Meet Plato Woodwork: Committing to Quality Cabinetry and Beyond
In the ever-evolving world of custom cabinetry, Plato Woodwork stands as a beacon of tradition, innovation, and craftsmanship. With roots dating back to 1893, this family-owned business has been a pillar of quality and excellence for five generations. Lisa Loushin Kroskin, Head of Design & Dealer Relations at Plato Woodwork, shares the rich history and unique offerings that set Plato apart in the industry.
A Rich History Rooted in Craftsmanship
"Starting with Theodore Pinske in 1893, and for the last five generations, the Plato name has stood for craftsmanship, style, tradition, and family," Kroskin begins, emphasizing the deep roots and enduring legacy of the company.
Theodore Pinske, the son of German immigrants, founded the business with a strong commitment to fine craftsmanship. What began as a construction business soon expanded into a lumberyard and millwork shop, shaping many of the churches, schools, homes, and barns in the area. In 1918, Theodore's innovative approach to barn construction revolutionized the field. "He modified a Model T Ford into a saw to allow them to rip precisely curved rafters with minimum waste," Kroskin explains. This innovative spirit is still reflected in the company's logo today.
Plato Woodwork
The business evolved over the decades, with each generation contributing to its growth and diversification. "In 1968, Bob, his son Tim, and Tim's wife, Marlys, really began to develop the kitchen and bath cabinetry exclusively as Plato Woodwork, marketing it through a network of dealers," Kroskin notes. Today, Plato Woodwork continues to build on this legacy, blending traditional hands-on craftsmanship with contemporary technology to produce heirloom-quality cabinetry.
When clients choose Plato Woodwork, they are not just buying cabinets—they are investing in a legacy of quality and personalized service. "We have a team of customer service personnel, engineers, and drafts people who are available to take your dream projects from concept to reality," Kroskin explains.
Plato's approach to custom cabinetry is unparalleled. "When other cabinet manufacturers consider modifying dimensions on their available cabinets as custom, our take on custom is, if you can draw it, we can build it," she says. This dedication to true customization, combined with a strong family atmosphere, is what drives the company and its employees every day.
Passion for the Craft
Plato Woodwork’s passion for the industry is deeply rooted in the company's history. "Our passion for the industry started more than 130 years ago, building barns and furnishings for churches in and around the small town of Plato, MN," she reflects. This long-standing dedication to craftsmanship is evident in every project the company undertakes.
Plato Woodwork
Plato Woodwork is also at the forefront of industry trends. "Gone are the days of ‘following the trend,’ and we are seeing discerning clients want to be the trendsetters," Kroskin observes. Currently, there's a noticeable shift towards earth tones, with green emerging as a popular choice while the recent blue/gray trend begins to fade.
Plato and the Pillsbury Castle Project
Plato Woodwork’s fantastic work can be found in nearly 20 different rooms in the home, "Plato Woodwork is the provider of the cabinetry throughout much of the Pillsbury Castle facilitated through our dealer, Ohana Home & Design," Kroskin shares.
Plato Woodwork's dedication to quality extends beyond their products. "Our company is committed to using domestic sources for our materials absolutely whenever possible. We believe that the phrase ‘Made in the USA’ should mean more than that a product was merely assembled in America," Kroskin asserts.
Spacecrafting
This commitment is intertwined with the company's strong family values. "We are extremely proud to be a family-owned company; it is truly our essence. We consider our employees part of that family, and when you purchase cabinetry from Plato Woodwork, we consider you as more than a customer; you’re also a part of our family," Kroskin concludes.
For more information about Plato Woodwork, visit their website at Platowoodwork.com or follow them on Instagram @PlatoWoodwork and Facebook at Plato Woodwork, Inc.