In the heart of Los Angeles, California, a story of innovation, resilience, and excellence began to unfold in 1961. This is the story of C.R. Laurence Co., Inc. (CRL), a company that started as a small glass supply firm and transformed into a global leader in the design and manufacture of architectural glazing systems, automotive products, and industrial supplies.
The Humble Beginnings
The company’s journey started when Charles R. Laurence, a visionary entrepreneur, founded C.R. Laurence with a simple yet ambitious goal: to provide high-quality glass and glazing products to the burgeoning construction industry in Southern California. With a small warehouse and a handful of dedicated employees, Charles began to lay the foundation for what would become a global empire.
The Growth and Expansion
Over the years, C.R. Laurence’s reputation for quality and innovation began to spread. The company expanded its product line to include a wide range of architectural hardware, including shower door hardware, commercial door hardware, and railing systems. With each new product, CRL solidified its position as a leader in the industry.
The 1980s and 1990s were a period of rapid growth and expansion for the company. C.R. Laurence ventured into new markets, opening distribution centers across the United States and eventually establishing a presence in Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia. This global expansion allowed CRL to serve a broader customer base and respond to the evolving needs of the architectural and automotive industries.
Innovation at the Core
One of the key factors that set C.R. Laurence apart from its competitors was its commitment to innovation. The company invested heavily in research and development, continually seeking new ways to improve its products and processes. CRL’s engineers worked tirelessly to develop patented technologies that revolutionized the industry, such as the TAPER-LOC® dry-glazed railing system and the Serenity Series sliding shower door system.
CRL’s dedication to innovation extended beyond its products. The company embraced cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and automation to increase efficiency and maintain the highest standards of quality. CRL’s state-of-the-art facilities became a model for the industry, showcasing the latest in glass fabrication and metalworking technologies.
A Legacy of Leadership
As C.R. Laurence continued to grow, so did its leadership team. Charles R. Laurence’s son, Donald E. Friese, joined the company in the early 1960s and quickly rose through the ranks. Under his leadership as CEO, CRL experienced unprecedented growth, expanding its product offerings and global footprint. Donald’s vision and dedication to the company’s core values of quality, service, and innovation were instrumental in shaping CRL’s success.
In 2015, C.R. Laurence took a significant step forward by becoming a part of the Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope® family, a leading supplier of building envelope solutions. This partnership marked a new chapter in CRL’s history, providing access to a broader range of resources and opportunities for growth.
The CRL Legacy Today
Today, C.R. Laurence stands as a testament to the power of innovation, quality, and leadership. With over 60 years of experience, the company continues to lead the industry, offering a comprehensive range of products and services that cater to the evolving needs of the architectural, automotive, and industrial sectors.
CRL’s legacy is not just in its products but also in its commitment to its employees and the communities it serves. The company’s dedication to sustainability, safety, and social responsibility reflects its values and its vision for a better future.
As C.R. Laurence looks ahead, it remains true to its roots while embracing new possibilities. With a focus on innovation, excellence, and global expansion, the story of C.R. Laurence is far from over. It is a story of a company that started with a dream and built an empire, a company that continues to shape the world of architecture and beyond.
C.R. Laurence (CRL) continues to be a prominent player in today’s market, offering a wide range of architectural hardware and glazing supplies. Their product lineup includes innovative solutions such as the Fallbrook Interior Partition Systems, Palisades™ Sliding & Bi-Folding Doors, Monterey™ Bi-Folding Glass Wall, and the Blumcraft® Entice Series Entrance System. CRL is also known for its advanced railing systems like the Unitized Glass Railing System and the Taper-Loc® Glass Railing Installation System, as well as windscreen systems like Cielo™ and Metropolis™. For interior design, they offer the Klarity™ Freestanding Glass Partition.
CRL’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in their diverse product range, which caters to various industries, including automotive, hospitality, and display. Their offerings include transaction hardware, architectural metals, and a variety of tools and equipment for glass and glazing applications
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For more information about C.R. Laurence and their products, you can visit their website at crlaurence.com