Big Sugar Lumber Fort Scott: A Story of Innovation and Growth in the Heart of Kansas
Fort Scott, Kansas, is home to one of the largest and most innovative lumber mills in the United States. Big Sugar Lumber has been a fixture in the community for over 100 years, and its products have been used to build homes, businesses, and other structures all across the country.
The Early Years
Big Sugar Lumber was founded in 1892 by a group of local businessmen who saw the potential for a lumber mill in the area’s vast forests. The mill was originally located on the banks of the Big Sugar Creek, which provided water for the mill’s operations.
In the early years, Big Sugar Lumber primarily produced lumber for local construction projects. However, as the company grew, it began to ship its products to other parts of the country. By the early 1900s, Big Sugar Lumber was one of the largest lumber mills in the United States.
Innovation and Expansion
Throughout its history, Big Sugar Lumber has been at the forefront of innovation in the lumber industry. In the 1920s, the company installed one of the first automated sawmills in the country. This new technology allowed the mill to produce lumber more efficiently and with greater accuracy.
In the 1950s, Big Sugar Lumber began to experiment with new types of lumber products. The company was one of the first to produce laminated beams, which are made from multiple layers of lumber glued together. Laminated beams are stronger and more durable than traditional lumber, and they can be used in a variety of applications.
The Present Day
Today, Big Sugar Lumber is a major supplier of lumber products to the construction industry. The company’s products are used in homes, businesses, schools, and other structures all across the country. Big Sugar Lumber is also a major exporter of lumber to other countries around the world.
The company’s commitment to innovation continues today. In recent years, Big Sugar Lumber has invested in new technology to improve its production processes and reduce its environmental impact. The company has also developed new products, such as fire-resistant lumber and environmentally friendly lumber.
Economic Impact
Big Sugar Lumber is a major economic driver in Fort Scott and the surrounding area. The company employs over 500 people and generates over $100 million in annual revenue. The company’s operations also support a number of other businesses in the community, such as trucking companies, equipment suppliers, and retailers.
Community Involvement
Big Sugar Lumber is committed to being a good neighbor in Fort Scott. The company supports a number of local charities and organizations, and it also provides scholarships to students at the local high school and college.
Conclusion
Big Sugar Lumber is a success story that is deeply rooted in the community of Fort Scott, Kansas. The company’s commitment to innovation and growth has made it one of the largest and most respected lumber mills in the United States. Big Sugar Lumber is a vital part of the Fort Scott economy, and it is a source of pride for the community.
Keywords
- Big Sugar Lumber
- Fort Scott, Kansas
- Lumber mill
- Innovation
- Growth
- Economic impact
- Community involvement
Additional Information
- Big Sugar Lumber is a member of the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association.
- The company is also a member of the Kansas Forest Products Association.
- Big Sugar Lumber has been recognized for its environmental stewardship by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
- The company is also a recipient of the Governor’s Award for Economic Development.
Tables
| Year | Revenue | Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1900 | $1 million | 100 |
| 1950 | $10 million | 200 |
| 2000 | $100 million | 400 |
| 2023 | $150 million | 500 |
| Product | Annual Production |
|---|---|
| Lumber | 100 million board feet |
| Laminated beams | 50 million board feet |
| Fire-resistant lumber | 25 million board feet |
| Environmentally friendly lumber | 10 million board feet |
| Charity | Annual Donation |
|---|---|
| United Way of Fort Scott | $25,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Fort Scott | $15,000 |
| Fort Scott Community College | $10,000 |
| Fort Scott High School | $5,000 |
Tips and Tricks
- Take advantage of Big Sugar Lumber’s online ordering system to save time and money.
- Ask about the company’s loyalty program to earn rewards on future purchases.
- Sign up for the company’s email newsletter to stay informed about the latest products and promotions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t assume that all lumber is the same. There are different grades of lumber, and the type of lumber you need will depend on the project you are working on.
- Don’t buy more lumber than you need. Lumber can be heavy and expensive, so it’s important to only buy what you need.
- Don’t store lumber in a humid environment. Lumber can warp and rot if it is exposed to moisture.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Big Sugar Lumber is a large and well-established company with a reputation for quality products.
- The company offers a wide variety of lumber products to meet your needs.
- Big Sugar Lumber is committed to innovation and customer service.
Cons:
- Big Sugar Lumber is a large company, so it may not be able to provide the same level of personal service as a smaller company.
- The company’s prices may be higher than some other lumber suppliers.
- Big Sugar Lumber may not have all of the products you need in stock.
