National Hardwood Magazine - July 2014

Woodfold Manufacturing

Woodfold Manufacturing Inc.: Successfully Balancing Environmental Sustainability With Corporate Success By Bridget McRea Forest Grove, OR–When it comes to the environment a lot of companies talk the talk but they don’t necessarily walk the walk. Woodfold Manufacturing Inc., headquartered here, is different. In fact, the company sees its efforts to minimize environmental impact as a “journey with no end,” and has committed to a relentless pursuit to have zero waste and impact on the world around it. This is a sample of a mural mountain scene accordion door by Woodfold Manufacturing Inc., located in Forest Grove, OR. 18 JULY 2014 ■ NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE

“Of course, we also have the most advanced technological advances in equipment, machinery, and process workflow. All of these elements come together and really set our company apart from the crowd.” – Leigh Ann Bateman, Woodfold Manufacturing Inc. “As our world population has tripled in the last 60 years, all of our natural systems have experienced a measurable impact; from the air we breathe, the water we drink and the land we use,” said Leigh Ann Bateman, purchasing agent for the company, which manufactures accordion doors, wood interior shutters, roll-up doors, and bookcase doors. “Over time, we’ve grown to understand that true business sustainability takes into account the relationships between environment, community, and people.” Operating from a 160,000-square-foot plant that employs 105 persons, Woodfold’s shifts run four days a week for a total of 36 hours. The company’s primary species is Alder, which it purchases in 5/4 and 6/4, Superior and Select grades. Woodfold buys about 250,000 board feet of lumber annually from select suppliers. Founded in 1957, Woodfold Manufacturing’s green efforts date back to 1993, the year the company converted from a solventbased coating to a water-based one, thus reducing its volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutant (HAP) emissions by 80 percent. A year later the firm conducted a plant-wide energy audit, converted all production facility lighting to metal halide lighting (which consumes 50 percent less energy), and upgraded its air handling system. Other green initiatives would follow over the years, making Woodfold not only a pioneer in sustainability, but also an ongoing proponent of environmental consciousness. Finished products are sold through distributors across the U.S. Justin Norman, the firm’s sales manager, handles the sales and Rick Alvarado oversees Woodfold’s plant operations. An employee-owned company, Woodfold was founded by John Marontate, who retired in the 1990s. Now headed up by Mark Lewis, president, the business got its start in 1957 as a manufacturer of church pews. The firm – which no longer makes pews – evolved its product line slowly over the years to accommodate changing customer wants and needs. One of its newest products, for example, is a side sliding door that will complement its current lineup of vertical rolling doors. “We’re going into production very soon on the side doors,” said Bateman. Please turn to page 36 Alder louvers by Woodfold offer the homeowner aesthetic beauty inside and out. Woodfold’s Rainbow sliding doors are a hit in a children’s room. JULY 2014 ■ NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 19