THE REBOUND CONTINUES, as evidenced by the success of North American wood products manufacturers highlighted in Woodworking Network’s Wood 100. The following Microvellum customers illustrate the strategies put in place by this year’s WOOD 100 class, as they continue to survive — and thrive — in today’s economy.
Learn more about the Wood 100
Category: Top Marketing Initiatives
Organization is key to developing an effective marketing plan. Whether it’s growing their own businesses, or helping franchises market theirs, these WOOD 100 firms are experts at promoting their goods and services.
Tischlerei Fine Woodworking LLC, Salina, KS — The future is bright for Tischlerei Fine Woodworking. A manufacturer of custom cabinetry and millwork, the company sells its products through kitchen and bath dealers in the Midwest.
Read about Tischlerei’s strategy and how it grew 133%
Premium Woods LLC, Lincoln, NE — Communication between customers, vendors and staff has been key to obtaining and retaining business, says Bob Long, president of the laminate and wood casework firm. “Implementing systems that create uniformity,” he adds, also “increase customer satisfaction and a better work environment.” Sales grew 18.4% in 2013 and look to be even better in 2014 with key purchases including a Giben edgebander and Gannomat drilling/insertion machine.
Category: Go-To Market
There’s no countering the fact that these savvy marketers find ways to separate themselves from their competitors.
Quantum Windows & Doors, Everett, WA — Online marketing has helped this wood and aluminum window and door firm’s sales grow 27.5% in 2013, and the company is not done yet, says Stephanie Carr, marketing coordinator. “Top architects and contractors regularly rely on Quantum to provide the highest level of design expertise and engineering. This collaborative approach helps Quantum exceed customer’s expectations regardless of the complexity or size of the project,” she adds. www.quantumwindows.com
Category: Business Strategies
The path to success is not the same for every wood products company. Business strategies used by this year’s WOOD 100 range from outsourcing to insourcing, to expansions and training of workers.
Wisconsin Built, Deerfield, WI —The architectural woodworking and restaurant/retail fixture firm attributes its success to its employees, including customer service and productivity skills. 2013 sales rose 5.8% and the custom manufacturer looks for sales to be even higher this year. www.wisconsin-built.com
Read more about Wisconsin Built’s business strategies
Colony Cabinets, Longview, TX — The firm added a new warehouse, part of a $1.3 million capital expansion program resulting from its growing healthcare casework. – http://www.ccigroup.com/
Category: Productivity Enhancements
Getting the right pieces in place is a key ingredient in improving the productivity — and profitability — in the woodworking shop.
Stevens Industries, Teutopolis, IL — A full-line manufacturer of TFL and HPL casework and millwork, Stevens continues to focus on reducing scrap, lean manufacturing and improving quality. Its efforts have already paid off, with 2013 sales growing 8.8% – http://www.stevensind.com/
Read more about Stevens’ lean manufacturing and other strategies for growth
Category: Technology Integration
Technology can transform small-sized firms into production powerhouses, and enables large firms to batch-one process quickly and easily. The right route for success often involves ensuring that the proper technology is in place to meet the needs of the project.
Rodgers Wade, Paris, TX — The fixtures and millwork maker revamped its 275,000-square-foot plant for high-speed production, including adding an SNX contour bander. For its efforts, it won the WMIA’s 2014 Wooden Globe for Commitment to Excellence through Technology. “We have had constant growth due to the commitment from our ownership, sales and entire staff,” says Darren Hamner, Director of Client Solutions. “In the past five years we have averaged 100% growth each year due to these commitments.” http://www.rodgerswade.com/
Category: Customer Service
Good employees are the first line of engagement when it comes to offering effective customer service — before, during and after the purchase is made. Good or bad, the experience can change the perception customers have of your entire business.
Antique & Modern Cabinets, Jacksonville, FL — Quality control and customer service are integral components to the millwork and cabinet firm’s longevity and success, says Ben Patterson, vice president. “Meeting deadlines with a quality product is what sets us apart from our competitors,” he adds http://www.antiqueandmoderncabinets.com/
Quest Engineering, Richfield, WI — A full service provider of casework, closets and more, sales for the company grew 64.9%, says Chris Lefeber, president. http://www.questcabinets.com/
Komponents Laminated Products, Oconomowoc, WI — On-time delivery, at an affordable price, has ensured steady sales, says President Dave Keck. The firm is an international manufacturer of miter folded fixtures, furniture and more. http://www.komponents.com/
Quantum Windows & Doors, Everett, WA — Online marketing has helped this wood and aluminum window and door firm’s sales grow 27.5% in 2013, and the company is not done yet, says Stephanie Carr, marketing coordinator. “Top architects and contractors regularly rely on Quantum to provide the highest level of design expertise and engineering. This collaborative approach helps Quantum exceed customer’s expectations regardless of the complexity or size of the project,” she adds. www.quantumwindows.com
To view these and other 100 strategies of success finalists, please visit: www.woodworkingnetwork.com
