Our History

From Humble Beginnings to the New York Stock Exchange

Over 60 Years 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.

1990s

A Family Legacy Continues

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.

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.

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 - 2022

The Starting Line for the Future

In 2020, Andy Rose was named Worthington Industries’ President and Chief Executive Officer. He would oversee the company in back-to-back years of record earnings. In September 2022, Worthington Industries announced plans to separate the Steel Processing business and create two standalone public companies. This transformation initiative, called Worthington 2024, was designed to allow the two resulting companies to capitalize on differentiated growth and value creation strategies.

Today

We Will Lead

In September 2023, the company announced the new companies would be called Worthington Enterprises and Worthington Steel. Former president, CEO and executive chairman John P. McConnell retired from the Board of the Directors and longtime Lead Director John Blystone took his place as chairman. And on December 1, 2023, Worthington Enterprises officially became a standalone company as a market-leading designer and manufacturer of innovative products in attractive end markets including Building Products, Consumer Products and Sustainable Energy Solutions.

The Company continues to operate by a Philosophy rooted in the Golden Rule, with an emphasis on valued employees, continuous improvement and innovation.

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