Lumber Traders Acquires Certain Assets of Sunset Do It Best Hardware

Three local companies announced that they have agreed to transfer some of their operations and functions among themselves in order to effectively and efficiently align their products and services. Lumber Traders Inc., Platypus Marine Inc., and Sunset Wire Rope Co., Inc. will transfer some of their operations and real estate to each other in a variety of exchanges and moves that will occur over the next several months.

– Lumber Traders, which operates both Hartnagel Building Supply and Angeles Millwork & Lumber Company, will expand to include the retail hardware business of Sunset Do It Best Hardware, currently owned by Bill and Fred Hermann.

– The current location for Sunset Do It Best Hardware will transfer to Platypus Marine, as the retail hardware operations and employees will move to Lumber Traders’ current retail stores.

– Platypus Marine will consolidate company offices to the current Sunset Do It Best Hardware location, including areas for equipment and supply storage. Platypus has planned and completed environmental cleanup for a new marine trades operations building directly across the street from the Sunset Do It Best store.

– Hermann Bros (Bill, Fred and Mike) will continue to expand its trucking operations, having recently acquired Atlas Trucking Inc. along with the forest products business.

“We see this transaction as one that allows each of the businesses involved the ability to get stronger. Angeles Millwork and Hartnagels can build on the legacy of Sunset by bringing the strength of their people and products into our stores. Platypus has the room they need to grow and Hermann Brothers gets to put their energy into expanding operations, said Kelly Fox, CEO, Lumber Traders, Inc. “Qualified employees have been at a premium over the last few years for our stores. Adding the talented people from Sunset will increase the knowledge inventory of our employee owned stores to make our service that much better. The Sunset employees who do join our team will also get to start sharing in the ownership of Lumber Traders, Inc on the normal vesting schedule.”

“For Platypus Marine this purchase allows for combined and greatly improved offices for our staff. The new property will also provide additional parking for our workers as we plan for new production capabilities in Port Angeles”, said Judson Linnabary, President, Platypus Marine, Inc.

“This transaction allows Fred and I to retire from the retail business after 40 years, said Bill Hermann, co-owner of Hermann Bros. “We are dedicated to take care of our customers so they will have a smooth transition. The Sunset staff is being offered employment within this reorganization of local businesses.”

“These expansions and moves among three pillars of our business community are indicative of our strong economy and their confidence in the future,” said Jim Haguewood, President of the Board of Directors of the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce. “All three of these companies have impressive leadership teams. The creativity and vision among them to make this happen is marvelous. This type of transaction is positive for our local economy that will streamline operations, retains and creates local jobs, and stimulates further growth.”

About Lumber Traders

Lumber Traders Inc is the employee owned company that operates retail building material stores on the North Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. Their stores, Angeles Millwork and Lumber Company, along with Hartnagel Building Supply specialize in helping people build their dream home or satisfy the demands of their clients. For more than a century, they have been delivering on the promise of quality materials and unsurpassed service in the building materials industry.

About Platypus Marine

Platypus Marine, Inc. is a full service indoor shipyard. Their facility specializes in the construction, repair, refit, and maintenance of recreational, government, commercial fishing, and commercial vessels. They build, repair, modernize, service and maintain yachts in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and from around the world. Their professional, multi-talented work force excels in working with steel, stainless steel, aluminum, fiberglass, wood, and the servicing and repair of propulsion and auxiliary systems.

About Hermann Bros.

Incorporated in 1968, Hermann Brothers started as a small family owned logging company. Over the years, they have become one of the leaders in innovative mechanized logging and transportation of wood chip products and general freight in the Pacific Northwest. Locally owned, run, and operated, Hermann Brothers believes in a strong commitment to the environment, to their community, to their employees and their family.

Source: Lumber Traders, Inc.