McVantage Packaging stands as a testament to resilience and forward-thinking in the wood pallet, crate, industrial lumber, and supply chain industry. Founded nearly 75 years ago in Tuscumbia, Alabama, the company has evolved from a family-run lumber operation into a regional powerhouse serving the Central-Southeastern United States. With plants in Tuscumbia, Laverne, and Nashville, Tennessee, McVantage specializes in manufacturing, repairing, and recycling wooden pallets and crates, offering a complete line of new, used, and “combo” pallets that blend new and recycled lumber for cost savings, custom crates encouraging a circular system, and sustainability. The company’s mission is to lead in innovation, adapting to customer needs while promoting environmental stewardship through programs like woody biomass energy initiatives and AI-driven sorting systems. As Eddie Daniel, President of McVantage Packaging, states, “Our roots run deep, but our vision reaches far – innovation isn’t just what we do; it’s who we are.”
From humble beginnings, McVantage brings over four generations of lumber knowledge and ingenuity to the wood packaging industry. McKinney Lumber, now known as McVantage, was started in 1952 by C.L. and Connie McKinney, after her returned from the Korean War, they laid the foundation with a simple focus on high-quality wooden products in the Mid-South. For nearly 75 years, McVantage has been a trusted provider, with a knowledgeable and experienced staff boasting over 250 years of combined expertise. This has established the company as the premier vendor for an extensive range of new wooden packaging products, including custom pallets and skids, as well as crates and industrial lumber. The Tuscumbia facility includes a scragg mill and production stations for lumber reprocessing, while both locations emphasize quality care, timely deliveries, and cutting-edge technology.
The McVantage story is deeply intertwined with the McKinney family’s multi-generational legacy, where brothers Chester, Steve and Joe McKinney served as equal partners and the backbone of McKinney Lumber, transforming it into the innovative McVantage Packaging of today. The three brothers emerged as visionary leaders, taking the helm after their parents and guiding the company through decades of growth by innovating in pallet design and sustainability long before they became industry buzzwords. Under their stewardship, McVantage pioneered the first robotic dismantler in the United States, revolutionizing pallet recycling through automated disassembly for efficient wood reuse; positioned the company at the forefront of woody biomass energy by converting wood waste into renewable fuel sources; and forged partnerships to develop AI sorting systems that enhance material recovery rates. Joe’s crowning achievement was serving as the youngest chairman of the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA), showcasing his visionary leadership within an organization representing nearly 700 companies across the United States and 40 countries.
Even after Eddie Daniel assumed the presidency, Joe and Chester remain active and trusted advisors, offering sage counsel on strategic decisions and industry trends. “Joe’s legacy is the soil from which we grow,” Eddie Daniel often says, crediting his foundational work for McVantage’s enduring success. Chester has brought invaluable expertise from the land development and environmental/energy sectors, pioneering sustainable land use projects that integrated eco-friendly practices, such as renewable energy developments and conservation efforts, which profoundly influenced McVantage’s commitment to reducing wood waste and promoting circular economy principles. Steve, meanwhile, channeled his entrepreneurial drive into founding Southern Fastening, which grew into a major player by joining other industry members to create what is now known as Southern Carlson, merging two industry powerhouses into one of the largest nail fastener companies in the United States. Tragically, Steve passed prior to the sale, but his innovative spirit continues to inspire McVantage’s growth strategies, ensuring the brothers’ collective vision endures as the foundation of the company’s success.
Today, McVantage thrives under a dynamic leadership team that blends military discipline, industry passion, and community focus. Eddie Daniel, President, brings a distinguished military background from his 24 years of service in the U.S. Army Intelligence and United States Army Reserve, retiring as a Major after multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. While deployed, his wife Amy raised their two incredible daughters, and Eddie always returned to McVantage, where he now steers the company with unwavering commitment. “Service to country and community defines us; we PROVIDE because we care is not only our mission statement but our way of life.” Eddie reflects, drawing parallels between his military leadership and guiding McVantage through supply chain challenges. Michael Hair, the Nashville Director and a retired U.S. Air Force Master Sargent, joined McVantage after his 24 years of service. He dedicated his post-military career to operations excellence. With over 20 years of experience in Aviation Maintenance and Personnel Management, Michael’s bio highlights his expertise in precision, safety, and people, which he applies to optimizing efficient operations at McVantage. “The Air Force taught me the value of every detail,” Michael shares, “and that’s how we ensure every pallet is mission ready.” Dwayne Schaberl, Operations Manager at McVantage’s Tuscumbia facility since 2023, oversees production of pallets, crates, and customized packaging solutions with a team of over 100 employees. Starting as a pallet builder and advancing through roles like production scheduler and Quality Controller since joining in 2018, he leverages his degree from Clarion University to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement. His leadership ensures McVantage adapts to meet evolving industry demands.
Wes Glidewell, Head of HR, fosters an empowering workplace through partnerships with local colleges for ESL certification and Dave Ramsey’s financial literacy programs. He also collaborates with Life House to provide safe housing and second-chance opportunities for individuals, enhancing McVantage’s inclusive culture. As Wes notes, “Our people are our greatest asset – we invest in them to build a stronger tomorrow.” Kate Matz, Chief Revenue Officer, embodies the company’s passion for the industry, following in Joe McKinney’s legacy with her own multiple-term service on the NWPCA board. Recognized as one of Supply & Demand Chain Executive’s Top 25 Pros to Know in 2025 and a recipient of the Female Trailblazers award for U.S. Supply and Demand Chain, Kate drives national expansion while serving as Social Chair for the Florence Rotary Club, Club Champion for Operation Wipe Out Cervical Cancer Alabama, and a mentor to women in manufacturing. “Empowering women in our field isn’t just a goal – it’s essential for innovation,” Kate says. Benn Novitsky, another key team member, contributes his expertise in crating, operations, productions, and supply chain as he navigates the Nashville market.
McVantage’s long-standing relationship with the NWPCA underscores its industry influence, with leaders like Kate actively shaping policies on sustainability and innovation. The company remains at the forefront of woody biomass energy, converting wood waste into renewable fuel, and continues to collaborate on AI sorting systems that enhance recycling efficiency. These efforts align with McVantage’s pallet recycling program, where used pallets are bought, repaired, or disassembled, creating “combo” options that save costs and reduce environmental impact. As McVantage approaches its 75th anniversary, it continues to honor its roots while branching into new territories. With a focus on regional and national growth, the company is poised for long-term success, driven by a team that values innovation, community, and sustainability. As Joe McKinney once noted, “Strong roots weather any storm,” a philosophy that defines McVantage’s enduring legacy in an ever-changing world.
