Universal Sees Changes

GRAND RAPIDS — Universal Forest Products Inc. has announced the retirement of two long-time officers: Bobby Hill, president of Universal Western Division, and Dick Frazier, vice president of the Southwest Region.

Their successors are two Universal veterans: Pat Webster, vice president of the Far West Region, has been tapped to replace Hill, and Michael Dube, vice president of operations for the Southwest Region, will replace Frazier.

"Bobby and Dick have helped to drive the success of this company, and we're grateful to them for their strong contributions and years of dedication," said President and CEO Michael B. Glenn.

Under the company's succession plan, Hill was scheduled to step down from his position on July 1, to work closely with Webster on the transition through the end of the year. On Jan. 1, Hill will retire from Universal and become a consultant to the company.

Hill joined Universal in 1986 as a sales representative in Grandview, Texas. In 2002 he was appointed Western Division president.

Webster began his career in sales and purchasing at Universal's Grand Rapids headquarters. He was promoted to successive executive positions, becoming vice president of the Far West Region in 1999.

Frazier joined Universal in 1989 as vice president of the Southwest Region. At 65, he faces the company's policy of mandatory retirement for officers; however, he has chosen to remain an employee, working on special projects focused primarily on lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.

On July 1, Frazier stepped down from the day-to-day operations to work with Dube on a smooth transition. Dube joined Universal in 1992 in sales in Saginaw, Texas, and worked his way through management positions in sales and operations. He was appointed operational vice president of the Southwest Region in 2001.

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Universal comprises two divisions: the Western Division, based in Windsor, Colo., and the Eastern Division, based in Union City, Ga. It has approximately 10,000 employees at more than 100 locations in North America.

Universal Forest Products Inc. (NASDAQ: UFPI) reported sales of nearly $2.66 billion in 2006.