3 4American to the TA new creative component to showcase our pride in the U.S.

Finding the Right CutA look at the various ways to prep and cut different types of wood.

Spring 2017

GET TO KNOW: THE ONE-STEP AND TWO-STEP PROCESS

Plywood panel construction is dictated by the needs of the customer and with those needs come a slew of build requirements. At Timber Products Company, we look at these requirements and decide how best to manufacture each order so it meets the quality, appearance and price targets of the client. Once order specifications are met, the decision to go with a one-step or two-step construction is determined. But, what is the difference?

A step means the panel has gone through the entire manufacturing process: lay-up, press, trim and sanding. For one-step, the panel goes through the manufacturing process and is then graded and delivered. Two-step means the core is pressed in the first step, then patched and size sanded before being returned to have

the front and back veneers applied by press during the second step. Finally, it is finished, graded and delivered.

The one-step process costs less, which is an important factor for many applications. It uses a thicker rotary cut veneer, great for common, less expensive wood species such as maple, oak and birch. With thicker outer veneers, the core does not need to be as smooth and uniform and there is a slimmer possibility of telegraphing (where the core color and surface finish show through).

The two-step process is used if the panel requirements call for a high-end wood species, a higher quality face and/or a tighter thickness tolerance. Being able to sand and repair the core prior to adding the final veneers creates considerable process control. Using a more

exotic veneer costs more, therefore the veneer is cut thinner using a slicer instead of a rotary cutter. With the rotary cutter, a less expensive veneer is used, but better control of the core is required. For most two-step products, we use a core made of domestic wood. For very high-end products—about 5% of production—a tropical Luan with no cross band defects is used.

As an alternative to a traditional plywood veneer panel core, we also offer a Pro-Core panel in both the one- and two-step processes. Pro-Core uses an inner core blank made of veneer with MDF on both sides. This gives some of the best attributes of veneer cores, yet with the smoothness of MDF.Have a big project and need to know which process is best for you? Reach out to us with details and our sales team will help you find the best fit for your project.

Mill workers at the Spectrum facility in White City, Ore., apply veneer to cores before being pressed by the Orma.

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OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS: UP200 SPOTLIGHT

Michigan is known for its cold weather and snowy winters and thus boasts some of the hardiest residents in the United States. This resilience enables the state’s residents to tackle some of the world’s more extreme hobbies and sports, such as dog sled racing.

Launched in February 1990, the Upper Peninsula 200 Sled Dog Championship (UP200) is a premier 12-dog mid-distance race and is one of the many qualifying races for the Iditarod. With 230 miles stretching from Marquette to Grand Marais, Mich., mushers traverse through the Hiawatha National Forest and weave through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore before the course doubles back on itself to return teams to the finish line. This year’s race started on Friday, February 17, and concluded on Sunday, February 19.

Leaders of the Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association reached out to Timber Products Company about using our Munising, Mich. facility as the upbound checkpoint for this (Continued on page 2)

OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS: UP200 SPOTLIGHT (continued from page 1)

year’s race. Jon Johnson, Regional Plant Manager, agreed and suddenly found himself involved in his first sled dog race, working with Ben Bohnsack, who took over as Wetmore Checkpoint Coordinator to run the event in that location.

Our hardwood veneer mill was an ideal location for a

checkpoint due to its proximity to the race course and its

ability to remain isolated from the public, while providing

protection from the elements.

Our hardwood veneer mill was an ideal location for a checkpoint due to its proximity to the race course and its ability to remain isolated from the public, while providing protection from the elements. The veterinarians parked their triage truck in the dry kiln area where they examined the dogs, while the dry storage area served as the official time keeping office.

“Right from the start it was easy to work out. Throughout the setup, everyone was in close communication. That all went very well,” said Bohnsack. “I was astounded that at our first planning meeting he brought in five people from the staff.”

“The entire Timber Products team in the dry kiln area cleaned it up in preparation for the race. They plowed an area for the dogs to create a windbreaker, put down hay and set up bunk rooms for the teams,” said Johnson. “I think it was a good experience for everyone.”

The experience was so great that Johnson received a card from the veterinarians thanking Timber Products for allowing them to use the facility. There was excitement and hope from the race and for our group at Timber Products Company for future partnerships.

If you are looking to partner with Timber Products on exciting events like the UP200, get in touch with us today.

MILL SPOTLIGHT: GRANTS PASS, OREGONLocated in Oregon, Grants Pass is one of our ten milling operations and rests 150 miles directly south of Eugene and 40 miles west of Medford. This facility employs roughly 170 people and produces our selection of hardwood and softwood plywood.

Alongside focusing on standard sheet sizes and grades, the Grants Pass mill has the equipment and capacity to accommodate special orders.

When Timber Products Company acquired the facility in 2005, numerous additions to improve the infrastructure of the building and grounds were made. In addition, new or refurbished equipment was brought in to improve the manufacturing process. We continued this initiative in 2016 with the addition of a beautifully rebuilt Kimwood Control Master 5' sander. Equipped with a six-head configuration, this machine can sand panels up to 5' wide and 10' long.

Hardwood and softwood have varying differences and each type is governed by unique industry standards. For instance,

hardwood plywood uses an ultra-violet or soy-based, non-formaldehyde glue and is a type of plywood used primarily for decorative purposes. Softwood plywood, by contrast, is used for structural applications that require an Architectural Plywood Association (APA) stamp for joist and rafter applications. To meet APA strength standards, softwood plywood must pass stress tests for load ratings, as well as adhesion tests, all of which can be performed at the Grants Pass facility.

For an added measure of control, the Grants Pass mill receives its veneer from our state-of-the-art Yreka, CA facility and mixes and monitors the glue in-house. To produce a quality, uniform product, the glue meets spread, volume, press temperature and time requirements.

All of this serves to provide exceptional products for end users. The setup of the Grants Pass facility allows for orders comprised of non-standard specifications, such as different types and grades of plywood, sizes up to 5' x 10' and unique edge treatments. The Grants Pass mill produces panels at a rate of around 34,000 per week, with the possibility of having no two consecutive runs be alike.

Our Grants Pass facility loves a challenge—it also loves visitors. If your company is interested in touring the mill, contact our sales team to schedule a visit and see Grants Pass first hand!

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CONTINUED CHALLENGES WITH ANTI-DUMPINGLast year, more than half of the decorative and hardwood plywood products imported into the United States came from China. These products come into the country significantly below the U.S. market price due to the Chinese government’s support of tax breaks and discounts given to land owners and raw materials producers.

While there are groups that claim to gain a competitive advantage in their market using these underpriced products, this low cost-

based gain has the potential to reduce tens of thousands of American jobs.

In a recent Forbes article, Timber Products Company CEO Joe Gonyea, III made the case for American workers. He explained that when China can break the rules, it hurts workers across the United States. He has watched as communities left devastated by unfair trade deals have become increasingly distrustful.

As a leader of a member-company within The Coalition for Fair Trade of Hardwood Plywood, Gonyea is urging the U.S. government to put in place anti-dumping duties that will level the playing field on price and give U.S. companies the opportunity to share the market.

Gonyea hopes that U.S. workers will find the relief they seek as the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and International Trade

Commission (ITC) begin to investigate these unfair trade practices. To impose duties on these products, the DOC and ITC must agree that dumping and subsidization are happening and that this dumping is the direct cause of “material injury.” New legislation stemming from the ongoing investigation would not be put in place until after September 2017.

While the new presidential administration is actively working to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States, the Coalition aims to secure the livelihoods of thousands of U.S. workers. It was through the Coalition’s impactful petitioning that DOC and ITC agreed to launch this investigation. However, Gonyea writes, this is only the first step of the process to reclaim American jobs.

While competition is expected and necessary in meeting builder and manufacturer demands

for plywood products, it only benefits all parties when the playing field is level. Anti-dumping duties counteract the damage caused when imports are sold at less than the U.S. market value. This balance supports a more level market where products compete based on their unique properties and not the low costs made possible through illicit breaks.

Today, as the U.S. decorative and hardwood plywood market tips past the 50% mark toward low-cost imported goods, it is more important than ever that U.S. lawmakers understand and correct the harm impacting the entire supply chain as a result of allowing China to skirt past regulations by which other suppliers are accountable.

To find out more information regarding Timber Products Company’s stance on this issue, please reach out to us.

Spring 2017

WOOD VENEERS: EMERGING SPECIESWhen an architect or designer approaches a project that will incorporate wood, a vast array of decisions must be made. What lighting and colors are involved or what textures are required for the project are a few of the questions that require a constantly evolving wood veneer selection. At the very center of this selection are the tree species and production processes used to create wood products demanded by the market.

High-end plywood veneers open the design space to progressing styles and creativity. In the wood products business, styles tend to start in Europe, travel to Canada and eventually impact the U.S. market. However, some wood species are always in demand, regardless of their region of origin. For instance, maple remains popular because it is light in color and can be stained as needed. The unique texture and complex color variation of walnut veneer has continued its popularity over the last two years.

In 2017 trends indicate gray and silver European white oak and ash with rough cut textures becoming more popular. Additionally, customers have indicated that emerging trends like smoked or fumed veneers from eucalyptus, European beech, elm and quarter-sawn flakey white oak have a bright future.

Regardless of the species used for veneer, Timber Products Company relies on certification of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) wherever possible. The FSC and companies like Timber Products recognize the importance and efficiency of combining market forces and sustainability.

What species are you most looking forward to utilizing? To discover the vast selection of veneers Timber Products Company offers, visit our website.

BLAST FROM THE PASTCirca 1960, Burney, California. The Timber Products Company sales team—then Clear Fir Sales—and Don Weber, Founder, President and Owner of Weber Plywood, after a playful competition to see which team would arrive from Oregon first. History says the Timber Products team landed first!

TSCA TITLE VI AND TIMBER PRODUCTS’ CONTINUED COMPLIANCENearly four years after the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rule Making, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the date for the implementation of its final rule which updates the country’s formaldehyde emissions standards under Title VI of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). As of February 10, 2017, all composite wood and composite wood-based products, including finished goods such as cabinets, must begin the process of meeting new requirements that will provide the market with safer products.

The EPA’s new rule requires all composite wood product manufacturers to demonstrate their compliance through third-party certification and labels that inform consumers that their products meet TSCA Title VI requirements. The new rule also requires suppliers to adopt on-site quality control tests to demonstrate its compliance with low formaldehyde emissions standards.

Since 2009, when early evidence that the resins traditionally used to bind engineered wood continue to off-gas after production,

Timber Products Company has worked to meet consumer needs in a healthy, sustainable way. Our architectural plywood panels, for example, began using alternative adhesives that met requirements by emitting only .05 ppm (or less) of formaldehyde. We were one of the first U.S. hardwood plywood manufacturers to have its entire product line certified under the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Phase II requirements, upon which the EPA modeled its new rule. Today, all the hardwood plywood and particle board manufactured in our facilities meet and exceed CARB requirements.

Suppliers of these regulated composite wood products must comply with the EPA’s new rule by December 12, 2017, and with a strong track record of CARB compliance, Timber Products is on schedule to not only meet these stringent regulations, but to also help facilitate a smooth transition with our partners. Timber Products Company looks forward to continuing to be a leader in adapting its products to meet and exceed wood products environmental standards.

DOES IT PASS THE TEST? A LOOK AT THE AMPINE LABWhen designers choose a particle board, they rely on specific material properties ranging from workability, how well it holds a finish, strength, fire resistance and much more. Material manufacturers—such as the Ampine division of Timber Products Company—must produce and continually demonstrate that their products meet or exceed customers’ requirements. This is where the lab work at Ampine comes into play.

Our Ampine lab provides numerous test services which include:• Modulus of Rupture (strength)• Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness)• Internal Bond (tensile strength perpend-

icular to the surface)• Vertical Density Profile (a measure of density

through the panel thickness)• Thickness swell when exposed to moisture• Hardness• Screw withdrawal resistance

For production, test data is gathered at least twice per shift for what is called a “hot test.” This is when a sample is taken at the end of the manufacturing line. The primary tests performed are a bond test and density measurement test.

The bond test uses a 2" x 2" sample glued between two aluminum test blocks that is then pulled apart. The tensile strength is calculated and compared to the required industry standard. Doing this allows us to stay on target for a production lot.

The density test is an all-encompassing simulation that judges the integrity of the particle board. Though this measurement cannot replace every test, it provides a reliable and repeatable indication that the production process is under control.

We love data at the Ampine lab. All of the production data is gathered and plotted over a period of time (called a control chart) to show production trends. At a glance, a control chart can tell Quality Control that there was a sudden shift in density across production lots. Among other things, the data can also be used to show customers and auditors that we have control over our processes and that we are building products that meet the required standards.

The Ampine lab is critical to assuring quality products today, as well as designing products for the future. The lab is maintained with calibration standards traceable to the National Institute of Testing and Standards (NIST). Without the Ampine Lab, maintaining costs, production efficiency, quality and progress would be impossible.

If you’d like to take a tour of our lab, reach out to your local Timber Products Company sales representative for scheduling.

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Diana Terry runs formaldehyde emissions standards tests in the Medford Particle Board lab.

Second from the left: young salesman, Larry Moore (Uncle to Softwood Veneers Sales Manager, Craig Smith); fourth from the left: Don Weber; second from the right: VP of Sales, Frank Clark; far right: TP pilot, Henry Rust.

Steve Carnes of the Ampine lab performs quality tests to ensure panels exceed requirements for superior performance. Top Left: Screw Withdrawal Resistance Test. Top Right: Modulus of Elasticity Test. Bottom: Vertical Density Test.

PROUD TO BE

As we enter a new year, Timber Products Company is excited to continue our commitment to American craftsmanship and values. With our recent rollout of a new look for our brand, we have also re-energized our “Made in America” mark with our new “American to the T” logo.

We employ more than 1,000 Americans, across 10 manufacturing facilities nationwide and take great pride in our ability to source our materials from sustainable operations in the U.S., including our own forestlands. We also exceed stringent environmental regulations in an ongoing effort to maintain accountability of our products for customer well-being. While exploring ways to emphasize these commitments, we asked Anne Marie Levis and her design team at Funk/Levis and Associates to focus on our current logo, the Timber T within a circle.

“The biggest inspiration for us was focusing on always providing the very best, to the nth degree,” Levis explains. The creative team landed on a tagline that summarizes Timber Products’ business approach of excellence and quality. With everything we do, Timber Products strives for perfection while meeting our customer’s demands as precisely as possible—to the T.

The new creative component will supplement the existing logo, and the tagline is accompanied by a fresh design that will roll out throughout 2017.

“It’s a new way to bring forward the values of the company and the excitement of going into this New Year,” Levis says. “Timber Products has been using the same tagline for the past several years, so it was exciting to bring in fresh ideas that reinforce the strength of the brand.”

Spring 2017

Watch “The Ampine Lab at Timber Products Company” video on the TimberProducts YouTube channel to learn more.

Quarter SlicedProduces a series of stripes–straight in some woods, varied in others. A flake pattern is produced when slicing through medullary rays in some species, principally oak. Other than oak, most species produce the same look as rift cut.

Knife

Quarter Log Flitch

Narrow Striped Pattern

Plain SlicedProduces a cathedral grain pattern. Most logs will also yield some quarter appearance.

Half Round–A somewhat similar pattern is achieved by turning a half log flitch on a lathe.

Knife

Leaf

Book

Half Log Flitch

Cathedral Pattern

Rift CutAn angle of cut of 15° to the radius of the flitch is used to minimize the ray flake effect in oak.

Knife

Cut

Quarter Log Flitch

Medullary Rays

Narrow Striped Pattern

Quarter SlicedProduces a series of stripes–straight in some woods, varied in others. A flake pattern is produced when slicing through medullary rays in some species, principally oak. Other than oak, most species produce the same look as rift cut.

Knife

Quarter Log Flitch

Narrow Striped Pattern

Plain SlicedProduces a cathedral grain pattern. Most logs will also yield some quarter appearance.

Half Round–A somewhat similar pattern is achieved by turning a half log flitch on a lathe.

Knife

Leaf

Book

Half Log Flitch

Cathedral Pattern

Rift CutAn angle of cut of 15° to the radius of the flitch is used to minimize the ray flake effect in oak.

Knife

Cut

Quarter Log Flitch

Medullary Rays

Narrow Striped Pattern

4

Sign up today at: goo.gl/lvBEJPTimberline is a publication for our employees, families and customers. Requests for additional copies or inquires on Timberline contact marketing@timberproducts.com.

Editors: Amber Poston and Rick Montoya

timberproducts.com

KEEP UP ON OUR BLOGTo read more about the latest industry news, trends and events visit: timberproducts.com/blog

FLAT FREDDY FOUND! Have you found Flat Freddy yet? These customers have! Send your Flat Freddy photos to be featured in next quarter’s Timberline.

Left: Sierra Forest – Salt Lake City, Top Middle: Beavertooth Oak, Bottom Middle: National Wood, Right: Showplace

FINDING THE RIGHT CUTDepending on a project’s implementation, there are various ways to prepare and cut different types of wood. Alongside the basic rotary cut, the three primary methods of slicing lumber are plain sliced, quarter sliced and rift cut. The difference between these methods is how the log is positioned as it is sliced and the angle that the cut makes against the growth rings. Let’s take a detailed look at each:

Plain Sliced:Plain sliced veneer is made by slicing the entire log lengthwise into thin sheets. This method makes up about 80% of sliced veneers. Plain sliced veneer is very cost effective because there is less manipulation of the log during processing and little waste. This veneer can have the appearance of flat sliced lumber with a cathedral grain pattern. A plain sliced cut works well for cabinetry, wall treatments and furniture. However, when choosing plain sliced veneer, be aware there can be inconsistencies in appearance from one log to another or even from the same log. Depending on the application, this could be desirable. If not, one of the other slicing methods is recommended.

Quarter Sliced:Quarter sliced veneer is made by first cutting the log lengthwise into long and round blocks of wood. Then, the blocks are sliced lengthwise perpendicular to the growth rings. The quarter sliced cut accounts for about 15% of sliced veneer. While more expensive than plain sliced, quarter sliced produces straight grains with varying degrees of ray fleck (color striations in the wood). This works well with oak and tropical species like Khaya and Sapele, producing distinct dark and light ribbons. The result is a veneer that adds dimension and complexity to the appearance, while also being more consistent than plain sliced.

Rift Cut:Rift cut veneer accounts for about 5% of sliced veneers. It is made by taking a slice at the widest diameter of the log, rotating it slightly, taking another slice and then repeating that pattern. This is the most expensive veneer and produces the most waste. However, rift cut veneer has the most uniform and consistent look to the grain because all the cuts go across the growth rings at the same angle. This type of veneer is almost exclusive to red and white oak when there is a desire to minimize the ray fleck. Rift cut does not produce enough benefits in other species to justify the extra cost.

If you have a specific look you’re going for in a remodel, contact Timber Products Company through our website. We can provide both direction and samples.

Spring 2017

4

Watch our Flat Freddy video on the TimberProducts YouTube channel to learn more.

Quarter SlicedProduces a series of stripes–straight in some woods, varied in others. A flake pattern is produced when slicing through medullary rays in some species, principally oak. Other than oak, most species produce the same look as rift cut.

Knife

Quarter Log Flitch

Narrow Striped Pattern

Plain SlicedProduces a cathedral grain pattern. Most logs will also yield some quarter appearance.

Half Round–A somewhat similar pattern is achieved by turning a half log flitch on a lathe.

Knife

Leaf

Book

Half Log Flitch

Cathedral Pattern

Rift CutAn angle of cut of 15° to the radius of the flitch is used to minimize the ray flake effect in oak.

Knife

Cut

Quarter Log Flitch

Medullary Rays

Narrow Striped Pattern

WOOD PRODUCTS INDUSTRY ROUNDUP Following up on the momentum generated in 2016, Timber Products Company is preparing to showcase its breadth of products at several events throughout 2017. As we prepare for another big year, we are looking back at the trends explored at 2016 events:

At GlobalShop 2016, Timber Products Company saw retailer demand for mix-and-match finishes and fresh ways of combining woodgrains. The rustic look, achieved with reclaimed and rough lumber, showed no signs of slowing down.

• Learn how Timber Products is meeting the latest retail fixture millwork options at GlobalShop 2017, March 28-30 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Cabinetmakers at Cabinets and Closets 2016 expressed interest in customization. We saw trends toward high-gloss and textured laminates for higher-end products—glass and textured melamine plywood were hot—and there was an increased interest in exotic wood species.

• We will explore more customization and service offerings at Cabinets & Closets Conference & Expo, April 11-13 in Chicago, Ill.

The North American Building Materials Distribution Association’s 2016 Annual Convention presented a perfect opportunity to meet with customers and gain greater understanding of issues impacting the woodworking distribution network.

• Expect additional insight into trends in the cabinet, millwork and furniture markets at the Woodworking Industry Conference, co-organized by NBMDA, April 25-28 in Palm Springs, Calif.

At the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association’s 2016 conference, Timber Products’ KCMA representative, Rick Montoya, served as a resource for panel discussions on compliance with formaldehyde standards and the innovation coming out of Europe.

• Expect more education at KCMA’s 62nd Annual Convention & Leadership Conference, May 7-9 in Ponte Verde, FL.

At the 2016 International Woodworking Fair, attendees were eager to learn about the benefits of working with a single-source supplier. Of interest was our Apex line of no-added formaldehyde composite plywood, and the cost savings it presents compared to MDF panels.

• We will continue to provide insight into our range of product and service offerings at the AWFS Fair, held in alternate years from IWF and taking place July 19-22 in Las Vegas, Nev.

The Cape Blanco Country Music Festival was a fantastic opportunity to grow relationships with customers—while enjoying the sounds of stellar music.

• This year’s concert has picked up and moved from beach to valley with a star-studded line-up at the Country Crossings Music Festival, July 27-30, in Central Point, Ore. Contact your inside sales representative to find out if you are eligible for our sales promotion packages with tickets, mill tours and more.

During Timber Products Company’s first year at the Architectural Woodworking Institute Annual Convention, we gained valuable insight from our opportunity to speak openly with end users. Interest was high in our architectural plywood with exotic veneers and the fire-rated properties of the Apex line.

• We are eager to continue the dialogue at Architectural Woodwork Institute’s 65th Annual Convention, October 29-31 in Charleston, S.C.

With this lineup of outstanding conventions and shows throughout the year, we hope to continually expand our partnerships, while growing our current customer base. We will see you on the road!

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