Chippewa County-based Mule-Hide Manufacturing has a long history of producing top-quality roofing products; the company is also well-known for the ways it gives back to the Cornell community. The company’s employees are dedicated and hard-working associates, something that has made the company successful, even in turbulent economic times.

Sheri Johnson, General Manager of Mule-Hide Manufacturing, has worked at the facility for the past year-and-a-half. Johnson and the other team members are proud of the longevity of the company. In fact, Mule-Hide Manufacturing has a mill that has been on-site since 1911. Although it was closed for a period, ABC Supply Co. Inc. purchased and re-opened the mill in 2002.  

The company has a unique link to the 175-foot Cornell Pulpwood Stacker, which was also constructed in 1911. The Stacker’s purpose was to service the mill’s needs for pulp to manufacture its products. “The Stacker, as indicated by the name, stacked logs that were floated in on the river, brought in via train, or in later years brought in by truck,” said Johnson.

Today, Mule-Hide Manufacturing focuses on producing two products: roofing dry-felt and facer paper. “We have two paper machines that produce different grades of our products and allow us the versatility to respond to changing customer needs,” Johnson said. The company uses recycled cardboard, newspaper and wood chips as raw materials.

The recent economic downturn impacted both the new construction and remodeling markets, something that Mule-Hide Manufacturing depends upon for its business. “Fortunately, our dedicated group of associates rose to the challenge and our business expanded its capabilities and customer base in very difficult times. In the coming year, we expect a slow, steady recovery of the entire industry,” Johnson explained. The company has taken this opportunity to come together as a team and develop continuous improvement processes.

The people that make up the Mule-Hide Manufacturing team are one of the reasons the company has a bright future. “The people of Chippewa County are our biggest asset,” said Johnson. Although many companies can invest in equipment, it is the people at a workplace that make the difference. “When you combine the people with organizations such as Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation, the sky is the limit,” Johnson said.

One of the operational goals at the company is to become integrally involved in the community and local organizations. “Giving back is a core value of our business,” said Johnson. From direct involvement in the Cornell parade to the monetary support to numerous non-profit organizations, the company maintains its commitment to Chippewa County.

As the company looks to the future, it continues to be on the cutting-edge of its industry.  “We’ve made significant capital investments in our facility and equipment over the past year to increase our throughput and save energy,” said Johnson. The current team of 89 employees is optimistic and devoted to future growth.

“Winning this award is a great honor because it validates our commitment to our core values. It serves as formal recognition of our associates’ dedication and hard work,” Johnson concluded.