From kiln to conglomerate: A history of the Acme Brick Company
Lehr, Edwin E.
Lehr, Edwin E.
Citations
Altmetric:
Soloist
Composer
Publisher
Date
1972
Additional date(s)
Abstract
Purpose of the study: The purpose of this dissertation was to present a balanced historical account of the Acme Brick Company from its founding in 1890 to its functioning as a part of a giant conglomerate in 1971. This was done by pulling various areas of function such as finance, production, sales, leadership, and management into focus as the story unfolded. Procedures and methods used: This study was completed by investigation of the brick company's records, newspapers, journals, Interstate Commerce Commission Reports, private papers of deceased executives, company publications, pertinent government documents, and by interviews with past and present company officers and employees, as well as personal inspection of the most important plant facilities. Findings: From the evidence presented in this study the following evaluations appear to be in order: (1). The growth of the company paralleled the growth of the southwest, but from its earliest days Acme became a leader in the clay products industry. (2). Acme continuously varied its product lines and tenaciously sought to broaden its product base until it finally became a conglomerate involved in concrete production, ceramic cooling towers, and leather goods as well as brick. (3). Acme used several types of internal organization structures which varied according to the expansion needs and consolidations which were part of a well defined business strategy. (4). Acme's expansion programs began quite early with the purchase of a stone company and coal mines, and continued through the purchase or merger with fifteen brick concerns, six concrete companies, and the Justin leather goods companies. (5). Acme maintained an effective plant improvement program, standardized production techniques, and established an aggressive marketing system quite early in its history. (6). In 1891 Acme was only one of thousands of clay products companies, but by 1968 it was the largest in America and second in the world only to London Brick and Tile of England. (7). Good leadership has been traditional with Acme, but much of the credit for the company's success was due to the teamwork, diligence, loyalty, and devotion of its employees with whom the company has enjoyed remarkably good relations. (8). The future prospects of the conglomerate (The First Worth Corporation), of which Acme is the core company, is great, and earnings of this total business are expected to increase.
Contents
Subject
Subject(s)
Acme Brick Company
Economics--History
Economics--History
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Genre
Dissertation
Description
Format
ix, 248 leaves, bound : illustrations, plates
Department
History