Seven Trees Woodworking's decision to continue paying for its custom woodworking shop in New Holland, PA during and after the pandemic. Seven Trees, already known in the region for its joinery, cabinetry and lobbies, added private label furniture to its portfolio in 2020 with the acquisition of Martin's Chairs.
“Now we offer a full line of bespoke furniture as well as cabinetry and joinery services,” says Zarin Smoker, founder and president of Seven Trees.
“We are an artisan factory,” he said. “Our niche is designers and general contractors who design and come to us with projects. They're looking for something special that other stores don't have, and if it's wood, metal and mixed materials, they're looking for something better for us.
Various projects for the individual residential sector, including cabinets for kitchens, bathrooms and other areas, Seven Trees handmade joinery, vanities, cabinets and patios for public areas of multi-unit residential complexes / apartments. Business has also grown in the commercial sector, which is about three-quarters of the company's size and includes the manufacture and support of bespoke joinery for public spaces in healthcare, education, hospitality, retail and food service. Many private label chairs are designed for use in education and other commercial markets.
“We were closed for about a month during the pandemic, but since then we have been busy, both commercial and residential. We added people, increased capacity and increased sales - we have definitely grown, ”Smoker said. dollars and is expected to be higher in 2023.
The Diversity Seven Woods Project is a member of the Architectural Woodworking Institute and the Cabinetmakers Association and has featured in award-winning restaurants, hotels and retail outlets. The company contracts with commercial builders, contractors, designers and specifiers for new construction and renovation projects, which can take months to a year to complete and cost an average of $300,000 to $500,000; According to Smoker, some projects have crossed the $1 million mark.
Notable projects include the Steak 48 restaurant in Philadelphia (see slideshow). “There was a lot of wood, living countertops, reclaimed wood, stone and metal – definitely a mix of materials,” Smoker said. He adds that this is another great project that will combine metal cladding with colored wood, allowing for many cool colors.
“As diverse as our work is, we are united by our commitment to quality materials, professional craftsmanship and first-class customer service.”
When Seven Tree Manufacturing acquired Martin's Chairs in 2020, Seven Tree Manufacturing did more than expand its product portfolio, but also increased its staff and quadrupled its footprint, moving production from its former 7,000-square-foot location to its largest a 28,000 square foot facility (24,000 stores). . . and 4,000 offices) occupied by Chairman Martin. The Seven Trees architectural metal fabrication facility is located on the former site.
Inside the store, Seven Trees combines CNC technology with the craftsmanship of yesteryear to create its range of products. The worktops include an Anderson Omnitech 5x10 CNC router for panel and solid wood work. Additional workshop equipment includes a Timesaver grinder, Holz-Harr vertical cut and trim saw, Martin four-sided planer, Taylor clamps and SandPro detachable tables. Software used includes Microvellum for cabinet layout, Fusion 360 for custom layout and processing, Crow's Nest project management software for planning, hours, purchasing, invoicing, work, file management and reporting, and QuickBooks for accounting and customizable electronic evaluation tables.
More CNC machines are on the wish list, Smoker says, including a 5x12 5-axis milling machine and a new edging bar. “We don't buy new equipment based on [long-term] assumptions,” he said. “Rather, there is an operation that we cannot do now, so we have to buy it in order to be able to do it; Do it or do it more efficiently,” explains the smoker.
Typically, there are six projects in progress at any given time: architectural joinery and bespoke cabinetry in one department, and doors and furniture in other areas. “We try to break projects down into smaller workspaces so they can move around the shop faster,” Smoker says. Projects are furnished and assembled before shipping.
As Smoker said, as part of the company's lean manufacturing philosophy, "We try to maintain a minimum inventory of skin care products and special order inventory." Working with local suppliers, the company did not encounter many supply issues, except for the initial problem of finding drawer and MDF rails. "Besides, it wasn't that bad. Delivery times for the cabinet doors have increased significantly, but I think it's already evening," he added.
Hardwood, another sought-after commodity, is widely used in shops. “Walnut is a star product, white oak and ash are in demand for color quality and maple for color quality,” he said.
Custom color matching and other finishes are done by hand at the GFS booth or in-house with the Kremlin's pneumatic spray gun. “With architectural joinery, they often come in colors to match ours,” he said. The company maintains a sample library for reference.
Culture and Roots The name Seve Tree was inspired by the Bible verse of Isaiah (41:19-20) which refers to the seven trees in the wilderness. (Learn more at SevenTrees.com.) Since its founding in 2009, the company has consistently demonstrated its commitment to service, quality and craftsmanship. Therefore, it is not surprising that most of the business comes from repeat customers and referrals.
“We are also bridging the gap between two-person furniture stores and factories with a few hundred employees.” There are currently 34 people on the company's team, including Smoker and his wife Kelly as CFO.
Despite rapid growth, especially in the last two years, Seven Trees has maintained a family culture supported by monthly brunches and anniversary dinners. Rocker also joked about his office's open door policy: "There are literally no doors in my office." He can often be found in the workshop, working with workers and encouraging their endeavors. “We have a lot of good people here,” Smoker said.
When asked what advice he would give to those taking the field, Smoker replied: “I would say don't underestimate yourself. Offer what you need, value what you need. It can be scary to think that you might lose projects because you think your price is too high, but know your costs and prices accordingly.
