Bulman Products, Inc. is over one hundred years old and we remain dedicated to our traditions of quality, customer service and community involvement. Now under new ownership, we are expanding upon these rich traditions to build an infrastructure capable of handling our planned global expansion.
Working with the MEDC, MiSBTDC, and Van Andel Global Trade Center to obtain market research and develop an export plan is enabling us to expand our global market. While we are excited to build upon this new initiative we also pride ourselves in providing excellent service to our current distributors and end users. Seeking new distributors on the domestic market continues to be a focus and we will continue to evaluate and follow up on each opportunity.
Most importantly, we value our team members, both the Bulman Products employees and our Hope Network staff. We strive to be the best and provide the best to our staff, our customers and our community every day.
In the front of a small paperback book titled Origin and Development of Bulman Industries, the first paragraph reads, "Elvah Orville Bulman had an idea for a product. He also had the rented loft of one not very large and not very new barn, $200.00 capital and a great deal of determination in the year 1905." Original Building
His product was the Gem Take-up Twine Holder, a dispenser that held a cone or ball of twine.
In the years that followed, Bulman's company grew rapidly, and his product line expanded to include roll paper holders, cutters, and store fixtures. After retirement, his son, Orville Elvah Bulman, carried on until 1970 when he sold the company to Rospatch Corporation.
General Manager of Bulman Products, Jack Kirkwood, purchased Bulman from Rospatch in 1982, keeping the well known name of Bulman Products in tact. Jack continued to focus on their niche market of rolled paper dispensers while maintaining the company's long standing history of quality workmanship, creativity and service.
Jack's son, Jim Kirkwood, was planning to take over the business when he suddenly and tragically passed away in December 2008. Jim's widow, Ann, joined the Bulman team in February 2009 and completed her purchase of the business in December 2012.
As you can see, ownership has changed over the years, but many things have remained the same in this small family owned business. Bulman cutters continue to be made from the same durable materials used by E.O. Bulman over 100 years ago. Another lasting tradition is the organizations' belief and commitment of giving back to the community. For nearly 20 years Bulman has utilized the Grand Rapids non-profit organization "Hope Network" to employ 8-10 special needs adults who have experienced brain and spinal cord injuries, mental illness or developmental disabilities.
Our commitment to quality, excellent employee relations, and community service will continue on through the next generation of ownership.
