GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Michael Mordell, a senior executive of Universal Forest Products, Inc. (Nasdaq:UFPI), was named Executive VP of International Operations to lead a new international division, UFP Global Holdings, Ltd.,  based in the United Kingdom.

Mordell will be responsible for sales, production, and distribution for operations outside of the U.S., and, growing sales in the international arena. Mordell joined Universal in 1993 as a lumber buyer, and has held leadership positions in purchasing as well as in operations. In 2009, he was named executive vice president of purchasing. He will begin his new role on Oct. 1.

“Expanding internationally has been among our stated strategies, as we seek to constantly attain new levels of sales and profitability,” said UFPI CEO Matthew J. Missad. “I have great confidence we’ll achieve that with Mike at the helm of the international division. He is a bold and creative leader who has had years of experience and success in our industries and at our company.”

"This is an exciting venture and a great time to be at Universal Forest Products as we seek new avenues to build on our success,” Mordell said. “I look forward to building the UFP Global organization and team, and to developing and successfully implementing strategies for growth with them.

Universal Forest Products, Inc. is a holding company that provides capital, management and administrative resources to subsidiaries in three robust markets: retail, construction and industrial. Founded in 1955, the Company is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with affiliates throughout North America and Australia. It posted annual net sales of $2.9 billion in 2015. For more about Universal Forest Products, go to www.ufpi.com.