Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie has been recognized as 2012 Preferred Supplier Partner of the Year by Sphere 1, a cooperative of independent tool and fastener distributors. Simpson Strong-Tie received the premier award over 84 other Sphere 1 preferred suppliers for the second year in a row.

Individual awards were presented to companies that performed well in one of the six different criteria categories established by Sphere 1. The Preferred Supplier Partner of the Year Award goes to the organization that ranks highest overall across all six criteria, including sales volume increase over the previous year, growth percentage, number of members purchasing from the supplier, completion of Gateway for Growth Programs and Sphere 1 University student course completions in 2012.

Sphere 1 CEO Carol Shackelford noted, “Congratulations to Simpson Strong-Tie for winning Partner of the Year again! We appreciate their participation and the commitment from their outstanding team. Simpson Strong-Tie will have another opportunity to exclusively showcase their wonderful line-up of products to our membership at our Annual Member Meeting next year in May in San Antonio, TX.”

A“Being awarded the Preferred Supplier Partner of the Year for the second consecutive year is a great achievement, and we thank the Sphere 1 membership for this outstanding recognition. We look forward to continuing our fruitful relationship with Sphere 1 by providing the membership with the products, testing and customer service we are known for,” said Simpson Strong-Tie President Terry Kingsfather.

The award was presented at Sphere 1’s Annual Member Meeting on May 7-9, 2013 in Tucson, AZ.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie is proud to once again join other industry associations and organizations in supporting the International Code Council's (ICC) 2013 Building Safety Month in May. As a Supporting Sponsor, Simpson Strong-Tie is encouraging the industry and the general public to learn more about ways to make buildings, homes and decks safe and strong.

Building Safety Month is a public awareness campaign during May to help individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create and sustain safe and sustainable structures. As an annual event, this year's theme is "Code Officials Keep You Safe." The four-week campaign focuses on key safety areas each week, including fire safety and awareness, disaster safety and mitigation, backyard and pool safety, and energy and green building. The overall goal is to reinforce the need for adopting modern, model building codes as well as implementing strong and efficient code enforcement. To learn more about the campaign and how to get involved, visit www.buildingsafetymonth.org.

"Simpson Strong-Tie structural products help people build safer, stronger homes, buildings and decks," said Terry Kingsfather, president of Simpson Strong-Tie. "We're proud to support Building Safety Month and the work that code officials do every day to ensure structures are well built and safe."

As a sponsor, Simpson Strong-Tie has several resources that help support the initiatives of Building Safety Month, including educational materials about designing and building homes and buildings to resist earthquakes and high winds as well as building and retrofitting code-compliant outdoor decks. These resources can be found on the Building Safety Month website and the Simpson Strong-Tie® homeowner website, SafeStrongHome.com.

Pleasanton, Calif. – By customer request, Simpson Strong-Tie has added three new high-capacity truss hangers to its connector product line. The HTHGQ, HTHMQ and HHSUQ truss hangers are no longer custom orders, but now part of the standard catalog offering.

The HTHGQ heavy girder truss hanger is a high-load capacity girder hanger designed to carry multi-ply trusses (up to five plies) or structural composite lumber. Prior to the HTHGQ, such extreme loads required a bolted connection.

The HTHMQ heavy multiple truss hanger is a versatile, high-capacity truss hanger designed to accommodate various angles, member sizes and number of plies. This truss hanger is able to carry two or three trusses to enable a greater range of hip-jack configurations. The HTHMQ also facilitates single hip-jack combinations and two hip no-jack combinations.

The HHSUQ heavy severe-skew truss hanger is a high-load, face-mount, truss-to-truss and structural composite lumber hanger designed to accommodate severe skews. The 45° – 84° skew range for hip trusses enables greater installation applications.

Each of these welded hangers install easily and quickly with Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive® SDS structural wood screws. For more information about the new truss hangers, visit www.strongtie.com/newproducts.

Pleasanton, Calif. – TIM-BR MART Group, a $2 billion-plus member-owned corporation serving building supply retailers, commercial dealers and home manufacturers across Canada, has honored the Canadian branch of Simpson Strong-Tie with the 2013 "Gold Hardware Vendor of The Year" award. TIM-BR MART Group represents more than 750 independently owned lumberyard locations across Canada under the TIMBER MART and/or Ace Hardware brands.

"We are very pleased when we get to recognize a good partner like Simpson Strong-Tie. We have had a national agreement with them since 2006 and have seen continued growth in sales year over year. Simpson Strong-Tie is an innovative leader in the structural hardware category in our industry and offers technical expertise and effective retail merchandising. The Simpson Strong-Tie team is very professional and we have a good relationship with their team at all levels of their organization," said TIM-BR MART Group Vice President of Merchandise Randy Martin.

"Being awarded the Gold Hardware Vendor of the Year is an exciting accomplishment, and on behalf of our company and all of our employees in Canada, I thank TIM-BR MART Group for this honor. We look forward to continuing our longstanding relationship with TIM-BR MART Group and are committed to helping their members grow their business," remarked President of Simpson Strong-Tie Canada Mike Petrovic.

The Gold Hardware Vendor of the Year award was presented in Toronto at the TIM-BR MART Buying Show awards dinner on March 22.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie announces the acquisition of the TJ® Shear Brace product line from Weyerhaeuser. The TJ Shear Brace pre-fabricated shear wall complements the Simpson Strong-Tie® Strong-Wall® shear wall product offering and is the only trimmable shear wall on the market for custom heights and rake walls.

Simpson Strong-Tie will now handle all sales of the TJ Shear Brace. Weyerhaeuser will continue to distribute the product line in its 22 U.S. markets. Customers can also continue to source the product through current distribution in Canada and outside of Weyerhaeuser Distribution markets.

Simpson Strong-Tie and Weyerhaeuser have a longstanding relationship that spans more than three decades, beginning with the collaboration on new products for the Trus Joist® engineered wood products line.

"We are pleased to continue our relationship with Simpson Strong-Tie through this transaction. Both companies are dedicated to creating high-quality, innovative products for our customers and backing them with world-class service. We'll work hand-in-hand to make this a smooth and efficient transition for our valued customers," stated Carlos Guilherme, vice president of Engineered Lumber Products for Weyerhaeuser.

"The purchase of the TJ Shear Brace product line is mutually beneficial, and a positive step for both companies. We look forward to new opportunities and collaborations with Weyerhaeuser to bring new products to our customers," said Simpson Strong-Tie President Terry Kingsfather.

A Simpson Strong-Tie branded shear wall will be launched later this year. Until that time, the product brand will remain TJ Shear Brace. Simpson Strong-Tie sales and technical reps will be working closely with Weyerhaeuser to ensure a smooth transition for customers and will notify customers when the product conversion is complete.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie has expanded its line of fasteners to include the XEQ self-drilling screw for use in exterior metal framing applications.

Designed specifically for use with Simpson Strong-Tie® connectors and cold-formed steel framing, the new XEQ screw features a unique heat treatment. It has a hardened tip at 52 HRC and a load-bearing, threaded shank that is less than 34 HRC. This dual-hardened heat treatment is not utilized in standard self-drilling screws and results in a screw that is more ductile and less prone to hydrogen embrittlement.

The XEQ screw meets ASTM C1513 drill-time performance, and is the only fastener load rated for Simpson Strong-Tie L70Z and LS70Z connectors for use with Trex® Elevations™ steel deck framing. It also features a proprietary Quik Guard® double-barrier coating for corrosion resistance in exterior applications.

The #10 x ¾" hex-head screw is available in 100 and 1000 count boxes. For more information about the XEQ self-drilling screw and other Simpson Strong-Tie fasteners, visit www.strongtie.com/fasten.

Pleasanton, Calif. – The Simpson Strong-Tie Strong-Drive® SDWC structural wood screw has been named to "The TOH Top 100: Best New Home Products 2012" by This Old House magazine. The TOH Top 100 is a compilation of innovative, unique and useful home products listed in seven categories and chosen by the editors of This Old House.

The Strong-Drive SDWC wood screw is highlighted in the building products category as an innovative structural solution. The code-listed SDWC provides a time-saving, reliable, and high-capacity solution for fastening trusses and rafters to wall top plates, and for stud-to-bottom plate or stud-to-top plate connections in light-frame wood construction. The fastener requires no pre-drilling and allows for a wide installation-angle range for easier and faster installation. The screw can be installed from inside the structure, eliminating work on the upper stories of the building and enhancing job safety.

"We are privileged that the SDWC structural wood screw has been named to The TOH Top 100 for 2012," said Dr. Ed Sutt, Simpson Strong-Tie Fastening Systems General Manager. "The SDWC is just one example of the Simpson Strong-Tie commitment to providing exceptional products that help people build safer and stronger homes and buildings."

The TOH Top 100 is online at www.ThisOldHouse.com/top100 and in the 2012 November/December issue of This Old House magazine.

For more information on the Strong-Drive SDWC fastener, visit www.strongtie.com/fasten.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie announces that its Strong Frame special moment frame, a unique lateral system solution for both new construction and soft-story multifamily retrofits, is now code listed (ICC-ES ESR-2802). The special moment frame is designed to ease installation and offers quick specification using readily available design software. The special moment frame will be featured at the International Builders' Show, January 22-24 in Las Vegas, Booth C1826.

As a structural framing system, the new Strong Frame special moment frame is designed to help prevent damage to structures in seismic events. The frame is built upon a new patented Yield-Link™ Structural Fuse technology. In a large earthquake, the beam-to-column links are designed to bear the brunt of inelastic deformation demands, keeping the structural integrity of the beams and columns intact. With bolt-on/bolt-off ability, the links are fully replaceable if damaged. The Yield-Link Structural Fuse technology also enables the special moment frame to be designed without lateral bracing from the beam to the adjacent roof or floor diaphragm.

The steel frame is available in 192 pre-engineered sizes and also can be custom-engineered using Simpson Strong-Tie Strong Frame Selector software. All specialty bolts are installed and inspected at the factory, so no special tools are required in the field.

With straightforward installation and prompt lead times, the special moment frame is an economical solution for both new construction and soft-story retrofits in wood and light-frame structures. For more information, visit www.strongtie.com/smf.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie introduces its new Dealer Locator mobile app, enabling customers to quickly and easily locate dealers carrying Simpson Strong-Tie products while on the go.

Using the mobile app, customers can get instant results for dealers within a specific zip code, and can map to a location in seconds. Customers also can visit dealer websites, instantly copy store information to the clipboard, and dial a dealer phone number directly from the iPhone® with the app. In addition, the Dealer Locator mobile app displays the Simpson Strong-Tie product lines carried by each dealer.

North American customers can download the free Dealer Locator mobile app to their iPad® or iPhone by visiting the App Store™. For Android®, BlackBerry and other mobile devices, visit www.strongtie.com/mobiledl for the mobile-optimized version of the Dealer Locator. A list of all the Simpson Strong-Tie mobile apps is available at www.strongtie.com/apps.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie launches the new Literature Library mobile app, providing customers with a quick and easy way to view and search the most popular Simpson Strong-Tie product catalogs while on the go. The app is a free download in the App Store™ for the iPhone® and iPad® and for Android™ devices in the Google Play Store.

With the Literature Library mobile app, customers can review the current Simpson Strong-Tie Wood Construction Connectors Catalog and Addendum, the Fastening Systems Catalog, and the Anchoring & Fastening Systems for Concrete and Masonry Catalog.

Each catalog is fully searchable by keyword, including product name, number or description. The app includes an interactive table of contents enabling customers to go directly from the table of contents to the product page with one tap of a button. Customers can also zoom in to view drawings and tables in detail.

To download the app for iPhone or iPad, visit the App Store. For Android devices, download the app from the Google Play Store.

For more information on the Literature Library mobile app, visit www.strongtie.com/apps.

Pleasanton, Calif. – In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Simpson Strong-Tie announced it will make a $25,000 donation to assist in the relief response and recovery efforts throughout the East Coast.

This donation was given directly to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and will aid in providing food, shelter, emotional support and other assistance to those affected by the hurricane. The company will also be matching employees' personal contributions to the Red Cross and other nonprofit disaster relief organizations.

"Our deepest sympathies go out to those who have been impacted by this tragedy," said Simpson Strong-Tie President Terry Kingsfather. "We hope that through the combined national support efforts, the East Coast will be able to quickly recover and rebuild the communities that have been devastated."

To make a contribution and aid in the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts through the Red Cross, visit www.redcross.org, text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation, or send a donation to your local Red Cross chapter.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Do it Best Corp., the only U.S.-based full-line, full-service, member-owned distributor of lumber, hardware, and building materials products in the home improvement industry, awarded Simpson Strong-Tie its 2012 Vendor of the Year Award for Overall Sales Growth. This is the premiere award given out by the organization and the first time Do it Best Corp. has awarded the Vendor of Year Award for Overall Sales Growth to the same company two years in a row.

"We're pleased to recognize Simpson Strong-Tie as our Vendor of the Year for Overall Sales Growth for the second year in a row," said Do it Best Corp. Vice President of Lumber & Building Materials Quent Ondricek. "Each year, our team ranks our vendors on a number of program attributes, and those who score the highest – the best of the best – are invited to our member and vendor excellence awards in Indianapolis during the Do it Best October Market. Simpson Strong-Tie received accolades not only for overall sales growth but for their competitive pricing, on-time delivery and outstanding service levels. The company's strong product offerings have helped our member-owners grow their businesses, even in a tough economy."

"I credit the repeat win to the great relationship our two companies have enjoyed. It is a true partnership committed to helping independent dealers succeed in today's competitive marketplace," he added.

"This is a great honor for Simpson Strong-Tie. We are proud of our relationship with Do it Best Corp., an organization that values exceptional quality and service as much as we do. We look forward to serving their membership in the years to come," said Dave Balzhiser, Simpson Strong-Tie Vice President of National Accounts.

Do it Best Corp. serves 4,000 member-owned locations in the United States and 53 countries.

Agreement allows companies to jointly address opportunities in fast-growing concrete construction industry

Mount Prospect, Ill. – Robert Bosch Power Tool Corp., the world's leading manufacturer of professional power tools and accessories, and Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc., Pleasanton, Calif., a leading provider of concrete, masonry and anchor repair solutions, today signed an agreement to form a strategic alliance that will allow the companies to jointly pursue sales, marketing and product development opportunities in the North American concrete construction market.

The new sales combination gives the companies' distribution partners and customers' access to the broadest commercial and residential product portfolio in the concrete construction industry. The strategic alliance will give distributors the opportunity to compete effectively and take market share from direct sellers.

"Both the Bosch and Simpson Strong-Tie brands are synonymous with trust, integrity and quality in the concrete and masonry markets," said Terry Horan, president and CEO, Bosch Power Tool Corp., North America. "This strategic alliance will leverage both companies' engineering strengths, manufacturing practices and sales expertise to deliver anchoring and fastening solutions that meet building code requirements and improve productivity for installers."

The alliance seeks to bring to market a complete Bosch/Simpson Strong-Tie installation system, including adhesive and mechanical anchors, demolition and rotary hammers and accessories, and to improve efficiency and productivity for customers. The new venture also will provide joint jobsite training to installers and offer distribution partners a variety of sales and marketing benefits.

"The alliance between our two companies will give our distribution partners a better way to compete against direct sellers," said Terry Kingsfather, president, Simpson Strong-Tie. "By combining Bosch's expertise in power tools and accessory systems with the Simpson Strong-Tie focus on providing specified, value-engineered anchoring solutions, we can drive quality business to our partners and provide customers with even better solutions."

To learn more, please contact Bosch at www.boschtools.com / 877-BOSCH-99 or Simpson Strong-Tie at www.strongtie.com / 800-999-5099.

Pleasanton, Calif. – 84 Lumber Company, the largest privately held supplier of building materials in the U.S., named Simpson Strong-Tie its 2012 Vendor Partner of the Year. 84 Lumber has more than 4,000 vendors.

"Across our entire footprint, Simpson Strong-Tie has supported 84 Lumber on our 2012 key initiatives including cost structure, inventory control, retail sales for the DIYer, big national builders, and all customers in between," said 84 Lumber Director of Purchasing Mitch Wagner. "They have exhibited true partnership."

"Being named Vendor Partner of the Year is an exciting accomplishment, and on behalf of our company and all of our employees, I thank 84 Lumber for this honor. We look forward to continuing our longstanding relationship with 84 Lumber and are committed to helping them grow their business," noted Simpson Strong-Tie President Terry Kingsfather.

84 Lumber operates 252 stores and component manufacturing plants in 30 states, representing the top 130 markets in the country. Many stores include manufacturing facilities such as door shops and engineered wood centers and also offer professional contractors turn-key installed construction services for a variety of products including insulation, framing, windows, roofing, decking, dry wall and after paint products.

The Vendor Partner of the Year award was presented at 84 Lumber's awards ceremony on August 25-26, 2012 in Farmington, PA.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie offers an online press room to provide members of the media with current press releases and tradeshow press kits. The press room also includes links to other resources, including the video library, published articles and company background information.

The press room includes press kits for tradeshows where Simpson Strong-Tie will be exhibiting. In addition to the official company press release for the show, the press kit includes information on other product lines the company will be showing, including product brochures, fliers and technical bulletins.

Members of the media are also encouraged to sign up for our print and email newsletters to receive the latest news and product information from Simpson Strong-Tie. To sign up for our newsletters, go to: www.strongtie.com/newsletter.

For access to the online press room, visit: www.strongtie.com/pressroom.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie recently launched a Structural Engineering Blog to provide information and resources specifically for structural engineers. The blog is intended to spark discussion and provide a forum for dialogue among peers that structural engineers can apply in their current line of work. Simpson Strong-Tie Engineering R&D Manager Paul McEntee is leading the conversation and posts to the blog weekly. McEntee also responds to comments posted on the blog.

The blog includes posts about what's going on in the structural engineering industry, trends in design and materials, code updates, and sneak peeks into Simpson Strong-Tie R&D, testing and manufacturing processes. Going forward, the blog will include guest posts from other structural engineers within Simpson Strong-Tie, as well as from recognized industry experts and other influential leaders.

"We want our Structural Engineering Blog to help create and facilitate conversations with structural engineers that weren't happening before. We think this is a good way to help our customers feel more comfortable using social media tools, as well as to engage with us in exchanging ideas and best practices," McEntee noted.

Structural engineers are encouraged to subscribe to email updates and post comments to the blog at seblog.strongtie.com.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie has been honored with the distinguished "Partners of Choice" Award for the eighth consecutive year, earning an "A" ranking in both quality and service. Sponsored by David Weekley Homes, the nation's third largest for-profit privately held home builder, the award program recognizes top-performing suppliers in David Weekley's world-class evaluation program, which is based on the "National Trading Partner Survey."

Every quarter, David Weekley Homes' 600+ team members (employees) review the company's 150 suppliers, known as "trading partners," and rate them on both quality and service. The "National Trading Partner Survey" tracks team member responses to measure how effective partners are in managing the supply chain. Partners are rated on a scale from 1-10. Numeric scores are averaged and an alpha ranking of A through F is assigned in 20 percent increments based on each company's relative standing to others. The award program honors suppliers who earn an "A" in quality, service or both in a 12-month period. David Weekley Homes shares the results with all participating partners each quarter to encourage ongoing communication and improvement. Simpson Strong-Tie, who has been a part of the survey since its inception in 2003, was among 12 companies this year to receive an "A,A" award.

"World-class quality and service does not occur from one transaction or event," said Bill Justus, vice president of supply chain services for David Weekley Homes. "Rather it is the sum of thousands of interactions with the customer in which an organization consistently meets or exceeds expectations. For eight straight years our friends at Simpson Strong-Tie have demonstrated they are among the best at delivering on this value proposition."

Mike Moran, vice president of Simpson Strong-Tie builder programs, added "As our founder Barclay Simpson has always said, 'our customer are our bosses' and we really believe that. Providing our customers with exceptional quality and service is not only inherent in our company culture, but distinguishes us from our competitors. We are very proud to be one of David Weekley's chosen suppliers and a recipient of this award."

Pleasanton, Calif. – In 2009, Simpson Strong-Tie collaborated with academia on the NEESWood Capstone project in Japan, the world's largest earthquake shake table test. A research article based on that test was awarded the 2011 Raymond C. Reese Research Prize by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

The research paper, "Experimental Seismic Response of a Full-Scale Six-Story Light-Frame Wood Building," co-authored by John W. van de Lindt, M.ASCE, Shiling Pei, M.ASCE, Steven E. Pryor, M.ASCE, Simpson Strong-Tie, H. Shimizu and H. Isoda, describes testing and results from the NEESWood Capstone project.

The Raymond C. Reese Research Prize is awarded annually to a notable achievement in research related to structural engineering, with special consideration for how the research can be used. The award was presented at SEI and ASCE's 2012 Structures Congress in Chicago on March 29-31.

The NEESWood Capstone project was developed to test new design methods for multistory, wood-frame buildings during large seismic events, and featured a seven-story, 40- by 60-ft. condominium tower with 23 one- and two-bedroom living units and two retail shops on the ground level. The condo building was subjected to and withstood several earthquakes created by Japan's E-Defense shake table. The test was also intended to provide a landmark data set to the seismic engineering research community.

"The testing done in Japan shows that performance-based design for light-frame wood structures works. This will allow the engineering and building community to provide safer, better performing buildings in the most cost-effective manner," noted Simpson Strong-Tie International Director of Building Systems Steve Pryor, who co-authored the paper.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie has expanded its Strong Drive® SDW structural wood screw product line by offering the new code-listed SDWC, a time-saving and reliable option for fastening trusses and rafters to wall top plates. The code evaluation report was issued by IAPMO UES and can be downloaded here.

The entire length of the Strong-Drive® SDWC screw comprises a fully-threaded shank, providing a secure connection between the roof and wall framing members. The fastener's cap-style head countersinks fully into the double top plate to avoid interference with drywall or finish trades. The SDWC requires no pre-drilling and allows for a wide installation-angle range for faster and easier installation.

The SDWC offers fully tested loads in accordance with ICC-ES AC233 (screw) and ICC-ES AC13 (roof-to-wall assembly). The SDWC screw is sold with a matched-tolerance T-30, 6-lobe driver bit and metal installation guide tool. For more information, visit www.strongtie.com/fasten.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie introduces its Strong Frame® Special Moment Frame, a unique lateral system solution for both new construction and soft-story retrofit. The Special Moment Frame is designed to ease installation and offers quick specification using readily available design software.

The new Strong Frame Special Moment Frame is built upon patented yield link technology. In a large seismic event, the beam-to-column links are designed to bear the brunt of inelastic deformation demands, keeping the structural integrity of the beams and columns intact. With bolt-on/bolt-off ability, the links are fully replaceable if damaged. The yield link technology also allows the Strong Frame Special Moment Frame to be designed without lateral bracing from the beam to the attached roof or floor diaphragm.

The frame is available in 198 pre-engineered sizes and can also be custom-engineered using Simpson Strong-Tie® Strong Frame® Selector Software. All specialty bolts are installed at the factory, so no special tools are required in the field.

With straightforward installation and prompt lead times, the Special Moment Frame is an economical solution for both new construction and soft-story retrofit in wood and light frame structures. For more information, visit www.strongtie.com/smf.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Sphere 1, a cooperative of independent tool and fastener distributors, recognized Simpson Strong-Tie as its 2011 Preferred Supplier Partner of the Year – the premiere award given out by the organization. Simpson Strong-Tie received the award over 84 other Sphere 1 preferred suppliers.

Individual awards were presented to companies that performed well in one of six different criteria. The Preferred Supplier Partner of the Year Award goes to the organization that ranks highest overall across all six criteria, including sales volume increase over 2010, growth percentage, number of members purchasing from the supplier, completion of Gateway for Growth Programs and Sphere 1 University student course completions in 2011.

“The Partner of the Year award is highly coveted, because it ranks the combination of all six criteria and therefore goes to the organization with the best score overall. It’s a special award with special benefits. The biggest benefit is that Simpson Strong-Tie gets the exclusive opportunity to address the entire membership at our 2013 meeting,” said Sphere 1 CEO Carol Shackelford.

Shackelford added, “Simpson Strong-Tie came on as a preferred supplier in the Anchor and Connector categories in 2008, at the cusp of the worst market meltdown since the Great Depression. The company never gave up on our members and stayed steadfast in establishing strong partner bonds and growing our mutual business as conditions improved. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with one of the most recognized names in our industry.”

“Sphere 1’s recognition of Simpson Strong-Tie as Preferred Supplier Partner of the Year is a great honor for our company and for all of our employees. We thank the Sphere 1 membership for their support as we continue to serve the organization with the products, customer service and testing we are known for,” noted Simpson Strong-Tie President Terry Kingsfather.

The award was presented at the 13th Annual Member Meeting on May 7-10, 2012 in Las Vegas.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie introduces the new SDWF structural wood screw with TUW take-up washer. The SDWF-TUW kit is faster and easier to install than other floor-to-floor connection methods.

The unique design of the SDWF fastener enables it to attach upper and lower walls together from the top, spanning the floor system and providing an easy-to-install connection within the continuous uplift load path of the structure. The innovative TUW take-up washer plays a key role in the long-term performance of the SDWF when installed between the screw and the sole plate of the upper floor. As the structure settles because of shrinkage and construction loading, the threaded portion under the head of the screw ratchets up through the tabs of the TUW. The interlock between the tabs of the take-up washer and the threads under the head of the SDWF prevent the screw from sliding back under load, providing a simple yet reliable means of shrinkage compensation up to 3/4" per story.

The code-listed SDWF comes in various lengths with all required installation hardware. For more information, visit www.strongtie.com/fasten.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie introduces the new SUBH wall-stud bridging connector for cold-formed steel construction, requiring fewer screws for a lower installed cost. The SUBH is the only bridging connector that has been extensively lab tested as a system, ensuring that tabulated design values reflect stud web size and thickness.

The SUBH bridging connector requires only one screw for most installations, reducing costs over conventional clip-angle connections that require four screws for u-channel bridging. It’s designed with contoured flanges that fit snug over industry standard 1.5" wide u-channel and has an integrated slot that grabs the stud web. These unique features enable superior rotational and axial pull-through resistance to meet the requirements of AISI S100 Sections D.3.2.1 and D3.3. In addition, the SUBH connector is self stabilizing and does not require an extra hand or C-clamps to hold the connector while a screw is being driven.

The SUBH bridging connector can be used with stud thicknesses ranging from 33 mils (20 gauge) to 97 mils (12 gauge). The MSUBH also is available and is designed for use in stud thicknesses from 54 mils (16 gauge) to 97 mils (12 gauge). Both connectors can be used in stud sizes ranging from 3 5/8" to 8". For more information, visit www.strongtie.com/subh.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie is proud to announce its sponsorship of the International Code Council Foundation's (ICCF) 2012 Building Safety Month. Simpson Strong-Tie is supporting Building Safety Month as a gold-level sponsor and is encouraging the industry to join the "I Support" campaign.

Building Safety Month is a public awareness campaign offered each year during May to help individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create and sustain safe and sustainable structures. The four-week campaign focuses on key safety areas each week, including energy and green building, disaster safety and mitigation, fire safety and awareness, and backyard safety. The overall goal is to reinforce the need for adopting modern, model building codes as well as implementing strong and efficient code enforcement. HGTV star and construction safety advocate Mike Holmes is this year's honorary ambassador of Building Safety Month and is hosting a Q&A session on his website www.makeitright.ca on Wednesday, May 9.

"Simpson Strong-Tie is focused on creating structural products that help people build safer, stronger homes and buildings, so our support of Building Safety Month is really an extension of our work," said Terry Kingsfather, president of Simpson Strong-Tie. "We're proud to support the ICCF in raising awareness about the importance of safe, well-built structures through Building Safety Month."

As a sponsor, Simpson Strong-Tie has several resources that help support the initiatives of Building Safety Month, including educational materials about designing and building homes and buildings to resist earthquakes and high winds as well as building and retrofitting outdoor decks safely. These resources can be found on the Building Safety Month website and the Simpson Strong-Tie® homeowner website, SafeStrongHome.com.

Atlanta – The connection between Simpson Strong-Tie and Habitat for Humanity is growing stronger. Simpson Strong-Tie is renewing its partnership with Habitat for the sixth straight year bringing the company's overall donation to $1.5 million.

"Simpson Strong-Tie is excited to have reached the $1.5 million donation mark," said Terry Kingsfather, president of Simpson Strong-Tie. "Our employees are very proud to support Habitat and to work alongside people who truly want to build and live in safe, strong, affordable homes. Habitat provides a valuable service to our community and we are honored to be a part of it."

Sharing Habitat's vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live, Simpson Strong-Tie began its partnership with Habitat for Humanity International in 2007, annually providing $250,000 in cash and product donations, including the structural framing hardware (connectors and fasteners) and reinforced shear walls for new home construction. Simpson Strong-Tie has built homes with Habitat in the United States and abroad, supported Habitat's Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Projects, and responded to communities affected by natural disasters including along the U.S. Gulf Coast Region and Haiti. The partnership extends beyond financial and product donations as Simpson Strong-Tie employees volunteer their time, labor and technical skills on construction sites, training volunteers in proper connector installation and the use of tools.

"The growing support provided by faithful partners like Simpson Strong-Tie enables us to help more families around the world in need of adequate shelter," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. "We're grateful for their generosity, for the many ways in which they support our efforts and for the vision we share for a world where everyone has a decent place to live."

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie was recently issued ICC-ES ESR-2705 for the Torq-Cut™ self-undercutting anchor for cracked and uncracked concrete. The anchor was evaluated under ICC-ES AC193 (Acceptance Criteria for Mechanical Anchors in Concrete Elements) and ACI 355.2. The code report verifies compliance with the 2012, 2009, 2006 and 2003 International Building Code and International Residential Code.

The Torq-Cut self-undercutting anchor is a heavy-duty, high-capacity anchor designed and tested for use in cracked and uncracked normal-weight and sand-lightweight concrete under static, wind and seismic loading conditions. The anchor's specially designed low-friction expansion cone minimizes binding and speeds installation. The built-in undercut expansion ring with hardened cutters expands with installation torque forming undercut grooves in the concrete. This interlocking connection between the anchor and the concrete provides superior load-carrying capacity to conventional mechanical anchors.

The Torq-Cut self-undercutting anchor requires no special drill bit or a secondary drilling step for installation. It's available in both pre-set and through-set configurations. Code-listed sizes include 1/2", 5/8" and 3/4" diameters. For more information, visit www.strongtie.com/anchorsystems.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie announced the addition of AZEK Building Products, Inc. to its DeckTools® software partner library. AZEK is a leading manufacturer of high-quality cellular PVC trim, moulding, deck and rail products. Featuring AZEK© Deck, the leading brand of ultra low-maintenance decking, along with AZEK© Rail, its versatile railing system, DeckTools software version 3.5 expands customer options for designing and customizing decks and connecting with homeowners.

DeckTools software is a sales, design and estimating program that enables deck builders, remodelers and suppliers to design decks in a photo-realistic, 3D environment. Users can customize nearly every detail, from deck shape and railings to material choices. By showing homeowners images of their finished deck designs along with the ability to instantly select upgrades, sales are closed much faster – up to a 100% increase in closing rates and a 50% increase in per-project sales. The program also quickly generates plans, proposals and material lists. AZEK joins several other brand-name deck product manufacturers included in the DeckTools partner library.

"We are proud of our premium, low-maintenance trim, deck, and rail products and the strategic industry alliances that help ensure our success. Partnering with Simpson Strong-Tie on the DeckTools program enables us to expand visibility for these products, with software that supports deck builders and enhances the homeowner experience from beginning to end," said AZEK's Director of Product Management Mike Gori. "With the AZEK Trim, AZEK Deck and AZEK Rail product line offering in the DeckTools library, customers now have even more options for customizing their deck to suit their exact needs."

Lumberyard suppliers and deck builders can purchase DeckTools software version 3.5 for $1995.00. For more information about the program and to see a current list of DeckTools partners, visit the DeckTools site.

About Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.

For more than 55 years, Simpson Strong-Tie has focused on creating structural products that help people build safer and stronger homes and buildings. Considered a leader in structural systems research, testing and innovation, Simpson Strong-Tie works closely with industry professionals to provide code-listed, field-tested products and value-engineered solutions. Its structural products are recognized for helping structures resist high winds, hurricanes and seismic forces. The company's extensive product offering includes connectors, fasteners, fastening systems, lateral-force resisting systems, anchors and products for concrete repair, strengthening and protection. Simpson Strong-Tie is committed to helping customers succeed by providing exceptional products, full-service engineering and field support, product testing and training. For more information, visit the company's website at www.strongtie.com.

About AZEK Building Products, Inc.

With more than 25 years of cellular pvc manufacturing experience, AZEK Building Products makes and markets premium, low maintenance exterior building products under the AZEK Brand such as AZEK Deck, the leading brand of ultra low-maintenance decking, and AZEK Trim, the leading brand of low-maintenance trim. Other AZEK products include AZEK Mouldings, AZEK Porch, and AZEK Rail. All of these products offer tangible benefits as an ideal wood replacement product for a myriad of outdoor uses. For more information about AZEK Building Products, call 1-877-ASK-AZEK (275-2935) or visit the AZEK website at www.azek.com.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie will introduce several time-saving framing products at the 2012 International Builders' Show (IBS) in Orlando, February 8-11, booth W1713.

The following are a few of the products that will be showcased.

LRU Rafter Hanger – Available in April
The new economical LRU hanger is designed for rafter-to-ridge connections and can accommodate solid-sawn rafters 2x6 to 2x12 in size. The LRU slopes up or down to 45° and can be installed either before or after the deck is in place. For added versatility the fasteners on the face of the hanger are placed higher on the flange, allowing the bottom of the rafter to hang below the ridge beam when needed. The hanger can be installed with nails or Strong-Drive® SD structural-connector screws; the double-shear nailing provides higher loads with fewer fasteners.

SDWC Truss and Rafter Screw – Available late-February
The new Strong-Drive® SDWC is a single-screw solution for truss and rafter uplift and lateral loads. Offering a time-saving and reliable option to fastening trusses and rafters to wall top plates, the SDWC offers fully tested loads in accordance with ICC-ES AC233 (screw) and ICC-ES AC13 (roof-to-wall assembly). Requiring no pre-drilling, the SDWC can be installed before or after exterior sheathing is applied from inside the structure, eliminating exterior work on the upper stories and enhancing job safety. The SDWC screws are sold in a kit that includes a metal installation guide tool and a matched-tolerance driver bit.

SDWS and SDWH Structural Wood Screws – Available Now
The Strong-Drive® SDWS and SDWH screws are easy-to-install, high-strength alternatives to through-bolting and traditional lag screws, and can be used in a wide variety of fastening applications. The low-profile, 0.22" diameter SDWS screw and the 0.195" diameter hex-head SDWH screw feature a bold thread design that provides increased holding power. The patented 4CUT™ tip ensure fast starts, reduces installation torque and eliminates the need for pre-drilling in most applications. The SDWS and SDWH are available in lengths up to 10" and feature a double-barrier coating that provides corrosion resistance equivalent to hot-dip galvanization, making it suitable for many exterior and preservative-treated wood applications.

For more information about these and other new products, please view or download our 2012 Wood Construction Connectors Addendum at www.strongtie.com.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie announces its entrance into the concrete repair, protection and strengthening business with the acquisitions of Baltimore-based Fox Industries Inc. and Switzerland-based S&P Clever Reinforcement Company.

Founded in 1969, Fox Industries manufactures a complete line of cementitious, epoxy, urethane, elastomeric and polyester coatings, grouts, mortars, adhesives, sealers, sealants, membranes and custom manufactured fiberglass parts for the marine, industrial, transportation, commercial building and public works industries. Customers interested in purchasing products from Fox should contact the inside sales team in Baltimore at 888-760-0369.

Established in 1998, S&P Clever manufactures epoxy resins and fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) materials for concrete and asphalt reinforcement. S&P reinforcement systems are manufactured from fiber made of materials, such as carbon, glass and aramid. The company also provides static design software to engineers and planning and design offices. S&P's manufacturing and distribution facilities are located in Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

"Simpson Strong-Tie has been in this industry for more than 15 years with its Anchor Systems product line and is excited to bring complementary product lines to our customers in the U.S. and in Europe," said Terry Kingsfather, president of Simpson Strong-Tie.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie has recently acquired the majority of the assets of Automatic Stamping, LLC. and Automatic Stamping Auxiliary Services, LLC. to launch its truss plate offering. Automatic Stamping is based in Edenton, N.C., and is a family-owned business with a long history in the truss plate industry. Former owner Bill Black will continue to lead manufacturing and plate innovation operations in Edenton.

"Automatic Stamping is well known in the truss industry and highly regarded as an extremely efficient, high-quality manufacturer of truss plates. We are very excited about this new venture and look forward to being able to offer our customers some of the best truss plate products in the industry," said Mike Bugbee, vice president of the truss and component industry for Simpson Strong-Tie.

Bill Black added, "It's an honor to be affiliated with a company such as Simpson Strong-Tie who has the same integrity and determination as Automatic Stamping, LLC. We look forward to making history in the truss plate industry."

In addition to the new truss plate offering, Simpson Strong-Tie will launch an initial release of its new truss plate software later this year. The company acquired the source code of Keymark's truss software last fall and has been aggressively developing its software and technical support capabilities in order to provide truss and component industry customers with a high-quality, high-performance product offering.

Pleasanton, Calif. – Simpson Strong-Tie will introduce the GCN-MEP gas-actuated concrete nailer, a cordless, portable tool for the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) trades, at the World of Concrete. In addition, attendees will be able to download the new Simpson Strong-Tie® Adhesive Estimator mobile app.

The easy-to-use and load GCN-MEP gas concrete nailer is designed for attaching mechanical, electrical and plumb fixtures to concrete, concrete block (CMU) and metal deck. As a single-shot tool, it installs pre-assembled accessories for the MEP trades, and features a pin that has a .125" diameter shank and a .300" diameter head. The .300"-headed fastener can be shot with the GCN-MEP tool or any common PAT tool. The GCN-MEPMAG (magazine tool) can shoot common gas drywall track pins, including all of the Simpson Strong-Tie GDP series pins. The MEP-MAG magazine can be installed and removed easily with no additional tools. The GCN-MEP nailer will be available in March.

The Adhesive Estimator is the first mobile application from Simpson Strong-Tie and will enable users to quickly estimate adhesive product quantities right from their mobile device. By inputting the size and number of adhesive anchors, the app will calculate the approximate number of adhesive cartridges needed for a project.

For more information and to demo these and other new products from Simpson Strong-Tie, visit booths N1819 and O31428 at the World of Concrete in Las Vegas, January 24-27, 2012, or visit the website www.strongtie.com/anchorsystems.