How Lewis Cabinet grows component sales
Lewis Cabinet Specialties

Like so many successful companies Lewis Cabinet Specialties began as a one-man operation. “My father, Lanny Lewis opened shop in a chicken coop 25 years ago after deciding to quit his job to make cabinet doors” explained Beau Lewis. “My three brothers and I grew up around woodworking. We used to stand on pallets to sand panels.”

Today all the brothers have a stake in the business, which is headquartered in Tremonton, UT. Lewis Cabinet Specialties produces  custom cabinet box components, as well as RTA cabinet parts, drawer fronts, glass doors, mullion doors, end panels, wainscot, stick goods, mouldings, valances, hoods, breadboards and more.

Lewis Cabinet Specialties is aptly named. “Our philosophy is to try not to just provide doors and cabinetry but to provide value-added products that give users more of a reason to buy from us,” said Beau, who is CFO. Brother Bobby is production manager and head of Human Resources. Their father, Lanny, oversees the company while another brother, Brett, also is involved in the operation. The fourth brother, Brady, “is our IT Geek,” Beau said.

CNC and standard equipment are used extensively in the 25,000-square-foot shop to process the high volume of wood and panel components. Turnaround time on products is generally five to seven days.

“Brady developed the software that the company uses both for production purposes and as a popular tool to streamline ordering. It is another part of the package we provide that sets us apart. Every product featured in our catalog is completely customizable.”

Beau estimated that the implementation of the Allmoxy software has contributed to the 39-50 percent growth every year it has been used. Since February 2014, the company has hired 22 employees and added a second shift. “We have doubled the facility’s square footage,” he said, to more than 25,000 square feet today. 

When an order comes in it is automatically ready for the shop. “Clients love our online tools and ordering system, available 24/7. We feel it is one of the keys to our success,” added Beau. “When a customer hits submit, it generates a file with a cutlist. The file ‘talks’ to our TigerStop TigerSaw. Other key pieces of machinery include a Weinig OptiCut S90; a  Pillar panel layup table; OMAL HBD Insert 1300;  two Weeke machining centers and Cabinet Vision software.

Stock and custom cabinetry and accessories are offered in a variety of styles and finishes. Also key to the company’s success is its online tools and ordering system, which are available to customers 24/7.

“Our turnaround is generally 5-7 days,” he continued. “An order doesn’t sit in the office. It goes straight to production and the equipment where there is no room for error. We have had good feedback regarding the consistent quality of our products.”

Beau also praised the role of his crew. “Products must clear every machine with lots of visual controls. Our strength is 5S (a system to reduce waste and optimize productivity through maintaining an orderly workplace and using visual cues to achieve more consistent operational results), which takes out the error. Labeling also lets us have everything in its place.”

Beau said Drawer Connection is a preferred vendor. “We have a great relationship with Steve Harmon of Drawer Connection,” he said. “We recommend him and Drawer Connection to our customers,” Beau added.

Customers can submit custom as well as stock orders to the company. When asked about the trending hardwoods, Beau said they see about 65 to 70 percent of products made from alder and about 10 to 15 percent made from poplar.

“Our online tools and ordering capability are designed to offer convenience and ease-of-use to our customers. We do not do upcharges for rush, delivery or setup,” he said.

Lewis Cabinet Specialties primarily services the United States, but has had orders from Costa Rica and other countries. This looks to increase as Lewis Cabinet continues its rapid growth rate.

Beau added that the company — and family — have been enjoying the ride. “It has been fun, fun, fun,” he said.

For more information about Lewis Cabinet Specialties, visit LewisCabinet.com. For more information about Drawer Connection and its products, visit DrawerConnection.com.

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About the author
Jo-Ann Kaiser

Jo-Ann Kaiser has been covering the woodworking industry for 31+ years. She is a contributing editor for the Woodworking Network and has been writing the Wood of the Month column since its inception in 1986.