In keeping with Erie’s “waste nothing” mentality, Sauder designed and constructed a power generating facility that converted sawdust into electricity. Today, the co-gen plant burns over 145 tons of sawdust daily.
The decade of the 1990s marked tremendous growth in the Sauder workforce. In 1990, the company employed 1400 workers. That number grew to 2600 by the end of 1994, the company’s 60th year in business. Building expansion was also on the rise. Sauder facilities covered over 2.9 million-square-feet in 1994.  
As the personal computer made its way to more and more households, a need was identified for a place to store the computer and all its peripherals. Sauder’s patented Monarch computer workcenter served as a popular solution.
The first consumer advertising campaign in the RTA industry was launched in 1994 to promote the Sauder brand to mainstream America through print ads in national magazines.

The large crown moldings, sculptured solid wood trim and turned feet of the Woodberry grouping raised the bar in styling and design standards for the RTA industry.
Founder Erie Sauder died (obituary), at the age of 92, at his home in Archbold, Ohio on June 29, 1997. Erie was a man with a purpose who believed strongly in the principles of “stewardship and servanthood.” His life exhibited enthusiasm, a dedication to hard work, and an ability to face adversity and persevere. Erie once said, “It isn’t because we’re so smart that the company has become successful; it’s because the Lord has been so good to us.”
Kevin Sauder was named company president, a position previously held by his father and grandfather.
Sauder opened the new 1.4 million-square-foot Erie J. Sauder Distribution Center (EDC) in Archbold, marking the final phase of a two-year, $100 million expansion project and honoring the memory of the company founder. The massive facility covers 32 acres (enough space to hold 131 football fields) and includes 51 truck docks.
 
Sauder acquired Progressive Furniture Inc., a domestic manufacturer and importer of traditional solid wood, veneered and laminate assembled furniture. Progressive’s manufacturing facility is located in Claremont, North Carolina.
 

Sauder purchased Studio RTA, an importer and distributor of contemporary home office, entertainment, art and hobby RTA furniture. The 2003 acquisition of the California-based company gave Sauder access to additional global resources.
Third generation leadership into the 21st century – Kevin Sauder (center), president and chief executive officer; Kevin’s cousin, Dan Sauder (right), vice president engineering; and Kevin’s brother-in-law, Garrett Tinsman (left), executive vice president operations.