Westlake Corporation’s (WLK Quick QuoteWLK - Free Report) unit, Westlake Royal Building Products, has announced the expansion of its relationship with U.S. LUMBER and Amerhart, both Specialty Building Products brands, including several products and locations. Amerhart and U.S. LUMBER are two of the most prominent building material distributors.

U.S. LUMBER and Amerhart will add distribution for more of Westlake Royal's leading brands, including Versetta Stone, SkyTrim, Royal Trim & Mouldings, and Cedar Renditions, across multiple locations in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts as part of this expanded partnership.

Westlake will provide its customers with more customized solutions that fit their needs throughout the country through this expanded partnership with U.S. LUMBER.

Shares of Westlake have gained 19.2% over the past year compared with an 11.1% rise of its industry.

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The company, on its third-quarter call, said that it anticipates that in the fourth quarter of 2023, the macroeconomic environment will remain weak, with high interest rates and higher inflation driving lower demand for all of its products and low sales prices in the PEM category. The company believes that its products are well-placed in each of its segments, notwithstanding this short-term forecast.

The North American structural feedstock and energy cost advantage, a high degree of vertical integration and product diversification are expected to drive PEM volumes and profitability. The company's record performance in the Housing and Infrastructure Products segment demonstrates the strength of its portfolio and its aptitude for navigating these difficult market circumstances. Apart from the regular seasonal drop in sales during the fourth quarter, the company anticipates a certain effect on sales volume due to the high level of borrowing rates.