Lazy Steam technology was developed by Roger Wells and a team of five full-time
engineers and technicians over a period of fifteen years at Weyerhaeuser Research and Development. Because the technology was so successful, it was kept proprietary until 1983 when Weyerhaeuser helped Roger set up Wells Enterprises, Inc. as a licensee. Philip Wells joined the company in 1984. Roger and Philip later bought back the patents from Weyerhaeuser, allowing Wells Enterprises to sell industry-wide.

Being a small company allows Wells Enterprises to specialize in unique applications that might may require custom equipment designs. Our exclusive fabricator, Eckstrom Industries of Everett, WA has built virtually all Lazy Steamers since 1972. Wells enjoys a one-on-one relationship with the customer as well as a hands-on approach with the equipment fabricator and personally oversees the project start to finish. He makes a point of coordinating delivery with machine down times. Operating instructions and performance evaluation are included in the purchase price plus free visits by Wells when he is in the neighborhood. Most sales are generated by word of mouth and migrating mill personnel who have prior experience operating Lazy Steamers. Documentation of past mill visits as well as lab and field trials dating back to the 1970s are often still relevant and available from Wells Enterprises.

Wells prefers to keep the business small and flexible without relying on sales representatives. His extensive involvement with technical associations and other networking keeps him abreast of developments in the industry. For more than 30 years the company has succeeded by supplying quality equipment for proven locations but is also willing to experiment with new, fun applications.