Michael Buell (left) & Walt Price (right) ran WAM 1993-2019
Founding
Company was founded in 1974 in Florence, MA as Chandler and Wright led by Len Chandler and Jonathan Wright.
Focus was on small remodeling projects in and around Northampton, MA.
Name Changes to Wright Architectural Millwork
Len Chandler left the company in early 1976; company renamed J.A. Wright and Co.
Move to New Building
Company moved to its current location in 1978, built a new building and was one of the first tenants in the new Northampton Industrial Park.
AWI Membership
Became a member of the Architectural Millwork Institute (AWI) in 1981.
New Ownership
Walter Price and Michael Buell purchased the millwork division of the company from Jonathan Wright in 1993 and subsequently acquired the real estate in 2001.
First AWI QCP Member
In 1995, Wright architectural Millwork became the first AWI Quality Certification Program (QCP) member.
Continuous Growth
The company continued on a growth curve throughout the 90’s and early 2000’s.
In 2008, the company went through another series of plant additions resulting in the current configuration as well as updates to the office interior. During this timeframe, our market focus was in Connecticut and Boston. After the recession, Wright rebounded and has become a major player in the Boston market and many other areas of New England. We have taken on larger and more complex projects, built and strengthened relationships with key Architectural and Contracting firms, and are realizing the benefits of investments made in people, plant and equipment.
Expansion
In 2018, the company expanded, securing an additional 25,000 sq. ft. of office/warehouse space at an adjacent building to allow for expansion of both office and manufacturing.
NASRCC Agreement
Wright Millwork negotiated its first working agreement with the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters to enhance client and installation subcontractor relations
Employee Ownership
Also in 2018, the process of succession lead the owners to form a 100% ESOP where by the employees became beneficial owners.
Walter Price Retires
Mike Buell Retires
Current Leadership
ESOP Board of Directors appoints Jonathan Buell as President & CEO and Christopher Buell as Chief Operating Officer.