Wooden Mallet Inc.
Introduction
Jim Kreber started
his woodworking career creating made-to-order pieces for local customers.
That was more than 30 years ago.
Today he owns and is the president of Wooden Mallet, manufacturer and wholesale distributor of wood office and institutional fixtures. While his product line and distribution method has become more focused, his commitment to the customer and to a quality product every time remain crucial to the business's success.
Mission Statement
"Excellence in wood products manufacturing is Wooden Mallet's primary goal. To make this possible, I believe in a family of trained and dedicated employees, top quality materials, and the most modern equipment and facilities. With these tools, we can bring to our customers a consistently superior product, prompt ship times, and a smooth running partnership."
Quality and Customer Service
Wooden Mallet Prides
itself on fast service. A large facility enables the company to stock a
large inventory, providing for a back order rate of almost zero. Once
Wooden Mallet receives an order, the products are drop shipped within 24 hours
directly to the end user via United Parcel Service, Federal Express, or LTL.
Because of the company's central location, customers on both coasts receive
products within days. Most products are shipped fully assembled so they
can be literally used within a week of placing the order!
Meanwhile, the quality of the product is never compromised. Wooden Mallet uses solid oak sides and components. This construction provides a durable and solid product. All components are pre-finished before assembly to ensure an even finish in all nooks and crannies, and a better protected product.
Through a constant, vigilant
effort by the company's packaging department, Wooden Mallet has virtually
eliminated freight damage. Statistics show that only 1 in 250 Wooden
Mallet products are damaged in transit.
Of course, occasionally there are customer concerns that must be addressed. In these instances, Wooden Mallet strives for a quick and simple resolution of the problem.
All the quality and customer service, yet Wooden Mallet products remain very competitively priced. The company continually invests in production technology which helps keep product handling to a minimum, which in turn keeps prices down.
Equipment and Facility
Some of Wooden Mallet's
trend-setting technological equipment include 4 CNC routing machines, and laser
engraving machine, and a stat-of-the-art finishing system. The routing
machines afford a better degree of accuracy as pieces are cut for assembly.
The laser engraving machine enables products to be customized with any artwork
or logo. The finishing system used by Wooden Mallet is one of the first of
its kind in the Midwest. The system uses ultra violet light to cure the
finish; not only is the finish more durable, but the process meets the emission
standards set by the Environment Protection Agency for many years to come.
Awards and Growth
For the past 10 years, Wooden Mallet has ranked consistently in the top 100 of the Wood & Wood Products, Wood 100 Annual Report for Solid Wood and Panel Technology. In 1993 and 1994, the company ranked 13th in the nation; in 1995 72nd, in 1996 it rose to 18th, and in 1997 rose again to 11th. In 1998, the company ranked 13th, in 1999 25th, 2000 83rd, 2001 60th, and in 2002 Wooden Mallet ranked 93rd nationally. The ranking is figured on the company's percentage growth from the previous year. In fact the annual sales volume of Wooden Mallet grew a massive 1300 percent from 1993 to 2002.