Universal Forest Products to acquire Idaho distributor serving housing/RV/retail industries for $11.5 million

Universal Forest Products, Inc. announced that one of its subsidiaries has an agreement to acquire Idaho Western, Inc., a Nampa, Idaho-based distributor of products for building materials retailers and the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industries.

Founded in 1978, Idaho Western supplies customers in the Northwest with products ranging from lumber and plywood to siding and doors. Its annual net sales are approximately $21 million. Universal’s Caldwell, Idaho operation, which supplies lumber products to the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industries, will be consolidated into Idaho Western. The purchase of the outstanding shares of Idaho Western’s stock, totaling $11.5 million, is expected to close on July 1, 2016.

“This strategic acquisition will allow us to bolster our foothold in the manufactured housing and retail markets by expanding our product offering and our geographic reach,” said Universal Forest Products CEO Matthew J. Missad. “For decades, Idaho Western has proven its ability to create success and to grow, and we’re excited to have them do that as part of the Universal family of companies. They’re a great addition, and will be an excellent complement to our offerings, capabilities and culture. We look forward to growing our business in the Northwest with them.”

“Becoming part of Universal signals an exciting new chapter for our company—one that will be about growth and opportunity for our company, people, customers and vendors,” said Richard Chaffin, president of Idaho Western. “We will be able to meet more needs and grow our relationships and our reach with the power of Universal at our back. We’re pleased to become part of Universal and its future.”