Global Fastener News

FEATURE

MacLean-Fogg is entering the fourth generation of MacLean family leadership with Duncan MacLean being named president during the 90th anniversary year of the fastener manufacturer.

Mundelein, IL-based MacLean-Fogg was founded in 1925 by John A. MacLean to manufacture one specialized fastener for the nation’s railroads. 

Since then MacLean-Fogg has been a leader in the fastener industry – including three serving as chairman of the Industrial Fasteners Institute: Barry MacLean, 1988-89; Tim Taylor, 2002-2003; and currently Dave Lomasney.

The IFI honored Barry MacLean with its 2013 Soaring Eagle Award for outstanding leadership and service to the industry.

Below is a 2010 article from the Fastener History section of GlobalFastenerNews.com when MacLean-Fogg was marking its 85th anniversary:

2010 FIN – Family-Owned MacLean-Fogg Marks 85th Anniversary

December 10, 2010 FIN – MacLean-Fogg Company is marking 85 years of growth to a family-owned, multi-national corporation.

“Through wars and recessions, the MacLean-Fogg Company has grown into a worldwide enterprise with facilities throughout Europe, North America and Asia, and sales of $800+ million annually,” the company noted.

MacLean-Fogg attributed its growth to “adhering to its initial principle, ‘Help the industry and we will help ourselves. Solve the customer’s problem at a fair price and on time.'”

In 1925 John A. MacLean Sr. left as an executive of Boss Nut Company to start his own locking fastener business by offering one lock nut to North America’s railroads.

Two years later John MacLean Jr. left his stock and bond position to join the new fastener company. 

In 1957 John MacLean III became the third generation in MacLean-Fogg when he started working with his father to develop new products.

In 1959 the MacLean family bought out the silent investors.

In 1961 mechanical engineer Barry MacLean joined the firm.

Today MacLean-Fogg holds hundreds of patents on inventions ranging from products to methods of constructing products.

Current CEO and president Barry MacLean said the MacLean Family Enterprise has grown through acquisition, building up factories, consistently keeping the idea of focused factories, not getting too big in one place while also investing in the future of people, giving them skills, and encouraging them to go to school to help train themselves.

“It is important to keep each location small and focused to optimally serve employees and customers,” MacLean said. “Believing in people is our most important asset.”

He noted that for 85 years, “we have successfully developed a portfolio of products for the vehicles, industrial and utility markets by building and acquiring our product lines. It has been a wonderful trip. I’m looking forward to celebrating 100 Years!”

MacLean-Fogg now has more than 3,000 employees and 34 locations, including 23 in North America. The company provides engineered metal and plastic components to the industrial, automotive, military and aerospace markets plus unique devices for the transmission and distribution of power.

“We will continue to develop our capabilities to truly be a global company, a global manufacturer and a global supplier with an infrastructure that enables us to call on customers everywhere,” MacLean said.

The MacLean Family’s legacy includes “an innovative working environment, an open and honest culture, diverse and quality products, and superior customer education and service.”

Barry’s son, Duncan MacLean, is CEO of MacLean Vehicle Systems; Tom Smith is CEO of MacLean Power Systems; and daughter Margaret MacLean is MPS vice president.

MacLean-Fogg is headquartered at 1000 Allanson Rd., Mundelein, IL 60060-3890. Tel: 847 566-0010 Web: maclean-fogg.com  ©2010 GlobalFastenerNews.com