Everlasting Hardwoods
Everlasting Hardwoods
The online division of Everlasting Hardwoods, recently launched their product line of IPE decking wood. As supporters of sustainable forestry practices as set forth by International Tropical Timber Organization, they are interested in providing you, my readers, with their helpful resources.
Everlasting Hardwoods and OHC history
Everlasting Hardwoods, and Overseas Hardwoods Company (OHC), have been importing high performance lumber products for over 42 years. Through out the years, they have accomplished a well-earned reputation for excellent customer service. Founded in 1967,by Lee Robinson, SR., the company specialized in Apitong/Keruing for flatbed truck decking. Mr. Robinson, began in those early days, by importing Hardwoods from Southeast Asia. He had, produced truck flooring at his previous company, Mobile River Sawmill using Red Oak, White Oak, Hickory, Pecan, Beech, and Ash. As the value of these domestic woods increased, Mr. Robinson saw the benefits of Apitong/Keruing, as a suitable alternative to traditional species used in flatbed applications, as well as, for other higher end uses.
In the early 2000’s, the company became know as (OHC) Overseas Hardwood Company. OHC sources only through reputable firms which must adhere to local, state and federal regulations as it relates to sustainable forest management. The regulations are set forth by International Tropical Timber Organization, to meet OHC approved supplier status. In addition to on site training and auditing of their suppliers, OHC has certified inspectors, in country. They also, employ certified third party inspection agencies, to verify quality and grade of their lumber procurements. Here is a list of some of the species and their common uses .
Everlasting Hardwoods and OHC quickly diversified, by creating a subsidiary, Chickasabogue Lumber Company, to do custom kiln drying and processing for others, years ago. With a lumber processing plant, Everlasting Hardwoods, strategically located near the Port of Mobile, Alabama, OHC’s processing plant, became and still is, the ideal location for lumber entering the US, from Central and South America. OHC’s facility has become the gateway for many South American lumber species to enter the US market.
Through the years, as the business has developed, OHC has made significant capital adjustments. They began controlling all kiln drying/machining at their US facility, Everlasting Hardwoods, in Alabama. During the late 1980’s, and for nearly two decades thereafter, much of the machining capacity, was transferred to Southeast Asia and South America. This action helped keep manufacturing costs and freight costs minimized. At the same time, they invested in improved quality control. They also began investing in the producing countries, by setting up strategic relationships with third party inspection services, and concentrating business with several major producers.
In addition, Everlasting Hardwoods and OHC’s personnel, developed training regiments in the developing countries, as well as, bringing inspectors to the US, to develop proper training and understanding of market requirements.
Everlasting Hardwoods today
Today, Everlasting Hardwoods and OHC, focuses on providing Supplier Managed Inventory Service, while maintaining production capacity to meet the tailored needs of a dynamic manufacturer and customer base. With yearly commitments from program customers-sourcing, shipping, financing, inventory control, servicing on products used throughout Utility Industry, Southern Yellow Pine Sawmill Industry, Residential and Commercial Decking Industry, and Transportation Industries in US, Mexico and Canada, OHC has become positioned as the largest North American supplier of Apitong/Keruing products. They have also increased their product line to include plywood liner and flooring. OHC, has also become one of the larger North American suppliers of Ipe.
Ipe, is world renown as the premium natural material for decking and outdoor furniture. If you use Ipe, you should only need to do the job once. Ipe is one of the most beautiful natural materials available. It is a hardwood tree of the genus Tabebuia. It is actually pronounced “ee-pay”. Its fine grain and rich color enhances any design. Ipe’s qualities include the fact, that it is hard, dense, and resistant to the ravages of the elements such as rot, UV degradation and insect pests. Ipe Decking installations by OHC, have even withstood hurricane force winds. OHC, and Everlasting Hardwoods, purchase their Ipe from South America, encouraging responsible, sustainable and renewable forestry practices.
Everlasting Hardwoods, and OHC’s material handling plant and equipment, are designed to provide just in time service, of all of its product lines to a wide variety customer base. Currently, OHC maintains less than 2weeks delivery time on custom orders, and 24 hours service on in stock items. Their experience, great customer service, and huge inventory, means you can be confidently assured, when you order Ipe furniture and decking from OHC. Everlasting Hardwoods, hopes you enjoy Outdoor Living with beautiful quality furniture and decking, from Overseas Hardwood Company.