New decking line enters Lowe’s

The Empire Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of New Zealand-based Tenon LTD, has been selected as the exclusive distribution partner for Eastman Chemical Company’s new Perennial Wood decking product into Lowe’s stores.

Eastman is a Fortune 500 company with more than 80 years of history in acetylating wood pulp, according to the announcement. In 2010, 13% of Eastman’s total revenues were derived from sales of raw materials to the building and construction industry. 

While Empire is the exclusive distribution partner to Lowe's, Boston Cedar is Perennial Wood's initial partner for distribution to the LBM channel.

Perennial Wood is real wood that has been modified to resist changes from moisture, such as shrinking, swelling and movement. It is made possible through TruLast Technology, Eastman’s proprietary modification process that provides a physical barrier throughout that is warranted to protect against rot, decay and movement for 25 years. Perennial Wood is three times more stable than unmodified wood, resulting in less shrinking and swelling that cause cracking, cupping and warping without sacrificing the beauty of real wood, the company said. The first commercially marketed product line is Perennial Wood decking.

Empire distributes softwood and hardwood molding and PVC trim throughout the eastern United States.

Tony Johnston, chief operating officer of parent company Tenon, said: “We believe the market receptiveness for Perennial Wood decking into the $4 billion North American decking and railing market segment will be strong, and that other outdoor applications will be equally well received in the future. We are very excited to be associated with the introduction of this new product platform, and we will be doing our part to ensure its success in the marketplace.”