RedBuilt Buys SSI's EWP Business

RedBuilt, Boise, Id., has agreed to purchase the engineered wood products portion of Standard Structures Inc., Windsor. Ca., including equipment, raw materials inventory, and intcl lectual property.

Battered by the housing slump, 641 ear-old SS I plans to restructure its remaining business around its core glulam product line.

"Standard Structurcs has been a

Hardwoods Acquires Paxton

Hardwoods Distribution Inc.. Langley, B.C.. has agreed to purchase the assets of Frank Paxton Lumber Co., Chicago,Il., for $13 million.

Founded in 1914, Paxtcln operatesbranches in San Antonio, Tx.; Denver, Co.; Cincinnati, Oh.; Kansas City, Mo., and Chicago.

Hardwoods operates 26 Hardwoods Specialty Products DCs acrclss North America.

"Paxton's expertise in architectural millwork provides it with a strong base of customers in commercial and institutional markets, a segment where Hardwoods intends to grow." said c.e.o. Lance Blanco. "We believe the cxpertise that Hardwoods brings in import products can also offcr positive benefits to Paxton's customer base. In addition. Paxton branches in Chicago, Cincinnati, and Kansas City represenl an allractive cntry point into three high-potential markets where Hardwoods does not currently have a significant presence."

The deal. which was set to close Sept. 19, is expected to add $45 million in annual salcs for Hardwoods.

Canfor Upgrades B.C. Mill

After two years and a $24 million upgrade, Canfor's sawmill in Vavenby, B.C., reopened Iast month.

"Lumber from Vavenby will go to valued Canfbr customers around the world," said c.e.o. Don Kayne.

In full production, the mill is expected to employ 96 people and produce 240 million bd. ft. a year of spruce, pine. and fir construction lumber. Another 30 logging jobs will be added to supply the mill.

The mill shut down in June 2009. as the U.S. housing market continued to decline. Company officials hope the reopened mill will supply new markets. mostly in Asia.

strong competitor of ours over the years. and we have a great deal of l'espect fbr the company," said Kurt Liebich, RcdBuilt's president and c.e.o. "It is in thc best interests of both companies and the many customers we both servs."

Due to building code regulations, RedBuilt will not manufacture SSIbranded engineered wood products. "Howcver, RedBuilt offers rnany comparable. innovative, industryleading products." said Liebich. "We hope to work with SSI's firrrner en-cineered wood products customers to identify suitable alternatives that satisfy their project requirements."

Afier the deal closcs, expected this month.9l workers will be laid off, as RedBuilt takes three to six months beftrre restarting the Windsor facility. RedBuilt has already hired morc than a dozcn former SSI employees-in sales. technical and support positions-and hopcs to re-hire 30 to 50 rlorc, according to Randy Ruim. RedBuilt's vice president of sales and rnarketing.