26
Centorbi Custom Cabinetry
St. Charles, MO

‘00: $343,000
‘01: $458,000
Sales ‘01: +33.53% Projected ‘02: +80%
Est. 1995 Employees: 10
Custom kitchens, baths, home office and entertainment centers

Making its third consecutive appearance, Centorbi Custom Cabinetry’s success stems from factors leading to increased productivity. Derek T. Centorbi, president, says, “We have hired several new employees with an excellent understanding of custom cabinetry and building techniques. A new foreman and a better organized work shop have boosted our productivity.� The company also has gone to one full-time finisher. Centorbi says it has purchased a Kremlin gun and switched to M.L. Campbell’s Magnamax finish.

27
AD • AS
Boise, ID

‘00: $386,000
‘01: $514,000
Sales ‘01: +33.16% Projected ‘02: +36%
Est. 1998 Employees: 8
Computer furniture, therapy tables, pediatric furniture, height-adjustable kitchen cabinets and countertops

Gary Davis, business developer, says AD • AS has benefitted from a more effective marketing program to bump it into the WOOD 100. “A solid Web site that effectively communicates our products and their application has helped immensely. We also started offering products and a delivery program tailored to the distributors customer base. We also have a private label.� The company has added a Holz-Her panel saw and a Holz-Her edgebander.

28
Signature Custom Cabinetry inc.
Ephrata, PA

‘00: $7,685,000
‘01: $10,201,000
Sales ‘01: +32.74% Projected ‘02: +25%
Est. 1989 Employees: 105
High-end custom residential kitchen and bath cabinetry

“We have literally hundreds of years of experience in our factory,� says Kent Martin, president and CEO. The people have really made a difference at Signature Custom Cabinetry and put it in the WOOD 100 for a second year. The company topped its projected sales increase of 20% as well. It has new sanding equipment, finishing equipment and computer hardware and software. Martin stresses, however, that the company has reached success because of its employees. “We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of people that takes pride in its work.�

29
Kok’s Woodgoods Inc.
Zeeland, MI

‘00: $5,325,000
‘01: $7,039,000
Sales ‘01: +32.19% Projected ‘02: +27%
Est. 1983 Employees: 80
Accent trim, mouldings and cabinet component parts, assemblies and mouldings

Kok’s Woodgoods Inc. has entered the WOOD 100 by making machinery work well. The company has a moulding sander, embossing machines, a Northwood CNC router, a double surfacer, band resaw, but more interestingly has built a lot of its own machines to fulfill its production. New product development has also given the company a boost. “Two years ago we did nothing outside of the retail business,� says Carst R. Kok, president. “We have sought out new markets which in turn made us come up with new products for both the distribution and kitchen and bath businesses.�

30
World Panel Products Inc.
Riviera Beach, FL

‘00: $910,000
‘01: $1,190,000
Sales ‘01: +30.77% Projected ‘02: +25%
Est. 1994 Employees: 6
Marine plywoods, lumbers and veneers for marine and furniture industries

“I really believe it’s a combination of many factors that have made us successful, but I would have to say customer service is the biggest factor,� says Jeff Davies, president. Appearing for the third consecutive year in the WOOD 100, World Panel Products has increased sales by more than 50%. In the past three years, the company also has purchased an additional inventory of specialty panels, which assists it in “niche� business areas. It plans to continue diversifying and to create a recognizable name. “To this day, our best advertising is still word of mouth.�

31
Santori Woodworking Inc.
Lompoc, CA

‘00: $1,778,000
‘01: $2,324,000
Sales ‘01: +30.71% Projected ‘02: +30%
Est. 1975 Employees: 36
Custom commercial and residential cabinetry, countertops and casework

Santori Woodworking has returned to the WOOD 100 for its fifth appearance and its first since 1997. Scott Santori, corporate secretary, believes the company’s ability to provide “one -stop shopping� has been the answer. “Our ability to provide whatever the customer wants is what has made us successful over the years. Not only do we manufacture, pre-finish and install our own traditional and European styles of cabinetry and furniture pieces, but we also manufacture and install plastic laminate and solid surface tops as well as outsourced modular cabinetry.� The company has added a case clamp, Pistorius double-sided miter saw, Hoffman automatic fastener machine, five-head moulder, Holz-Her panel saw and a 6,000-square-foot building.

32
Leeman Architectural Woodwork
Atlanta, GA

‘00: $16,171,000
‘01: $20,954,000
Sales ‘01: +29.58% Projected ‘02: 0%
Est. 1988 Employees: 100
Institutional and retail fixtures

For its fourth appearance, Leeman Architectural Woodwork has broken $20 million and its sales have increased by more than 85% since 1998. Gary Leeman, CEO, credits the company’s increased productivity for its ongoing success. “We have installed a miter fold machine. We can now do large roll outs, which has enabled us to purchase materials at a lower cost as well as decrease labor due to repetition.� The result has been increased profit overall. The company has also updated its software to include Microvellium and 2002 AutoCAD.

33
Woodesign Corp.
Phoenix, AZ

‘00: $883,000
‘01: $1,125,000
Sales ‘01: +27.41% Projected ‘02: +10%
Est. 1979 Employees: 10
Custom cabinetry, architectural woodwork, furniture, corporate boardrooms and restaurants

The credit for Woodesign’s success goes to its employees and to its marketing program, says Larry Langhurst, vice president and co-owner. “Prior to 2001 we were doing a lot of smaller jobs, so in 2001 we made a concerted effort to market for larger and fewer projects.� The company produces approximately 50 veneer catalogs directed to architects, designers and builders. Langhurst also says that the company’s 10-man team is very loyal, self starting and motivated. The company offers a full range of benefits including flex time and quarterly bonuses. Its motto is: “We love a challenge!�

34
RS Cabinet Doors Ltd.
Saskatoon, SK, Canada

‘00: $3,411,000 (Can.)
‘01: $4,344,000 (Can.)
Sales ‘01: +27.35% Projected ‘02: +20%
Est. 1986 Employees: 61
Kitchen cabinet doors, drawer fronts and crown mouldings

RS Cabinet Doors Ltd. says its own custom-designed customer service has propelled it into the WOOD 100. Darren Hayward, sales manager, says the company noticed a problem its competitors were having of informing their customers of longer lead times. “Our custom-designed scheduling program allows us to be able to inform customers of when they can expect their product to arrive. It has also allowed us to shorten our lead times. We also have a rush system in place to get small add-on orders or replacement doors out to our customers.�

35
Babson & Co.
Blue Hill, ME

‘00: $339,713
‘01: $432,000
Sales ‘01: +27.27% Projected ‘02: +40%
Est. 1976 Employees: 6
Solid surface, custom millwork and joinery for homes and yachts

Larry Babson, owner, says Babson & Co. is enjoying success in part because of its new CNC router. “With the implementation of computer-controlled equipment, it is feasible to efficiently produce products that were previously not profitable. We also can produce a far larger quantity of items than we could before, while maintaining a degree of quality.� He also says the new router has helped his firm get a “jump� on the competition.

36
Reborn Cabinets
Anaheim, CA

‘00: $4,068,000
‘01: $5,101,000
Sales ‘01: +25.39% Projected ‘02: +55%
Est. 1983 Employees: 65
Custom entertainment centers, wall units and home offices and residential kitchen and bath remodeling

Reborn Cabinets creates several factors for its entry into the WOOD 100. For Vince Nardo, vice president, it is a combination of marketing, employee dedication, increased productivity and customer service. The company invested heavily in marketing last year to sell direct to customers. It also has many employees that have worked there for five to 10 years and “have seen the company grow from 15 employees to what we have today.� He says the increased productivity is due to restructuring of how the company manages its products. “We changed from having individual project managers to a more ‘assembly line’ approach.� Reborn also added a customer service staff.

37
Top Drawer Components Inc.
Apache Junction, AZ

‘00: $2,383,000
‘01: $2,980,000
Sales ‘01: +25.05% Projected ‘02: +15%
Est. 1989 Employees: 35
Dovetail drawers and drawer blanks

In its sixth WOOD 100 appearance, Top Drawer Components has grown from $920,000 in sales in 1996 to $2,980,000 in 2001. Brian Emerson, owner, says customer satisfaction is a big part of the company’s continuing success. “We have worked hard at learning to communicate with our customers. Customer satisfaction has increased and the bulk of our growth is coming from referrals.� Top Drawer has added a refurbished Sorbini finish line, Raimann Valu-Rip III optimizing infeed system and a Grecon Dimter 104 optimizing cut-off system.

38
Williams & Clark Custom Woodworking
Frisco, TX

‘00: $2,000,000
‘01: $2,500,000
Sales ‘01: +25.00% Projected ‘02: N/A
Est. 1986 Employees: 25
Commercial and architectural millwork

Wesley Williams, owner and president of Williams & Clark Custom Woodworking, credits the company’s employees with its first appearance in the WOOD 100. “The saying is really true. Our company is only ever as good as our employees.� The company recently added a moulder, straight line ripsaw and installation vans. “For the future, we will continue to observe and learn from other companies success,� says Williams. “We’re not opposed to applying ideas to our business that have worked for someone else.�

39
Mock Woodworking Co.
Zanesville, OH

‘00: $10,508,000
‘01: $13,060,000
Sales ‘01: +24.29% Projected ‘02: 0%
Est. 1954 Employees: 52
Architectural woodwork, store fixtures and casework

Douglas F. Mock, president, says all the credit for Mock Woodworking’s success belongs to its employees. In its third consecutive WOOD 100 appearance, the company’s employees’ dedication has paid off as the company has more than doubled its sales since 1998 from $6,297,000 to $13,060,000. “We have high-skilled and long-time employees that have put in a lot of overtime and extra hours just to make sure a job gets done on time and right.�

40
Crosco Wood Products
Fredericksburg, OH

‘00: $1,545,000
‘01: $1,917,000
Sales ‘01: +24.08% Projected ‘02: 0%
Est. 1994 Employees: 15
Hardwood components for furniture, toy, turning, stair and store fixture manufacturers

Crist H. Miller, owner, believes two factors have been influential in Crosco Wood Products’ second appearance in the WOOD 100. “When we picked up a large order from a new customer in July of 2001, our employees responded by working long and/or flexible hours. We were able to meet our shipment schedule by farming out a portion of rough mill operations and splitting our workforce into two shifts.� The company purchased a Cantek planer/sander, which Miller says was installed in November of 2001 and has been running 10 hours per day since.

41
K & D Woodwork
Big Sandy, TX

‘00: $430,000
‘01: $532,000
Sales ‘01: +23.72% Projected ‘02: +17%
Est. 1993 Employees: 14
Custom kitchen and bath cabinets,
entertainment centers, mantles and office furniture

K & D Woodwork’s first appearance in the WOOD 100 stems from its dedication to customer satisfaction. Owner Ken Burgin says the company takes the opinions of its customers personally. “We are not finished with a project when we say we are; we are finished when the customer says we are.� The ultimate goal of the company is to make the customer happy. K & D Woodwork recently added Cabinet Vision Solid, a 50-inch sander and a line bore press.

42
Caseworx Inc.
Redlands, CA

‘00: $4,995,000
‘01: $6,175,000
Sales ‘01: +23.62% Projected ‘02: +50%
Est. 1992 Employees: 80
Institutional wood casework and plastic laminate

Making its sixth appearance in the WOOD 100, Caseworx Inc. has grown 96% since its first appearance in 1995. With the help of a new marketing program, the company was able to bring its sales roaring back after a down year from 1999 to 2000. Bruce Humphrey, CEO, says, “We attribute our marketing success to being committed to our customers’ needs for accurate product and delivery schedule information, which is offered 24/7.� The company has developed customized software to produce real time feedback to all employees on production and financial measurements as well as customers. This facilitates the company’s marketing abilities.

43
Whip’s Carpentry
Burlington, ON, Canada

‘00: $8,138,000 (Can.)
‘01: $10,005,000 (Can.)
Sales ‘01: +22.94% Projected ‘02: +25%
Est. 1980 Employees: 40
Store and office fixtures, closet organizers

“In the past two years, we have more than doubled our product lines by introducing new colors, sizes and styles,� says, Mick Lycklama, president. Whip’s Carpentry is appearing in the WOOD 100 for the fourth time with growth of more than 120% since 1998. “We are now able to do smaller batch runs in order to be more flexible. We have also introduced a specialized custom division for manufacturing ‘anything for anyone.’� The company has seen the above results in part because of the addition of these machines: a Selco WNT600 panel saw, a Brandt Optimat KD94 edgebander and a Morbidelli Author 500 machining center. It is waiting for a Morbidelli Planet HP 4618 work center for boring, routing and contour edgebanding to arrive December this year.

44
Ovation Cabinetry Inc.
Salina, KS

‘00: $3,987,000
‘01: $4,878,000
Sales ‘01: +22.35% Projected ‘02: +20%
Est. 1995 Employees: 30
Custom kitchen and bath cabinetry

Joseph Lorentz, CEO, says innovation has been the key to bringing Ovation Cabinetry into the WOOD 100 for the fourth consecutive year with an average of 62% growth annually. “New product development has been our primary goal. Our mission is to be innovative and market-driven so that our dealers have the competitive edge and clients have a complete selection.� He also says the company continually thinks about and researches the design of its new factory to eliminate potential bottlenecks so that products flow smoothly. “Our largest investment has been in training our employees to improve quality and having them contribute their ideas for better production flow.�

45
Knight Industries
North Clarendon, VT

‘00: $3,205,000
‘01: $3,919,000
Sales ‘01: +22.28% Projected ‘02: +25%
Est. 1982 Employees: 40
Custom cabinetry

Marketing and machinery has been key to Knight Industries’ second appearance in the WOOD 100 after last appearing in 2000. George Ritter, president, says, “We have set up a direct mail campaign, which consists of a letter, trifold brochure about cabinetry construction and our four-color sell sheet to builders and architects in an eight state area. We have expanded the efforts to set up dealers and have 12 dealers total with six coming in the last three years.� The company has recently added a Morbidelli CNC machining center, an SCM edgebander, a Pistorius beaded inset machine and a Striebig panel saw.

46
Eyewood Design Inc.
Interlochen, MI

‘00: $2,401,000
‘01: $2,935,000
Sales ‘01: +22.24% Projected ‘02: +20%
Est. 1994 Employees: 42
Residential cabinetry and commercial casework

In Eyewood Design Inc.’s second appearance in the WOOD 100, it has exceeded its projected sales increase of 15% for 2000 to 2001 by more than 7%. Randy Howard, president and owner, says increased productivity has been the answer. “We have added a Gannomat dowel inserter, a Uhling vertical case clamp and CADCode software. More importantly we have made several management changes that have affected throughput thought process.� He says that more work goes through the production line in a more organized fashion than before.

47
Almega Wood Works Corp.
Hudson, MI

‘00: $261,000
‘01: $319,000
Sales ‘01: +22.22% Projected ‘02: +40%
Est. 1996 Employees: 6
Custom commercial and residential cabinetry and furniture

At Almega Wood Works “doing all we can� is its motto for doing business. Scott Mesnard, president, says listening to customers’ needs and wishes and then trying to fulfill those desires is his firm’s first priority. “We will use outsourcing and subcontractors to provide products we are unable to manufacture to fill customer orders. We will also provide delivery of finished goods to their location through our trucking.� Almega Wood Works expects sales to jump ahead by 40% next year.

48
Wellborn Forest Products Inc.
Alexander City, AL

‘00: $16,091,000
‘01: $19,661,000
Sales ‘01: +22.19% Projected ‘02: +28%
Est. 1989 Employees: 170
Semi-custom kitchen and bath cabinets

Wellborn Forest Products enters the WOOD 100 because of the addition of new products and product development. Tim Wellborn, president and CEO, has high hopes for the company’s product alterations and additions. “We are excited by the addition of our 10 new designer colors along with seven new high-end door styles.� Wellborn Forest Products says the addition of two CNC routers and two CNC panel saws have helped the company stride forward as well.

49
Creative Laminates Inc.
LaCrosse, WI

‘00: $2,535,000
‘01: $3,094,000
Sales ‘01: +22.05% Projected ‘02: 0%
Est. 1992 Employees: 19
Laminated architectural casework and laminate countertops

Creative Laminates’ second appearance in the WOOD 100 is a result of moving to a larger facility and adding material handling equipment. Jody Lyon, treasurer, says adding space has made all the difference in increasing productivity. “The move allowed us to add material handling equipment, which greatly reduced worker injuries and made us much more efficient.� The company added a forklift, case clamp, spray booth, hand tools and other material handling equipment.

50
Lexington Manufacturing
Minneapolis, MN

‘00: $21,500,000
‘01: $26,021,000
Sales ‘01: +21.028% Projected ‘02: +3%
Est. 1958 Employees: 160
Components for architectural millwork, office furniture, cabinetry and store fixtures

This year marks Lexington Manufacturing’s 10th appearance in the WOOD 100. The company has grown from sales of $1,582,000 back in 1990 to $26,021,000 in 2001. Bill DeWitt, sales and marketing manager, says, “Quality has always been a focus. It is not coincidental that our quality programs have paralleled our sales growth. We understand that our past growth has been linked to quality.� The company has recently added 60,000 more square feet of space, material handling equipment, panel processing equipment and automated crosscut saws.