26. Gilbert Veneers Inc.
ESCANABA, MI
‘07: $1,605,000
‘08: $2,145,000
Growth ‘08: 33.645%
Projected ‘09: 5%
Est.: 2000 Employees: 17

Value-added veneer products, cut-to-size veneers for doors, cabinets and casegoods
Brad Gilbert, owner of Gilbert Veneers, says the company increased productivity, and sales, with the purchase of two new guillotines. The company is continuing to add new customers to its existing base in its core product lines, increase yields and add efficiency. “Most of the markets are currently suffering from the decline in our housing market, but optimism seems to be toward the fourth quarter of 2009 for any true pickup.”

27. SpaceMan Home & Office
HOUSTON, TX
‘07: $1,569,000
‘08: $2,089,000
Growth ‘08: 33.142%
Projected ‘09: 5%
Est.: 1999 Employees: 15

Custom closets, Murphy wallbeds, garages, home office and other custom storage cabinetry
SpaceMan Home & Office rockets from #88 in 2008 to #27 in 2009. Company President David Linda says the company purchased a new Biesse Akron edgebander and an installation van in 2008 to aid in increasing production. According to Linda, customer service was also a significant factor in the company’s sales growth last year. “Making our clients happy is by far the most important thing we do to grow our business,” he says. “From answering the first phone call to following up on the install, when our client is thrilled, our overall business becomes more successful.”

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

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.

29. Trinity Furniture Inc.
TRINITY, NC
‘07: $9,571,000
‘08: $12,636,000
Growth ‘08: 32.024%
Projected ‘09: 5%
Est.: 1984 Employees: 83

Contract office and healthcare seating and tables
Success for WOOD 100 first-timer Trinity Furniture Inc. came from a focus on quality control improvements, according to President Jorge Lagueruela. “We have stressed and attained quality improvements and customer satisfaction throughout our product lines,” Lagueruela says. “No one ever complains of a company’s quality being too good.” To further make itself more competitive, the company purchased a MultiCam CNC router, upgraded its Onsrud profile shaper to two heads and purchased a 52-in., three-head Timesavers widebelt sander.

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

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.

31. Village Handcrafted Cabinetry
LANSDALE, PA
‘07: $2,450,000
‘08: $3,200,000
Growth ‘08: 30.612%
Projected ‘09: 1.25%
Est.: 2000 Employees: 30

Custom cabinetry and millwork
Marketing Director Gina Trave credits Village Handcrafted Cabinetry’s employees for driving its sales success in 2008. “When the economy started to go bad, we considered cutting our staff in half like many of the shops around us,” she says. “We decided to be very agressive in seeking out more opportunity for work and keep our staff employed. They have stepped up and are driven to help ride out this bad economy.” The purchase of TradeSoft’s ProjectPak and ShopPak is expected to aid in the company’s anticipated growth for the future.

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

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.

33. Miller Woodcrafts Inc.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA
‘07: $262,000
‘08: $339,000
Growth ‘08: 29.389%
Projected ‘09: 80%
Est.: 1992 Employees: 7

Custom wallbeds and home offices
Miller Woodcrafts Inc., which makes its first appearance in the WOOD 100, manufactures and installs custom wallbeds and home offices, as well as some commercial sub-contract work. President Richard Miller says the company’s marketing program and an increased Internet presence contributed to the growth of the business. Miller Woodcrafts recently purchased new spray equipment, and the company anticipates a large sales increase in 2009.

34. Ailes Millwork Inc.
KENT, OH
‘07: $1,717,000
‘08: $2,202,000
Growth ‘08: 28.247%
Projected ‘09: 8%
Est.: 1976 Employees: 20

Architectural woodwork
Developing and maintaining strong customer relationships played a significant role in WOOD 100 first-timer Ailes Millwork’s sales growth in 2008. “We focus on the quality of each relationship, not how many relationships we can develop,” says CEO Ryan Ailes. “We find that 80% of our work comes from 20% of our customers. These economic times only prove to be a reason to have these relationships built.” The company is expecting to increase its sales again in 2009.

35. Twin Oak/T and S Woodworks
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
‘07: $600,000
‘08: $769,000
Growth ‘08: 28.167%
Projected ‘09: 0%
Est.: 2001 Employees: 4

High-end custom cabinets
Marketing and customer service helped Twin Oak/T and S Woodworks achieve 28% growth in 2008. “We have tried to really [increase] marketing since the recession,” remarks Gary Thomas, owner. “We have a good reputation and go the extra mile for our customers.” Thomas adds that the company will look for new, unique things to build, as well as cut costs, in 2009.

36. Spyker Mfg.
DEFIANCE, OH
‘07: $1,300,000
‘08: $1,656,000
Growth ‘08: 27.385%
Projected ‘09: 2%
Est.: 2001 Employees: 8

Commercial and institutional laminate casework
Making its third consecutive appearance in the WOOD 100, Spyker Mfg. lists customer service as a top reason for its continued growth. “Providing good customer service results in lasting relationships with customers and contractors,” says Richard Stokes, project manager. “This, in turn, generally means getting their repeat business. Having a good customer base is an important factor in weathering a slowing economic climate.” Stokes adds that organization and efficiency will be important traits for the company to keep up its growth in 2009, as well as its recently purchased semi trailer for its deliveries.

37. Madison Cabinets
HUTTO, TX
‘07: $750,000
‘08: $950,000
Growth ‘08: 26.667%
Projected ‘09: 25%
Est.: 2005 Employees: 8

Home office furniture, entertainment centers and cabinets
Madison Cabinets, which makes its first appearance in the WOOD 100, designs, custom stains, manufactures and installs home offices, entertainment centers and cabinets for the residential market. Increased advertising, in comparison to its competitors, has contributed to the growth of the business, according to Owner Nathan Sloas, who adds that the company purchased new trucks in 2008 and plans to continue “selling its quality and service better than the next guy” in 2009.

38. Inter Ocean Cabinet Co.
ELMHURST, IL
‘07: $6,815,000
‘08: $8,620,000
Growth ‘08: 26.486%
Projected ‘09: 0%
Est.: 1897 Employees: 45

Commercial architectural millwork
Inter Ocean Cabinet Co. makes its third appearance on the WOOD 100 this year. The company, which fabricates and installs architectural millwork for commercial construction projects in Chicago and the greater Midwest, credits customer service for its second consecutive year of growth. “We bend over backwards to make the client happy by meeting deadlines,” says Chris Farrell, project manager. “We often take jobs that seem impossible, but we are willing to make them work.” The company purchased an extra spray booth, added more training for its solid modeling drafting program and re-organized its management structure over the past year. The company plans to keep costs in line with its budget in 2009, Farrell adds.

39. A-Cab Custom Woodworking Inc.
ST. JOSEPH, MN
‘07: $800,000
‘08: $1,010,000
Growth ‘08: 26.250%
Projected ‘09: 0%
Est.: 2004 Employees: 5

Commercial and residential casework
New product development helped drive sales for A-Cab Custom Woodworking, who is making its first appearance in the WOOD 100. The company, which worked in six states last year, went from doing mostly residential casework to now achieving 80% of its sales in the commercial, hospitality and medical sectors. A-Cab Custom Woodworking recently purchased equipment that includes a Cehisa edgebander, a three-head 42-in. Timesavers sander and a Doucet return conveyer, and is looking to reach out nationally to get more sales in 2009 and become the supplier of choice for hospitality chains, according to company President Adam Hansen.

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

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.

41. Beach Cabinets LLC
MELBOURNE, FL
‘07: $212,000
‘08: $266,000
Growth ‘08: 25.472%
Projected ‘09: 25%
Est.: 2004 Employees: 2

Custom cabinets and furniture
Another WOOD 100 first-timer, Beach Cabinets LLC Co-Owner Thomas Knoebel says his company is a craftsman-oriented shop that matches to the client. The company, which is predicting another sales increase for 2009, says it explores unique projects that range from a single piece of furniture to complete home or office environments — projects that have strong sculptural and architectural form that respond to specific location, function and use, as well as projects which express a distinctive sensitivity to material and context, hand crafted works which reflect the needs of the client at a competitive price.

42. Accent Cabinets
CONROE, TX
‘07: $526,000
‘08: $658,000
Growth ‘08: 25.095%
Projected ‘09: 20%
Est.: 1999 Employees: 11

Custom cabinets
Accent Cabinets, making its first appearance in the WOOD 100, manufactures custom cabinets and specializes in kitchens, bathrooms, closets, home offices and entertainment centers. According to Tamera Overstreet, president, customer service helped push growth in 2008. “We pride ourselves in our high standard of quality for both design and craftsmanship,” she says. “The job is not complete until the customer is happy.” The company, which expects another sales increase in 2009, purchased two new sprayers and a new van over the past year, and plans to continue to find ways to streamline its process through higher efficiency, better scheduling and new equipment.

Custom millwork manufacturer Anton Cabinetry’s (No. 30) steady growth over 34 years is due to “dedicated skilled employees,” according to Company President John Anton.

AMSL: Architectural Millwork of St. Louis (No. 43) credits quality control improvements, such as establishing lean manufacturing and following Six Sigma protocols, with helping the company’s sales rise in 2008.

43. AMSL: Architectural Millwork of St. Louis
ST. LOUIS, MO
‘07: $3,708,000
‘08: $4,564,000
Growth ‘08: 23.085%
Projected ‘09: 0%
Est.: 1989 Employees: 21

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.

44.ProLam Products Inc.
EVANSVILLE, IN
‘07: $4,850,000
‘08: $5,940,000
Growth ‘08: 22.474%
Projected ‘09: 10%
Est.: 1994 Employees: 55

Plastic laminate components
Company President Tom Ancona says that ProLam Products’ marketing programs helped drive its sales success in 2008, with a new sales team and a product focus on its manufacturing strength. The company predicts another year of growth in 2009. “It’s hard to predict sales based on economic conditions,” Ancona says, “we can only focus on markets that are still solid and have growth.”

45.Fetzer Architectural Woodwork
SALT LAKE CITY, UT
‘07: $41,000,000
‘08: $50,000,000
Growth ‘08: 21.951%
Projected ‘09: 20%
Est.: 1909 Employees: 130

Retail fixtures, veneer and associated products
Increased productivity is credited with Fetzer Architectural Woodworks sales increase for 2008. The company believes lean manufacturing has improved its revenues, as well as green inititives and its 100-year reputation. Fetzer is expecting a 20% sales increase in 2009, and plans to implement strategies such as continuing manufacturing improvement, satisfying green demand and creating strong relationships with clients.

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

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.

47. Expression in Wood Inc.
LA VERNE, CA
‘07: $2,200,000
‘08: $2,644,000
Growth ‘08: 20.182%
Projected ‘09: 10%
Est.: 1978 Employees: 23

High-end custom residential cabinetry and millwork
A strong marketing program is what President Nathan Covey says has helped Expression in Wood achieve 20% growth in its sales for 2008. “We have agressively gone after new clients via marketing and outside sales,” he says, “meanwhile, bulking up our production facility.” The company recently purchased a RazorGage for a Hoffmann face-frame notching machine, and constructed a new 20,000-square-foot manufacturing facility/showroom in December 2008. Another increase in sales for 2009 is expected, and the company plans to continue its extensive marketing and sales efforts.

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

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.”

49. Ferguson Design Inc.
CHARLOTTE, NC
‘07: $1,974,000
‘08: $2,347,000
Growth ‘08: 18.896%
Projected ‘09: 0%
Est.: 1998 Employees: 25

Millwork, custom trade show displays
Company President Mike Ferguson credits quality control improvements, including a checklist in each department to improve accountability, quality and profit, with helping drive Ferguson Design’s sales increase in 2008. The company, which makes its second consecutive appearance in the WOOD 100, recently purchased a new, larger building and plans to diversify, lower prices and increase its bids in the year ahead.

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

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.