Buffelen

"The future arrives one day at a time. A company must be willing to change, to adapt and to improve old ways, yet retain the old fashioned values that guide it."

-Joe Guizzetti
Chief Executive Officer, Buffelen

In early March 1913, John Buffelen stood silently as he watched the first carload of doors pull away from the new Buffelen Lumber and Manufacturing Company in Tacoma, Washington. Buffelen was a native of Holland and had once been apprenticed to the engineer A.G. Eiffel, who constructed the world famous Eiffel tower in Paris. He immigrated to America in the late 1800's and had been interested in building beautiful quality doors for several years. Now his dream was coming true.

A short time later a plywood division was added and over the next 15 years Buffelen built and expanded his company, bringing new ideas and innovation to the business. By the late 1920's, Buffelen was an established, respected company on the east and west coasts.

John Buffelen sold the company in 1928, but it still retained his name. Through the Depression and World War II the company continued as an innovative, dynamic force in the door and plywood manufacturing business. And later, during the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's and 1980's it maintained its important position as one of the nation's leading suppliers of doors and hardwood plywood to America's new construction, and remodeling industries.

As we enter the 1990's and beyond, Buffelen Woodworking Company has the latest in modern machinery and know-how along with a strong base of loyal, skilled workers and a highly dedicated management team. All are committed to maintaining the high degree of quality product and excellent service that has become Buffelen's trademark in the marketplace.

Many of the 450 employees has purchased stock in the company, giving them not only an investment in Buffelen's future, but a further commitment to the highest manufacturing standards and customer service. As stockholders, they share directly in the rewards these high standards bring.

We believe the future arrives one day at a time. A company must be willing to change, to adapt and to improve old ways, yet retain the old fashioned values that guide it. John Buffelen would approve.