Our Story
From starting out of a backyard shed to operating a cutting-edge facility, our journey is far from typical. Whether it's the technology we implement or the team members we bring on board, we’ve established high standards for our work and customer service that will continue to propel us to greater levels of success. Our story has led us where we are today, but our journey is only just beginning. Over two decades later, and we’re just getting started.
- 1994
The Start of It All
The Start of It All
January 11, 1994Gator opens its doors in Central, Louisiana, producing architectural millwork for the residential market of Livingston Parish and the surrounding areas.
- 1996
Setting Up Shop
Setting Up Shop
January 11, 1996Construction wraps up on Gators’ 3,200 sq. ft. facility located at 30590 Louisiana Hwy 16.
- 2003
Chad Foster Steps Up to the Plate
Chad Foster Steps Up to the Plate
January 24, 2003Chad Foster steps in to help his father and Gators’ co-founder, Randy Foster, run the company. Ambitious and optimistic about the future, Chad quickly embraces the challenge ahead of him, dedicating himself to the mission of growing Gator into an industry leader.
- 2004
Gator’s Relationship with Innovation & Technology
Gator’s Relationship with Innovation & Technology
January 16, 2004Ready to put ideas into action, Chad Foster becomes part-owner and sets Gator’s commitment to technology and innovation into motion with the purchase of the first Nested-Base CNC Router.
- 2005
Chad Foster Takes on Full Ownership
Chad Foster Takes on Full Ownership
January 19, 2005Chad Foster becomes the sole owner of Gator Millworks.
- 2006
Gator Purchases “the Red Building”
Gator Purchases “the Red Building”
January 12, 2006After two expansions and one addition, Gator purchases the neighboring property and metal building, now known as “the Red Building,” located next to its main office on Louisiana Hwy 16.
- 2007
Gator Branches into the Commercial Market
Gator Branches into the Commercial Market
January 11, 2007After experiencing consistent successes under Chad’s guidance, Gator expands its capabilities to include commercial design and build services. These services now make up a significant portion of Gator’s projects and have allowed the company to bid on large-scale projects throughout Livingston and the surrounding parishes. With the decision to enter the commercial market, Gator quickly became a prominent figure in architectural millwork throughout the Southeast region of the U.S.
- 2011
Gator Makes the Final Touches on its Facility
Gator Makes the Final Touches on its Facility
January 17, 2011Gator builds the final addition to its facility, adding up a total square footage of 21,755 for its buildings located on Louisiana Hwy 16.
- 2015
Gator Makes Big Moves for a New Facility
Gator Makes Big Moves for a New Facility
January 24, 2015Internal planning and design start for Gator’s new manufacturing facility and design center. Chad Foster purchases the initial property on Florida Boulevard and commits to Steve McLin and McLin Construction to build the new facility.
- 2016
Ideas Become Designs for Gator’s New Facility
Ideas Become Designs for Gator’s New Facility
May 11, 2016Gator produces construction documents after entering into an agreement with Ritter Maher Architects to develop the schematic design.
- 2016
Overcoming the Great Flood
Overcoming the Great Flood
August 13, 2016Nine days after experiencing one of Louisiana’s most devastating floods, thanks to the help and support of the equipment suppliers, Gator Millworks got back to work using table and chop saws and any available hand tools to produce cabinetry. Ten short weeks after the flood, the fabrication shop was restored to capacity, and within ten months, the offices were rebuilt, along with a new state-of-the-art showroom.
- 2018
Breaking Ground in Denham Springs
Breaking Ground in Denham Springs
January 6, 2018Gator Millworks begins construction on a 72,000 SF shop, showroom and office space located in Denham Springs.
- 2020
Fighting COVID-19 with Face Shields
Fighting COVID-19 with Face Shields
April 1, 2020As COVID-19 continued to surge and medical supplies plummeted, Gator Millworks used its technological resources and manufacturing capabilities to produce face shields. Through this contribution, Gator was able to make a direct impact on its community and the medical field.
- 2020
Gator Steps into the Future and into a New Facility
Gator Steps into the Future and into a New Facility
July 1, 2020Gator Millworks moves into its new facility, solidifying the success of turning its dream into a reality. Today, Gator’s cutting-edge facility illustrates the direct results of the company’s commitment to modern millwork and innovation.
- 2021
Gator Hosts Its First Manufacturing Day
Gator Hosts Its First Manufacturing Day
October 1, 2021Gator Millworks celebrates National Manufacturing Day with an all-day career event for students and millwork enthusiasts, Manufacturing Day 2021. More than 200 students and guests from across the area experienced Gator’s modern manufacturing techniques and learned about the possibilities of a career in millwork. This event illustrates Gator’s commitment to its community and mission to build the workforce of the future.
What Sets Us Apart
Over the past 25 years, our INVENTIVE team has thrived in the EXECUTION of quality architectural millwork driven by INTEGRITY and PASSION. We strive to create IMPACTFUL solutions that educate our industry while exemplifying our core values and commitment to our PEOPLE.
Inventive
We have dedicated ourselves to making an impact on our industry and adapting to any challenge we face.
Impactful
From the projects we complete to the products we craft, our work changes things.
People
People define our culture. Nothing makes us happier than giving people the opportunity to succeed.
Execution
However challenging the process may be, we do whatever it takes to complete the project.
Passion
Our passion separates us from other companies. We care about what we craft and the impact it has on the world around us.
Integrity
We work to treat people fairly and hold ourselves accountable. We always deliver what we promise.
Why Us?
It’s no secret that there are thousands of millwork companies across the nation with different talents and skills. Which may lead you to ask, “Why Gator?” As an industry leader, we have the space and ability to accomplish spectacular things on a daily basis.
Research & Development
Our passion is innovation. We love to accept challenges and develop new methods. From our software to state-of-the-art machinery, Gator exists to do things you have never seen before. You can count on us to push the boundaries.
Capacity
Our 72,000 sq. ft. facility gives us the ability to exceed both commercial and residential project expectations. With our facility and capabilities, we’re confident in our potential to create amazing projects of all shapes and sizes.
Safety
Safety precautions and measures are a paramount priority. We operate in a dangerous industry where real risks are present on a daily basis. Our team is our most important asset, and it’s our duty to invest in their well-being.
