Old Rawlings factory sees new life
Photo by Shari Harris
Doug Ashby, left, created the sign between him and Bob McHolland, which displays the wood grains available for McHolland’s custom cabinets.
By Shari Harris
Publisher
Many were thrilled to see industry returning to the south end of the old Rawlings factory. Country Crossroads Custom Cabinetry moved into the space in 2021, and they have been busy ever since, creating their custom-made cabinets in the open building. Now they are entering into a collaboration with Doug Ashby, of Fly Creek, who owns the north half of the old factory. This weekend, the two businesses will host a Ribbon Cutting/Open House to celebrate the expansion of the cabinet shop, and a meeting of creative minds.
Ashby creates metal and wood items, along with turkey calls, shotgun pattern analyzers, and other items. He and Bob McHolland, owner and operator of Country Crossroads Custom Cabinetry, worked together in 1991 making turkey calls at Ashby’s father’s factory near Houston. It was only natural that the owners overlap their adjoining businesses to give their customers more selection, creativity and hospitality.
The cabinet shop, which now employs 10 people, will move its assembly portion into the south half of Ashby’s building. This will allow the cabinets to be assembled in a sawdust-free environment that is heated or cooled, as needed, much to the delight of McHolland’s crew. The change will also eliminate the need for cleaning the cabinets of sawdust after they are assembled, before delivery. The cutting will continue to be done in the south end of the plant.
Photo by Shari Harris
Wood and metal carvings, including Christmas decorations, are on display in the combined Fly Creek/Country Crossroads Custom Cabinetry showroom.
The north end of Ashby’s building will be a showroom/office space for both businesses. McHolland’s customers will be able to more easily choose from a variety of wood grains, door styles and tops for their cabinets, and can also see the artwork of Ashby, some of which can be incorporated into the cabinetry, as desired. Ashby’s customers, likewise, will be able to see the fine cabinet work offered by his neighbor.
To see some of Ashby’s creations, which include ornaments, signs and more, or to see the latest in what the cabinet shop has to offer, stop by Saturday’s Open House and see what’s new. The ribbon cutting is at 8:30 a.m. and the Open House will continue until 2 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
Photos by Shari Harris
