G/L Veneer Co.

Founded on March 1, 1977, GL Veneer began as plywood and face manufacturers supplying the burgeoning high-end case goods markets in the greater Los Angeles region. The company was founded by Lewis E. (Bo) Grittman and Leslie H. Levin; the name of the company was derived from the initials of each founders last name. Both men had long been involved with the plywood business and Leslie Levin was also influential in developing the veneer grading standards commonly used today and adopted by the Hardwood Plywood Veneer Association (HPVA). In 1979, Mr. Grittman left GL Veneer and Leslie Levins son, Jeffrey B. Levin, joined the firm. Combining the manufacturing and marketing expertise of both father and son, the business began to grow steadily throughout the 1980s. In the early 1990s GL Veneer created a diversification plan and by 1997, GL Veneer was producing products in three distinct product lines, Hardwood Plywood, Panel Products, and Leveneer Flexible Veneer. At the headquarters building in Huntington Park, CA the Hardwood Plywood and Leveneer Flexible Veneer operation had grown so much it was necessary to expand and renovate the facility to its current 160,000 square feet. GL Veneer also expanded to a second facility in nearby Commerce, CA to house the Panel Products production under an additional 65,000 square feet. Today the firm is well positioned financially, with modern infrastructures, and is focusing on innovative new markets for growth. The future is bright at GL Veneer and we all enjoy the challenges and rewards our customers present to us.