At the end of World War II our founder, Everett Blakely, returned to Detroit after serving more than three years with the Army Air Corps. When he resumed his job of selling metal trims to floor covering dealers and cabinet shops, he found his customers had quit buying from the distribution company he represented. He learned they had been neglected and treated unfairly during the war. Frustrated by his circumstances, he asked a number of former customers if they would buy from him if he started his own business. He received positive feedback and moved ahead with the idea. Everett and his wife, Wilma, had been saving their money during the war. Wilma worked at Cadillac Motors and had been quite successful in doing her part. On January 10, 1946, near downtown Detroit, Michigan, Blakely Products Company opened for business. Not long after opening, it needed to move into a nearby larger facility.
Ten years later the company moved again into a newer facility in Warren, Michigan. It continued to manufacture, fabricate and distribute an extensive assortment of metal moldings throughout Michigan and into neighboring states. Along the way the company ventured into various cabinet and floor related products including plastic laminate for counter tops, stainless sink frames and some flooring installation products. Blakely Products Company became well known for quality metal trims, integrity and superb service.
In the early 1970’s, with the cabinet industry using fewer metal moldings and more flooring installation products being purchased by subcontractors, Blakely Products Company began expanding its outreach by selecting premier flooring accessory lines. A wholesale counter area was also added in the Warren warehouse to service the growing flooring contractor market. Before long a branch was added in the west side of Detroit and it was well on its way to being a top accessory distributor to the flooring industry.
Today the company has grown to seven locations serving all of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and Northwest Ohio. Blakely Products Company has maintained its commitment to the flooring accessory market, and over the years, has expanded into assorted floor covering products. The company now distributes rubber flooring, luxury vinyl tiles, commercial sheet goods and various specialty floorings.
Blakely Products Company is still a family owned business being directed by the second and third generations. The family continues to run the company by the founding principles of its founder…honor, integrity and superb service. We are grateful to the customers who have placed their trust in us over the years. We realize that any success we enjoy is not possible without their support. We are humbled by their loyalty to us and will work towards their continued faith and confidence in us.