Release Details

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 13, 2005--Universal Forest Products (Nasdaq:UFPI), one of the world's leading building products companies, today announced the launch of a new division to expand and enhance the company's initiatives in the consumer products and do-it-yourself retail markets.

Universal Consumer Products, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary intended to create new distribution networks for the company's growing portfolio of consumer products and to identify and develop additional products to offer to consumers worldwide. It will comprise the company's operations that manufacture and market consumer products such as Latitudes(TM) Decking and Railing, Maine Ornamental decorative post caps, TechTrim polymer trim board and plastic lattice, as well as future outdoor living products the company brings to market.

"This division will unify and expand on existing Universal consumer product distribution and marketing programs in a significant new strategy for the future of Universal," said company COO Mike Glenn. "We see this as an important direction for Universal: it's good for Universal, for our shareholders, for our employees, and for discriminating consumers who want quality options in building products from big-box retailers as well as from smaller, independent dealers."

"Through this new division, Universal will offer a vast array of superior consumer products backed by our 50-year history of success, our superior service and our reputation for delivering the best products in the marketplace," said CEO William G. Currie. "This is an exciting development in the growth and history of our company."

Universal Consumer Products, Inc. will be headed by Dan Gauthier, a Universal veteran who returns to the company after leaving in 1992 to invest in and grow two successful manufacturing firms. He will report directly to COO Mike Glenn.

"In addition to knowing Universal and sharing our values and our drive for success, Dan has solid experience in operations, distribution, and marketing that will be invaluable to the success of this new division," Glenn said.

Universal Consumer Products will work across the company's geographical regions and business markets to leverage Universal's national footprint, to unify its national manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and to strengthen its opportunities worldwide through a new organizational structure.

Celebrating 50 years of business, Universal Forest Products markets, manufactures and engineers wood and wood-alternative products for DIY/retail home centers, structural lumber products for the manufactured housing industry, engineered wood components for the site-built construction market, and specialty wood and wood-alternative packaging for various industries. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI, the company has approximately 9,500 employees who work in nearly 100 facilities in North America. Universal had 2004 sales of $2.45 billion. For information about the company, visit www.ufpi.com, or call 888-Buy-UFPI.

    CONTACT: Universal Forest Products, Inc.
             Lynn Afendoulis, 616-365-1502

    SOURCE: Universal Forest Products