Crafting Excellence, Building Community
We are more than just a manufacturer of high-quality wooden cutting boards, bowls, and custom wood products—we are a worker-owned cooperative with a proud legacy of craftsmanship, sustainability, and community resilience. Rooted in over a century of woodworking expertise, our team is dedicated to creating functional, durable, and eco-friendly kitchen essentials while preserving jobs and supporting rural manufacturing in Crandon, Wisconsin.
Every product we make carries with it the skill, passion, and dedication of artisans who understand that woodworking is not just a trade, but a tradition worth preserving. Our cooperative model ensures that each worker has a voice in the company’s direction, fostering a deep sense of ownership, pride, and commitment to excellence. This approach allows us to maintain high standards, not only in the quality of our products but in the ethical way we run our business—valuing people over profit and sustainability over shortcuts.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to sustainability. We use responsibly sourced and repurposed wood, reducing waste and ensuring that our production processes have minimal environmental impact. By prioritizing eco-friendly practices, we create products that are as good for the planet as they are for the kitchen. Our cutting boards, bowls, and custom woodwork are designed to last, standing up to everyday use while showcasing the natural beauty of wood in every grain and finish.
Beyond the products themselves, we are deeply invested in our community. Manufacturing jobs are the backbone of small-town economies, and we take pride in keeping those opportunities alive in Crandon. Our cooperative is a place where skill and tradition meet innovation, where hard work leads to collective success, and where every handcrafted piece is a testament to the resilience of American craftsmanship.
Snow River works with large and small companies of all industries, and even individuals, to create a custom piece for just about any idea you come up with. We can personalize it to your specifications with text, logos, and designs. We can make boards starting at minimum order quantities of 25 pieces, making it easy and affordable to get what you need.
Our History
The story of Snow River Cooperative is one of determination, innovation, and worker empowerment. Our roots trace back to Bemis Manufacturing, which established a woodworking plant in 1901. For decades, this facility provided stable employment and produced high-quality wooden products. In 2002, the business changed hands and became Snow River Products, operated by Columbian Home Products.
However, in 2019, our future was threatened when Columbian Home Products announced the closure of our facility, leaving long-term employees at risk of losing their livelihoods. Determined to save our jobs and continue our craft, we took bold action. With the guidance of the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives (UWCC) and Cooperative Development Services (CDS), we developed a plan to transition into a worker-owned cooperative.
In April 2020, Snow River Cooperative was officially established. With financing from Shared Capital Cooperative and the Local Enterprise Assistance Fund, we acquired the business and transformed it into one of the few worker-owned manufacturing cooperatives in Wisconsin. Today, we continue to thrive, ensuring that our rich history of craftsmanship carries forward into the future.
Commitment to Sustainability
We are deeply committed to sustainability, eco-conscious manufacturing, and giving back to the communities that support us. Our approach to environmentally responsible production starts with waste reduction and resource optimization, ensuring that valuable materials do not end up in landfills. We actively utilize leftover wood and byproducts from larger manufacturers, repurposing high-quality materials to create sustainable, handcrafted products while significantly reducing our carbon footprint and promoting a circular economy.
Beyond sustainability, we take pride in supporting local communities in rural Wisconsin, fostering economic stability by providing long-term employment opportunities in the woodworking and manufacturing sectors. Our efforts contribute to strengthening the local supply chain, supporting small businesses, and ensuring that skilled workers can continue to thrive. Through ethical sourcing, responsible labor practices, and a dedication to American-made craftsmanship, we help sustain the regional economy while upholding the highest industry standards.
As champions of traditional woodworking and artisanal excellence, we are dedicated to preserving craftsmanship by passing down time-honored skills and techniques. In a world where mass production dominates, we remain committed to maintaining the integrity of handcrafted, sustainable furniture and wood products that reflect both quality and heritage. By integrating eco-friendly innovation with classic artistry, we ensure that green manufacturing practices and high-quality woodwork remain a viable and thriving industry for generations to come.
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a guiding principle that drives every aspect of our business. Whether through carbon-conscious sourcing, zero-waste initiatives, green production methods, or ethical labor practices, we are continuously working to make a positive impact on both the environment and the communities we serve.
