ATLANTA -- Georgia-Pacific Wood Products, one of the largest wood products manufacturers in North America, announced today a new strategic direction for the company's engineered lumber business to facilitate more direct involvement with its customer base and expansion of services.

GP will provide its engineered lumber customers with inside and outside account management personnel, business development support, engineering and technical services, and software development and support. GP will continue to supply a complete engineered lumber product offering, including laminated veneer lumber (LVL), solid sawn and LVL flanged I-joists, glulam beams and rim board.

"This new strategy will help expand market opportunities for GP, our customers, distributors and supply partners," said Mark Luetters, president of Georgia-Pacific Wood Products. "We feel this will help us better meet customer needs through a strong network of independent distributors with a primary focus on engineered lumber products."

The strategy coincides with the Feb. 12, 2012 expiration of GP's distribution agreement with BlueLinx, and will allow GP to begin to phase out its Broadspan line of engineered wood products late in the first quarter of 2012.

"We're excited about being able to offer strong brands such as Wood I Beam joists, GP Lam LVL, GP Lam 3000 glulam, and Fiberstrong rim board to a broader set of customers," said Paul Watterson, general manager for Georgia-Pacific Wood Products. "We're looking forward to working more closely with our customers, and will remain committed to offering high-quality wood products and innovative solutions to the industry."

Source: Georgia-Pacific Wood Products