In 1983, Tim and Rhonda Kendrick could never have imagined the level of growth their little sawmill and logging operation would come to know. From its humble origins of a small circle mill with 16 employees in Edgewood, Iowa, Kendrick, Inc. has grown to include four sites and over 160 employees across several brands shipping logs, lumber, and Kendrick Home wood wall art across the globe. The Kendricks have done it with a core of smart, strong-willed locals dedicated to LEAN Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement. The Kendricks have empowered those teammates to make good decisions on their behalf. This year, Kendrick, Inc. took their game to another level.
Kendrick Forest Products (KFP) remains the centerpiece of that family of brands. KFP is a vertically integrated Hardwood processor focusing on logging, sawing, and drying Walnut and White Oak in addition to 10 other species that are abundant in Eastern Iowa and Southwestern Wisconsin, (an area known for quality Walnut and other hardwood species grown in rich fertile ground providing consistent color and texture). While growing their presence as a respected producer of Walnut lumber over the past 38 years it became time to continue to invest in the future of the company. This year KFP designed and erected a 36,000-square-foot kiln-dried processing facility (KD Plant) allowing them to more efficiently plane, rip, and chop lumber and components parts. The KD Plant includes a VisionTally system ensuring KD customers are receiving exactly the footage that is expected.
General Manager Greg Blomberg noted, “Everything about the KD Plant will focus on enhancing our lumber quality and continuing to solidify our reputation in the industry as the go-to vendor for Walnut, White Oak and Hickory.”
Quality is important to the KFP brand. KFP is a Grade Certified Mill. The National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) site certification requires inspection of their product by NHLA National Inspectors on a regular basis to ensure their product is within grade specifications.
In addition to the NHLA, KFP is active in the Hardwood Manufacturers Association (HMA), Lake States Lumber Association (LSLA), Wood Component Manufacturers Association (WCMA), Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association (IHLA), the American Walnut Manufacturers Association (AWMA), and is a proponent and contributor of the Real American Hardwood Coalition. KFP regularly brings employees from all levels in the company to association meetings and manufacturing tours to continue to make new connections and gain further knowledge from industry friends.
While many mills were paring back production during the pandemic, KFP never skipped a beat. “We truly operate as a team. We have a fantastic core that is able to adapt to changing market conditions when they come up,” stated Blomberg. “We are not so big that we are forced to move slowly when changing directions. We really are fortunate to have our camaraderie on board; it is a credit to Tim and Rhonda for instilling the team concept. No one from within looks at this business as if they were the sole genius to drive the growth; it has always been a team effort. Consequently, we have terrific employee retention. I feel like we are on a championship team that wants to stay together and keep on winning championships when perhaps we could individually do slightly better on the free market but be unhappy doing it. The good news is that our customers will enjoy the continuity of our team and our cross-training efforts.”
This family business wasn’t satisfied with just doing it better, they are also on a growth path. KFP recently acquired an additional sawmill in Muscatine, Iowa and a dry kiln facility in Vinton, Iowa. With the addition of these plants, KFP will be sawing over 15 million board feet per year and drying over 8 million board feet per year. Lumber Sales Manager Matt Yest welcomes the challenge to move more product, stating, “Our customers have been asking us for additional material and this year’s capital improvements and acquisitions will make it all possible. The added mill and kilns will especially increase the availability of our kiln-dried products in winter months. This will greatly improve our customer’s ability to count on us year-round.” Matt is the immediate past president of the AWMA and is currently serving on the Executive Committee.
KFP produces 4/4 through 8/4 thicknesses in Walnut. Other species are predominantly cut at 4/4 and 5/4. In addition to grade lumber, KFP produces railroad ties, pallet cants, and pallet grade lumber. The company offers lumber in the rough or hit or miss, surfaced through one of their two Newman 282 Planers. KFP ships lumber and veneer logs via flatbed truck, container, and rail boxcar to customers throughout the United States and to over 20 countries around the world. Kendrick’s lumber ships to distribution yards as well as end users and offers both full and mixed loads.
With the next generation of Kendricks assuming more leadership in the business it was important that Kendrick’s mills are in regions with a strong and sustainable timber supply. Kirby Kendrick said, “I’m hoping we are able to continue to serve our customers for generations to come with this amazing resource that’s grown in our region. There is more timber in our region today than 50 years ago. We are here for the long haul.” Kirby means it when he says that, too. He is a true leader in the field serving as a board member of the Lake States Lumber Association and Hardwood Manufacturers Association, a member of the Edgewood City Council, and a volunteer firefighter. Additionally, he was recognized by Woodworking Network Magazine as one of their “40 Under 40” leadership group in 2019. He and his three sisters plan to continue to grow Kendrick, Inc. as their generation takes control of the business.
Owner and Vice President, Rhonda Kendrick, has long been a trail blazer and leader in the industry. She said it best, “We are so proud of our team. If we just put our minds to it, I know our team can do anything.” The Kendricks have indeed put their mind to growth and improvement.
“Our staff is continually looking for ways to reduce waste and utilize more of the log, that’s how the Kendrick Home wood wall art came to be. The Edgewood facility uses the co-product of the log in several ways. Dust is turned into energy in our wood waste boiler with an integrated biomass turbine. We colorize and bag mulch sold though big box stores. Our major growth points came when we leveraged our capabilities at times where things looked more difficult than ever, we try to turn negatives into a positive,” stated Kendrick. It appears each growth spurt this company has achieved has been a result of fulfilling a need of customers and in having the ability to quickly react to changing market demands. “Our organizational chart is relatively flat which makes it easier for us to react and make changes quickly,” stated Kendrick.
Owner and President, Tim Kendrick, has followed in his father’s footsteps when Tim purchased the closed milling operation in 1983. Tim’s mentor was his father, Don Kendrick Sr., who was a leader and a fascinating teacher that shared his love of the timber, logs, and milling with Tim who has now shared that with his son, Kirby. “Buying the logs, sawing, grading, and selling the lumber are all key to the successful operation of any mill, we keep a close eye on those areas and make sure our team understands their importance,” stated Kendrick.
There is an abundance of generational growth in the lumber industry and Kendrick Forest Products is certainly setting themselves up for future generations.
Learn more at www.kfpiowa.com.
