Family-owned retailer transforms vacant property into modern home center and marks major company milestone
October 12, 2026 | Monmouth, IL – R.P. Lumber Co., Inc., a family-owned, full-service home center and building materials supplier, is proud to announce the opening of its newest location in Monmouth, Illinois. The store officially opened for business on October 12, 2026, becoming the company’s 100th retail location and marking a significant milestone in its nearly 50-year history.
The opening represents a major achievement for the company, which began as a single lumberyard in Staunton, Illinois, in 1977 and has grown into one of the Midwest’s largest independent building materials dealers. The new location strengthens R.P. Lumber’s presence in western Illinois and expands access to building materials and home improvement products for customers throughout the region.
Located along one of Monmouth’s primary commercial corridors, the store occupies the site of a former auto dealership that had sat vacant for approximately two years. Rather than allowing the property to remain unused, R.P. Lumber completed an extensive renovation that included a full interior demolition, major building improvements, new fencing, and the construction of a new warehouse.
“We wanted to invest in Monmouth because it’s a great community filled with hardworking people who share many of the same values that have guided our company for nearly five decades,” said Robert Plummer, CEO of R.P. Lumber. “This location allows us to bring additional resources, inventory, and services to the area while transforming an unoccupied property into something productive for the community.”
“This is exciting and humbling for our family and team,” said Donna Plummer. “100 stores full of great team members providing Best Service to our wonderful customers was unimaginable in 1977.”
The Monmouth location offers a full assortment of lumber, hardware, roofing products, drywall, tools, paint, windows, doors, and other building materials. Customers will also have access to jobsite delivery, project estimating, and the knowledgeable support that has become synonymous with R.P. Lumber’s “Best Service. Best Value.” commitment. Company leaders view the project as an investment not only in the business, but also in the future of Monmouth and the surrounding area.
The store will help the company better serve its large number of customers throughout western Illinois. The new location also expands access to professional-grade building materials and a broader hardware offering than many customers have traditionally had available locally.
“When my wife Donna and I started R.P. Lumber company in Staunton in 1977, we never imagined we’d one day celebrate the opening of our 100th store,” added Robert Plummer. “This milestone is only possible because of the outstanding people who work for our company and the customers who have trusted us over the years. Our goal remains the same today as it was then: support local communities, create opportunities for employees and customers, and provide the best service possible.”
Looking ahead, company leaders hope the Monmouth location becomes more than simply a place to buy building materials.
“We hope that when people drive by this store ten years from now, they’ll say R.P. Lumber became a positive contributor to Monmouth,” said Jason Plummer, President of R.P. Lumber. “We’re here for the long haul, and we’re excited to be part of this great community’s future.”
***Courtesy of R.P. Lumber Co., Inc***
