Wilson Lumber Moves Up the List of Top Lumberyard Rankings
Huntsville, Ala.-based building materials supplier Wilson Lumber has been recognized as a top lumberyard by two highly respected publications in the building materials industry.
Based on 2021 sales and growth, Wilson Lumber moved up the list of the LBM JOURNAL 100, from No. 60 to No. 53. The LBM JOURNAL 100 ranks the nation’s top pro dealers and lumberyards by sales from the previous year.
Wilson Lumber also ranked 40th in the nation among lumberyards with manufacturing on the Construction Supply 150 by Webb Analytics, a data and research consultancy in construction supply.
Wilson Lumber reported 36.8% growth in gross sales from 2020 to 2021, some of which is attributed to rising costs in lumber and other materials, but also due to a steady increase in demand for housing. Huntsville continues to experience significant growth, becoming the largest city in Alabama in mid-2021, years ahead of when it was projected to do so. Huntsville was also named the No. 1 Best Place to Live in the U.S. in 2022-23, by U.S. News & World Report.
Wilson Lumber President Robb Wilson attributes the significant growth to more than just market conditions but to strategic planning and superb teamwork throughout the organization.
“We’ve placed so much emphasis on being clear about our direction and goals, and our team has really taken ownership of their work,” said Wilson. “From growing capacity with additional millwork and engineered wood facilities, to raising our quality of leadership and becoming a BWI ‘Best Workplace’ from our most recent employee engagement survey, I couldn’t be prouder of all the team here has accomplished.”
The demand for housing has put a strain on area builders and on Wilson Lumber to meet builders’ needs, but the company has prepared for the growth by increasing production, expanding operations with additional manufacturing spaces, recruiting the best workers, and building relationships with suppliers. The company opened two new manufacturing and warehousing facilities in early 2022 and surpassed more than 330 employees for the first time in it’s 73-year history.
“The overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will be discussed for generations, and Wilson Lumber, like everyone, felt the impact,” said Wilson Lumber Director of Sales Josh Hendrickson. “One thing is clear, when we saw something coming we proactively put systems in place to manage this in a way that reduced impact to our customers.
“From manufacturing, ordering, delivery and communication – every process was addressed and adjusted to work within the ever-changing conditions. As a result, our customers have been able to stay on track and build faster.”
ABOUT WILSON LUMBER
Wilson Lumber has provided building materials in North Alabama since 1949, specializing in lumber, doors, windows and trusses. Wilson Lumber is family owned and operated. The company Mission Statement is “To build a successful company that upholds Christlike principles and inspires people to grow.” Wilson Lumber is committed to building materials, relationships and communities.