The Wattenbarger Family has had a long impact on the construction industry. Don Wattenbarger and his uncle, Lloyd Wattenbarger, formed Kern Building Materials in 1968 and we’ve been going strong ever since.
Lloyd is the son of J.C. Wattenbarger, who moved from Tennessee to Bakersfield in 1936. J.C. Wattenbarger concentrated on home construction until he opened a hardware store to sell lumber, nails and building materials to accommodate a growing population. That hardware store is still open today, and is the only family-operated lumber store in Bakersfield.
Then in 1968, the demand from contractors for plaster supplies called for the formation of a new company and Kern Building Materials was born.
Kern Building Materials quickly became known as the go-to supplier of drywall and building supplies. From USG, Georgia-Pacific, and National Gypsum, to CertainTeed Drywall and more, if you need gypsum products – Kern is your source.
Article from 1983
Article from 1983
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In 1983, Kern moved from a facility on Minner Ave in Oildale, CA, to a significantly bigger building on District Boulevard, where we remain today.
As the demand for drywall increased, so did our inventory. At times, we’ve had up to 11 rail cars packed with USG wallboard ready to be unloaded and stocked at Kern. In 2001, Kern Building Materials added PABCO Drywall products, and that relationship continues to grow.
We are the area’s premier lath and plaster supplier, serving the plastering needs of Kern County and beyond since 1968. You can count on Kern for all your plaster and stucco materials, with names like Omega Diamond Wall, Riverside Plastic Cement and SPEC Mix.
Kern also carries a large inventory of steel framing products, stocked and ready to ship. SCAFCO Steel Stud Company is one of the most recognized manufacturers of steel framing in the Western United States.
Kern Building Materials is proud to supply the very best products and service to California and Nevada.
