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Marking a Milestone: 60 Years of Metallic Products History


men with a bulldozer and sign indicating the future home of Metallic Products, illustrating an article about Metallic Products history

1962 was a pretty big year, and not just in Metallic Products history. John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth. The world was introduced to James Bond on the big screen. A little group called The Beatles released their first album. And here in Houston, Texas, a guy got a crazy idea to revolutionize the building accessory industry.

2022 marks the milestone 60th anniversary for Metallic Products, a metal building accessory manufacturing experiment that proved to have real staying power. Join us as we take a look back at where our industry (and company) began, and how we got to where we are today.

 

In the Beginning it Was Every Business for Itself
Our industry was a very different place in 1962. Without specialized companies from whom they could source their accessories, metal building manufacturers had to do the work themselves. On top of the architectural, logistical and physical construction aspects of their business, they were working out ways to build vents, louvers and the like. In fact, that’s how our company’s founder, Roy Hairston, got into the business. He began building accessories out of Mes-Tex Steel Buildings’ trim shop.

 

One Man’s Big Idea Gave Birth to a Brand-New Industry
A guy with a knack for seeing the big picture, Roy realized companies could save a lot of time — and benefit from higher quality products — if they sourced accessories from a company that specialized in such work. Roy already had a reputation for his solid craftsmanship and work ethic, and had a following by some of the industry’s largest companies. In 1967, when Mes-Tex sold, he took his logical next step. He launched into business on his own with Metallic Products. That seemingly simple decision, to offer a centralized location where building companies could source their accessories, changed the way builders everywhere did business.

 

Competition Played Hardball, But We Had Girl Power
Metallic Products’ stance as the industry’s only accessory manufacturer didn’t last long. As word spread about the company’s success, others joined the ranks — often using predatory tactics to steal business. We found something of a saving grace in Betty Ferguson, Metallic Products’ accountant who found her footing in sales. Betty’s blend of charming personality and in-depth product knowledge made her a favorite among customers, brought in new business and served as another industry game-changer. In a 1970s world where women simply didn’t work in sales, Betty helped our company grow — and probably put some of the competition out of business. She rose through the ranks, becoming part-owner and, eventually, CEO.

 

Withstanding Obstacles and Going with the Flow
No business anticipates smooth sailing all the time, but Metallic Products has navigated some truly trying waters. The oil recession of the 80s and early 90s, for instance, dealt a blow to our Texas business. When times were lean, company leadership — which by then included Roy’s son, Mike Hairston, and Betty’s son, Daryl Wendt — tightened their purse strings, increased efficiency and focused on customer service. As time progressed, we grew. In 2002 we moved to the larger facility we still call home, and we’ve continued incorporating new product offerings aimed at meeting the changing needs of our customers. Our history of perseverance served the company well when current Owner and President Travis Wendt took the reins from his father, Daryl. Travis’ role became official in December of 2019, just months before the COVID-19 pandemic set in. In the time since, amid changing restrictions and the issues surrounding them — raw material price increases, sourcing concerns, shipping delays and the like — we’ve continued forging on as a team.

 

Six decades of Metallic Products history — and service to the metal building industry — is something our company is especially proud of. And we know it never would have been possible without our incredible clients and colleagues. We are grateful for the innovative minds who got our endeavor off the ground, the hardworking individuals (some of whom have worked with us for 40-plus years) who help us tackle our jobs each day — and the clients who trust us with their important ventilation and building accessory needs. It’s been a wonderful 60 years, and we’re looking forward to many more to come.