NEW HOLLAND, PA — Rutt Quality Cabinetry, LLC, rumored in recent weeks to be either on the verge of closure, purchased by outside interests, or merged with sister company Wood-Mode LLC, has instead downsized, revamped its internal operations, and “renewed its commitment” to delivering its top-performing line of high-end custom cabinetry, the company announced.
“Whatever rumors were spread are false,” said Bill French, owner of both Rutt and Wood-Mode. “Wood-Mode and Rutt are separate companies and will continue to have separate management, sales, and marketing. The (Rutt) factory did not miss a day of production, (and) our artisans are more committed than ever to providing the highest quality, custom crafted cabinetry for our discerning customers.”
French’s comments were prompted in part by recent uncertainty in the face of Rutt’s internal restructuring, particularly among the company’s network of kitchen and bath dealers, factory employees, and sales reps, many of whom have been associated with the 70+-year-old custom cabinet manufacturer for decades.
According to French, who spoke exclusively to Kitchen & Bath Design News, management, upon considering various options, has decided to discontinue producing Rutt’s “Regency” line of cabinetry, which French said was unprofitable, and will concentrate exclusively on its high-end “Classic” line. Rutt, said French, will retain about 30 of the company’s “most skilled and experienced” employees at its New Holland, PA factory. Rutt had 80+ employees prior to the company’s reorganization.
“Rutt will engineer, produce, and finish its cabinets in-house,” said French. “Customers will continue to receive the artistic doors, drawers, and custom finishes we’re known for, and anything that’s core to the Rutt brand and quality will continue to be made in our factory in New Holland.”
Rutt, he said, has “encouraged” dealers of Regency cabinets to purchase Wood-Mode Brookhaven cabinets instead, “since Wood-Mode is very efficient in producing high-quality cabinets that are sold at roughly the same price point as Rutt Regency. Similar or identical doors and finishes that Rutt produced in Regency will be available from Wood-Mode to satisfy Regency clients,” French noted.
In certain territories, sales previously handled by Rutt reps will be handled by the company’s customer service and engineering department, according to French. When sales require, Rutt will add production capacity, he added.
Founded in 1951 as Rutt Handcrafted Cabinetry, Rutt was previously owned by Wellborn Cabinet, Inc., which sold the company in 2018 to private-equity firm Birch Holdings of PA. French, a Pennsylvania businessman with diverse holdings, purchased the company in 2022, some three years after acquiring the assets of the former Wood-Mode Inc.
“We are honored to continue the tradition of quality started by Phares Rutt,” French said. “Rutt Quality Cabinetry’s dedication to its team, business partners, and customers is stronger than ever.
“Rutt,” he added, “is excited to provide beautiful, handcrafted cabinetry now and into the future.”