Honoring 50 years of excellence, Wright Architectural Millwork looks forward to further success
Established in 1974, as a small regional shop, Wright Architectural Millwork (Wright) celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024 as one of New England’s premier providers of high-end commercial architectural millwork.
Originally based in Northampton, Massachusetts, Wright is committed to craftsmanship, precision, and collaboration with some of the region’s most respected architects, builders, and institutions. It has evolved successfully alongside the industry by transitioning from traditional woodworking practices to a fully integrated, technology-driven organization. 
Chief Operating Officer, Chris Buell, describes how Wright’s services extend far beyond fabrication: “Wright specializes in the design, fabrication, and installation of high-end commercial architectural millwork and custom interior environments. The company’s capabilities encompass a broad range of products, including custom casework, paneling, reception desks, feature walls, quartz and stone counters, metal work, specialty millwork, and installation.
“We provide comprehensive project management, engineering, and installation support, ensuring seamless execution from design intent through completion. Every project reflects Wright’s commitment to collaboration, design integrity, and long-term value – hallmarks that have defined its reputation for over 50 years.”
It’s this reputation that has contributed to the organization’s longevity, leading to such an impressive milestone. Not only did it celebrate 50 years of operation in 2024, but Wright has also recently transitioned into a new, state-of-the-art facility on Sheridan Street in Chicopee, Massachusetts.
“The move to the new Sheridan Street facility reflects Wright’s commitment to investing in its people, its processes, and the future of architectural millwork,” explains Jon Buell, President and CEO. “The previous facility had served the company well for decades, but as Wright’s projects grew in scale and complexity, so too did the need for a modernized, technology-enabled environment.
“The new building was designed to optimize production flow, support advanced automation, and improve working conditions for employee-owners. From expanded engineering and assembly areas to improved material handling systems, every aspect of the facility was planned with efficiency, safety, and precision in mind.”
Precision and efficiency
Precision and efficiency Turning to the introduction of employee-owners, Wright has been 100 percent employee owned since 2018, marking a defining moment in the company’s evolution. Jon believes the result of this ownership model is ‘a culture where craftsmanship and technology coexist, where people take pride in their work, and where every success is shared by the entire team.’
He explains: “The company encourages innovation at every level, empowering employees to suggest improvements, adopt new tools, and pursue continuous learning. Leadership invests heavily in both technology and training to ensure Wright remains a great place to build a career in modern millwork.”
Aside from its dedicated employee-owners and thriving company culture, Wright’s longevity is rooted in its consistent adaptation to changing design trends, technologies, and market expectations, a commitment to excellent craftsmanship and client service and long-term relationships with trusted builders and architects.
With its new Sheridan Street facility being the company’s most significant recent investment, employee-owners, clients and partners are all benefitting from the manufacturing space, designed to support advanced production technologies and sustainable operations. Chris highlights some further ongoing projects and describes what excites Wright the most when it comes to new developments: “Wright is most energized by projects that combine design complexity with architectural significance – environments where millwork plays a defining role in the space. The company’s recent work includes the new Dennis-Yarmouth Intermediate Middle School, completed with Commodore Builders and Perkins Eastman Architects, where Wright delivered extensive custom casework, wall systems, and architectural wood features that complement the school’s modern design.
“Projects in education, healthcare, and corporate sectors continue to inspire Wright’s team, particularly when collaboration between architect, builder, and millworker allows for creative problem-solving and craftsmanship at scale. These projects embody Wright’s mission: to bring design vision to life through precision engineering, advanced technology, and the hands-on expertise of its employee-owners.
“On the project side, the company is engaged in several large-scale institutional and corporate projects throughout New England, collaborating with top-tier architects and builders. Each project showcases Wright’s ability to combine design sensitivity with industrial precision.”
Such large-scale and innovative projects have required advanced technologies that Wright has embraced over the past 50 years, comprising digital fabrication, advanced CNC machinery, and 3D modeling to enhance precision and efficiency.
“In the new Sheridan Street facility, Wright has introduced automated material handling, digital work instruction systems, and enhanced data tracking to streamline workflow and reduce waste. These advancements enable the team to produce highly detailed architectural components,” Jon continues, before emphasizing that these technological advancements are not viewed as a replacement for skill, but as a tool that ‘empowers Wright’s employee-owners to deliver a superior product more efficiently and sustainably.’
Sustainable success
While the organization commemorates its 50-year milestone, Wright is already thinking ahead excitedly to the future. Its priorities for 2026 revolve around operational excellence and growth as it settles into its new facility. According to Chris, the business will have three main areas of focus: “This includes optimizing production workflows, expanding training programs for employee-owners, and leveraging digital tools to enhance project delivery.
“Wright will also continue strengthening partnerships with architects, general contractors, and designers who value the combination of craftsmanship and technology the company provides. Maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and resource efficiency will remain integral to Wright’s approach as it positions itself for continued success in a competitive marketplace.
“In five years, Wright Architectural Millwork aims to be recognized as New England’s premier provider of architectural millwork; a benchmark for quality, innovation, and employee ownership within the industry.
“Beyond production metrics, Wright’s long-term vision is cultural: to continue building an environment where every employee-owner can take pride in their craft, contribute ideas, and build a meaningful career. The goal is sustainable success – growth that benefits clients, partners, and every individual who helps shape the company’s future.”
With outstanding recent developments and grand plans to continue delivering exceptional millwork, Wright is a company built to serve the next generation of design excellence, and it certainly looks set for another 50 years of success.