In the post–World War II boom, Grand Rapids, Michigan rose to prominence as the furniture capital of the United States. It was during this time of rapid industry growth that entrepreneur Fred Dean developed a revolutionary wood treatment formula through hands-on experimentation and a deep commitment to preserving natural resources. The result was Nelsonite—a product born from necessity and refined by purpose.

Nelsonite quickly gained traction among furniture manufacturers for its ability to improve efficiency and sustainability. With minimal advertising and strong word-of-mouth, the brand established a loyal customer base throughout the Midwest.

In 1977, Daniel Conway officially incorporated Nelsonite and expanded its reach into the southern and western U.S. markets. The company’s reputation continued to grow, and by 1984, Nelsonite had entered the international market, beginning with Taiwan, followed by China, South Korea, and Singapore through a network of local distributors.

Today, under the ownership of Scott Knutson, Nelsonite remains a family-run business proudly headquartered in Grand Rapids. While we’ve grown internationally, we remain grounded in our roots—offering the same time-tested formulas trusted by professionals for generations.