Welcome!
We’re glad you’re here. Let us tell you a little bit about who we are…
Our Mission Is:
To make high quality products at a fair price, delivered on time, in a clean and safe workplace where people care about each other
We Envision A Company That:
Is rewarding and meaningful to all of our employees
Fosters great relationships inside and outside the company
Demonstrates a caring culture with many examples of concern for one another
Provides continual growth opportunities
Maintains stability and profitability
Encourages creativity and collaboration
Understands that the marketplace is dynamic and embraces positive changes
Is known as a premier company in our fields of endeavor
Is known as a valued corporate citizen—a company our community is proud of
Our Values Include:
Honesty and integrity as the cornerstone of all we do
Serving each other, our customers and our community
Treating our employees fairly, honestly, respectfully and generously
Treating our vendors as well as we hope to be treated by our customers
Nelson Wood Shims Founded
January 1, 1960
Nelson Wood Shims was started by Wilbert Nelson in the garage of his Mountain Iron, MN home
Company Moved to Cohasset, MN
April 23, 1983

Operations moved from Mountain Iron to Cohasset, MN
Office Expansion
January 1, 2006
Office space expanded to keep up with demands of business growth
Increasing Production Lines
January 1, 2011
Second production line added to diversify products in response to customer needs
Sawmill Built
January 1, 2015

Nelson Wood Shims sawmill installed in order to keep up with demands and vertically integrate the manufacturing process
2018 and Beyond
January 1, 2018

Nelson Wood Shims continues to be an industry leader in the manufacturing and marketing of shims and other products
History
Nelson Wood Shims was founded in 1960 by Wilbert Nelson. Prior to starting the shim business, Wilbert made his living for many years as a carpenter on the Iron Range in northern Minnesota.
Having used thousands of shims in his career, he was unsatisfied with the inconsistent quality of the shims in the market. He decided to make an improvement and started his own business. Nelson strived to make a true shim—consistent in width and length and feathered ends. The Nelson shim was an instant hit with contractors and lumberyards.
Though Wilbert is no longer with us, his tradition lives on. Nelson Wood Shims is still making the same true shim in a variety of sizes and styles. Our shims are cut from top quality coniferous wood grown in North America and around the world. We test the shims for the proper moisture content, and then inspect them for quality and function to ensure they meet the “Nelson” standards.
Nelson Wood Shims is the largest shim manufacturer in North America. Our state-of-the-art, high volume facility produces quality products for distribution nationwide. Contact Nelson Wood Shims today to learn how our quality products, display techniques and cross merchandising programs can increase your sales and profits.