The Belden Brick Company’s tradition began in 1885 when company founder, Henry S. Belden, organized the Diebold Fire Brick Company on the Belden farm. Inspired by a visit to the 1876 Centennial Fair when he saw the original stiff mud brick-making machine, Henry worked to develop paving and firebrick for the city of Canton, Ohio. Since then, The Belden Brick Company has grown to become the largest family owned brick manufacturer in the United States.
This steady growth results from respect for tradition and a focus on the future.
A Durable Product That Also Happens to be Sustainable
The durability and design appeal of bricks has kept it at the forefront of building materials. Clay brick remains one of the most versatile, cost-effective, and sustainable building products around because it is made from Earth’s most abundant, natural materials and is 100% recyclable.
The Belden Brick Company aspires to adopt environmentally responsible practices throughout its operations, upholding the traditions set forth by its early leaders to reduce waste and increase recycling wherever possible. The company spells out its mining operations and production facilities adhere to environmentally responsible practices.
The Belden Brick Company has adopted new techniques and systems that improve the product and the process without compromising the long-established practice handed down from one generation to another, promoting its growth and development. It would be easy for company leaders to rest on their laurels. Instead, the company invests in facility improvements, technological advancements and relationships.
Using Modern Tech to Boost Traditional Products
It makes sense that a company focused on continuous improvement would turn to an automated submittal process for the next phase of their business. The Belden Brick Company has added Concora Spec to their website. The specification tool is a way to put the technical details of their more than 500 unique colors and styles of products right at the fingertips of architects, engineers, contractors, and designers. The technology makes transactions easier. And the company is pairing this update with new digital marketing strategies to attract their target audience more effectively.
Traditional advertising techniques, including print media, catalog distribution and product showrooms, aren’t going away. These tried-and-true options have helped fuel the brick manufacturer’s growth for decades and continue to provide benefits. The company understands the importance of retaining a solid foundation of tradition focusing on customer satisfaction. However, the digital world presents opportunities the founders could not have imagined more than 130 years ago.
The Belden Brick Company mixes traditional ideals with modern technology to bring customers one-of-a-kind solutions for their construction needs. That’s why the company has such a long list of successful, nationally recognized projects, including several building projects on the University of Notre Dame’s campus, Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, and the restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright’s classic landmark, Martin House. It also explains a string of awards including a recent top honor in he Brick Industry Association’s (BIA) 2021 Brick In Architecture Awards.
Focusing on the future with respect for the past has helped The Belden Brick Company succeed in the past. It’s an approach the company intends to keep.
Check out The Belden Brick Company’s new Design Tools powered by Concora Spec here.
Written By Candace Shackelford