WOOD 100 cracks the code: the slow-growth economy has not stopped these 100 companies from growing.

2002 was anything but a banner year for most woodworking businesses and the economy at large. Jarred by the aftershocks of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, many companies experienced cancelled and/or postponed orders. Backlogs shrunk and sales sank; businesses Lightened their belts.
As bad as things got, there existed wood products companies that managed to grow their businesses when their competitors stagnated or fell. One hundred or these exceptions are included in Wood & Wood Products 14th Annual WOOD 100 Report of fast-growing firms. rubber Paced by Distinctive Creations with 171.
8% sales growth between 2001 and 2002, the 100 companies included in this year's report combined for nearly $2.2 billion in sales in 2002 and posted an average sales gain of 19% last year. Eighty-two of the WOOD 100 companies enjoyed at least 10% growth in 2002; 43 of them grew their sales by more than 25%.
Despite competition-induced downward pressures on pricing, 54% of the WOOD 100 companies said their profit margins are higher than three years ago, with only 1.3% saying their margins are lower. (See pie chart below.) The 14th Annual WOOD 100 Report ushers in 50 first-time companies, 12 of which were established between 1998 and 2000. Of the 50 firms that have been in the WOOD 100 previously, 19 of them are marking at least their fourth appearance.
Lexington Mfg.
(No.
91) and Wooden Mallet (No.
63) are each participating for the 11th time; Appalachian Wood Products (No. 71) and WW Wood Products (No. 95) are each included for the 10th time. Success Amid Challenges The battle to grow in a weak economy is a formidable one. In a repeat of 2002 survey results, the "economy" tops the list of WOOD 100 firms' concerns with 47 ranking it as the number one concern.
(See Concerns chart, page 63.
) "Succeeding in a down economy really takes two things: flexibility and forecasting," says the senior project manager of a Canada-based company. "Companies have to just keep planning contingencies for a poor economy and must have a willingness to reinvest in a different direction." "In a challenging economy, we have continued to pursue business in different markets," says a CEO of a Wisconsin-based company.
"We understand the importance of diversification while continuing to work closely with our core customers. We will continue to rely heavily on our experienced sales staff to assist customers during the preconstruction and design process with millwork consulting and value engineering services. By getting involved in the process early, we can offer valuable cost-saving recommendations to our customers.
" A Kentucky furniture manufacturer agrees that diversification and marketing are the keys to combating a bad economy. "We will continue to diversify our process and to market to a wider range of medical/dental industries." Understandably several companies feel powerless and believe all they can do is continue to push forward.
One Texas cabinet manufacturer's response corroborates this view. "Unfortunately, as an individual and small business owner there isn't much I feel I can do about the local or national economy except continue to push ahead with business." Service Brings the Numbers With economic hardships weighing so heavily on everyones' businesses woodworkers have turned to providing extraordinary customer service in order to lift their numbers up.
From custom woodworkers to large-scale production manufacturers, 31% OF WOOD 100 executive cite factor for their gasket recent success. Many respondents note that it takes everything from employee skills/dedication and increased productivity to a noteworthy marketing program to providing top-notch customer service. (See Success Factors chart, page 63.) "For our company it has actually been a combination of things that have contributed to our improved customers service," says Darren Hayward, vice president of RS Cabinet Doors Ltd.
(No.
46) of Saskatoon, Canada.
"We have long-term employees dedicated to company growth; an in-house design team working with scheduling software for improved delivery times; personal relationships with our customers and have recently purchased a number of machines." Many companies state that they try to offer customers more options and allow customers to get a first-hand look at products. Evan Kruger, owner of SolidTops (No. 30) of Easton, MD, says, "We built a showroom to showcase our products.
This has allowed us to do more retail business with customers and now 40% of our business is done in retail." According to Michael Cohan, owner of Construction Service Associates (No. 42), San Diego, CA, "With our continued machinery upgrades, we are able to provide high quality custom products to gasket our clients while maintaining the short lead times that they require.
" Productivity Increases In the recent survey, manufacturers returned positive responses for profit margins with 54% of companies saying their profit margins, are "higher" to "significantly higher" than three years ago. It probably comes as no surprise then that 23% of companies cite increased productivity as a leading factor to their success as a result of lean practices and additional machinery. (See Success Factors chart, page 63.) "We have invested in new technology to increase our productivity per man hour and reduce our wood waste," says Dennis McCahan, president of Appalachian Wood Products (No.
71), Clearfield, PA.
He continues, "In today's global economy you must offer a superior product with the shortest lead time at the best possible price. To accomplish that you must constantly improve quality control, increase productivity and continually increase employee skills." Other companies say they updated equipment or software to become more competitive and increased efficiency.
While a few remaining companies believe tweaking shop efficiency has been the key to increased productivity. Working with the Code WOOD 100 company executives believe their work with customers rubber and efforts to continue increasing productivity will help carry them through the gloom of the recessed economy. Eighty-four percent of company executives say 2003 will exceed 2002.
Looking ahead further, companies remain optimistic about 2004 sales. Thirty-seven percent predict next year will be their "Best Ever." Another 55% predict it will be "Good." No one predicted a "Poor" or "Terrible" year.
(See Sales Expectations chart, page 66.
) "If the economy does not improve, we, like many other companies, will have to look into new markets," says the owner of a Maine-based manufacturer. The vice president of a Georgia-based manufacturer shares the same belief with many companies, "We will down-size if required to adjust to the economy. We will continue to attempt to increase productivity by having the latest technology, eliminate unnecessary overhead and cut profit margins on a short-term basis to maintain volume.
" Some companies turn to the old-fashioned "pray for wisdom" approach. While a general manager of a Tennessee millwork and cabinet company states what many may feel, "All I can say to how we are addressing our top concerns is: 'Live with it.'" Acknowledgements Bernadette Freund and Susan Lorimor authored this report.
Rich Christianson, Karen Koenig and Jennifer Gazdziak helped edit it. Jill Smith and Blanca Hernandez assisted in soliciting information upon which this report is based. RELATED ARTICLE: Diversification grows a company.
A year a half after Rafael and Amal Bernal acquired Distinctive Creations, a high-end cabinet and furniture manufacturing shop in Utah, floor space and revenues have doubled. It is no wonder it is No. 1 in the 2003 WOOD 100. How does it feel to reach the top spot? "Its great to hear! rubber That's exciting." Says Rafael Bernal from inside the 40,000 square-foot shop.
Bernal and his wife moved into the building in 2001, armed with confidence and three mortgages. They had started Changes by Design, also a custom cabinetry and furniture manufacturer. in their garage in 2002. But when Amal landed the business of a large contractor, the Bernals knew they had to find a building for production.
"The stipulation (of the contractor) was I get a factory," Rafael Bernal says with a laugh. "We started looking to acquire a small shop and mix equipment." The couple found and bought a building that was in foreclosure.
They also acquired Distinctive Creations, which is now a 28-year-old business. A name change and an expanded product line later, the Bernals are on top. They went from a small cabinetry and furniture shop to a larger one that also makes dining room tables and chairs, entertainment centers, occasional tables and entry doors.
"We're king of a one-stop shop for contractors," says Rafael Bernal." We started making (entry) doors in the last four months. We've made 150 of them now. We had to diversify when the war came on.
Diversification is what helped us weather the economy." The Bernals began with about $300,000 worth of equipment. The converyorized system, three glue applicators, 13 shapers for doors, plus moulders, radial arm saws, an edgebander and a horizontal panel saw help the Bernals meet a demanding program schedule.
"We have been able to marry the machinery, and skilled craftsmanship with high volume, just-in-time manufacturing processes," Amal Bernal says. Now Rafael Bernal oversees manufacturing and money collection, and his wife does the business plan. They both help with marketing and a sales team.
"You have to have a sales-driven company," Rafael Bernal says. He says there were tough times that came when building the company. "The were some times we looked at exit plans.
" But they never gave up.
The Bernals moved to Utah shortly before they bought Distinctive Creations. They had lived in California, where Rafael was vice president of operations and production at Martin Furniture. He draws on those 20 years of experience to drive on his own business.
"I made it work for two other companies, so why wouldn't it work (for me)?" Now, the Bernals have a catalog for their furniture, which goes out to retail stores, and will soon have a Web site to market their cabinets. --Susan Lorimor RELATED ARTICLE: Wood 100 facts & figures. * Fifty-four companies this year say they consider themselves "custom.
" Thirty-f bur companies considered their business to fit the "production" category. Another 12 companies place themselves under the "semi-custom" category. * Texas and Wisconsin are each home to 10 WOOD 100 companies, followed by Minnesota with 8 and California with 6.
Canada also has 6 companies in the report. * Exactly half of the companies in the WOOD 100 this year were new to the report. Comparatively, in 2002 there were 40 companies that could claim a first appearance in the report.
Only nine of last year's 40 new companies are in the 2003 WOOD 100. * Based on 2002 sales, 18 companies fall in the over $15 million range; 23 companies come in at the $5 million to $15 million range; 23 companies posted $2.5 million to $5 million; 19 companies were at $1 million to $2.
5 million; and 17 were under $1 million.
RELATED ARTICLE: The 2004 Wood 100.
The 15th Annual WOOD 100 report of fast-growing wood products companies will be published in September 2004. For information on participating, contact Rich Christianson, W&WP editorial director, at (847) 634-4347, ext. 652; rchristianson@vancepublishing.com. Or circle #400 on the Reader's Service Card.
Editor's Note: Log onto www.
iswonline.
com for more WOOD 100 coverage, including hyperlinks to WOOD 100 company Web sites and archives of the WOOD 100 reports from 1996 to 2002. 1 DISTINCTIVE CREATIONS West Valley, UT '01: $362,000 '02: $984,000 Sales '02: +171.8% Projected '03: +25% Est. 2000 Employees: 18 Manufacturer of solid wood furniture, cabinetry and casegoods Although Distinctive Creations has only begun as a company, with a 171% increase from 2001 to 2002 and a 430% increase since 2000, the company's first, appearance is a large step forward.
Distinctive Creations got its start in owner, Amal Bernal's garage. Bernal says, "In 2002 we acquired a 27-year-old custom furniture company which was about to go out of business." Bernal says the company then combined its cabinetry division into the same building, which now holds more than 100 machines.
The key to Distinctive Creations entering the WOOD 100 placed at No. 1 has come from "the marriage of machinery and skilled craftsmanship with high volume, just-in-time manufacturing processes," Bernal says. 2 SINGLETREE WOODWORKING Cutchoge, NY '01: $235,000 '02: $600,000 Sales '02: +155.
3% Projected '03: +15% Est.
1998 Employees: 8 Kitchen and bath, custom cabinetry, screen doors, screen porch panels and miscellaneous custom woodworking As a newcomer to the WOOD 100, Singletree Woodworking has reached success through a somewhat diversified product range. The company's business consists of 75% custom kitchen and bath cabinetry, 15% custom screen doors and panels for screen porches and 10% miscellaneous custom projects. It's not surprising then that Richard Reinhardt, president, says, "Customer service has been important to our company's success because it helps us evaluate how we're doing with our different customer bases.
" The company recently added an Altendorf F45 sliding table saw to its shop. 3 EA FISHER ARCHITECTURAL WOODWORK LTD. Burnaby, BC, Canada '01: $2,000,000(Can) '02: $4,000,000(Can) Sales '02: +100.
0% Projected '03: +5% Est.
1991 Employees: 25 Architectural millwork Bill Harbord, senior project manager, credits EA Fisher Architectural Woodwork's first appearance in the WOOD 100 to a number of factors. "We have a commitment to training and technology. However, no one element comes to mind to explain our success.
It's most likely, a combination of committment to service and finding the right blend of tradespeople in the shop," Harbord says. The company has added a Biesse Rover 27 to help increase shop production, but Harbord says the philosophy at the company "is to create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to learn something new everyday from the boss to the apprentice." 4 OLD WORLD KITCHENS AND CUSTOM CABINETS LTD.
Chilliwack, BC, Canada '01: $1,068,000(Can) '02: $2,042,000(Can) Sales '02: +91.2% Projected '03: +50% Est. 1999 Employees: 20 Residential custom cabinetry In addition to being a new company in this year's report, Old World Kitchens and Custom Cabinets has seen a significant increase in its productivity and a 90% increase in sales. Edwin Isaak, president, says increased productivity was inevitable because the company has added several machines in the last couple of years.
It installed a dust collection system, CNC router, edgebander, panel saw and a 37-inch widebelt sander. The company also manufactures a diversified range of products for the home such as vanities, wall units, bars, home theaters, desks and kitchen cabinets. 5 SIEWERT CABINET & FIXTURE MFG. Minneapolis, MN '01: $2,787,000 '02: $5,243,000 Sales '02: +88.
1% Projected '03: [less than or equal to] 0% Est. 1965 Employees: 32 Commercial store fixtures, casework and architectural millwork After last appearing in the WOOD 100 in 1999 at No. 10, Siewert Cabinet & Fixture returns triumphantly at No.
5.
The company has realized a nearly $2.
5 million increase in sales for a four-year growth of 90%. While Siewert Cabinet has seen production increase with its addition of a new beam saw and point-to-point machine, Rick Siewert, president, credits his employees and leaner practices for the company's success. "We really owe our success to our group of high-skilled employees that we acquired from a company that went out of business.
We have also tried to cut some costs by running leaner in these lean times." 6 WOOD TECH INDUSTRIES Pulaski, WI '01: $279,000 '02: $519,000 Sales '02: +86.0% Projected '03: +30% Est. 1997 Employees: 11 Cabinet doors, drawer heads and apartment doors With only seven full-time and four part-time employees, Wood Tech Industries has placed at No.
6 for its first appearance in the WOOD 100 Report. Patrick Staszak, owner, says the addition of new machinery such as a Voorwood Shape n' Sand, Cemco multihead sander and three power fed shapers, as well as a move into a new facility, have contributed to the company's success. However, quality control improvements have been the main contributing factor to its success.
"Ninety percent of our new customers in the past two years have come via 'word-of-mouth' advertising from current customers. This tells me that we are doing something right in the quality aspect of our products," Staszak says. The company will be looking at different avenues to market its products in the next year.
7 NORTH FORTY FINE FURNITURE Regina, SK, Canada '01: $190,000 (Can.) '02: $331,000 (Can.) Sales '02: +74.2% Projected '03: +400% Est. 1998 Employees: 8 Commercial and residential furniture, commercial casegoods and mouldings Roly Thibault credits two major factors for North Forty Fine Furniture's first appearance in the WOOD 100. "We have an extremely dedicated workforce who believe that we can and do put out a top quality product.
That coupled with some much better equipment has enabled us to grow like we never thought possible." The company has added updated edgebanders, software and moulders. Thibault believes the combination of machinery and workforce dedication has also led to shorter lead times.
"We are tooled to the nines in comparison to most shops, which helps us with turnaround times and diversity. It's not uncommon for us to have a three-week deadline for 40 or 50 desks." 8 CLASSIC MILLWORK & PRODUCTS INC. El Paso, TX '01: $891,000 '02: $1,542,000 Sales '02: +73.
1% Projected '03: +5% Est.
1988 Employees: 25 Commercial cabinetry, plastic laminate and solid surface fabrication Classic Millwork & Products has climbed up hill to enter the WOOD 100. The company has fought back from a decrease of nearly $200,000 from 2000 to 2001 to a new sales high of $1,542,000. Bruce Spitz, president, says the company has incorporated several factors to boost customer service.
"By striving to service our customers better, we have incorporated quality control, employee skills, reduced delivery times and increased productivity into our operation in order to be successful at customer service." The company has seen higher profit margins in the last three years and has added a Busellato Jet CNC router, an SCMI panel saw and a dowel inserter to its machinery arsenal. 8 GLENN RIEDER INC. Milwaukee, WI '01: $6,342,000 '02: $10,900,000 Sales '02: +71.
9% Projected '03: + [less than or equal to] 0% Est. 1965 Employees: 60 Architectural millwork and interior elements such as stone, marble, glass and fabric wall panels Michael Floyd, CEO, believes Glenn Rieder got its extra sales boost and push into the WOOD 100 from project diversification. The company has expanded into the sports and entertainment markets as well as themed restaurants.
"We did the renovations of Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI, which was a multimillion-dollar project. We also provided millwork for Curly's Pub at Lambeau Field and to five restaurants and a VIP club at the billion-dollar Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ." The company has added a Bussellato 7000XL CNC machining center, a contour edgebander, a Cehisa 350PC edgebander, Kremlin finishing air guns, a 25 inch planer, a horizontal resaw and a radius multi-moulder.
10 WOODLAND CABINETRY INC.
Vinton, IA '01: $241,000 '02: $402,000 Sales '02: +66.8% Projected '03: +15% Est. 1997 Employees: 4 Residential, kitchen and bath cabinetry, built-ins, architectural moulding With just four employees, Woodland Cabinetry has managed to nearly triple its sales in the last three years to enter the WOOD 100. The company has also greatly increased its productivity.
Mitch Madorin, president, points out that the company has added a considerable amount of machinery to facilitate this. "With our new building and expanded machinery we are capable of more work and faster production. We are even looking to add another 3,000 square feet to our new 6,000-square-foot facility.
" The company has incorporated a Bridgewood 767 moulder, a Diehl SL52 ripsaw, an SCMI B4L edgebander, a Golden West semi-downdraft spray booth, KCDw software, a Kreg DK Pro pocket cutter and a Sternvent 15-hp dust collector into its production. 11 WOODWORK SOLUTIONS INC. Lake Worth, FL '01: $968,000 '02: $1,600,000 Sales '02: +65.3% Projected '03: +10% Est. 2000 Employees: 15 Architectural millwork Matt Jansen, president, gives the thumbs up to his employees skills and dedication for his company's success and first year in the WOOD 100.
Since its first year, 2000, Woodwork Solutions has managed to increase sales from $448,000 to $1,600,000. The company has found the addition of a CNC machining center, veneering equipment and moulder helpful for its operation. However, "It's our employees' skills and dedication to excellence that has allowed us to get projects such as architectural millwork for custom tenant fit outs and country clubs," Jansen says, 12 EUROPEAN DESIGN Glasgow, KY '01: $1,408,000 '02: $2,286,000 Sales '02: +62.
4% Projected '03: +24% Est.
1968 Employees: 32 Dental furniture and cabinets European Design will gain additional market recognition this year now that it is appearing in the WOOD 100 for the first time. John Brinkerhoff credits the company's success to "changing our sales representation to a well-known dental marketing team. This is a move that has established many new customers for us nationally.
" The company has also set up a new manufacturing structure. "We have adopted nested manufacturing by using two CNC routers, a CNC dowel insertion machine and two Brandt edgebanders. We also have added two full-time programmers, who use Cabinet Vision software, to our group of employees," Brinkerhoff says.
13 GOEBEL FIXTURE CO.
Hutchinson, MN '01: $18,642,000 '02: $30,120,000 Sales '02: +61.6% Projected '03: + [less than or equal to] 0% Est. 1935 Employees: 154 Retail interiors and store fixtures Returning after a one-year hiatus, Goebel Fixture has come back strong.
The company saw a dip from 2000 to 2001, but 2002 sales were up more than $10 million from 2001. The company has introduced two Bussellato Jet point-to-point machining centers, a Holzma panel saw, a Weinig moulder and a Holz-Her Triathalon edgebander to its operations. Robert Croatt, president, says customer service has opened up new business for the company.
"An increase in our customer awareness and service has enabled us to separate ourselves from our competition within our current markets and allowed us to grow our business." Goebel hopes to integrate more lean manufacturing practices in the next year. 14 FAYETTE CUSTOM MILLWORK Fayetteville, GA '01: $1,180,000 '02: $1,895,000 Sales '02: +60.
6% Projected '03: +20% Est.
1993 Employees: 15 Commercial casework and millwork, solid surface fabrication, architectural panels and plastic laminate The marketing program at Fayette Custom Millwork led to the company's successful year and appearance in the WOOD 100. Matt Williams, vice president, says the company has been able to reach out to new customers, "We have added employees with specific expertise in selected areas, This has allowed us to market to a broader range of clients including exhibit houses, general contractors, owners and other millwork/casework manufacturers." The company's growth has been limited in the past by its production facilities, but it moved into a larger facility in June.
It also added all edgebander, vertical panel saw and moulder. 15 WOOD HOLLOW CABINETS INC. Dalton, GA '01: $2,460,000 '02: $3,870,000 Sales '02: +57.3% Projected '03: +20% Est. 1989 Employees: 65 Kitchen and bath cabinetry, entertainment centers and wall units As a new company among many in the WOOD 100 this year, Wood Hollow Cabinets is unique in its specific approach toward its customer service efforts.
Jennifer Harris says, "We provide a superior product with reasonable pricing for each and every client. We develop our client base through word of mouth, so it is important that our sales and design staff give the most toward customer service. We have a computer design staff to help any client design their project to best suit their needs in beauty and functionality.
At the end of the cabinet installation we provide continuing support." The company has added an SCMI Sigma beam saw, an SCMI Tech 99 point-to-point machine, a Midwest countertop saw, a Tigerstop, a Whirlwind upcut saw and a Shaw Almex membrane press. 16 ARTISTIC STAIRS INC. Mokena, IL '01: $1,846,000 '02: $2,895,000 Sales '02: +56.
8% Projected '03: +24% Est.
Employees: 31 Staircarse manufacturing and installation Upon its entrance this year into the WOOD 100, Jeff Steiger, president, points out that the company has purchased a large number of machines in the last two years including a CNC router, a CNC lathe, a Hapfo lathe, a planer/sander, an automated clamp carrier, a waste grinder, an automated kerf saw and an exterior dust collector. But, to him, the employees are the ones who gets it done. "Without question, all of the greatest machinery in the world means nothing without intelligent, dedicated people to operate it.
In our case, the forethought and programming are key. Our installers are also the best in the Chicago area. It just comes down to pure dedication, joinery skills and a love for the craft of stairbuilding.
" 17 PREMIER EUROCASE INC.
Denver, CO '01: $4,600,000 '02: $7,200,000 Sales '02: +56.5% Projected '03: +35% Est. 1987 Employees: 45 Retail fixtures, restaurant fixtures and gaming/casino fixtures Increased productively has allowed Premier Eurocase to step into the WOOD 100 for the first time. Andy Wilzoch, president and owner, says the company has added more Homag edgebanders, Weeke machining centers and a Human BOF router.
(See W&WP July 2003) "New equipment has allowed us to grow with our customer base. We offer a very high level of customer service. The equipment was imperative to maintaining a high level throughput to keep up with our accounts.
" The company uses this strategy to keep an edge over its competition as well. Wilzoch expects the company to reach nearly $10 million in sales this year. 18 DUDLEY CABINETS INC. Dudley, GA '01: $1,512,000 '02: $2,335,000 Sales '02: +54.
4% Projected '03: +10% Est.
2000 Employees: 35 Manufacture institutional cabinetry and countertops As a fresh, new face to the WOOD 100, Burt Evans, president, credits several factors for the company's success. He believes success would not have come for the company if it was not for customer service, employee skills and dedication and increased productivity. The company purchased a widebelt sander, a planer, a Fladder sander, a notcher, a double-end shaper and a glue-up reel.
Evans says the company has been able to "cut costs while continuing to give great customer service and timely deliveries in addition to excellent products." The company predicts that 2004 will be good as we]l. 19 DESIGN INPLACE INC. La Jolla, CA '01: $766,000 '02: $1,163,000 Sales '02: +51.
8% Projected '03: +20% Est.
2000 Employees: 10 Kitchen and bath cabinetry, architectural millwork and prefinished cabinetry Alison Dorvilliere, owner, says Design Inplace has been successful lit a couple of areas in order to enter the WOOD 100 for the first time. The company has stepped up its customer service efforts. Dorvilliere says, "Customer satisfaction has led to referrals for new projects.
We have also made it a point to gain additional projects it customers' homes." The company has added a spray finishing booth and finishing equipment, a Kundig sander and CabinetVision software. It will continue to search out business and increase networking in the kitchen and bath industry.
20 REBORN CABINETS INC.
Anaheim, CA '01: $5,088,000 '02: $7,664,000 Sales '02: +50.6% Projected '03: +5% Est. 1983 Employees: 70 Kitchen and bath cabinet remodeling, wall units and entertainment centers Reborn Cabinets has reentered the WOOD 100 for its second appearance. The company has come very close to its projected growth of 55% for 2001 to 2002.
Vince Nardo, vice president, says the company recently moved from a 12,000 square foot building to a 40,000-square-foot facility, it has also invested in a new flatline finishing system, 60-hp baghouse, a Kaeser air compressor and a 9,500-square-foot showroom. Nardo says customer service also played a major role. "We assign each customer his own personel representative to handle his questions in addition to their salesperson.
We encourage each customer to tour our production offices and production area. We want our customers completely involved in the process of remodelling." 21 MIDSTATE CUSTOM CABINETRY & WOODWORKS INC.
Foley, MN '01: $1,808,000 '02: $2,686,000 Sales '02: +48.6% Projected '03: +5% Est. 1986 Employees: 26 Residential cabinetry and commercial casework Midstate Custom Cabinetry & Woodworks has joined the WOOD 100 for the first time by its employees skills and dedication. Nicole Nelson, business manager, says excellence in every business area comes from employees' service.
"The skill level and dedication of our employees is the main ingredient to our customer service, marketing, quality of craftsmanship, development, delivery and increased productivity." The company recently expanded its plant and added several machines to increase its efficiency in the last two years including a Komo CNC router, an edgebander, a Midwest Automation saw and a dowel insertion machine. 22 SHOWPLACE WOOD PRODUCTS Harrisburg, SD '01: $13,885,000 '02: $20,596,000 Sales '02: +48.
3% Projected '03: +30% Est.
1999 Employees: 253 Kitchen and bath cabinetry for either construction or remodeling Showplace Wood Products enters the WOOD 100 with a solid record of growth over the last four years. Scott Korsten, director of marketing services, says the company has seen expansion both in the number of employees and in manufacturing space. "We increased the size of our manufacturing facility to allow for the addition of a third paint/glaze line and a third assembly line.
" The company increased from a 70,000-square-foot facility in 1999 to 133,000 square feet. In 2000, the company finished the year with 49 employees; it ended 2001 with 125 employees and 2002 with 195 employees. "We formed a company comprised of owners/managers with tremendous industry experience, but we also have a group of employees who are committed to fulfilling our customers' expectations," Korsten says.
23 PATRON CABINET DOORS INC.
Austin, TX '01: $1,799,000 '02: $2,640,000 Sales '02: +46.8% Projected '03: + [less than or equal to] 0% Est. 1994 Employees: 32 Made-to-order cabinet doors and mouldings For its fourth consecutive appearance, Patton Cabinet Doors has grown its sales from $864,000 to its current $2,640,000, which is an increase of 205%.
David Patton, president, credits the company's success to not just increased productivity, but specifically to investments in new machinery. The company has purchased an SCMI Superset moulder, a DMC orbital sander and a Ballestrini shaper in the last couple of years. The company hopes to keep growing by "reducing materials and production costs and aggressively selling in new areas and markets," Patton says.
The company has also steadily increased its number of employees which stood at 19 in 2000 and is now at 32. 24 CENTORBI CUSTOM CABINETRY St. Charles, MO '01: $458,000 '02: $657,000 Sales '02: +43.4% Projected '03: +50% Est. 1995 Employees: 11 Kitchen cabinetry, entertainment centers, bookcases, bars and libraries Consistent work toward increasing productivity is what has brought Centorbi Custom Cabinetry back for its fourth consecutive WOOD 100 appearance.
The company has grown by 20% or more each year that it has appeared in the report and has grown from sales of $212,000. Derek Centorbi, president, says, "Once again the factor that has helped us grow is investments in machinery versus manpower. These two elements have allowed us to make a huge turnaround in production quality and volumes.
" The company recently added a Weeke CNC machining center, a Uhling case clamp and a Buffering widebelt sander. 25 DIMENSION MILLWORKS INC. San Antonio, TX '01: $1,693,000 '02: $2,367,000 Sales '02: +41.0% Projected '03: +10% Est. 1979 Employees: 35 Millwork, furniture, doors, jambs and windows After a four-year hiatus, Dimension Millworks has returned with stronger sales.
The company saw a dip from 2000 to 2001, but Connie Saavedra, general manager, says that 2004 will be the company's best ever. The company has encouraged increased productivity by adding machines such as a Streibig vertical panel saw, an RFS door press, a machining center and a 52-inch Kundig Triplex sander. Saavedra says the company has really it hard on the marketing front.
"Since January of 2000, we have updated our advertisements, created a custom catalog brochure leaflet, advertised in Fine Homebuilding and responded in a timely manner to all catalog requests." 26 KOK'S WOODGOODS INC. Zeeland, MI '01: $7,170,000 '02: $10,104,000 Sales '02: +40.9% Projected '03: +20% Est. 1983 Employees: 80 Retail millwork, boards and mouldings, kitchen and bath components and mouldings Kok's Woodgoods has exceeded its expectations for its second consecutive year in the WOOD 100.
The company nearly doubled sales front $5,500,000 in 2000 to $10.1 million in 2002. Carl Kok says there is no single factor that can be pinned for the company's success. "Without any exception, it has taken a number of things for the company to remain successful.
We have gotten better at customer service. We have also cross trained our employees which led to increased productivity. With improved customer service, customers started asking us what else we could do for them, which led to now product development.
Lastly, we inventoried parts for just-in-time delivery, which led to reduced delivery times." 27 KIESLER ENTERPRISES Glendale, AZ '01: $4,023,000 '02: $5,569,000 Sales '02: +38.4% Projected '03: N/A Est. 1986 Employees: 62 Cabinetry, millwork, closets and furniture Kiesler Enterprises has seen steady growth over the last two years and enters the WOOD 100 on strong footing this year.
The company has added a Weinig moulder, Tigerstops for its cutoff saws and a Holzma edgebander. Gary Kiesler, CEO, says its customer service that has really made a difference. "Customer service has definitely been our number one key to success.
It is the hardest thing to achieve, but a high level of service is what our customers demand, expect and deserve." Kiesler adds that he looks forward to 2004 being the company's best ever. 28 FROHBOSE & BEERS WOODWORKING INC. Miami, FL '01: $1,669,000 '02: $2,300,000 Sales '02: +37.
8% Projected '03: +5% Est.
1980 Employees: 20 Residential and commercial millwork, cabinetry and furniture Frohbose & Beers Woodworking has restructured and added new equipment to increase productivity and to boost itself into the WOOD 100. Randy Beers, president, points out that the company has invested in a Holz-Her beam saw, a Holz Her edgebander, a Holz-Her electronic platen sander, a Kundig 52-inch sander, a glue spreader, a Joos 5-foot by 10-foot hot press and Pytha drafting, cutlist and presentation software. Beers says the company has "altered our shop floor plan for better flow, improved our machinery, purchased better software for drafting, improved lighting and ventilation, sold off our moulding department, improved our panel processing and now we outsource our mouldings" all to increase productivity.
29 TIMBERLANE WOODCRAFTERS INC.
North Wales, PA '01: $4,641,000 '02: $6,281,000 Sales '02: +35.3% Projected '03: +35% Est. 1995 Employees: 55 Interior and exterior wood shutters and shutter hardware For the second consecutive year, Timberlane Woodcrafters has improved its sales figures more than 30% above the year before. Darren Meehan, marketing coordinator, cites various keys to success.
The company has invested in a strapping machine. It has "ramped up" its sales and marketing to ensure a higher level of customer service in the best markets. However, Meehan says he believes that the company's employees are what open and seal deals.
"Our employees have a clear picture of what is needed to succeed in terms of working extra when the backlog dictates and keeping hours consistent when necessary. When we experience periods of explosive growth, our team demonstrates the work ethic, that defines a successful company." 30 SOLIDTOPS LLC Easton, MD "01: $1,900,000 '02: $2,532,000 Sales '02: +33.
3% Projected '03: +60% Est.
1997 Employees: 15 Countertops and solid surface For the fourth time SolidTops has made an impressive showing in the WOOD 100 with more than 30% growth. Evan Kruger, owner, says the company's success stems from customer service. "We have built a showroom to showcase our products, which helps us better serve our customers.
Forty percent of our business is now retail and our margins are better on our retail sales." The company has added a Multicam CNC router, a Streibig panel saw and a Sasso Meccanica polishing line. Kruger hopes that the company can maintain its reputation for product quality well into the future.
31 MADSEN FIXTURE & MILLWORK INC.
Forest Lake, MN '01: $3,172,000 '02: $4,219,000 Sales '02: +33.0% Projected '03: +20% Est. 1998 Employees: 46 Store fixtures, industrial and educational cabinetry Returning for its fourth consecutive appearance, Madsen Fixture has moved up from No. 98 last year and exceeded projected growth of 9% to hit the 33% mark.
Jason Eveland, owner, says the answer for producing repeated successful years remains attention to customer service. "We have always been a customer service business and we always will be." The company has recently added two Weeke CNC routers and a Holzma beam saw.
Eveland expects the company's success to continue with next year bringing more good numbers. 32 TRUETREE Lewisville, TX '01: $534,000 '02: $708,000 Sales '02: +32.6% Projected '03: +20% Est. 1986 Employees: 6 Millwork and casework Truetree was formerly known as Eurotech Cabinets and last appeared in the WOOD 100 in 1990.
The company has grown steadily over the years from $342,000 back in 1989. According to Neil Seidner, owner, it has added an Altendorf Elmo Saw, a Biesse Rover, an Evans Machinery core shaper and feedthrough postformer, and a vacuum press table over the last two years. Seidner says that despite the addition of these machines, it's the employees that make it happen.
"The participation of company personnel on the new equipment is a synergy and not a one to a station enterprise. In addition, we are known as an organization that produces what others will not." 33 LEGACY CABINETS INC. Eastaboga, AL '01: $39,110,000 '02: $51,724,000 Sales '02: +32.
3% Projected '03: +15% Est.
1994 Employees: 369 Kitchen, and bath cabinets Legacy Cabinets hits lucky number seven for consecutive appearances in the WOOD 100. The company even obtained its goal of at least 30% growth last year. In addition, it has grown by 40% since 2000 despite the sagging economy.
Rodney Suggs, president, says all of this continued success comes from consistent, quality customer service. "We, as a company, are always striving to maintain a sort of partnership relationship with customers as well as suppliers." The company has added a CNC dovetail machine, a Homag edgebander and a Koch doweling system to its machinery line-up.
Suggs expects 2004 to be another good year for the company. 34 CHRIS FISCHER PRODUCTIONS Phoenix, AZ '01: $9,596,000 '02: $12,579,000 Sales '02: +31.1% Projected'03: +7% Est. 1976 Employees: 97 Architectural millwork and store fixtures Chris Fischer Productions returns triumphantly after last appearing in the WOOD 100 in 1994.
Since 1992 it has grown from $2,766,000 in sales to more than $12.5 million, which is an increase of 355%. The company attributes its success to one major factor, increased productivity. Lynn Wagner, vice president of marketing and sales, says the company has added bar coding software and two CNC machining centers.
"Our company has really made an effort to greatly improve our production management and our engineering systems." 35 BABSON & COMPANY Blue Hill, ME '01: $470,000 '02: $612,000 Sales '02: +30.2% Projected '03: + [less than or equal to] 0% Est.
1976 Employees: 6 Residential and commercial casework, furniture and architectural millwork and solid surface To produce a wide variety of products, Babson & Company believes it is key to keep its operations a precise as possible. In its second appearance in the WOOD 100, Larry Babson, owner, says increased productivity keeps ins business growing. "We are on our third year with our CNC router and it is still providing new sources of income, higher production and impeccable quality.
In relation, our overall shop efficiency has been tweaked to coincide with our computer controlled equipment." The company hopes to continue its consistent growth trend into the next year. 36 ALMEGA WOOD WORKS CORP. Hudson, MI '01: $319,000 '02: $411,000 Sales '02: +28.
840% Projected '03: +25% Est.
1996 Employees: 6 Cabinetry "Being able to produce whatever for a customer" is what has allowed Almega Wood Works to return to the WOOD 100 for a second time, according to Scott Mesnard, president. The company focuses a great, amount of energy on relationships with its customers. "We provide what our customers want in a timely manner, which has enabled us to grow.
If and when we have a rots-step or error, immediate correction has been our response. All of this has had a positive effect on our relationships with our customer base." 37 SIGNATURE CUSTOM CABINETRY INC. Ephrata PA '01: $10,202,000 '02: $13,144,000 Sales '02: +28.
837% Projected '03: +15% Est.
1989 Employees: 120 Kitchen and bath cabinetry, home theatre, library and office For the third consecutive time, Signature Custom Cabinetry has made a good showing in the WOOD 100. The company has nearly doubled its 1999 sales of $5,712,000 and has added a few more employees. Kent Martin, president and CEO, says it is, in fact, the employees who make all the difference in whether the company is successful or not.
"In our business, a skilled workforce is essential to accurate execution of orders, which is our number one priority. Without our skilled and dedicated associates, this would be impossible to achieve." Martin thinks that 2004 will be the company's best ever.
38 RIVERSIDE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES INC. Cincinnati, OH '01: $2,700,000 '02: $3,446,000 Sales '02: +27.0% Projected '03: +10% Est. 1993 Employees: 40 Architectural millwork Robert Krejci, president and treasurer, credits Riverside's dedicated and skilled employees for the company's first appearance in the WOOD 100 report.
According to Krejci, Riverside has many employees who have worked at the company since its beginning and the company has had low turnover. "The level of expertise of the people we have on hoard has been a huge asset to the company. As we grow and hire new employees, the existing employees show the new employees the ropes.
They share the 'quality-mindedness' the company endorses and everyone is allowed to provide input on how to get the best job done." The company has added a Northwood CNC router and an SCMI edgebander to its operations. 39 PROVIDENCE CABINET INC. Clarksville, TN '01: $1,650,000 '02: $2,100,000 Sales '02: +27.
3% Projected '03: [less than or equal to] 0% Est. n/a Employees: 30 Commercial casework and architectural millwork Barth Barnhart, president, believes Providence Cabinet's dedication to a high level of customer service is what has propelled the company into its first WOOD 100 appearance. The company's figures remained fairly stable or consistent from 2000 to 2001, but in 2002 the company saw a nudge past the $2 million mark.
Barnhart says the company hopes to further reach out to its customers by "continuing to intensify our direct marketing and sales efforts." Barnhart believes 2004 will be another good year for the company. 40 BURROWS MANUFACTURING Round Rock, TX "01: $4,224,000 '02: $5,372,000 Sales '02: +27.
2% Projected '03: +50% Est.
1981 Employees: 75 Unfinished and pre-finished cabinetry For its first appearance in the WOOD 100, Burrows Mfg. has found that its new product development was the big factor for its success. David Collier, vice president of finance, says, "We developed a new semi-custom, pre-finished cabinet for high-end production home builders in central Texas.
This new product opened up new high-volume segments of the market." The company has recently added some CNC equipment and hopes to continue its success through efficient production and throughput. Collier believes the future will continue to be bright for the company with 2004 being the company's best ever with an approximate 50% growth.
41 WISCONSIN BUILT INC.
Deerfield, WI '01: $11,744,000 '02: $14,847,900 Sales '02: +26.4% Projected '03: +20% Est. 1988 Employees: 74 Wood and plastic laminate store and restaurant fixtures, institutional fixtures After a one-year hiatus, Wisconsin Built is back for its eighth WOOD 100 appearance. The company saw a slight decrease from 2000 to 2001, but it was back strong in 2002 with better than 25% growth.
Jeff Ball, president, says it has all stemmed from the way the company handles its customers. "Our customer service is what sells the product to our existing customers. We have a large store chain that shops its products out to other wood-working companies every two years.
The chain decided to go with another company for a short period. The other company did not do a good job on the customer service end, so I'm happy to say it, was our customer service that brought the store chain back to us." 42 CONSTRUCTION SERVICE ASSOCIATES San Diego, CA '01: $420,000 '02: $530,000 Sales '02: +26.
2% Projected '03: +10% Est.
1988 Employees: 4 Custom medical and dental cabinetry For its third consecutive appearance in the WOOD 100, Construction Service Associates has more than doubled its sales from 1999 of $240,000. Michael Cohen, owner, believes up-to-date machinery and customer service go hand-in-hand to facilitate success at the company. "With our continued machinery upgrades, we are able to provide high quality custom products to our medical and dental clients while maintaining the extremely short lead times that they require.
" The company has recently added a Holz-Her 315 CNC point-to-point boring machine, an SCMI Sigma 90C computerized horizontal panel saw and a Brandt KD66 Optimat edgebander. 43 CLOSET FACTORY Waldorf, MD '01: $2,270,000 '02: $2,844,000 Sales '02: +25.3% Projected '03: +19% Est. 1996 Employees: 37 Residential and commercial closet storage units, office cabinets and countertops and other custom storage units For its first appearance in the WOOD 100, Dennis Stotlemyer, vice president, contributes the company's success to increased productivity.
The company has invested in a Holzma HPP81 beam saw, a Homag SE-9500S2 edgebander and 20/20 software linked with Stiles BuildRite software. "We have increased our sales volume every year since our inception and have great expectations for the foreseeable future. Our franchise territory is one of the best areas in the country and we are excited to be a part of the woodworking industry.
" Stotlemyer says 2004 will be one of the company's best ever. 44 BIRD-IN-HAND WOODWORKS INC. Lancaster, PA '01: $15,300,000 '02: $19,002,000 Sales '02: +24.2% Projected '03: +5% Est. 1972 Employees: 145 Early education market furniture For the fourth consecutive year, Bird-in-Hand Woodworks has made an impressive showing in the WOOD 100.
The company, featured as "America's Best" in Wood & Wood Products' August issue, has increased sales by 140% since 1998 and has consistently grown by at least 15% each year. Over the past year, David Hommel, vice president of manufacturing, says the company has reduced its delivery times. "Most schools purchase furniture during the summer months prior to opening.
Therefore, back orders and delivery delays can cause serious problems for our customers. We have initiated an 'In-Stock Guaranteed' on all of our furniture and equipment. Our customers are now able to receive their orders within days instead of weeks.
" 45 K & D WOODSTOCK Big Sandy, TX '01: $533,000 '02: $661,000 Sales '02: +24.0% Projected '03: +15% Est. 1983 Employees: 14 Custom kitchen, bath and commercial cabinets For its second consecutive appearance, K & D Woodwork has hit increasing productivity hard to keep its momentum David Burgin, co-owner, says, "We have been able to increase sales without a large increase in manpower or equipment. We have spent a lot of time fine-tuning each process.
Due to limited workspace a hold up at any one stage really hurts us so we watch productivity and efficiency closely." The company has added an edge and profile sander and has otherwise focused on adding onto its facility. Burgin believes 2004 will be another year of consistent growth for the company.
46 RS CABINET DOORS LTD.
Saskatoon, SK, Canada '01: $4,344,000 (Can) '02: $5,345,000(Can) Sales '02: +23,0% Projected '03: +10% Est. 1986 Employees: 55 Kitchen cabinet doors, drawer fronts and crown mouldings RS Cabinet Doors has grown by nearly $2 million since 2000 and for its second appearance. Darren Hayward, president, says, "A number of things have contributed to our improved customer service.
We have a few long-term employees that are dedicated to keeping the company growing and who constantly strive to improve our product quality." The company has an in-house, custom-designed scheduling program which has improved delivery times. According to Hayward, the company has a good relationship with all of its customers.
Lastly, its recent equipment purchases such as a Weinig Unimat moulder, a Heesemann multipurpose finish sander, a Taylor door assembly clamps and a Cantek multi-ripsaw, have all helped improve the company's productivity and product quality. 47 LANING CUSTOM DESIGN Racine, WI '01: $911,000 '02: $1,114,000 Sales '02: +22.3% Projected '03: +25% Est. 1968 Employees: 15 Wood substrates, CNC sheet goods, speaker enclosures and P-O-P displays The first appearance for Laning Custom Design in the WOOD 100 report comes from increased productivity.
Greg Langenfield, president, says the company and its workers have made the extra effort by producing when it counts. "We have tried to get additional work through minor machinery purchases and an in-house effort to increase productivity. We have been able to remain competitive and increase our sales because of these extra efforts.
" The company has invested in a 16-inch jointer, a 43-inch Rand Brite widebelt sander, an 8-inch horizontal oscillating edge sander, a Castle pocket machine and a Ritter face frame table. 48 COMMERCIAL CASEWORK Orange Park, FL '01: $5,624,000 '02: $6,961,000 Sales '02: +22.0% Projected '03: +20% Est. 1992 Employees: 67 Casework for educational market Commercial Casework has been working hard the last five years, and it has paid off with the company appearing for the first time in the WOOD 100.
According to Norman Kaweck, CFO, the company has just completed a five-year plan to expand its facility. "We've really been focusing on adding to our facility and adding whatever it takes to increase productivity. We have added CNC machinery, implemented a new operating/scheduling system, integrated our information systems (CAD)/CAM) and initiated a more focused and disciplined sales and marketing plan in keeping with manufacturing capabilities and specific engineering parameters.
" 49 ELIPTICON WOOD PRODUCTS INC.
Little Chute, WI '01: $1,208,000 '02: $1,471,000 Sales '02: +21.8% Projected '03: +20% Est. 1993 Employees: 16 Custom curved millwork, straight millwork and thin-cut wood For its fourth WOOD 100 appearance, Elipticon Wood Products has nearly doubled its 1998 sales of $741,000. The company has concentrated its efforts over the last year on reducing delivery times, John Wiley, president, says, "With our new equipment, we have both higher productivity and shorter, more accurate delivery schedules.
This better service coupled with our consistent product quality help us keep and develop our customer base. We are now able to bail out customers with emergency delivery in as short as two days. Consistent delivery with a two-week lead time helps our customers plan their product deliveries.
" The company has added a Weinig Gold moulder, a Weinig custom knife grinder, a custom-made curved millwork machine and a Wintersteiger slicing machine. 50 AUTUMN WOODWORKING INC. Vasson, MN '01: $212,000 '02: $258,000 Sales '02: +21.7% Projected '03: +11% Est. 1999 Employees: 2 Custom and commercial wood, plastic laminate, cabinets and cabinet doors Sixty-five percent of Autumn Woodworking's business comes from custom cabinetry in homes, 25% from schools and 10% front cabinet doors sold to local shops.
"We've tried to diversify our shop as much as possible," say Jim McGuire, owner and vice president. It has helped propel the company into the WOOD 100 for the first time. So has the company's purchases of a Brandt KD56 edgebander, a Butfering 43-inch two-head widebelt sander, a Northfield 212 upcut saw with a 12-foot Tigerstop, a Unique face frame clamp, a Diehl ESL-10 ripsaw and a Gillift cabinet lift.
"By purchasing equipment, we've taken care of a few bottlenecks in our workflow, made it safer and more productive, and reduced our delivery of lead times," McGuire says. 51 NORTHERN CONTOURS Fergus Falls, MN '01: $31,780,000 '02: $38,630,000 Sales '02: +21,6% Projected '03: 412% Est. 1992 Employees: 452 Membrane-pressed thermofoil cabinet doors, drawer fronts and accessories, components for contract furniture and store fixture industries and veneer insert panels Every year since 1995, Northern Contours has been in the WOOD 100.
The company continued its winning ways this year, and during the fiscal year 2002, its growth was evident with the addition of 112 employees. Michael Rone, president, attributes the success to "quality products, good service, increased capacity and listening to our customers' needs, which, has allowed us to explore new markets." Northern Contours has also added new membrane presses, a rear-loading panel saw, a CNC router and a widebelt sander with segmental platten.
Rone says that has helped his company come out on top. 52 OAKWOOD CLASSIC & CUSTOM WOODWORKS LTD. Rochester, NY '01: $2,702,000 '02: $3,271,000 Sales '02: +21.
1% Projected '03: [less than or equal to] 0% Est. 1990 Employees: 45 Hardwood doors, mouldings, panels and trim In the tough economy, Oakwood Classic & Custom Woodworks just missed its previously projected 2002 growth of 25%. It has added more than $500,000 of new machinery.
That includes a dust collector, a planer, shapers, a gang ripsaw, a door press, a wall clamp and a moulder. In December 2000, the plant moved from an 8,500-square-foot. building to a 30,000-square-foot one. Ann Yetter, chairperson and CEO, says the new facility and machinery "have increased capacity by 400% and improved productivity.
We car produce larger jobs in shorter lead times." 53 EASTLAND INDUSTRIES LTD. Minto, NB, Canada '01: $6,515,000(Can) '02: $7,869,000 (Can) Sales '02: +20.8% Projected '03: +2% Est. 1969 Employees: 65 Kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and post-formed countertops Returning to the WOOD 100 for the sixth time since its first appearance in 1995, Eastland Industries has bought new, integrated software and a 52-inch widebelt grated to make itself more competitive.
"We have purchased several new, large pieces of machinery that have improved our efficiency over the past three years," says Eric Dicarlo, vice president and general manager. He says increased productivity helped put the company ahead during 2002. 54 NAGELE MFG. CO. Brook Park, OH '01: $5,400,000 '02: $6,500,000 Sales '02: +20.
4% Projected '03: [less than or equal to] 0% Est, 1955 Employees: 60 Architectural millwork and custom cabinetry Nagele Mfg. made quite a comeback this year. It increased sales and returned to the WOOD 100 for the first time since 1995. In the rough economy, Ron Nagele, president, does not forsee much of a sales increase in the near future, and he expects 2004 to only be an "okay" year.
Despite the predictions, Nagele Mfg.
was a winner this year.
Nagele says increased productivity came with the use of computer programs and downloads, and computers bought for engineering purposes helped keep Nagele Mfg. competitive. 55 TWIN OAKS CUSTOM CABINETS INC. Neosho, MO '01: $2,987,000 '02: $3,587,000 Sales '02: +20.1% Projected '03: +32% Est. 1986 Employees: 54 Custom cabinets Twin Oaks Custom Cabinets had its best year ever, bolstering sales and landing in the WOOD 100 Report.
Tom Lake, president, gives credit to his employees, whom he says are skilled and dedicated, plus business improvements and management strategies the company has been able to build upon. Lake says implementation of Six Sigma and Lean Management have had a big impact. "Our people have been able to make advancements in all areas to improve the business," Lake says.
In the past year, Twin Oaks also purchased a Mayer panel saw and a GreCon optimizing saw. "[The purchases] contributed to our company's ability to meet our capacity needs for a growing business and assure that we keep our lead times manageable and stay on course with installing our cabinets on time." 56 MICHIANA LAMINATED PRODUCTS INC. Howe, IN '01: $1,805,000 '02: $2,159,000 Sales: '02: +19.
6% Projected '03: N/A Est.
1978 Employees: 21 Cabinets and casegoods and wood, plastic and solid surface retail and office components Michiana Laminated Products is in the WOOD 100 for the seventh time since its first appearance in 1994. Over the past couple of years, the purchase of a dust collector and an Evans glue line have helped bolster the company's competitive edge. So did the use of Lean Manufacturing principles.
Matt Sutter, president, expects even better things to come. "Although only in the beginning stages, the implementation of Lean Manufacturing principles has allowed us to increase productivity and utilize our resources more efficiently." 57 HOFFCO INC. Wood Lake, MN '01: $10,122,000 '02: $12,015,000 Sales '02: +18.
7% Predicted '03: +5% Est.
1983 Employees: 130 Wood kitchen cabinet accessories marketed to larger cabinet manufacturers and wholesale hardware distributors Internal changes have helped Hoffco boost its profit margins. Changes include alterations to manufacturing processes, including cellular manufacturing, reduced lead times, smaller run quantities and implementing Lean Manufacturing. "These changes have enabled us to remain competitive in our niche and continue to grow our business," says Doug House, vice president of sales and marketing.
But he acknowedges a great core of workers makes all the difference "Without the cooperation of our dedicated employees, we would not have enjoyed the success we have." The company recently added three new CNC routers and a panel saw. 58 DEL-WOOD KITCHENS INC. Hanover, PA '01: $2,541,000 '02: $3,012,000 Sales: '02: +18.
5% Projected '03: +3% Est.
1962 Employees: 42 Semi-custom kitchen and bath cabinetry Del Wood Kitchens makes a splash this year with its first ever appearance in the WOOD 100. The company expects things to get even better, with 2003 sales projected to slightly exceed the ones that got them in the listing. New product development is what contributed to the firm's success, says Thomas Hasenstab.
As he keeps an eye on the economy and costs associated with running a business, Hasenstab says his company benefits from the purchase of a CNC dovetailer. 59 GREAT LAKES WOODS Holland, MI '01: $11,108,000 '02: $13,155,000 Sales '02: +18.4% Projected '03: +9% Est. 1988 Employees: 100 Hardwood, laminate, rope and embossed mouldings Ben Phillips, president of Great Lakes Woods, says increased productivity is "probably the most significant factor" that contributed to his company's success.
It led Great Lakes into the WOOD 100 for the first time. Other important factors were the company's customer service, marketing program, new product development and employee skills and dedication. The company recently purchased a new computer system, a CNC router, moulders, sanders, a dust collector and other wood manufacturing equipment.
60 MASTERBRAND CABINETS INC.
Jasper, IN '01: $1,100,000,000 '02: $1,300,000,000 Sales '02: +18.2% Projected '03: N/A Est. 1954 Employees: 10,000+ Kitchen, bath and home cabinets under several brand names, including Omega/Dynasty, Decora, Schrock, Diamond, Maple Creek and Orchard Park Neil Lynch, executive vice president for marketing and strategic planning, cites excellent customer service as the secret to his company's success. "We continue to focus on providing our customers excellent service through consolidated programs, multi-branding, better delivery, express response, and a 'one-touch' customer service approach.
" MasterBrand was also in the WOOD 100 in 2000 and 2002. It has added new lamination, door sanding, machining and finishing equipment "Technology associated with this equipment has assisted in improving productivity and reduced scrap and inventory," Lynch says. 61 P.K. DESIGNS INC. Arlington, WA '01: $514,000 '02: $607,000 Sales '02: +18.
1% Projected '03: +20% Est.
1997 Employees: 8 Component parts for other companies and some finished units P.K. Designs returns to the WOOD 100 after a one-year hiatus. The company was on the list in 2000 and 2001, and is back after it found ways to weather the rough economy.
It is no easy task, but P.
K.
Designs seems to be doing well.
The company posted an impressive boost over its previous year's sales. Peter Hawes, president, says the secret to the company's success was streamlining the type of jobs and projects it was trying to do. P.K. Designs refined "the projects we do." The company works with a new Biesse Millenium CNC contour edgebander, an Accu-Systems dowel inserter, a Kremlin Airmix system and a Weeke BP-80 CNC router to enhance production.
62 KABINET KRAFT Olney, IL '01: $616,000 '02: $723,000 Sales '02: +17.370% Projected '03: +14% Est. 1999 Employees: 16 Custom, cabinets, solid surface countertops, pre-finished interior doors, fireplace mantles and bathroom vanities. Kabinet Kraft burst into the WOOD 100 for the first time this year, and owner Bob Buscher expects he will have an even higher profit margin this year.
His company has already experience terrific growth. Sales have increased $200,000 since 2000, and Buschler forsees a healthy increase this year. The most important ingredient in the company's success? Excellent customer service.
"We stand behind our product," Buschler says. 63 WOODEN MALLET Aberdeen, SD '01: $3,368,000 '02: $3,953,000 Sales '02: +17.369% Projected '03: +15% Est. 1975 Employees: 28 Oak literature, display, magazine and coat and hat racks, and reception room seating and tables Wooden Mallet has been in the WOOD 100 an impressive 11 years running, and once again, Jim Kreber, president, says new product development has spelled success.
"Ideally, I would like to see eight to 10 new products, or a whole new line of products introduced each year." Kreber knows that is what keeps people buying. "Our customers want to work with manufacturers who are continually coming to them with innovative ideas.
" In recent years, Wooden Mallet has bought its third and fourth Andi CNC routers, second gang ripsaw and a three head DMC widebelt sander. It has also upgraded its dust collection. 64 BUILDERS CABINET SUPPLY Chicago, IL '01: $3,996,000 '02: $4,632,000 Sales '02: +15.
9% Projected '03: +30% Est.
1987 Employees: 43 Kitchen and bath frameless cabinets Brian Benner of Builders Cabinet Supply says the addition of a Koch CNC dowel machine, a Brandt 97 edgebander and a Biesse Rover 24 point-to-point machine helps make his company more competitive. So does increased productivity, reduced delivery times and an enhanced marketing plan. "We decided to not sell through dealers and directly sell to builders.
We also opened up our own stores to sell to the public." Indeed, Builders Cabinet Supply is definitely doing something right. This is its first time in the WOOD 100, and the business' sales have increased 60% since 2001).
" 65 ALLEGHENY STORE FIXTURES INC.
Bradford, PA '01: $2,620,000 '02: $3,034,000 Sales '02: +15.80% Projected '03: +15% Est. 1995 Employees: 45 Custom wood and metal store fixtures Allegheny Store Fixtures is growing and expects to do so