BAYER INTERIOR WOODS:
BAYER INTERIOR WOODS: Providing the Complete, By Bridget McCrea Customized Package Sauk Centre, MN—Simply making high-quality cabinet parts wasn’t enough for Bayer Interior Woods, based here. Not long after founding the organization in 1994, CEO and Co-Owner Brian Bayer worked with his team to develop an innovative system of making finished products for the cabinet shops and dealers that they partner with. In business for 18 years, Bayer Interior Woods purchases about 750,000 board feet of lumber annually from wholesalers in Wisconsin and Michigan. Its primary species include Red Oak, Hard and Soft Maple, Cherry, Red Alder, White and Yellow Birch, Yellow Poplar, Hickory and white pine – all in No. 1 Common grade (with some Select and Better and a small dose of FAS for mouldings). “We created a CabinetPac system by which we take a kitchen drawing and build all of the case parts, doors, face frames, functional hardware, and other elements needed to create a complete cabinet job,” explained Dan Johanek, purchasing manager. “We stack all of the items on a pallet and deliver it to the customer’s shop for assembly.” Johanek points out that he’s not talking about your average “knock-down” approach to assembly line cabinet manufacturing. “Everything we make is fully customized to meet the customer’s needs,” he explained. “No two kitchens are alike.” Johanek said the innovative approach has not only helped Bayer Interior Woods thrive through tough economic times, but it has also pushed the firm to explore even more customized offerings. Finished products offered at Bayer Interior Woods. Brian Bayer, CEO, Bayer Interior Woods, Sauk Centre, MN 16 NOVEMBER 2013 ■ NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE
Charles ‘Butch’ Gordhamer, co-owner, treasurer, Bayer Interior Woods Purchasing Manager Dan Johanek (far right) gets involved in a multitude of daily operations. the most recent recession we decided to take a step further by creating a completely assembled cabinet line along with matching millwork,” he explained, “During noting that the tactic virtually eliminates the need to purchase cabinets and millwork from two different suppliers. “We also finish everything and include the hardware so that everything matches correctly.” In 2010, Bayer Interior Woods added a showroom to its lineup and calls it a “Selection Center.” While it doesn’t sell to the general public, the showroom is open to anyone who wants to come in and see what the manufacturer has to offer. The showroom features complete kitchenettes, millwork displays, and a variety of finish colors. Bayer Interior Woods’ “open door” showroom approach also helps generate leads for the firm’s dealer base. “We give visitors the list of dealers that we sell to,” said Johanek, “and let them select which one they want to work with.” Please turn to page 36 Richard Hoge, President/CFO, Bayer Interior Woods, Sauk Centre, MN Bayer’s Operations Manager Darryl Nicholis Bayer Interior Woods utilizes a Mereen-Johnson gang saw in the manufacturing process. NOVEMBER 2013 ■ NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 17
