“I see continued growth and I anticipate
probably an average of close to 10 percent a
year,” Yoder said. “It’s full-speed ahead for
the time being. That’s definitely the feel that
we have.”
The prodigious growth forecast is welcome
news within the walls at the 70-year-old
operation, which began in 1944. Mel’s
father, John Yoder, merged his past sawmill
experience with his passion for timber and
lumber work andwent into business cutting
materials for area farmers tobuildbarns.
“I see continued growth and
I anticipate probably an average
of close to 10 percent a year,”
He’d go into the woods on a farmer’s
property and cut beams and whatever else
was needed for the construction. The
lumber and timber bloodlines continued
when John’s children were introduced to
the business. The second generation
ultimately took over – Mel Yoder is chief
executive officer these days – and six
members of the third generation are already
on the scene, basically running the
company.
Between 180 and 190 employees now head
to work each day at one of four company-
