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.
Sauder purchased Gruga-Novimex, a manufacturer of office chairs. Marketed under the Gruga® brand, this product extension complements Sauder’s residential and light commercial office furniture.
Sauder continues its prominence in the furniture category as North America’s fifth largest residential furniture manufacturer. Furniture is available under the Sauder brand and private-label brands at fine retailers everywhere.
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Sauder celebrates a milestone – the company’s 75th anniversary as an authentic, made-in-the-USA furniture company. The celebration includes, among other events, a limited edition re-issue of Sauder’s 1951 original, ready-to-assemble table.
