UFP Industries Marks 70 Years of Success, CEO Credits Employees & Culture
UFP Industries (Nasdaq: UFPI) is celebrating 70 years in business on February 9, marking seven decades of continuous profitability and steady growth. Since its founding in 1955, the company has built its success on strong leadership, a dedicated workforce, and a company culture that prioritizes hard work, innovation, and aligning employee interests with shareholders.
CEO Will Schwartz, who took the helm in late December, attributes UFP’s longevity to its commitment to employee development and an ownership-driven culture. “I’m honored to join five other CEOs who worked their way from the ground up—I’m living proof that UFP is the place for self-made men and women. We measure our people by their hard work and the fire in their belly. The only person who holds you back is yourself,” said Schwartz.
UFP Industries was founded by William “Bill” Grant as Universal Forest Products, initially focusing on wood products. Over the years, the company diversified its offerings and expanded globally, serving construction, retail, and industrial markets. In 2019, it rebranded as UFP Industries to reflect its broad product portfolio and international reach.
The company’s retail division includes ProWood, the largest supplier of treated lumber in North America, and Deckorators, a premium composite decking brand. Its industrial packaging segment supplies custom crating solutions for a variety of industries, from agriculture to technology. Meanwhile, its construction division plays a vital role in residential and commercial development, contributing materials for homes, infrastructure, and high-profile projects worldwide.
“Our 70-year history is a testament to our stability and ability to generate consistent returns. We’ve consistently pursued excellence and achieved above-market results through economic cycles,” said executive chairman and former CEO Matt Missad. “Our proven track record, coupled with our innovative spirit, strategic vision, and willingness to outwork our competition, positions us to realize stronger-than-ever success in the future. Our commitment to employee ownership has been a fundamental driver of our success, fostering a deep sense of personal responsibility and personal reward for the company’s performance.”
Schwartz echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the company’s ongoing commitment to American manufacturing ingenuity and continuous improvement. “As UFP Industries celebrates its 70th anniversary, we stand as a testament to American manufacturing ingenuity, transforming from a humble lumber company into a global manufacturing powerhouse. For seven decades, UFP has been at the forefront of innovation, consistently delivering products that support the world’s physical infrastructure, keep markets moving, and improve people’s lives.”
Today, UFP Industries operates in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, providing high-quality, sustainable wood and wood-alternative products to a global market. With an unwavering focus on innovation, profitability, and long-term value creation, the company continues to expand its market presence while staying true to the principles that have driven its success for 70 years.
Looking ahead, UFP Industries is poised to strengthen its leadership in the manufacturing and construction sectors, driven by its workforce, commitment to sustainability, and ability to adapt to evolving industry demands. As the company celebrates this milestone, it remains dedicated to delivering high-quality solutions that shape the built environment and enhance everyday life.
