Harold White Lumber: A Legacy Of Excellence And Innovation
In 1968, determined to forge his own path, Harold White founded Harold White Lumber Inc. in Morehead, KY. “Our family is deeply rooted in the timber business,” said Ray White Sr., CEO of Harold White Lumber Inc. “My father and grandfather, Ray L. White, worked together in an active sawmill operation before my father established the company we proudly run today.” The White family’s rich history in the forest products industry dates back to the 1800s.
When Harold White launched the company, he had little more than determination and a $6,000 bank loan. Undeterred, he and his wife, Barbara, built a business that would evolve into a thriving fourth-generation lumber enterprise.
“Dad started with just four employees, but as both the business and our family expanded, he saw the need to diversify and innovate, which led us to where we are today,” said Lee White, CEO of Harold White Millworks Inc., also based in Morehead, KY.
Both Ray Sr. and Lee grew up immersed in the family business. Ray has been with the company since he was 15, mastering every aspect of the operation. Lee, after starting in high school, pursued a college degree before returning in 1990 to spearhead the millwork division. “I was drawn to secondary manufacturing and wanted to help the company grow vertically, so the millwork division became my focus, and I have stuck with it ever since,” Lee stated.
A Legacy of Excellence
Today, the next generation is also deeply involved. Ray White Jr. serves as the log procurement manager, while Sawyer White oversees log and procurement operations. “I remember mowing the lawns around the buildings here in high school, and after graduating college, I was welcomed into the business full-time,” said Ray Jr.
As new generations take the helm, Harold White Lumber remains steadfast in its commitment to superior craftsmanship. The company produces up to 12 million board feet of lumber annually, operating on a shift-and-a-half schedule. Harold White Lumber began exporting hardwoods in 1978 and this continues to be a core aspect in hardwood sales in addition to their long-term domestic sales relationships.
Harold White Lumber primarily processes Poplar and Red and White Oak but also offers Walnut, Hard and Soft Maple, Hickory and Cherry. “We have remained a true random width and length mill all these years,” said Ray Sr. “We have no intention of becoming a pull-to-width mill. We understand our niche and what sells best for us.”
Harold White Millwork’s primary species is Poplar. “Right now, painted finishes are in demand, so most of our production consists of Poplar finger-jointed products,” Lee explained. While Poplar remains the dominant trend, the millwork division is highly versatile, offering over 1,000 different profiles, including wallcoverings such as paneling, shiplap, Dutch lap and wainscoting. “We adapt to changing trends,” Lee added.
Most of the lumber used in Harold White Millwork originates from Harold White Lumber. However, due to the high demand for certain species, such as Poplar, the company sources an additional 2.5 million board feet of kiln-dried Poplar. “Currently, our millwork division operates on a wholesale level, supplying other millwork and component manufacturers, also catering to individual architectural woodworkers and home builders,” said Lee. “We also supply hundreds of miles of plank fencing for the equine farms throughout central Kentucky,” Ray Jr. added.
To maintain high production quality and efficiency, Harold White Lumber relies on cutting-edge equipment. “On the lumber side, we primarily use Corley Sawmill equipment, along with two McDonough band mills equipped with Lewis Controls, Armstrong sawmilling filing equipment and Stellite line-tipped bandsaws. We also have 400,000 board feet of SII dry kilns powered by a Hurst Woodwaste Hybrid Boiler,” said Sawyer. “Our air-drying yard accommodates 3 million board feet, while our heated dry storage holds an additional 1 million board feet. We operate two high-production planing mills for S2S loads.”
Innovation is Key
The millwork division is equally advanced. “We run two Weinig moulders, a Hydromat 23, a Weinig Powermat 1500 and a new grinder,” said Lee. “Additionally, we operate a Northtech planer, a Kentwood three-removal-blade ripsaw, a MiCROTEC scanner, a System TM chop saw, two Grecon finger jointers and a Doucet finger jointer.”
Both divisions operate on a single, expansive site. “We own nearly 100 acres, with approximately 46 acres utilized for our facilities,” said Ray Sr.
“Being on a single site allows us to streamline operations and provide customers with diverse applications,” added Sawyer. “On any given day, we can rip and surface lumber, process it through our sawmill and dry kilns, and seamlessly transfer it to our millwork facility.”
Harold White Lumber and Harold White Millwork are dedicated to maximizing value for their customers. To ensure premium quality, they partner with the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) for yield analysis and grade studies. These studies help the company optimize efficiency, improve yield and reduce costs.
NHLA’s Mark Bear conducts on-site assessments several times a year. “During a yield study, we grade logs separately by diameter and quality, then run them independently to determine profitability,” Bear explained.
“This is an invaluable service NHLA offers its members,” Ray Sr. noted. “Currently, 75 percent of the costs are subsidized through a U.S. Forest Service grant.”
The company also invests in rigorous training, sending all its lumber inspectors to the NHLA Inspection School. “The foundation of manufacturing and marketing lumber starts with NHLA training,” said Ray Sr. Harold White graduated with NHLA’s 13th class, followed by retired owner Michael White in 1976, Ray Sr. in the 78th class, and Ray Jr. and Sawyer in the 184th class. Every inspector at the company is an NHLA graduate.
Harold White Lumber believes the next generation is key to continued success. “We hold tightly to the values instilled in us and pass them down to our sons and younger employees,” said Ray Sr. “That’s why we promote from within when someone demonstrates potential and a willingness to learn.”
This philosophy has fostered loyalty among employees. Milton Hamilton, one of Harold White’s first hires, dedicated 62 years to the company. His son, Darrell Hamilton, has followed in his footsteps, now serving for 51 years as the overseer of yard operations. The Hamilton family’s commitment is a testament to the company’s deep-rooted trust and support for its employees.
Harold White Lumber is a proud member of the NHLA, Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association, Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc., Kentucky Forest Industries Association (Harold was an original charter member and officer), Ohio Valley Lumber Drying Association, Kentucky Woodland Owners Association, Hardwood Federation, Real American Hardwood Coalition and the American Hardwood Export Council. Members of the family remain very active on several of these association boards.
For more information, visit haroldwhitelumber.com.
