Fox Valley Wood Products evolved from humble beginnings, hard work and dedication and now is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Fox Valley Wood Products began building wooden shipping crates and pallets for Badger Northland, a local farm implement manufacturer, in 1963. “In those days, we would build everything with a hammer and a pouch full of nails,” says founder Dale Van Zeeland, who with his brother Don had the grit and tenacity to guide the organization through challenging times.
Who we are
Today the Kaukauna-based wood products manufacturer is a third-generation company employing 55 people and serving more than 280 customers throughout Wisconsin and Midwest. The company’s mission is to improve the lives of its employees while providing value to its customers through unmatched service, integrity and efficiency. The foundation of Fox Valley Wood Products’ success is the belief that great companies are made up of great people. This is exemplified by the company’s core values: integrity, positivity, teamwork, accountability, pace setting and exceptional service.
What we do
Fox Valley Wood Products serves local and regional manufacturers with quality-built pallets, industrial shipping crates, custom shipping platforms and wholesale lumber. Aaron Grahek is the customer service manager at Fox Valley Wood Products. “The solutions we provide are essential to the safe transportation and logistics for our customer’s products,” he says.
How we are different
“Competition is fierce and margins are thin. Therefore, I am grateful to work for a company that strives to be different,” Grahek says. “It’s challenging to communicate via platitudes and corporate speak how this company is in a class by itself. Common feedback we hear is ‘I cannot believe how fast you guys are’ and ‘You are so easy to do business with’ and ‘I wish all my vendors were like you,’” says Grahek.
In a world where it has become increasingly acceptable for phone calls to be left for voicemail, Fox Valley Wood Products will answer every call. Where inbound and outbound truck drivers experience understaffed or grumpy personnel, Fox Valley Wood Products will promptly and enthusiastically attend to the driver. In a world where blame is shifted and trust lost, Fox Valley Wood Products will be accountable.
Our future
Named the 32nd Annual Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year and recently recognized by Insight Publications as one of the region’s Fastest Growing Companies, Fox Valley Wood Products is committed to reinvesting in its people, processes and facilities. The company plans to double its office space to support its growing customer service teams while making major capital improvements to infrastructure. These changes will reduce the company’s carbon footprint while driving down material handling costs. Fox Valley Wood Products is excited for what is to come in the next 60 years.
W811 State Hwy. 96 • Kaukauna, WI 54130 • 920-766-4069 • foxvalleywoodproducts.com
