40 Years – Celebration and Reflection
The year is 1982. The Commodore 64 home computer hits the market, âE.T. the Extra-Terrestrialâ comes to the big screen, Sony launches the compact disc player, and Michael Jacksonâs âThrillerâ album is released. That same year, in Brice Prairie, WI, Cabinet Factory Inc. (later renamed WalzCraft) was founded. From its humble beginnings with a handful of employees working in a small pole shed, the company has grown to 260 dedicated employees in a 360,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility. On May 12th, 2022 we reach a major milestone: our 40th Anniversary. In addition to celebrating where we are, we also take this opportunity to reflect on how we got here.
After incorporation, the 1980s saw strong growth for the young company. By 1989 we employed over 50 people and had moved twice to accommodate the expansion, ending up at our current location in La Crosse, WI. The 90s brought the addition of CNC routers, a 22-page color brochure, a company website, and more square footage totaling 176,000. In 2002 the company name changed to WalzCraft. That same decade brought multiple building additions, a flatline finishing system, more machinery, and the launch of the Signature Series doors. Since then, the Refacing Training Program began, Saw Stops appeared, and lean manufacturing efforts ramped up to increase production efficiencies.
We could not have become a nationally recognized leader in the industry without our dedicated team members, loyal customers, and valued suppliers. As we celebrate 40 years in business, we want to thank everyone that has contributed to this achievement. We look forward to seeing what the future holds, and appreciate all of you being a part of the journey.
