BOISE, Idaho, Sept. 5, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Boise Engineered Wood Products has been named 2006 "Vendor of the Year" by 84 Lumber, the largest privately-held pro dealer organization in America. Boise won the coveted award in 2004 and again in 2006. The prestigious annual award is given yearly to two vendors, one commodity and one contract vendor, and is based on balloting among 84 Lumber's lead buyers and area managers nationwide, the two groups most in tune with vendor performance over the past 12 months. Criteria in the selection are quality of service and contribution to 84 Lumber's growth, both areas where Boise's win was decisive.
"84 Lumber and Boise are a great fit because we have like goals," said Doug Rohrer, Engineered Lumber Program Supervisor. "We both want to separate ourselves from the competition, to be No. 1 in our industry, and to be the favorite of professional builders," Rohrer added. "Our companies partner on many fronts to help each other get to the next level," said Rohrer. "Boise's business through 84 Lumber has increased by nearly 40% over the past year, and our teams have really worked together well."
84 Lumber, founded by Joe Hardy in Pennsylvania in 1956 and now managed by Maggie Hardy Magerko, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2006. With a $10 billion sales goal by year 2009, 84 Lumber sales in 2005 were $3.9 billion+, a 13.3% increase over 2004. 84 Lumber operates more than 480 locations, plus 21 84 Components manufacturing facilities in 40 states. 84 Lumber was also named Pro Dealer of the Year for 2003 by Home Channel News magazine.
Setting a goal to be a great supplier partner, not just another vendor, Boise several years ago began introducing value-added services for its customers. Boise value-added services now include BC Framer(R) integrated framing design software, which can output precise squaring diagrams to assure homes are built to exact dimensions, color-coded framing placement plans to show placement of framing components, and precise material and cut lists. BC Framer can also download cut lists to Boise Saw-Tek(tm) automated cutting systems, which can cut to 1/8" accuracy to deliver framing materials to the jobsite ready-to-install if desired. Saw-Tek also pre-cuts HVAC, plumbing and electrical holes to speed utility line installation, and inkjet-marks each piece with identifying and placement information. Still another Boise value-added service is the Build-Rite Process, which helps volume builders improve their plans, eliminate waste, reduce costs, and shorten cycle time. Dealers like 84 Lumber that are equipped with Saw-Tek can greatly assist volume homebuilders in achieving the building efficiencies of Boise's Build-Rite Process.
These value-added services are designed to help Boise and its channel partners like 84 Lumber run more successful businesses. "We want to be the leader in terms of doing more for our customers," said Denny Huston, Boise Engineered Wood Products sales & marketing manager, "and we are very proud to be working with our friends at 84 Lumber on many of these important service initiatives."
About Boise Cascade
Boise, headquartered in Boise, Idaho, manufactures engineered wood products, plywood, lumber, and particleboard and distributes a broad line of building materials, including wood products manufactured by the company. Boise also manufactures a wide range of specialty and premium products, including imaging papers for the office and home and papers for pressure sensitive applications, as well as printing and converting papers, containerboard and corrugated boxes, newsprint, and market pulp. Visit Boise's website at www.bc.com