The Beginning

The Woodruff family entered the home comfort business in 1869 when John S. Woodruff set up coal bins on a spur line next to his produce shipping platform just outside of Bridgeton. John's son, Warren C. Woodruff continued the coal business and passed it on to his son George in 1927. George expanded the business and in 1931 moved the operation from the Woodruff home to its present location on Water Street in Bridgeton.

The Advent of Fuel Oil

In 1931, Woodruff became the first coal merchant in the area to sell fuel oil, beginning a long and successful association with Gulf Oil Corp. Moving into heating installations was the next logical step, soon followed by service. In 1950, to overcome the summer slump, the Company moved into air conditioning.

Expanding the Product Line

With the arrival of the 4th generation of Woodruffs, Alan in 1957 and Robert in 1958, the company took over the old Gulf Oil bulk storage plant on Water Street and began to handle motor fuels, motor oils and lubes, as well as tire batteries and car accessories. A modern sheet metal fabrication shop was added in 1966. At the time of his death in 1969, George J. Woodruff had headed the company for 42 years and guided it from a small coal company to one of the larger oil companies in this area.

The Era of Expansion

In 1970 the Company was reorganized under the leadership of Bob and Alan Woodruff. The company acquired a number of other local dealers over the next 10-12 years and signed contracts with Mobil, Texaco, Gulf and Coastal to provide a more diversified supply of heating oil. The company became fully computerized in the 1980's, and completely renovated the bulk plant to make it fully compatible with environmental concerns.  In 1996, we began marketing natural gas in the state of New Jersey and in 1999 we established an additional office in Salem, NJ.

Where We Are Now

The 5th generation of Woodruffs is now with the company with the arrival of Bob, Jr. in 1993.  With a modern office, plant, and equipment, and with a strong and experienced work force, Woodruff Energy is poised to lead the way in total home comfort technology well into this new millennium, and we want you there with us.

The Woodruff Family

For over 250 years, the Woodruff family has lived in the Bridgeton area and taken an active interest in business and cultural activities.

Since 1748, people have known they could depend upon the Woodruffs. Their dedication to live up to their heritage is your guarantee of complete dependability in all business relationships.