ATLANTA, April 12, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- BlueLinx Holdings Inc. (NYSE:BXC), a leading distributor of building products in North America, operating through its wholly owned subsidiary BlueLinx Corporation, today announced the addition of a new product line -- Louisiana-Pacific (LP) (NYSE:LPX) SmartSide(r) siding, soffit and trim -- and the release of its new Web-based deck estimating software designed to support LP(r) WeatherBest(r) composite decking.
"BlueLinx is focused on strategically growing our company's offerings to suit customer needs, including the addition of innovative, high-demand specialty products and services," said George Judd, president & chief operating officer. "In October 2005 we announced a product expansion with LP to sell their best-in-class decking and railing products. After demonstrating our sales and supply chain expertise, we're pleased to add their equally impressive SmartSide siding, soffit and trim business to our product offerings."
LP SmartSide(r) -- Siding, Soffit & Trim
All SmartSide products are made of engineered wood fibers and designed to eliminate many of the problems commonly associated with wood. Manufactured by LP to resist fungal decay and termites, SmartSide products come pre-primed for optimum paint adhesion.
SmartSide siding is an affordable, durable engineered wood alternative to cement-based sidings. Available in traditional lap siding and panel siding, each is offered in a smooth or deep, cedar grain textured finish. SmartSide lap siding is lightweight, installs quickly and comes in 16 foot lengths to minimize seams. SmartSide panel siding, available in three thicknesses, offers maximum design flexibility and may be nailed directly to the studs, reducing installation time and costs.
SmartSide trim is available in a variety of widths and thicknesses delivering outstanding design versatility. Each engineered piece of trim is totally free of knots and voids, providing for consistent cuts, nailing and ease of installation. SmartSide soffits offer the strength of lumber, but with the weather and termite resistance of all LP SmartSide products. Available also as cut-to-width vented soffit, each piece comes with precision cut vents offering 10 square inches of ventilation per linear foot.
BlueLinx will announce the availability of SmartSide, which will be sold in Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states, at a later date.
DECKstimator(tm)-Deck Estimating Software
To complement its new composite decking product line, BlueLinx recently developed DECKstimator(tm), an innovative Web-based deck estimating tool. The system allows dealers, contractors and deck builders to customize a complete decking system quickly and accurately, generate a three dimensional (3-D) rendering and create a materials take-off list. DECKstimator supports a system-selling approach that includes WeatherBest composite decking as well as other decking system components distributed by BlueLinx.
DECKstimator, unveiled at the 2006 International Builders' Show, is available free-of-charge to dealers who stock and purchase LP WeatherBest composite decking from BlueLinx and is available to the dealer's professional customers. Eligible dealers and their customers may register for DECKstimator online at www.BlueLinxCo.com.
"By expanding our relationship with LP through the addition of SmartSide and adding new services like DECKstimator, we are demonstrating value across the supply chain, for customers and vendors alike," said Duane Goodwin, senior vice-president, supply chain. "Understanding and responding to both of their needs will continue to be a driving force for our business."
For additional information about any of these or other building products sold by BlueLinx, please contact the Eastern Sales Center at 1-800-839-2588 or the Western Sales Center at 1-800-830-7370.
About BlueLinx Holdings Inc.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, BlueLinx Holdings Inc., operating through its wholly owned subsidiary BlueLinx Corporation, is a leading distributor of building products in North America. Employing more than 3,600 people in North America, BlueLinx offers 10,000 products from over 750 suppliers to service more than 12,000 customers nationwide, including dealers, industrial manufacturers, manufactured housing producers and home improvement retailers. The Company operates its distribution business from sales centers in Atlanta and Denver, and its network of more than 65 warehouses. Additional information about BlueLinx can be found on its Web site at www.BlueLinxCo.com.
The BlueLinx Corporation logo is available at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2091
Forward-looking Statements
This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All of these forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by our management that, although believed by BlueLinx to be reasonable, are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors outside of its control, that may cause its business, strategy or actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties may include, among other things: changes in the supply and/or demand for products which we distribute; the activities of competitors; changes in significant operating expenses; changes in the availability of capital; the ability to identify acquisition opportunities and effectively and cost-efficiently integrate acquisitions; general economic and business conditions in the United States; adverse weather patterns or conditions; acts of war or terrorist activities; variations in the performance of the financial markets; and other factors described in the "Risk Factors" section in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, and in its periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. BlueLinx undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.