Personnel Update:

Heartland Co-op announced that CEO Larry Petersen, has retired as panned in mid-2012.  The new CEO is Tom Hauschel.

Lowe’s Cos. Inc. has named Michael Jones Chief Merchandising Officer.  The retailer also announced that Stephen J. Szilagyi has been promoted to Supply Chain Executive, from his current position as Senior VP Distribution.

Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc. announced that Tom Lindquist, Exec VP and COO, has been named President of the company.  He will continue to serve as COO.  Rick Holley, Plum Creek’s President and CEO will continue to serve as CEO.

Financial Focus:

BlueLinx Holdings, the Atlanta-based distributor of building products, reported that sales for the year increased 8.7% to $1.91 billion.

Lumber Liquidators reported that for the full year, sales increased 19.3% to $813.3 million.

Plum Creek Timber Company, Inc. announced revenues for the full year of 2012 were $1.34 billion up from revenues of $1.17 billion from the previous year.

Sherwin-Williams announced a strong performance in 2012 and reported that record net sales in the Paint Stores Group increased 13.2% to $5.41 billion for the year.

Tractor Supply Company reported that for the full year net sales increased to $4.66 billion, or 10.2% over the prior year’s 53-week period.

Universal Forest Products posted double-digit sales growth for the full year.  For the full year, UFP posted sales of $2.1 billion, up 12.8%.

Weyerhaeuser reported net sales of $7.1 billion for the full year 2012.  This is up from $6.2 billion from the previous year.

Mergers and Acquisitions:

Central Network Retail Group (CNRG) has acquired W.T. Harvey Lumber of Columbus, Ga.

Industry Insight:

Lynn Lumber of Lynn, MA has closed down operations after 68 years in business.

A WE Aubuchon Hardware location in Bangor, Maine, has closed its doors.