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Bliffert Lumber, Milwaukee, Wi., has acquired East Side Lumber, Hartford, Wi., effective August 1, bringing together two strong independent lumber companies with a shared commitment to exceptional customer service, trusted relationships, and the communities they serve.
East Side Lumber has been employee-owned for more than 18 years and has built an outstanding reputation for its expertise, customer service, and commitment to the building industry. That employee-first culture aligns naturally with Bliffert Lumber, which has expanded employee ownership through its partial ESOP, reinforcing both companies' belief that investing in employees builds stronger businesses and better customer relationships.
According to East Side Lumber VP Mark Neu: "In 1961, the Vander Jagt family completed the merger of two Hartford lumberyards to form East Side Lumber Co. Over the years, through continued growth and improvements, East Side Lumber Co. has provided quality products and excellent customer service to Hartford and the surrounding communities. This merger with Bliffert Lumber will provide an even stronger offering of products while maintaining the same staff that the Hartford community has come to know and trust. We welcome this merger as an exciting opportunity to continue operating a strong lumberyard and builder hardware location that supports Hartford and the surrounding area."
Founded in 1904, Bliffert Lumber has built its reputation on integrity, long-term partnerships, and a commitment to the communities it serves. East Side Lumber has earned a similar reputation throughout the Hartford area, making the two companies a natural fit.
"We are overjoyed to welcome East Side to our lumber family. Strong independents go together like hot summer weather and cold Wisconsin beer. More importantly, both of our companies have built our success on taking care of our employees, customers, and communities. Nothing makes us happier than continuing that tradition together," said Eli Bliffert, chairman of the board, Bliffert Lumber.
Customers of East Side Lumber can expect business continuity throughout the transition, including the same knowledgeable team, familiar location, and continued commitment to personalized service. By joining Bliffert Lumber, customers will also gain access to an expanded inventory, enhanced product offerings, additional specialty building materials, and the resources of one of Wisconsin's largest independent building materials suppliers.
The merger represents Bliffert Lumber's continued strategic growth across Wisconsin while reinforcing its commitment to remaining a sixth-generation, family-owned, relationship-driven company. By bringing together two organizations built on shared values, employee ownership, and trusted customer relationships, the combined company is well positioned to provide greater value, expanded capabilities, and long-term stability for customers throughout the region.
Bliffert Lumber is a sixth-generation, family-owned lumber and building materials company headquartered in Milwaukee, Wi. Founded in 1904, the company operates 15 locations across Wisconsin, providing quality building products, expert service, and trusted partnerships to professional contractors, builders, remodelers, and homeowners. Bliffert Lumber remains committed to strengthening communities through integrity, service, and long-standing relationships across the construction industry.
