted trees are termed "wormy chestnut."

The growing American Chestnut Foundation, Morgantown, W.V., recently established a research farm in Virginia, hoping to turn things around for the hardluck hardwood. And for good reason.

American chestnut's value is obvious. Trees average 80 to 100-ft.

tall and 3 to 4-ft. wide. They attain this height quickly, often adding a half inch or more in diameter annually.

The heartwood is pale brown with wide growth rings. It resembles oak without the broad "silver ray" figure. The wood is straight-grained, lighter in weight than oak and also easier to work. It is remarkably rotresistant, nails and glues well, and stains and polishes to an excellent finish.

Story at a Glance

Previously prolific American chestnut now a rarity due to blight. .. foundation aims to reinstate it. . fast growing hardwood boasts beauty and durability.

American chestnut has low bending strength, medium crushing strength, moderate steam bending capabilities, and very low stiffness

and resistance to shock loads.

Its uses include furniture. interior woodwork, oflice desks and equipment, cofftns, tanks, utensils and fence posts. Wormy chestnut may be used for furniture and picture frame mouldings.

Its bark provides tannin, which can prove valuable in tanning leather but also can corrode metal with which it comes into contact under damp conditions. Most noteworthy are the tree's tasty chestnuts, long considered a delicacy.

Related species include the Spanish or European chestnut (Castanea sativa), Chinese chestnut (Castanea milissima), and Japanese chestnut (Castanea crenata), all of which are more resistant to the blight than the American chestnut. The water chestnut, Cape chestnut, Moreton Bay chestnut and horse chestnut (buckeye) are a different genus and species.

The majority of chestnuts used commercially in the U.S. are imported. And stopping the chestnut blight is a prerequisite for the hardwood to regain its homegrown abundance and stature.

CLASSIFNED ADVERTIISEMENTIS

MULTI-BRANCH San Fernando Valley

sash & door company needs branch manager for Ventura, Ca.. outlet. Salary, benefits, profit sharing. Submit resume: 4435 McCrath St.. Ste. l0l. Venrura. Ca. 93003.

COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL LUMBER SALES

Selling higher grades of lumber & building materials to unique market niche. Very strong support organization. Oflering established customer base, with growth potential. Sales experience needed, preferrably with hi-grade lumber orientation. Contact: Sam Crawford. Ganahl Lumber Company, 1220 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, Ca. 92805-5993. (714) 956-2050.

LUMBER TRUCK: '77 Chevy truck, 2-axle, 366 gas engine, l4-ft. roll-off. Contact Mr. Seaman at Q14) 432-0800.

Twenty-five (25) words for $21. Each additional word 70c. Phone number counrs as one worq. Address counts as six words. Headlines and centered cop] ea. line: s6. Box numbers and special borders: $6 ea. col. inch rate: $45 camera ready. s55 ifwe set rhe tvpe. Names ofadvertisers using a box number cannot be released. Address replies to box number shown in ad in care of The Merchanl Magazine, 4500 Campus Dr.. Suite 4E0, Newport Beach. Ca. 92660. Make checks pavabletoTheMerchanlMrgazine. Mail copytoaboveaddressorcall (714) 852-1990. t)eadline lor copy is the 22nd of the monrh. PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY COPY unless vou have established credit with us.

LIFT TRUCK, Hyster. Recent complete overhaul.15,000 lb. capacity, special thin forks, side shift swing shift. $12,000. Fred Holmes. 016) 743-3269.

FUI,I, I,INT] I,UMBER YARD

Southern ('alifornia Tri State River area lumber yard/home center. Cood equipment and store/storage facilities. (ireat sales. Fast growing area. Owner retiring. Call G. Robinson (619) 3659725.

AND WEATHERED

Douglas Fir S4S and rough, 3x4 and wider and 4x4 and wider. Call BiU Hunter, Hunter Woodworks. (213) 1 1 s-2544; (2 I 3 ) 83 5-567 1.

LOCAL LUMBER hauling Sourhern California rollcr bed truck and trailers and bobtails radio dispatched. Rail car untoading at our spur in Long lleach. 3C Trucking (213) 422ry26.

Selling Down South?

lf you're selling in the South, Building Products Digest advertising reaches your market. A sister publication of The Merchant Magazine, the Digest has a monthly circulation of 12,750 dealers, wholesalers & distributors with at least twice that many readers. It provides blanket coverage of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia,

ELASSIFIED ADVERlIISEMENTS

WHO WE ARE

Active Dstribution is a full-rrvice warehouse oPeration which sPecializes in the storage and distribution of spe'cialty and commoditv proCucts. A wide varietv of value-added -rvices, unique in the industrv, is offered t() both manufacturers and retailers.

OUR LOCATION

With its headquarters in the Port citv of Stmkton. California. Active Distribution can quicklv access maior population c€ntere of the Wst as readilv .rs it handlts international imports and exports.

FACILITY

A 130,000 il. ft. warehou*'.rnd 14 acres of wred storage allow the flexibilitv n&-e;erv for hanclling manv tvpes of products, including lumber and plvwtxd. Mtrlern warehousing svstemt and a state-of-the-art computer netw0rk track Ac-tive Dstribution's oPeration.

SERVICE OPTIONS

Our

WARE

Phonel-800'752-7097

$needpeople wlro can see the fore$ for tlre trees.

Air pollution. Acid rain. Gypsy moth infestation. Global warming. The problems affecting America's forests impact us all. We need people who undentand the value of protecting existing foress and planting new acreage. To find out more, write Global Rel.eaf, American Forestry Asociation, P.0. Box 2000, Dept. GR3, Vashington, DC 20013.

GIEbAL REgLEN rc

You can make a world of difference.

-SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA- SAN FRANCISCO BAY LOSANGELESAREA

GREATER SAI{ DTECO AREA

NORTIfERN AND CENTRAL CALIFORNIA

oRANGE, BIVEBSIDE & 3AI{ BERNARDII{O COUNTIES

Producls Co. (Chico) ,..

Corp. (Bed Bluff)

M Cedar Products ..., Trinity River Lumbor Co.

Geor0ia Pacific (Mira Loma)

Georoia Pacific (Biverside)

Golding Sullivan Lumber Sale6

Hesoeria Whol€sale Lumb€r

Hickson CorD,

lmfeld Enterprisss Inc.

Industrial Forost Products ............

Inland Timber Co.

International Forest Products

Johnston Hardwmd Inc.

Jones Wholssale Lumber Co.

Kelleher CorD.

L-P oistribution Center .......

L-P Wafemood/lnner-sea| .......

Laminated Timbor Seruices Inc.

MacBeath Hardwood

Maple Bros., Inc. Mouldings

Mariner's Forest Products

Maquarl-Wolfe Lumb€r Co.

Mesa Forest Products Newport Planino Mill, Inc.

Lumber Co.

waslilllGToN

ALASKA

OREGON

SOUTHWEST

ARIZONA

OBITIUARIES

Sadie Ostin, former vice president of David Ostin Moulding Corp., Sacramento, Ca., died AprilT, 1990, in Norfolk, Va. She was 79. Survivors include her widower, David, a son and a grandson.

Personals

(Continued front page .?) )

Craig Phelps has sold his interest in Arthur A. Pozzi Co., Portland, Or., to his partners.

Max O. Weber has been elected c.o.o. of Owens-Corning Fiberglas Corp., succeeding William W. Boeschenstein, who will remain a director after his Sept. retirement.

Scott Neils has been appointed v.p. of sales/mktg. at Loth Lumber Co.,

Alvin G. "Al" Fegles, 80, formerly for many years with the West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau, Portland, Or., died April 7, 1990, following a lengthy illness.

After working with various mills, he joined WCLIB in 1945, retiring as vice president - operations in 1975.

Mr. Fegles is survived by his widow, Mary, two daughters, a son and a number of grandchildren.

W, Paul Donovan has been named director of sales for Wallboard Tool Co., Long Beach, Ca.

HomeClub's Safety Fairs

Gold Bar, Wa. Marjie Beedle is a new sales asst.

Jay Gregg is new to stud sales at TreeSource, Portland, Or.

Orv Mauritzen has retired as mgr. of Architectural Woods, Inc., Tacoma, Wa., after 45 years in the business. Bruce Haertl is now with Hall Forest Products, Tacoma, Wa.

Danny Dickson has been appointed lumber sales mgr. at A. C. Dutton Lumber Corp., Portland, Or.

Norma Egger has joined Holmdahl Bros. Lumber Co., Spokane, Wa.

Prepare Fair '90, a public awareness event featuring displays and demonstrations of safety techniques and emergency preparation, was recently held at five HomeClub warehouses in Southern California.

Aimed at promoting awareness and providing information on threats such as earthquakes, fires and exposure to hazardous chemicals, the April 7 programs at North Hollywood, El Monte, San Bernardino, Riverside and Moreno Valley stores included air ambulance demonstrations, fire vehicle exhibits, first aid demonstrations, door prizes and safety professionals answering questions and handing out literature.

GLU LAMS

TREATED

SPRUCE TIMBERS

o NEW tN'90

We've expanded our product lines Alsoavailable...

o Band Sawing and Gorbeling Always complete inventories and prompt delivery on all products

e