R.P. Lumber Expands in Missouri

R.P. Lumber announced it is acquiring Thorne Lumber Company, an independently-owned hardware and building materials retailer with three locations in northwestern Missouri. With this acquisition, R.P. Lumber will have 87 locations, including 20 in Missouri.

“Strategically, this is the right decision,” says Pat Thorne, owner of Thorne Lumber. “Susan and I have been contemplating our next move for a few years now. We have worked very hard and very diligently to make sure we made the best decision and, as we have gotten to know R.P. Lumber and their team, this made the most sense for our employees, our customers and the communities we serve.”

Thorne Lumber has been in the retail lumber business since 1988. Their customer base is roughly 80% contractors and 20% homeowners. R.P. Lumber plans to work with the existing teams in place at each store while expanding the product mix and services offered in these markets. All three stores will continue serving customers seamlessly through the transition.

“Operationally and culturally, R.P. Lumber is a great fit. We have a similar product mix, similar vendors and serve a similar mix of pro and retail customers,” says Susan Thorne, owner of Thorne Lumber Company. “It was reassuring to Pat and me to know R.P. Lumber’s impeccable track record for servicing customers in communities like ours. When we decided to sell, we wanted to make the best decision for our family, our employees and our customers, and we know that we have done that in choosing R.P. Lumber as the next steward of our business.”