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A New Domain for a New Era: AetnaBuild.com

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A New Domain for a New Era: AetnaBuild.com

A New Domain for a New Era: AetnaBuild.com

Written by Amanda Murphy, Marketing Manager
Published August 2026

As Aetna Building Solutions prepares to celebrate 90 years in business in 2027, we are continuing to evolve alongside the fast-moving industries and customers we serve.

Later this year, our website domain will transition from AetnaPlywood.com to AetnaBuild.com — a change that reflects the growth of our company and the expanded range of building materials, architectural panels, surfaces, and millwork solutions we provide today.

When Aetna was founded in 1937, plywood was the core of our business. In fact, the company became known for its “Walls of Wood from the Forests of the World,” supplying plywood to support the booming construction and housing markets of the mid-20th century.

More Than Plywood: The Complete Building Materials Distributor

Over the decades, Aetna has grown into much more than a plywood distributor. Today, Aetna Building Solutions serves manufacturers, cabinetmakers, millwork shops, builders, designers, and commercial project teams across the Midwest with a wide range of decorative panels, composites, surface solutions—including laminate, solid surface, and quartz—architectural materials such as hardwoods and plywood, hardware systems, and value-added fabrication services.

Our new domain, AetnaBuild.com, better represents the complete solutions-focused approach that defines our company today.

While the address of our website may be changing, the foundation of Aetna remains the same: strong partnerships, reliable service, and a commitment to helping our customers build better projects.

As we look ahead to our 90th anniversary, this milestone represents another step forward — honoring our history while continuing to grow as a trusted building materials distributor and solutions partner for the future.

At Aetna, we have what it takes – now more than ever.

From Board to Beauty: Aetna’s Fabrication Process Simplified

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From Board to Beauty: Aetna’s Fabrication Process Simplified

From Board to Beauty: Aetna's Fabrication Process Simplified

Written by Amanda Murphy, Marketing Manager
Published May 2026

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment, efficiency, precision, and consistency matter more than ever. At Aetna Building Solutions, our fabrication services are designed to help customers move seamlessly from raw material to finished component—without sacrificing quality or control.

Whether you’re building custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, or casework components, Aetna’s fabrication team helps simplify production while expanding what your business can offer.

Start with the Right Materials

Every great finished product begins with quality raw materials. Aetna offers a wide selection of hardwood lumber and panel products, giving customers flexibility to choose the right species, construction, and core for each application. From solid hardwoods to engineered panels, our materials are selected to support consistent fabrication and dependable results.

By sourcing lumber and panels through Aetna, customers reduce handling, streamline logistics, and ensure compatibility throughout the fabrication process.

Precision Fabrication, Powered by Technology

Aetna continues to invest in advanced manufacturing technology to better serve customers. A key example is our new Biesse beam saw, engineered for accuracy, speed, and repeatability. This upgrade allows us to process panels more efficiently while maintaining tight tolerances—critical for today’s production demands.

Paired with our laminated panels system, Aetna can deliver consistent, high-quality fabricated components that integrate seamlessly into your workflow.

Fabrication Services That Work for You

Aetna’s fabrication services are built to help customers expand capacity without expanding overhead. As outlined in our fabrication program, outsourcing components can often be more cost-effective than in-house production—freeing your team to focus on what they do best while reducing inventory, capital investment, and production bottlenecks. 

Our fabrication capabilities include:

  • HPL panel lamination on a variety of wood cores
  • Cut-to-size parts for faster assembly
  • CNC machining, including shaped and radius parts
  • Components and cabinet elevations
  • Edge banding in 0.018", 1mm, and 3mm, with standard and hot-air options
  • Contour edge banding and T-molding

Each component is produced with consistency and care—helping ensure smoother installs, cleaner finished products, and fewer reworks.

More Capability. Less Complexity.

By partnering with Aetna for fabrication, customers gain:

  • Expanded production capacity and capabilities
  • Consistent quality and repeatability
  • Reduced inventory, overhead, and capital expenditures
  • The ability to offer an expanded line of products
  • More time to focus on product development and customer relationships

It’s a smarter way to scale—without compromising craftsmanship.

One Partner, From Board to Beauty

From premium hardwood lumber and panels to precision fabrication and finishing, Aetna Building Solutions delivers a simplified, end-to-end process that turns raw materials into refined, ready-to-install components.

When your project demands efficiency, accuracy, and a trusted partner, Aetna has what it takes—from board to beauty.

👉 Learn More about Aetna Fabrication Services.

👉 Click Here to explore hardwood lumber options.  

Why Use Aetna's Lumber Processing Center?

Why Use Aetna Fabrication?

ONESource by Aetna: Your Products, Your Schedule, One Portal

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ONESource by Aetna: Your Products, Your Schedule, One Portal

ONESource by Aetna: Your Products, Your Schedule, One Portal

Written by Amanda Murphy, Marketing Manager
Published March 2026

At Aetna Building Solutions, we know your time is valuable—and your business doesn’t always run on a 9–5 schedule. That’s why we created ONESource, Aetna’s online ordering portal for building materials designed to give customers fast, convenient access to the products they need whenever they need them.

ONESource provides a single place to view real-time lumber inventory, product availability, pricing, and branch inventory across Aetna locations. Customers can also review invoices, access statements, make payments, view credits applied to account and view order status, helping keep purchasing and accounting tasks organized in one convenient platform.

Once your customer account is set up, you’ll receive secure login credentials that allow you to access the portal anytime—day or night—from your office, jobsite, or shop floor. As a leading building materials distributor with online ordering, Aetna created ONESource to make it easier for customers to check product availability and pricing online without waiting on a phone call or email.

Jim from Southern MN Millwork shared his experience:

“I’m a huge fan of One Source. I personally like being able to check stock and pricing without having to make a phone call. Our business requires its employees to be flexible, and One Source allows me to do that with the ability to log in any time of day or night to order or check stock to keep jobs on the move. Another feature I like is being able to have my frequently purchased items on the Quicklist—this saves time and can minimize mistakes. The ability to check alternate branch warehouses is also a plus.”

Another customer echoed how ONESource supports everyday operations. Jon Proksch of Midwest Millwork & Casework, LLC shared:

“The One Source Portal is a great tool for all customers to use. You can check pricing and availability, see invoices and order acknowledgements, and order materials right from the tool. You can also choose shipping methods and delivery dates. Aetna Plywood has done a good job with the portal, and it’s just another great tool for our business.”

From Quicklists that reduce ordering errors, to visibility across multiple branch warehouses, ONESource helps streamline ordering and keep projects moving—without slowing down your team.

Why Millwork Shops and Manufacturers Use ONESource

For companies working on tight schedules and complex projects, quick access to materials and information is critical. ONESource helps cabinet manufacturers, architectural millwork shops, closet system manufacturers, furniture builders, and commercial manufacturers streamline purchasing by giving estimators, project managers, and purchasing teams fast, reliable access to the materials and information they need to keep projects moving.

With ONESource, customers can:

  • Check real-time lumber, plywood and panel inventory across Aetna branches
  • View pricing instantly to quote jobs faster
  • Order materials online anytime—day or night
  • Access invoices, statements, and order statuses in one place
  • Create Quicklists for frequently ordered products
  • Check availability at alternate branch locations to keep projects moving

Instead of waiting for business hours to confirm stock or pricing, ONESource gives customers the information they need when decisions are being made—on the shop floor, at the jobsite, or in the office.

That means fewer delays, faster purchasing, and greater control over project timelines.

Ready to simplify how you order materials?

Open an account today to get access and explore ONESource. Experience a smarter way to do business with Aetna Building Solutions.

👉 New to Aetna? Start by opening an account to gain access to ONESource. Click Here to create an account.

👉 Already have login credentials? Click Here to access the portal anytime.

👉 Need help getting started? Click Here to watch our quick tutorial on how to use ONESource.

Introducing Interiors+ by Aetna Building Solutions: Elevate What’s Inside

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Introducing Interiors+ by Aetna Building Solutions: Elevate What’s Inside

Introducing Interiors+ by Aetna Building Solutions: Elevate What’s Inside

Written by Amanda Murphy, Marketing Manager
Published February 2026

Great design doesn’t stop at the door—it continues inside. Interiors+ by Aetna Building Solutions was created to help cabinetmakers, designers, and builders offer a more refined, high-end solution by elevating cabinet, drawer, shelf, and closet interiors with intentional materials and premium hardware.

Too often, beautifully designed exteriors are paired with standard white melamine interiors. Interiors+ changes that narrative by replacing the expected with something exceptional.

Design with Intention—Inside and Out

Interiors+ allows you to transform plain interiors into a design feature by upgrading to luxurious textile and linen patterns that coordinate seamlessly with Wilsonart LUJO® TFL and HPL exteriors. The result is a cohesive, upscale aesthetic that feels custom, modern, and thoughtfully designed from every angle.

By pairing LUJO® exterior surfaces with textile or linen interior panels, manufacturers can offer a premium cabinetry and closet solution that stands apart—without adding unnecessary complexity to production.

Hardware That Matches the Experience

A high-end interior deserves hardware that performs just as beautifully as it looks. That’s why the Interiors+ program features Salice hardware, trusted in the market for its precision engineering, durability, and refined performance.

  • Salice Progressa Slides Widely praised in the market, Progressa delivers smooth, silent motion, easy adjustment, and consistent performance. Its reliability and ease of installation make it a favorite among fabricators looking for efficiency without sacrificing quality.
  • Salice Lineabox Metal Drawers With its sleek, modern design and fewer components, Lineabox offers a cleaner aesthetic and faster assembly. The slim profile, precision alignment, and premium feel elevate drawer interiors while maintaining strength and long-term durability.

Together, Progressa and Lineabox create drawers that look refined, feel luxurious, and perform flawlessly—a true upgrade from standard solutions.

A Complete, One-Stop Solution

Interiors+ by Aetna is more than a product lineup—it’s a program. Aetna Building Solutions serves as a one-stop shop, providing coordinated surfaces, premium hardware, and expert support to help customers bring elevated cabinetry and closet designs to life.

This program is ideal for clients seeking:

  • High-end residential cabinetry
  • Custom closet systems
  • Design-forward multifamily or showroom applications
  • Differentiation in a competitive market

Elevate Your Offering with Interiors+

By upgrading what’s inside the cabinet, you deliver a finished product that feels intentional, modern, and premium—helping you win higher-value projects and exceed customer expectations.

Learn more about Interiors+ by Aetna Building Solutions and discover how to elevate your interiors from the inside out.

👉 Click Here to explore the program & request more information.

Hear from Joe Daschbach, Co-Owner/General Manager of Crooked Oak’s, as he shares how this program empowers his millwork business, enabling him to deliver sleek, coordinated interiors that align with the sophisticated tastes of today’s consumers.

Interiors+ by Aetna Building Solutions

Salice Interiors Program: In Stock Hardware

Aetna Building Solutions: A Commitment to Giving Back

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Aetna Building Solutions: A Commitment to Giving Back

Aetna Building Solutions: A Commitment to Giving Back

Written by Amanda Murphy, Marketing Manager
Published January 2026

At Aetna Building Solutions, the belief “Do the Right Thing, Always” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a guiding principle that shapes how we work, who we partner with, and how we show up for our communities. Beyond delivering quality building solutions, Aetna is deeply committed to making a positive, lasting impact where we live and work.

Building Stronger Communities Through Action

Aetna’s approach to community involvement is grounded in relationships. Being a responsible corporate citizen means supporting not only our customers, but also the neighborhoods, schools, and organizations that surround us. Over the past several years, Aetna has actively sought opportunities to invest time, resources, and support into initiatives that make a meaningful difference.

Investing in Education, Craft, and the Next Generation

Supporting education and skill development is a natural extension of Aetna’s roots in craftsmanship and the building trades. One notable contribution was Aetna’s donation to Girl Scout Troop 4597, helping provide resources that foster leadership, confidence, and community engagement among young girls.

Aetna has also partnered with local schools to support hands-on learning and career readiness. Contributions to Reed-Custer High School helped strengthen its Industrial Technology program, giving students practical experience with tools and materials they may use in future careers. At Franklin High School, Aetna donated materials for a theater set and assisted with a home installation project, ensuring students could apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

Our commitment to craftsmanship and history also extends beyond the classroom. Aetna donated to the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum, helping fund efforts to revive and preserve this iconic Rockford landmark. Supporting the preservation of this historic site reflects our respect for quality construction, architectural heritage, and the enduring value of well-built spaces.

Additional education and youth-focused support includes:

  • Proviso East High School
  • Rockford Boys & Girls Club
  • Maywood Fine Arts
  • Pumpkin Patch Parade sponsorship

Stepping Up in Times of Need

Aetna’s community involvement also includes supporting relief efforts during times of hardship. Working alongside Wilsonart and the Columbia Foundation, Aetna participated in disaster relief initiatives that provided financial assistance and essential resources to communities facing unexpected challenges.

Giving Back During the Holidays—and All Year Long

The holiday season is a special opportunity for Aetna to connect with and support local families. Our team participated in the Miracles in Maywood Toy Giveaway, delivering toys directly to children’s homes and helping create meaningful moments during the holidays. We also proudly support Thanksgiving Turkey Tuesday, Toys for Tots, and make annual turkey donations to the Maywood Fire Department.

In addition, Aetna continues to support the Giving Heart Foundation, which provides meals and services to individuals and families in need—reinforcing our belief that care and compassion should extend throughout the year.

Recognized for Doing Distribution Differently

Aetna’s culture of service, integrity, and community involvement was recently recognized in Construction in Focus. The company was featured in the September 2025 issue, highlighting how Aetna continues to put people first while building strong partnerships and communities.

Read more from Construction in Focus: Doing Distribution Differently

More Than Materials

At Aetna Building Solutions, we value our culture as much as our commitment to the communities we serve. Through education, preservation, partnership, and generosity, we strive to make a lasting impact—because doing the right thing, always, means investing in people, places, and the future.

Exploring the Rise of Multifamily Housing: Design, Demand, and Durable Materials

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Exploring the Rise of Multifamily Housing: Design, Demand, and Durable Materials

Exploring the Rise of Multifamily Housing: Design, Demand, and Durable Materials

Written by Amanda Murphy, Marketing Manager
Published August 2025

As housing demands shift across both urban and suburban areas, multifamily housing has emerged as the most dynamic and in-demand category of residential development. But what exactly is multifamily housing—and why is it seeing record interest among developers, designers, and real estate investors?

What Is Multifamily Housing?

Multifamily housing refers to residential buildings designed to accommodate more than one household within a single structure or development. Unlike traditional single-family homes, these properties offer multiple independent units—each with private living spaces—under one roof.

Modern multifamily architecture spans several building types, including:

  • High-rise buildings (12+ stories): Common in dense urban areas, often housing hundreds of residents.
  • Mid-rise buildings (5–12 floors): Popular in both urban and suburban neighborhoods.
  • Garden-style apartments and townhomes: Low-rise (typically 1–4 stories), ideal for spread-out suburban communities.

Today’s multifamily design is driven by factors such as space optimization, lifestyle-centric amenities, sustainability, and the growing need for remote work-ready interiors.

Multifamily Market Outlook for 2025

The multifamily housing sector continues to outperform others—becoming the top real estate investment class going into 2025. According to the CBRE U.S. Real Estate Market Outlook 2025, investor confidence remains high due to the strong demand for rental housing and rising challenges in housing affordability.

CBRE’s data shows that as of Q3 2024, average mortgage payments were 35% higher than apartment rents—a gap expected to persist into 2025. This affordability imbalance reinforces the demand for affordable multifamily housing, especially among younger renters and first-time buyers.

In addition, multifamily rents are projected to increase 3.1% annually through 2029—outpacing home price growth and pre-pandemic averages.¹

¹ Source: CBRE U.S. Real Estate Market Outlook 2025

Key Multifamily Design Trends for 2025

  1. Smart & Efficient Floor Plans

Renters increasingly seek well-designed, compact living spaces that offer functionality without sacrificing comfort. From studios to two-bedroom units, multifamily trends in 2025 emphasize flexible layouts, built-in storage, and ample natural light.

  1. Community-Centered Amenities

Shared amenities are no longer optional—they’re essential. Top offerings include:

  • Rooftop terraces and community gardens
  • Co-working spaces and soundproof pods
  • Pools, fitness centers, and bike storage
  • Pet amenities and delivery lockers

These features boost resident retention and create a sense of connection.

  1. Remote Work-Ready Living

With hybrid work here to stay, developers are integrating tech-enabled workspaces directly into unit layouts and community areas. Expect fiber internet, smart lighting, and acoustic insulation to become standard in multifamily design.

  1. Warm, Personal Interiors

This year’s design palettes feature expressive, yet cozy interiors. Think terracotta and mustard tones, reclaimed wood, rattan accents, and tactile materials that bring comfort and character to every unit.

Top Materials for Multifamily Housing Projects

Choosing the right materials is critical for balancing durability, style, and budget. Aetna offers a curated range of solutions ideal for high-traffic residential environments:

  • Soft Maple Lumber – Lightweight and easy to machine; great for cabinetry and trim in mid-range units.
  • Red & White Oak Plywood – Known for toughness and scratch resistance—perfect for flooring and high-use areas.
  • Quartz Countertops – A top choice for kitchen and bath applications due to its durability and sleek finish.
  • Solid Surface – Budget-friendly and seamless; Wilsonart® Solid Surface options are ideal for value-driven installs.
  • THINSCAPE® – Ultra-thin composite that mimics natural stone with a modern look and minimal maintenance.
  • Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL) – Affordable, sustainable, and offered in a wide range of textures and finishes for unit interiors.

Functional Hardware for Everyday Living

  • FGV XTreme Ball Bearing Slides: Soft-close and standard options provide smooth drawer operation and extended life.
  • Vibo Double Waste Bin Systems: Stylish, built-in waste solutions with soft-close mechanisms and space-saving designs.

As multifamily housing continues to evolve, it’s clear that success hinges on thoughtful design, durable materials, and lifestyle-forward features. Whether it’s a high-rise in the city or a garden-style apartment in the suburbs, the demand for affordable, well-designed multifamily homes shows no signs of slowing.

Aetna is proud to support this momentum by offering innovative materials and solutions tailored to architects, designers, and builders leading the future of multi-residential development. Click below to learn more! 

Aetna Plywood Multifamily Brochure
Design Lookbook for Multifamily Spaces

From Craft to Craftsmanship: Luke Kij Shares His Experience with AetnaPly IDP

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From Craft to Craftsmanship: Luke Kij Shares His Experience with AetnaPly IDP

From Craft to Craftsmanship: Luke Kij Shares His Experience with AetnaPly IDP

Written by Amanda Murphy, Marketing Manager
Published July 2025

In the world of woodworking, true craftsmanship begins with a connection to the material—and few know this better than Luke Kij, owner of Commercial Millwork Services Inc. With over 25 years of experience in commercial projects, architectural millwork and high-end casework, Luke recently had the opportunity to work with AetnaPly IDP (Import Decorative Plywood), one of the newest offerings from the AetnaPly Portfolio.

Growing up in rural Europe, Luke was immersed in a community where building things by hand was a way of life. “Without cell phones, we had to find ways to spend our time,” Luke recalls. “I naturally gravitated to working with my hands from a young age.” That hands-on upbringing set the foundation for what would become a long and passionate career in woodworking.

When it comes to plywood, Luke’s experience spans decades and materials—from maple and oak to cedar and mahogany. “We’ve used just about every kind of plywood available,” he says. But when it came to trying AetnaPly IDP, Luke noticed it stood out from other imports.

“The IDP panels stayed straight and flat, which is not always the case with imports,” he notes. “There was no bowing, and the grain matching from sheet to sheet was impressively consistent.” In his line of work—where quality and appearance can make or break a project—that kind of consistency is vital. “A bad plywood sheet might be uneven in thickness, have mismatched faces, or make cutting a nightmare. That wasn’t the case here.”

For finishing, Luke opted to treat the IDP panels with a hard wax oil to bring out the natural grain, as requested by the customer. “It took the oil very well, which tells me it would also absorb stains nicely without compromising the structure.” He particularly appreciated the fact that the panels didn’t require any special coatings to look good—saving both time and materials.

In terms of applications, Luke sees AetnaPly IDP as ideal for high-end cabinetry, CNC projects, display cases, and exhibit construction. “It’s not soft, so it holds screws and biscuits well,” he adds. “We mounted Salice slides without any issue,”

Cutting and sanding the product was also a breeze. “We used a sliding panel saw, but a regular table saw would do the job just fine too. The veneer stayed attached, the cuts were clean, and surprisingly—it didn’t have that irritating smell some imports do that make me sneeze.”

Luke’s advice to fellow woodworkers? Don’t let routine get in the way of trying something new. “It’s easy to get stuck using the same brand of plywood just because it’s familiar. But AetnaPly IDP impressed me. We’ve already planned to use it in more upcoming projects and have recommended it to other customers.”

With solid feedback from a seasoned professional like Luke Kij, it’s clear that AetnaPly IDP isn’t just another panel on the shelf—it’s a new standard for quality, reliability, and performance in decorative plywood.

Watch the Final Reveal

How Highland Vans Transformed the Custom Van Industry with Precision Design and Strong Partnerships

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How Highland Vans Transformed the Custom Van Industry with Precision Design and Strong Partnerships

How Highland Vans Transformed the Custom Van Industry with Precision Design and Strong Partnerships

Written by Amanda Murphy, Marketing Manager

Published June 2025

In 2020, three brothers – Szymon, Marcin, and Karol – combined their passion for industrial design and precision manufacturing to launch Highland Vans, a business dedicated to custom van interiors. What started in a small Chicago garage has since grown into a company renowned for pushing the boundaries of van design with innovative materials and meticulous attention to detail. 

A Game-Changing Partnership with Aetna

In the early days, while business was gaining momentum, an unexpected visit from an Aetna representative would change the trajectory of Highland Vans. What began as an inquiry about their projects quickly evolved into a key partnership. Aetna began supplying nearly all of Highland Vans’ materials, from plywood and laminate to cabinetry, hardware, solid surface and Wetwall panels. But the partnership went beyond just supplying products. 

Aetna’s sales representative became a vital asset, always going above and beyond to ensure the Highland Vans team had what they needed, when they needed it. Whether it was sourcing the perfect materials for a customer’s interior vision or ensuring fast turnaround times, Aetna’s support proved invaluable.

The Foundation of Quality and Efficiency

Thanks to Aetna’s reliable supply chain, Highland Vans was able to streamline their operations. Having a single trusted partner for all their materials simplified their processes, ensuring that every build maintained the high-quality standards that the company became known for. This focus on consistency, durability, and aesthetic appeal became a hallmark of their premium van interiors.

Szymon Glu, co-owner of Highland Vans, emphasizes the importance of quality: “Consistency and quality are everything in this industry. By working with Aetna, we’ve been able to improve efficiency, streamline our manufacturing, and elevate the quality of our builds. The extensive product selection and reliable supply chain allowed us to confidently take on custom projects.” 

Adaptability: The Secret to Success

Highland Vans’ success is also rooted in their adaptability. With each new van project comes a set of unique challenges – from design adjustments to solving unforeseen problems during the build process. The brothers have learned that staying flexible and solution-oriented is crucial for overcoming these hurdles.

“Adaptability is key,” says Szymon. “No two vans are the same. Every project has its own challenges. Whether it’s fine-tuning designs, improving workflow, or solving unexpected issues, staying adaptable has been crucial to our growth.”

This ability to adjust and innovate has been central to Highland Vans’ ability to deliver exceptional custom builds for their customers. Working with the right people – their team, customers, and partners like Aetna – has been essential to building the successful brand they have today. 

From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leaders

From their humble beginnings in a small garage, Highland Vans has evolved into a leader in the custom van industry. Their commitment to craftsmanship, design, and quality has set them apart. But they’re quick to acknowledge that their success wouldn’t have been possible without the help of partners like Aetna, who have supported them from the start.

As Highland Vans continues to innovate, they remain focused on delivering products that blend exceptional quality, aesthetic appeal, and functionality. Their story proves that success is built not only on great design but also on strong partnerships and reliable products.

With the right people by their side, Highland Vans is poised to continue leading the way in the custom van market – delivering unique, high-quality interiors that enhance the adventures of their customers. 

Click Here to view the Wilsonart case study. 

Learn More

Midwest Woodcrafters: Building Success from Humble Beginnings

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Midwest Woodcrafters: Building Success from Humble Beginnings

Midwest Woodcrafters:
Building Success from Humble Beginnings

Written by Amanda Murphy, Marketing Manager
Published January 2025

In the world of woodworking, dedication, innovation, and strong partnerships often lead to remarkable success stories. One such story is that of Midwest Woodcrafters, a company that has transformed from a small garage-based business into a successful woodworking and cabinetry company. Founded in 1989 by Russ Krella and Mike Allessi, Midwest Woodcrafters has been carving out its niche for over three decades.

Russ Krella, who was asked at a young age why he wouldn’t want to be a woodcrafter, initially explored various trades before dedicating himself to woodworking. Over time, his passion for the craft led him to pursue a career in cabinet making. Mike Allessi, a childhood friend, founded Midwest Woodcrafters alongside Russ. Together they incorporated the business in 1990. Their first account was creating fireplace mantels which laid the foundation for what would become an enduring enterprise. Today, 36 years later, Midwest Woodcrafters has expanded to tackle large-scale projects like healthcare buildings, corporate interiors, and complex remodeling jobs.

A key part of their success story has been the partnerships they’ve cultivated over the years, especially with Aetna, a supplier that has been instrumental in their growth. Russ recalls how Aetna’s representative initially stopped by when the business wasn’t ready to buy, but the persistence and care shown over time developed into a strong, mutually beneficial relationship. From high-quality materials like HPL, plywood, and lumber to Wilsonart’s adhesives, which Russ calls “the strongest and highest quality adhesive I’ve ever seen,” Aetna has been a reliable partner in ensuring Midwest Woodcrafters continues to grow and deliver exceptional projects.

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Mike and Russ have a philosophy they share with others: “Treat everyone as an equal.” Whether it’s an apprentice or a seasoned professional, everyone starts somewhere. Giving people the respect and attention they deserve builds lasting relationships. This approach, paired with Aetna’s unwavering support, has contributed to a partnership that has lasted over 30 years and continues to thrive.

As Russ puts it, Aetna has always made them feel more like partners than just customers. This strong relationship is a cornerstone of Midwest Woodcrafters’ ongoing success and will continue to drive their growth in the years ahead.

Out With The Old, In With The New

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Out With The Old, In With The New

Out With The Old, In With The New

Aetna Building Solutions Fully Automates Panel Fabrication with Installation of an Advanced New Biesse Beam Saw

Written by Amanda Murphy, Marketing Manager
Published November 2024

Aetna Building Solutions, the Midwest’s leading wholesale building product distributor, has announced the installation of a new Biesse Panel Saw to speed production of high-quality fabricated panels, in volumes of from one to many thousands.

Within the last decade, the fabrication industry has evolved significantly. With demand surging for cut-to-size, made-to-order panels — whether laminated, MDF, particleboard, plywood or other materials – panel fabricators are working to keep pace, with increased automation and the use of advanced technologies to deliver greater precision, efficiency and faster production. Aetna, known for their industry knowledge, reliability, and dedication to the customer, is at the forefront of these efforts to offer the most innovative, up-to-date panel fabrication solutions and technologies.

The most recent example is Aetna’s investment in the new Biesse Beam Saw at the Rockford, IL facility, a significant upgrade over an older, less productive saw, and the perfect addition to the ‘Panel Express’ Panel Fabrication Line already in place, according to Aetna Corporate Director of Operations, Ray Zulfer.

“Mark Jardon from Exact Automation and the team at Biesse did a great job minimizing the challenges and keeping Aetna informed on their progress,” said Mr. Zulfer. “The greatest challenge during installation was the scheduling of Aetna’s current workload to ensure our customers were not impacted. Once that hurdle was crossed, we had to coordinate the disassembly of the old saw and prepping the area for the new saw’s arrival.”

After months of planning, disassembling and removing the old saw, the new one was successfully installed within a week by the Biesse team. The new Aetna Beam Saw will revolutionize the cutting process for particleboard, plywood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), laminated panels and other materials by maximizing output with minimal effort. Two notable features to mention are:

  • The turn table, located behind the main blade, will allow stacked material to be turned 90 degrees before it is pushed forward for cutting. This feature reduces the amount of handling for the operator thus reducing fatigue.
  • The twin pusher design, located near material is fed, allows for both rip and crosscuts to be done simultaneously as it is equipped with the main pushing device and an auxiliary one. This feature will reduce overall cutting time by 40% for jobs that require both cuts.

“The new saw will allow Aetna to offer cutting services that were not possible previously,” responded Fabrication Manager, Mick Volves during an interview. “We are excited to promote this new saw to customers. With the updated efficient software, Aetna can now take a list of cut parts to be produced and the panels available and the system will calculate the best solution to minimize material usage, sectioning times, and production costs.”

Got an upcoming job or large project? Aetna has what it takes. Contact them today for all your fabrication needs.