I'm not sure there is still an 'agreement' with H-D for Eco to break. If we assume there is still an agreement, then based on the language in that agreement, Eco is thumbing their nose at the exclusivity portion except for anything they export. It would be interesting to note in that case that Depot doesn't care. That ought to tell you something about the future of this relationship.
Also considering the low volume with Depot since that arrangement started, the ongoing H-D sales could simply be a matter of the two still trying to burn through raw lumber contract arrangements made in late 2013 and early 2014 with mills. Normally you won't see that much Doug Fir in a northeastern Depot, so they may still be on the hook with the northwestern mills they likely contracted with back when.
Contract-wise, if it's a case of 'if Depot orders, Eco ships.' Eco is free to shop for other customers (as they are doing, if the PR's are true), and Depot is free to shop for another vendor. Most likely, a replacement vendor will be looking for a profit, so if we ignore the liability aspects, it's in Depot's best interest to keep buying from Eco until the doors close. I'm still amazed Depot continues to ignore the liability.
I've seen some speculation on this blog, I forget who, that makes quite a bit of sense. Conboy folds ECOB and just runs with the NJ spray booth as a new operation. He should have enough cash stashed to run in the black from the get go, unless he decides to sell at a loss as a career. Everybody walks away happy, but the Longs.
But watch the birdie. Might be something to the posts about coming back alive in the northwest. If you are stuck with some Doug Fir contracts, and Depot isn't helping you move it all the way to the northeast, then you need to find a market in the northwest to reduce your shipping costs and reduce the amount of wood in the pipeline. Just sayin'.
