ATLANTA, Nov. 8, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- BlueLinx Holdings Inc. (NYSE:BXC), a leading distributor of building products in North America, today announced a new strategic relationship with Columbia Forest Products (Columbia), North America's leading manufacturer of hardwood plywood and related wood-based materials.
Under the agreement, BlueLinx will distribute and support Columbia products through select markets in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, New England and South regions of the United States.
Products include traditional Columbia hardwood plywood, now made unique through the use of Columbia's innovative new formaldehyde-free PureBond(tm) adhesive system, as well as the company's growing range of value-added specialty products such as FirstStep primed panels, UV Wood prefinished panels and UV Drawersides, and Beaded Panels; engineered to save time, money and effort for today's woodworking shop.
"Combining the market focus and logistical expertise of BlueLinx with the manufacturing scale and quality orientation of Columbia Forest Products is a strong value proposition for our furniture, fixture and cabinetry manufacturing customers," said George Judd, President and Chief Operating Officer of BlueLinx. "Teaming up with Columbia will help us make a positive difference for our customers' business through inventory availability, reduced shop material, and new products that will solve long-standing production issues.
"In addition, this relationship better positions BlueLinx to serve the retail dealer market, which reaches a vibrant and growing segment of the customer base through improved product availability, broad product mix and innovative merchandising," Judd said.
Wave Oglesby, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Columbia Forest Products, added: "The hardwood plywood market is attracted to the confidence that comes with a known and reliable product and supply chain relationship. Columbia Forest Products and BlueLinx are a great example of such a relationship, providing customers with best-in-class quality and service in one cohesive offering."
BlueLinx delivers value to its vendors and customers that extends beyond distribution, providing local and national sales representation, inventory management, and logistics optimization. BlueLinx has the product mix and capabilities to service markets locally and plays an important role in providing customers with the products they need through just-in-time deliveries.
Products may vary by market. For more information, call 1-888-502-BLUE.
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 3,400 people in North America, BlueLinx offers approximately 10,000 products from over 750 suppliers to service more than 11,700 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 70 warehouses. Additional information about BlueLinx can be found at www.BlueLinxCo.com
The BlueLinx Corporation logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=2091
About Columbia Forest Products
Founded in 1957, Columbia Forest Products is North America's largest manufacturer of hardwood plywood and hardwood veneer. The company also markets and produces engineered and solid wood flooring products. Columbia's decorative interior veneers and panels are used in high-end cabinetry, fine furniture, architectural millwork and commercial fixtures. Employee-owned and based in Portland, Oregon, Columbia employs more than 3,500 people and operates facilities throughout the United States, Canada and Malaysia.
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 that 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.