For more than 60 years, TXI has been an industry leader — and we’re still making history today. Read on for a short overview of TXI’s major accomplishments through the years.
Click on a heading to read the history for that particular decade.
The 50s: Paving the Way +
In 1951, Ralph Rogers, a native New Englander, moved to the Southwest and organized the Kenilworth Corporation, a small group of investors. Their first acquisition was the Texas Lightweight Aggregate Company in Eastland, Texas. Originally, Rogers had intended to be only an investor. But in order to realize the full potential of this endeavor, he knew he had to roll up his sleeves and go to work on day-to-day operations. Under Ralph Rogers’ leadership, TXI began operations in September of 1951, with four lightweight aggregate plants and five product plants in Texas and Louisiana. In August of 1959, the company announced plans to build its first cement plant in Midlothian, Texas. As the company entered the decade of the 60s, it would become one of the most modern cement plants in the nation.
The 60s: Achieving Vertical Integration +
By the end of 1960, TXI had achieved true vertical integration, by becoming involved in every step of concrete production, from mining raw materials to refining the finished product. TXI also added a real estate division in the 1960s, with the purchase of Brookhollow Industrial Park, an Empire Central office community in Dallas. Plant acquisitions continued, with sites in Detroit, Houston and Memphis. And in 1967, TXI commissioned a third kiln at the Midlothian plant, making it the largest cement producer in Texas.
The 70s: Changing Leadership +
In the early 70s, Ralph Rogers became Chairman of the Board; and his son, Bob, assumed the Presidency of TXI. Continuing the tradition of expansion and diversification initiated by his father, Bob Rogers led a joint partnership with Canada’s Co-Steel International Limited, to begin construction of Chaparral Steel in Midlothian, Texas. TXI was now clearly focused on three industries: cement and concrete products, real estate, and steel. In 1978, TXI began construction on a cement plant near New Braunfels, Texas. The same year, Chaparral Steel became one of the most efficient steel mini-mills in the nation, producing not only twice the capacity of any other U.S. mill, but through technical advances in the manufacture of high quality forging steel.
The 80s: Steel Resolve +
1980 saw the highest and most volatile interest rates in our nation’s history. As a consequence, cement construction dropped 11% — but TXI remained focused on the future. Expansion continued as the company continued to meet or exceed its environmental obligations, implementing the use of recycled fuel at the Midlothian cement plant. The Chaparral facility was expanded as the company moved into a wider range of structural products. In the mid-80s, TXI purchased Co-Steel’s share in Chaparral, and in 1988, took the company public, trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Chaparral Steel soon became the largest single steel recycling facility in the country.
The 90s: Still Growing +
TXI has grown in many ways over the years — but our Company has always been about more than plants and profits. It’s about people. The people of TXI have carried the company into their communities, through outreach programs, involvement in local volunteer efforts for schools and senior citizen centers, and matching employee donations to United Way. TXI is not only a good corporate citizen, but also a good neighbor. With an eye to the future, continued environmental protection, and an ongoing investment in people, TXI is leading the way into the 21st century.
TXI has grown in many ways over the years — but our Company has always been about more than plants and profits. It’s about people. The people of TXI have carried the company into their communities, through outreach programs, involvement in local volunteer efforts for schools and senior citizen centers, and matching employee donations to United Way. TXI is not only a good corporate citizen, but also a good neighbor. With an eye to the future, continued environmental protection, and an ongoing investment in people, TXI is leading the way into the 21st century.