The Softwood Forest Products Buyer - March/April 2024

Retail Review Bliffert,

Retail Review Bliffert, Portage Lumber Merger Will Deliver More Building Support, Products To Central Wisconsin Market Bliffert Lumber, headquartered in Milwaukee, has merged with Portage Lumber Do-It-Best in Portage, WI. Portage Lumber was founded in 1953 and has offered building materials, hardware and home decor in the Portage market for the majority of its 70 years in business. Portage Lumber Do-It-Best attributes its strong position in the market to its focus on customer service. Kimberly Dorn, the general manager of Portage Lumber, represents the third generation of the Dorn family’s ownership and management and will continue to run this branch. “We believe that merging with the Bliffert family of companies allows us to continue to serve our customers and community for generations to come,” said Dennis Dorn, CEO of Portage Lumber. Bliffert Lumber, which sells Douglas Fir, Hemlock and White Fir, and Knotty and Yellow Pine, among other Softwoods, has served contractors and homeowners in southeastern Wisconsin for over 120 years. ARCHITECT: MARTIN FENLON | PHOTO: ZACH LIPP A family-run operation. An international reputation. Highest quality, select knotty, fascia & trim, siding and specialty products. Wide range of superior, clear, vertical grain decking, siding and specialty products. Paneling | Siding | Fascia & Trim | Dimension | Engineered pwww.ca | 604.946.2910 | Delta, BC, Canada “We are always looking to merge in other great lumber families like the Dorn’s that share our values,” said Eli Bliffert, vice-president of Bliffert Lumber. “We are very excited to extend our reach into Central Wisconsin and beyond. We are stronger together.” For more information, go to www.bliffertlumber.com. Hayward Lumber Acquires Economy Lumber Hayward Lumber, the Campbell, CA-based pro-dealer, has announced that it recently acquired Economy Lumber. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Economy Lumber is also located in Campbell. Following the acquisition, Hayward Lumber’s expanded footprint will include eight lumberyards, six design centers, a pro tool and repair shop, one truss plant, four rail yards, and a combined workforce of approximately 270 employees across California. Across these locations, they are able to offer species such as, Cedar, Douglas Fir, Fir, Green Douglas Fir, Hemlock-fir, Pine, Ponderosa Pine, Redwood, Southern Yellow Pine, Spruce, Spruce-Pine-Fir, Sugar Pine and White Fir. Hayward Lumber officials said the union of the two “local, family-owned businesses is a significant step forward for the companies and their communities.” Founded in 1936, Economy Lumber is the first lumberyard in the unincorporated district of Santa Clara County, known as Burbank. It carries solid sawn framing lumber in common sizes and grades. The company later relocated to Campbell. Under the leadership of John Saunders, the third-generation president and CEO, Economy Lumber has played a “vital role in the region’s construction industry,” according to sources. Both companies are members of LMC, the Wayne, PA-based forest products and building materials buying group. The pro-dealers also noted that in addition to their business initiatives, Hayward Lumber and Economy Lumber are “actively involved in community projects.” For more information, go to www.haywarddlumber.com. 84 Lumber Opens New Component Plant In Florida 84 Lumber, among the nation’s largest privately held building materials supplier, announced the opening of its new component plant in Winter Haven, FL. The company’s primary component plant in the state of Florida, was scheduled to open its doors for operation by the end of January. Florida has historically been a strong market for 84 Lumber and the “component element will remain a priority moving forward.” “This location will not only generate new business but will Continued on page 37 Page 20 Softwood Forest Products Buyer • March/April 2024