COLCHESTER, VT - Amoskeag Woodworking, one of Vermont's largest cabinet and millworking shops, has acquired Morse Hardwoods & Millwork Co. in Essex Junction, including its large millwork in Fairfax, VT.

"Morse Hardwoods is a good acquisition for us as both companies have always focused on quality," said Kevin Hastings, president of Amoskeag. "With Morse Hardwoods, we enhance our options, control our suppliers and continue our steady growth."

The Vermont Economic Development Authority approved $538,000 in financing. Amoskeag Woodworking, founded in 1992 as a home-based business, has grown to 13,500 square feet, designing, fabricating and installing of all types of interior architectural millwork. Amoskeag says it plans to move all manufacturing and warehousing functions to the Fairfax facility, while maintaining the Morse Hardwoods manufacturing line. Morse Hardwoods retail operation will move from its Essex location to combine with Amoskeag sales offices in Colchester. Amoskeag Woodworking, now employing 28, expects to grow to 40 within three years of the expansion project.
 

Amoskeag Millwork

Morse Hardwoods & Millwork

Peoples United Bank also participated in financing for the total $1.46 million project. The Vermont Economic Development Authority extended two loans:  $396,000 for the real estate and another $142,000 for machinery and equipment. Morse traces its wood industry roots to the early 1900's, when Clinton Griffith, great-grandfather of selling owners, cousins Brad Morse and Scott Morse, made his living working in the local sawmill.

The cousins formed Morse Hardwoods and Millwork Co. in 1983, offering local and hard-to-find species of hardwood and lumber, expanding soon after by acquiring the sawmill in Fairfax, VT. Morse milled and sold high-quality stock and custom hardwood products from the plant.