The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce Spotlight on Business for the month of May is Lincoln Wood Products located at 1400 W. Taylor St. in the Merrill Industrial Park.
Lincoln Wood Products was founded in 1947 by Carl and Jane Bierman. They purchased and renovated and old dairy farm and Lincoln Wood Products’ story began. As the company grew, the original building expanded several times. Today the company encompasses over 500,000 square feet of manufacturing space.
Customer service has always been the companies number one priority. Another focus is the continual evolution of their product line – constantly integrating technological improvements and expanding the product lines through extensive research and development that is conducted in-house. All products are then certified and verified by independent testing firms.
Seventy-one years after its founding, the finely crafted window and patio doors reflect the company’s long tradition of quality craftsmanship. It was important to Carl and Jane that Lincoln Wood Products would withstand the test of time and always offer employment to Merrill residents for generations to come.
On April 10, 2011 the corporate office and finishing plant was severely damaged by a tornado. They were able to move many operations to other plant facilities they owned to continue most operations. In August, the new plant was completely rebuilt and back to full operation. It had been a difficult period and was made more so by the passing of company owner Jane at the age of 91 years.
The hardships shared by the employees brought everyone together and strengthened the family atmosphere that Carl and Jane always sought for Lincoln Wood Products.
Lincoln Wood Products is going strong today under the leadership of Rick Bleise, CEO and Manager Dennis Krueger.
“Thanks to Carl and Jane Bierman and the legacy they left behind, Lincoln Wood Products is a part of Merrill’s past, present and future,” concluded Debbe Kinsey, Merrill Chamber CEO.
Lincoln Wood Products is a home-grown, family owned business that has greatly benefited Merrill for over 71 years through their business and family foundation and is another reason we say – For the Love of Merrill!