Portland, OR, August 6, 2002 - North Pacific Group, Inc. announces its decision to continue to sell Lightning Brand Products into the US market. Lightning Brand, a line of exotic hardwood decking products from Malaysia, started 20 years ago and was purchased by North Pacific Group in 1997.

The product line recently merged into the North Pacific Hardwood Import Division. The merger allows a division, already a diverse supplier of imported Hardwood products to the United States to expand its market and product mix. "I'm excited about this opportunity and the value that a branded product line can bring to the division," said Chris Connelly Vice President of the Hardwood Import Division.

Steve Osterman, Sales Manager for Lightning Brand Products will continue to supply and support the Lightning Brand product line with the added responsibility of selling other imported hardwood products.

About North Pacific Group, Inc.
Founded in 1948, North Pacific Group, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation and one of the world's largest merchants of forest products and services. It is the second largest privately held company headquartered in Oregon with over $1 billion in sales and over 950 employees.

North Pacific Group and its subsidiaries produce or acquire building products, steel, and agricultural commodities on a global basis. The company serves building products retailers and distributors, furniture manufacturers, power companies, metal fabricators and manufacturers, farm supply retailers, and distributors.

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