Fox Valley Wood Products: Leading Through a Legacy of Manufacturing Innovation

Pallets, wooden crating and industrial lumber have been critical to the manufacturing supply chain for over a century.   As a leading manufacturer of these essential mainstays, Fox Valley Wood Products (FVWP) has withstood the test of time due to our deep commitment to innovation and business excellence.  At FVWP, innovation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental part of our ethos.  Through unwavering focus toward hiring great people, investing in new technology, and continually improving processes, we plan to lead the industry for years to come.   Here’s some of the factors that contribute to our success: 

Grit:

FVWP was founded in 1963. Without machines.  Without forklifts.  Without pneumatic nailers.  Our founders built the business with a pouch full of nails, their own two hands and sheer grit.  Today, by requiring our leaders to learn all aspects of the business from concept to completion, grit remains part of our secret sauce. 

David Elliot, one of our long-time suppliers, summarizes our passion and tenacity: “I have personally had the pleasure of supplying Fox Valley Wood Products for over 30 years and I can assuredly say that the focus from all of the Van Zeeland’s and their employees has always been a customer first approach.  They train and retain their employees better than any crate and pallet manufacturer that I have ever known.  They are focused on doing things right, the first and every time.  To know them and how the company started, how the company operates, and the expectations they have, it makes you want to make sure that we don’t disappoint them from our end.  Their customers are our customers. 

Speed:

When it comes to manufacturing innovation, the ability to minimize production time is paramount.  Customers immediately experience a difference when working with a quality pallet manufacturer such as ourselves.   Calls don’t go to voicemail.  Emails are responded to immediately. Orders are fulfilled within 24 hours or less.  We guarantee it.   

Pat Keil, Senior Automation Engineer at Tech 4, appreciates FVWP’s rapid response time: “In our industry we require custom skidding to ship large industrial electrical assemblies. Fox Valley Wood Products has helped streamline this task for us tremendously.  Their ability to react to quote requests is second to none. We generally receive quotes within minutes of sending over detailed drawings. Their deliveries are equally as impressive. We receive most custom skids within a day or less of ordering at a very reasonable price. Without a doubt, our relationship with Fox Valley Wood Products has and will continue to help our business react, deliver, and grow.” 

Accountability:

As a leading pallet manufacturer, FVWP knows that reliability and consistency are the most important thing to our customers.  We are dedicated to producing high-quality products in a quick and cost-effective manner; just like we promise to do with every order our customers trust us with.  Even if something goes wrong, we go out of our way to make it right.   

Josh Rolfing, VP of Manufacturing at Linquist Machine, agrees: “The team at Fox Valley Wood Products has done an exceptional job of taking the time to understand our needs and leveraging their experience to drive value.  Better yet, when issues arise, and they do in every organization, the team provides a same day response that includes a solution (not excuses) to which they are committed – every time. Well, done FVWP!”

 

Pricing:

At FVWP we believe in transparency and we base our pricing on industry indexes. When the market drops, so do our prices.  We are committed to working with customers to find solutions that brings costs savings to their pallet and wooden crate budget.    

Tim Daanen – President/Owner of B&D warehouse turned to FVWP during the midst of pandemic supply chain shortages.  “I have been working with Jeff and the Fox Valley Wood Products team since 2018.  I am forever grateful to them during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 when they continued to provide us high quality pallets at a reasonable cost in spite of the rapidly changing market conditions, especially when other pallet manufacturers took advantage of the situation.  Since then, when we or our customers look for savings, Jeff and the team have provided creative solutions in terms of different pallet sizes and configurations to best serve our needs.” 

People:

Having the right people is the catalyst to innovation.  With an emphasis on hiring motivated individuals committed to excellence in serving our customers, FVWP recruits and retains a highly skilled team.    

 Jeff Van Zeeland, CEO of FVWP points out: “We invest in the growth and development of our team to foster continuous improvement.”    

Process:

At Fox Valley Wood Products we continuously evaluate and enhance processes to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance overall quality. By implementing supply chain innovation via lean methodologies and leveraging strategic partnerships such as with Menomonie Tribal Enterprises (MTE), we are able to deliver quality products in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.   

Jason Swartz, lumber sales manager for MTE shared “In my career as an industrial lumber salesman I get the privilege of touring many different types of wood manufacturing companies throughout the United States.  Simply stated, I wound not want to compete in their manufacturing space. Clean, organized, streamlined, and efficient are the words I use when describing their operation to others. Not one area in their operation has been overlooked and they manage this while offering same day manufacturing and delivery in many cases.  We at Menominee Tribal Enterprises look forward to continuing our relationship with Fox Valley Wood Products for many years to come.”  

Future:

Innovation is not just a goal at Fox Valley Wood Products – it’s a way of life.  Pallets and Crating solutions are essential to most manufacturing supply chains so it’s imperative to pick a partner who stands out as an industry leader.  We have been an essential partner in the manufacturing supply chain for many years and plan to be your trusted source for many years to come.  Reach out today and experience the difference for yourself.