1885
Hutchinson Foundation
Hutchinson was founded by the Hutchinson family of singers, becoming a village in 1881 and a city in 1904.
1892
First Generation: E.J. Stearns Begins
E.J. Stearns purchases Stillwater Lumber Co. at Main Street & Second Avenue, launches the Stearns Lumber Company with a simple shed and some lumber.
1902
Expansion of Lumberyard
A brick Stearns Lumber building replaces the original shed; first major growth phase of the company.
1923
Second Generation: Spencer Stearns Steps In
E.J. brings in his son Spencer, who co-leads the company and expands into manufacturing cabinets, boats, windows, and vacation homes. Again, expanding in 1948 adding hardware, paint sales, and constructed a fireproof millwork building.
1957
Third Generation: Bob Stearns Takes Over
Spencer passes; his son Robert becomes president with Ned Stearns by his side.
In 1959, the company is renamed to Stearnswood Inc. and relocates to Third Avenue NW near the railroad, with retail and packaging divisions.
1972
Focus Shift to Packaging
Stearnswood sells off retail and modular home divisions, pivoting fully to customized wooden shipping containers and packaging.
1982
Fourth Generation: Roger Stearns Era
Roger becomes president and introduces Minnesota’s first heavy-duty triple-wall corrugated fiberboard converting operation. He found large success in military ammunition packaging during these times.
2005
Fourth Generation: Corey Stearns Era
Corey becomes the companies fifth president, with Paul Stearns as Vice President, and instantly had to navigate through the recession of 2008. After those times, Stearnswood continued to focus enhancing their triple wall box capabilities with a new RJE box making machine.
2021
Fifth Generation: Mark Stearns Leads
Mark became the companies sixth president and first of the fifth generation. Shortly after, Stearnswood added a 10,500-sf building project, creating much needed production space and a new loading dock. The new facility was the latest addition to the company’s seven building campus.
Present
Automation & Beyond
Stearnswood grows into one of the Midwest’s leaders in high-tech manufacturing of custom designed cardboard, wood boxes, bases, crates and related items for military and civilian applications. Including the addition of a robotic nailing machine in 2023.