Our Difference

North America’s premier distributor and importer of high-quality hardwood lumber, specialty softwoods and decorative panels. Our group of companies have served the architectural millwork industry for over 30 years through our U.S. and Canadian distribution facilities. We seek to help our customers build their businesses by providing innovative solutions and unparalleled service. UCS does business as Sierra Forest Products in the U.S., Upper Canada Forest Products and A&M Wood Specialty in Canada, and UCS Global internationally.

What you need. When you need it. By people that know and care. We call it – Delivering the Difference.

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UCS Roots

UCS Tree

UCS took root in May 1986, when Warren Spitz, his wife Maureen, and Andrea Moore launched a lumber distribution business called Upper Canada Forest Products. Warren who had worked previously for a wood business, had a vision: to elevate the industry by bringing in a higher level of professionalism, integrity and engagement among customers, suppliers and employees.

Today, Warren and every person in the UCS Forest Group continue to live by and drive this vision. From the company’s people-centric culture to its commitment to community and the environment, the UCS Forest Group is a notably different kind of lumber company – even better, perhaps, than what Warren had envisioned three decades ago.

The UCS Forest Group has grown significantly over this period. Today, this North American-based distributor, importer and exporter of lumber, panel products, specialty woods and decorative surfaces has four companies: Sierra Forest Products to serve U.S. customers, Upper Canada Forest Products for Canadian customers, A&M Wood Specialty to meet the needs of wood artisans, and UCS Global to import wood from a select network of suppliers around the world.

Upper Canada History

Our Culture of Giving

Environmental Responsibility, Our Communities and Our Social Responsibility

Environmental Responsibility

We are proud of the industry in which we work, and recognize the important role the industry and our business plays in environmental sustainability. Globally, our forests are our most renewable resource, and we proudly support the Forest Stewardship Council® and the commitment to “forest for all, forever”. The importance of the environment can be seen throughout our businesses in our environmental policies, our commitment to a workplace that is dedicated to environmental awareness. We strive to protect and improve the quality of our workplace and communities in which we live.

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Environment

Our Communities

Within our communities, we understand that the needs are wide ranging. Every employee is given one full day, paid, to contribute as a volunteer to the Charity of their choice. Over the years these volunteers days have combined to create incredible and lasting impact in the communities in which we live and work. Financial donations are also important to the lifeblood of charitable work. We proudly support numerous charities locally, nationally and internationally, who do work that we believe in.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AT Upper Canada

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AT Sierra

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Our Social Responsibility

The Warren and Maureen Spitz Family Foundation aims to create a clear pathway for Aboriginal women to pursue post-secondary education, by eliminating financial barriers to success. This fosters the conditions for each student to become the leader she envisions herself to be, both at school and in her wider community.

View Spitz Fellows Program

Donate

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Our Difference

It’s hard not to notice the UCS difference – from the distinct look of our well-kept trucks to our insistence that every phone call be answered promptly by a live human being.

We stand out with our products, which are sourced with a close eye on the environment and purchased at fair prices. We rise above with our service, delivered by our knowledgeable and caring staff, and backed by our state-of-the-art logistics system.

For our customers, these small and big differences all add up to an elevated experience at every point of contact.

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WHAT YOU NEED
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WHAT YOU NEED
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WHEN YOU NEED IT
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WHEN YOU NEED IT
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BY PEOPLE
THAT KNOW
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BY PEOPLE
THAT KNOW
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AND
CARE
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AND
CARE

Industry Organizations

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