Where Craftsmanship and History Converge in Every step
Empire Stairworks was founded in 2022 on the site of one of Western New York's most storied lumber yards, N.L. Cole: Lumber, Coal, and Wood, a landmark in Holley, NY that has served builders and craftsmen for well over a century.
The story begins during the Civil War era, when Nerville Cole established a thriving lumber yard to supply local builders with materials and quality millwork. A respected craftsman and two-time mayor of Holley, Cole understood that a community's built environment is only as strong as the people and materials behind it. His legacy of craftsmanship and service to the trade laid a foundation that would outlast generations, and ultimately become the ground on which Empire Stairworks stands today.
As the building industry grew more demanding and specialized, so did the operation on Geddes Street. The growing need for precision stair components and engineered millwork solutions made clear that a dedicated, purpose-built stair manufacturing operation was the natural next step. General lumber yard work gave way to something far more focused, a company built exclusively around the staircase, from the first tread to the final newel cap.
That company became Empire Stairworks.
What sets us apart isn't just history, it's how we build. Our puzzle-piece engineering process produces continuous stringers and trim boards beyond standard material lengths, precision-joined under controlled shop conditions into a single engineered piece. Every critical joint is reinforced with glue block construction, eliminating movement and ensuring structural performance that holds up long after installation. Advanced CNC technology and precision programming bring tight tolerances and repeatable accuracy to every order, delivering the detail of handcrafted work with the consistency that today's construction professionals demand.
From our shop floor to your job site, we manage every step. Components leave our facility ready to install exactly as designed, no surprises, no field corrections, no callbacks.
Under the leadership of Founder and Owner Gina Klips, Empire Stairworks has grown into something that didn't exist on a business plan.
Gina came to this industry not from manufacturing, but from education. When the opportunity to build something meaningful presented itself, she followed it with the same commitment she brought to every classroom. Today she leads a woman-owned precision manufacturing company supported by a skilled team of craftsmen and sales professionals who take pride in every component that leaves this facility.
"I didn't plan to leave the classroom, I followed a growing opportunity and built Empire Stairworks into something meaningful, surrounded by a team that takes pride in every detail we create." — Gina Klips, Founder & Owner
Empire Stairworks serves contractors, builders, lumber yards, and homeowners throughout Western New York and beyond, carrying forward more than a century of craft from the same address where Nerville Cole first opened his doors, and building staircases that will last another century more.
Work with us
We hope you have a long and successful journey working with us. Become a part of our success and start building your custom staircase today.