In the past few months I have participated in three regional trade shows and I began to hear the same two questions from a variety of people. “How much of your products are made in America?” and “Are you American owned?” It seems a new awareness has surfaced with our customers as to the importance of doing business with American owned companies and American made products. On a personal level, I share the same interest and concern.
A good question deserves a good answer. So I spoke with Gilbert Phillips, our Operations Manager with Jim Barna Log and Timber Homes. Gilbert has been with us for many years and sources materials and supplies from a wide variety of vendors. This is what he reported back;
Our logs, rafters and beams primarily come from North Carolina, Virginia and Georgia
Yellow pine rafters and beams are from Tennessee, Kentucky and Georgia
Architectural Glu Lams, (engineered structural lumber) comes from Mississippi
Tongue and groove paneling is milled in North Carolina
Dimension lumber comes from North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Texas and Louisiana.
Windows and doors, Tennessee, Kentucky, Minnesota, Pennsylvania
Rail materials, Alabama and Michigan
Flooring, North Carolina, Georgia and Kentucky
We also purchase a wide variety of wood finish products, insulation, both foam and fiberglass, gasket materials, adhesives, sealants, etc. that are made in Illinois, Georgia, West Virginia, Nevada, California, and Florida
We also have the distinction of being the only “distributor” owned log and timber frame manufacturer in the United States. Because we are on the front line with our customers we provide valuable insight into our production processes and our ongoing quality improvement. During the past three years, we have added new products, floor plans and services to better accommodate our customers’ expectations.
Another thought came to mind. We ship internationally. So we actually are exporting materials instead of importing materials. We do what we can to tilt the balance of trade in our direction.
We appreciate our customers’ confidence and the trust they place in us. Your business is a privilege and we thank you for it.
Michael Grant, Architectural Designer/Realter
Modern Rustic Homes & Barna Log Homes
Coldwell Banker High Country Realty
Modern Rustic Living Team
Ellijay, GA