Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, 17 October 2008 -- Universal Forest Products, Inc. (Nasdaq: UFPI) today announced a semiannual dividend of USD 0.06 per share, payable on 15 December 2008, to shareholders of record on 01 December 2008. The dividend was approved by the company’s board of directors at their 15 October 2008 meeting. It marks the 26th consecutive year the company has paid a dividend.

“In these turbulent times, we believe it’s critical to show our appreciation to the shareholders who have maintained their confidence and investment in Universal,” said William G. Currie, executive chairman. “We’re honored to have earned their trust and we’re working hard to keep it.”

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Universal Forest Products markets, manufactures, and engineers wood and wood-alternative products for do-it-yourself/retail home centers, structural lumber products for the manufactured housing industry, engineered wood components for the site-built construction market, and specialty wood packaging for various industries. The company also provides framing services for the site-built market and forms for concrete construction. For 2007, the company reported more than USD 2.5 billion in sales. For information about Universal Forest Products, visit www.ufpi.com.