Company History: A Mennonite Carpenter founded Witmer Industries Inc. in 1981. Tired of the volatility of the housing market he went to a furniture store and asked them if there was anything that he could build. They showed him a simple bedroom suite, which he started to manufacture in his garage. Eventually, he added a couple of more dealers and a few employees. In 1992, Witmer Industries Inc. had 8 dealers and 8 Mennonite and Amish employees. They were still operating out of the original garage; though it had been expanded several times, it was still 4 miles from the nearest paved road. However, the founder Ken Witmer received a calling from the Mennonite Church. He was chosen to start a new congregation in another area. Unable to dedicate the time necessary to start the church and run the business, he decided to sell. In May of 1992, Terry Schlinkmann and his son Kevin Schlinkmann purchased the company.

By 1995 the old factory was filled to capacity and a new facility was built in Abbotsford, Wisconsin. As the company continued to grow they expanded into dining, occasional, home office and entertainment furniture. In 1999 Witmer Industries Inc. received a Certificate of Commendation from the Office of the Governor for Manufacturing Excellence. In 2001, Witmer was nominated Wisconsin Manufacturer of the year.