Universal Forest Products Western Division Inc. to Distribute Accoya Wood

DALLAS, Texas, Nov. 11 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Universal Forest Products Western Division Inc. (UFP-WD) and Titan Wood Inc., a subsidiary of Accsys Technologies, PLC, a company listed on Aim and Euronext, are pleased to announce UFP-WD will distribute Titan's Accoya wood in the United States.

Accoya® is a modified wood produced only from certified sustainable sources, using an environmentally responsible process. It offers outstanding durability, dimensional stability, and reliability.

As a subsidiary of Universal Forest Products, Inc. (NASDAQ:UFPI), a NASDAQ listed holding company whose operating subsidiaries had over $2 billion of sales last year, UFP-WD will be central to Accoya wood sales in the US. Dick Frazier, President of UFP-WD, noted, "We are constantly seeking innovative new products such as Accoya wood for our portfolio in order to meet the needs of our broad range of customers. We are delighted to be working with Titan Wood in distributing this revolutionary product."

With initial product certification and introduction now complete in the United States, UFP-WD will provide market penetration in existing and new application segments, as well as increased recognition of the Accoya brand.

Paul Clegg, Chief Executive Officer, of Titan Wood, added, "North America is a key market in the wood products industry. The commitment from a leading distributor like Universal Forest Products Western Division provides further validation of the quality and potential of our product. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship."

Universal Forest Products Western Division Inc. is a subsidiary of Universal Forest Products Inc. (www.ufpi.com). Universal Forest Products Inc. is listed on the NASDAQ under the symbol "UFPI." Universal Forest Products is the nation's leading manufacturer and distributor of wood and wood-alternative products to retail/dealer, site-built construction, manufactured housing and industrial markets.

Titan Wood Inc. (www.titanwood.com) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Accsys Technologies PLC (www.accsysplc.com) group of companies. Accsys Technologies PLC (AIM & EURONEXT: AXS) is listed on the London Stock Exchange AIM market and on Euronext Amsterdam by NYSE Euronext, under the symbol "AXS."

Accoya® wood (www.accoya.info) is produced using a non-toxic process that effectively converts certified sustainably grown solid softwood and non-durable hardwood lumber into what is best described as a "new wood species" via acetylation. Distinguished by its durability, dimensional stability and, perhaps most importantly of all, its reliability (in terms of consistency of both supply and quality), Accoya® wood is particularly suited to exterior applications where performance and appearance are valued. Unlike most tropical and temperate hardwoods, its colour does not degrade when exposed to ultraviolet light. Moreover, the Accoya® wood production process does not compromise the wood's strength or machinability. The combination of UV resistance, dimensional stability, durability and retained strength means that Accoya® wood offers a wealth of new opportunities to architects, designers, specifiers, builders and manufacturers Leading applications include external doors and windows, shutters/shading, siding and cladding, decking, outdoor furniture/equipment and glulam beams for structural use.

Wood Acetylation is a process, which increases the amount of "acetyl" molecules in wood, thereby changing its physical properties. The environmentally responsible process protects wood from rot by making it "inedible" to most micro-organisms and insects, without - unlike some conventional treatments - making it toxic. It also greatly reduces the wood's tendency to swell and shrink, making it less prone to cracking and ensuring that when painted it requires dramatically reduced maintenance. Acetylated wood's increased durability offers major carbon sequestration advantages, compared to others woods and especially typical man-made building materials.

ACCOYA® and the Trimarque Device are registered trademarks owned by Titan Wood Limited and may not be used or reproduced without written permission.

More information: www.titanwood.com.

NEWS SOURCE: Titan Wood Inc.
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