Multi-Craft history

He signed on with ABC Plumbing in Springdale, AR (Harold Gay and Morris Anthamatten owners), as a backhoe operator, and in January of 1969, that short “college break” was extended when Rick accepted a plumbing apprenticeship with ABC.

In 1972, John and Vance Elder purchased ABC Plumbing and incorporated it as ABC Plumbing & Heating.

In 1975, Dennis Kelly joined ABC as an apprentice Plumber and ABC began a period of growth that lasted several years.

In 1978, Ford Motor Company established operations in Mississippi to provide high volume electrical and metal fabricated components to United States automobile plants.

Also in 1984, James Smithee and Jim LeFevre joined the company, further expanding the company’s experience and expertise.

Magna International of Canada made a strategic acquisition of the fast growing Multicraft group of companies in 1986 with revenues of $70 million.

Upon Vance Elder’s retirement in 1989, James Smithee, Jim LeFevre, and Dennis Kelly joined the partnership as it began the purchase of Vance’s interest.

2001 saw a significant strategic acquisition of six divisions by a key global supplier seeking vertical integration of the company’s engineering and product specialization.

Partners Rick Barrows, Jim LeFevre and Dennis Kelly (James Smithee passed in 2005) began their retirement but remained as members of the Board of Directors.

In 2013, after decades of service in leadership roles at MCC, Scott Barrows (COO) and Hex Bisbee (CFO) joined the ownership team as Jr.