Five-Year Forecast For Engineered Wood

North American structural wood panel production is expected to decline this year by l%o, according to APA-The Engineered Wood Association's latest annual five-year forecast.

While the decrease is the first in seven years, the Tacoma, Wa.-based group expects a rise in production of wood I-joists, laminated veneer lumber and glulams.

Structural panel production (plywood, OSB and composite panels) is expected to be 39.76 billion bd. ft. (3/8" basis), compared to last year's industry record of 40.21 billion bd. ft. The slight decline is reportedly due to rising interest rates that are expected to reduce U.S. home construction by 5Vo this year or 90,000 units from almost 1.67 million units in 1999. U.S. and Canadian new residential construction is forecast to consume 18.67 billion sq. ft. (3/8" basis), roughly 497o of production.

OSB production is expected to increase to 245 million sq. ft., but plywood output will decline by approximately 700 million bd. ft.

After operating at 94Vo of capacity in 1999, industry production is forecast to drop to 89Vo of capacity and to run in the 85Vo-86Vo range throughout the forecast period. The average production-capacity ratio during the previous decade was 877o.

Production of wood I-joists is expected to reach 1 billion linear ft. this year, a l2%o rise from 1999. Production is expected to climb to 1.5 billion linear ft. by 2004.

Glulam timber production is forecast to be 350 million bd. ft. this year, up 5.7Vo, while laminated veneer lumber output is expected to increase to 59 million cubic ft., a 13.67o rise over 1999.

Regional Production and Market

Outlook for Structural Panels and Engineered Wood Products, 20002005.is available for $175.

Western Building Show Nears

The upcoming PCBC-Western Building Show in San Francisco will feature a five-acre exhibit floor and more than four days of educational programs.

Exhibit space on the 115,700-sq. ft. show floor sold out more than five months before the event begins June 27-30 at the Moscone Center.

Speakers include presidential hopeful Governor George W. Bush; Stuart Wolff, chairman and ceo, Homestore.com, on "The Power and Potential of E-Commerce," and authors Tom Wolfe, Harry Dent and Paco Underhill (Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping).

New this year is a Quality Construction Forum for builders and contractors. Returning for a second time are the Custom Builder Forum and new products showcase.

U.S. To Produce Europallets

Shippers of goods to Europe, take note: Europallets may now be produced and repaired in the U.S., according to the European Pallet Association.

Measuring the standard 800mm x l200mm, the nine block Europallet is used throughout Europe and designated by the EUR marking.

Ready Europallet availability will help U.S. exporters and their customers comply with European environmental laws and avoid costly packaging taxes.

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E-Tail Shakeout Predicted

Most retailers that operate solely on the Internet will be out of business within a year, predicts Forrester Research Inc.

"There are just too many companies out there that don't have what it takes to last, and they won't last," said analyst Seema Williams.

The firm expects rising competition plus a continued sell-off of dotcom stocks to cause a rash of bankruptcies and buyouts over the next few months.

The problem is an overcrowded online marketplace where seemingly everyone is selling the same products. The advantage lies with the largest and best known, who boast the highest customer and sales growth, and traditional chains with well established brand names, even though many (Wal-Mart, Sears, Home Depot) arejust launching their online attack.

"There are 30,000 e-tailers out there, and probably 25,000 of them will have to go away," said Ernst & Young's Mark Doll. "But that will end up helping the biggest and best players who can ride the tide."

The research firm says that the shakeout among online retailers has already begun and should intensify as competition builds, investors grow more cautious, and funds dry up just when merchants need money for holiday marketing.

In WTCA They Truss

As of mid-April, 33 wood truss manufacturers have become or are in the process of becoming certified in the Wood Truss Council of America's quality control program, according to the WTCA.

The voluntary program, which nelps manufacturers manage the qual- ity of trusses they produce, establishes the frequency and criteria by which trusses are checked by the manufacturer for cutting accuracy, assembly and plate replacement and wood quality.

WTCA, which reported that participation has doubled since Jan. l, regularly monitors certified companies' data to ensure compliance with program criteria.

Where Single D-l-Yers Mingle

Whether one credits like-minded shoppers, store ambiance or the chain's free building and renovation courses, Home Depot is scoring a cupid's bulls-eye with singles nationwide.

Stories of love and romance found amid lumber and hardware are being reported from Depots nationwide, according to the New York Times.

In Wilkins Township, Pa., for instance, one middle-aged Depot shopper got down on bended knee to propose to his girlfriend, whom he had met the year before in that very same store. Choking back tears of joy, the woman accepted, much to the delight of store employees and shoppers who cheered the happy coupleto-be.

The chain was even voted one of the Top l0 places to meet men by the readers of Delaware Today magazine, some of whom said the home improvement giants are particularly "single-friendly" because they attract other common-minded souls.

According to one shopper, "You couldn't find a better place to meet someone you have something in common with."

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Pursuing Champion lnternational

By bidding $6.2 billion in cash and stock, or $64 a share, to acquire Champion International Corp., International Paper Co. has eclipsed Helsinki, Finlandbased UPM-Kymmene Corp.'s earlier agreed-upon all stock offer to buy Champion for $5.81 billion, or $60.57 a share.

The world's largest paper firm's bold move flies against the mostly sedate winds of the paper industry. Experts are predicting a bidding war, which UPM most likely would lose, lacking IP's deep pockets, they say.

According to several investment firms, the offer, if accepted, would give IP greater influence over fluctuating prices that have traditionally plagued the industry.

Champion, which had scheduled a June 14 shareholder vote on the UPM-Kymmene offer, has not responded to the new bid, although a spokesperson claimed that the firm had yet to receive International Paper's offer.

"I think the Champion shareholders will see our offer is clearly superior to what is currently on the table," said John T. Dillon, International Paper's chairman and ceo.

If approved, the deal would give the combined firm 15 million acres of U.S. forest land, mostly in the South, nearly doubling International Paper's timberland portfolio. Purchase, N.Y.-based IP would then have roughly l37o of the world's paper capacity, about 5.1 million tons annually.

Lumbermen's Buys Another Indie

Lumbermen's of Washington, Olympia, Wa., a 52-store chain, has acquired Builders Lumber and Millwork, Kennewick, Wa.

The since-renamed Lumbermen's location has a fullline lumberyard, a roof truss plant and a hanging and pre-finishing shop.

With locations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Arizona, Lumbermen's is an affiliate of Redmond, Wa.based Lanoga Corp., which also operates 148 Spenard Builders Supply, United Building Centers and Home Lumber stores in Alaska, the Midwest and the Rocky Mountain region.

Got Milk Jugs?, Distributor Asks

To paraphrase the old adage, while there's no use crying over spilt milk, there's plenty of use for those discarded plastic milk jugs.

Just ask owner Jim Murphy, whose Highlands Ranch, Co.-based Environmental Building Products, Inc. sells EcoDeck and PermaDeck plastic lumber decking made from the cartons.

In three years, the firm reportedly has grown to become the leading plastic lumber distributor in the Rocky Mountain region.

According to Murphy, the average plastic deck uses about 15,000 milk cartons. "Many alternative home building products are moving into the mainstream and make perfect financial sense," he said. "(But) I never thought the demand for 'green' home building would become so big so soon."

Murphy estimated that he has saved about 50 million milk cartons so far in the firm's five-year existence. "Wert: you to string them together, it would be about 8,900 miles long," he claims.

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Granbury TX 888-573-7103

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Hit The Deck

Thermoplastic-based decking that is said to look and feel like finished wood and comes with a lifetime limited warranty is new from McFarland Cascade.

EWOOD is said to resist harsh weather, bugs, rot and salt water and can be washed with water.

The product's T-clip fasteners offer uniform spacing, eliminating surface nails and screws, and hold boards solidly in place.

Reportedly, decks will not crack, splinter, or check and contain UV protection to maintain color

Circle No.901

Tiles Direct From The Sands

Ceramic floor tiles inspired by the sands of the world's most beautiful beaches are new from Portobello America, Inc.

Ocean tiles range in size from 2"x6" to 12"xl2" and come with coordinating trim and border tiles.

Circle No. 903

Profiles Encouraged

Michael Weinig, Inc. has introduced a new Profile Center that claims a four-fold increase in productivity due to its Powerlock tooling system, LogoCom software and complete CNC machine setup.

Merchandise hangs on either slatwall or inverted slot fixtures.

Circle No. 905

Mack The Knife ls Back

Stanley has introduced a utility knife with a bi-material construction and a rust-resistant metal core.

Strong To The Finish

Hilti has introduced a powderactuated tool for laying metal tracks on floors, ceilings and walls.

DX 351 fastens suspended ceiling hangers and drywall profiles and attaches to concrete, steel and masonry. The 5-lb. product features a quickload magazine that allows the user to fasten up to 700 nails per hour.

Circle No.902

Change-overs for the Unimat 3000 Brillant reportedly take less time when compared to its predecessor. Utilizing 12,000 rpm tooling reportedly enables the unit to produce at twice the feed speed of conventional unjointed moulders.

Circle No. 904

Wall Of Fame

Moveable merchandise wall systems with steel slatwall panels and maple laminate trim are available from MegaWall Corp.

The Contractor Grade Instant Change utility knife can cut string while the blade is retracted and allows blades to be stored in the handle.

Circle No. 906

A Real Shoot'em Up!

A decking, flooring and roofing tool that shoots l-3l4" to 3" screws is new from Milwaukee Electric Tool.

The product comes in 12', 16',20', and 24' sizes in white baked enamel and other colors, plus metal finishes.

Sharp-Fire's positive screw alignment reportedly eliminates missed hits while its positive lock offers noslip adjustment and clear marking for adjusting screw length.

Circle No. 907

Pot Luck

A two-piece, 1.6 gallons-perflush toilet and a 25"x21"x33" high pedestal sink are new from Jacuzzi.

The Kalara Suite is made of vitreous china, triple glazed into a stain-resistant, glossy fi nish.

A countertop sink and singlethreshold acrylic shower base are also available.

Circle No. 908

Wood Composite Decking

Composite decking made from recycled plastics and wood fiber that never needs painting or sealing is available from Hoff Forest Products.

Touch'em Up

Insulating foam to keep dust and dirt out of walls, ceilings and around doorways is new from Convenience Products.

Touch 'n Seal U2-200 FR is MSHA approved and has a Class 1 ratins.

Prone To Prune

A pruning tool that cuts in tight, hard-to-reach spaces is new from Fiskars Lawn & Garden Products.

Gooseneck Swivel Lopper's long neck allows users to reach higher, or cut at ground level with less bending and stooping.

StranDek reportedly won't rot, warp, split or splinter, has a slip-resistant surface and will chanse to an offwhite or cream color in 12-16 weeks of exposure to sun and water.

The product repels moisture, resists termites, spans 24" on center, and can be fastened with traditional tools and fasteners.

While carbide tip blades are recommended, all woodworking saw blades can cut the product, which is hollow and weighs 2.224\bs. per ft.

Circle No. 909

I'm Just Putty In Your Hands

An epoxy repair putty for filling holes, patching cracks, bonding surfaces and repairing leaks in most materials is new from T. Christy Enterprises, Inc.

Non-shrinking FastFix can be formed, drilled, sanded, tapped, sawn or painted and comes in 4 o2.,7"-long sticks.

Once mixed, the steel-filled product will harden in minutes.

Circle N0.910

Someone To Wash Over Me

Quikrete has introduced a product that reportedly removes mold and mildew from concrete, stucco, brick, flagstone and wood surfaces.

Concrete & Stucco Wash removes mildew, algae, black mold and light soil stains from concrete patios, sidewalks and other surfaces.

The l2-oz. concentrated solution cleans up to 350 sq. ft.

Circle No. 911

The product comes in a moistureresistant carton with disposable cylinders.

Circle No. 912

No Generation Gap Here

Kroy Building Products has introduced second generation vinyl decking that features a clip for installation anywhere on a continuous channel.

The 2"x8" product reportedly is strong enough to allow up to a 32" span between supports.

Decks allegedly will never rot, rust or corrode and come in three colors.

Circle No. 9'13 is ovoiloble by circling the corresponding Reoder Service number opposite the inside bock cover ond sending the form to New Products Editor, FAX to 949-852-0231, by E-moil to ddelvol@ioc.net, by moil to 4500 Compus Dr., Suite 480, Newport Beoch, C0.92660, or by colling (949) 8s2-r 9e0.

The 34" tool cuts branches up to 1l/2" in diameter and weighs 3.75 lbs.

Circle N0.915

Going In Tile

American Marazzi Tile has added a new 13"x13" glazed ceramic tile for floors, walls, countertops and hearths.

Mesopotamia has the look of rustic stone and comes in five colors.

Circle No.916

Plane Speaking

A planer with a left or right chip eject, a vacuum attachment and an edge guide fence is new from Bosch.

Model 3365's single-blade drum automatically positions the blade at the cutting angle, and its Woodrazor blade is made of micrograin tungsten carbide.

Circle No. 917

Put Siding Out To Stud

CertainTeed has improved its Monogram RigidForm 180 siding.

StudFinder combines precise nail slot locations with graphics that align with standard 16" on-center construction to indicate stud locations along siding panels.

Circle No. 918

Go Ahead, RollTape

Translucent, solid acrylic attachment tapes with strong bonding power are available from Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics.

Hammer Out The Details

A 17.4-lb. drilling and chiseling hammer with a drilling range of l/2" to 6" is new from Hilti.

TE76-ATC drills into wood or steel and disengages if the housing begins to rotate quickly.

Circle No. 921

Norcryl's strong bonding power can reduce or replace fasteners, rivets, liquid adhesives and welds.

The product comes in roll widths from l/4" to 18".

Circle No. 919

Cross The Finish Line

A transparent finish that highlights the natural beauty of wood's color, grain and texture is new from Okon.

Natural Choice penetrates deep into the wood's surface and comes in three colors.

Circle No. 920

Let's Talk Man To Mantel

Polvstvrene constructed mantels that apply to siding or brick exterlors are new from Cellwood.

Standard sizes are 35", 40" and 44" base lengths to fit most windows. A 120" model is for rows of windows and garage doors.

Circle No. 922

Stainless Steel Screws

Fiber cement, fiberglass, light steel, gypsum board, wood panel, plywood and wood screws manufactured from 410 and 305 stainless steel are new from Swan Secure.