News : Custom Millworking & Finishing welcomes VU members

Floor manager Rob Schneider demonstrates the room where Custom Millworking workers apply finishes.

Finished flooring products

Visitors saw a variety of wood trim products during the VU After Hours at Custom Millworking.

This display shows the variety of door styles and finishes available at Custom Millworking.

Nathan Hesson listens as Dean Fishels discusses the products made at Custom Millworking.

Bob Koenigsfeld and Dean and Kim Fischels welcomed Vinton Unlimited members to Custom Millworking and Finishing at the end of West D Street in Vinton on Friday evening for an After Hours event and tour.

Floor manager Rob Schneider joined the owners in leading several groups of visitors around the plant, where a dozen employees create a variety of moldings and trim. They also finish their wood products in countless colors, keeping a sample of each color they create for future reference.

The raw wood products include poplar, cherry, oak and many other tree species.

Most of the finished items are for contractors or building supply companies, although some products are designed for individual customers.

“We try to be green in everything we do,” said Schneider. “We only use oil-based finishes if our customers request it.”

History

Kim Fischels told visitors about the moldings and window trim in the office which was made there. She also discussed a display showing the variety of door finishes available (the doors arrive at Custom Millworking ready to finish).

The business began in Bob Koenigsfeld’s garage, said Kim, when the Meskwaki Casino hired Bob do to 8,000 feet of trim for a renovation project. Bob enlisted Dean, and the business began. Soon, a Des Moines law firm hired them for another project, and the business quickly outgrew the garage. The owners chose Vinton for their business site because the building was ready for use with very little preparation.

For more photos and information, visit the Custom Millworking Facebook Page.