The Mission

Crafting Quality Furniture for Generations

Since 1961 New England Woodcraft has been a leading custom contract furniture manufacturer providing high-quality, solid hardwood residence hall furniture to universities, colleges and military bases worldwide.

Our 100% American-made products are built with consistent quality and held to high environmental standards. New England Woodcraft is unparalleled in our dedication to quality, personal service, and on-time deliveries.

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The History

A Heritage in Wood

In 1960, under the name of “Furniture by Thurston,” Maxine and Harmon Thurston tried their hands at making coffee tables that could be shipped knocked down. It wasn’t until Maxine was unable to find a footstool for herself that they decided they should make footstools. With a set of simple tools in a one-car barn located in rural Vermont, the Thurston’s were in business! They initially sold through local craft shows, but things really took off when the Thurston’s ran a small advertisement in Yankee Magazine. The increased business allowed them to expand into other products.

“We grew from stools to wagon seats, benches, and anything with a straight line cut.”

Moving into a succession of larger shops over the years, they eventually settled into their current location in the town of Brandon, VT. In 1972, they began to sell a variety of furniture, including bedroom sets to Workbench stores in New York City, as well as to the college market. The company name was officially changed to New England Woodcraft in 1976, and while the business was growing steadily, there were a few setbacks. In 1985, an electrical fire burned the machine shop and the warehouse to the ground. Quick action on Harmon’s part saved the 32,000 sqft assembly shop and within six days they were shipping again without missing any delivery dates

“We never would have succeeded without each other.”

As Harmon says, “If it wasn’t for our dedicated and determined employees making this all happen, the company would not be what it is today”. The company proudly employs 120 employees with a core group of over 40 who have been building quality furniture for over 20 years.

Family members are still active in the business, but the machines are now larger and faster. However, the core values of the business have not changed since the first footstools were shipped. “Since 1960, we have been treating our customers to personal service, honest pricing, and sturdy, sensible furniture."

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🤝 A New Chapter: Employee Ownership

In 2023, New England Woodcraft took a bold step forward by becoming a 49% employee-owned company. Through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), every team member now has a stake in our success. It’s a natural evolution of the values we’ve always held—collaboration, pride, and shared purpose.

🌿 Looking Ahead
From a one-car barn to a thriving, employee-owned business, our journey is a testament to what’s possible when craftsmanship meets commitment. As we look to the future, we remain grounded in the same principles that started it all: quality, service, and integrity.

Thank you for being part of our story.

Press Highlights

New England Woodcraft is honored to have been highlighted in Vermont Magazine.

New England Super Senior - Woodcraft’s founder is recognized on local news.

The Company

Quality Furniture for Generations

Since 1960, we have been treating our customers to personal service, honest pricing, and sturdy, sensible furniture.

Today, New England Woodcraft is a trusted name in custom contract furniture, serving universities, colleges, and military bases across the globe. Our furniture is made from solid Northern hardwoods, built to last, and proudly Made in the USA.

Welcome to New England Woodcraft Inc., where tradition, quality, and now, employee ownership, shape every piece of furniture we create.