LANCASTER, PA - Armstrong Cabinet Products unit of Armstrong World Industries, Inc., says it has become a preferred vendor for 84 Lumber, a privately held building materials and services supplier selling mostly to professional contractors.

Currently, 84 Lumber lists MasterBrand Cabinets' Aristokraft and American  Woodmark'sTimberlake  cabinets among its preferred cabinetry vendors. Founded in 1956, 84 Lumber says it is the largest privately owned building products firm, employing 3,300 at more than 280 stores, component plants, door shops, installation centers and engineered wood product shops in 31 states. 

"Through a centralized purchasing system at 84 Lumber's Team Headquarters, customers can take advantage of the company's national buying power, which saves them money and adds more to their bottom line," Thomas Kutchko, lead purchasing manager at 84 Lumber said in an announcement about the deal. 84 Lumber subcontracts construction and installation services. Its offerings are described in a video below.

Armstrong products will be available in all 84 Lumber locations, with each store's inventory tailored to the demands of its region, the company says.

Michael Glaser, CKD, director, national accounts at Armstrong Cabinet Products, said the two firms have "a great partnership" that "blends well with the Armstrong brand's great products."

84 Lumber plans to refit its outlets to demonstrate the Amstrong Cabinets to consumers.

"While heavily focused on the professional contractor," said Kutchko "we are refitting some of our locations to be more consumer-friendly." He said brighter, fresher showrooms will present more vignettes, some with full-blown kitchen vignettes that will feature Armstrong Cabinet products.

"People know Armstrong," said Kutchko. "This builds customer confidence, and helps us provide contractors with turnkey installation and on site management services."

Armstrong Cabinets will be featured in the May 2012 issue of Wood & Wood Products magazine. Its parent Armstrong Industries, which makes flooring and construction materials, reported net sales of $2.9 billion in 2011. Based in Lancaster, Pa., Armstrong Industries operates 32 plants in eight countries and employs 9,100 worldwide.