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Still-growing Pierce Toast 50 Years

6/27/2008 -

Rockford- Fifty years in business means good years and bad years, building loyal customer base and having a few unusual requests thrown your way.

Countertops and cabinets are the main business for Pierce Laminated Products, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. But a recent request for a custom Corian urn shows how the company has diversified its product base during the past half-century.

The company, 2430 N. Court St., was founded by Russ Malueg in 1958 with four employees in a garage. Today, Pierce's 34 employees create countertops, store fixtures and commercial cabinets that bring in more than $3.5 million in sales each year.

The company is owned by Chairman Dan Snider, President Eric Lindroth and Vice President Tim Sather. Malueg retired in 1984, and former board Chairan Jim Deill retired in 1996.

Cabinets, which started as Pierce's main product, represents about 10 percent of business. Kitchen dealers represent 50 percent to 60 percent of business.

Pierce will celebrate its milestone with a party June 27 and 28 for customers, suppliers, and employees and their families.

"It's like a second family," office manager Cami Lepak said.