Made in the Piedmont - Masco Cabinetry

Published in the Culpeper Times 6/15/2011

The kitchen is the heart of the home, a place where we unwind and indulge ourselves. The kitchen is where we are able to build our family relationships as we share meals and stories about our day. It is the place where we find restoration, nourishment, energy, and vitality. However, the role of kitchens can transition from time to time as our family status changes.

With these changing needs, cabinetry and kitchen design takes on an increasingly important role in our homes. In today’s housing environment we are staying in our homes longer. We are staying home more. We are more aware of how our space in used. Thus, keeping up with these changes requires a great deal of adaptability in the manufacturing of cabinets, one that requires sensitivity to the customers changing needs. In addition, making quality kitchen cabinets is an art and requires skilled craftsmen to deliver the products that help to support our varying and productive lifestyles.

As I offer a glimpse of products “Made in the Piedmont” of Virginia, it is remarkable to know that we have a cabinet manufacturer in Culpeper known for such quality and adaptability. Merillat Cabinets, a division of Masco Cabinetry, have been made in Culpeper for several decades. The manufacturing facility has weathered changes in the economy during that time. The current economic challenges have been felt by the entire cabinet industry, and yet, the Culpeper facility continues to deliver quality products and services successfully.

A significant reason for this success is that Masco Cabinetry is completely focused on continuous improvement. The facility follows a discipline known in manufacturing as Six Sigma. Masco Cabinetry is so focused on this discipline that the President of Masco Cabinetry Karen Strauss was just named the Six Sigma CEO of the Year by iSixSigma Magazine.

Masco Cabinetry was also named as one of the top ten places to work by iSixSigma Magazine. A testament to both customer focused product improvement as well as workforce focused continuous improvement. In today’s economic environment finding a differentiator is challenging. A culture of continuous improvement is one that takes time to develop. This is a distinct differentiator, one that sustains a company while enabling world class customer service at every level of the organization. From the “Craftsman” building cabinets in the manufacturing facility to the installer who bring the cabinets alive in our home, Masco Cabinetry is a clear leader.

When we as home owners recognize the brands offered by Masco Cabinetry, (Merillat®, KraftMaid®, QualityCabinets™, and DeNova™) it is because of the sensitivity to quality, pride, and process that exists at every level of the organization. By now you may be curious about what you can do with your current kitchen space? You may want to know where you could go to find out how to support our local Merillat brand? Merillat.com has been recognized as one of the best websites in the industry for its ease of use and inviting qualities. You can click on the dealer locator to find the best places for you to upgrade your kitchen and bath environments.

Thank you to Masco Cabinetry and the Culpeper associates for making Culpeper a successful part of your nationwide network of manufacturing centers.