Crane Group history

With the 1951 acquisition of Hydro-Aire Incorporated, Crane entered the business of precision aircraft products and flow control equipment, supplying filters and valves to all manufacturers of turbine type aircraft engines.

1957: Taytec produces the word’s first vinyl siding die through a joint development project with Monsanto Chemical.

1958: Taytec begins selling the hula hoop, helping to finance the company’s third extruder.

The October 1959 acquisition of the Chapman Valve Manufacturing Company of Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, significantly expanded domestic valve operations, especially on the East Coast.

In 1961 the Deming Company, a manufacturer of residential and industrial pumps and water systems, was acquired.

1962: With Robert’s sons now on board as executives, Crane Plastics boasts more than 80 employees and sales topping $1.5M annually.

1966: Crane Plastics runs its first vinyl siding production line and begins providing private label product for customers.

1967: Crane Plastics founder Robert Sellers Crane passes away at the age of 78.

In an effort to improve its position in the area of building products, Crane acquired Huttig Sash & Door Company in 1968, adding milled wood products, windows, and doors to its line.

The 1979 acquisition of Medusa Corporation, a cement and aggregates company, added yet another basic materials industry to Crane's list. It represented the largest acquisition in Crane's history and, by 1975, represented the company's single largest business interest.

1977: Crane forms the Vinyl Improvement Products Company to sell siding under its own VIPCO brand.

The 1979 acquisition of Medusa Corporation, a cement and aggregates company, added yet another basic materials industry to Crane's list.

In 1980 Crane began a shift in business strategy away from cyclical basic materials businesses toward a diversified mix that would earn higher returns for shareholders.

In February 1984, T.M. Evans resigned as chairman and director of the company, leaving his post to the newly elected Richard Sheldon Evans--son of T. M.--who ushered in a major restructuring effort.

In 1985 the company acquired UniDynamics Corporation, expanding diversification in numerous areas: defense and aerospace contracting, fluid controls, vending machines and coin validators, automation equipment, fiberglass-reinforced polyester and laminated panels, and electronic components.

In February 1987, 12 Crane Supply plumbing, heating, and air conditioning wholesale distribution branches in southern regions of the United States were sold.

The Crane Co.'s Hydro-Aire Division was augmented in 1990 by the $40 million acquisition of Lear Romec Corp., a manufacturer of pumps for the aerospace industry.

1992: Tanny’s brother-in-law, Tim Miller, joins the company; Bob Crane Jr. passes away after more than 40 years with the company, leaving a legacy long to be remembered at Crane Plastics.

The April 1993 sale of the precision ordnance business of Unidynamics/Phoenix to Pacific Scientific Company reflected further reduction in Crane's declining defense business.

Crane acquired Mark Controls in April 1994 for $95 million in cash plus assumed debt of $40 million.

Concentrating on consolidating the acquisitions of the previous two years, Crane was able to reduce its debt to total capital ratio to 44 percent by the end of 1995.

1996: Tanny Crane is named President and CEO of Crane Plastics.

1997: Crane Plastics proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Crane picked up the acquisition pace in 1998, completing six acquisitions at a total cost of $224 million.

1999: Crane forms its standalone composite decking company under the name TimberTech.

2003: Crane acquires Materials International, based out of Atlanta, Georgia, and consolidates Crane’s internal marine wall extrusion business into the newly acquired business, forming Crane Materials International (a current Crane Group platform business).

2006: Crane Group acquires Mr.

2007: Crane Group proudly celebrates its 60th anniversary.

2013: Crane Group acquires current platform business Screen Machine Industries, an American manufacturer of portable mining and construction machinery, based out of Etna, Ohio.

2014: Brian Westwater joins Crane Group, becoming the second Crane family member from the fourth generation to join the company.