Specials

History

Cabinets were typically custom designed and built by a carpenter on the job site before World War II. This was very time consuming and labor intensive, and therefore very expensive. In 1946 pre-built metal cabinets were introduced to solve this problem. These cabinets came in only one style and just a few limited sizes. Anco Company was one of the first in Rockford that sold and stocked these ready-made cabinets. Anco also carried major appliances, gifts, and dinnerware.

In 1948 mass produced wood cabinetry was available, and Anco began offering wood cabinets manufactured by Carr, Co. to its contractors. The only style produced was a birch door in a natural finish with a veneer maple core cabinet frame. Over the years as more styles were introduced, Carr, Co. became more of a high-end custom line of cabinet creating a need for Anco to find a manufacturer that offered more affordable options to its customers.

Cabinetry from Aristokraft, Inc. offered the perfect solution. Aristokraft, a former Jasper, Indiana lumberyard, was quickly becoming the number two supplier of cabinets nationwide by building quality stock cabinetry in a variety of options to accommodate any budget or taste. Acquiring the Aristokraft line in 1960, Andco Kitchens is one of their first distributors.

Four years before carrying Aristokraft Anco passed to the next generation of family partners and Andco Distributors, Inc. was formed. These partners implemented several changes. They liquidated the appliance, gift, and dinnerware stock and decided to concentrate on developing the line of cabinetry. Eventually, new cabinet lines were added. Carr was replaced with the mid-priced semi-custom StarMark and Premier lines and the premium priced Bertch and Legacy custom lines were added. Laminate, solid surface, and marble tops also became more readily available.

Outside salesmen were also hired to establish a following of contractors who would refer their customers exclusively to Andco. These designers offered the customer a different experience from that of the big box store competition. They were knowledgeable salesmen who specialized in only cabinetry and countertops and were able to provide exemplary service by offering suggestions, alleviating problems, and visiting job sites.

Another essential but unique position was created. A service person was needed to handle repairs, adjustments, and accessory installations. Even today, this is a valuable service only offered by Andco Kitchens.

Andco Distributors, Inc. became Andco Kitchens & Baths, Inc. in 1995. Since then, Andco has continued to grow and change. Advertising has created better awareness of Andco. Computer-aided kitchen designs have offered better presentations to customers. Finally, a second, more convenient showroom was opened in October 2000.

Andco Kitchens has a long and interesting history. For over 50 years, it has proudly furnished cabinetry to the Rockford area and will continue to be an essential part of creating dream kitchens for well into the next millennium.