After an early February fire that swept through a mill in, Ontario, Canada operated by Multiply Forest Products, the company said it is up and running and ready to fulfill orders for its Multiply underlayment and industrial panels. The only thing missing from the product being shipped in the wake of the fire is the familiar green "X" that was used as a guide for installers.

"The nailing pattern will re-appear as soon as new equipment is installed," said Doug Melien, the company's vice president. He said the effort to resume operations was driven by the need to serve customers as well as the mill's importance to the economy of a small Canadian town on Lake Superior.

"As many know, Multiply is the primary employer in Nipigon and our mill is vital to the health and future of our community," he said in a statement to the industry. "We've been overwhelmed by announcements of support from our community, Northern Ontario municipalities and businesses, the Province of Ontario and various departments of the Government of Canada. We hope, pray, and look forward to a time when plans can be announced for the construction of a new facility. In the meantime, we're confident we will continue providing quality panels from a sister Canadian mill."

He noted that new orders can be placed with Louise Dupuis atldupuis@multiplyfp.comor faxed to (807) 887-2540. Shipping information will be available through Pete Elliott atpelliott@multiplyfp.com.