In 1945, H. Smith McKann founded
General Products Company in Fredericksburg, VA. The company
began producing boilers for Coast Guard vessels, steel buoys for
inland waterways, electric water heaters, and experimental
aerial cases for naval ordinance. In 1969,
Benchmark steel doors were introduced and are an instant
success. Innovations like triple shadow embossing and steel edges attract
builders. Entrance doors are introduced on the heels of the
already successful bifold doors. |
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Benchmark doors are positioned
as an energy efficient alternative to wood doors. Benchmark
sales skyrocket in 1979, when one-step distribution and big box
retailers begin changing the way manufacturers distribute
product.
In April 2000, McKann sells
General Products Company to Therma-Tru Corporation, an innovator
in fiberglass entry doors. With the lead of its new parent
company, Benchmark adopts a fiberglass line offering, smooth and
grained doors, covering a variety of styles in 2003.
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