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After nearly a century of family ownership, Burke’s Do it Best Home Centers in Oswego and Fulton, N.Y., have been sold to a trio of former employees.

Brothers Chuck and Tom Handley, whose great-grandfather founded the business in 1926, are selling to Jason and Christopher Rinoldo, and Jeffrey McGann.

“Knowing that Burke’s is in the hands of individuals who have been a part of its journey for decades brings us immense comfort,” said Tom Handley.

Jason Rinoldo started working at Burke’s as a 16-year-old in 1989, before becaming an accountant. Brother Chuck also worked at Burke’s while in high school, working his way up to operations manager at Brookfield Power. McGann was a salesman and assistant manager with Burke’s before founding his own construction company. He is currently the director of code enforcement, planning & zoning for the city of Oswego.

The Handleys expect to remain the company “for a year or more” to assist with the transition.

84 Lumber is more than doubling its presence in California, with the addition of several new stores and a component plant.

The new locations are comprised of new stores in Stockton, Lancaster, and Riverside (site of the old Champion Lumber), Ca. Plans also include a truss plant in Bakersfield as well as a framing yard there. These new sites, along with already established stores in Bakersfield, Clovis, and Beaumont, will bring 84 Lumber’s presence to eight total locations in the state.

“The new stores and component plant are examples of 84 Lumber’s dedication and continued commitment to better serve our customers and communities,” said 84 Lumber COO Frank Cicero. “I’m excited to watch these stores grow and develop over the next five years. 84 Lumber is committed to California, and we look forward to providing more opportunities for our associates in these markets.”

Jorge Espinoza, the divisional vice president for the western division, started his career with 84 Lumber in California. “Growing our business in the state of California is exciting for me because it’s where I’m from and where everything began for me at 84,” he said.

84 Lumber will be expanding a component plant in Yuma, Az., to service southern California. Stores are planned for Reno, Nv., and in the Salinas/California coastal area in the future.

84 Lumber currently operates 310 facilities nationwide, including 234 stores, 14 component manufacturing plants, 28 engineered wood product (EWP) centers and 34 door shops.

Henson Lumber, Cresson, Tx., has acquired 44-year-old Decatur Lumber, Decatur, Tx.

“We are excited about the growth potential and look forward to expanding and bringing in more products and services to the area,” said Casey Wallace, COO at Henson Lumber. “Decatur Lumber is fortunate in having several long tenured employees which is a testament to Glenn and Wayne Trachta and will be a big plus as we grow our product line and add more staff. I can’t say enough good things about Wayne and Glenn for allowing us to make this acquisition possible.”

Customers of both Henson Lumber and Decatur Lumber can expect a seamless transition as the integration process begins. Henson Lumber is dedicated to maintaining the high standards of quality and service that both companies are known for, while also exploring opportunities to introduce new and innovative offerings.

“Wayne and I have been patiently searching for the right company to engage in discussions about acquisition. Henson Lumber shares very similar values with us on the way we treat our customers and employees,” said Glenn Trachta of Decatur Lumber.

Established in 1973, Henson operates a lumber division, shop metal division, and millwork division all in Cresson.

The Building Center, Inc., Charlotte, N.C., has acquired Contractors Building Supply,with locations in Monroe and Ocean Isle Beach, N.C., expanding its reach in central and coastal North Carolina. 

“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to continue to make inroads and build relationships with builders and remodelers in and around Monroe and Ocean Isle Beach, N.C. CBS has been in business since 1987. Owner and CEO Eddie Roberts has built a talented team over the years and has a wonderful reputation for service,” said Skip Norris, president of The Building Center, Inc.

Founded in 1977 by Ed Norris, The Building Center has 13 locations and over 500 employees throughout the Carolinas, including three truss plants and two custom millwork operations. This marks the seventh acquisition for the company in the last seven years.

Conner Industries, Fort Worth, Tx., has acquired Denver Reel & Pallet, Denver, Co., and then pooled its assets into a joint venture with Anderson Pallet & Crate, Sedalia, Co.

The new joint ventured, Conner Colorado, LLC, the company will be contributing the assets of its previous acquisition of 

While Denver Reel & Pallet and Anderson Pallet & Crate will now be part of joint venture Conner Colorado, LLC, both locations will operating under their current names. Jason Anderson will now serve as president of both companies.

“This joint venture with Anderson Pallet & Crate aligns our products and services with the needs of our customers, and is an outstanding strategic development for Conner,” said Conner CEO David Dixon. “The combination of assets will serve as an ideal platform to broaden our reach into the Colorado and front range markets, and exemplifies Conner’s commitment to adapting to our customers’ ever-changing need for solutions that reduce the total cost of packaging.”

With 40 years in the pallet and crate business, Anderson Pallet & Crate specializes in highly complex industrial packaging designs for a wide range of manufacturing customer verticals, including oil & gas, HVAC, aircraft & aerospace, railroad, military, and more. The 20,000-sq. ft. manufacturing facility is minutes from I-25, just south of Denver, and comes with a team of 20 employees. With recent investments in new automation equipment for processing lumber and assembled items, the joint venture is expected to be highly successful for both parties.

“As a leading provider of industrial packaging, we believe Conner, and the assets of Denver Reel & Pallet, makes for a perfect joint venture partnership for Anderson Pallet & Crate,” said Jason Anderson. “With our common growth mindset, I’m excited to lead these two great companies as they continue to expand their reach into growing markets in the Rocky Mountain region.”

Boise Cascade’s Building Materials Distribution (BMD) division has completed the purchase of a 20-acre property in Modesto, Ca.

The company’s current operations in Lathrop, Ca., will relocate to the new facility, which includes office space and a 190,000-sq. ft. enclosed warehouse served by rail.

“We are very excited to join the Modesto community,” said branch manager Bill Carr. “This move will better enable us to serve our entire market today as well as put us in a fantastic position for the future.”

“The purchase in Modesto aligns with our growth strategy in the markets we currently serve to expand product depth and service for our customers,” added Jo Barney, Senior VP, BMD Western Operations. 

ABC Supply has acquired the assets of John S. Wilson Lumber Co., West Friendship, Md., from brothers Hugh, Jim and Craig O’Donnel.

The 142-year-old business will now operate as an ABC Supply location offering roofing, siding, decking, windows and related trim products.

“John S. Wilson Lumber Company has built generations of loyal customers by providing unparalleled service,” said Tom Kuchan, ABC Supply’s Northeast Region vice president. “We are excited that these talented associates are now part of the ABC Supply team, and we look forward to helping contractors in this growing market achieve even greater success.”

UFP Industries affiliate TimberBase has launched TimberBase.com, a B2B digital platform for buying and selling lumber and building materials. 

Purchased from German tech start-up Timber Base GmbH in February, the platform has been upgraded with a more intuitive interface, supported by UFP’s team of international industry experts, to simplify the buying and selling process for customers and suppliers around the world.

“TimberBase will host a broad portfolio of lumber and building material products,” said Andy Cubeta, VP of international trading for TimberBase. “This automated, easy-to-use platform provides several modern advances, such as real-time order tracking, a live chat function for immediate assistance and expert guidance, and the ability to quickly and easily create and accept order requests. The world is rapidly changing, and our TimberBase team will be on the forefront of modernizing the trading activities of the global timber industry. Our goal is to be the leading global B2B platform for buying and selling lumber and building materials.”

“A global trading presence strengthens UFP Industries’ sourcing advantage by providing access to valuable wood baskets throughout the world,” said Dick McBride, executive vice president. “TimberBase will enhance this advantage for our manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia through new supplier relationships. It also will provide opportunities for us to export our products anywhere in the world and connect suppliers and other manufacturers with each other. Trading in this industry has primarily been via phone and email. Now it will be conducted ultra-efficiently through TimberBase.”

UFP calls TimberBase the industry’s most advanced sales platform, connecting thousands of buyers and sellers worldwide. It’s an online marketplace delivering a wide array of lumber and building materials, all while simplifying transactions. The easy-to-use platform incorporates automation and creates efficiencies throughout the process, bringing the timber industry confidently into a modern platform.

Simpson Strong-Tie will invest $110 million to expand its operations in Gallatin, Tn., by adding a new facility that allows the company to meet growing product demand and relocate a portion of its fastener manufacturing operations.

“This expansion more than doubles our current production capacity and footprint, enabling us to meet increased product demand and keep fastener manufacturing close to our North America customers,” said Mike Olosky, president and CEO. “The new site will also improve efficiency, help ensure we continue to provide exceptional customer service, and open up career opportunities for employees and job applicants alike.” 

Upon completion of the new facility, Simpson Strong-Tie will employ nearly 250 people across Tennessee.

Style Crest, Fremont, Oh.-based supplier of building products for the manufactured housing market, has acquired Westland Distributing, Denver, Co., and sister company Alumi-Cover Awning Co., Mesa and Tucson, Az.

With additional locations in Las Vegas, Phoenix and Sacramento, the strategic acquisition expands Style Crest’s presence in the western United States.

“By combining the strengths of Style Crest, Westland Distributing, and Alumi-Cover, we are confident that we can better serve our customers with an extensive range of products and exceptional service.”

Westland Distributing has been a trusted supplier of foundation covers, windows, doors, set up, and plumbing solutions for the manufactured housing sector since 1971. By combining their extensive product offerings and industry expertise, Style Crest and Westland Distributing will deliver unparalleled value to customers across the western region.

Established in 1968, Alumi-Cover’s innovative and durable solutions have gained significant recognition within the manufactured housing industry. By incorporating Alumi-Cover into its portfolio of products, Style Crest strengthens its commitment to providing comprehensive solutions for the manufactured housing market.

“These acquisitions mark an important milestone for Style Crest, as we expand our reach and strengthen our position in the western United States,” said Bryan Kern, CEO of Style Crest. “By combining the strengths of Style Crest, Westland Distributing, and Alumi-Cover, we are confident that we can better serve our customers with an extensive range of products and exceptional service.” The addition of the Westland operations will expand Style Crest’s direct distribution to seven new states: giving us direct customer distribution in 39 states.

Alumi-Cover will also expand Style Crest’s manufacturing capabilities from vinyl siding, skirting and entrance systems to include roll formed products.

The Southern California Hoo-Hoo Club #117 met its lofty goal to raise $30,000 for charities — primarily for veterans — during its recent Don Gregson Memorial Golf Tournament.

Since 2011, the club has donated $83,953 to Wounded Warriors, since 2008 $83,000 to City of Hope, and since 2017 $30,000 to Homes for our Troops.  

“It’s a pretty tidy amount for a bunch of lumber jocks just trying to help other,” said co-organizer Mike Nicholson. “We’re going to move the goal for next year to $35,000.”

Next year’s tourney is set for Oct. 4, 2024, in Chino, Ca.

Avon Plastics is expanding its distribution operations in Paynesville, Mn., with the opening of an additional 40,000-sq. ft. warehouse.

The state-of-the-art facility is set to commence operations on Dec. 1.

The decision to expand the distribution center comes as part of Avon Plastics’ continued commitment to meeting the growing demand for its products and improving its supply chain capabilities. The new warehouse will not only enhance the company’s distribution network, but also enable Avon Plastics to better serve its customers across the nation.

Equipped with advanced technology and modern infrastructure, the NEW warehouse will significantly increase Avon Plastics’ storage capacity. This expansion will allow the company to streamline its inventory management processes, ensuring efficient order fulfillment and timely deliveries. Additionally, the facility’s strategic location will facilitate quicker transportation and reduced lead times.

Avon Plastics specializes in a wide range of products, including Armadillo composite decking, Master Mark lawn and garden products, Grid Axcents decorative lattice, QuixTile interlocking flooring tile, and TurboClip decking fasteners.

84 Lumber has big plans for Colorado, beginning with the opening of a new door shop in the Denver market.

Located northeast of Denver in Commerce City, the new door shop is an 81,952-sq. ft. building staffed by a team of associates ready to manage any custom or stock interior door needs for single-family or commercial construction. 

The new location will be one of more than 30 shops across the U.S. that are outfitted with top-of-the-line equipment. The Denver market is operating under Pete Cantu, area manager of the company’s Western division.

“Our investment in these important markets helps strengthen 84 Lumber’s presence in the Western division,” said 84 Lumber’s chief operating officer, Frank Cicero. “We are also committed to providing the best service to our customers.”

In Denver, 84 Lumber is working on plans for a bigger store. Currently using half of its building, the store will be housed in a 19,431-sq. ft. building in the near future.

Expansion in the state of Colorado will continue as 84 Lumber has also started construction on a new facility in Greeley, Co. The estimated completion of the 18,324-sq. ft. building with seven acres of rail service is June 2024. Plans are also in development to open a truss plant in Fort Lupton, Co., by the end of next year and a potential second truss plant in Fort Collins.

84 Lumber also looks to develop into Colorado Springs in the future.

The company currently operates 310 facilities, including 234 stores, 14 component manufacturing plants, 28 engineered wood product (EWP) centers, and 34 door shops.