Marking System Aids Roof Producer

(Continued from page 34) gles, it would take too long to make the conversion," Ortiz said. "On the older system, this involved changing the print heads. With the new Matthews R4 Controller and EasySelect software, the color change can be made before three bundles pass by. Today we've done in one minute what used to take three."

The new software feature enhances the Matthews coders, allowing GAF to scan printed bar codes quickly and to select messages remotely on the production line; also reducing errors in message selection and cutting product changeover time.

"The time to make the color change mark on the bundles was shortened-and besides, we've eliminated the old problem of misidentifying the bundles," Ortiz added.

Marked on opposite ends of the bundled shingles are three elements: color, a plant code and manufacturing site.

"With the old paper system, we often couldn't clearly read those markings," Ortiz said. "As we say, 'We're not satisfied if this data can't be read beyond 5 feet.' Today, that's all solved, even marking a more difficult surfaceplastic."

The Jet-A-Mark R4 Controller is rack-mounted and allows GAF to configure its own large character marking, mainly by virtue of the multiple, l6 drop-on-demand valve printheads which are easily cleaned for color changeover. One button controls the cleaning of four printheads at a time, when previously each head had to be cleaned individually. A remote keyboard controls the whole marking operation.

John Hogue, application support manager at Matthews, said, "We took the GAF message library, made it consistent and put it into a self-restoring program, so that if they need to expand the printing system, it's easier to do."

Another improvement in the marking process is the use of fast-drying specially formulated inks, which permit the palletizing of bundles directly after printing. In addition, by having a printing system "all in one box," said Ortiz, maintenance is much simpler.

Windows And Doors Looking Up

U.S. window and door demand is projected to increase 4.9Vo a year through 2007 to $31 billion, according to a new Freedonia Group study.

Strong growth in non-residential construction spending will support gains, offsetting a weak outlook for the large residential market.

Several factors will work to offset the effects of the soft housing environment on residential window and door demand, including increases in average home sizes and the growing use of value-added products.

Plastic windows and doors will continue to lead demand gains through 2007, advancing 7.37o annually to $6.2 billion. Gains for products such as fiberglass entry doors will be particularly strong as they quickly increase market penetration.

Despite the strong growth for plastic windows and doors, products made from metal and wood materials will continue to dominate dollar value demand through 2007. Most significantly, metal windows and doors will rise 5.8Vo yearly to $13 billion.

MacBeath To lnland Empire

MacBeath Hardwoods is relocating its Los Angeles, Ca., distribution center to Perris, Ca.

The new 4.5-acre site has an existing 18,000-sq. ft. building that MacBeath plans to expand by 10,000 sq. ft.

A June 16 opening was expected.

According to facility manager Vincent Cortese, the relocation will allow the firm to expand its wholesale and, in particular, its retail division.

The retail operation will focus on d-i-yers and hobbyist woodworkers; woodworking classes are also planned.

"We decided on the Inland Empire," said Cortese, "given the phenomenal growth of this region."

Cortese went on to add that the move provided MacBeath "with much better access to our other market areas, such as San Diego and Las Vegas."

The smaller site in Montebello, Ca., has been sold.

Depot Eyes Two Alaska Sites

Home Depot has signed one-month leases at recently vacated Kmart buildings in Juneau and Kenai, Ak., to allow time to analyze the viability of the locations.

"It's not a done deal. but we're interested in the sites," said Depot spokesman John Simley. The company sent an architect, structural engineer and store development representatives to "kick the tires" on the buildings, Simley said.

At an April 9 auction, Depot won its bid to take over the leases from Kmart Corp., which closed 326 stores nationwide as part of a bankruptcy reorganization plan.

According to Kenai mayor John Williams, Depot officials expressed concern over how much of the building's existing sprinkler system could be used, if its existing concrete floor would withstand the load of heavy merchandise the store would carry, and if the building was too large.

Typical Home Depot units are 105,000 sq. ft.; the Kenai Kmart stucture covers 146,500 sq. ft.

Depot currently operates two home centers in Alaska-Anchorase and Fairbanks.

Hampton Upgrades Wa. Mill

Hampton Affiliates, Portland, Or., has reopened a sawmill in Darrington,

"My biggest business concern is the lack of new independent retail lumber yards. When all that is left are big boxes, wholesalers concerned today about oversupply will be swimming in the big box shark tank, orjoining their old customers in early retirement."

- Claudia Cowan, owner, Horizon Forest Products, Richmond, Ca.

Or., after $15 million in upgrades. The former Summit Timber mill employs 150 workers and has two production lines, one for small logs and another for medium to large logs. Hampton bought the mill in Feb. 2002,but to this point had only leased 9 acres of adjacent property for wood treating.

Hampton owns 180,000 acres of Northwest timberlands and operates five mills in Washington and Oregon.

Kids Douse Lumberyard Fire

Five high school students helped extinguish a fire at Mattson Lumber Co.. Great Falls. Mt.. before it was able to spread out of control last month.

Cascade Hish School students

Matt Rodgers, l5; Chris Olson, l5; Cassie Nicholson, l6; Jade Whitehead, 14 and Jake Whitehead, 16, were passing through an alley May 24 when they spotted smoke.

"There is a sign on that building that says, 'No Smoking Allowed,"' said Jake Whitehead. "But the building was clearly smoking."

The fire is still under investigation, although foul play is not suspected. The blaze started in the roof of a storage building.

Damage is estimated at $4,000.