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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Universal Forest Products, Inc. (Nasdaq: UFPI) today announced its continuing climb up the annual "Fortune 1000" listing of America's largest corporations (based on revenues), gaining 35 places this year to land at #734.

More importantly, the company rated highly in many areas when ranked against the 10 other companies in the Forest and Paper Products industry. Universal was ranked #1 in total return to investors for the 10 years from 1993 to 2003. The company also ranked #2 in earnings per share for the time period 1993 to 2003, and #4 in profits as a percent of revenues, #2 in profits as a percent of assets, and #3 in profits as a percent of stockholders' equity. Universal was one of only two companies to post a gain in profits over 2002.

"These numbers are evidence that our team of more than 9000 employees is paying attention to our business," said William G. Currie, CEO and vice chairman. "We're proud of our efforts and results -- proud but not complacent. We're focusing on continued good growth and improvement, and even stronger results, for the years ahead."

Currie also noted the contributions of key leaders in the company, many of whom have been with the company for decades, as well as a nearly zero turnover in senior ranks, for the company's continued success. "The knowledge, skill and relationships we've built over decades also fuel our growth," Currie added. "I'm grateful and I'm proud of the people on my senior team who help to lead this company to greater heights every year."

Universal Forest Products markets, manufactures, and engineers wood and wood-alternative products for D-I-Y retail home centers, structural lumber products for the manufactured housing industry, engineered wood components for the site-built construction market and specialty wood packaging for various industries. Among the company's newest and fastest-growing ventures are framing and installation services for the site-built and retail sectors. In conjunction with its customers, Universal uses its engineering and manufacturing expertise, coupled with highly skilled employees, to design and construct buildings and decks. For information about Universal Forest Products on the Internet, please visit the Company's web site at www.ufpi.com , or call 888-Buy-UFPI.

SOURCE Universal Forest Products, Inc.

/CONTACT: Lynn Afendoulis, Director, Public Affairs of Universal Forest Products Inc., +1-616-364-6161/