Universal Forest Products, Inc. (Nasdaq: UFPI), announced that David A. Tutas has been named general counsel of the corporation. He succeeds Matthew J. Missad, who was appointed chief executive officer of the Company earlier this year.

Tutas joined Universal full-time as an attorney in 2003. In 2007, he was named director of the legal department at Universal. He is a 1991 graduate of Xavier University, in Ohio, and a 1996 graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School. Before he joined Universal, he was an attorney with the Grand Rapids, Michigan-based firm of Nantz, Litowich, Smith & Girard.

"Dave Tutas' legal expertise, his knowledge of our company and business, his work ethic and unquestionable character and integrity make him the perfect person for this important position," Missad said. "He will provide sound legal counsel to our company and board as we grow and develop in the coming years, and in many markets and industries."

"I look forward to contributing to the growth and success of Universal Forest Products in new ways," Tutas said. "I'm honored by the opportunity and will work hard to provide the company with legal advice to protect our interests and to help us grow in all areas of our business and operations."

UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.

Universal Forest Products, Inc. is a holding company that provides capital, management and administrative resources to subsidiaries that design, manufacture and market wood and wood-alternative products for DIY/retail home centers and other retailers, structural lumber products for the manufactured housing industry, engineered wood components for residential and commercial construction, specialty wood packaging and components for various industries, and forming products for concrete construction. The Company's consumer products subsidiary offers a large portfolio of outdoor living products, including wood composite decking, decorative balusters, post caps and plastic lattice. Its lawn and garden group offers an array of products, such as trellises and arches, to retailers nationwide. Universal's subsidiaries also provide framing services for the site-built construction market. Founded in 1955, Universal Forest Products is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with operations throughout North America. For more about Universal Forest Products, go to www.ufpi.com.

Please be aware that: Any statements included in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of the Company's management as well as on assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company at the time such statements were made. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect facts, circumstances, assumptions or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made. Actual results could differ materially from those included in such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements are the following: adverse lumber market trends, competitive activity, negative economic trends, government regulations and weather. Certain of these risk factors and additional information are included in the Company's reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Universal Forest Products, Inc.
Lynn Afendoulis
Director, Corporate Communications
616/365-1502