0ll IUITIBER C0.

P. O. Box 415

Jopon Plywood Exporlers To Push Domestic Species

Russell Kinsey-Monoger CLOVERDALE, Colif. o Phone: TW 4-2588

Changes in marketing strategy are in store for the Japanese plywood industry as another active year continues for 1964.

The turnaround will place renewed emphasis on sales o{ plywood species native to Japan, rather than the previous emphasis on Philippine Luan and Mahogany. The Japanese Plywood Manufacturers Association reports competition from plywood manufacturers in the Philippines and l-ormosa cut heavily into the Japanese exports of Lauan-previously a virtually exclusive Japanese field.

New strategy, then, will take on a threefold appearance:

1 Concentrate sales on native woods like Birch, Sen, and miscellaneous minor species,

2. Handle only the very best quality Lauan plywood.

3. Remove the quota system for Pro- ' duction and export of Lauan Plywood which has been enlorced for the past I0 years.

JPMA reported that in 1962 Japan had 53.5 percent of the U.S. hardwood plywood import market, but in 1963 exports of Lauan to the U.S. dropped 1l percent while exports o{ local plywoods jumped 29 percent. Losses from Lauan were nearly offset by the increase of local plywoods to produce a total drop in U.S. exports to just one million square feet.

Total hardwood plywood exports for 1962 Irom Japan to all countries were valued at over $66 million-IO percent higher than the average figures for the five preceding years. Some 80 percent of that total was exported to the U.S. The U.S. portion included 526 million square {eet of Lauan and L97 million square feet of Japanese woods. In 1963 the Luan exports had dropped to 467 million square feet while native woods climbed to 255 million square feet.

In 1964 production of plywood is expected to increase by 20 percent over 1963, based on recent modernization efforts. Nearly 250 manufacturers are now producing quality plywood in Japan. Total assets o{ the industry exceed $500 million at present.

Major markets for 1964 will continue to be found in making flush doors, interior fittings, mobile homes, yachts, and furniture. In recent years these industries have accounted for some 60 percent of Japanese plywood shipments to the U.S.

A JPMA spokesman described the situation as follows:

"Although exports of plywood to the U.S. slumped during 1963, the Japanese plywood industry is encouraged by the rise in exports of plywood from local woods-

Clork lo Rosboro Sales

Val Gardner, sales manager for Rosboro Lumber Company in Springfield, Oregon, has announced the appointment of Dick Clark in the sales department. Clark was formerly in the sales department of Jones Veneer & Plywood Company, and has had extensive experience in sales of lumber and plyrvood.

Rosboro will continue its policy of sales specialization. Roger O'Neal will specialize in lurnber sales, Clark in plywood sales and Gardner in cutting and fabrication.

Sogincrw Shingles Soginaw Split Shokes

Builders Buying qt Deolers Oftered Merchondising Aids

The Armstrong Cork Company will make an extensive array of merchandising aids available to builders who purchase Armstrong Siding through lumber and building materials dealers in 1964.

According to J. O. Sampson, manager of lumber dealer sales, builders purchasing over 35,000 square feet of siding will have their choice of free local newspaper ad' vertisements, radio spot announcements, or billboard space in which to promote the features of their homes. Armstrong advertising specialists will custom-write the builder's individual message and provide all needed scripts, layouts, copy, or specially imprinted billboard paper entirely free of charge.

Participating builders will also have their choice of several different types of literature promoting their model home features. Site signs, with the builder's information printed on both sides, and attractive wall plaques are further merchandising aids available at no cost for each of the builder's model homes-

Builders using less than 35,000 sq. ft. oI siding will be eligible to receive a portion of these merchandising aids. Sampson said, depending upon the total amount of siding purchased during the year. Builders purchasing mure than 50,000 sq. ft. of sid' ing will qualify for their choice of addi' tional radio spots, newspaper ads, and billboards.

According to Sampson, the 1964 merchandising program has been designed to enable builders to tie in with the public's strong identification of the name 'oArmstrong" with quality products. The program, he said, will be administered entirely through local Armstrong Siding dealers in order to facilitate rapid handling time.

Blue lqke Reopens

Blue Lake Hardware (formerly Blue Lake Builders Supply) on Railroad Ave. in Blue La&e, California, was reactivated during spring by Ray and Jack Piersall. Ttre business was originally started by the Piersalls in l95I and sold during 1959. The business subsequently closed until reactivated last winter.

Back with a new lease on life, Blue Lake Hardware will be managed by Ben Spini with Ray Piersall of BIue Lake overseeing the new operation. Jack Piersallo who was in the building business with Ray prior to 1951, has since turned rancher and now runs cattle on his spread near Fort Jones in Siskiyou County.

In addition to the completely remodeled 2500 sq. ft. showroom, the 'business also has some 8,000 sq. ft. of shed space. Located in the center of a lumber producing area, the operation will stock a minimal inventory of lumber. However, a full line of millwork, plywood, mouldings, shelving and roofing will be carried, as well as a complete line of hardware and sporting goods.