Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Bliffert Lumber and East Side Lumber completed their merger effective Aug. 1, bringing together two strong independent lumber companies with a shared commitment to exceptional customer service, trusted relationships and the communities they serve.
East Side Lumber has been employee-owned for more than 18 years and has built an outstanding reputation for its expertise, customer service and commitment to the building industry. That employee-first culture aligns naturally with Bliffert Lumber, which has expanded employee ownership through its partial employee stock ownership program (ESOP), reinforcing both companies’ belief that investing in employees builds stronger businesses and better customer relationships.
“In 1961, the Vander Jagt family completed the merger of two Hartford lumber yards to form East Side Lumber Co,” says Mark Neu, East Side Lumber vice president. “Over the years, through continued growth and improvements, East Side Lumber Co. has provided quality products and excellent customer service to Hartford and the surrounding communities. This merger with Bliffert Lumber will provide an even stronger offering of products while maintaining the same staff that the Hartford community has come to know and trust. We welcome this merger as an exciting opportunity to continue operating a strong lumberyard and builder hardware location that supports Hartford and the surrounding area.”
Founded in 1904, Bliffert Lumber has built its reputation on integrity, long-term partnerships and a commitment to the communities it serves. East Side Lumber has earned a similar reputation throughout the Hartford area, making the two companies a natural fit.
“We are overjoyed to welcome East Side to our lumber family. Strong independents go together like hot summer weather and cold Wisconsin beer,” says Eli Bliffert, Bliffert Lumber chairman of the board. “More importantly, both of our companies have built our success on taking care of our employees, customers and communities. Nothing makes us happier than continuing that tradition together.”
By joining Bliffert Lumber, customers will gain access to an expanded inventory, enhanced product offerings, additional specialty building materials and the resources of one of Wisconsin’s largest independent building materials suppliers.
The merger represents Bliffert Lumber’s continued strategic growth across Wisconsin while reinforcing its commitment to remaining a sixth-generation, family-owned, relationship-driven company. By bringing together two organizations built on shared values, employee ownership and trusted customer relationships, the combined company is well positioned to provide greater value, expanded capabilities and long-term stability for customers throughout the region.
