KVAL was started in the mid 1940’s by AA Kvalheim. A Norwegian trained furniture maker, who turned to cabinetmaking and carpentry, and eventually machinery manufacturing after immigrating to the United States. One product produced in the mid 40’s was a panel saw which then led to the fledgling flush door industry that was developing around the Walled Lake, Michigan area. Early door sizing systems were supplied to companies like Young Door, Walled Lake, Arrow Door, and out on the west coast to Cal Wood Door.