Technology helps Southern Shutter close out the competition.

On the west side of Montgomery, Ala., stands an unpretentious manufacturing plant -- without even an identifying sign on the building's exterior -- befitting the down-to-earth character of the company's founders. It is the home of Southern Shutter Co., a leading manufacturer of superior-grade specialty shutters and ventilators, and a true American success story.

The 45,000-square-foot, three-building complex is a far cry from the original site Davis Philhower and his wife, Margaret, opened in 1964. "We started with a 50-foot by 30-foot building and a dream," reminisces Philhower. "And, in those days, Margaret and I did it all: sales, manufacturing, bookkeeping, even unloading boxcars of California cedar. Today we have about 40 employees, and my son and son-in-law are in training to take over the family business when we retire within the next five or six years."

Currently, Southern Shutter Co. manufactures an extensive line of stock exterior (Closed Back, Bahama, Savannah Plantation, True Louver and Raised Panel) and interior (single and double-sided Raised Panel and Savannah Plantation) shutters, in a variety of standard lengths and widths. Louvered ventilators are constructed in all configurations and in a wide range of rough opening sizes and shapes, including gables.

But the company's true claim to fame is specializing in customized manufacturing and special template work to meet any customer's design or architectural style -- from arched tops, Palladiums and Sunbursts on shutters to radius options on vents.

Davis Philhower attributes Southern Shutter's impressive 30-year track record of growth and customer satisfaction to "remembering where we came from. Although today our production facility is fully equipped to produce precision-cut wood components in high volume, we have never lost sight of our original hands-on approach to quality construction. Each piece is carefully fitted by one of our skilled craftsmen. We only use decay-resistant western red cedar or furniture-quality kiln-dried hardwoods. All our shutters and ventilators are put together with mechanical, rust-resistant fasteners, such as screws, dowels and nylon hinge pins. We never rely on glue."

Southern Shutter uses factory reps and direct mail to market its product line to installers, large individual jobs and home centers, which account for about 40 percent of the company's volume. According to Philhower, they sell throughout the Southeast, the East Coast and as far north as Missouri.

Philhower has always kept a watchful eye out for ways to control costs while maintaining quality. For example, Philhower explains, "About six years ago, we were at the Atlanta show and we stopped by the ESTA-USA exhibit. They introduced us to their "Dispoz-A-Blade" System and its cost and time-saving features, and they convinced us to try it.

"So for less money than conventional knives, we purchased some high-speed steel disposable blades and an adapter that allowed us to use them in our own molder cutterhead. The blade was easy to install. It locked into the adapter pins and dropped into the head in perfect position. After showing our workers how to do it just once or twice, they were able to change the blades as fast as the guys in the booth.

"We found that in flat applications, such as the top or bottom of a slat, the side of a side rail and anything that does not have a profile, we can change the blade cheaper than we can sharpen it without any down time. And it gives a very good cut," Philhower said.

Southern Shutter outfitted its five moulders, including an SCMI, two Diehls and an XL Machine, with the disposable blades and cutterhead adapters. "On some we installed ESTA's Quick-Set Cutterhead ... and were also pleased with the performance. Quality and cost -- that's the name of the game."

When asked to share his recipe for success, Philhower said, "A good old-fashioned work ethic, quality products, attention to detail and staying competitive. We've built a reputation of custom craftsmanship and delivering on our promises from the ground up. And as long as we remember how we got here, I'm sure the family will keep Southern Shutter on the cutting edge for another 30 years."