Belden Brick History
8Pages

The Belden Brick History. A Legacy of Outstanding Performance. An ISO 9001:2000 Registered Quality Management System. P.O. Box 20910 I Canton, Ohio 44701-0910 www.beldenbrick.com

The History of the Belden Brick Company. Reorganization & Investment Capital In August of 1895, stockholders of the The storied history of The Belden Brick Company is one of American Diebold Fire Brick Company incorporated entrepreneurship, invention & innovation and a family’s unyielding dedication to the Canton Pressed Brick Company as the excellence in the art of brick making. successor company to the Diebold Fire & Our company’s story officially begins in 1885 when our founder, Henry S Belden organized the Diebold Fire Brick Company on the Belden farm. Henry was born in Canton, Ohio on...

1909 In 1909, Paul Belden was authorized to obtain any capital needed to operate the business. Paul Belden met with L. B. Hartung, a well known plumbing contractor in Canton. Mr. Belden was successful in persuading Mr. Hartung to invest money in capital stock of the Canton Pressed Brick Company. In 1909, L.B. Hartung became an important shareholder owning about 30% of the capital stock. Paul Belden was elected to the position of General Manager in 1911 and from that time on, had a free hand in running the company. He was known throughout the brick industry for his accomplishments and...

1946 The year of 1930 was an important one for The Belden Brick Company. In March 1930 The Belden-Stark Brick Company of Detroit was incorporated as a joint venture of The Belden Brick Company and Stark Ceramics Inc. for the purpose of promoting and distributing Belden Brick and Stark Ceramic products in the Detroit area. The Finzer Acquisition & First Tunnel Kiln This was followed in June 1930 by the incorporation of The Belden-Stark Brick Corporation of New York to do the same thing in the New York metropolitan area. The year 1946 was an important year for Belden Brick. At a meeting of...

In 1955 the Belden management showed their confidence in their company’s future by starting construction of a new plant at Sugarcreek. It would be the largest plant in the country for the production of face brick and building tile. The plant went into operation in 1957. It is now known as Plant 6. Paul Belden found Sugarcreek to be a community of fair and cooperative people. The supply of raw material was plentiful and of excellent quality. Transportation facilities were good; in addition to rail shipments there were two trucking companies that served their plants. They had a good working...

Belden Purchases Stark Ceramics’ interest in Detroit Sales Office In March of 1974 Belden Brick had purchased Stark’s interest in the jointly owned Detroit Sales Office. The company was also negotiating with Stebbins Manufacturing the sale of the Urichsville Plant. Stebbins was the major customer of that facility. In mid-1977, the Company was approached by Stark Ceramics with regard to the purchase of Stark’s equity in the Belden-Stark Brick Corporation of New York. In January, Fred Morrow retired after 55 years of service. Bruce Strouse was elected Secretary of the Company shortly after...

Continuing Growth In 1980, Paul B. Belden III leaves Belden Brick to buy Grand Rapids Builders Supply Company. He remains on the Belden Brick Board of Directors. Burke Wentz reported that Empire Coal is interested in the 330 acres adjacent to the Port Washington Plant. Empire has a longterm coal lease with Belden Brick. By the end of 1981, the Port Washington Plant had ceased production and Empire remains an active prospect to purchase the plant and its property. Belden Brick agrees to guarantee the redemption of BeldenStark Brick Corporation shares owned by Stark Ceramics. Belden-Stark of...

Belden Executives in Industry Leadership Active In 2001, Dee Engelbach announces his intention to retire in the fourth quarter. Jim Leahy is named Treasurer. John C. Belden is named Vice President – Sales & Marketing. At Redland Brick Inc., the Harmar Plant project is right on schedule. Belden Brick achieves certification under the new ISO 9001:2000 standard effective September 17, 2001. In February of 2002, Robert T. Belden, son of Robert F. Belden, becomes the second fifth-generation Belden to join the Company. Bob T is assigned the position of Assistant to the Vice-President of...