Table of Contents
R.P. Lumber Co., Edwardsville, Il., a family-owned, full-service building materials retailer and home center, is proud to announce the acquisition of eight-unit Bender Lumber, a respected and long-standing name in Indiana’s building supply industry. The acquisition, which will close on Feb. 13, marks a meaningful expansion for R.P. Lumber and a continuation of the values that have defined Bender Lumber for nearly a century.
The acquisition of Bender Lumber marks a major milestone for R.P. Lumber, bringing its total store count to 99 across seven states — a testament to the company’s steady growth and commitment to serving communities across the Midwest. It also joins together two well-established companies in neighboring geographies that share a common culture and set of business values.
Founded in 1931 and later purchased by Harold Bender and his son John Bender in 1963, Bender Lumber has served generations of builders, remodelers and homeowners across Southern Indiana. With eight locations in Bedford, Bloomington, Columbus, Linton, Madison, Martinsville, Paoli, and Washington, Bender Lumber has built its reputation on quality products, knowledgeable service, and a deep commitment to its communities.
“Bender Lumber is more than a business — it’s a legacy,” said Robert Plummer, CEO of R.P. Lumber. “John Bender, his brother Paul Bender, and their entire team have built something truly special. Their commitment to honesty, customer service, and community involvement aligns well with our values at R.P. Lumber. We’re honored to sustain that vision.”
John Bender, who also played a pivotal role in the founding of Pizza Hut, is widely known not only for his entrepreneurial spirit but also for his integrity. Throughout the acquisition process, R.P. Lumber leadership expressed deep appreciation for Bender’s transparency, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to doing what’s right.
“I’m proud that we are selling Bender Lumber to R.P. Lumber. I have been friends with Jason Plummer and his father for a number of years. I believe they operate their business very much like we try to operate our business,” said John Bender.
“Mr. Bender is the kind of person you hope to meet in business — honest, humble, and deeply principled, with a great sense of humor to boot,” said Jason Plummer, President of R.P. Lumber. “His approach to leadership and his respect for employees and customers have made Bender Lumber a cornerstone of the Indiana building community. We have long respected the entire Bender Lumber team, and we are grateful for the opportunity to build on the foundation laid by Mr. Bender, his brother, Paul, and their father,” added Plummer.
With over 100 employees companywide, Bender Lumber has maintained a strong focus on serving professional builders and remodelers, while also supporting a growing base of DIY customers. Each Bender location is a full-service lumberyard offering building materials, hardware, and contractor support. While store size varies by location, each is designed to meet the needs of both residential and commercial projects in their respective markets and is staffed with experienced teams who understand the realities of construction and remodeling.
“Bender Lumber’s team members are known for their expertise and their genuine care for customers. I’ve been in their stores and am always impressed with the level of service and attention each customer receives,” added Jason Plummer. “We’re excited to welcome them into the R.P. Lumber family and continue supporting the communities they have served so well.”
The companies are working closely to ensure a seamless transition, with no disruption to customer service or product availability. Existing employees will remain in place, the companies already share many of the same vendors and technology, and R.P. Lumber will invest in additional technology, equipment, and inventory to enhance the customer experience.
“I believe this transaction will benefit our employees, customers, and the communities where our stores are located. As a family business, we wanted it to continue with a similar culture. We think R.P. Lumber is the right choice,” added John Bender.
The acquisition also reflects R.P. Lumber’s broader commitment to growth and regional investment. With 99 retail locations across Illinois, Missouri, Wyoming, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Indiana, R.P. Lumber continues to expand its footprint while staying true to its small-town roots. The acquisition of Bender Lumber follows R.P. Lumber’s October 2025 acquisition of the two-location Dye Lumber operation in Indiana, now bringing the company’s footprint in the Hoosier State to ten locations.
“Every community we serve matters,” said Robert Plummer. “We believe in local leadership, local decision-making, local involvement, and just being a good neighbor. That’s what Bender Lumber has always stood for, and that’s what we will continue to uphold.”
As the transition begins, R.P. Lumber is focused on listening — to team members, customers, and other partners. The company plans to host local events at each store to celebrate the new chapter and honor the legacy of Bender Lumber. “We are humbled to be part of this story, and we are committed to writing the next chapter with the same care and integrity that the Bender family has shown Southern Indiana for many decades,” said Jason Plummer.
Bender noted, “When you treat people the way you’d want your own family treated, they remember. That kind of trust doesn’t just help you build a business — it helps the next generation carry it forward.”
R.P. says that philosophy will continue to guide it as it integrates Bender Lumber’s operations and builds on a foundation of trust, service, and community.
