Walter A. Wood Supply Company, an industrial distributor on Rossville Boulevard, is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Walter A. Wood established the company in 1913 as a feed and seed store to service the horse cavalry at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. From that beginning it has evolved into the largest locally owned industrial supply company in the tri-state area.
Officials said the company has grown from the feed and seed supply store to a distributorship that services industry, contractors and municipalities with industrial MRO and PVF, safety, waterworks and pumps.
Walter A. Wood also holds the distinction of being one of the oldest independently owned businesses in Chattanooga, with branches in Smyrna, Tn., and Columbus, Miss.
The company was purchased from the Wood heirs in 1938 by the Gardner family and continues to be owned and operated by Mr. Gardner’s heirs. David Henry, his grandson, serves as president and CEO.
Mr. Henry said, "As we celebrate our 100th year in business we are proud of our past and are excited about our future. There are a lot of reasons that we have been successful for so long but the most important is the people in our industry. Both our employees and our customers are the driving force for our success. It is a great honor to work in a company that supports the people and industry of America’s manufacturing.”
April 1st was the actual incorporation date. However, all of 2013 will be filled with special events, special sales and celebrations, Mr. Henry said.
The highlight of the year will occur on May 8 when the Southeast Industrial and Safety Show celebrates Walter A. Wood’s 100th anniversary. The event will be held at the 1st Tennessee
Pavilion in Chattanooga.
Mr. Henry said, "Walter A. Wood Supply Company, Inc. wants to thank all of our friends and customers for their support in making this milestone possible. We are pleased to be part of providing service to this area for the past 100 years."