You'fl $ver Nfaem

- Makers of AcQ and CA treated lumber recommend hot-dipped galvanized and/or stainless steel fasteners!

- Maze has true double hot-dipped galvanized & stainless steel fasteners!

- Maze STORMGUARIP Nails meet & exceed the ASTM-A153 Spec.

- Warning: None of the other types of coatings on the market has the 87 year Maze track record of dependable corrosion-resistance.

- "Hot-galv" lS NOT the same as true hot-dipped galvanized.

BMD Adds sth DC, SlPs Plant

Buoyed by increasing demand for structural panels and other building products, Building Material Distributors, Inc., Galt, Ca., has opened a new distribution center in Visalia. Ca., as well as a joint-venture manufacturing plant in China.

According to executive v.p. Garry Tabor, the new DC-BMD's fifth in California-"will remove pressure from existing distribution centers and improve our service levels to these key marketplaces."

One reason for increasing pressure was the addition last year of a new business unit focusing on structural panels and engineered lumber. "The overwhelming customer support regarding these new products has been remarkable," Tabor said. "In order to meet the growing demand for these products, opening this new warehouse became essential."

In addition, BMD has opened a new manufacturing facility in Anshan City, China, to produce QuickBuild structural insulated panels for residential and light commercial construction. "This is a manufacturing process BMD has patented and been producins since the mid-1990s in the U.S., but is considered new technology to the Chinese marketplace," said Steve Ellinwood, president and c.e.o.

The QuickBuild SIPs construction system reportedly is faster to build, more energy efficient and less expensive than current brick or block construction currently used by the Chinese construction industry.

Software Providers Merge

NxTrend Technology, Inc., Colorado Springs, Co., has been acquired by Agilisys Inc.

The acquisition expands Agilisys' existing wholesale distribution capabilities and provides an opportunity to establish the combined company as a global leader in the distribution software market. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

"For over two decades, NxTrend has been on the forefront of developing distribution specific ERP and supply chain management solutions," said Jim Schaper, chairman and c.e.o. of Atlanta, Ga.-based Agilisys. "Their innovative solutions, dedicated team of employees, and loyal customer base will be strong assets as we continue to expand in the growing distribution software market."

"Agilisys is a world-class organization with the global infrastructure and financial reach to help NxTrend strengthen its leadership position in the wholesale distribution industry," added Mike Cornell, NxTrend chairman and c.e.o. "Our customers will benefit from increased investments in product development and expanded resources."

NxTrend serves 1,900+ companies with 90,000 users in such industries as building materials, electrical, and plumbing/heating/air conditioning.

Depot Buys Batch Of Kmarts

Discount retailer Kmart, currently operating under bankruptcy protection, has sold as many as 24 stores to Home Depot in an effort to turn a profit.

Depot has agreed to pay $365 million for the stores and will announce the location of its new sites within the next 60 days as it works with landlords and municipalities. During that time, Depot will determine which of those stores will be best for conversion in 2005.

At auction last year, Home DePot purchased l5 Kmarts while Lowe's won the bid on five stores.

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TANKS A LOT: To accommodate the new generation of wood preservative treatments and to increase the opt ons rt offers its customers. Western Wooo Prese.v ng Co. is continuing its long-term plant upgrade in Sumner. Wa. The latest round of imorovements involved adding equipment and two m0re work tanks for future use. The additional lanks would allow WWPC to treat wlth six diIferent preservatives. (Above) P ant manager Jerry Hill and crew apprec ate the size of the new tanks. (Upper right) Four forklifts travel in unison to move new tank towards the tank farn (Middle rlghf) WWPC president Mike Reimer spearheaded the changes. (Lower rlohl) 180-ton crane lifts a new 12-ft.-diameter tank 40 ft into the air for insertion through the roof ol the tank farm building. The roof was replaced the next day. Previous upgrades included replacement tanks, new storage facilities, a new combination stacker/incisor, a unit saw, and process equipment to treat with f ire retardant preservatives.