Trade News
Lowe’s to Acquire FBM for $8.8 Billion
Lowe’s is purchasing Foundation Building Materials Inc. from American Securities LLC and CD&R for $8.8 billion.
Since 2011, FBM has grown into a network of more than 370 locations in North America, serving 40,000 customers.
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
“With this acquisition, we are advancing our multi-year transformation of the Pro offering,” said Marvin R. Ellison, Lowe’s chairman, president, and CEO in a written statement. “It allows us to serve the large planned spend within a $250 billion total addressable market and aligns perfectly with our Total Home strategy.
“FBM’s scalable, multi-trade distribution platform and strong leadership combined with our recent acquisition of ADG will significantly enhance our offering,” Ellison added. “We’re excited to welcome the FBM team and strengthen our solutions for our growing Pro customers.”
Under the ownership of American Securities and CD&R, FBM has experienced a period of growth resulting in 27 percent per annum revenue growth and 31 percent per annum EBITDA growth. According to a news release, this momentum has been driven by both organic expansion and strategic transactions, including the acquisitions of other suppliers and companies.
“Working alongside American Securities and CD&R has been incredible,” said Ruben Mendoza, CEO of FBM. “With their support, we've been able to accelerate growth, expand our capabilities, and improve our position, all while staying true to our values and culture. I am immensely grateful for what our team has accomplished and am excited about the opportunities ahead as we join forces with Lowe’s.”
Mendoza and the senior leadership team will continue to lead FBM. The distributor’s long-term goals include launching a new e-commerce platform and digital application and investing in expanding its commercial capabilities.
Lowe’s rival Home Depot has made similar moves to boost its ecosystem. Last year, it purchased roofing distributor SRS Distribution, and this year is acquiring Georgia-based GMS Inc. for $5.5 billion. GMS operates a network of more than 320 distribution centers with product offerings of wallboard, ceilings, steel framing and complementary construction products.
RBC Capital Markets served as exclusive financial advisor and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP served as legal counsel to FBM, American Securities, and CD&R.
L&W Supply Launches Oregon Branch in Medford
L&W Supply has opened its newest branch in Medford, Ore., marking the nationwide building materials distributor's fifth location in the state and strengthening its presence across Southern Oregon and Northern California.
The branch is managed by Isai Molina, who was promoted to the role in April 2025 after joining L&W Supply in 2020. Molina previously served as delivery services manager in Boise, Idaho, and as a CDL driver in Nampa, Idaho, building a reputation for hands-on leadership and customer focus.
“We’re excited to be part of the Medford community and provide contractors with the trusted products and reliable service they count on every day to get the job done," said Chad Popma, Northwest District manager at L&W Supply. “Isai’s enthusiasm and leadership are a great asset, and we know he'll build strong connections with customers in the area.”
The new branch offers Express Pickup service, boom truck delivery, and flatbed delivery options. It will serve contractors throughout Jackson, Josephine, Douglas, Klamath and Lake counties, as well as Northern California markets.
Nominate Projects for the EBEC Award
Applications are now being accepted through September 30 for IIBEC’s 3rd Annual Excellence in Building Enclosure Consulting Awards.
The EBEC Awards recognize outstanding contributions by building enclosure professionals, their collaborators, and their clients in support of the design, delivery, and advancement of building enclosure performance in one or more of these categories:
- Building Enclosure
- Commissioning
- Exterior Wall
- Waterproofing
Winners will be recognized during the Awards Luncheon at the 2026 IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show, March 12-15 in Sacramento, Calif.
All award winners will be invited to participate in a general session in Sacramento, providing a brief overview of their project and participating in a moderated Q&A immediately following IIBEC’s annual awards ceremony.
The submission window closes September 30. For questions, contact Emily Lorenz, IIBEC’s codes and standards advisor, at elorenz@iibec.org.
ROCKWOOL Plans to Break Ground on Wallula Gap Plant
ROCKWOOL is preparing to begin construction on a $175 million stone wool insulation manufacturing facility at Wallula Gap in Washington state, with work expected to kick off later this year, as reported by Ty Beaver of the Tri-City Area Journal of Business.
The company is continuing site grading while it finalizes the selection of a general contractor, according to Paul Espinosa, ROCKWOOOL’s public affairs director.
“We’re hopeful we can begin construction in the third quarter of this year,” Espinosa said.
Even without a general contractor in place, the company says local construction workers will play a major role in the project. PCL Construction, ROCKWOOL’s owner representative, has hosted informational sessions and individual meetings with contractors across the Tri-Cities and Walla Walla. Strong turnout could lead to additional sessions, either in-person or virtual.
“Our goal is to utilize as many local contractors from the Tri-Cities and Walla Walla as possible,” Espinosa said.
A year ago, ROCKWOOL North America finalized the purchase of 250 acres at the Port of Walla Walla’s Wallula Gap Business Park for $8.75 million. The company has since held community open houses to answer questions and address concerns.
Construction of the plant is expected to take two years, supporting more than 600 temporary jobs. Once complete, the facility will employ 125 full-time workers, with hiring focused locally.
Espinosa said the company expects to hire a director of operations this year to build out the management team and prepare for the broader workforce recruitment.
Meet Contractors, Distributors, Manufacturers at ICAA 2025
The ICAA Convention & Trade Show is your one-stop shop to learn, network, and discover the latest insulation industry products and services from the best in the business.
Every year, ICAA builds an educational program based on attendee feedback and timely industry trends, including sessions that run the gamut from business operations to building science. The star of the show, however, is the accompanying trade show, which features a lineup of the insulation industry’s leading suppliers and manufacturers. The event takes place Oct. 8-11, at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Check the ICAA Convention webpage: insulate.org/convention frequently for updates and details as they are released.
Explore JFE Shoji's Latest Expansion for CEMCO
CEMCO announced that JFE Shoji America Holdings has finalized the purchase of a new building to support CEMCO’s growth initiatives. Located on Heinz Way in Commerce City, this building will help improve the manufacturer's plant efficiencies and improve on the already GOLD Standard of their service to its Colorado based customers and the outlying areas.
“Formerly a Home Depot distribution center, the building spans 140,000 square feet on over 18 acres. We have been operating at our current location in Denver for 22 years and our biggest issue has been a constraint on space,” said Tom Porter, president and CEO of CEMCO. “This new building will allow us to become more efficient in our operations, while increasing the level of service to our customer base. I am very excited to see the growth that will come with this new facility, and I am also excited for our employees who have been so loyal to us for so many years. I also want to thank our parent company, JFE Shoji America Holdings, for their continued support of CEMCO.”
Since 2003, CEMCO has been fully engaged in the Denver market, a tax paying entity and an employer of so many Coloradans. This new facility underscores CEMCO’s full commitment to the Denver market and all the opportunities it will present.
The plan is to be fully operational sometime in Q1 of 2026.
Spackle by Dave Coverly
People News
xxxxxxxxxx Some Person xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxxxxxxxx Some Person xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx Some Person xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxx
xxxxxxx.
