New Custom Prefinishing Plant Opens

rfrHE once moribund It bypassed on the way markets in the last few to its feet and has begun wayward customers who tutes. lumber industry. to its traditional years has gotten to run to regain strayed to substi-

One of the most fascinating methods used is prefinishing, which, despite some early staggers as the complexities were ironed out, has become one o{ the industry's best methods in improving the product and making it more competitive rvith substitute materials.

A new firm to enter the field is Willits Redi Prime, a division of the respectecl Willits Redwood Products Company which sot into the business with its recent take' over of the plant formerly operated as Girard Custom Coaters.

In describing the operation, Willit's Stan Hulett stressed that the plant is a custom prefinishing plant, and that while the parent company will use the facility, the main {unction u'ill be to run as a custom operation. He added that they feel their services are not available anywhere else in the area and that the plant is open to anyone who desirt's to have anl' tvpc of prefinishing done.

And any type of prefinishing is an apt description as Willits Redi Prime is well set up to handle the number of varied customer requirements demanded in to' day's market.

The comprehensive production line, set up to operate with a maximum of automation, can handle not only the usual items in lumber such as finish, Pattern and siding but al-"o is keyed in {or the allied wood products such as plywood, door skins, mouldings and hardboards plus a number of even more specialized products. Willits Redi Prime can also prefinish in any color the customer may choose and also ofiers a water repellent treatment.

Heading up the oPeration is Chet Ihinger, a knowledgeable veteran with a wide range of experience in the field. Sales are handled by the parent company anrl they will use the same phone number and address as Willits Wood Products. I'he plant is located in VIillits. California on Sh"ll Lurl" and has Northwestern Pacific trackage directly to the Plant'

The complete plant and the ttature oi it's location and equipmt'nt allow the smali operator to provide this service to his customers without the tremendous outlay o[ capital needed to begin such facility.