May 2010 marked the beginning of Keim Lumber Companys 100th year in the building materials industry. Having begun as a small rough lumber mill on 1 acres, Keim Lumber has evolved and expanded to become a leading building material supplier. Today, Keim occupies nearly 40 acres and has more than 625,000 square feet under roof. In addition, Keim has two offsite rail sidings. With their large warehousing capacity and the capability of buying material by the train car, Keim is able to offer top quality material at very reasonable prices.
Keim Lumber began in the early 1900s as Keim Brothers, in the heart of Stevenson, now Charm, or locally known as Putchtown, which means little clump. By 1911, Mose J. Keim and his brother John had set up a sawmill, and soon after, built a two-story planing mill for manufacturing finish lumber. Part of this building is still being used. In the 1930s, Moses son, Roman, took an interest in the business and the name changed to M. J. Keim and Son. Business picked up as the depression waned and in the 1940s, they began selling plywood, built a small dry kiln, and built the first of many storage sheds. In the 1950s, M. J. Keim and Son began manufacturing hardwood flooring, expanded the buildings and added an office and hardware store. During the 1960s, present owner and president, Bill Keim, Romans son, joined the team and the business became known as Keim Lumber Company. In the 1970s, a new store was built up on the hill. In the 1980s, the building was expanded to 30,000 square feet of show room. Finally in 2007, the present 120,000-square-foot showroom was opened. From an original work force of five people, Keim Lumber has increased to more than 350 employees, including Bills son Robbie Keim, who as vice president, represents the fourth generation of the Keim Family to be involved in the business.
Keim Lumber operates one of the most unique building supply facilities in the world. Those who travel around the country and the world repeatedly comment, There is nothing like it. Keim Lumbers unique, beautiful showroom has made Keim Lumber truly a destination in Ohio. In addition to being a full service building material supplier, Keim manufactures trim, doors and custom millwork. In the heart of Ohios Amish Country, Keim Lumber Companys skilled craftsmen express themselves not in words, but in wood. Keim Lumbers clean, well-stocked showroom, its quality materials, and its friendly, knowledgeable staff cause people to say, I love to shop there.
Bill and the entire Keim family say thank you to the many loyal customers from near and far who have contributed to the success of Keim Lumber Company. During this 100th year, the entire staff of Keim Lumber invites you to come out to Putchtown and experience for yourself the success of another family owned and operated business in the great country of America.
