Our History

From Humble Beginnings to the New York Stock Exchange

Seven Decades of Putting People First

No matter the product or service, Worthington puts people first. Since its founding in 1955, Worthington has operated on a philosophy rooted in the Golden Rule, which serves as the basis for an unwavering commitment to the customer, supplier and shareholder, and as the Company's foundation for one of the strongest employee-employer partnerships in American industry.

1955

$600 and an Idea

In 1955, a young steel salesman named John H. McConnell saw an opportunity for custom-processed steel. Borrowing $600 against his 1952 Oldsmobile, he bought his first load of steel and set up shop in Columbus, Ohio, founding Worthington Industries. Today, a replica of the car sits in our global headquarters, as a reminder of the Company’s beginnings.

1955 - 1970

Growth and Shared Success

In its first year of business, Worthington Industries profited just $11,000. Throughout the late 1950s and 1960s, the Company continued to grow, adding processing facilities. In 1966, John H. McConnell began sharing profits with employees. At that same time, all production workers were put on a salary plan. In 1968, Worthington Industries made its first public stock offering of 150,000 shares at $7.50 per share.

1971 - 1990

Diversification and Expansion

In 1971, Worthington diversified with the addition of a pressure cylinders manufacturing business. In 1976, after only 21 years in business, the Company celebrated $100 million in sales and continued to expand rapidly throughout the 1980s.

1990 - 1999

Focusing On Our Core

During the 1990s, many non-core businesses were sold, and the Company refocused on its strengths: steel processing and metals-related businesses.

In 1996, John H. McConnell’s son, John P. McConnell took over as chairman and CEO. He had worked for the Company more than 20 years, starting as a general laborer and later advanced to sales, operations and personnel.

2000 - 2019

Taking the Lead

In 2000, Worthington moved to the New York Stock Exchange and pursued a robust acquisition strategy for the 20 years following, opening up to new markets and customers around the world. Through acquisitions and the realignment of businesses, Worthington Industries became a leading manufacturer in Steel Processing, Building Products, Consumer Products and Sustainable Energy Solutions.

2020 - 2023

The Starting Line for the Future

Andy Rose was named President and Chief Executive Officer in 2020. During his tenure, he oversaw the monumental initiative of separating the Company into two, standalone public companies: Worthington Enterprises and Worthington Steel.
In September 2023, former president and executive chairman John P. McConnell retired from the Board of Directors and Lead Director John Blystone was named chairman.
On December 1, 2023, Worthington Enterprises officially became a standalone company as a market-leading designer and manufacturer of innovative products in the Building and Consumer Products markets.

2024 - Present

Improving Everyday Life

On November 1, 2024, Joseph Hayek was named President and Chief Executive Officer upon the retirement of Andy Rose. Since then, Worthington Enterprises has continued to expand its Building Products portfolio.

In June 2025, the company acquired Elgen Manufacturing, a market-leading designer and manufacturer of HVAC parts and components.

In January 2026, Worthington Enterprises entered the metal roof market, officially closing on the acquisition of LSI Group, one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of standing-seam metal roof clips and retrofit components in the commercial metal roof market.

Continuing to Impact

At Worthington Enterprises, good citizenship is deeply ingrained in our values. Learn more about how we are impacting the communities where we live and work today.

Our Impact