Maple Landmark Woodcraft
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Wooden toys and gifts manufacturing |
| Founded | 1979 |
| Founder | Mike Rainville |
| Headquarters | Middlebury, Vermont , United States |
| Products | Wooden toys, games, gift items (NameTrains, Montgomery Schoolhouse, Schoolhouse Naturals) |
Maple Landmark Woodcraft is a manufacturer of wooden goods headquartered in Middlebury, Vermont. Established in 1979 by entrepreneur Mike Rainville, the firm focuses on producing American-crafted wooden toys, games, and gift items. Prominent product lines feature the NameTrains Wooden Railway System, Montgomery Schoolhouse, and Schoolhouse Naturals.
1970s
Mike Rainville's woodworking journey began at age 11, inspired by his family's history in farming and woodworking. He initially crafted simple pieces such as spools and cribbage boards using leftover wood in his parents’ basement and sold them at local craft fairs. By 1979, Rainville had landed his first wholesale client.
1980s
Following his graduation from Clarkson University in 1984, Rainville committed to growing the enterprise full-time and adopted the name "Maple Landmark Woodcraft," honoring his family's maple sugaring and dairy farming roots. In 1987, the company expanded by acquiring Troll’s Toy Workshop in Barnet, Vermont, incorporating alphabet-themed products like letter cars and blocks. This acquisition spurred faster growth and increased workforce size.
1990s
During this decade, the product assortment grew to include trivets, ornaments, and the initial NameTrains—developed from Troll’s alphabet letter cars. Originally finished with clear coatings, NameTrains quickly gained popularity; by 1994, colored non-toxic stains were introduced to satisfy retailer requests. The Lincoln facility became insufficient for production needs, leading to relocation to a larger Middlebury factory with retail space in 1996. The original shop was retained for storage purposes.
To improve production capacity and quality, Maple Landmark invested in laser technology and CNC routers, allowing for efficient manufacturing and customized designs. This expansion facilitated further growth of the Middlebury plant by 1999.
2000s
In 2001, Maple Landmark purchased Montgomery Schoolhouse of Vermont, consolidating operations at Middlebury and redesigning products to streamline manufacturing while maintaining brand authenticity. Although economic challenges in the early 2000s tempered growth, recalls of imported toys during 2007–2008 increased demand for Maple Landmark's reliable wooden toys. The company launched the Schoolhouse Naturals line featuring unfinished engraved wooden toys targeting health-conscious buyers.
In January 2009, Maple Landmark crafted a wooden souvenir train commemorating President Barack Obama's inauguration, elevating its presence in the souvenir sector.
2010s
To broaden its product range, Maple Landmark invested in printers capable of full-color wood printing for more detailed designs and personalization options. In January 2013, the company produced a wooden limousine souvenir marking Obama’s second inauguration.
In 2014, Adam Rainville—son of founder Mike Rainville—returned to the business after graduating from Clarkson University. A significant factory expansion completed in 2016 added 11,000 square feet to the Middlebury facility, enhancing production and shipping capabilities.
Mike Rainville received the Vermont Small Business Person of the Year award in 2017 from the Vermont Small Business Administration. That same year saw Andrew Rainville join the company after completing studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, strengthening family leadership that continues to drive Maple Landmark’s growth.
Products
Maple Landmark offers an extensive selection of wooden items, including toys, games, and gift products. Their prominent product categories feature NameTrains, the Wooden Railway System, Hang-A-Name, Montgomery Schoolhouse, Schoolhouse Naturals, Solace, and Peterson Birds.
Affiliations
Situated at , Maple Landmark maintains membership in various industry and local organizations such as the Vermont Wood Manufacturer's Association, Wood Products Manufacturing Association, American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), Vermont Chamber of Commerce, Vermont Attractions Association, and Addison County Chamber of Commerce.