Materials handling and storage at its most modern

f,\XPANSION and growth are the rule D with the eighty-five-year-old Higgins Hardwood Co. In t8B3 the firm of Allen & Higgins started at Spear anil Howard Sts. in-San Francisco with J. E. Higgins' Sr. and Frank Allen as principals. The business prospered through the amazing Eiehties and Nineties of San Francisco's growth. in 1908 J. E. Higgins, Sr. bought out Frank Allen and the company became J. E' Higgins Lumber Co. The business was *o*a in 1912 to larger quarters at Sixth and Harrison. J. E. Higgins retired in 1922 and his son, J. E. Higgins Jr., took over' He had been with the firm since 1912' J. E. Higgins Sr. was a great world traveler and this may account for the company's interest and activity in imported hardwoods. The elder Higgins accumulated one of the outstanding collections o{ Oriental art objects in the country during his many travels.

Came the famous Fire and Earthquake of 1906 and the company went up with the rest of the city in flames. Undaunted, lumber was shipped in, stacked in open areas, processed a"d rushed in to rebuild the city.

The companyts ttrule of expansion" continued under J. E. Higgins Jr', who continued as president until his death in 1961, and tle next move was to 99 BaYshore Blvd., where in 1940 the entire operation was consolidated on ten acres of land.

In 1955 a new mill was erected. An automatic planing mill occupies nearly an acre in its concrete building and utilizes 1500 HP in equipment.

Continuing its growth and expansion to

Sfory ql q Gfonce

Eighty-six year old firm is still on the hustle as it moves into new, improved quarters. Move will improve its location, service to its customers.

serve more of the northern California area, Higgins opened a warehouse in Sacramento in 1964. It carries a complete stock of hardwood and softwood lumber, plywood, hardwood mouldings, Bruce pre-finished flooring and brand name building materi' als. Stafi includes Harry Anthony, general manager, Ferry Beckstrom, assistant, Al Dodrill and John Egan, outside salesmen, Don Kissling, yard foreman and Bob Dir' ham, office manager.

Most recent is the completion of the new facility for warehousing, storage, drying, milling and distribution at Union City, south of Oakland. This follows the joining together of the Strable Lumber Co. of Oakland with Higgins. Strable is a name known in the lumber trade since 1906.

Every modern device for the efficient and productive handling of lumber and allied materials is incorporated in the new ten-acre facility.

Some figures to underwrite present and future expansion: office area 3,000 sq. ft., initial warehouse 64,000 sq. ft', ultimately to be 80,000 sq. ft., initial covered loading area 12,000 sq. ft., ultimate covered load' ing area 15,000, initial lumber storage shed 8,000 sq. ft., ultimate lumber storage shed 18,000 sq. ft.

For the present, headquarters remain at 99 Bayshore Blvd. along with the mill and dry kiln operations. Future mill and dry kiln will be erected at Union CitY.

President of Higgins is James Higgins, grandson of the founderi vp., Jack Higgins, is also a grandson of the founder. Union City branch manager is Bud Radditz. Owen Klingman is warehouse superintendent of the Union City facility. The latteros father was with Higgins ior 42 years. Sales stafi includes Ralph Meyer, Ralph Norback, Bob Porter and Herb Sholin' Inside men are Jon Sligar and Dave JoPes.

A unique feature of the new facility is the three-sided shed for storage with 15 bays each capable of storing two truck' loads of lumber.

The area served by the Santa Clara yard will soon be served bv Union CitY.

The location of the new facility is highly strategic for serving the rapidly growing greater Bay area. Efficiency and speed of handling are keynotes. All lines of lumber now handled will be available {rom this facility.

Their eight-five-year slogan, 'oA Lumber lor Eaery Purpose" not only continues to be its strong point, but with better facili' ties that lumber can be delivered more efr' ciently and quickly.

AI NEIY

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