Amid record sales, Mans Lumber acquires competitor Dillman & Upton

Mans Lumber and Millwork has been a family business since 1900. Though they’ve grown into Michigan’s largest family-owned lumber, millwork and home improvement center, the Mans family remains committed to the values upon which the company was founded.

So when Mans Lumber had the opportunity to partner with another leading family-owned company in their industry, they stepped in. Founded 110 years ago, Dillman & Upton is Oakland County’s premier home improvement center, showroom and lumberyard.

By teaming up with Dillman & Upton, Mans Lumber has created one of the largest suppliers of lumber and millwork in the region – with a combined 200-plus years of experience serving the lumber and building material needs of the communities in Metro Detroit.

The sale ensured Dillman & Upton remains a family business, which was important to both partners, said Doug Mans, the president of Mans Lumber and Millwork. It’s part of a larger plan to help other local companies ensure their family legacies are honored as they meet their financial needs now and for future generations.

Dillman & Upton remains a family business, which was important to both partners, said Doug Mans, the president of Mans Lumber and Millwork.

“We wanted to prioritize keeping it a family business,” said Mans. “It’s part of our five-year plan to identify the need for locally owned building material businesses like ours to have both a plan for transition and succession.”

The partnership creates a company with more than 230 employees. Former co-owners Brad Upton and Todd Upton remain on staff as general manager and sales manager, respectively, along with all 60 of their employees. Saving local jobs, especially amid the pandemic, was important to both partners.

By teaming up with Mans Lumber, rather than selling to a private equity firm, the Uptons ensure their company’s founding values remain in place – the same ones the Mans embody.

“This partnership will help us to continue to grow and improve our ability to compete in today’s incredibly diverse and rapidly changing marketplace,” said Brad Upton and Todd Upton. “We have had a relationship with Mans Lumber and Millwork for decades; they’re already like family, and now is the best time to join forces.”

The last couple of years resulted in soaring sales for Mans, as more people wanted to work on home improvement projects. In 2020, Mans saw a 30% growth in sales, with 2021 projections expected to exceed that figure.

The Mans family hopes to continue to grow to meet local demands, offering communities a family-owned, hometown alternative to national chains.

The Mans family hopes to continue to grow to meet local demands, offering communities a family-owned, hometown alternative to national chains. The Dillman & Upton partnership is an essential step in the plan.

Beyond supplying materials to nearly every construction project in the Rochester area, Dillman & Upton also specialize in lumber, millwork, window, decking and kitchens/baths, including remodeling. With a team of seven full-time designers, they are recognized for their personal customer service and extensive retail product knowledge.

The entire Dillman & Upton team will continue to serve customers from their retail store, design showroom and lumberyard, from their newly remodeled location at 607 Woodward Street in Rochester. And they will expand their services with the support of the Mans Lumber and Millwork team to enhance capabilities and improve efficiencies.

Mans Lumber and Millwork has locations across the region: in Ann Arbor (2275 South Industrial Highway), Canton (47255 Michigan Avenue) and Trenton (3300 W. Jefferson). All locations also feature home, kitchen and bath showrooms. To learn more about Dillman & Upton, visit www.dillmanupton.com. To learn more about Mans Lumber and Millwork, visit www.manslumber.com. 

Stepfanie Romine for Mans Lumber and Millwork​ – January 24, 2022 – Detroit Free Press https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sponsor-story/mans-lumber-millwork/2022/01/24/amid-record-sales-mans-lumber-acquires-competitor-dillman-upton/6591597001/