Woodcraft Industries history

1947: Woodcraft doubles its facilities and begins manufacturing shipping crates.

In 1955, Woodcraft started its Builders Products business.

Looking for future markets, Woodcraft in 1962 began manufacturing a commercial line of cabinetry to be used in schools.

In 1968, cofounder Theodore Ritsche's son, Tom Ritsche, bought the company and began a strategic planning process which led to a restructuring within the company.

PrimeWood was founded by Ed Shorma in Wahpeton, North Dakota, in 1981.

In 1986, Woodcraft built an addition to its Foreston facility and streamlined production by consolidating its rough mill and machine room at the plant.

In 1989, Woodcraft Industries began expanding its markets, diversifying product lines to strongly include the furniture industry.

With over 600 employees in 1993 and over 200,000 square feet of production space, PrimeWood had established itself as an industry leader, especially regarding its work in melamine laminating.

In 1994, the cabinet production plant had proved successful and a 14,000-square-foot expansion was added to the facility.

1996: Woodcraft is bought out by Goldner, Hawn, Johnson & Morrison.

Woodcraft eventually sold off the transportation company in 1999 to Three Rivers Transport for an undisclosed amount.