About Us
Our History
The story of Willoughby Industries begins in 1947 on the southwest side of Indianapolis, Indiana. The fledgling company specialized in sheet metal production, and quickly grew to accommodate more projects. With the business influx that Willoughby Industries experienced, a second building was a requirement to continue production. In 2012, the two locations were consolidated into a new warehouse, our current home, on the northwest side of the city. Continuing the company’s expansion, Willoughby Locking Systems was introduced in 2023, offering high quality detention locks and exceptional customer service.
Legacy of Leadership
Spanning over four generations as a family owned business is an incredible accomplishment for Willoughby Industries. Our leadership journey began with our founder, Ray Willoughby (1947-1987), who was followed by his son, Tim Willoughby (1987-2004). Craig Alderson, the husband of Tim’s eldest daughter, Kathy, joined Willoughby Industries in 1995. He was our third generation owner, spending twenty years in the position (2004-2024). As of January 2025, Willoughby Industries has welcomed the fourth-generation of ownership – Will and Nick Alderson, the sons of Kathy and Craig. Both Will and Nick joined the company after completing their college educations, and continue the legacy of strong leadership.
Answering The Call
Adaptability throughout Willoughby’s history is what has set the company above and beyond any possible competition. Allowing the company to evolve from specializing in sheet metal production to the largest security plumbing fixture manufacturer, by volume, in the U.S., has gotten Willoughby Industries where you see it today. Our plumbing products can be found in all 50 states, including 18 of the last 20 federal correctional facilities and most Indiana state correctional facilities. The evolution continued when we “answered the call” once again; we caught word that the corrections industry was seeking a reliable manufacturer for high security locks, so we stepped up to provide the best product and service possible.