HARRISBURG, S.D.– More than 110 kitchen and bath design projects from across North America were submitted in nine categories for the first national Showplace Cabinetry Design Contest.

Showplace Cabinetry sponsored the design contest for all sales and design professionals employed by authorized Showplace kitchen and bath dealerships. All entries were judged by a national panel of design professionals.

The contest was open to all projects installed between January 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019. Categories featured a wide variety of kitchen and bath designs, along with a designation for the best new dealer entry and a judges’ choice award for best overall design, which was presented to Julie Leverett at ONE eleven ltd. in Las Vegas for her contemporary kitchen design.

“The originality of design and the quality of these projects were exceptional,” said Paul Sova, president and CEO of Showplace Cabinetry. “It’s important to remember that all the design entries were from actual projects, placed in homes across the nation. The pride of the designers in
creating functional and beautiful rooms for their clients shows through in each entry.”

The designers were asked to submit a variety of materials for judging, including professional images. The panel of peer-group design professionals judged each entry on visual appeal, creativity, workflow and design elements.

Showplace is a company listed in the FDMC 300, which includes the largest cabinet manufacturers in North America, https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/fdmc-300

Categories for the 110 projects entered in the first annual Showplace Cabinetry Design Contest were chosen to represent designs for kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities in traditional, contemporary and transitional styles, along with best small kitchen.

The judging panel and the names of all the winners, with photos of their winning projects, are available at http://www.showplacecabinetry.com/2019-design-contest.

HOWARD LAKE, Minn. -  Dura Supreme Cabinetry has been acquired by private equity firm GHK Capital Partners. Details of the acquisition, including financial terms, were not disclosed.

The private equity firm said its acquisition of Dura Supreme, announced Oct. 17, will enable the company "to build upon its strong operating platform and accelerate its strategic growth plans in new markets across the U.S."

Dura Supreme manufactures semi-custom and custom, framed and frameless cabinetry for a nationwide network of dealers. According to its website, the cabinet company employs approximately 400 people at its 220,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Howard Lake, Minnesota. Formerly owned by the Stotts family, the company has been in business for more than 60 years.

With the transition in ownership, Dura Supreme COO Perry Fails also takes over as president, a role previously held by Keith Stotts. Tony Sugalski has been named the new CEO, and all key senior executives are remaining with the company going forward, according to the statement.

“GHK brings operational expertise and capital strength to this partnership, establishing a valuable strategic platform to accelerate our growth and our ability to create innovative and highly desired premium cabinetry for our customers. We are excited about the potential this new business partnership fosters,” Fails said.

News: Acquisition Bassett Furniture to acquire Crimson Casual for $2.25 million The addition of Crimson Casual will help Bassett further penetrate the outdoor furniture market. Read more
News: Acquisition Stanford Furniture acquired by Gabriella White Gabriella White, parent to luxury indoor and outdoor furniture brands, Summer Classics, Gabby, and Wendy Jane, will acquire North Carolina-based Stanford Furniture. Read more

“With Dura Supreme’s portfolio of semi-custom to custom cabinetry in framed and frameless construction, the partnership with GHK strengthens our competitive advantages and our ability to pivot quickly in meeting the needs of our customers and dealers,” added Karen Wistrom, vice president of Sales & Marketing.

“We are extremely pleased to partner with the Dura Supreme team to build upon the company’s highly-regarded cabinetry brand and 60-year heritage serving designers and homeowners with premium cabinetry,” said Gil Klemann, managing partner of GHK.

Based in Greenwich, Connecticut, GHK said it targets businesses with $15 to $40 million of EBITDA and attractive free cash flow where it can identify multiple avenues for growth.

Dura Supreme was ranked #100 on the latest FDMC 300 list of largest North American wood products producers. The company has also shared its strategies for success in the WOOD 100. Dura Supreme is also one of the members of the American Kitchen Cabinet Alliance, which filed an antidumping petition against China earlier this year.

For the largest producers of cabinets, contract and residential furniture, millwork and store fixtures, the past year was one of steady growth. Overall, sales for the FDMC 300 group of companies grew 4.75 percent in 2018, the most recent year completed, to reach $54.691 billion.

The FDMC 300 is a group of the 300 largest cabinet, furniture, millwork, store fixtures, office/contract and component producers in North America The companies are ranked by annual sales each year in the February issue of FDMC.

The top 10 lists are compiled from information published in the FDMC 300; with updated information included when available. This year’s FDMC 300 is sponsored by Pollmeier Inc.

More information on the FDMC 300 can be found at Woodworkingnetwork.com/FDMC-300. If your company has more than $10 million in sales this year, we would like to hear from you. Email: karl.forth@woodworkingnetwork.com.

Top cabinetry manufacturers

1. MasterBrand Cabinets
Main Location: Jasper, IN; Divisions: Aristokraft, Decora, Diamond, Dynasty, HomeCrest, Kemper, KitchenCraft, Norcraft, Omega, Schrock, WoodCrafters; Annual Sales: $2.390 billion* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 16 -- Talladega, AL; Waterloo, IA; Arthur, IL; Ferdinand, Goshen, Huntingburg, Jasper (2), Kinston, NC; Grants Pass, OR; Weslaco, TX; Winnipeg, MB; Valle Hermoso, Reynosa, Rio Bravo, Gomez Palacio, Mexico; and six Norcraft locations; Total Square Footage: 6 million; Products: Stock, semi-custom and custom fully assembled kitchen and bath cabinets; frameless RTA; Total Employees: 12,000

2. American Woodmark Corp.
Main Location: Winchester, VA; Divisions: Timberlake, Shenandoah Cabinetry, Potomac; Annual Sales: $1.7 billion ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 18 -- Kingman, AZ; Anaheim, Mira Loma, CA; Jackson, Toccoa, GA; Gas City, IN; Monticello, KY; Allegany County, MD; Lincolnton, NC; Humboldt, TN; Berryville, Dallas, TX; Orange, VA; Tijuana, Mexico; Total Square Footage: 5 million; Products: Stock and semi-custom kitchen and bath cabinets; Total Employees: 10,000

3. Masco Corp.
Main Location: Livonia, MI; Divisions: KraftMaid Cabinetry, Merillat Industries, Masco Retail Cabinet, Quality Cabinets; Annual Sales: $965 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 8 (domestic) -- Middlefield, Orwell, OH; Los Lunas, NM; Culpeper, Mt. Jackson, VA, Wilson, PA, Mt. Sterling, KY; Duncanville, TX; Total Square Footage: 5 million; Products: Cabinets; Stock and semi-custom assembled and ready-to-assemble kitchen and bath cabinets; other room cabinets; Total Employees: 10,000

4. ACProducts, Inc.
Main Location: The Colony, TX; Divisions: Advanta, Echelon; Annual Sales: $250 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 2 -- Mount Union, Thompsontown, PA; Total Square Footage: 400,000; Products: Stock and semi-custom kitchen and bath cabinets; Total Employees: 1,000

5. Elkay Wood Products Co. (ACProducts acquisition early 2019)
Main Location: Waconia, MN; Divisions: Mastercraft, Medallion, Yorktowne, Design-Craft, Schuler, Woodbridge, American Cabinetry Collection; Annual Sales: $250 million* ('17); Manufacturing Plants: 6 -- Aurora, CO; Culver, IN; New Ulm, Waconia, MN; Independence, OR; Mifflinburg, PA; Total Square Footage: 2 million+; Products: Semi-custom kitchen and bath cabinets; Total Employees: 2,500

6. Wellborn Cabinet Inc.
Main Location: Ashland, AL; Divisions: Cabinetry by Karman; Annual Sales: $150 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 3 -- Ashland, Lineville, AL; Salt Lake City, UT; Total Square Footage: 2 million; Products: Stock, semi-custom and custom kitchen and bath cabinets; whole home solution closet cabinets and storage systems; Total Employees: 1,550

7. Foremost Groups Inc.
Main Location: East Hanover, NJ; Divisions: Kitchen & Bath Div., Home Div., OEM Div., Canada Div.; Annual Sales: $150 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 6 -- Woodland, CA; East Hanover, NJ; Hobart, IN; Rizhao, Shenzen, Shandong, China; Total Square Footage: 340,000; Products: Decorative bath and kitchen cabinetry, metal parts, computer desks, entertainment centers, patio furniture; Total Employees: 1,600

8. Wood-Mode Inc.
Main Location: Kreamer, PA; Divisions: Wood-Mode, Brookhaven; Annual Sales: $150 million* ('18) Manufacturing Plants: 1 -- Kreamer, PA; Total Square Footage: 1.2 million; Products: Custom and semi-custom kitchen and bath cabinets, custom cabinetry for other rooms; Total Employees: 1,000

9. W W Wood Products Inc.
Main Location: Dudley, MO; Divisions: Shilo Cabinetry, Eclipse Cabinetry, Aspect Cabinetry; Annual Sales: $150 million* ('19); Manufacturing Plants: 4 -- Dudley, MO; Total Square Footage: 1,500,000; Products: Kitchen/bath cabinets, millwork/mouldings, custom kitchen/bath cabinets, mouldings, cabinet doors; Total Employees: 1,200

10. Leedo Mfg. – 2018
Main Location: Stafford, TX; Divisions: Leedo Cabinetry; Annual Sales: $100 million* ('17); Manufacturing Plants: 3 -- East Bernard, El Campo, TX; Total Square Footage: 265,000; Products: Stock/custom kitchen cabinets, bath vanities, laminate, granite, and quartz countertops; Total Employees: 600

(Note Wood-Mode was listed before its closure, sale, and acquisition by Bill French.)

Top contract furniture manufacturers

1. Steelcase Inc.
Main Location: Grand Rapids, MI; Divisions: Coalesse, Turnstone, Steelcase Health, Details, Vectra; Annual Sales: $3.055 billion ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 21 -- Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Gaines Township, MI; Atlanta, GA; Athens, AL; City of Industry, Corona, CA; Clymer, Dixonville, PA; Okmulgee, OK; Tijuana, Mexico; Total Square Footage: 11.8 million; Products: Seating, lighting, storage, furniture systems, interior architectural products, technology products and related products and services; Total Employees: 10,700

2. Herman Miller Inc.
Main Location: Zeeland, MI; Divisions: Nemschoff, Geiger, Maharam, ELA International; Annual Sales: $2.381 billion ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 10 -- Atlanta, GA; Holland, Spring Lake, Zeeland, MI; Hildebran, NC; Sheboygan, WI; Melksham, England; Dongguan, Ningbo, China; Bangalore, India; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Total Square Footage: 4 million; Products: Contract/office furniture and related services, and residential furniture -- desks, office systems, office chairs, healthcare systems, manufacturing and laboratory systems, home office, occasional furniture, education furniture; Total Employees: 7,600

3. Haworth Inc.
Main Location: Holland, MI; Divisions: Health Care Environments; Annual Sales: $2.04 billion ('17); Manufacturing Plants: 17 -- Big Rapids, Holland, Kentwood, Ludington, MI; Bruce, MS; High Point, NC; Canada; China; France; Germany; India; Portugal; Spain; Total Square Footage: 5.5 million; Products: Contract/office furniture; systems furniture, office chairs and seating, desks, filing/storage, casegoods, tables (computer, conference, occasional, training, work), upholstered guest chairs; Total Employees: 7,000

4. HNI Corp.
Main Location: Muscatine, IA; Divisions: Allsteel, Gunlocke, HON, HNI International, Maxon, Paoli, HBF, Lamex, bpergo; Annual Sales: $1.7 billion* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 10 -- Cedartown, GA; Mt. Pleasant, Muscatine, IA; Wayland, NY; Total Square Footage: n/a Products: Contract/office furniture; desks, credenzas, filing/storage, office systems, office chairs, bookcases, conference tables, home office furniture, glass walls; Total Employees: 8,500

5. Knoll Inc.
Main Location: East Greenville, PA; Divisions: KnollExtra, KnollStudio, KnollTextiles, Spinneybeck, Muuto; Annual Sales: $1.26 billion* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 6 -- Grand Rapids, Muskegon, MI; East Greenville, PA; Toronto, ON; Foligno, Graffignana, Italy; Total Square Footage: 2.5 million (North America); Products: Contract/office furniture; office systems, office seating, desks, casegoods, file and storage cabinets, executive office furnishings, tables, lounge chairs, sofas, contract textiles, leathers; Total Employees: 4,000

6. Global Furniture Group
Main Location: Downsview, ON; Divisions: Global Contract, Globalcare, Offices to Go; Annual Sales: $1 billion* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 40 -- Downsview, Ontario; Marlton, NJ (U.S. headquarters); Total Square Footage: 4 million+; Products: Contract/office furniture, RTA furniture, office chairs, office seating, filing/storage, desks, office systems, conference tables, bookcases, sofas, upholstered chairs, swivels, meeting/training room furniture, hospitality, healthcare, education; Total Employees: 4,500

7. Kimball International Inc.
Main Location: Jasper, IN; Divisions: Kimball Hospitality, Kimball Office, National Office Furniture, D'Style; Annual Sales: $685.6 million ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 11 -- Borden, Jasper, Salem, Santa Claus, IN; Danville, Fordsville, KY; Martinsville, VA; Tijuana, Mexico; Total Square Footage: 3.29 million; Products: Office and hospitality furniture, cabinet products; Total Employees: 3,075

8. KI
Main Location: Green Bay, WI; Divisions: KI Canada, KI Europe Middle East Africa, Pallas Textiles, Spacesaver; Annual Sales: $650 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 7 -- Tupelo, MS; High Point, NC; Green Bay, Bonduel, Manitowoc, Fort Atkinson, WI; Pembroke, ON; Total Square Footage: 1.9 million; Products: Contract/institutional furniture -- chairs, ergonomic seating, conference tables, filing/storage, university/classroom furniture, auditorium seating, wall systems, adjustable work surfaces, healthcare furniture; Total Employees: 3,000

9. Teknion Corp.
Main Location: Toronto, ON; Annual Sales: $500 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 21 -- Calgary, AB; Concord, Markham, Toronto, ON; Montmagny, St. Vallier; St. Romuald, QC; Clayton, NC, Malaysia; Total Square Footage: 2.5 million; Products: Contract/office furniture; office chairs, office seating, filing/storage, desks, office systems, conference tables, bookcases, love seats, sofas, upholstered chairs, architectural wall systems; Total Employees: 3,400

10. OFS Brands Inc.
Main Location: Huntingburg, IN; Divisions: OFS, Carolina, Bryan Ashley; Annual Sales: $404 million ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 10 -- Huntingburg, IN; Huntington Beach, CA; Leitchfield, KY; Archdale, NC;  Total Square Footage: 1,500,000; Products: Contract/office furniture; desks, filing/storage, open plan, conference tables, office chairs, office seating; healthcare, education and hospitality furniture; Total Employees: 1,850

Top residential furniture manufacturers

1. Ashley Furniture Industries Inc.
Main Location: Arcadia, WI; Divisions: Ashley Casegoods, Ashley Upholstery, Millennium; Annual Sales: $5.209 billion ('18) (excluding retail); Manufacturing Plants: 12 -- Ecru, Ripley, Verona, MS; Advance, NC; Leesport, PA; Arcadia, Independence, Whitehall, WI; Tan Uyen District, Binh Duong City, Vietnam; Kunshan, China; Total Square Footage: 20,000,000; Products: Residential furniture; dining room furniture, bedroom furniture, desks, occasional furniture, upholstered furniture, motion furniture, lamps, leather upholstery, recliners, outdoor furniture; Total Employees: 27,000

2. La-Z-Boy Inc.
Main Location: Monroe, MI; Divisions: Upholstery Group: England, Casegoods Group: American Drew, Hammary, Kincaid; Annual Sales: $1.338 billion ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 8 -- Siloam Springs, AR; Redlands, CA; Newton, MS; Neosho, MO; Lenoir, Taylorsville, NC; Dayton, Morristown, TN; Total Square Footage: 5 million; Products: Residential furniture, contract/office furniture and commercial/hospitality furniture -- recliners, sofa sleepers, sofas, love seats, occasional chairs, power recliners, lift chairs, massage chairs, pedestal chair; Total Employees: 8,500

3. Dorel Industries, Inc.
Main Location: Montreal, QC; Divisions: Altra, Ameriwood, Cosco Home & Office, Dorel Asia, Dorel Home Products, Ridgewood, Carina, SystemBuild; Annual Sales: $795 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 5 -- Columbus, IN; Tiffin, OH; Cornwall, ON; Montreal, QC; Helmond, Holland; Products: Residential furniture and RTA furniture; juvenile furniture, entertainment centers, bookcases, desks, metal furniture, metal folding furniture, child restraint systems, futons; Total Employees: 4,500

4. Hooker Furniture Corp.
Main Location: Martinsville, VA; Divisions: Home Meridian, Bradington-Young, Sam Moore Furniture LLC, Pulaski, Samuel Lawrence; Annual Sales: $645 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 3 -- Hickory, NC; Bedford, VA; Vietnam; Total Square Footage: 2.5 million (incl. distribution); Products: Residential furniture; bedroom furniture, occasional furniture, entertainment centers, desks, bookcases, home office, home theater, fabric chairs, leather upholstery; Total Employees: 900

5. Flexsteel Industries Inc.
Main Location: Dubuque, IA; Divisions: DMI Furniture; Annual Sales: $489 million ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 6 -- Harrison, AR; Riverside, CA; Dublin, GA; Dubuque, IA; Starkville, MS; Juarez, Mexico; Total Square Footage: 2,120,000; Products: Residential furniture, Commercial contract/office furniture and recreational furniture -- upholstered chairs, sofas, love seats, recliners, swivel/rockers, office chairs, office seating, occasional tables, desks, dining tables, bedroom furniture; Total Employees: 1,400

6. Ethan Allen Interiors Inc.
Main Location: Danbury, CT; Divisions: Ethan Allen Global Inc., Ethan Allen Retail Inc., Ethan Allen Operations Inc.; Annual Sales: $475.7 million ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 9 -- Maiden, Old Fort, NC; Passaic, NJ; Orleans, VT, Silao, Mexico; Honduras; Total Square Footage: 3.2 million; Products: Residential furniture, dining room furniture, bedroom furniture, occasional furniture, home theater, home office, upholstered chairs, sofas, love seats, swivel/rockers, indoor/outdoor furniture, accents; Total Employees: 4,000

7. Brown Jordan International
Main Location: St. Augustine, FL; Divisions: Brown Jordan, Tropitone, Winston, Casual Living, Charter, Wabash Valley; Annual Sales: $400 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 8 -- El Monte, Irvine, CA; Sarasota, FL; Silver Lake, IN; Juarez, Mexico; Total Square Footage: 1 million; Products: Outdoor furniture, contract/office furniture, office chairs, upholstered chairs, sofas, love seats; hotel, restaurant, and health care seating; aluminum casual furniture; Total Employees: 1,600

8. Klaussner Furniture Industries
Main Location: Asheboro, NC; Divisions: Klaussner International, Enso, Candor Creek, Comfort Design, Klaussner Outdoor; Annual Sales: $350 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 3 -- Asheboro, Candor, NC Total Square Footage: 1.8 million; Products: Residential furniture, stationary upholstery, leather, reclining furniture, sleeper sofas, dining, bedroom, occasional tables; Total Employees: 1,700

9. Bassett Furniture Industries
Main Location: Bassett, VA; Divisions: Lane Venture, Casegoods, Table, Upholstery; Annual Sales: $255 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 2 -- Newton, NC; Martinsville, VA; Products: Residential and office furniture; dining room furniture, bedroom furniture, home office, juvenile furniture, entertainment centers, occasional furniture, upholstered chairs, sofas, love seats, recliners, desks, office systems, office chairs; Total Employees: 2,000

10. Century Furniture/RHF Investments
Main Location: Hickory, NC; Divisions: Century, Highland House, Hancock & Moore, Jessica Charles, Cabot Wrenn, Hickory Chair, Maitland-Smith, Pearson; Annual Sales: $250 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 9 -- Hickory, Lenoir, NC; Vietnam, Philippines; Total Square Footage: 2 million; Products: Residential furniture -- dining room furniture, bedroom furniture, occasional furniture, entertainment centers, upholstered chairs, sofas, love seats, swivel/rockers, sectionals, contract seating and tables; Total Employees: 1,500

Top architectural woodwork/millwork manufacturers

1. Masonite International Corp.
Main Location: Tampa, FL; Annual Sales: $1.429 billion ('17); Manufacturing Plants: 12 --Haleyville, AL; Largo, FL, Mason City, IA; Shelbyville, KY; Verdi, NV; Charlotte, Greensboro, NC; Northumberland, PA; Denmark, SC; Stanley, VA; Marshfield, WI; Mexico; Total Square Footage: 1 million+ Products: Millwork: Interior and exterior doors for residential new construction; Total Employees: 10,000

2. Alexandria Moulding (U.S. Lumber)
Main Location: Alexandria, ON; Divisions: Royal Woodworking Co.; Annual Sales: $150 million* ('17); Manufacturing Plants: 3 -- Moxee, WA; Alexandria, Aurora, ON; Total Square Footage: 846,000; Products: Millwork/mouldings; mouldings, stair parts, post covers, columns, related products; Total Employees: 500

3. Mission Bell Manufacturing, Inc.
Main Location: Morgan Hill, CA; Annual Sales: $75 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 1 -- Morgan Hill, CA; Total Square Footage: 80,000 sq. ft.; Products: Millwork, custom commercial millwork and casework for health care, technology, education and hospitality; Total Employees:  250

4. Koetter Woodworking Inc.
Main Location: Borden, IN; Annual Sales: $60 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 1--Borden, IN; Total Square Footage: 1,200,000 square feet; Products: Millwork, solid wood doors and stair parts, cabinet and furniture components; Total Employees: 325

5. Glenn Rieder, Inc.
Main Location: West Allis, WI; Divisions: Quality Cabinet & Fixture, Shamrock Installations, Shamrock Metals; Annual Sales: $55 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 2 -- West Allis, WI; Tijuana, Mexico; Total Square Footage: 200,000 sq. ft.; Products: Architectural millwork for hotels, casinos, corporate offices, institutional, sports facilities, and retail; Total Employees: 260

6. Merritt
Main Location: Mentor, Ohio; Annual Sales: $53 million ('17); Manufacturing Plants: 2 -- Mentor, OH; Lodi, CA; Total Square Footage: 150,000; Products: High-end monumental millwork applications for residential and yacht interiors, luxury interiors for superyachts; Total Employees: 300

7. Barnett Millworks Inc.
Main Location: Theodore, AL; Annual Sales: $50 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 1 -- Theodore, AL;  Total Square Footage: 400,000; Products: Architectural woodwork and millwork/mouldings, windows/doors, stair treads, risers; Total Employees: 250

8. Appalachian Wood Products Inc.
Main Location: Clearfield, PA; Annual Sales: $47 million ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 1 -- Clearfield, PA; Total Square Footage: 303,000; Products: Millwork/mouldings; wood components, kitchen cabinet doors, cabinet framing, drawer fronts; Total Employees: 308

9. Contact Industries (Endura Industries)
Main Location: Clackamas, OR; Annual Sales: $40 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 1 -- Prineville, OR; Total Square Footage: 555,000; Products: Millwork/mouldings, cabinet components, windows, door frames, cut stock, veneer wrapped products, furniture components; Total Employees: 215

10. Imperial Woodworking Co.
Main Location: Palatine, IL; Divisions: Calmar Manufacturing Co., Imperial Architectural Finishing; Annual Sales: $40 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 3 -- Palatine, IL; Colorado Springs, CO; Calmar, IA; Total Square Footage: 240,000; Products: Custom architectural woodwork, wood doors & frames, paneling, custom furniture, store fixtures, modular casework; Total Employees: 250

Top store fixture manufacturers

1. Lozier Corp.
Main Location: Omaha, NE; Annual Sales: $500 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 9 -- Omaha, NE; Scottsboro, AL (2); Middlebury, IN; Joplin, MO; Union, MO; McClure, PA; Total Square Footage: 5.2 million; Products: Store fixtures and retail displays, commercial cabinets, countertops, storage and material handling systems; Total Employees: 1,800

2. idX Corp.
Main Location: Earth City, MO; Divisions: Baltimore, Chicago, China, Dallas, Dayton, India, London, Los Angeles, Louisville, Mexico City, New York, North Carolina, Seattle, S.F. Bay Area, St. Louis, Tokyo, Toronto; Annual Sales: $350 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 10 -- Ontario, CA; Jeffersonville, IN; Columbia, MD; Washington, NC; Dayton, OH; Cedar Hill, TX; Fredericksburg, VA; Puyallup, WA; Leicestershire, UK; Wujiang City, China; Total Square Footage: 3,100,000; Products: Custom fixtures, displays and millwork for the retail, financial and hospitality markets; Total Employees: 1,500

3. L.A. Darling Co.
Main Location: Paragould, AR; Annual Sales: $150 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 2 -- Paragould, AR; Mexico City; Total Square Footage: 1.5 million; Products: Wood and metal store fixtures, point-of-purchase displays; Total Employees: 500

4. Artitalia Group
Main Location: Montreal, QC; Divisions: Artitalia, Hemsley Furniture, International Visual Corp.; Annual Sales: $85 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 2 -- Montreal, QC; Total Square Footage: 700,000; Products: Store fixtures, displays, hotel furniture; Total Employees: 450

5. Colony Inc.
Main Location: Elgin, IL; Annual Sales: $75 million* ('17); Manufacturing Plants: 3 -- St. Charles, Elgin, IL; Xiamen, China; Total Square Footage: 550,000; Products: Store fixtures, point-of-purchase displays; Total Employees: 500

6. Fetzer Architectural Woodwork
Main Location: Salt Lake City, UT; Divisions: Architectural Millwork, Store Fixtures, Library and Corporate Furniture; Annual Sales: $75 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 2 -- Salt Lake City, UT; Total Square Footage: 220,000; Products: Architectural woodwork, store fixtures, library and corporate furniture; Total Employees: 300

7. Fleetwood Fixtures
Main Location: Leesport, PA; Divisions: Sister company, High Country; Annual Sales: $70 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 1 -- Leesport, PA; Total Square Footage: 287,000; Products: Custom retail store fixtures, design development services, value engineering, project management, installation, logistics; Total Employees: 160

8. American Display & Fixture
Main Location: Chattanooga, TN; Annual Sales: $50 million* ('17); Manufacturing Plants: 3 -- Calhoun, Dalton, GA; Chattanooga, TN; Total Square Footage: 800,000; Products: Store fixtures, retail displays; Total Employees: 250

9. Amstore Corp.
Main Location: Grand Rapids, MI; Annual Sales: $50 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 2 -- Grand Rapids, MI; Shanghai, China; Total Square Footage: 200,000; Products: Store fixtures; Total Employees: 200

10. JSI Store Fixtures
Main Location: Milo, ME; Annual Sales: $50 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 5 -- Milo, Bangor, ME; Greenville, SC; Payson, UT; Collingwood, ON; Total Square Footage: 260,000; Products: Custom store display fixtures; Total Employees: 350

Top window & door manufacturers

1. Andersen Corp.
Main Location: Bayport, MN; Divisions: Eagle Window & Door, EMCO Doors, KML Windows, Dashwood Industries, Renewal by Andersen; Annual Sales: $2.5 billion* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 9 -- Bayport, Cottage Grove, MN; Menomonie, WI; Des Moines, Dubuque, IA; Luray, VA; Centralia, Strathroy, London, ON; Total Square Footage: 2.8 million (Bayport); Products: Millwork; windows and doors; Total Employees: 11,000

2. Jeld-Wen Inc.
Main Location: Charlotte, NC; Annual Sales: $2.15 billion* ('17) (North Am); Manufacturing Plants: 16 -- Rantoul, IL; Mount Vernon, OH; Bend, OR; Hawkins, WI, Hartselle, AL; Rocklin, CA; Kissimmee, FL; Grinnell. IA; Grand Rapids, MI; Lexington, NC; Chiloquin, Klamath Falls, OR; Sunbury, PA; Temple, TX, Ludlow, VT, Oshkosh, WI; Products: Wood windows and doors, millwork, exterior and interior doors; Total Employees: 9,000

3. Pella Corp.
Main Location: Pella, IA; Divisions: Efco, Duratherm, Reilly Windows & Doors, Grabill; Annual Sales: $1.25 billion* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 14 -- Ames, Carroll, Pella, Shenandoah, Sioux Center, IA: South San Francisco, CA; Macomb, IL; Murray, KY; Vassalboro, ME; Almont, MI; Calverton, NY; Portland, OR; Gettysburg, PA; Wylie, TX; Products: Windows and doors; Total Employees: 6,000

4. Marvin Windows and Doors
Main Location: Warroad, MN; Divisions: Integrity Windows, Infinity Windows, TruStile; Annual Sales: $600 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 8 -- Warroad, MN; Northwood, IA; Fargo, Grafton, West Fargo, ND; Ripley, TN; Baker City, OR; Roanoke, VA; Total Square Footage: 3.4 million; Products: Millwork; windows, doors; Total Employees: 5,500

5. Weather Shield Mfg. Inc.
Main Location: Medford, WI; Annual Sales: $300 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 6 -- Ladysmith, Medford, Park Falls, WI; Total Square Footage: 1 million; Products: Custom-built windows and doors for residential and commercial; Total Employees: 1,900

6. Metrie Inc.
Main Location: Vancouver, BC; Annual Sales: $250 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 7 -- Lexington, KY; Richmond, VA; Ferndale, WA; Clearwood, Surrey, BC; Calgary, AB; Toronto, ON; Products: Solid wood and composite mouldings, window, door and flooring components; Total Employees: 1,500

7. VT Industries Inc.
Main Location: Holstein, IA; Annual Sales: $250 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 8 -- La Mirada, CA; Rome, GA; Holstein, Sac City, IA; Hagerstown, MD; Roseburg, OR; Bryan, San Antonio, TX; Boucherville, QC; Total Square Footage: 1 million+; Products: Architectural wood doors, postformed laminate countertops, stone surfaces; Total Employees: 1,500

8. Woodgrain Millwork, Inc.
Main Location: Fruitland, ID; Divisions: Ashworth Door, Monarch Windows and Doors, Windsor Windows and Doors; Annual Sales: $250 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 9 -- Anniston, AL, Albany, GA; Fruitland, ID; West Des Moines, IA; Monroe, NC; Greenville, TX; Marion, VA; Los Angeles, Chile; Dalian, China; Products: Millwork; wood and aluminum-clad windows and doors, vinyl windows, pine doors and mouldings, lineal mouldings, exterior door components; Total Employees: 3,000

9. Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co. Inc.
Main Location: Wausau, WI; Divisions: Kolbe Vinyl Windows, Point Five Windows; Annual Sales: $150 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 3 -- Manawa, Wausau, WI; Fort Collins, CO; Total Square Footage: 1.2 million; Products: Millwork, mouldings; windows, doors; Total Employees:  1,000

10. Quanex Building Products (Wood Components)
Main Location: Chatsworth, IL; Annual Sales: $150 million* ('18); Manufacturing Plants: 7--Chatsworth, IL; Richmond, IN; Dubuque, IA; Mounds View, MN; Luck, Rice Lake, WI; Products: Millwork; window and door components; Total Employees: 600

In addition to FDMC 300: Closets & home organization (information compiled by Michaelle Bradford)

The Freedonia Group projects closet home organization products to grow 4.8 percent annually reaching $3.4 billion in 2023. Also, according to its Home Organization Products study, demand for home organization products for all rooms across the home - closets, garages, family rooms, bedrooms, pantries and kitchens, and bathrooms and utility rooms - is projected to reach $12.7 billion in 2023 with an increase of 3.8% per year. Top companies include:

•Newell Brands has a pro division – Rubbermaid Pro – offering custom wire and wood closets, garage systems and more. Its main location is Hoboken, New Jersey. rubbermaidpro.com

•The Container Store a retailer of storage and organization products and solutions including its TCS Custom Closets, which now has four custom closet lines: elfa, elfa Décor, Avera, and Laren, recently opened its first custom closet store concept in Los Angeles. Its headquarters is located in Coppell, Texas. containerstore.com

•One of the largest closet and home storage franchises, California Closets is owned by FirstService Brands and is headquartered in Richmond, California. californiaclosets.com

•ClosetMaid offers a consumer and professional line of home organization products. Located in Ocala, Florida, it is part Griffon Corp.’s Home Building Products division. closetmaid.com

•Organized Living offers storage and organization products including freedomRAIL, for the whole home. The company sells through dealers, retailers and online. Organized Living is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. organizedliving.com

•The Stow Co. makes storage solutions under four brands: EasyClosets, ORG Home, Easy Track, and Inspired Closets. The Stow Co. is located in Holland, Michigan. thestowcompany.com

•Closet & Storage Concepts/More Space Place provides closet and organizing systems and murphy beds through nationwide locations. It’s headquartered in West Berlin, New Jersey. closetandstorageconcepts.com

•Closet Factory manufactures and installs custom storage solutions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, the franchise has locations across the United States.  closetfactory.com

•Organizers Direct was started by Neil Balter, the founder of California Closets, in 1995. Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, it has more than 250 dealers in the U.S., Canada and Cayman Islands. organizersdirect.com

•Tailored Living featuring PremierGarage, is a brand of Home Franchise Concepts with over 200 North American franchise territories. It’s headquartered in Irvine, California. tailoredliving.com

•EncoreGarage makes garage cabinets and storage solutions. Headquartered in East Dundee, Illinois, it has eight locations nationwide. encoregarage.com

•Founded in 1982, Closets By Design, Garden Grove, California, offers custom home organization solutions with franchises across North America. closetsbydesign.com

New technology gives helps these WOOD 100 companies finish first by reducing time, labor and improving quality. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2019 WOOD 100 class, which includes cabinet manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

Now in its 30th year, the WOOD 100: Strategies for Success highlights the innovative as well as tried-and-true initiatives put in place by 100 North American wood products manufacturers to grow their businesses. Here's what some of them had to share for technology integration:

Conestoga Wood Specialties, East Earl, PA —  Recent investments in new technology, including a state-of-the-art flatline finishing line and edgebanders, have helped the company improve productivity and increase profits.

“Consistency and dependability have been the main factors to our company’s success for the past two-plus decades,” said Jeffery Eichenseer, director of Marketing & Product Development. “It’s our quality, our on-time complete delivery, our willingness to stand behind our products, the accuracy of our literature and our willingness to continually seek out what is new and provide it to our customers.”

Conestoga manufactures doors plus a wide array of cabinetry components, including wood, MDF, Decorative Laminate Veneers (DLV) and Thermally Textured Surfaces (TTS/TFL). Priming, painting and staining services are also offered.

Premier EuroCase, Denver, CO —  The full-service panel processor is the first in the U.S. with two Homag HPS 320 flexTec robotic saws. It recently added the KAL 370 profiLine, which communicates with the saw to automatically feed pieces for laser edgebanding. Premier EuroCase specializes in lamination, components, store fixtures and cut-to-size doors.

“Our autonomous production line goes from inventory to finished components without any human interaction necessary. This increased efficiency facilitated a 50% reduction in lead time in 2019 - from 10 days to 5,” said Jill Rosenberger, marketing manager.

“We also expanded our Reflekt high-gloss and UltraMatte acrylic collections by adding blue and sage colors to both. This prepared us for the blue and green trends happening in 2019. We also added metallics to the UltraMatte line.”

More Tech Heads

Pinelli Universal, Atlanta, GA

A manufacturer of millwork products for the 2-step distributor market of the U.S., the company invested recently in new cut and rip lines to improve production. “We offer a high-quality product with highly mixed loads and deliver in shorter delivery times,” said Andres Sosa, sales director. Sales at the multi-million dollar firm grew 4.2%.

Our Country Home Enterprises Inc., Harlan, IN

To help further speed production and reduce delivery times, “We built a 30,000-square-foot robotic cutting facility adding 4 CNC machines, a robotic beam saw, and a laser bander, with other automatic support machines,” said Thom Blake. Also added was a membrane press. Planned for 2019 is a CNC upgrade for plant 1, wood grinders and robotic material handlers. Sales grew 3.7% for the store fixtures and props manufacturer.

PT Signature Cabinetry LLC, Lebanon, MO

Sales projections are “excellent” for the custom residential and commercial cabinet and closets firm. Along with customer service, Owner Abe Penner cited the purchase in 2018 of a CNC router, automated edgebander and straightline ripsaw, for helping productivity and quality. 2019 purchases include a RazorGage automatic saw system.

EFC Kitchens Inc., Concord, ON

A manufacturer of high-end kitchen cabinetry and vanities for the custom housing market, the company focused on increasing productivity and customer services, a successful strategy that has led to sales growth, said Nick Amiri, CEO. Investments in new technology, including a Biesse CNC router, also helped improve production.

Deas Millwork, Semmes, AL

“We have invested in technology and equipment that helps us be more efficient,” said Zach Deas, president. “With a very tight labor market these investments have paid off.” Sales grew over 100% for the architectural casework and millwork manufacturer. Aiding its production are the 2018 purchases of a flatline finishing system, IR curing, and project management software, and in 2019, solid wood processing equipment.

Eco Relics, Jacksonville, FL

Sales grew 20.0% for the producer of river tables, farm tables, barn doors and custom furniture. The vertically integrated company “invested heavily to start  a sawmill, dry kiln and milling operation. We also invested heavily in more equipment for our custom wood shop,” said Michael Murphy, CEO. “The majority of our products are made from the urban reclaimed hardwoods we process, from log to finished products.”

Foggy Bottom Woodworks, Muscoda, WI

The cabinetry, millwork and prefinishing company posted a sales gain of 8.4%, with growth prospects “excellent” for 2019 and 2020, said Rick Tisdale, owner. Helping to improve productivity, and profitability was the move to a larger location and the investment in technology, including a new edgebander.

Hollywood Cabinets, Shelby Township, MI

The residential kitchen and bath cabinetry manufacturer looks to improve efficiency and productivity with investments this year in technology, including a CNC  dovetailer and 3-head sander, said Tony Pacella, vice president. The company’s products are targeted for the new construction and remodeling markets. Hollywood also offers cabinetry for commercial businesses, as well as home offices and entertainment centers.

H&H Architectural Woodwork, College Point, NY

The custom cabinet fabricator and millwork producer added a CNC router to the shop to improve the production process and enhance quality control, said Patrick Ho, CEO.

The 2019 WOOD 100 is sponsored by Pollmeier Inc.

Read more 2019 WOOD 100: Strategies for Success

Marketing Initiatives

Business Strategies

Productivity Enhancements

Technology Integration

Product Innovations

Customer Service

Return to WOOD 100 main page

Read the special 2019 Leadership issue of FDMC online

Lean manufacturing, training, new technology and some innovation are helping these woodworking manufacturers increase production while improving quality and efficiency. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2019 WOOD 100 class, which includes cabinet manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

Now in its 30th year, the WOOD 100: Strategies for Success highlights the innovative as well as tried-and-true initiatives put in place by 100 North American wood products manufacturers to grow their businesses. Here's what some of them had to share for productivity enhancements:

California Woodworking, Oxnard, CA —  Key steps that led to the cabinetry and countertop firm’s success in 2018 include upgrades in the fabrication department and doubling the number of estimators from one to two, allowing the company to service more customers, said Luke Vickery, president.

California Woodworking also added a residential cabinetry division to its portfolio, as well as a showroom to display product offerings.

“In 2019, we are considering the purchase of another CNC machine. We are also considering opening a stone countertop fabrication facility,” Vickery said. “We also purchased software that assists our production line with efficiently sorting cabinet parts, which has led to increased productivity.”

Sales expectations for this year and next are “excellent,” he added.

JB Cutting, Mt. Clemens, MI — The components manufacturer invested in technology and focused on efficiency improvements to increase productivity and profitability.

“Although we stayed flat and didn’t show growth over 2017, we were more profitable by focusing on efficiencies and rework, said Debra Behring, president.

The company’s recent investments in technology include nested-based CNC routers, a flipper and buffing station for the press and another five-piece door machine.

Founded in 1995, JB Cutting specializes in 3D laminate and five-piece doors, drawer fronts and accessories for the kitchen, bath, home organization, store fixture, and healthcare furnishing environments.

Plato Woodwork, Plato, MN —  With more than a century under its belt, the custom frame and frameless cabinetry firm continues to be successful in today’s residential marketplace.

Contributing to Plato’s success has been a “focus on our true strengths, focus on key accounts, retention of employees and capital investments,” said Karl Pinske, president.

Among the technology investments by the company last year were a CNC router, moulder, and finishing equipment. Additional purchases in 2019, including straight edge and contour edgebanders, return conveyors, case clamps and solvent recovery systems, should increase Plato’s productivity and profitability even more, Pinske said.

2018 fiscal sales grew 8.9%, and the cabinetry manufacturer expects 2019 figures will exceed that number, with 2020 also projected to be a good year.

Elias Woodwork, Winkler, MB — “Product development according to market trends and then the ability to increase productivity were key to our growth last year,” said Jeremy Funk, executive vice president - Sales & Marketing.  “We also added more automation and expanded the workforce in key areas to satisfy customer expectations of product selection and quick turnaround times.” 2018 sales grew 17.7%.

Elias’ products are used in a variety of industries, including new kitchen and bath cabinets, refacing, commercial and residential millwork, renovations, and RVs. Elias manufactures cabinet doors, mouldings, dovetail drawer boxes, curved doors and components, refacing material, RTA cabinets and wood accessories.  The company also produces thermofoil and DLV doors and accessories at the 375,000-plus-square-foot facilities.

Top Producers

Bella IMC, Huntertown, IN

Sales are booming at Bella, which manufactures cabinets to order from its online customizable ordering system. “There is only one key step you can ever make that leads to success for any business and that is adapting and making the necessary changes to stay ahead of the curve. We constantly improve our processes in the office and on the manufacturing floor,” said Chad Shelton, president. New technology, including a Morbidelli CNC router, Stefani edgebander and Kaeser compressor, also helped “double our production output,” said Grant Weber, director of Operations & Sales.

AB&D Furniture Mfg., Homewood, IL

Sales have been steady for the 30-year-old manufacturer of OEM and branded library and office furniture. Investments in technology over the past few years, including CAD/CAM software and an automatic contour edgebander, enabled it to reduce its employee size from 25 to 15. “Now employees hired are for increased production,” said Randy Agate, president & owner.

Caseworx, Hudson, NC

Sales at Caseworx grew 43.8% last year, due to “more efficient communication and streamlined processes,” said John Bostian, GM. Projections for 2019 and 2020 are also very positive for the manufacturer of architectural millwork, plastic laminate cabinetry, laminate and solid surface countertops, and finished wood cabinetry.

TNT Door & Drawer, Covington, GA

The custom cabinet components manufacturer increased productivity through process improvements in material handling, layout strategies and other various processes, said Eric Crane, GM. The firm also made “data-driven decisions on capital equipment purchases,” including a Doucet rotary door clamp.

Appalachian Wood Products Inc., Clearfield, PA

Winner of a 2019 WMIA Wooden Globe Award, the components firm’s improved its production by investing in technology, including a DMC widebelt sander and planer-sanders from SCM, a Weinig gang saw system, and Timesavers planer-sanders.

Millwork 360, Tampa, FL

“From 2017 to 2018 we increased our sales 30% by drawing more out of our existing customer base, expanding into the Caribbean market, and re-configuring our production layout and lean processes to increase output and efficiencies,” said Jamie Burge, CFO. To aid productivity and maintain its 7-10 day lead times on custom moulding, Millwork 360 added a Weinig Powermat 700 moulder, its fourth moulder.  “Another key capex investment is our Factory Finishing Facility, which allows us to do all pre-finishing in-house. The majority of our doors are sent out pre-finished as a result, which adds 20% of revenue to our top-line door revenue.” Millwork 360 also saw its fiberglass door line grow in sales.

Lifetime Design Corp., Deer Park, NY

“In 2018 Lifetime Design made the strategic decision to implement Lockdowel hidden fasteners for our cabinetry. Not only did this allow easier transportation to the jobs, it saved us a considerable amount on labor,” said James Romanelli, president.  “Because we were able to hire people with little or no experience and train them to assemble cabinetry, it has been easier for us to hire and has allowed us to be more aggressive with our bidding –- and win more jobs.” The company is also able to meet tight schedules, and increase gross sales. 2018 sales for the commercial woodworking and architectural millwork firm grew 22.9%.

Rynone Mfg. Corp., Sayre, PA

Along with the addition of several new CNCs, President Richard Rynone credits a “continued concentration on lean manufacturing principles, product development, quality and excellent customer service,” with spurring the cabinet, casegoods and countertop manufacturer’s continued success. Sales for the multi-million dollar firm grew 2.9%.

Victor Robbins Group LLC, Hainesport, NJ

The architectural woodwork firm focused on hiring personnel, lean manufacturing progress through the implementation of multiple hand tool and supply stations, as well as company-wide improvements including finishing and software, said Robert Schultz, sales. 2018 sales grew 11.8%.

Cabinet Solutions, Brantford, ON

Sales grew 66.7% for the casegoods supplier to custom millwork firms, with 2019 and 2020 projections also looking good. “New ownership invested in software and streamlined the information flow to existing high-quality machinery,” noted Drew Neven, GM. New technology includes the 2018 purchase of Microvellum software, and an SNX contour bander in 2019.

Bernhard Woodwork Ltd., Northbrook, IL

President Mark Bernhard credits employee skills and new technology for the architectural woodwork and retail fixturing firm’s continued success. The firm installed a complete SCM manufacturing system “to streamline basic cabinet manufacturing for speed and price,” including CNC router, boring/doweling system and edgebander, as well as a case clamp and wrapper in 2018, with a sander and veneer press on tap for 2019.

Family Woodworks, Piketon, OH

“Upgrading equipment (including a planer, jointer and gang ripsaw) allowed me to be more efficient and increase production, along with maintaining a high-quality product,” said George Barlow, owner. The firm makes white oak picture framing and custom trophy bases for sale to art dealers and galleries, plus retail. 2018 sales grew 23.2%

Heritage Woodworks, Suffolk, VA

“We worked on standardizing and improving processes, which correlated to more consistent productivity and quality,” said Daniel Hooper, CEO. The custom cabinetry firm also invested in new technology, including a door machine and edgebander 2018 sales grew 30.1%.

Dartmouth Woodworks, Waltham, MA

The custom casework and millwork shop’s sales grew 33.3%, with 2019 and 2020 projections also “excellent,” said Ari Monias, shop manager. He noted the company “recognized areas that needed to be developed and is always open to ideas.” To aid productivity the company purchased a Homag widebelt sander last year, with 2019 purchases including an edgebander and vertical CNC.

Nations Cabinetry, San Antonio, TX

“We were able to grow sales revenue by 6% through a focused approach to delivery, quality and team engagement,” said JW Coady, CEO of the cabinetry firm. “We constantly look for ways to add value in to our product streams by embracing innovation.” Technology purchased in 2018 includes a Holz-Her hybrid edgebander Koch drill/dowel, and Dynma fully automatic case clamp.

Precision Wood Products,  Inc., Camden, OH

The manufacturer of wood door and drawer fronts and specialty products upgraded its finishing and sanding operation, invested in equipment including an automatic chop saw, and made upgrades to shipping and packaging to reduce damage, said John Herig, regional sales manager. “We maintained a 10-day lead time and kept deliveries consistent.”

The Closet Works, Inc., Montgomeryville, PA

A lean manufacturing/Kaizen advocate, “We are continually exploring new technologies, systems and methodologies to improve our customer experience as well as our employee experience,” said David Cutler, president. 2018 sales for the manufacturer of custom organizing systems grew 10.4%.

S&S Woodcraft, Cold Lake, AB

Custom cabinetry and millwork firm’s sales grew 27.6%. “Our major focuses included, standardization, automation and improvement of flow within our facility,” said Christopher Savic, director. The company has seen a substantial reduction in inventory, shortened lead times, improved tracking and scheduling and a reduction of errors and defects.

The 2019 WOOD 100 is sponsored by Pollmeier Inc.

Read more 2019 WOOD 100: Strategies for Success

Marketing Initiatives

Business Strategies

Productivity Enhancements

Technology Integration

Product Innovations

Customer Service

Return to WOOD 100 main page

Read the special 2019 Leadership issue of FDMC online

New product innovations are opening doors to more business for these 2019 WOOD 100 companies. This year's class includes cabinet and casework manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, store fixture manufacturers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

Now in its 30th year, the WOOD 100: Strategies for Success highlights the innovative as well as tried-and-true initiatives put in place by 100 North American wood products manufacturers to grow their businesses. Here's what some of them had to share about their product innovations:

Decore-ative Specialties, Monrovia, CA —  The company was awarded Patent No. 9,845,637 for its invention of the Elk Grove Design, a unique 3-piece, custom cabinet door and drawer front, that is CNC routed and pressed with 3D laminate.

“Appearing to be 5-piece construction, these components are produced by a patent-protected process offering custom inside profiles, raised or recessed panels, and custom size frame widths,” noted Joel Boyles, vice president. The cabinet doors and drawer fronts are complemented with a  collection of mouldings and accessories.

Decore-ative Specialties provides custom cabinet components to the kitchen, bath, closet, garage, office, remodeling, and refacing industries. Product offerings include: RTA cabinets, doors, drawer fronts, drawer boxes, mouldings, accessories, finishing and hardware. Products are manufactured in wood, plywood, 3D laminate, melamine, and aluminum.

Northern Contours, St. Paul, MN —  The cabinet and commercial components manufacturer serves the kitchen and bath, home organization, refacing and contract furniture markets, with products including wood veneer, 3D laminates, acrylic, FENIX NTM and 5-piece doors. 2018 sales grew 14.0%.

“Our manufacturing expertise resides in membrane pressing, miter folding, laminating and edgebanding, machining and routing, and 5-piece door assembly,” said Melissa Sjerven, marketing director.

In 2018 Northern Contours acquired Nubold Industries in London, Ontario. “This added another manufacturing facility, with capability in membrane pressing and 5-piece door assembly. We also continued our successful approach to product innovation with key product introductions, focusing on the latest advancements in EIR and smart matte technology.”

More hot products

Stevens Industries Inc., Teutopolis, IL

“We focused on bringing our products to new markets, extending geographically and expanding end user markets,” said Amanda Emmerich, marketing coordinator & social media manager. The company specializes in highly detailed architectural millwork and casework, including embossed in registration panels, coordinating surfaces and products. 

Scane Custom Cabinets, Brea, CA

Sales at the custom cabinet firm grew 7.7%.  Among the key steps, “We began producing high gloss acrylic cabinets in addition to our normal finish types. The high gloss material allowed us to try new techniques with our edgebanding machine.” Cross-training on the edgebander “has made us more versatile and better equipped to handle the growing demand for high gloss acrylic cabinetry,” said Zach Scane, designer/operations manager.

W.W. Wood Products, Dexter, MO

“We have put an emphasis on reacting quick to market trends so that our product is always fresh,” said Kenneth Carmode, VP sales & marketing at the made-to-order cabinetry firm. “Additionally, quality is of the utmost importance as consumer expectations are at all-time highs.” The strategy worked, as sales grew 9.5% in 2018, and look good for 2019.

Rosehill Wine Cellars Inc., Mississauga, ON

“Staying current with the latest trends in this industry,” helped the custom wine cellar producer grow sales 6.6%, noted Gary LaRose, president. “We’re also producing unique designs to showcase our skill set.”  

The Wood Cycle of Wisconsin, Oregon, WI

The “Tree to Table” author works with area arborists for trees, which he then mills and kiln dries. “From this wood we make almost anything,” said Paul Morrison, president. “Our top area of work is large live-edge dining and conference tables and other furniture, but our business model is more broadly ‘find a good client and make whatever they need in wood.’” 2018 sales grew 11.8%.

Thomas James Cabinetry, Bracebridge, ON

Developing a new line of outdoor kitchens, hiring employees and taking the lead in sales and marketing has kept Darragh Hughes, partner/owner, busy. Sales grew 50% for the indoor and outdoor kitchens and custom furniture firm.

Wetimber, SA de CV, Mexico City, Mexico

Sales grew 25.0% for the maker of wood facades and exteriors, doors and windows, as well as accent pieces for interiors. “Utilizing ‘value engineering’, we are able to deliver superior products at a reduced cost,” said Craig Caughlan, co-director. Primary woods used include accoya, white oak and cedar from sustainable growths.

Fine Creations Works in Wood LLC, Farmingdale, NY

“We specialize in architectural millwork, cabinetry and components, as well as CNC contract and specialty work and new product development,” said Michael Lohnes, owner. The company’s success also comes from “combining longtime woodworking experience from valued employees and modern technology and machinery,” he added.

Osborne Wood Products, Toccoa, GA

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the components maker supplies the cabinetry, remodeling and furniture markets. New products include those that mix media, such as acrylic or steel with wood. “We have come a long way since we started the business, and I look forward to building on our tradition of innovation and excellence for years to come,” said CEO Leon Osborne.

The 2019 WOOD 100 is sponsored by Pollmeier Inc.

Read more 2019 WOOD 100: Strategies for Success

Marketing Initiatives

Business Strategies

Productivity Enhancements

Technology Integration

Product Innovations

Customer Service

Return to WOOD 100 main page

Read the special 2019 Leadership issue of FDMC online

Member programs,  targeted marketing, online ordering and promotions, social media and increased networking opportunities are just some of the ways the 2019 WOOD 100 companies keep their names and brands at the forefront of customers' minds. This year's WOOD 100 class includes cabinetry and closet manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, cabinet and casework manufacturers, architectural woodworkers, store fixture manufacturers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

Now in its 30th year, the WOOD 100: Strategies for Success highlights the innovative as well as tried-and-true initiatives put in place by 100 North American wood products manufacturers to grow their businesses. Here's what some of them had to share for marketing initiatives:

Closet America, Landover, MD —  The large manufacturer of custom closet and home organizational systems continues to find innovative ways of marketing its brand.

“We expanded our sales staff, diversified our marketing approach, and created a client-centric environment that puts the needs of our clients first,” noted Tim Brooks, marketing manager.

This year also saw the launch of the President’s Club for top designers and Closet America University, a new training facility for designers and installers to expand their expertise.

On the manufacturing side, Closet America continues to invest in technology, including a new Schelling panel saw.

Following a 17.6% growth in 2018, the company projects 2019 sales to be good, and 2020 to be excellent.

Ethan Allen, Danbury, CT —  The manufacturing and retail home furnishings giant has launched a Member Program to enhance customers’ experience and provide special benefits.

For an annual membership cost of $100, Ethan Allen Members receive everyday savings of 20%, plus free shipping and premier in-home delivery.

“The new membership program puts our customers front and center,” said Farooq Kathwari, chairman and CEO. “Our members will no longer have to plan projects around short-term sales and promotions; instead, they will enjoy consistent, predictable and attractive everyday savings on products for any room in their home,” he added. “This level of value, enhanced by our complimentary design service, creates a customer experience that’s second to none.”

More top marketers

Jim Farris Cabinets, Pasadena, TX

Owner Jim Farris’ strategy was simple and succinct. “Reaching out to past customers when things were slow,” he said, helped the high-end cabinetry and furniture design and fabrication firm keep profits and productivity on the path to success, with 2019 and 2020 sales both projected to be good.

Birdie Miller Designs, Stockton, NJ

Sales projections continue to be good for the custom cabinetry, furniture and interior woodworking firm. Owner Birdie Miller said he relies on social media, phone calls, and customer referrals to spread the word about his products. Miller is also the creator of the EuroButt faux butt hinge. Sales grew 8.3% in 2018.

Saroyan Hardwoods, Huntington Park, CA

“Marketing the company in new, innovative ways, bringing in additional experienced personnel, and organizing the sales force,” have helped the hardwood products manufacturer continue its success, said Jeffrey Saroyan, sales manager. “We sell our premium products for a variety of commercial, residential, and hospitality projects nationwide.” Equipment purchases, including a flooring line, should help sales grow even more in 2020 for the flooring, moulding, and custom millwork producer. 

Timberline Cabinet Doors Inc., Cedar City, UT

The company’s wood doors, drawer fronts, custom mouldings, RTA cabinetry and closet components are made to specification and “sold to contractors, home builders, and the general public through our easy-to-use online ordering system and 3D cabinet designer,” said Brett Messer, COO. 2018 sales grew 5.7% at the firm, which also focused on creating a team atmosphere, training and upgrading equipment, including a custom Voorwood shape and sand.

Hardwood Floors, Hillsboro, WI

“We look for customers that have an eye on product quality and timely service with a personal touch,” said Salena Ball, owner of the hardwood flooring and paneling manufacturer. 2018 sales grew 20.0%, with 2019 sales also looking good.

A Better Closet, Calera, AL

Sales for the closet and home storage solutions manufacturer grew 27.9% in 2018, and projections are excellent for 2019 and 2020. A key emphasis on customer service, plus increasing the advertising budget to 6% of its gross sales, helped spur growth, said Robert K. Duff Sr., owner. New equipment included a Kaeser rotary screw compressor.

URDrawer, Clearwater, FL

“By creating a function on our website customers can upload an exported file from their kitchen design software to seamlessly order their drawers and or quotes/orders can be inputted per line item to get exact pricing at that point of time,” said Randy Koch, GM. Customers also can track production status. Sales for the dovetail drawer and pullout storage firm grew 47.7% in 2018.

Morantz Custom Cabinetry Inc., Ft. Lauderdale, FL

The firm markets complete home packages – cabinetry, closets and custom furniture – to high-end builders and designers of large budget and “snowbird” clients. “The client has a reliable go-to shop for all their needs and we provide an integrated plan and budget that is totally inclusive,” said Harold Morantz, president. 2018 sales grew 28.0%.

Loudoun Stairs, Purcellville, VA

The stair and rail maker improved its social media marketing, and promoted its new designs, capabilities, on-time delivery and customer service via all digital platforms, noted David Cooper, Automation Manager. “We have an overall willingness to accommodate the customer with a quality product, new custom designs, and state-of-the-art machinery,” including a new Biesse panel saw.

Country Cabinets, Northfield, MN

“We took the time to educate customers on the investment they would be making with us and our company. We worked on gaining their trust before asking for any money down,” said Mary Mittelstaedt, operations/project manager at the cabinet firm. “We also gave them a tour of our shop to show them the quality of work we do, why we do what we do, and why they should go with us.” 

The 2019 WOOD 100 is sponsored by Pollmeier Inc.

Read more 2019 WOOD 100: Strategies for Success

Marketing Initiatives

Business Strategies

Productivity Enhancements

Technology Integration

Product Innovations

Customer Service

Return to WOOD 100 main page

Read the special 2019 Leadership issue of FDMC online

Today's wood products manufacturers must work faster, harder, and smarter than their competitors while providing service, quality and added-value to the wood products. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2019 WOOD 100 class, which includes cabinet manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

Now in its 30th year, the WOOD 100: Strategies for Success highlights the innovative as well as tried-and-true initiatives put in place by 100 North American wood products manufacturers to grow their businesses. Here's what some of them had to share for customer service strategies:

Mystic Scenic Studios Inc., Norwood, MA —  There’s no such thing as a “standard” job for this custom fabricator of commercial interiors, restaurants, retail, broadcast TV sets, museums, trade show and corporate theater, and theatrical scenery.

“Nothing happens without first having a great crew, which has been a focus, coupled with looking for opportunities to maximize productivity via improving our CNC manufacturing capabilities,” said Jim Fitzgerald, CEO. “We deliver high-quality products on time, every time, so everyone has to keep their eyes on servicing our clients as best we can. Lastly, being selective about which clients we work with has been a big factor in driving sales.”

Sales grew 17.7%, as the company invested in finishing, panel processing and solid wood machinery, including: an edgebander, additional CNC routers, SawStop saws and an additional shaper.

Panel Processing Inc., Alpena, MI —  Custom flat panel fabrication has been Panel Processing’s specialty for more than 45 years. The company serves a variety of markets with its fabrication abilities, “and the list continues to grow as we expand our experience and capabilities,” said Stacy LaFleche, national marketing manager.

The company’s success, she said, “has been a combined effort of our customer service department pushing themselves along with our engineering and manufacturing departments working together to increase efficiency and effectiveness.”

Panel Processing recently added a TFL line at its Oregon facility to facilitate service and delivery to West Coast customers. “Additionally it provided us an opportunity to introduce a new product line for 2019,” LaFleche added.

Yoder Lumber Co., Millersburg, OH —  Yoder Lumber is a third-generation family-owned manufacturer of quality Appalachian hardwood products. The company has three modern sawmills, extensive drying operations, an automated grading/sorting line, and the capabilities to produce a wide range of components, said Jack Morton, sales & marketing manager.

“Yoder Lumber’s attention to detail is unmatched. We always put our customers first and go above and beyond to ensure we exceed their expectations,” he said.

In addition to offering customized S4S, mouldings and dimensional hardwood furniture components, Yoder excels in producing custom architectural wood solutions for retail and restaurant environments. The company also offers live edge slabs for purchase.

Woodgrain, Fruitland, ID —  A fully integrated wood home building materials company, Woodgrain has three sawmills that feed into the core of the business: millwork, wood doors and wood windows, with locations throughout the United States and Chile.

“We are a vertically integrated company which allows us to control quality and customers’ expectations,” said Tanner Dame, marketing manager. 

“We have focused on getting closer to the customer, looking for ways to offer help and support without being asked for it in advance. We want to be a resource that they can rely upon,” he added.

Along with mill acquisitions last year,  “This year we acquired a small trucking company which had three tracks and trails,” Dane noted. “Along with that, we acquired a silo to collect sawdust at our Fruitland facility.”

More service specialists

Keystone Wood Specialties, Lancaster, PA

The cabinet components manufacturer has unveiled Instant Pricing, which enables cabinetmakers, remodelers and contractors, to submit a quote request or an order and receive pricing in less than 30 seconds, “any day, anytime, anywhere.” The pricing is created through a webOE system accessed on Keystone’s main website.

Atelier Boisteck Inc., Montreal, QC

Sales for the manufacturer of cabinetry, architectural millwork and other custom woodworking projects grew 6.0% and look to be even better in 2019 and 2020, said Jean-Francois Asselin, president. Crediting the company’s customer service, Asselin said, “I’m always available for my customers.” The recent addition of an edgebander and dust control system will aid productivity.

Duval Fixtures Inc., Jacksonville, FL

Owner Corey Dawson credits the company’s customer service, along with a concerted sales effort, for helping spur the custom commercial cabinet and architectural millwork producer’s sales growth of 17.7%. Projections for 2019 and 2020 sales are also “excellent” for the company. Aiding production is a new CNC router.

Miller Cabinetry & Furniture LLC, Grabill, IN

Providing quality woodworking at an affordable price sounds like a simple strategy, but it’s been a successful one for the custom kitchen and bath cabinetry and furniture producer, said Stephen Miller, owner. Sales grew 4.4% in 2018, and projections for 2019 are excellent, with 2020 expectations also good. Recent equipment purchases include a Timesavers sander.

St. Croix Valley Hardwoods, Inc., Luck, WI

Excellent customer service, including “the ability to assist customers with outdated materials,” and fast, on-time delivery services have helped the hardwood components maker grow sales 14.6%, said Julie Erickson, operations manager. The move to a new, state-of-the-art building, plus the purchase of a Leadermac moulder and drawer box assembly equipment, will also aid efforts for the maker of dovetailed drawers, mouldings, edge-glued panels.

Bubugao Stairfloor Manufacture, Scarborough, ON

Soubiao Hu attributes the company’s ability to provide quality products, online ordering, and good customer service with helping the custom stair and flooring manufacturer’s sales grow 37.5%.

Chic Carpentry Co., Richmond Hill (Toronto), ON

The custom cabinet manufacturer “doesn’t  produce a crazy amount of cabinets yearly like other cabinet shops, but we try our best to make our cabinets as unique as possible, because our clients are unique,” said Alex Khosravian, owner. He credits the 48.9% sales growth to “being honest with clients, having the best customer service (based on clients’ feedback), and being responsible.”

Continental Woodcraft, Worcester. MA

Sales grew 16.7% for the architectural millwork and caseworks firm, due in part to being proactive, having good quality control and excellent customer service, said Glen Martin, vice president. The company also invested in a CNC panel saw to improve productivity.

Kitchens and Closets by DEA, Gilbert, AZ

Owner Eric Marshall credits “hard work and long hours getting our customers happy,” with helping the closet and home organization firm grow sales 74.9% in 2018. DEA provides products for the master bedroom, kids playroom, pantry, garage, laundry and other areas the home. It also designs and installs Murphy bed systems.

True Cut Cabinetry, Vaughan, ON

“We do our best to stick to our word, as simple as it may sound,” said John Fiore, project manager. “Whether is be with lead times or pricing, nobody likes to be hit with delays or increased costs. We take pride in being able to complete a job within the timeframe and price that we quote at the start of the project.” He added, “We also try not to specialize in only kitchens, or only retail stores. Broadening our scope of work leads to less slow periods throughout the year.”

Twin Oaks Cabinets, Neosho, MO

Good customer service is critical to success, and “Making the customer feel like #1,” is one of the strategies Doug Addy, administration director, said is used by the custom residential cabinetry and light commercial cabinets producer. “We also say and live by ‘Cabinetry crafted to become your family’s fondest memories.’” The firm also invested in case clamps, shapers and sanders to improve productivity.

Bernie’s Furniture & Cabinetry, Madison Heights, VA

The custom furniture and cabinetry firm’s sales grew 18.7%, and look to be even better in 2019 and 2020. “We’re custom building to their satisfaction,” said Bernard Campbell, principal. He adds that when customers say they can buy factory-built products cheaper, “I would realize they were not shopping for quality.”

Premium Woods LLC, Lincoln, NE

Sales for the laminate and wood caseworks manufacturer grew 7.7% in 2018, and President Bob Long expects 2019 and 2020 will be even better. The company credits its customer service, “creating systems and following them,” with helping spur sales. Aiding productivity in the shop are the purchases of a Gannomat case clamp, and a drawer box clamp.

Randy’s Cabinets and Woodworks, Grand Rapids, MN

Owner Randy Niewind credits great customer service, “and we will always go above and beyond,” with helping the cabinet firm’s sales grow 3.1%, with greater sales expected in 2019 and 2020. Aiding the effort are the recent purchases of a paint booth, automatic fences and CNC equipment.

The 2019 WOOD 100 is sponsored by Pollmeier Inc.

Read more 2019 WOOD 100: Strategies for Success

Marketing Initiatives

Business Strategies

Productivity Enhancements

Technology Integration

Product Innovations

Customer Service

Return to WOOD 100 main page

Read the special 2019 Leadership issue of FDMC online

Changes in workplace procedures, market area growth, acquisitions and expansions and are just a few of the ways these WOOD 100 firms grew sales and improved their long-term business prospects. What follows are some of the methods put in place by the 2019 WOOD 100 class, which includes cabinet manufacturers, residential and office furniture producers, architectural woodworkers, wood component manufacturers, closet companies and more.

Now in its 30th year, the WOOD 100: Strategies for Success highlights the innovative as well as tried-and-true initiatives put in place by 100 North American wood products manufacturers to grow their businesses. Here's what some of them had to share about their business strategies:

Cardinal Fine Cabinetry Corp., London, ON —  One of the area’s largest millwork producers will soon be even bigger, following an expansion to meet the growing demands of the residential market, said Paul Bilyea, president. “We saw an increase in our talent with the inclusion of three small bespoke businesses that formed within our company. This added a great value to the vocabulary of what we do.”

In recognition of its efforts and success, Cardinal Fine Cabinetry was named one of Canada’s top growing companies in The Globe and Mail’s 2019 Report on Business, recording a three-year revenue growth of 63%.

“We want to continue [our] success by providing the best possible service and product to our community,” Bilyea said.

He credits much of the success to the employees, which include apprentices. Pictured are three of them (Alisa, Heather and Katelynne) at the Build-A-Dream event in London.

Genesis Products Inc., Elkhart, IN —  “In 2018, Genesis Products made great strides towards focusing on new product development and launches, as well as, major improvements to quality and manufacturing excellence,” said Abbie Thomas,  creative manager - Marketing.

2018 sales grew 5.4%. “Product innovation and overall customer experience led towards growth in new markets and market share gains,” she added.

Genesis serves a broad range of industries including: cabinet and storage, store fixture, office and education, recreational vehicle, furniture and transportation.  It has 9 facilities, with 950,000-plus square feet of production, assembly and warehousing space. “The flexibility and size of these facilities allow us to respond quickly and efficiently to our customers’ manufacturing and supply chain needs.”-Dream event in London.

Parenti & Raffaelli, Mt. Prospect, IL —  Sales are booming for the family-owned architectural millwork firm, which focuses on high-end commercial spaces, but also specializes in residential, hospitality and healthcare.

“We manufacture all types of architectural millwork, from simple casework to blueprint matched panel elevations,” said Samantha Gurrola, vice president of Sales. “We pride ourselves in quality without compromise, and excellent customer service.”

She added, “We have a great team in the office, shop, and field. We all work together and set each other up for success.” The company recently relocated its facility and upgraded it to be fully air conditioned, with ergonomic workstations.  “We also have an excellent project management and shop scheduling system.” 

Lexington Manufacturing, LLC, Coon Rapids, MN —  “We invested in our people and developed a clear vision for them to understand where we are headed,” noted Bill DeWitt, account manager. “We also developed a more robust strategic planning process.”

Sales at the architectural door and profile wrapped components specialist grew 8.0% in 2018, and are expected to be even better in 2019 and 2020. Enhancing the company’s value-added machining capabilities are the recent additions of an automated laminating line, automated paint line, automated sanding line, and new panel saw.

Lexington is an OEM supplier to the residential window and architectural and commercial door markets, including offering fire-rated door components for 45, 60 and 90 minute openings.

More master plans

Diplomat Closet Design, West Chester, PA

Sales at the home organization firm grew 3.3% in 2018, with projections “excellent” for 2019 and 2020. “We focused on team and personal goals, company culture and core values,” said Ryan Lindstadt, president. The firm also revamped its manufacturing facility, including Cabinet Vision software, a Weeke/Homag CNC with offload and labeling, and invested in marketing. “We also invested heavily in our staff and getting the right people on the bus,” added Laura Bryan, director of marketing.

Woodhaven Woodworks LLC, Springfield, IL

Owner Todd Scanlan credits his skilled employees with helping the custom wood and laminate cabinetry and mouldings producer grow sales 40.3%, with projections also “excellent” for 2019. The company also invested in an SCM moulder and finishing equipment to aid production.

Creative Surfaces, Sioux Falls, SD

The commercial casework, cabinetry fixtures, countertop and signage firm invested in its employees, adding sales staff and engineers. “We are one of the top companies in the United States that manufactures and installs all of our own projects. Everyone that works for us is highly skilled in their trade,” said Denise Pins, marketing & sales coordinator.

United Cabinet Works, Sugarcreek, OH

Owner Roy Yoder credits the hiring of a business coach to help in marketing, and understanding percentages and profit margins with helping the cabinetry manufacturer’s sales grow 66.7% in 2018.

Reborn Cabinets, Anaheim, CA

The cabinetry firm’s sales grew significantly. “Even though marketing and customer service are main drivers, we attribute our success to the quality of our team. Culture is very important to us. Of our 10 core values our first two specifically relate to building a winning team, and creating the ultimate work environment for that team,” said Anthony Nardo, president. “Everything we do is metric driven and we not only share those results but teach our staff how to utilize the information to their advantage.”

Evergreen Cooling Technologies, Winlock, WA

A new customer acquisition and an expansion into carbon composites helped grow sales 2.6% at the supplier and fabricator of cooling tower grade lumber, plywood and treating services, said Jeff Padrta, president. The firm also invested in new drill presses and saws.

Hollands Custom Cabinets, El Cajon, CA

Sales at the residential cabinet and commercial casework and millwork firm grew 24.1%. “We continue to focus on the customer’s experience with our company.  This means focusing on quality, service and price,” said Jed Richard, president. “Key steps are having great employees (taking care of them), great machinery  (reinvestment of capital) and continued focus on productivity. Grow your business, grow your people.”

Maple Landmark Inc., Middlebury, VT

“Our core competency is our ability to efficiently operate in a mixed-model environment with short leads times,” said Mike Rainville, president of the toy and other small wood products firm. A focus on lean and training has enabled the firm to increase productivity 12% and add complexity, without adding new hires.

McClung’s Lumber, Salem, VA

New technology, including a Thermwood CNC, helped the architectural millwork firm increase capacity without adding employees, said TJ Stratton, Operations manager. “Combining that with refining our systems and the way orders moved through the shop allowed us to cross $2 million in sales threshold.” 2018 sales rose 16.7%.

Cal Door & Drawer, Morgan Hill, CA

Hiring outside sales reps while maintaining quality and service contributed to 2018’s 13.6% sales growth, said Edward Rossi, CEO. Investments in a Mereen-Johnson milling line and 5-head Biesse sander also aided production of the 8,000-10,000 wood, RTF, and edgebanded doors and drawer boxes shipped daily and nationally. Plans are to add a Flex line edebander and double-action panel saw for faster processing.

Frank Chervan Inc., Roanoke, VA

Reduced delivery times helped sales for the contract seating manufacturer grow 9.0%, said Gregory Terrill, president. “We have continued to build upon our vertically integrated, completely domestic production model. This is our core competitive advantage,” he said. “We can respond to demanding customer needs because we control the value stream from raw inputs to finished goods.”

Casework Solutions, New Century, KS

“A renewed team culture of shared values and vision,” helped the cabinetry and countertop firm grow sales 19.0%, said Randy Frey, owner. The company also redefined key result areas for all team members, redefined workflow pipelines and task processes and focused on “clear and continual communication,” of the core values and goals.  

Fusion Wood Products LLC, Elkhart, IN

“We pride ourselves in being an ally to the customer during every phase of production,” said Nate Rhoden, managing member. “We focus on people first by developing strong relationships with customers and providing a positive work environment for employees.” The strategy works, as the panel processor and profile wrapper’s sales grew a whopping 413.6%.

Doors and Drawers, Dexter, MI

Sales grew 3.5% for the commercial cabinet and fixtures maker, which recently completed construction of a 6,000-square-foot warehouse. “This allowed us more room for actual manufacturing and has greatly increased our efficiency and safety,” said Chuck Manitz, owner.

Classic Millwork and Cabinets Inc., Westmont, IL

The custom commercial millwork firm looks to continue its upward sales growth, with projections good also for the next few years, said Ray Turffs, president. The company added office and shop staff, as well as some new equipment, to aid the production of millwork for retail stores, office spaces, restaurants/bars, schools and salons.

R&B Grove Casework Inc., Baltimore, MD

Tony Kordell, project manager & senior estimator, credits “Always being on time, from bidding to submittals/shop drawings, to deliveries and complete installations with zero punch list,” for contributing to the laminated cabinetry, casework and countertop firm’s success. R&B also invested in a box truck for deliveries as opposed to contracted delivery service, with a new CNC router and edgebander planned for this year.

Custom Millwork & Display, Inc., South Bend, IN

“We have aligned ourselves with a network of very good vendors, suppliers and other quality millwork shops,” said Jerrel Mead, president. The strategy worked, as 2018 sales grew 35.1% for the providers of architectural millwork to the commercial and educational sectors.

El Paso Wood Products, El Paso, TX

The firm’s diversification into components continues to pay off, said Francisco Fernandez, vice president. “Currently half of our business is cutting 3/4-inch CDX plywood for furniture frames.” Hiring an outside industrial engineer and continuous improvements also spurred the 3.7% growth.

The 2019 WOOD 100 is sponsored by Pollmeier Inc.

Read more 2019 WOOD 100: Strategies for Success

Marketing Initiatives

Business Strategies

Productivity Enhancements

Technology Integration

Product Innovations

Customer Service

Return to WOOD 100 main page

Read the special 2019 Leadership issue of FDMC online

Caroline Castrucci, Vice President of Administration, Laurysen Kitchens Ltd.

A well-known advocate for the cabinet industry, Caroline Castrucci got her start at a young age working in the family-owned Laurysen Kitchens, founded by her father John Laurysen in 1970.

“My father also got us involved at an early age in a number of industry associations, including Home Builders and the Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association, and brought us to woodworking and machine shows as soon as we were old enough to attend,” she said.

Today, Castrucci, the vice president of administration, shares leadership of the firm with her brother Bill Laurysen, general manager and vice president of operations; her husband Giuseppe Castrucci is vice president of sales and marketing. Under their leadership, the Ontario-based cabinet and custom closets manufacturer has continued to expand its product range and distribution.

Embracing technology on the shop floor, in design and an ERP system, are aiding that growth.  Caroline Castrucci noted, “This past year bringing technology to our client service department had the largest and most notable improvement recently both by staff and our clients.”

Continuous improvement is not only a goal of Castrucci’s, it’s in her mantra. “If there is a problem, figure out what caused the problem, come up with a solution and implement it, so it does not happen again,” she said. “Let’s just get it done.”

Laurysen Kitchens is also getting it done in other ways. Over the next few years, the company plans to build a new showroom and move manufacturing to its second location nearby, “expanding our production capacity and firming up the third generation in our family business,” she added.

Community service is also a priority. The company donates material and design expertise for the local Children’s Hospital Dream Home Lottery, and kitchens to Habitat for Humanity and numerous local hospices. Other fundraising efforts include: 20-plus years for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, a 100 km bike ride to raise money for cancer, plus support of local children’s sports teams.

Castrucci is also very involved in industry efforts and is the past-president of the CKCA. Winner of numerous awards, she also received the 2019 Doris Lacroix award, presented by the NBKA Ottawa chapter, for her many years of industry and community involvement.

Outside of work, Castrucci enjoys reading, “it lets me escape,” and “traveling with my husband in our motor home.”

Quick Glimpse:

• Education: Some college
• Number of years at the company: 34
• Number of years in the industry: 34
• Word that best describes you: Gregarious (according to my husband)
• Business mantra: If there is a problem, figure out what caused the problem, come up with a solution to the problem and implement it so it does not happen again.  Let’s just get it done.
• Best advice: Don’t shy away from a problem. Deal with it head on, right away, and don’t let it fester.
• Who have you tried to emulate: My father, he was a gentleman and knew how to make people feel at ease. He always had a smile and a joke.

About the Wood Industry Market Leaders: This marks the 11th year Woodworking Network has paid tribute to outstanding men and women that have made an impact, not only at their companies, but within the various wood products industries. Since 2009, more than 70 industry professionals have shared their influencers, insights and strategies.  Read more about the 2019 and past honorees at WoodworkingNetwork.com/Market-Leaders.

Meet the 2019 Wood Industry Market Leaders, a diverse group of individuals that are making a difference.

These distinguished men and women are meeting – and beating – the global and domestic competitive and economic challenges affecting their companies and the industry as a whole. As the following profiles illustrate, they also demonstrate the creativity, determination, perseverance and savvy skills to ensure the viability and sustainability of their wood products businesses for years to come. 

As with previous Market Leaders, the noteworthy endeavors of this year’s group also extend beyond the workplace, as the individuals volunteer their time and efforts for the betterment of the industry and their communities.

On the links below are the stories behind this year’s leading executives, including the influencers, insights and strategies that helped earn them recognition.

The 2019 Wood Industry Market Leaders are (pictured, beginning top right):

• Caroline Castrucci, vice president of Administration at Laurysen Kitchens Ltd.
• Tom Happ, president of Closet Works
• Caroline Hipple, president of Norwalk Furniture
• Jimmy Thornberry, president at Powell Valley Millwork
• Keith Morgan, owner of Bespoke.

The 2019 Market Leaders marks the 11th year Woodworking Network has paid tribute to outstanding men and women in the North American woodworking industry. To date, more than 70 people have shared their stories with us. (View the list of past Market Leader honorees).

	Caroline Castrucci, vice president of Administration at Laurysen Kitchens Ltd.
	Tom Happ, president of Closet Works
	Caroline Hipple, president of Norwalk Furniture
	Jimmy Thornberry, president at Powell Valley Millwork
	Keith Morgan, owner of Bespoke

For additional information on the Wood Industry Market Leaders or to nominate an individual for recognition, email karen.koenig@woodworkingnetwork.com. Also visit WoodworkingNetwork.com/Market-Leaders to read more on this year’s class, as well as past Market Leader honorees.

NEWMANSTOWN, Pa.– On September 26 and 27, dealers from across the nation came to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Kountry Kraft, a custom cabinet manufacturer located in Newmanstown.

Kountry Kraft was founded in 1959 by Elvin Hurst, Sr. and Helen Hurst, after Helen gave him the gift of a Sears Craftsman table saw for Christmas in 1958. Sixty years and three generations later, the company celebrated its diamond anniversary.

The conference consisted of two days of activities. The designers took a tour of the 96,000 square foot factory and were able to see where and how their cabinet designs come to life. They also made some of the products themselves, including a metal fusion finish, banding a door front, dovetailing a drawer box and paint colors.

Two special guest speakers presented at the event: Richard T. Anuszkiewicz and Matthew Ferrarini, leaders of the kitchen and bath design industry.

Other kitchen and bath design leaders participated in a forum and discussed major topics of the industry, including how to successfully brand a company and how to qualify leads.

While Elvin Hurst built his hobby into a successful, nationwide business, Kountry Kraft has remained firmly rooted in his early days of hard work. The office and manufacturing facility remain on the Hurst family farm in the beautiful Pennsylvania Dutch countryside. Collectively, Kountry Kraft craftsman have over 1,500 years of experience building quality cabinetry. The third generation of Hurst family members are being groomed to manage the company in the future. Learn more at http://www.kountrykraft.com

WASHINGTON– Representatives of companies that import and distribute ready-to-assemble cabinets have spoken out against what they see as an unfair trade petition.

U.S. RTA distributors, which provide a limited selection of cabinet offerings, earlier formed the American Coalition of Cabinet Distributors (ACCD) to fight the trade action.

A group of cabinet companies had filed an anti-dumping and countervailing duty petition earlier this year against RTA cabinets being imported from China.

In March, The American Kitchen Cabinet Alliance filed an antidumping petition against China, claiming the government's "manipulation and unfair trade practices" have led to a more than 75 percent rise in Chinese imports of kitchen and bath cabinetry since 2015, creating a threat to the $9.5 billion American industry.

https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/news/woodworking-industry-news/american-cabinet-coalition-files-antidumping-petition-against-chinese

Speaking at the National Press Club, RTA company representatives highlighted a number of facts about the RTA segment and their own businesses, and what they call the “made-to-order” U.S. cabinet industry.

Rather than emphasizing price, these RTA distributors say they are providing a product not available from most U.S. producers – a ready-to-assemble cabinet that can be delivered in days instead of weeks.

CNC Cabinetry

Looking at lead time

Robert Hunter, COO of CNC Cabinetry in South Plainfield, New Jersey, also emphasized the shorter lead time he said RTA distributors provide.

“Every order in [the made-to-order] market segment takes weeks to lay out, plan with designers, and order,” he said. “Then manufacturing, finishing and assembly takes two to four weeks. In the end, you are waiting six to eight weeks to get your cabinets. Companies in the RTA market do not cater to the clientele that are customizing and waiting these long durations for their cabinets to be completed.”

CNC Cabinetry is a distributor of ready-to-assemble cabinets based in South Plainfield, New Jersey. The company moved to their current location in South Plainfield in 2004 to expand the operation and meet growing demand. Today, CNC Cabinetry employs 400 people and has 1,500 dealers across the country.

Hunter said the company has taken advantage of the explosive growth of house flipping. Their customer base needs to occupy apartments quickly and therefore needs cabinets in 24 to 48 hours. They could not wait the traditional six to eight week lead-times to furnish their units.

In an effort to meet this new growing market, the company started buying RTA cabinets from overseas, as CNC’s domestic suppliers could not meet demand or the requirements for quick delivery. As the business grew and the company increased his inventory with RTA cabinets imported from overseas, they were able to take the old lead time from six to eight weeks to a “next-day” delivery from RTA cabinets that he had in stock.

“CNC is working on projects and with house flippers that are looking for quality cabinets that can be purchased and installed in three to five days,” Hunter said. “Many of our customers want the convenience of RTA cabinets to take directly into the kitchen and build the cabinets on site. There are currently no companies manufacturingin the U.S. that serve this market. I know because I have reached out to them and asked them to provide these products. They have told me they don’t do this.”

Cabinet market segments

Chris Graff is executive Vice President of JSI Cabinetry, a U.S. importer of cabinets from China. JSI manufactures and distributes all-wood kitchen and bath cabinetry. JSI was founded in 1997 and has grown to employ 100 people at their headquarters in Fall River, Massachusetts, and locations in Chicago, Atlanta and Denver.

“The products sold by U.S. producers into the stock segment are generally not sold from existing inventory,” Graff said. “They are still made to order. This enables U.S. producers to offer consumers a wide range of choices, with corresponding extended lead times. Imported products, by contrast, are generally sold in ready-to-assemble form, known as RTA flat packs, and are therefore sold from existing inventory that enjoy much shorter lead times.

“Imported cabinets are typically shipped to the U.S. in the form of ready-to-assemble, or RTA, flat packs that contain all the components of a cabinet for the stock segment of the market. We then either assemble the cabinets as a service to the customer, or the customer arranges for assembly by an installer at the jobsite.

“Because of this business model, importers offer only limited options in terms of styles, colors, and finishes, while U.S. manufacturers, even in the stock segment, offer far more options. U.S. producers and importers offer a fundamentally different combination of product and service – U.S. companies are focused on offering a breadth of choices, but with longer lead times; importers offer limited choices and fast delivery

For stock cabinets, U.S. producers have lead times of weeks or months. By comparison, JSI company can deliver cabinets in as fast as one day, Graff said.

“Many U.S. producers have aging plants in which they typically finish cabinets through spraying by hand. In contrast, many Chinese cabinets are finished on an automated flatline system that produces a thicker, more durable, and more consistent finish. For this reason, the quality and consistency of the finishes for U.S.-produced cabinets is often inferior to that of imported cabinets. In addition, U.S. producers use particleboard in many of their stock cabinets, while our products are exclusively made of hardwood plywood.”

KCD kitchen cabinets.

Anti-import sentiment

Randy Goldstein, CEO of Kitchen Cabinet Distributors in Raleigh, North Carolina, was critical of the cabinet companies behind the petition.

“This petition is simply an attempt to use current political sentiment against China to eradicate a small but important market segment traditionally supplied by China, to favor the petitioners’ new foreign suppliers in other countries, and to otherwise limit consumer choice in deference to the aging business model of domestic manufacturers,” Goldstein said.

“There are cabinet companies in the United States that are struggling because they face a complex set of issues, some of which are self-inflicted and some of which are driven by direct competition from the largest, more cost-efficient manufacturers such as Masterbrand. While it may feel good to point a finger at imports and hide behind a patriotic veneer, the facts are much more complicated.” 

“One of the petitioners’ stated goals is to prevent importers from taking advantage of what they claim are unfairly dumped and subsidized cabinets. If this is truly the case, then one would expect those petitioners to confront the largest importers of wood cabinetry, a list which happens to include companies like Masterbrand and American Woodmark. But oddly, Masterbrand and American Woodmark are not part of the defense in this case. In fact, they are among the largest members of the petitioning group.

“While the petitioners may hide behind an American flag and claim to be standing up for American jobs, companies like Masterbrand and American Woodmark have relied heavily on China for a significant share of their own cabinetry products and are now moving those operations to other Southeast Asian countries, Mexico, and elsewhere. None of these jobs are actually returning to the United States.

“I’ve personally visited many factories in Southeast Asian countries and have frequently been told that the factories are not taking new customers because Masterbrand has already purchased all of their manufacturing capacity.

“I certainly have no problem with Masterbrand producing cabinets in China, Vietnam, Thailand, or anywhere else they choose. But the claim made by Masterbrand and the other petitioners that protection of American jobs is at the heart of their struggle is disingenuous. This petition is simply an attempt to use current political sentiment against China to eradicate a small but important market segment traditionally supplied by China, to favor the petitioners’ new foreign suppliers in other countries, and to otherwise limit consumer choice to conform to the aging business model of domestic manufacturers.”

Different markets

Missy O’Daniel, is president and CEO of Web-Don, Inc. in Charlotte, North Carolina. Web-Don is a distributor of RTA cabinets and surface products serving North Carolina, South Carolina and Eastern Tennessee.

“We rarely cross paths with the petitioners in this trade case who are domestic producers of cabinets making made-to-order products,” she said. “Being in the RTA business requires a big inventory investment for a company of our size. The tight timelines of our customers means we need to have a lot of product on-hand ready to be shipped out the door next-day. We continue to make this investment because we believe that we are serving a specific customer base that the petitioners in this case cannot or will not serve.”

“In the U.S. cabinet industry, a distinct, niche market has emerged of consumers who want to place orders fast and have them filled just as fast. Web-Don is working to meet the needs of those customers. We have been importing ready-to-assemble cabinets from China for about 10 years. We sell those cabinets to dealers and to remodelers who need high-quality, quick turn-around cabinets. Sometimes our customers assemble the cabinets and sometimes we assemble the cabinets for them. Our customers can get the cabinets from us right away, meaning they can have them installed in a remodeled home in under a week.

“The imported RTA sector makes up less than 10 percent of the U.S. cabinet market. We serve a specific, small group of customers who need cabinets right away. Domestic producers making cabinets with longer lead times always have, and still do, dominate the market. The success of companies like mine has done nothing to impede the growth of the larger cabinet industry and of the domestic producers.”

Fair trade laws

Matt Nicely, partner, Hughes Hubbard & Reed, representing the companies, also spoke at the event.

“The fair trade laws were simply not meant to be used to impose trade restrictions on imports that are growing their own market in the United States based on distinct, qualitative product characteristics that are unavailable from domestically sourced merchandise,” he said. “For domestic producers to suggest otherwise—while themselves importing the product—compounds scapegoating with sheer hypocrisy.”

Nicely said the cabinets and vanities these and other companies are bringing in from China are not commodity products. They serve a niche demand for RTA cabinets here in the United States that U.S. producers are not supplying, except for large U.S. producers like Masterbrand and American Woodmark that also import to meet that demand.

“The U.S. producers that import RTA cabinets manufacture all of their other product lines – assembled stock cabinets, semi-custom, custom – here in the United States,” Nicely said. “Clearly Masterbrand and Woodmark recognize that these RTA products do not compete head to head with their domestically produced product lines. They know that RTA cabinets serve a special market, in which the short lead-times of a storable, inventoried product are desired.

“The fair trade laws were simply not meant to be used to impose trade restrictions on imports that are growing their own market in the United States based on distinct, qualitative product characteristics that are unavailable from domestically sourced merchandise. For domestic producers to suggest otherwise—while themselves importing the product—compounds scapegoating with sheer hypocrisy." See http://americancabinetdistributors.org

BUNDE, Germany -- Rotpunkt, designer and manufacturer of German kitchen furniture, is starting a global campaign against climate change and implementing new measures at its production sites in Bünde and Getmold in Germany.

The company is seeking to ensure that the manufacture of its kitchens is 100 percent carbon neutral by January 1, 2020.

“A consistent focus on environmental and social sustainability is the foundation for successful corporate development and as we enter a new era of global change, Rotpunkt welcomes the scope to evolve both brand and business and use ‘change as an opportunity’,” said Matt Phillips, head of U.K. Operations at Rotpunkt.

“Aiming to set new standards within the kitchen furniture industry, our motivation is to produce kitchens as ethically as possible, which is why we have committed to 100 percent carbon neutral production with absolutely no compromise on quality or design. Our research shows that eco-credentials are a growing concern to the modern homeowner and our pledge for sustainable kitchen manufacture in 2020 is just one way we can reduce our carbon footprint and answer the growth for ethical consumerism.”

The interior design industry continues to tackle the debate on pollution, carbon emissions and climate change, and this has led to consumers becoming increasingly aware of the provenance and environmental impact of product design in the home. Over the past decade, Rotpunkt has worked hard to position itself at the forefront of the industry in this area:

2017 -- Acquisition of efficient cutting machines at Getmold site, reducing material usage and waste and enabling continual updating of its machinery and technologies.

2018 -- Company-wide certification declared for energy management in accordance with ISO 50001 and the creation of a basis for future certifications and continuous action.

2018 – Start of promotion of e-mobility by introducing bicycle subsidies for employees and family members. Travelling a total of 3,352,800 km/year to and from work, so every kilometer cycled by Rotpunkt employees will serve to protect the environment.

2019 -- Development and implementation of continuous CO² reduction following analysis of Rotpunkt’s CO² emissions and its commitment to a CO² site balance sheet.

2020 – Goal of 100 percent carbon neutral production at Bünde and Getmold to reduce CO² emissions, increase efficiency and green project specification. Continual assessment is made to CO² balance sheet(s) to develop further measures for CO² reduction and climate action.

2021 -- Complete company-wide conversion to green electricity and equal consideration of ecological, economic and social issues.

“As a premium kitchen manufacturer, we recognize our influence and ability to impact market change, which is why the production of sustainable furniture solutions has become an integral part of our past and future brand and business methodology. We want to bring this same level of stimulus to our U.K. retail network so they can help their customers make better choices and become part of Rotpunkt’s climate action solution,” said Phillips.

Rotpunkt believes that the furniture industry [and humanity] is on a precipice, which is why it has implemented change to accommodate this new generation of homeowner so the market can effectively navigate the uncertainty of climate change-related consequences and anticipate plans for future eco-oriented property development. See https://www.rotpunktkuechen.de/en/home.html

HARRISBURG, S.D.– Showplace Cabinetry has been re-certified by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, passing their tests of durability and performance.

The re-certification took place following a series of product improvements that were recently implemented. These product improvements were designed to position Showplace Cabinetry ahead of other available brands in the mid-priced, affordably custom cabinet space.

The tests conducted for certification are demanding. Cabinet shelving is loaded with 15 pounds per square foot, gradually loading mounted cabinets to 600 pounds and dropping a three-pound weight at six inches above the cabinet bottom to evaluate the overall strength and durability.

Drawers are cycled 25,000 times fully loaded with 15 pounds per square foot, while cabinet doors are opened and closed 25,000 times, testing their ability to withstand 65 pounds of hanging weight. The cabinetry finish is exposed to stain threats like vinegar, grape juice, coffee, alcohol and even mustard. Cabinets must endure a humid heat-box for 24 hours at 120 degrees to ensure no finish blistering or discoloration. Showplace Cabinetry was proven to meet or exceed all standards set by the KCMA.

http://Showplacecabinetry.com

2020 Design Inspiration Awards winners: 

HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. – The National Kitchen & Bath Association and John Burns Real Estate Consulting released the third quarter Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) report, which revealed positive findings for the remodeling industry. With KBMI scores above 50 indicating growth, this quarter’s KBMI of 65.4 shows sustained expansion and is consistent with Q2’s index reading of 65.7.

The index examines the economic pulse of the industry and can be used to gauge larger macroeconomic conditions, including consumer confidence, manufacturing and discretionary spending.

In addition to the labor shortage, NKBA’s membership base — made up of professionals across the kitchen and bath industry, including designers, manufacturers, retailers and building/construction firms — cites rising prices of materials, size of customer’s budgets, fear of recession and labor costs as their primary concerns. With overall industry response to tariffs mixed, some members have been able to adjust to the trade issues.

The majority (54 percent) of members report that tariffs have made a moderate, high or significant financial impact to their business, with manufacturers hit hardest at 59 percent. Notably, one in three members have had to raise prices on products and material.

Key takeaways from KBMI’s third-quarter report include:

Fourth quarter outlook is cautiously optimistic: Industry experts rate current business conditions at 61.7, similar to Q2 (62.7) and slightly lower than Q1 (67.5). Future business conditions look more positive than current ones, a trend evident over the last three quarters, with an index reading of 68.4 in Q3, 68.7 in Q2 and 76.1 in Q1. 

Positive sales growth still expected for 2019: Members expect a 3.5 percent sales growth for the full year, not quite as hopeful as the 4.7 percent and the 5.4 percent growth predicted in the previous two quarters.

Industry health is stable: Industry insiders assess the health of the kitchen and bath business at 6.7, remaining steady from Q2’s 6.6 and Q1’s 6.8. Building and construction firms and retail dealers rate the health of the industry at 6.8, followed by manufacturers at 6.7 and designers at 6.6.

American-made products are booming: While 33 percent of NKBA members have had to raise prices, another third are offering different products as a result of trade issues. This has driven business to domestic brands, as well as put higher-quality American-made products in the same price range as entry-level imports. Engineered quartz countertops and entry-level kitchen and bath cabinetry have been particularly affected. See www.realestateconsulting.com