Founded in 1985, Banks Hardwoods is a premier hardwood supplier in the Great Lakes region, producing high-quality hardwood used for cabinetry, moldings, flooring, furniture, and more in the wood product manufacturing sector. Headquartered in White Pigeon, Michigan, with an additional facility in Menomonie, Wisconsin, the company offers 2.5 million feet of dry kiln capacity, 10 million feet of lumber inventory, complete milling facilities, custom color and proprietary grade sorting, custom gang ripping programs, custom molded profiles, mixed loads with consistent quality across all species, as well as export packaging and overseas freight services. Banks Hardwoods began exporting in 2014.

Jessica Michelin, Purchasing/Sales Assistant and Banks School Coordinator, explained the company’s approach to new market development, “We currently see opportunities for our region’s (North Central Lake States) hardwood lumber worldwide. The quality resources in Michigan’s forests cannot be matched for color and consistency and are increasingly appreciated in markets around the globe. Our focus through investment and education is to continue that trend. Mexico is extremely intriguing, as near-shoring production from Asia has become a growing trend. Our goal is to explore, learn, and hopefully establish ourselves by leveraging the same advantages we’ve used in other markets. We also have a Spanish-speaking sales rep, which makes travel and communication easier, helping us expand into this market.”

In just two years, the premier hardwood supplier secured over $12 million in sales to China, expanded into Mexico, and established multiple new distributorships—proving that Michigan’s unmatched hardwood quality resonates worldwide.

In 2023, Banks Hardwoods participated in Food Export–Midwest’s Branded Program for the first time, aiming to build brand awareness in Mexico. Using allocated funds for trade show booth expenses, digital marketing, and promotional giveaways, the company achieved $66,891 in sales to Mexico, projected over $500,000 in additional sales, secured 24 new foreign buyer contacts, and established 3 new distributorships.

Michelin noted, “Food Export–Midwest’s Branded Program team is amazing and very helpful thanks to their prompt response and attention to detail. They do an incredible job and are incredibly thorough. 2023, being our first year in the program, was a major learning curve. I would have been lost without the two team members I worked with at Food Export.”

In 2024, the company returned to the Branded Program to focus on China. By investing program funds in news advertising, Banks Hardwoods generated over $12 million in sales, with more than $13 million projected in the next twelve months. The initiative also resulted in 3 new foreign buyer contacts and 3 new distributorships.

With its commitment to quality, market education, and strategic partnerships, Banks Hardwoods continues to prove that Michigan’s hardwoods can compete—and win—on the global stage. By tapping into Food Export–Midwest’s Branded Program, the company has not only expanded into new markets but also built lasting relationships with international buyers. From Mexico to China, Banks Hardwoods is positioning itself as a trusted supplier for premium hardwood products, with a growth trajectory that shows no signs of slowing.

Food Export uses funding from the Market Access Program (MAP) to help America’s small businesses increase their exports of food and agricultural products. As these exports increase, these small businesses are creating jobs and improving the strength and stability of our agricultural economy. Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast are non-profit organizations that work in collaboration with their member state departments of agriculture and the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. They offer a wide range of programs and services that help boost America’s agricultural exports.