Welcome to Hutch Post’s feature series "A Day in the Life." We've gone behind the scenes to see what "a day in the life" is like for some of Reno County's busiest shops, factories and businesses. We'll show the inner workings of facilities you may pass every day, to finally see what goes on inside. From boilers to donuts, join us as we learn how things are designed and produced right here in Reno County with "A Day in the Life." This series will be posted every other Sunday morning.
By ROD ZOOK
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Woodwork Mfg. Co., Inc was founded in 1925, incorporated by H.A. Nichols, B.F. Nichols, H.L. Steed and W.E. Kissick at 4 S. Walnut in Hutchinson, just across from the Jess E. Liston Tire Company.
The Company motto was: “If it can be made of wood, we can do it.”
The company operated as a planning mill and did custom millwork of all types, including the manufacture of all the wood items in the J.S. Dillon stores, which at the time included all of the wall display shelving, island shelving, check stands, water spray produce counters, wood interior décor, etc.
In 2015, E. Jay Schrock decided it was time to hand over the reins of the company to his two children, Jeff P. Schrock and Teresa J. Schrock-Wagner. On March 31, 2016, after dedicating the last 56 years of his life to Woodwork Mfg. & Supply, E. Jay Schrock officially retired as president. He still serves on the Board of Directors and his leadership will forever be an important part of the Woodwork legacy.
Woodwork manufactures moldings, doors, windows, stair systems and just about any type of custom work needed, whether it be small or large. Moldings and doors are a major component of Woodwork Mfg.
The company can make wood or metal door frames and moldings to trim projects. One of the more unique aspects of Woodwork is its ability to match any type of molding, whether it be a new design or something more than 100 years old.
The company manufactures its own cutting tools that are designed out of plexiglass. That jig is placed into a machine. A knife is made to match and used to cut the new molding. This also allows the company to match anything new or old. The company can also match any type of finish a customer may have, even if it is a small project.
It’s one of the major advantages Woodwork has over other companies. Small and large contractors can take advantage of custom work.
Woodwork stores its unfinished product on-site. The wood is prime rated and is inspected in an indoor storage area before it is moved to a particular area, depending on when it will be used.
Once a production run is ready, machines are set up to mill the lumber for its intended use, whether it be trim molding or a frame for doors. The company can even design stair railings.
Once the moldings or trim are cut, they are assembled for their intended use and then finished.
If a contractor needs to match an existing color for a home renovation project, the company will mix up a sample and keep working until it matches what the contractor is looking for. Products are then moved to a loading area where they are placed onto trucks, and shipped to stores and contractors in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska and Colorado.
For more than 90 years, Woodwork Mfg. & Supply, Inc. has been a fixture in the Hutchinson Business Community and is proud of the many dedicated employees that have been a part of providing quality wood products for homes and buildings all across the state of Kansas and, today, as far away as the Hawaiian Islands.
A Day in the Life is brought to you by:
Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
Kincaid Manufacturing
JW Machine
Haven Steel
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