Building Purchase Yields Unexpected Business Reward

When Molly and Matt Highby opened Highby Forest Products in May, they didn't go in with a lot of expectations.

"We didn't know the first thing about the business,"says the Molly, the company's president. But what they did know in looking at the opportunity to purchase the former Anderson Forest Products, was that it appeared to have some promise.

But it's a business that could just as easily have fallen by the wayside had the Highbys not had a wider vision for the community. That's because Molly and Matt were looking for warehouse space for a completely different endeavour when they looked at the long steel building on Greenwood Road.

What they found was a nicely put together property with 50,000 sq. ft. under one long roof and acres available for future expansion. What they didn't expect was to see was the small pallet-making operation that still occupied the building, making pallets for a few customers, trying to keep its doors open.

Anderson, built primarily to service the wire-spinning plant down the road, had at one time built up to more than a dozen employees serving the needs of pallet customers in the region. But as time went on, the wire plant closed and business tapered off, leaving just a skeleton crew to fill orders.

The building went up for sale, eventually coming to the attention of the Highbys. As they looked over the property they were surprised to see the pallet operation.

"We didn't even know it was here," Molly said. As the young couple spoke to the Texas owners, they were offered a crack at the business as well. While they weren't sure at first about taking on the extra, unknown business, Molly said they decided to take the chance.

"We felt it we could save four jobs in Sidney it was worth it to us," Molly said. In making that choice, the couple said they made a two year commitment to the business, with the goal and hope that for the first year it wouldn't lose money.

So far, it appears the business is much better than they expected. It has not only survived, but thrived since the purchase and Molly said it comes down to one element that came with the equipment.

"We're fortunate. We walked into four very incredible employees," Molly said. As she talks about those employees she stresses again and again "how patient they've been with us."

Molly said the employees have maintained a high standard in production, and have also taken the time to show and explain things to the new owners. With the relationship, the business has grown.

Plant Manager Randy Jensen has led the way, using many years of knowledge to the benefit of the new owners and the business.

"He went out and found us new business," Molly said. Due to the increases in business, Highby Forest Products has added a fifth employee and expects to need another one soon.

Molly says the company continues to serve an Alliance business that has been its mainstay customer through the changes, as well as Sidney's new manufacturing businesses, Lukjan and Agri-Plastics.

Products range from standard 42-, 45- and 48-inch pallets to custom pallets built to fit customer products. They also recycle pallets, taking old ones and making new ones from the pieces. Recently, Jensen took his knowledge and in hours fulfilled an emergency request for a custom pallet.

Molly said that's the type of business they want - one that people can count on to meet their needs. And, she goes back to the people she says make it all happen.

"They're crazy hard workers," she said.

For their part, the Highbys are enjoying the endeavour. "It's a breath of fresh air," Molly said.

As he does in the business, Matt for the most part stays in the background when it comes to the Forest Products.

"But he's here whenever he's needed," Molly said.

As for the original need for warehouse space, the couple is still looking and evaluating. That's because at the rate the pallet business is growing, it appears there might not be enough space for him.