Belwith Keeler Décor Solutions Celebrates 130th Anniversary

Major milestone includes big announcements for the umbrella of companies at KBIS 2023

Grandville, MI – Most companies don’t get the chance to celebrate their tridecaCentennial (130th) anniversary. In 2023, Belwith Keeler Décor Solutions® begins its milestone 130th year of operation. And how do you mark such an occasion? By making plans for the next 100 years.

“Good design is timeless, and Belwith Keeler Décor Solutions remains a leader and trend-setter as we head into our 130th year of business,” says George Garifalis, President of Belwith Keeler Décor Solutions. “We’re ready to celebrate our legacy and unveil plans that expand our offerings and take Keeler into the next 100 years.”

In addition to celebrating Belwith Keeler Décor Solutions’ birthday, the company made several major announcements at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) from January 31-February 2 in booth N1323 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Keeler Brass Company (Keeler) was founded by Miner, George, and Isaac Keeler in 1893. When they entered the brass industry, they already had a history of working together successfully.

A Rich Legacy Since 1893

When the three brothers took on the failing Middleville Manufacturing Company in 1893, they planned to turn it around quickly. Instead, they took control in 1893 starting with the leadership of Miner S. Keeler whose namesake became the brand, followed by his son and grandson, they built a dynasty that has endured. From the start, the Keeler name has been synonymous with design leadership, high-quality production, and impeccable craftsmanship.

In fact, the company boasts a living library containing hundreds of original drawings, images, and internal documents that have been archived over the years at its Michigan headquarters. From supporting the American efforts in both World Wars to enduring the Great Depression, Keeler has observed a long history of creative development and perseverance. Over the years, when changing times closed many other local businesses, Keeler’s long-held belief in innovation enabled the company to emerge stronger than ever.

“For decades, Keeler has been at the forefront of providing brass and metal designs for not just furniture and cabinetry, but for the car industry, manufacturing war parts and much more,” shares Knikki Grantham, creative director, Belwith Keeler Décor Solutions. “And today, we carry on the same legacy and commitment to style and quality. To us, this is not merely hardware, it’s jewelry. The accent details that make a piece of furniture or an interior space more beautiful.”

Several of the company’s major milestones include:

• 1890: Middleville Manufacturing Company is founded by the Keeler brothers, their father Isaac, and other Middleville investors.
• 1893: Miner Keeler, with his brothers Isaac and George, took over control of the company and renamed it Keeler Brass Company.
• 1914: Keeler produces refrigerator trim for appliance companies such as Kelvinator, a Grand Rapids–based company.
• 1951: Cedar Springs plant is completed. Keeler earns the title “most modern zinc die-casting plant in the world.”
• 1976: Kentwood plant undergoes 5-million-dollar expansion to add chrome-plating process.
• 1979: Babcock International buys Keeler.
• 2009: JVA Partners acquires Keeler. The company is once again privately owned for the first time since 1979.

“The Keeler Brass story is truly remarkable and inspiring. It is about people who were fueled by strong values and triumphed over adversity,” shares John Veleris, chairman and CEO, Belwith Keeler Décor Solutions. “It is an honor for our team to be the custodian of the Keeler legacy, artistry, and innovation for the next generation and beyond.”

On Display at KBIS 2023

Belwith Keeler Décor Solutions showcased its new launches for 2023 from its Belwith Keeler and Hickory Hardware brands at KBIS. Among those debuted was the Bijou Collection Extension, which launched at KBIS 2022 to award-winning acclaim, along with the Pebble Collection that features an organic sculptural shape.

“There is something cathartic about the feel of a smooth stone in your hand, much like a worry stone,” Grantham explains in regard to the inspiration for Pebble. “While the wellness trend is not new, the way we approach it is ever evolving.”

Belwith Keeler took the sensory approach with the tactile Pebble. Engaging one’s sense of touch with its simple shape, humble form, smoothness, and contours reminding us of nature’s inherent beauty.

“With hardware being the most touched part of the kitchen, we hope to remind people to take a deep breath, center themselves, and find solace in the heart of the home,” adds Grantham.