CHARM, Ohio Help Keim Lumber celebrate 100 years this week, April 13-16.

Since its founding in 1911, Keim Lumber has been providing quality materials for homes throughout Ohio and beyond. Keim Lumber is a full-service building material supplier as well as a manufacturer of hardwood trim, doors and other wood components.

The company began as Keim Brothers in Charm, Ohio in the early 1900s on one and three quarter acres. By 1911, Mose J. Keim had set up a saw mill and soon he and his brother John built a two story planing mill for manufacturing finish lumber. Part of this building is still standing.

In the 1930s Mose’s son Roman took interest in the business and the name changed from “Keim Brothers” to “M.J. Keim and Son.” Business picked up as the depression waned. In the 1940s they began selling plywood, built a small dry kiln and built the first of many storage sheds. In the 1950s M.J. Keim and Son began manufacturing hardwood flooring, expanded the buildings, and added an office and hardware store. During the 1960s, the present owner and president, Bill Keim, joined the team and the business became known as Keim Lumber Company.

During these last 50 years Keim Lumber Company has seen its greatest growth. A new store, warehouse and office space have been added and then expanded to accommodate the continued growth. Today, Keim Lumber Company covers approximately 40 acres, with almost 700,000 square feet under roof. With additional storage off-site at two rail sidings Keim is able to maintain a large “in stock” inventory. Keim Lumber is continuing to grow. By of their Centennial Celebration, they will have completed a 5,000 square feet remodeling addition to the sales floor. Utilizing existing storage area and reconfiguring showroom space, Keim has added nearly 5,000 square feet of display area. These expanded areas include flooring and tile displays, increased millwork area, expanded lawn and garden area and a new outdoor lighting display. Here you will find outdoor entertainment area ideas, including yard lighting, deck lighting, and landscape lighting.

Keim’s original work force of five people has increased to more than 360 employees. This includes Bill’s son, Robbie Keim, who as vice president represents the fourth generation of the Keim family to be involved in the business.

Looking back, Bill Keim, president of Keim Lumber Company, noted that sales have tripled from 1990 to 2010, with a 30-percent increase in the last 10 years. Even in 2010 with the economic difficulties, Keim saw a nice increase in sales according to Keim’s vice president, Robbie Keim. The last two years have seen record setting sales during Keim’s annual Anniversary sale in April in spite of the economy. What is it that makes Keim Lumber successful? Bill and Robbie Keim would both be quick to acknowledge God’s blessing, a quality staff and a great customer base as keys to success.

In the mid 1970s Keim began conducting an Anniversary sale to commemorate their founding. This year they are celebrating 100 years of success and God’s blessing. With 100 years “under the belt,” Keim Lumber invites everyone to their Centennial celebration April 13-16.

Building a new home, remodeling or just redecorating, Keim Lumber is the place to go for ideas as well as material. Keim Lumber’s clean, well-stocked showroom, its quality materials, and its friendly, knowledgeable staff cause people to say, “I love to shop there.”

Keim’s Centennial celebration will include the giving away of a $10,000 Keim Lumber gift card. If you don’t win that you could win the $5000 gift card or one of a number of other prizes to be given away, including a replica grandfather clock. In recognition of their family owned business’ 100th year, the Keim family commissioned the replication of the grandfather clock, which Mose Keim, the company’s founder, constructed in the early 1900s. Even if you don’t win one of the giveaways, you can go home a winner with great pricing including 10% off on almost everything in the store. And if you spend $50 or more you will receive a historical, commemorative Bronze souvenir coin. Or you can make your own souvenir for just 50 on Keim’s Penny Press.

Keim’s event has something for everyone. Kids will enjoy face painting, balloons and free Frosty Twin popsicles while supplies last. Everyone will be amazed as the Carpenter Statue walks off to another location and strikes a new pose. For the NASCAR fans, the Stanley-DeWalt #9 Ford Fusion race car will be on display Friday.

Wow! What a destination. A building materials showroom that is beautiful and unrivaled according to industry executives who have traveled the country and the world. An Ohio Amish Country destination where people repeat “I love to shop there” – both the men and the ladies. A piece of history waiting for you to experience.

Bill, Robbie and the Keim family say “thank you” to the many loyal customers from near and far who have contributed to the 100 year success of Keim Lumber Company. The entire staff of Keim Lumber invites you to come out April 13-16. Experience for yourself the success of another family owned and operated business in our great country of America.