A new 44,000-square-foot distribution center in Mira Loma, Calif., will allow MJB Wood Group, Inc. to supply lumber and panel products, including MDF, particleboard, hardboard and thermally fused melamine, to the Southern California market. A void in the marketplace led to the facility's opening. MJB represents all major panel product manufacturers in North America.

"We are going to keep a full line of CARB Phase 2-compliant NAUF and NAF boards," says Steve Daugherty, division manager. "Our emphasis here is panels. Of that, our largest offering is MDF followed by particleboard. Our reputation in this marketplace remains offering a variety of sizes and thicknesses at fair price. Panels ranging from 1/16- to 1 3/4-inch thickness as well as specialty panels, including a full line of fire-rated panels, are our nuts and bolts."

Daugherty says demand for CARB-compliant stock in California has diminished in the last 18 months as the nation's interest in standardized formaldehyde emissions regulations intensifies. This is in part thanks to delayed phasing dates and the fact that California wholesalers are rebounding after suffering losses to meet the initial Phase 1 guidelines. 

"At least here in California, the sense of urgency went away,  but it will be back again," Daugherty says, noting the importance of Phase 1 deadline extensions until the end of this year that allow wholesalers like MJB to move what small amount of non-CARB compliant inventory is left in stock without taking another hard financial hit. "We're seeing the most demand for NAUF and NAF materials in the commercial sector, where specifiers use CARB Phase 2 products achieve LEED criteria for financial incentives. This economy did not help the CARB effort as far as single- and multiple-family dwelling construction is concerned. Consumers don't want to pay extra for 'green' products and likely won't until it's mandatory."

Additionally, Daugherty says he ponders a national standard for formaldehyde emissions that is less stringent than Phase 2 standards to afford wood mills seamless compliance without too much added cost. He suggests mills that conquered Phase 1 guidelines are now improving production of NAUF boards, thus making these products more competitive and ultimately driving down their prices.

"The practicality of the regulation will become clearer when it becomes implemented," he says. "Clean air is vitally important, but there are so many nuances with end uses that affect actual emissions. If the national regulation can ride the coattails of California's standard and avoid regional rules on formaldehyde emissions, in the long run it will be easier for everyone who's already obeying the CARB rule."