Stone City Products - Company History

More than half a century since the company was founded, we attribute today’s solid foundation and success to the dedicated people of the past.

The Miller Industrial Dynasty of Lawrence County
Felix Miller and his family were an integral part of bringing industrial development to Lawrence County, Indiana. Felix began the Bedford Ground Limestone Company at the turn of the 20th century and his son, Marshall, took control of management in the 1920s. Marshall soon became the area’s best known entrepreneur, with ownership in several local companies, and major stockholdings in Citizens Trust Bank, for which he was director.

The 1940s: The First Years
Stone City Machine and Tool was formed by three tool and die makers from the Seymour/Columbus area in December of 1946. The company first made tools and dies for the stamping industry and metal components for industries in the surrounding areas. In 1949, Marshall Miller, his son Marvin and son-in-law David Rariden purchased stock from two of the original owners. Marshall was the active force in the business, while Marvin and David pursued full-time positions outside of the company. Stone City Machine and Tool soon bought the Clark Electric Company building, and moved to its present location at 1206 Seventh Street in 1949.

The 1950s: A Decade of Growth
During the 1950’s, Stone City Machine and Tool continued to grow and produced component parts primarily for the electronics industry. In 1954, David Rariden left his job as Purdue University’s purchasing agent and took over as vice president of Stone City Machine and Tool. In 1956, the company purchased the stock of the remaining original owner and David Rariden became president and chief executive. Marshall Miller passed away in 1957, and David Rariden purchased the interests of Marvin and Mrs. Miller in September of 1958. At this time, he changed the name of the company to Stone City Products. Sales representatives were hired to expand the sales force and diversify the company into other markets.

The ’70s and ’80s: Industrial Expansion
In 1973, David Rariden’s son, Stewart, joined Stone City Products. His addition helped the company expand its customer base and become a more viable manufacturing company. The company added new product lines including components for office furniture and housewares. An increase in the stamping and housewares business forced Stone City Products to expand into other rented buildings and purchase buildings that adjoined the property. As business escalated in the late ’70s, a 15,000-square-foot metal building was erected for additional equipment and office space. During this time, changes in the housewares industry caused the line to gradually decline and eventually discontinue. A line of lawn ornaments produced in the Far East was developed, and was successful for a time, but eventually became obsolete as well. In the late ’80s, the company purchased land from the CSX Railroad, just about the time Japanese transplant companies approached Stone City Products about making component parts for their automobile assembly plants in the United States. This began Stone City’s venture into its main product line of automotive assemblies and components.

The 21st Century: Continued Growth
Because of aggressive marketing in the Midwest, the company has experienced phenomenal growth during the past several years. In 1991, Robert Burgess, a former general manager of a United Technologies plant, joined Stone City Products as vice president of manufacturing, and subsequently became part owner of the company. In 1992, Stewart Rariden became president, and David Rariden became the chairman and CEO of the company. Another product line, the metal roof clip was added in 1994. With this continued growth, the company further secured its customer base and stability, and in 1997, Stone City completed another 15,000 square foot addition. Stone City Products sells domestically across the nation, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia, and has achieved several quality system certifications. The company’s management and associates look forward to continuing to be an integral part of the Bedford, Indiana community, with a commitment to excellence through the 21st century and beyond.