Our Story
We’re Celebrating 125 years
A Tradition of Excellence
From its early beginnings, Stearnswood has been committed to providing the best product and services to its customers.
1892
E.J. Stearns purchased the business and property of the Stillwater Lumber Co. in Hutchinson, Minnesota and Stearns Lumber Company began its long standing tradition of excellence.
The company itself has evolved as is has adapted to the changes in the lumber industry and the building market—from a small lumberyard that consisted of a simple shed and some piles of lumber, it became a full service lumberyard with manufacturing operations to build cabinets, windows, boats, vacation homes and more
1959
Under the third generation of Stearns Family leadership, the Stearns Lumber Company changed its name to Stearnswood Inc.
1972
Stearnswood began concentrating on the business of design and manufacturing wooden shipping containers and related packaging materials.
1982
Roger became the fourth generation president of the family business and added Minnesota’s first heavy-duty triplewall corrugated fiberboard converting operation to Stearnswood’s production abilities. That ability is to custom build containers under strict quality control standards to particular specifications, often requiring cushioning foams, fiberboard, specialized hardware, and wooden bases or blocking, all designed to transport products safely.
Today
The same commitment to quality and service that E.J. had so many years ago, continues to be the cornerstone of the business. Under the direction of Corey, Bob’s youngest son and now the fifth president, Stearnswood has become one of the Midwest’s largest producers of heavy-duty, high-performance, transport packaging in wood and triplewall corrugated.
We want to thank our founders, families, community and many employees, past and present, for the opportunity to be a vital part of the growth of Hutchinson for the past 125 years.