Newark, NJ – Fabuwood, a major semi-custom cabinetry company, has acquired Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry, a leading cabinetry manufacturer.
Terms of the acquisition, announced Sept. 9, were not disclosed. Plain & Fancy will retain its name, identity, and fully custom offerings. Plain & Fancy President George (Butch) Achey will also remain in his role. Achey has been at the helm of the luxury custom cabinetry manufacturer since the retirement of his father and company founder John Achey in 1999.
The milestone acquisition was a year in the making, according to the statement. Under Fabuwood's corporate umbrella, Plain & Fancy will benefit from enhanced resources and support, the company said. Also on the horizon will be a user-friendly interface that streamlines ordering and offers a wealth of resources at customers’ fingertips.
“It’s long been our vision to align with a like-minded manufacturer to strengthen our foothold in the custom cabinetry space,” said Fabuwood President and CEO Joel Epstein. “The story of John Achey starting Plain & Fancy from his garage as a hobby project with his family — to the industry force that it is today, comprised of 120 artisans and employees — inspires us deeply. We couldn’t be more thrilled to find this partnership with a beloved brand that brings 56 years of invaluable experience in product engineering and finishing.
"We’re eager to learn from their experts and look forward to all the future holds with this new elevated offering of products and designs — unlocking new levels of excellence, opportunity and local job growth. We truly are better together,” Epstein added.
Select Fabuwood dealer showrooms will have access to the high-end craftsmanship of Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry. As the partnership grows in the years to come, Fabuwood said it aims to leverage its operational expertise to enhance Plain & Fancy’s technological capabilities and drastically slash the custom cabinetry maker’s lead time, which can range three to four months.
"The cultural alignment between Fabuwood and Plain & Fancy was a critical factor in our decision to move forward with this transaction," said Epstein. "Both companies share similar core values such as positivity, embracing challenges, and accountability, as well as a dedication to fostering collaborative relationships with our manufacturing teams and dealer networks. The combination of Fabuwood and Plain & Fancy to our shared dealer networks will allow both companies to service the mid to high-end range of the cabinet industry. Dealers, designers and end customers of both brands stand to benefit greatly from this alignment, and we’re looking forward to this new chapter."
“When we look at how rapidly our industry has evolved and what the future already demands, it’s imperative we embrace technological advancements to maintain a competitive edge,” Achey said. “Joining forces with Fabuwood is a perfect fit — where our time-honored craftsmanship can thrive and grow under their operational prowess. We look forward to the opportunities this transaction will create for our customers and employees alike.”
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, Fabuwood manufactures its semi-custom cabinetry in a 1 million-square-foot facility and employs more than 1,200 associates nationwide. The company currently ranks #36 on the FDMC 300, a list of the largest wood products producers in North America.
Plain & Fancy was founded in 1968 by John and Loretta Achey in their backyard garage in Richland, Pennsylvania, where the family handcrafted custom cabinetry. Over the years, Plain & Fancy expanded significantly, and now operates out of two facilities, 250,000-plus square foot of manufacturing space, in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania. The company is also listed on the FDMC 300, and currently ranks #232.
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