Denver – ProBuild Holdings, the nation’s largest supplier of building materials to professional contractors, announced today its purchase of the assets of Lumber, Inc., a distributor of lumber, floor and roof trusses, wall panels and millwork based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Founded in 1972 by the Wickens and Chiado families, Lumber Inc. today operates four locations in the greater Albuquerque market, one in Santa Fe and one in Las Cruces. Its customers include national and regional production builders as well as custom builders.  Terms of the sale have not been disclosed.

ProBuild continues to follow an aggressive strategy to serve the national market by expanding its presence in major markets, strengthening the company’s country-wide footprint. The Lumber Inc. acquisition provides ProBuild with access to Albuquerque’s strong housing market, which was ranked in the top 50 in the U.S. in single family permits in 2006. The Lumber Inc. locations will complement ProBuild’s existing operations in Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

“Lumber, Inc. is a company successfully rooted in serving the professional contractor in New Mexico,” commented Jim Cavanaugh, president, ProBuild South region.  “The Wickens and Chiado families have built an outstanding company with a stellar reputation.  This acquisition allows ProBuild to expand our presence in New Mexico in all areas of our business, including building materials, component manufacturing and millwork assembly.  We are particularly pleased to have the vast majority of the Lumber, Inc. management team on board to provide the leadership to continue growth in this key strategic market.”

“We are excited about joining the ProBuild organization.  We believe aligning with ProBuild better positions us for significant long term growth,” said Pat Chiado of Lumber, Inc.  “It is clear that the ProBuild culture and that of Lumber Inc. are very similar.  This should create great opportunities for our associates as we go forward with ProBuild.” 

About Lumber, Inc.

Lumber, Inc. was founded in 1972 by the Wickens and Chiado families specializing in sales of building materials out of a single location in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Over the next 35 years, Lumber, Inc. grew to become the largest Pro Dealer in the state with six facilities statewide, including a door and millwork shop, truss and panel plants, and lumber distribution operations. 

About ProBuild

ProBuild Holdings is the nation’s largest supplier of building materials to professional contractors.  ProBuild currently operates more than 520 lumber and building product distribution, manufacturing and assembly centers in 40 U.S. states.

ProBuild sells a broad selection of building materials including lumber and plywood, engineered wood, gypsum wallboard and other drywall products, millwork, trusses, roofing, siding products, insulation materials, metal specialties, hardware and tools.  The company’s manufacturing activities include trusses, wall panels, millwork, and pre-hung door and window fabrication.  Construction services include framing and installation of other products.

To learn more about ProBuild, visit their website at www.probuild.com.