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Unique Bonds Bridge the 40 Year Relationship Between Roxboro and Loxcreen

The year was 1960 – a window and door manufacturer out of Pittsburgh, PA called Challenger Industries built a plant off Highway 501.  In 1962 they expanded by adding an aluminum extrusion press and an anodizing line, but by 1967, Challenger had gone bankrupt and the plant was closed. 

In the wake of the closure, Roxboro was left with vacant plant and a strong desire to find a viable tenant. Months passed and in the foreclosure process, Challenger’s equipment went up for auction.  John Parrish, Sr., then president of Loxcreen, a small extrusion company in West Columbia, SC, came to Roxboro to look at the equipment and there he met Gary Underhill, who was president of BDC (Business Development Corporations of North Carolina).  Both men quickly realized the potentially mutual benefits for Loxcreen and the city of Roxboro.  At that time, Loxcreen had outgrown its capacity in its South Carolina plant, but it was under capitalized.  Mr. Underhill structured a deal for Loxcreen to lease the plant with an option to purchase the property.  The lease agreement was based on pounds of aluminum extruded, with an estimated payback of 20 years.

In May 1968, Loxcreen opened the plant with a total start up cost of $25 – the water deposit!!  Eager to get the plant off on the right footing, Mr. Parrish found Joe Balak, a former employee of Challenger.  Mr. Balak knew all the key people necessary to start up the extrusion operation and he became Loxcreen’s first plant manager in Roxboro and was determined to make it successful.  The first shift was started and the company grew and prospered.  Acquisition of the Roxboro plant enabled Loxcreen’s sales to increase by nearly 50% a year for several years allowing them to pay off the plant in just seven years.

Loxcreen owes it success in great part to Roxboro and it’s citizens.

Loxcreen MetalSource Expansion
Loxcreen MetalSource, the distribution arm of Loxcreen Company, Inc. will open a new 12,000 square foot sales and distribution center in Elgin, IL.  They will provide custom aluminum and vinyl extrusions to OEM markets as well as stock materials for the sign, awning, fence and handrail industries.  Coil and sheet products will also be available.

The new center is scheduled to open April 1, 2008.  The address is 1500 Scottsdale Ct., Suite 100, Elgin, IL  60123

The Green Choice
Loxcreen subsidiary offers “green” products.  Click here for more information