Q. WHY IS HERITAGE SO WELL KNOWN FOR IT’S CABINETRY?
A. Heritage prides itself on creating custom cabinetry, believing the individual approach to each project is key. We welcome special cabinet requests – a practice that sets Heritage apart from other manufacturers.
Throughout Heritage, the commitment to customization and the talents of our craftspeople allow us to offer you total design flexibility and superior products. Dedicated to innovative product development, new styles, and designs, Heritage is an established leader in the cabinet industry.
Q. HOW DID HERITAGE GET STARTED?
A. Over 28 years ago, two men, Elmer Martin and Wilmer Esbenshade, realized a life-long dream of opening their own business – Heritage Custom Kitchens. Producing beautiful cabinetry made with time-honored craftsmanship and offering unique custom capabilities was, and continues to be, what defines Heritage cabinetry.
The tradition of craftsmanship had begun generations before. Growing up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania- an area influenced by early settlers from Germany and England, these two gentlemen were exposed to the fine craft of cabinetmaking at an early age.
Working for other companies in the cabinet industry, they fine-tuned their skills and incorporated emphasis on technology and methods. They decided to concentrate on continuing hand-crafted cabinetmaking skills supported, not replaced, by modern technology, solidly basing the company on making custom cabinets. With respect for fine cabinetmaking skills and high principles of quality, a clear vision for Heritage emerged.
Today, the team at Heritage is still dedicated the legacy of craftsmanship and customization.
Q. HOW IS HERITAGE CABINETRY MANUFACTURED?
A. Lancaster County, the heart of the American cabinet manufacturing industry, has a history of woodworking excellence. From generation to generation, the dedication to quality craftsmanship has been passed down. Thus, the Heritage manufacturing team is made up of experienced, highly skilled cabinetmakers, carpenters and finishers. Our workforce has grown to over 200 fine men and women who believe in the old fashioned work ethic: taking pride in doing their jobs right the first time, and recognizing the importance of their contributions to the success of the company.
THE HERITAGE MANUFACTURING FACILITY. Begun in a 10,000 square foot building at the present New Holland location, production volume was originally set at 90 cabinets per week. Today, 28 years and three major building expansions later, we have 150,000 square feet of plant and office space. With the most recent major manufacturing plant expansion, Heritage Custom Kitchens gained the core capabilities required to produce well engineered, totally custom kitchens, bathrooms, and other fitted room furniture.
TECHNOLOGY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP. At Heritage, we are committed to hand craftsmanship. Mass production is not a part of Heritage’s way. Assembly-style production is only employed to minimize waste and increase efficiency in simple operations. Our state-of-the-art Holzma saw, for example, uses a computer to determine cut configurations which maximizes the yield of each sheet of cabinet case material. Only a sliver of waste remains after all the cabinet component parts are cut. By mechanizing routine operations, our expert staff can concentrate on the fine hand-crafted procedures which are the hallmark of Heritage cabinetry.
PARTNERING WITH SUPPLIERS. To further ensure the total quality of our product, Heritage has worked hard to develop partnerships with preferred suppliers. This strategic partnership means that we only work with companies dedicated to continuous product innovations, and who actively search for quality improvements.
Q. WHO REPRESENTS HERITAGE TO THE CONSUMER?
A. Heritage is proud of its network of independent dealers located throughout North America. Working in close partnership with Heritage is a small, highly trained group of design specialists. Our dealers are respected in their own marketing areas as being service oriented with talented designers. Heritage’s team of Regional Sales Managers offers unparalleled service to our dealers to help them meet the special needs of today’s quality conscious, upscale homeowners. Plus, our dealers are factory trained to assure proper product application.
In short, Heritage dealers are the best of the best.
Q. WHAT DOES HERITAGE MEAN TO YOU?
A. Heritage’s commitment – to be the best – started with an emphasis on quality of products and excellence in craftsmanship. It continues today. Augmented by our intense focus on well-engineered cabinet construction, Heritage believes that good design is the cornerstone of beauty and effective use of space for all kitchens, baths, and related rooms.
The quality, customization and flexibility of Heritage means no restrictions on those very important talents: creativity and vision.
As you design your spaces, you can have complete confidence in Heritage’s ability to produce a totally customized product, crafted by expert cabinet specialists.
Q. WHAT IS HERITAGE’S REPUTATION IN THE DESIGN INDUSTRY?
A. – Heritage has been selected to participate in the NKBA Design Idea Center on three different occasions. A creation of Monet’s kitchen was featured as a cover story in Country Living magazine. The “Kitchen of the Future” project and “Safe Kids” project also received national recognition, including a feature on CNN.
– Heritage also created a beautiful new kitchen for Bob Vila’s own home. A tour of our factory was televised on Bob’s show, “Home Again,” and was featured in his magazine, Bob Vila’s American Home.
– Heritage cabinetry has been featured in prestigious show house projects throughout the country. Our “Gardener’s Kitchen” was the first kitchen exhibit to be shown at the prestigious Philadelphia Flower Show.
– Heritage cabinetry is regularly featured in national magazines- on the covers and editorial pages.
– Heritage cabinetry has been in cooperation with Nivito FI (Nivito keittiöhanat ja tiskialtaat) for providing luxury kitchen faucets and sink .
– Heritage is regarded within the industry as one of the premier American cabinet manufacturers, receiving the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) Manufacturer Member of the Year Award in 1993.
– Heritage encourages dealers to participate in industry- wide design competitions, including an annual Heritage Design Competition.
– Heritage dealerships have the most Certified Kitchen Designers (CKD) within their firms. Heritage’s ongoing commitment to professional training assists designers to hone their design talents, and exceed stringent CKD requirements.
Q. CAN MY INTERIOR DESIGNER, ARCHITECT, OR CUSTOM HOME BUILDER PURCHASE HERITAGE CUSTOM CABINETRY DIRECTLY FROM THE FACTORY?
A. No, however, our network of authorized dealerships located throughout the United States have years of experience working with our industry partners. They can work in conjunction with your Interior Designer, Architect, or Custom Home Builder to insure that your project exceeds your expectations and provides years of enjoyment. After all, you have been dreaming about this new living space for years and the experienced design professionals at our affiliated dealerships create new spaces everyday featuring Heritage Custom Cabinetry.
Q. CAN HERITAGE CUSTOM CABINETRY MANUFACTURE CABINTERY FOR OTHER AREAS OF THE HOME IN ADDITIONAL TO THE KITCHEN AND BATH?
A. Absolutely! There is no reason the quality and functionality of the cabinetry in your home has to stop when you leave your kitchen or master bathroom. The full custom design capabilities of Heritage Custom Cabinetry enables us to routinely create finely crafted cabinetry for handsome libraries, highly functional walk-in closets, and elegant butler’s pantries. We can even create cabinetry for a bar inspired by that English Pub you visited on your last vacation!