Buffalo, NY Richard S. Smith s dream of producing texture stainless steel started to come true in 1940. Rigidized Metals Corp. The company moved from Pittsburgh to Buffalo in 1942. Three generations later, Rigidized Metals employs 45 at its Buffalo Facility and about 20 sales representatives across the country and has an annual sales of more that 10 million. For its innovative approach, financial stability and continued growth, Rigidized Metals has been named a recipient of a 2000 Galanis Award for Excellence in Family Business . After leaving republic Steel in 1939, Smith formed his new company in 1940.
Rigidized Metals manufacture stainless steel textured with numerous patterns and designs.
During the early years, the company produced textured metal for the Hoover Vacuum Co., the U.S. Navy, the commercial and military aircraft industries and the automobile and transit industries. Later, Rigidized Metals produced materials for the exterior of buildings, elevator panels and doors. The company is headed by third generation of the Smith family. Richard S. Smith Jr. On Jan. 1 of this year, his son, Richard S. Smith III took over as company president. The company is active in charitable endeavors such as the Atlantic Corridor Board between Buffalo and Ireland and is involved in local neighborhood litter cleanup programs.