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Samuel D. Stoltzfus
Samuel D. Stoltzfus grew up in an Amish family in Ronks, Pa. He became interested in woodworking as a boy and would make toys and trinkets on the scroll saw.
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Our beginning
In 1972 at the age of 21, Sam founded the company – first known as S.D. Stoltzfus Cabinet Shop. At that time it was a one-man cabinet making shop operated by Sam.
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Early Years
Originally, Sam bought his doors from a different supplier, and his father, brothers and a friend would install the kitchens.
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Keystone Custom Kitchens
In 1975, Sam began making his own cabinet doors and the name changed to Keystone Custom Kitchens.
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A Change in Direction
Sam saw an opportunity in the industry to switch to solely making cabinet components. So in 1977, he stopped making cabinets altogether and changed the company name to Keystone Wood Specialties.
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More Products & Employees
As Keystone Wood Specialties moved forward in this new direction, more employees and products were added. As Sam has previously said, “This was a big switch, because it was like starting all over again. It was tough going for a couple years, to bring everything to the quality level we wanted.”
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A New Location
Sam felt that a different location would be necessary to grow the business, so he built a new manufacturing plant on Old Philadelphia Pike, and Keystone moved to its current location in 1984. (Building on the right-hand side of the photo)
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Introducing Dovetailed Drawers
Keystone took a big leap towards becoming a one-stop-shop for kitchen components with the purchase of its first dovetailer in 1989 and the beginning of manufacturing dovetailed drawer boxes.
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Building Again
As the business grew, so did the manufacturing facility, and in 1991 a 12,000 square-foot addition was added.
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Expanding Our Footprint
In 1996, Keystone purchased the building and land beside the manufacturing plant, and in 1998, a corridor was added to connect the two buildings. The finishing department and administrative services moved into the new building.
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Achieving SHARP certification
In 2003, Keystone Wood Specialties became SHARP certified and has retained its certification status to date.
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Recognized Again for Safety
Keystone’s commitment to safety was recognized again by being named as one of the Safest Companies in America in 2005.
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Face Frames Enter the Picture
Keystone expands its product line with the addition of face frames manufacturing.
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Sam Receives Jerry Metz Award
In 2006, Sam Stoltzfus received the prestigious 2006 Jerry Metz Achievement Award. Given by Wood & Wood Products, the award recognizes woodworking business owners whose companies exhibit excellence in the four “cornerstones”: safety, training, quality, and productivity. Jerry Metz Award was considered a legend in the field of woodworking.
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Rough Mill Added
In 2006, a 20,000 square-foot rough mill was added to the facility.
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Refacing Training
Cabinet Refacing training was added to Keystone’s offerings as a service for current and potential customers.
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The Loss of Our Founder
After being at the helm of Keystone Wood Specialties for 48 years, Founder and President Sam Stoltzfus died on December 10, 2020 at the age of 69.
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Nick Stoltzfus Becomes President
In January 2021, Sam’s son Nick Stoltzfus takes on the role of president of Keystone Wood Specialties. Prior to this position, Nick had been Vice President of Operations since 2018.
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The Essentials
Keystone launched the Essentials Collection. A new laminate product line including doors, drawer fronts, moulding and matching flexible laminate veneer.
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Keystone celebrates 50 years!
In January, Keystone Wood Specialties kicked off its 50th anniversary year. What began as a family-owned company, remains so today. Sam’s wife and Keystone owner Elaine Stoltzfus, along with her sons Tim and Nick, led an anniversary celebration for employees and retirees.
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BACCI EDGE PROFILING CNC
Keystone takes quality to the next level with the installation of a BACCI Master Pro.
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Keystone Makes FDMC 300 List
Keystone earned a spot (299) on the FDMC 300 list. This is the company’s first time on the FDMC list which is based on 2022 sales.