J.K. Adams, a venerable American company, began its journey in 1944 when Josiah Knowles Adams started a wood products business in a garage in Dorset, Vermont. Initially, the company manufactured diverse wooden items, including a popular toy car called the "Speedy Racer" and later, drafting and surveying equipment. A pivotal moment came in 1949 when Malcolm Cooper Sr., an industrial engineer, joined as a partner and eventually acquired the entire business. Cooper's vision led the company to pivot towards kitchenware, leveraging their expertise in working with fine hardwoods. They quickly gained renown for innovative products like the slanted knife block, the modular wine rack, and high-quality cutting boards, firmly establishing their reputation for functional and enduring wooden goods.
J.K. Adams proudly maintains its manufacturing operations entirely within the United States, specifically in Dorset, Vermont, where the company was founded and has remained since 1944. Their factory, located behind their storefront, is where all their wood products, including cutting boards, rolling pins, and wine racks, are crafted. This deep commitment to local production means that each piece is touched by over 50 pairs of hands, from local loggers to their dedicated factory employees. By sourcing sustainably harvested North American hardwoods and keeping production in Dorset, J.K. Adams ensures exceptional quality control, supports the local economy, and continues a tradition of American craftsmanship that has spanned over 80 years.