Main location: Huntingburg, IN

Annual sales: $250 million ('08)

Main location: High Point, NC

Annual sales: $107.9 million ('08)

Main location: Teutopolis, IL

Annual sales: $80 million ('08)

Main location: Borden, IN

Annual sales: $50 million* ('08)

Main location: Beatrice, NE

Annual sales: $30 million ('08)

Main location: Richmond, VA

Annual sales: $24.5 million ('08)

Main location: Wilson, NC

Annual sales: $17 million ('08)

Main location: Cleves, OH

Annual sales: $11.5 million ('08)

“We increased productivity by the use of advanced technology in our production equipment,” said Andrew Campbell, president of Eastern Millwork Inc. The New Jersey-based architectural woodworking company not only updated and replaced much of its older machinery in the past year, but improved its technology through software purchases.

Below is a list of Microvellum customers that have made the Wood 100 list:

LOUISBURG, KS 
‘07: $1,426,000
‘08: $2,849,000
Growth ‘08: 99.790%
Projected ‘09: 0%Est.: 2003 Employees: 24

Market: Residential and Commercial Woodwork 

Diversification into larger commercial architectural woodworking projects to balance out the steady stream of custom residential work was a key to Gillpatrick Woodworks moving from the #36 ranking in 2007 to #2 in 2008, according to company President Bob Gillpatrick. “We will continue to look for markets and services that supplement our core business,” he says. “We will also continue to focus on our established relationships with our existing customer base.”

LINCOLN, NE 
‘07: $319,000
‘08: $589,000
Growth ‘08: 84.639% 
Projected ‘09: 40%
Est.: 1998 Employees: 7

Market: Plastic laminate and wood casework for the commercial

Shortening lead times and increasing on-time delivery without sacrificing quality helped Premium Woods reach the #4 spot in this year’s rankings, according to company President Bob Long. To meet the challenges of increasing profit margins in a poor economy, Long says, ”We have made changes in the front end, adding a purchasing agent/draftsman to our mix. Lowering your costs is one of the easiest, quickest and most controllable ways to increase your bottom line."

PHOENIX, AZ 
‘07: $14,521,000
‘08: $26,554,000
Growth ‘08: 82.866% 
Projected ‘09: 0%
Est.: 1948 Employees: 170

Market: Architectural millwork

Meyer & Lundahl saw an impressive increase in sales in 2008 and “plan on continuing to be aggressive in pursuing new projects in 2009,” according to company Vice President and COO Matthew Lundahl. The company built a 10,000-square-foot addition and added a Makor finishing line, new sanding machine, spray booth and oven to add to its capabilities. Customer service and a new marketing program, as well as promoting personal contacts, also have been major factors in the company’s growth, WR Lundahl, president and CEO adds.

MORGAN HILL, CA 
‘07: $23,847,000
‘08: $42,614,000
Growth ‘08: 78.698% 
Projected ‘09: 0%
Est.: 1959 Employees: 160

Market: Commercial architectural millwork and casework, finish carpentry, countertops, fixtures and wall paneling 

The economic woes of the industry have caused many manufacturers to get “lean,” and Mission Bell is a perfect example, as company CFO Clint Ramsey explains. “Our employees utilized lean manufacturing techniques to improve current processes and eliminate waste,” he says. This example of “employee skill and dedication” was the single biggest factor in the nearly 50-year-old company’s success, Ramsey adds. In addition to transitioning to lean manufacturing, a newly purchased CNC router has added to the company’s improved production.

BRIDGEVILLE, PA
‘07: $13,246,000
‘08: $20,079,000
Growth ‘08: 51.585%
Projected ‘09: 20%
Est.: 1980 Employees: 180

Market: Custom architectural woodwork

After taking the #29 spot last year, Giffin Interior moves up to #14. The company invested in a slew of equipment in 2008, including Weeke CNC machining centers, Oliver jointer and planer, Altendorf sliding table saw, Dantherm dust collector, lift tables, GreCon spark detection, conveyers and Microvellum software. “Our employees embrace the new technology we buy,”says Gordon Giffin, president, ”and they quickly make the necessary changes to achieve the maximum increases in production possible. They make every effort necessary to complete the work we are able to sell on time, and on budget.”

ORLANDO, FL
‘07: $6,250,000
‘08: $9,125,000
Growth ‘08: 46.000%
Projected ‘09: 0%
Est.: 1997 Employees: 55

Market: Commercial casework and architectural millwork

Wayne Bishop, president of Creative Concepts of Orlando, says better utilization of the company’s CNC equipment on the architectural side, and implementing dowel construction on the casework side, achieved the desired results in 2008. Purchase of a dowel inserter, case clamp and production software also contributed. In order to overcome the concerns of the economy, Bishop says the company plans to expand its territory.

LACROSSE, WI
‘07: $3,276,000
‘08: $4,685,000
Growth ‘08: 43.010%
Projected ‘09: 0%
Est.: 1992 Employees: 20

Market: Custom architectural casework

Creative Laminates returns to the WOOD 100, and company Vice President Jody Lyon the architectural casework firm has been able to tap into new markets through excellent customer service and management of details, and by packaging multiple projects together. New equipment purchased in 2008 includes an Altendorf sliding table saw and Tritec boring and dowel machine to improve productivity.

JERSEY CITY, NJ
‘07: $9,338,000
‘08: $12,839,000
Growth ‘08: 37.492% 
Projected ‘09: 20%
Est.: 1992 Employees: 60

Market: Architectural millwork

Andrew Campbell, president of Eastern Millwork, says the company increased productivity by updating its machinery and software, and utilizing advanced technology. Monitoring non-job related costs and increasing oversight over the bidding process is expected to help the company achieve a 20% increase in 2009 sales, according to Campbell.

BOW, NH
‘07: $2,112,000
‘08: $2,892,000
Growth ‘08: 36.932% 
Proj. ‘09: 0%
Est.: 1994 Employees: 16

Market: Architectural millwork

Aubin Woodworking returns to the WOOD 100 with a nearly 37% increase in gross sales. A new SCMI sliding table saw, Gannomat CNC horizontal bore and dowel inserter, SawStop table saw, Festool miter saw and Atlas Copco rotary screw compressor were among the equipment purchased by the company in 2008 to improve production. “We are trying to diversify,” says President Tony Aubin. “We have tried to cut costs in all areas, from rent and materials to labor. We are servicing current customers to the best we can, and we are always on the lookout for new customers and more efficient ways of doing things.”

WINTER HAVEN, FL 
‘07: $586,000
‘08: $802,000
Growth ‘08: 36.860% 
Projected ‘09: 30%
Est.: 2001 Employees: 9

Market: Custom cabinetry and woodwork

Ranked #44 in last year’s listings, A Ward Design moves up to #24 and has a 30% increase in sales projected for 2009. A 37-in. Timesavers widebelt sander, Kremlin airless pump and 21-in. spiral cut planer were purchased in 2008 to help improve production and customer service. Company President Kevin Ward says they have seven master craftsmen with a total of 170 years experience working for the company, “giving us an edge on understanding the customers’ questions and concerns. We put forth extra effort in taking care of our customers and in building lasting relationships.”

FAYETTEVILLE, GA 
‘07: $4,319,000
‘08: $5,711,000
Growth ‘08: 32.230% 
Projected ‘09: 0%
Est.: 1994 Employees: 36

Market: Commercial and residential millwork and casework 

Making its second appearance in the WOOD 100, Fayette Custom Millwork credits its employees’ skills and dedication for its sales jump in 2008. “With the increased workload, the employees stepped up and took ownership of their respected tasks,” says President Dan Donahue. “This allowed the company to work more efficiently and thereby more productively.” Donahue says the company has found niche markets that are not as adversly affected by the economic downturn, and it has expanded its salesforce and added to its customer base by pursuing work in emerging areas.

ARLINGTON, TX 
‘07: $11,375,000
‘08: $14,904,000
Growth ‘08: 31.024% 
Projected ‘09: 2%
Est.: 1974 Employees: 98

Market: Custom millwork 

For its second consecutive appearance in the WOOD 100, Anton Cabinetry cites the dedication and skills of its employees with helping to drive sales. “Anton Cabinetry has had slow, steady growth over 34 years due mainly to dedicated skilled employees,” says John Anton, president, who adds that the company has invested in the latest technology and best equipment. “Our nested-based CNC equipment has allowed us to provide intricate quality products that were not attainable in the past,” he says.

WARRENTON, VA 
‘07: $7,555,000
‘08: $9,824,000
Growth ‘08: 30.033% 
Projected ‘09: 0%
Est.: 1981 Employees: 60

Market: Architectural millwork

Making its second appearance in the WOOD 100, Gaithersburg Cabinetry & Millwork is an AWI Premium Certified shop. Jim Landoll, executive vice president of project management, says increased productivity has kept the company growing. “With the systems in place, we are able to hand off a project through all phases of production, including drafting, shop production, finishing and installation,” he says. “Each department knows the schedule and has a goal in mind from the beginning.” The company recently implemented its own estimating program, which it says provides better hand-offs, forecasting and scheduling of projects.

GREEN BAY, WI
‘07: $10,673,000
‘08: $13,395,000
Growth ‘08: 25.504% 
Projected ‘09: 0%
Est.: 1979 Employees: 85

Market: Architectural woodwork

DeLeers Millwork is an AWI Premium Certified manufacturer of architectural woodwork for the hospitality, healthcare, tenant interiors and high-end retail markets. The company, which is also FSC Chain-of-Custody certified, credits increased productivity for its rise in sales in 2008. “Our ability to produce more volume has allowed us to increase our marketing efforts and price our work more competitively,” says John Vanderwall, director of marketing and sales. “We have expanded our geography and have been able to respond to our customers’ needs more efficiently.” DeLeers Millwork recently added Microvellum software and E-Tmplate Systems, has reorganized its plant with lean implementations and is pursuing ISO certification.

ST. LOUIS, MO 
‘07: $3,708,000 
‘08: $4,564,000
Growth ‘08: 23.085% 
Projected ‘09: 0%
Est.: 1989 Employees: 21

Market: Cabinetry, fixtures and millwork

For its second appearance in the WOOD 100, AMSL: Architectural Millwork of St. Louis credits quality control improvements with helping to achieve sales growth. “We established lean manufacturing techniques and continued to follow Six Sigma protocol, which enabled us to reduce manufacturing time and cut costs to remain competitive,” says Mark Presker, general manager. The company plans to continue its efforts to increase market share and to continue to enhance existing relationships with key clients. In addition, it has lowered prices by reducing its labor and material costs.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN 
‘07: $3,684,000
‘08: $4,464,000
Growth ‘08: 21.173% 
Projected ‘09: 0%
Est.: 1987 Employees: 33

Market: Custom architectural woodwork 

Making its first appearance in the WOOD 100, Interscapes Inc. President Ron Lyrek says that green initiatives have played a significant part in the company’s growth over the past year. The company offers the option of LEED-certified green products or products made out of environmentally sustainable and non-polluting materials, and Interscapes Inc. plans to look for more LEED work and do more lean training in the future. The company also recently purchased a Weima wood grinder to be able to recycle about 99% of its product by turning it into animal bedding.

WEST BEND, WI 
‘07: $681,000
‘08: $814,000
Growth ‘08: 19.530% 
Projected ‘09: 18%
Est.: 2001 Employees: 4

Market: Laminated casework and surfaces 

Increased productivity pushed a sales increase for Quest Engineering, a manufacturer of laminated casework and surfaces for the commercial construction, retail and office interior markets, in 2008. “We have used the Microvellum software package for the last 2-1/2 years,” says Chris Lefeber, president. “The integration with our Holz-Her machining centers is seamless. This combination of software and high-tech machinery, coupled with our administrative and production efficiency systems, allows us to reach the production capacities we are experiencing, with a total team of four people.”

UNION CITY, GA 
‘07: $21,032,000
‘08: $25,000,000
Growth ‘08: 18.866% 
Projected ‘09: 0%
Est.: 1949 Employees: 150

Market: Architectural millwork and cabinets

Mortensen Woodwork Inc. points to increased productivity as a driving factor in the company’s growth in 2008, as well as the addition of three Delmac Busellato CNC routers and a Star V groover. “Our manufacturing systems have been greatly improved with the addition of new machinery and upgraded systems,” says CEO Fred Mortensen. The company plans to be competitive, stay lean and conservative and negotiate with vendors for upcoming material needs, in 2009.

HOUSTON, TX 
‘07: $4,213,000
‘08: $4,872,000
Growth ‘08: 15.642%
Projected ‘09: 0%
Est.: 1991 Employees: 40

Market: Architectural woodwork 

David Pena, president of WoodArts Systems Inc., credits a slight lowering in pricing, as well as time and money spent training new employees, for the company’s second appearance in the WOOD 100. WoodArts Systems, which is certified by the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) in its Quality Certification Program (QCP) as a Premium Grade Woodworker, says it prefinishes and installs 99% of the items it fabricates.

CORBIN, KY
‘07: $5,000,000
‘08: $5,650,000
Growth ‘08: 13.000%
Projected ‘09: 2-4%
Est.: 1975 Employees: 60

Market: Commercial casework and residential cabinetry 

New product development, in the form of targeting educational and government projects, proved profitable for Stidham Cabinet in 2008, and Vice President Jimmy Stidham says the company hopes to continue expanding into more niche markets in the future. The past year saw Stidham purchase new equipment, including a Giben CNC panel saw and optimization and estimating software, to aid in its capabilities.

OAKLAND PARK, FL 
‘07: $1,300,000 ‘08: $1,438,000
Growth ‘08: 10.615% Projected ‘09: 8%
Est.: 1982 Employees: 8

Market: Residential or commercial cabinetry and woodworking 

Architectural Woodworking attributes much of its success in the last eight months to quality control improvements. According to Owner Juan Sanchez, the company has increased its value and throughput through operations management, financial planning and new sales and marketing strategies. The company also recently purchased a new CNC router and a Powermatic dovetail machine to help increase production.

SIOUX CITY, IA 
‘07: $6,282,000
‘08: $6,920,000
Growth ‘08: 10.156%
Projected ‘09: 5%
Est.: 1982 Employees: 41

Market: Architectural woodwork 

Larry Schmitz, sales and marketing manager of Custom Woodworks Ltd., credits employee skills and dedication for his company’s rise in sales in 2008. “Marketing is a valued department, but Custom Woodworks cannot sell, or ultimately provide, what our employees are not capable of producing,” he says. The company is making its second consecutive WOOD 100 appearance, and is expecting increased sales for 2009 as well. Future goals include improving upon its lean manufacturing techniques, buying smarter, and using energy saving techniques and LEED accredited products, Schmitz says.

ST. LOUIS, MO
‘07: $2,117,000 
‘08: $2,299,000
Growth ‘08: 8.597% 
Projected ‘09: 0%
Est.: 1973 Employees: 18

Market: High-end custom architectural millwork 

Classic Woodworking Inc. credits its increased growth to the dedication and skills of its employees, as well as the many repeat customers, architects and designers whom also refer the company to others, according to Lisa Showers, office manager. The company is making its second consecutive — and sixth total — appearance in the WOOD 100, and recently purchased new equipment that includes a sander, compressor, table saw, copier and software to aid in continued growth.

MEBANE, NC
‘07: $5,564,000 ‘08: $5,892,000
Growth ‘08: 5.895% Projected ‘09: 17.5%
Est.: 1976 Employees: 57

Market: Architectural millwork 

Chip Cappelletti, company president, points to increased productivity as a result of the company’s relocation, for its strong sales growth in 2008. “The relocation in August 2007 continues to reduce our labor costs as we fine-tune the plant layout and our procedures,” he says. The company is making its second WOOD 100 appearance, and it recently purchased a second panel saw and a profile sanding machine to aid it in its expected sales increase in 2009.

SANTA ANA, CA
‘07: $7,505,000
‘08: $7,947,000
Growth ‘08: 5.889%
Projected ‘09: 0%
Est.: 1998 Employees: 52

Market: Commercial cabinetry and millwork 

Providers of millwork and cabinetry for primarily commercial markets, with a focus on hospitality and medical, SMI Architectural Millwork credits an increase in productivity for pushing the company’s 2008 growth and placing it in the WOOD 100 for the second year straight. “[Although] passing on the purchasing of new equipment this year, we have focused more on increasing our productivity in all areas of our manufacturing,” says Tim Stolo, vice president. The company is looking at outsourcing of finishing, as well as the purchase of water-based finishing lines, in the future.

ORLANDO, FL
‘07: $1,748,000
‘08: $1,814,000
Growth ‘08: 3.776%
Projected ‘09: 0%
Est.: 1992 Employees: 10

Market: Commercial architectural millwork The skills and dedication of its employees helped drive the success of Comercial Millworks Inc. in the past year. “Our employees are everything to us,” says Gayle King, vice president/general manager. “Most of our employees have been with the company for 10+ years, and are some of the most skilled craftsmen in the industry. High-end work is our specialty.” The company, making its first appearance in the WOOD 100, has increased its marketing efforts during the slow economy to help sales for 2009.

OXNARD, CA
‘07: $2,930,000
‘08: $2,978,000
Growth ‘08: 1.638%
Projected ‘09: 0%
Est.: 1989 Employees: 10

Market: Commercial cabinets and countertops 

“Our increased productivity has played a major role in our recent overall success,” says Luke Vickery, vice president of California Woodworking Inc. “With the use of our nested-based router [by Komo] we have been able to perform a large majority of machining on one single machine, which has reduced the amount of handling of individual components.” The company, which is making its third consecutive WOOD 100 appearance, fabricates and installs cabinets and countertops for the commercial building industry, including medical, dental, educational, retail and financial segments.

HUNTINGBURG, IN
‘07: $251,673,000
‘08: $255,152,000
Growth ‘08: 1.382%
Projected ‘09: 25%
Est.: 1937 Employees: 1,512

Market: Upper-end casegoods, and healthcare and hospitality furniture 

New product development played a significant role in OFS Brands’ sales increase for 2008. “Our new product development has continued to escalate in order to capture market share and increase sales,” says Chris Rogers, director of design. “We are developing solutions across a wide variety of market segments.” The company, which is appearing in the WOOD 100 for the second time, plans to continue to introduce new products that meet price-points required and provide solutions to customer requests.