Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, 05 February 2008 -– Universal Forest Products, Inc. (Nasdaq: UFPI) announced that one of its subsidiaries completed the purchase of International Wood Industries, Inc. (IWI), a manufacturer of wood industrial products that is expected to add new markets, opportunities, and geographic territory to Universal’s industrial efforts.

Headquartered in Turlock, California, IWI manufactures boxes to move household goods worldwide; agricultural boxes for shipping produce such as nuts, fruits, and vegetables; and crating, packaging, and skids to pack and ship products for a multitude of industries nationwide. The company has distribution, warehouse, and assembly facilities in Alaska and Hawaii. For the 12 months ended 31 December 2007, IWI had sales of USD 40 million. Universal Forest Products Western Division closed the USD 14 million purchase of all shares of IWI on 04 February 2008.

“Our strategy has called for both organic growth and growth through acquisition, especially in the highly promising industrial market, and we feel we’ve found the perfect fit and opportunity with IWI,” said Michael B. Glenn, Universal Forest Products CEO and president. “It’s a well-run company with a reputation for integrity and results, and a 38-year history of success. We’re pleased to bring the operations and good people of IWI into the Universal family, and we know Universal will greatly benefit from the knowledge and experience of its leadership team,” he said.

“We’re honored and pleased to be joining a company with the kind of strength and opportunity Universal represents,” said John Rotticci, IWI president. “We’re delighted to offer our people the opportunity to grow with Universal, and we look forward to expanding service to our customers through the vast network of Universal facilities and contributing to Universal’s growth by taking our business to new levels of success,” he said.

“This is an exciting time for our company, people and customers, and we know all will benefit from this partnership,” Rotticci added.

Universal Forest Products formally launched its industrial business in 2000 with the formation of a dedicated sales force and internal structure to focus solely on that market. Since that time, Universal’s Industrial business has seen double-digit growth. At the end of the third quarter of 2007, Industrial represented nearly one-fourth of Universal’s business, with year-to-date revenues of more than USD 452 million.

Universal Forest Products markets, manufactures and engineers wood and wood-alternative products for do-it-yourself and retail home centers, structural lumber products for the manufactured housing industry, engineered wood components for the site-built construction market, and specialty wood packaging for various industries. The company also provides framing services for the site-built sector and various forms for concrete construction. The company reported sales of nearly USD 2.66 billion in 2006. For information about Universal Forest Products, visit www.ufpi.com.