Contrary to the proverb, Columbia Forest Products can see the forest for the trees. The company has become North America's biggest producer of plywood and veneer made from hardwood, such as oak, ash, birch, maple, hickory, and pine. Its plywood panels and decorative veneers are hammered into fine cabinets and furniture, commercial fixtures, architectural millwork, and other carpentry for homes and commercial buildings. The company also imports hardwood plywood from Asia, Africa, Russia, and South America. Columbia's lineup is sold through OEMs, wholesale distributors, and mass merchandisers. Founded in 1957, the employee-owned company has grown to a dozen plants located in forest regions of the US and Canada.