Union Planing Mill celebrates centennial

f f OT MUCH remains the same l! after 100 years. But a trip down Sutter Street in Stockton, Ca., still reveals the hum of activity at Union Planing Mill, this month celebrating its l00th anniversary.

Frank Martin actually started the business in Lodi, Ca., before settling a year or so later in F'ebruary l89l at 222 S. Sutter. In 1925, the second generation of Martins took over and, with no interest in the millins busi- ness, sold the company to a group of 12 workers from the shop. Soon after, operations were moved down the street to 735 Sutter, their present location.

But the employee group lacked managerial experience, so they brought aboard W.G. Little of Selma Planing Mill, Selma, Ca., as president and general manager. Little, son Jack and AI Smith would buy out the shopworkers over the next 20 years. Present day owners are president Ralph McClure, vice president Steve Little andsecretary/treasurer George Little. The two brothers are grandsons of W.G. Little.

Union Planing Mill originally specialized in windmill and tank repair. The new focus became cabi'.e-

Story at a Glance

February 1991 marks the lfl)th anniversaryof Union Planing Mill Co., Stockton, Ca. focus has changed from windmilland tank repair to cabinetry and specialties. third generation leadership.

try and casework for residential and commercial applications, often schools and hospitals. The firm worked constantly with Sears Roebuck for 25 years, helping to equip new stores. lt also manufactures and installs merchandising fixtures and perimeter work on other large stores, such as Mervyn's outlets.

But products have changed. McClure, who joined the firm in 1945 and became a co-owner in 1951, recalls: "When I first started here, we did a lot of wood windows and sugar pine countertops. lf it wasn't made out of wood, no one would touch it. Now a high percentage of our work is high pressure laminates. You can't find a sugar pine wood top."

In the late 1930s, Union began selling redwood, fir and mouldings wholesale to lumberyards. In l95l the redwood wholesale business became Union Forest Products. a wholly owned subsidiary of Union Planing Mill.

The way of doing business has changed as well. "There's a huge difference in how you do business with general contractors, " says McClure. "Before we never had contracts. We'd agree on a price and shake hands. Now everyone needs a contract. "

Though he sees their trade area (from Fresno up to Chico, Ca., and eastward to western Nevada) remaining the same, McClure is sure big changes will continue in "all facets of the business." lt should make for an interesting trip down Sutter Street in another 100 years.