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Lamson & Sessions brings its products to the U.S. and Canadian markets through
three business units, divided by channels of distribution and markets served:
Carlon, the largest business unit, provides fiber optic, copper and coaxial cable
protection for plant construction and wiring systems. Customers include regional
Bell operating companies, cable television companies, departments of transportation
and the electrical wholesale distributor market. Electrical wholesales sell to
contractors, utilities and industrial users and OEM's.
Lamson Home Products (LHP) sells to
the do-it-yourself, hardware and mass merchandiser markets, providing homeowners
and contractors with rough electrical, convenience and security products.
PVC Pipe (PVCP) produces large
diameter (21" to 48") sewer pipe. Variations include direct burial
(to replace existing lines) and slipliner, which can be inserted
into existing pipe that are leaking or corroding. PVCP customers
include municipalities and wastewater collection and treatment facilities.
· Mission Statement
"We are
a diversified company and a leader in providing innovative products
and services to sustainable growth markets. Our growth comes
from expanding our expertise in manufacturing technology, distribution,
and the strategic acquisition of complementary products and services.
We provide leadership, resources, information, and a learning environment to
enable all associates to be creative and innovative in their pursuit of continuous
improvement. Our associates understand that taking care of our customers is number
one.
We believe our final responsibility is to ensure that all our stakeholders are
enthusiastic about our success."
· A Brief History
Lamson & Sessions
emerged during the industrial boom following the Civil War in
Connecticut, where water power and skilled workers prompted the
conversion from agriculture to industry. In 1865 at Mt. Carmel,
Connecticut, a partnership was formed to take over Mt. Carmel
Bolt Company. In 1866, the Lamson brothers (Isaac, and Thomas)
teamed up with Samuel Sessions and operations commenced in Southington,
Connecticut. With a total of seven people, the Company produced
thirty items in the carriage bolt, tire bolt and nut product
lines.
Sales trips to the Midwest enticed Samuel Sessions to move the Company in 1869
to the banks of the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio. In this area of expanding
markets; less competition; good sources of raw material; steam power and transportation,
he envisioned growth and prosperity for the Company. The partnership was incorporated
in the State of Ohio in 1883 and named The Lamson & Sessions Company.
As the demand for fasteners grew between 1921 and 1955, Lamson & Sessions responded
through increased operations and an aggressive acquisition campaign. In 1928,
the Company went public, selling shares of common stock on the Cleveland Stock
Exchange.
During the 1960's and 1970's, The Lamson & Sessions Company continued to expand
in the fastener industry through acquisition. In addition, the Company expanded
beyond its traditional fastener business through the acquisition of manufacturing
companies in industries such as: specialty fasteners, automotive accessories,
metal stamping, doors for railroad cars, truck frames, industrial heat exchangers,
aluminum castings, and freight cars.
In 1981, as a result of aggressive foreign competition coupled with a strategic
shift, the company sold its industrial fastener division to Russell, Burdsall & Ward
(RB&W) Corporation of Cleveland, Ohio. In 1986, the company acquired The Carlon
Company from the Thyssen-Bornemisza Group (TBG). Carlon would be the core business
of Lamson & Sessions.
Carlon was founded in Cleveland, Ohio in the early 50's as Carter Products
Corporation, producing stamped metal products. The shortage of steel following
World War II prompted Carter to move into the manufacturing of extruded plastic
products. With this new focus, the company changed its name to Carlon Products
Corporation. The company manufactured polyethylene pipe used primarily for
fresh air supply, piping and waste water pipe in coal mine applications. Additionally,
Carlon was one of the first manufacturers of the hula hoop. During the mid?1950's
when the hula hoop craze swept the country, Carlon was producing more than
50,000 hula hoops per day! In 1962, Carlon was purchased by Continental Oil
Company and the Company's focus began to turn toward plastic sewer pipe products
and plastic conduit for the electrical, power and communications industries.
With the acquisition of Carlon, Lamson & Sessions embarked on a strategic plan
to reconfigure the Company. With Carlon as the "Core" business, Lamson & Sessions
developed and implemented a program to divest of all "Non-Core" businesses.
The 1994 divestiture of Midland Steel Products, followed by the 1995 sale of
Valley-Todeco, effectively completed the realignment of Lamson & Sessions.
With this completed, the Company has adopted a mission with underlying strategic
drivers to achieve world-class levels of customer satisfaction.
Today, Lamson & Sessions is a
leading domestic producer of thermoplastic conduit, enclosures, wiring devices
and accessories for the construction, consumer, power and communications markets,
and large diameter pipe for wastewater markets. The Company's core competency
in thermoplastic processing is the common tie through its four Business Units.
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