Hardwoods Distribution acquires parts of Atlanta Hardwood Corp. for $3.7 million
Hardwoods Distribution
LANGLEY, BC - Hardwoods Distribution Inc.  (TSX: HDI) announced that it has, through its subsidiary Rugby Holdings LLC, purchased certain of the distribution assets of Atlanta Hardwood Corporation for a total value of US$3.7 million.
 
The distribution assets include Hardwoods of Atlanta, LLC, Hardwoods of North Georgia and Hardwoods of Alabama, LLC, operating under the trade name Hardwoods
Incorporated. HDI did not acquire any of the lumber manufacturing operations of Atlanta Hardwood Corporation.
 
HDI says it will consolidate the Georgia distribution operations into its existing Atlanta and Suwanee distribution facilities, and will assume the Hardwoods Incorporated distribution facility in Alabama. The acquired operations are expected to add US$13 million in new sales to HDI and will operate under the Company's Rugby brand.
 
"The consolidation of distribution facilities in Georgia, and the addition of a new branch facility in Alabama, provides additional size and scale in these attractive markets," said Rob Brown, HDI's President and CEO. "The transaction represents an appealing strategic fit of complementary product lines and suppliers, with minimal customer overlap."
 
Brown said HDI has been successful with its aggressive acquisition strategy, having now completed seven deals in the last seven years, adding over $550 million of annual sales over that time period, He said the firm plans to continue to pursue transactions that complement our internal growth strategies." The transaction was financed by a draw on the company's existing U.S. credit facility.
 
HDI is now North America's largest distributor of architectural grade building products to the residential and commercial construction markets. The Company operates a North American network of 63 distribution centres under three induindustry-leading distribution brands: Hardwoods Specialty Products; the Frank Paxton Lumber Company; and Rugby Architectural Building Products. HDI also operates one sawmill and kiln drying operation, Hardwoods of Michigan.
 

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Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.