Thursday, July 24, 2025
Hammond Lumber Company, one of the largest independent building material retailers in the Northeast, has announced a significant acquisition of Ware-Butler Building Supply. This move is set to expand Hammond’s presence across Maine and New Hampshire, solidifying its commitment to providing quality building materials and services to customers throughout the region. The deal, which is expected to close on July 31, 2025, will allow Hammond to grow its retail footprint from 22 to 34 locations, offering a broader network to serve communities in Maine and New Hampshire. This expansion comes at a crucial time when demand for building materials and prefabricated building components is at an all-time high.
The acquisition includes 15 retail locations currently owned by Ware-Butler, scattered across Maine. These stores are located in Corinth, Dixfield, Dover-Foxcroft, Gorham, Greenville, Kingfield, Livermore Falls, Madison (Rt 201), Madison (Main Street), Mexico, Orrington, Palmyra, Stillwater (Old Town), Waterville, and West Enfield. Hammond plans to integrate three of these locations—Dixfield, Greenville, and Orrington—into nearby Hammond branches to optimize resources and improve service efficiency for local customers.
This acquisition not only increases Hammond’s physical presence but also strengthens its position as a dominant force in the region’s building materials industry. The 15 new locations will bring Hammond closer to its mission of supporting local communities, offering high-quality products, and providing expert advice to contractors and homeowners alike.
In addition to the retail locations, Hammond is also acquiring Ware-Butler’s wall panel manufacturing facility in Stillwater, Maine, and two metal roofing production lines operating under the Peak Metals brand, located in Stillwater and Palmyra. These assets will significantly enhance Hammond’s in-house manufacturing capabilities, allowing the company to produce prefabricated framing packages and custom roofing systems that meet the growing demand in the building materials market.
By expanding its manufacturing capabilities, Hammond is positioning itself to offer even more comprehensive building solutions to its customers. The move aligns with increasing customer preferences for high-quality, prefabricated building components that improve construction timelines and reduce labor costs. These additions to Hammond’s production portfolio demonstrate the company’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to the building industry.
As part of the acquisition, Hammond Lumber Company has pledged to offer continued employment to all current Ware-Butler employees. This includes opportunities for relocation to nearby branches, ensuring a smooth transition during the integration process. By retaining the experienced workforce at Ware-Butler, Hammond is not only preserving valuable local knowledge but also reinforcing its commitment to the communities it serves.
Hammond President and CEO, Mike Hammond, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, stating, “This is a meaningful opportunity to continue a legacy shaped by trust and long-standing relationships. In the months ahead, we’ll be focused on listening, learning, and supporting the people and communities who have built these businesses.” This statement underscores Hammond’s approach to thoughtful integration and ensuring that the needs of both customers and employees are met during the transition.
With this acquisition, Hammond Lumber Company will employ over 1,200 people across Maine and New Hampshire. The company’s expanded operations are projected to generate more than $550 million in annual sales, further reinforcing its status as a leader in the building materials industry.
Jason and Chris Brochu, co-presidents of Pleasant River Lumber (the current owner of Ware-Butler), also expressed confidence in Hammond’s ability to carry the torch. “We have a deep respect for Hammond Lumber Company and the values they stand for,” said the Brochu brothers. “This was a thoughtful and deliberate decision, and we’re confident that Hammond is the right long-term steward for the Ware-Butler team, its customers, and the communities they serve.”
Hammond Lumber’s acquisition of Ware-Butler represents a major shift in the Northeast’s building materials landscape. The combined operations will result in an even more robust supply chain for contractors, homeowners, and businesses, with an increased ability to meet the demand for building materials and custom products.
By expanding their retail presence and manufacturing capabilities, Hammond will be able to offer a wider range of products and services to customers throughout Maine and New Hampshire. This will further support local construction projects, from residential homes to commercial developments, providing critical resources to sustain the region’s growing construction needs.
Ware-Butler: A continued legacy
Founded in 1925, Ware-Butler Building Supply has built a long-standing reputation for providing quality products and services to its customers. Over the years, the company expanded its reach through multiple acquisitions, including Crescent Lumber, Phinney Lumber, and Jordan Lumber. In 2020, Ware-Butler was acquired by Pleasant River Lumber, which continued to drive the company’s growth. Now, under Hammond’s stewardship, Ware-Butler’s legacy will continue to thrive.
Pleasant River Lumber will continue to operate its two spruce sawmills in Dover-Foxcroft and Enfield, along with its other businesses, including AA Brochu Inc., Moosehead Cedar Log Homes, and the Woodsmith’s Cabinetry manufacturing facility. These operations will remain independent and unaffected by the sale of Ware-Butler.
Hammond Lumber Company’s acquisition of Ware-Butler Building Supply is a testament to the company’s commitment to growth, innovation, and community service. With a larger footprint in Maine and New Hampshire, enhanced manufacturing capabilities, and a dedicated workforce, Hammond is poised to lead the way in the building materials industry for years to come. As the transaction progresses and the integration unfolds, Hammond will continue to prioritize the needs of its customers, employees, and the communities it serves.
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Tags: acquisition, Building Materials, custom roofing systems, European acquisition news, framing packages, Hammond Lumber, Maine, manufacturing, metal roofing, New Hampshire, Peak Metals, retail expansion, Ware-Butler Building Supply
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