Press release
The year 1947 was full of interesting inventions including the transistor, microwave oven and Polaroid camera. For the John A. Wurm family in north central Ohio, it was the year that Wurm’s Woodworking Company (WWC) was founded.
WWC was founded as a construction company and retail lumber yard. After constructing several fine homes in the area, the nature of the company began to change dramatically in the 1950s. More time was devoted to producing wood component parts, mainly as a supplier to the box spring and mattress companies located in central and northern Ohio.
The 1960s had several changes in store for WWC as the marine industry began to flourish. The company began supplying local boat manufacturers with cut-to-size plywood parts needed in the construction of hulls and decks. At the same time, area seating companies also recognized our company as a good source of supply for their seating component needs.
New product lines in the 1970s came in the form of teak deck strips, louvered doors, cup holders, map holders and complete galley sections built ready to install on the assembly line. By this time, the company was also supplying the heavy truck market with interior cab components.
The 1980s brought CNC routing equipment and the start of our thermoforming operations. Thermoforming is a process that involves forming material (extruded plastic sheet goods or 4-way stretch supported vinyl) into three-dimensional shapes through the application of heat and pressure. Raw material is heated until it becomes pliable, and then it is placed over a tool and drawn in by a vacuum until it takes on the desired shape of the mold.
In the 2000s WWC purchased the golf seating division of customer Grand Rock Company, Painesville, Ohio. This product line became a dba of the company known as GR Golf.
WWC also introduced 3d lamination by investing in membrane press technology.
Today, the company is a second and third generation owned business, but its workforce now spans four generations. John’s son, Gerald B. Wurm, joined the company in the 1970s. While John’s grandchildren, Richard P. Wurm and Valerie N. (Wurm) Sanderson, began their careers with the company in the 1990s. The fourth generation have begun to lend a hand working part time during the summers. Gerald, Richard and Valerie have grown the company into the multi-million-dollar corporation it is today. The company’s success has hinged on its commitment to adapting its capabilities to the needs of the industries that it serves by investing in equipment.
WWC employs approximately 35 residents of Crawford, Seneca, Huron and Richland counties. WWC’s footprint in the community has expanded over the past seventy years with continued investments in property, production, warehouse and office buildings.
Throughout the year WWC will be celebrating its milestone anniversary by participating in public service initiatives as a way of giving back to our community. To kick off its anniversary WWC is hosting a contest among Buckeye Central Local Schools graphic arts students to develop a 70th anniversary logo containing a photo of the first WWC lumber storage building.
WWC recognizes that this 70th milestone could not be possible without the 200 individuals who have at one point called WWC their employer. In October, WWC is planning to host a tour which will be open to the public. Information about the company is available at www.wurmsproducts.com.