Minnesota’s Leader in Turnkey Framing & Truss Solutions

Wall panels, trusses, and turnkey framing packages – built with precision and delivered on time.

Who we are

JL Schwieters is Minnesota’s foremost provider of framing solutions

For over 30 years, we’ve redefined what’s possible in wood framing by combining innovative construction methods with a highly skilled workforce. From wall panels to trusses to turnkey framing packages, every solution we deliver is built on precision, efficiency, and collaboration.

Sales team smiles at front door of manufacturing building

At JL Schwieters, we redefine framing excellence. With our highly skilled workforce and innovative construction methods, we guarantee superior wall panels and trusses. By integrating invaluable feedback from our framers, our framing packages deliver transformative framing solutions for residential and commercial projects, setting the standard for quality and innovation in the industry.

our mission

Our vision is to set the standard for wood-based framing technology, becoming the foremost provider of framing solutions in Minnesota. With over 30 years of industry experience infused into every package, we aspire to be recognized as the pinnacle of excellence. We achieve this by attracting and retaining the most highly skilled and trained carpenters in Minnesota, establishing ourselves as the premier framing company to work for. Through unwavering dedication to innovation and craftsmanship, we lead the way in shaping the future of framing services, setting new benchmarks for quality, efficiency, and professionalism

our vision

JL Schwieters Turnkey framing…

✅ Turnkey framing solutions: Wall panels, trusses, floor panels, and installation all under one roof.
✅ Manufacturing excellence: Superior quality control, precision-cut components, and reduced on-site waste.
✅ Skilled crews: We attract and train Minnesota’s best carpenters to ensure unmatched installation quality.
✅ On-time delivery: Our process ensures materials arrive ready when you need them, keeping your project on schedule.
✅ Innovation & collaboration: We integrate framer feedback into our products, continuously improving efficiency and installation speed.

OUR HISTORY

1980

JL Schwieters was founded by John & Leo Schwieters in 1980. Today, John remains the sole owner, and has grown the company to over 400 employees.
1984

In 1984, J Schwieters celebrated the signing of our first Commercial Project, diversifying our portfolio to include both Residential & Commercial projects.
1995

In 1995, John purchased Builders Equipment Company (BEC) - a Pettibone Forklift Dealer. Purchasing BEC allows us to provide the latest and greatest forklifts & equipment on all of our job sites.
1998

Pioneering the way, we started Component Manufacturing in 1998. With the purchase of our first CNC Saw, we began cutting stair stringers & building Stair Components.
1999

Home Sweet Hugo - with direct access to the railway spur and room to grow operations, John made Hugo, MN home. Utilizing precut stringers, we were able to offer Stair Components on our job sites.
2002

In 2002, our first bundle of wall panels went out to a job site. Having an in-house installation team was instrumental in allowing us to develop a perfected process of providing Wall Panel Packages to our customers.
2003

In 2003, JL Schwieters celebrated the opening of our first facility - our Wall Panel Manufacturing Shop. We also celebrated receiving our first railway car of material. Today, we receive multiple railcars of material a week.
2005

J Schwieters celebrated the opening of our In-House Lumberyard, the 4th DE building on our Campus. Keeping the resource in-house helps us meet our goal of providing our customers with one point of contact for all their framing contracting needs.
2017

JL Schwieters introduced Floor Panels to our Residential Job Sites in 2017.With a few ears and persistent design development, Floor Panels were approved for Commercial Job Sites as well.
2019

With the opening of our newest facility, we expanded into Truss Manufacturing. With all our resources in-house, we are able to provide Turnkey Framing Solutions to Builders & Contractors in the Metro.
2022

Dedicated to leading industry standards, JL Schwieters is expecting to grow into an additional facility projected to open in 2023.

Meet Our Team

Pat Schwieters

GENERAL MANAGER
Pat leads JL Schwieters with a focus on growth, innovation, and operational excellence. With over two decades in construction management and a degree in Construction Management from the University of Minnesota, he drives strategic initiatives. Pat’s leadership ensures we continue setting the standard for framing solutions in Minnesota. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting and spending time with his wife and two sons.
Blake Schwieters

PLANT MANAGER
Blake oversees all prefab operations at JL Schwieters, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety across our manufacturing processes. A Purdue University Mechanical Engineering graduate, Blake joined the company in 2013 and has been instrumental in implementing continuous improvement strategies, including the successful launch of our new truss division. His leadership keeps our production team aligned with our mission of framing excellence.
Jim Wenker

PRODUCTION MANAGER
Jim started as a carpenter in 1984 and has over 35 years with JL Schwieters. Now Production Manager, he bridges design and field teams to ensure projects meet architectural standards and are delivered with quality craftsmanship. Jim’s vast experience in the field makes him the “go to” for new foremen in the field.
Cory Hemme

TRUSS OPERATIONS MANAGER
Cory brings 20+ years of truss industry expertise, with a degree in Architectural Construction Technology and Estimating from St. Cloud Technical College. He leads our truss design and production teams to deliver precise, dependable truss packages.
Ryan Spanier

PRODUCTION MANAGER
Since joining in 1999, Ryan has progressed from Personnel Director to Production Manager. A St. John’s University graduate, he ensures projects stay on schedule and within budget, overseeing field documentation and workflows.
Leslie Grays

ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Leslie has been with JL Schwieters since 1989 as the company’s first administrative hire. Now Accounting Manager, she oversees accounts receivable, payable, payroll, and financial operations. Leslie is a huge sports fan, but her favorite is watching her daughter play soccer.
Kyle Shufelt

SAFETY DIRECTOR
Kyle joined as a field carpenter in 1993 after completing the Carpentry Program at Dakota County Technical College. He holds an Advanced Safety Certificate from the National Safety Council and is a certified OSHA Construction Outreach Trainer, committed to ensuring safety across all job sites.