New Lumberyard Co-Op, Southland Lumber, Starts Up in Texas to Serve Southern Yards

By Craig Webb

A former executive at LBM Advantage and Lumbermens Merchandising Corp. has launched a new member-owned alliance for lumberyards, truss plants, and door shops operating in the Southern U.S.

Conroe, TX-based Southland Lumber Co. "was created in response to mounting challenges facing independent operators, including industry consolidation, loss of regional market knowledge, workforce shortages, limited cooperative options, and declining transparency," Southland said in a recently issued news release. "By replacing competition with collaboration, the organization empowers independent businesses to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive market."

Southland President Joe Burlison said in the news release that the company aims to give its members "the tools, insight, and purchasing power they need to remain strong—without sacrificing independence.” Those tools, the press release said, include "deep mill and distributor relationships to provide members with quality market data, purchasing intelligence, and forward pricing for forest products." Unlike with LMC, there's no sole affiliation rule.

The co-op started in late 2025 with three members in Texas and Louisiana. Since then it has added members in Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida, according to its website.

Burlison was LBM Advantage's VP of Southwest Operations for three years, leaving in June 2025, and before that spent 19 years at LMC as South Central Region Manager. Justin Smith, a former lumber trader at LBM Advantage, is VP of Purchasing.

For more information about Southland Lumber Co. or membership opportunities, email info@southlandlumber.com.