Jay, NY and Malone, NY— The employees of Ward Lumber, with locations in both Jay and Malone, have made history by purchasing the 130-year-old business as a worker-owned cooperative. The transaction marks the first employee ownership transition of its kind in the North Country region of New York State.
The lumber products and hardware store, which has locations in Jay and Malone, NY and employs over 50 local people, has been in Jay Ward’s family for four generations. Ward, who will continue his leadership role as the company’s chief executive officer, completed a contract with his employee team that makes Ward Lumber the largest worker-owned cooperative in the region.
Ward Lumber has been in business since 1890, providing local jobs, supporting the region’s farm and construction industries, and having direct and indirect economic impacts on area businesses and communities.
Ward Lumber handles White Pine and other building materials. For more information, go to www.wardlumber.com.
