84 Lumber of Eighty Four, Pa., has announced the closing of six locations in five states as a result of limited housing starts in each market.

According to 84 Lumber chief operating officer Bill Myrick the company routinely conducts three year business evaluations of each of its nearly 500 stores nationwide to assess individual store performance as it relates to local market conditions.

"More than 90 percent of our business is with residential builders, so housing starts are the critical factor to long term success for any of our stores. Housing starts in these markets are very limited leaving a business base that is not strong enough to continue to support these stores," said Myrick. "On the other side we are continuing to expand on a national basis, opening more than 50 stores this year with plans to open at least 50 additional stores next year. The overall performance of the company is very strong."

The stores being closed are in Fulton, Mo.; Manhattan and Cimarron, Kan.; Paragould, Ark.; Silsbee, Texas; and Orville, Ohio. Approximately 40 associates affected by the closings have been offered the opportunity to relocate to other 84 Lumber stores or operations.