The Basics

Company owner: Family-owned business founded by Frank Faehner

Location: Company headquarters are in Columbia, Maryland, with nine production plants coast to coast

Number of employees (full and part time): 250

Number of years in business: Founded in 1966

Areas of distribution: International

The Details

Company was founded because: Originally started more than 50 years ago as a distributor of sawdust sold as absorbents for delicatessens, meat markets and horse stalls, American Wood Fibers has grown into a total wood waste utilization recycling company.

We serve domestic and international consumer markets such as pet, equine and home heating and commercial markets as a supplier of industrial wood—a key ingredient is such products as composite decks, roofing and many other products.

Company pets: Our Senior Corporate pet is G. Piggy - our 3-year-old Guinea pig. He is featured prominently on our latest product packages, such as Easy Comfort sifted softwood. He loves romaine lettuce and carrots, but (literally!) turns up his nose at fruit. While they’re no longer with us, we fondly remember Elvirat and Buffy, our original Corporate Rats. After Elvirat’s passing at the age of 2 1/2, Buffy became much more affectionate, and really liked to be held. We recently lost Buffy, almost 3. We were then fortunate to adopt a rat that needed a home. Elsie B. Rat is a very pretty hooded rat, white with a dark gray hood. She looks forward to her morning lettuce and her outing on the shoulder of our VP of sales. Elsie enjoys making nests, home decorating and observing her humans. In addition, she absolutely loves her yogurt treats! Our newest pet is an Abyssinian guinea pig with beautiful calico coloring, Hamlet. We rescued Hamlet when he was abandoned in his cage outside a local school.

Company product categories: Small and large animal bedding, reptile substrates, dog bedding, cat litter

Company product lines: Premier Pet, Pet’s Pick, America’s Choice, Easy Comfort

Future product plans: We recently introduced our Easy Comfort line of Premier Pet beddings.

Future business plans: We recently opened our newest and largest facility in Marion, Va. AWF is looking at a number of targeted opportunities for expansion, both geographically and potential entry into additional consumer and commercial markets.

Favorite pet-themed movies: “Doctor Doolittle,” “Babe”

Product spotlight: The Easy Comfort line of Premier Pet beddings provides an alternative to conventional wood and paper beddings by making use of specialized fibers and processes. The bedding material is made from kiln dried, all natural, recycled softwoods; is free of any chemical or other additives and is biodegradable and carbon neutral. It also makes excellent compost or mulch after use.

Available in regular bedding and non-toxic, color-fast confetti varieties, Easy Comfort has triple sifted particles that pour out easy and clean up just as easy; incorporates an advanced odor control formula that utilizes a smaller flake size, allowing for more natural fiber to absorb pet odors longer; and is healthy bedding that is free of airborne dust, according to the manufacturer.

American Wood Fibers, 800-624-9663, www.awf.com