RV Components
RV Trade Digest Article | August 2007
For manufacturers, Elias takes the work out of woodworking
Canadian company combines modern computer-controlled cutting equipment with accomplished master craftsmen to create stunning wood products.
Nothing can improve the value and saleability of
recreation vehicles more than fine woodworking. From cabinets to counters to frames, doors 
and drawers, wood is as essential to a comfortable
living environment as big windows and soft lighting.
Since 1983, Elias Woodworking has been providing the RV industry with a diverse product line of high-quality wood products. Their state-of-the-art facility is located just a few miles across the North Dakota border in bustling Manitoba. Nearly 100,000 square feet in size, it’s large enough to house precise robotic-controlled cutting equipment and routers as well as 220 employees including experienced master craftsmen.
Together they produce a variety of ready-to-assemble furniture as well as hardwood cabinet doors and refacing products. Not only will consumers find Elias wood products in recreation vehicles, the firm also supplies home remodeling stores and lumber yards with materials for fine homes everywhere.
Large Lumber and Molding Inventory
Founder Ralph Fehr understands that manufacturing in today’s competitive marketplace requires that materials be delivered just in time to keep assembly lines running smoothly.
That’s why the firm stocks large quantities of rough
lumber as well as thousands of feet 
of molding that is
already milled into some of their more than 1,000 standard profiles. Yet, if they don’t stock what manufacturers need, Elias can quickly design a custom piece.
The company uses quality wood products grown in North America and milled locally to enable managers to maintain tight control on all aspects of quality and consistency.
In addition to a full line of molding, baseboards and inserts, Elias’ customers also enjoy:
- Miter frame and paneled cabinet doors
- Standard tenon doors
- Doors with glass or mirror insets
- Slab or routed pattern drawer fronts
Elegant Curved Interiors
With European styling gaining popularity in the RV industry, Elias is ready to meet the demands of discerning manufacturers. They manufacture a line of radius doors through a unique process which avoids using steam to bend the wood.
“As a result, all our products are structurally sound and stable,” said Fehr. “Our process eliminates concerns that the wood could rebound and alter the desired radius.”
On Time Delivery
With a thorough understanding of how manufacturing plants are designed and operate in today’s
fast paced environments, Elias has spent years
studying and implementing the practice of Lean
Manufacturing. Knowing how important Just-In-Time inventory is for the RV industry, a quick
lead time and on time delivery is assured with their
commitment of 24 hour a day production and the
ongoing goal of achieving customer satisfaction.
“Every month we are shipping more products to companies throughout North America,” said Fehr. “We are constantly growing which forces us to buy new equipment to meet the demand. Ironically, the new equipment gives us the ability to offer more distinct and contemporary products, which increases demand even more.”
For more information, call (800) 665-0623.
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