The Secchias

Universal Forest Products

By Mark Deremo

Universal Forest Products Inc. At-A-Glance

Incorporated in 1955 with William F. Grant as major stockholder, and sole salesman.
Michigan State University graduate Peter F. Secchia joined the company in 1962.
Secchia became majority shareholder, President and CEO in 1971.
UFP had $11,000,000 in sales when Peter F. Secchia bought controlling interest.
Universal went public in 1993

Raised $20 million in additional equity
Traded on the NASDAQ exchange as UFPI

Universal is a Fortune 1000 company; named to Forbes Platinum 400 list in 2002 (for the fourth time in five years)
Universal has 8,000 employees at 97 locations in North America

Average age of management is 47 years
Average Universal experience is 20 years

The Lumber Market

For years, lumber industry pricing was driven by pulp contracts. The market for commodity bright lumber was without margin. With environmental concerns and diminished production possibilities, the lumber market rises from time to time. When that happens:

Small distributors reach their credit limits faster. More specialty producers end up asking Universal to distribute their products.
To produce lumber efficiently, the larger producers prefer to ship straight carloads of commodity items. Smaller distributors can't accept large quantities, so the big producers then come to Universal.
The DIY industry eliminated many of the "ma and pa" retail lumberyards and captured that market. But they had no need for their antiquated, fragmented distribution network. They came to Universal.
The emerging DIY industry is in the hands of sophisticated financial managers who want "on time" service, financially reliable suppliers, and technical support. They come to Universal.
DIY retailers need highly mixed loads, big trucking fleets, geographic distribution, weekend deliveries, and face-to-face sales support. This is nothing new to Universal; it's what the company has been doing for more than 30 years.

What's more, Universal's relationship-building practices are the same with the company's suppliers as it is with customers, through Mill Appreciation Weeks and special forums. Major producers choose to work with Universal because they want as their customers companies who can buy on a consistent basis, and who can distribute the products they want to produce. Universal's ability to regrade lumber gives major producers yet another reason to choose Universal.

On February 10, 1955, Universal Forest Products, a lumber wholesale office specializing in sales to the manufactured housing industry, was incorporated with William F. Grant as major stockholder, and sole salesman. In 1971, when the company had sales of $11 million, Peter F. Secchia, then vice president of sales, purchased control of the company and led it through three decades of strong, steady growth and great success.

Today, Universal is the largest producer of roof trusses for manufactured housing in North America, and the nation's largest residential truss manufacturer, and the largest producer of pressure-treated lumber in the world. Universal also is a leading supplier of value-added products to the Do-It-Yourself market, maintaining this leadership role as a result of the company's commitment to manufacture, distribute, and market its own products.

In 2002, Forbes once again (4th time) named Universal to its Platinum 400 list, an annual ranking of the 400 best-performing companies in the U.S. with more than $1 billion in revenue.

With more than 100 locations throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Universal produces finished goods within the markets it serves, offering unparalleled distribution and service to its customers. The company employs 10,000 people.

The history of Universal success

When Universal founder Bill Grant decided to grow his business, he hired Michigan State University graduate Peter F. Secchia. The year was 1962.

Throughout the 1960s, nearly all of Universal's growth was in sales to manufactured housing. The retailing trade was left to local distributors who dealt primarily with small, locally owned lumberyards. Universal already was emphasizing customer service and inventory control, and had a philosophy of working closely with customers to teach them how to use wood fiber efficiently, a practice that was to become widely practiced throughout the industry in the future. But back then, it was not common business in the retail industry.

In 1971, the company had sales of under $11 million, and four employees. Ambassador Secchia purchased control of the company and hired William G. Currie as his first employee. Today, Currie is Executive Chairman.

Quickly, Universal became known for innovative programs and policies in the manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of its products, as well as in the company's unique culture. For instance, in 1972, the Universal Employee's Profit Sharing and Retirement Trust Fund was instituted to reward long-term employees for their part in the company's success. While not required to offer such a plan, Universal wanted to assist faithful workers at retirement (today, it's just one of the many ways the company seeks to build its spirit). The initial contribution from corporate profits was $10,000. Subsequent annual contributions and earnings from investments have added to its value so that, as of 2005, the fund, which now has a 401(k) feature, is worth approximately $157 million.

Other groundbreaking practices came from Universal's ability to meet changing market and industry needs through innovative moves. For example, Universal was a pioneer of "just-in-time" inventory systems for the construction industry. In the 1960s and 1970s, manufactured housing production increased rapidly nationwide, but a shortage of working capital, declining rail service, and a need for accelerated expansion called for a system of distribution that required manufactured housing plants to order components on an "as-needed" basis. To respond to these factors, Universal entered the component yard business, establishing manufacturing-cutting facilities near customer bases.

Universal Forest Products was the first company in the United States to be licensed by the Canadian Association to remanufacture (cut-trim-and regrade) and grade stamp Canadian species to meet U.S. engineering standards.

Customers preferred the company's "just-in-time" component system. So, to facilitate its innovative approach to distribution, Universal grew rapidly: Throughout the 1970s, it added several facilities to increase its capacity and geographic reach.

In the late 1970s, Universal entered the wood-treating business in Florida and designed an environmentally sound, state-of-the-art system for producing pressure-treated products. (Universal's Florida plants produced their first "charge" of treated lumber in November 1978. Enthusiastic acceptance of treated lumber led to additional facilities.) The company's goal was to expand and diversify its customer base. And, as they've done throughout their history, they met and exceeded their goals. Late in the 1980s, Universal targeted the Do-It-Yourself market. Little did they realize that the percentage of their business in the retail industry would increase from 5% to 51% in just five years.

In the 1980s, the number of manufactured housing units began to decline. To maintain sales growth, Universal needed a greater market share. And they got it. How? By offering more manufactured components, re-graded more items, mixed loads of lumber, particleboard, and plywood. They also accomplished this through another industry first: Universal was the first company in the wholesale lumber industry to employ a full-time engineering staff. With that capacity and expertise, Universal became one of the world's largest manufacturers of industrial housing-type rafters and conventional roof trusses.

In the fall of 1983, Universal Forest Products was reorganized into five geographic divisions: Northeast, Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, and Southwest. The company phased out its previous corporate names to operate all regional facilities under the Universal Forest Products umbrella.

At the end of 1986, Universal became truly nationwide with the purchase of Far West Fir Sales, a well-established and highly respected wholesaler of softwood lumber products in California and Arizona.

Universal expanded its service to customers and began its on-going practice of enhancing knowledge of its products by offering technical seminars. Today, engineers in the company's Research and Development Department continue to consult with users, assist with designs, aid in obtaining code approvals for trusses and other components, and develop new products and manufacturing processes.

To maintain its position in the treatment of wood and to augment ongoing concern for the environment Universal added Ian Stalker as vice president of wood preservation in 1987. Ian was (and is) an international authority on chemical pressure treatment of lumber, an instructor in the field, and a former executive with one of the world's leading producers of timber preservatives. Now retired, Ian built a Wood Preservation Department by bringing to Universal leading experts in wood treatment who, with Ian, helped to establish industry standards on the special science of treating wood.

The 1980s and 90s were rewarding years for Chairman of the Board Peter Secchia: He was appointed United States Ambassador to Italy by President George H.W. Bush in 1989. It was at that time that Mr. Currie succeeded Ambassador Secchia as CEO.

Universal continued its trend of growth through the 1990s and into the early 2000s by capitalizing on its growing capabilities and by adding new capabilities and facilities through an aggressive strategy of prudent acquisition.

After the Ambassador's return, it was decided that to finance growth to meet the increasing demand for its products, Universal went public in 1993. Its initial offering of 5.7 million shares raised $20 million in additional equity. (Universal is traded on the NASDAQ exchange as UFPI.)

In November 1997, the company announced Performance 2002, an initiative designed to propel the company towards profitable growth into the next century. Over the course of the next five years, the company's success at hitting the targets, despite formidable obstacles, was impressive.

Universal also consolidated its five regional operating companies into two divisions — Eastern and Western — and its five purchasing offices into two — one in the Eastern Division headquartered in Atlanta, GA, and one in the Western Division headquartered in Windsor, CO (near Denver).

In December 1997, the company entered the site-built residential housing market with the acquisition of Consolidated Building Components, Inc. (locations in Emlenton and Parker, PA), and Structural Lumber Products, Inc. (with locations in Carrollton, San Antonio, and Kyle, TX).

A number of other changes at the dawn of the 21st Century firmly established the future leadership of Universal.

On January 1, 2000, Michael B. Glenn became President and Chief Operating Officer of the company.
Bobby Hill became President of the UFP Western Division.
James H. Ward retired from the company, effective December 30, 2000 and Scott Greene became President of the UFP Eastern Division, assuming this responsibility in April of 2000.
In September 2000, the company announced the promotion of Jeff Higgs and Gary Wright to Executive Vice Presidents of Site-Built for the Western and Eastern divisions, respectively.

In 2001, Universal announced the mandatory retirement from active employment of Chairman Secchia, effective at the end of 2002. (All Universal employees must retire at the end of the fiscal year in which they turn 65, a policy Secchia instituted "to allow for a more continuous regeneration of management.") Although Secchia retired from employment, he remains as Universal Forest Products' Chairman of the Board.

In 2001, Universal also announced a stock repurchase from Chairman Secchia's family, a move made because of the favorable stock price and historically low interest rates. The company agreed to purchase two million shares at $18 per share. At the same time, Secchia announced that he intended to reinvest much of the proceeds of the sale into the Grand Rapids community, where he has actively lead revitalization, conservation, and urban development efforts.

In 2002, Universal acquired certain assets of and entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Springfield, IL-based Inno-Tech Plastics, Inc., opening the door to the wood-alternative products industry, which has become the future of consumer products. The company also acquired a facility from Quality Wood Treating, Co., Inc. in Prairie du Chien, WI, which produced EverX composite decking. Today, both plants operate out of Prairie du Chien. This same year, Universal opened its first Michigan manufacturing facility, in White Pigeon, which employs more than 150 people.

Universal is named to the list of the "Top 50 U.S. Manufacturers" as compiled by IndustryWeek magazine. Sales were $1.89 billion.

Advancing its commitment to grow its framing business, Universal acquired a 50% interest in the largest framer of multi-family structures in the Massachusetts area, Shawnlee Construction, LLC (the company has options to purchase the remaining 50% over a number of years). Based in Plainville, MA, Shawnlee had been in business for more than 30 years. That year, Universal also purchased the assets of Midwest Building Systems, Inc. in Indianapolis, IN and acquired the assets of Slaughter House Industries in Dallas, TX.

2005 was a big year for Universal Forest Products. It celebrated 50 years of business. As one recognition of this milestone, the company donated more than $200,000 in cash, material and time to Habitat for Humanity, International. The donations were made in each of Universal's locations across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The company also hosted nearly 1,000 employees, business partners, friends, and dignitaries at a celebration at its headquarters in Grand Rapids, MI.

Universal expanded its DIY products by purchasing the assets of Maine Ornamental Woodworkers, Inc., the leading manufacturer, importer, and distributor of decorative caps used on decking and fencing posts. The post caps complement Universal's decking and fencing lines and add to the company's product mix. Universal also acquired the leading importer and marketer of decorative balusters, DecKorators™, and became the exclusive distributor for a superior and popular plastic decking and railing product, eon® in November. In October, to create new distribution opportunities for the company's growing portfolio of consumer products, the company announced the launch of Universal Consumer Products, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary.

The company purchased an additional 25% interest in Shawnlee Construction, LLC and agreed to purchase the remaining 25% over the next five years. In addition, Shawnlee Construction announced the purchase of assets and assumption of certain liabilities of Shepardville Construction, Inc. and AW Construction, LLC, which install interior products — such as base boards, crown moldings, window sills and casing, doors, and cabinets — for commercial and multi-family construction projects. These companies provide an outlet for the interior trim products Universal produces at its Durango, Mexico operations and add additional interior products to the Universal portfolio.

In 2006, Universal announced its plan for transition of leadership with the appointment of President Mike Glenn, to the position of CEO effective July 1, 2006. Former CEO William G. Currie was appointed to the newly created position of Executive Chairman and former Chairman Peter F. Secchia became Chairman Emeritus and remains on the board as a director.

Universal acquired certain assets of Classic Truss Company Inc., a truss manufacturer based in Ft. Pierce, FL in January. It also acquired certain assets of Dura-Bilt Mfg. Co., a roof and floor truss manufacturer based in Riverbank, California, and its shareholders in June. The name was changed to DuraBilt Truss. And in June, Universal Forest Products and Mississippi-based Goldin Building Systems joined forces to serve builders in the Mississippi and Louisiana Gulf coast region with trusses and other engineered building components. Gulf Coast Components LLC, in Gulfport, Mississippi, will serve area builders with roof and floor trusses, wall panels and other lumber products. The business is expected to be operational by the end of the third quarter of 2006.

Creating Partnerships with customers

With its pioneering experience in just-in-time delivery, servicing the DIY market has been a natural extension of Universal's business. The company has an acute understanding of the need to have product on hand at all times, but never to have too much. In the DIY business, "out of stock" can easily translate to "out of business," so Universal makes sure not to let a customer run out of a product.

Universal's success is built on partnerships with its customers. The company's philosophy and training are based on face-to-face customer contact. These personal relationships enable Universal to understand the diverse and intricate needs of its customers, and to build trust by demonstrating how it can meet those needs. Universal's salespeople visit each customer, meet with store personnel to make sure they know about the company — who it is and what it does — and to ensure that they're satisfied with Universal's products and service.

Marketing and Merchandising

One of Universal's competitive edges in the DIY industry is its national marketing organization, staffed by experienced marketing specialists. This group works on new products, designs the literature needed to introduce them, "plan-o-grams" stores, and designs marketing and advertising banners, posters, and point-of-purchase literature.

The Universal marketing team not only creates the displays that are so important in merchandising products, but they also create literature to communicate to the end-user essential information regarding the best, most effective use and handling of Universal's products. A fundamental component of the company's success is its ability to provide instructions and support material to guide consumers easily through their Do-It-Yourself projects.

The Universal marketing group also seeks comments from customers and consumers to ascertain their needs. By focusing on customers' needs, Universal can continually enhance its product mix and delivery systems. Universal marketing experts communicate back to the company the desires and needs of customers, and spearhead efforts to continually enhance lines with innovative products.

Universally the Best Products

Because of its commitment to providing the best products on the market, and to setting industry standards, "Universal" has become synonymous with "quality." It's the reason for the company's success and offers a significant competitive edge in the markets it serves. For instance, every piece of Universal treated lumber is grade-stamped or end-tagged to ensure proper penetration and retention; Universal's fencing products are made with jigs and automatic nailing equipment; and they produce grades that the end consumer wants, not simply what's required by grading rule standards.

A good example of the company's commitment to quality is its development of Clinch Lattice™. Historically, lattice had been constructed using straight staples driven through overlapped lath to form its numerous joints. Even using glue, ordinary lattice often was flimsy, and frequently came apart under stress. Universal's lattice is produced on its patented lattice machinery and uses an exclusive Clinch Staple System. When the slightly offset chisel points of galvanized staples are driven through the wood, they hit a striker plate, which forces them to cross themselves 180. The ends curl back up into the wood to form a smooth, no-snag joint. The result is a bond so strong that under strength testing the wood breaks before the joints come apart. Universal's exclusive Clinch Lattice™ is the new standard by which all lattice will be judged. Universal's custom manufacturing equipment, installed nationwide, can produce more than 50 miles of lattice panels daily!

Universal: Everywhere they need to be

With 25 pressure treating plants in operation, Universal has a unique advantage: The company can take on multiple market areas being served by the same merchant. They're familiar with programs and long-term selling contracts. So once a DIY chain is secure, and agrees to Universal's programs, they can enjoy a long-term relationship. It's comforting security for retailers to know that they can be competitively serviced by any of Universal's nearby facilities.

In all, by 2006, Universal has 107 locations (including treating plants, manufacturing and distribution centers, industrial and engineered building component facilities) throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico, in addition to the company's headquarters in Grand Rapids, MI. Universal's Lacolle, Canada site is one of the world's largest fence manufacturing plants.

Universal Forest Products seeks out people who are dedicated to personal growth and to the advancement of the corporation's goals. The company's informal slogan is, "The harder we work, the luckier we get."

Product Mix

Another competitive edge for Universal in the DIY market is that the company can combine value-added manufacturing (ripping, trimming, painting, assembly) with wood treating and nationwide distribution. This allows a multitude of products to be put on the same truck for delivery to a DIY store.

DIY retailers recognize the advantage in unloading trucks at their locations. Instead of having one truck arrive with four bundles of treated wood, a next with three bundles of fence, and yet another with spindles, a single Universal truck arrives with a mixed load of all a customer's product needs. It's a logical, streamlined way of doing business that is followed by few others in the industry -- because few suppliers have the same Universal ability to mix treated products with other items.

In 2002 (Secchia's last year in management), sales were $1.64 billion, including:

$761.7 million in sales to DIY
$326.6 million in sales to site-built construction
$292.45 million in sales to manufactured housing
$259.2 million in sales to industrial/agricultural

Universal is now:

the largest producer of pressure-treated lumber in the world
the largest producer of roof trusses for manufactured housing in North America
the nation's largest residential housing truss manufacturer
a leading supplier of value-added products to the DIY market
a key player in, and one of the only nationwide suppliers to, the industrial/agricultural market.

The Universal family of facilities: growth and acquisitions

1970

Universal purchases the assets of a component yard in Thomasville, GA. The facility later moved to Moultrie.

1971

PFS purchases 51% control and becomes CEO & COB
Universal's Pennsylvania Forest Products opens in St. Clair, PA. Universal subsequently replaced it with the present facility in Gordon, PA.

1972

Florida Component Products opens in Auburndale, serving both the retail industry and the state's manufactured housing market.

1973

The Granger, IN plant begins operations. Universal's first business acquisition occurs in the important Northern Indiana mobile/RV/manufactured home building area with the purchase of the assets of Lumber Specialties of Granger, IN

1974

Universal next goes to the Mid-Atlantic, opening a new component yard and manufacturing facility in North Carolina, centrally located between High Point and Charlotte, just outside of Salisbury.

1978

First orders are shipped from a new Warrens, WI component yard location.
Texas Forest Products is added in Grandview (suburban Dallas).

1981

January 1981: Gordon, PA plant begins operations.

1982

Universal purchases a large southeast wood treater in Union City, GA and rebuilds it.
Universal completes construction of a manufacturing/distribution facility including a treating plant to serve New England customers from Belchertown, MA, northeast of Springfield.

1984

Universal opens the Windsor, CO plant.

1986

Universal purchases Far West Fir Sales, a well-established and highly respected wholesaler of softwood lumber products in California and Arizona, and truly becomes nationwide.

1987

The Janesville, WI plant opens to meet the growing demand for treated lumber in the Chicago/ Milwaukee/Madison market.

1988

Universal opens a large, multi-market pressure treating facility in Ranson, WV to serve the Greater Tidewater area encompassing Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Richmond, VA.

1989

Universal purchases a planing mill and distribution facility in Woodburn, OR.
Universal acquires the stock of a lumber distributor with locations in Minneapolis, MN, Madison, WI, and Des Moines, IA. (Madison merged with Janesville, WI and Des Moines and Minneapolis merged and relocated to Shakopee, MN.)
Having become the nation's largest producer of CCA-preserved lumber, Universal purchases land and equipment for construction of a Saginaw, TX plant (between Dallas and Ft. Worth).

1991

Universal purchases a fence manufacturing facility in Lacolle, Quebec.

1992

The Salisbury, NC plant moves to a new, state-of-the-art facility and adds lumber treatment capabilities.

1993

Universal purchases the plant and assets of Alpine Engineered Products in Laurinburg, NC. The plant reopens as Universal Forest Products.
Universal purchases five of Chesapeake Corporation's wood preservation facilities plus the equipment of its sixth.
Universal opens a treating facility in Slater, MO.

1994

Universal opens a manufacturing and distribution center in Hamilton, OH.

1995

Universal opens a manufacturing facility in Rockwood, TN.
Universal opens a treating facility in Harrisonville, MO.
Universal opens its YardLine plant in Pottstown, PA.

1996

Universal acquires three facilities from Hi-Tek Forest Products (one each in Bend, OR, Boise, ID, and Corona, CA).

1997

The California facilities of Moreno Valley and Corona are consolidated into the Corona facility.
Moultrie, GA added a wood preservation facility to its existing manufacturing, specialty manufacturing, and distribution plants.
Universal acquires Consolidated Building Components in Parker and Emlenton, PA.
Universal acquired American I-Joist in Albuquerque, NM.
Universal acquires Structural Lumber Products with facilities in San Antonio, Carrollton, and Kyle, TX

1998

Universal becomes the nation's largest residential truss manufacturer with the acquisition of Shoffner Industries, Inc. Shoffner is the leading producer of roof and floor trusses for commercial and residential builders, and is headquartered in Burlington, NC with fourteen facilities in seven states.
Universal purchases the Great Northern Wood Preserving treating plant in Lodi, OH.
Universal increases its presence in the site-built market with the acquisition of Advanced Component Systems, Inc. of Lafayette, CO, a producer of roof trusses, engineered building components and lumber products.
Universal acquires Atlantic General Packaging of Warrenton, NC, a manufacturer of specialty wood packaging products and Universal's first acquisition in the industrial market.
Universal acquires Industrial Lumber of Newark, CA, a distributor of low-grade cut lumber for packaging. It subsequently was consolidated with the Stockton, CA facility.
Universal acquires lumber remanufacturing operation in Hope, AR.
Universal purchases 60% of the outstanding shares of Nascor, Inc. of Calgary, Alberta. Nascor manufactures engineered trusses, I-joists and pre-insulated wall panels for commercial and residential builders.
Universal acquires a 45% interest in Pino Exporta of Durango, Mexico, which subsequently changed its name to Pinelli Universal. Pinelli manufactures moulding and millwork products for customers in the United States.

1999

Universal purchases a 41-acre remanufacturing facility in Riverside, CA from CertainTeed Corporation.
Universal acquires lumber treating facilities in New Waverly and Silsbee, TX from Louisiana Pacific Corp.
Universal acquires a treating facility in Schertz, TX.
Universal purchases an engineered wood products manufacturing facility near Westminster, MD from Ryland Group, Inc.

2000

Universal begins operations at a manufacturing facility in Jackson, MS. (This facility was closed at the end of 2000.)
Universal's facilities in Huntington Beach and Corona, CA move into the Riverside, CA facility.
Universal purchases a 50% ownership interest in the Thorndale Roof Systems, Inc., a manufacturer of engineered roof trusses, and Edcor Floor Systems, Inc., a licensed manufacturer of Open Joist 2000, in London, Ontario.
Universal closes the Laurenburg, NC manufacturing plant.

2001

Universal acquires 50% of the assets of D&R Framing Contractors of Englewood, CO.
Universal purchases the remaining 50% of Thorndale Roof Systems/Edcor Floor Systems.
Universal purchases the assets of the wood component plants of Sunbelt Wood Components in New London, NC, Haleyville, AL, Ashburn, GA and Glendale, AZ, to service the manufactured housing and industrial markets.
Universal begins operations at a Shoffner site-built plant in Folkston, GA.
Universal announces it intends to acquire the assets of the Superior Truss division of Banks Corp., of Elkhart, IN. The purchase includes facilities in Minneota, MN and Syracuse, IN.
Universal acquires the assets of P&R Truss, which manufactures trusses and distributes engineered wood products. P&R Truss has four facilities in the state of New York.
Universal becomes the exclusive distributor for Willamette Industries' new engineered floor decking for manufactured homes.

2002

Universal named to Forbes magazine's Platinum 400, an annual ranking of the 400 best- performing U.S. companies with more than $1 billion in annual revenue.
Universal jumps 79 places on the annual "Fortune 1000" listing of America's largest corporations. UFPI is ranked at number 842.
Universal acquires certain assets of and enters into an exclusive licensing agreement with Springfield, IL-based Inno-Tech Plastics, Inc., opening the door to the wood-alternative products industry.
Universal acquires certain assets of TopLine Building Products, a manufacturer of roof and floor trusses for site-built construction in Modesto, CA. Most of the annual sales capacity of more than $20 million is targeted for new business.
Universal announces plans to open its first Michigan manufacturing facility, which is to employ more than 100 people. The company plans to invest $3 million to renovate four buildings on 88 acres in Mottville Township, a few miles north of the Indiana border.
PFS returns as a full-time employee December of 2002.

2003

Universal purchased a plant in Lansing, MI, Janesville, WI, and the equipment of a plant in White Bear Lake, MN from Quality Wood Treating Co.
Universal jumped to #769 on the Fortune 1000. The company is rated highly against the other 11 companies included in the Forest and Paper Products industry. For example, Universal ranked #4 in profits (but posted the largest percent gain from 2001) and #1 in three areas: profits as a percent of assets and of stockholders' equity, and in total return to investors in 2002.
Universal is named to the list of the "Top 50 U.S. Manufacturers" as compiled by Industry Week magazine.
Sales were $1.89 billion

2004

Universal was named to Forbes "Platinum 400," an annual listing of the 400 best-managed U.S. companies with more than $1 billion in revenue.
CNN's Money Gang show named Universal a "Stock Pick of the Day" in February and featured a live interview with then-CEO Bill Currie.
Advancing its commitment to grow its framing business, Universal acquired a 50% interest in the largest framer of multi-family structures in the Massachusetts area, Shawnlee Construction, LLC. Based in Plainville, MA, Shawnlee has been in business for more than 30 years. Its annual labor sales for 2004 were projected at $20 million.
Universal purchased the assets of Midwest Building Systems, Inc. in Indianapolis, IN.
Universal acquired the assets of Slaughter Industries in Dallas, TX.

2005

For the sixth time in seven years, Universal was named to Forbes' "Platinum 400."
In June 2005, Universal purchased the assets of Maine Ornamental Woodworkers, Inc., the leading manufacturer, importer, and distributor of decorative caps used on decking and fencing posts. The caps complement Universal's decking and fencing lines and add to the company's product mix.
Universal purchased an additional 25% interest in Shawnlee Construction, LLC and agreed to purchase the remaining 25% over the next five years. (The company already owns 50% of Shawnlee, which it purchased in 2004.) In addition, Shawnlee Construction announced the purchase of assets and assumption of certain liabilities of Shepardville Construction, Inc. and AW Construction, LLC, which install interior products — such as base boards, crown moldings, window sills and casing, doors, and cabinets — for commercial and multi-family construction projects. These companies provide an outlet for the interior trim products Universal produces at its Durango, Mexico operations and add additional interior products to the Universal portfolio.
Universal celebrated 50 years as a company and donated more than $200,000 in cash, material and time to Habitat for Humanity, International in celebration of the company's 50th anniversary. The donations were made in each of Universal's locations across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The company also hosted 1,000 people at its 50th anniversary party held at its corporate offices on July 20, 2005.
In October, Universal announced the launch of Universal Consumer Products, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary intended to create new distribution networks for the company's growing portfolio of consumer products.
Universal acquired the leading importer and marketer of decorative balusters, DecKorators™, and became the exclusive distributor for a superior and popular polymer decking and railing product, eon® in November.

2006

For the seventh time in eight years, Universal was named to Forbes' "Platinum 400."
Universal acquired certain assets of Classic Truss Company Inc., a truss manufacturer based in Ft. Pierce, FL in January.
Universal announced its gradual plan for transition of leadership with the appointment of President Mike Glenn, to the position of CEO effective July 1, 2006. Former CEO William G. Currie was appointed to the newly created position of Executive Chairman of the Board and former Chairman Peter F. Secchia became Chairman Emeritus and remains on the board as a director.
Universal acquired certain assets of Dura-Bilt Mfg. Co., a roof and floor truss manufacturer based in Riverbank, California, and its shareholders in June. The name was changed to DuraBilt Truss.
In June, Universal Forest Products and Mississippi-based Goldin Building Systems joined forces to serve builders in the Mississippi and Louisiana Gulf coast region with trusses and other engineered building components. Gulf Coast Components LLC, in Gulfport, Mississippi, will serve area builders with roof and floor trusses, wall panels and other lumber products. The business is expected to be operational by the end of the third quarter of 2006.

Learn More about Universal Forest Products

Community Involvement