Webb-Stiles Company History | Decades of Growth and Custom Conveyor Solutions

At Webb-Stiles, we’ve spent decades building more than just conveyors — we’ve built a reputation. The Webb-Stiles Company history began in the 1950s with a vision to design and manufacture custom conveyor systems that power American industry. What started as a small Ohio-based partnership has grown into a trusted conveyor manufacturer serving industries like automotive, heavy manufacturing, finishing, and assembly. As demand grew, so did we — expanding into Alabama to increase capacity and better serve our customers. Today, the Webb-Stiles Company is known for engineering innovative, hands-on conveyor solutions that meet complex material handling needs with precision and reliability.

Curious how conveyor systems evolved?

Learn about the history of conveyor systems—and why Webb-Stiles stays at the forefront of custom material handling solutions.

Black and white photo of Joe Webb and Don Stiles in the original Cleveland Flats facility
Colorized photo of Joe Webb and Don Stiles working in the original Cleveland Flats facility

1950s – Foundations and Vision

1956

Joe Webb and Don Stiles establish the partnership that evolves into the Webb-Stiles Company, initially serving as sales representatives for stock conveyor equipment. Recognizing a demand for custom conveyors and material handling devices, they begin engineering specialized equipment.

1959

The partnership is incorporated as the Webb-Stiles Company.

1960s – Foundations and First Partnerships

1963

The company acquires a 3,200-square-foot building in the Cleveland Flats, focusing on fabrication and manufacturing.

1968

Webb-Stiles acquires a 14-acre site in a new industrial park in Valley City.

1969

A new 67,000-square-foot facility is constructed at the Valley City site, equipped with cutting-edge manufacturing technology to enhance productivity and innovation.

1970s – Growth and Expansion

1970s

Webb-Stiles experiences phenomenal growth, expanding the Valley City facilities with increased plant capacity and new engineering offices, becoming almost entirely self-sufficient.

1977

The company ventures into the Sunbelt market by establishing the Southern Subsidiary, Webb-Stiles of Alabama, in Gadsden, with a 69,000-square-foot facility on a 32-acre site. This expansion enables entry into the global market.

1980s – Southern Growth

1988

Webb-Stiles of Alabama undergoes significant expansion, becoming a fully integrated manufacturing plant with over 138,000 square feet of facilities. Acquisitions of equipment and machinery enhance production efficiency and maintain product quality standards.

Alabama Facility Growth in the Webb-Stiles Company History

These photos highlight a major milestone in the Webb-Stiles Company history — our 1980s expansion into Alabama and the transformation of the facility into a 138,000-square-foot manufacturing hub.

1990s – Digital Shift

1991

Started using AutoCAD to create drawings, transitioning from hand-drawn layouts to the digital age.

1998

Webb-Stiles of Alabama completes their expansion of the second floor by adding engineering and purchasing offices, creating an additional 7,300 sq ft of space.
Row of manual drafting desks at Webb-Stiles before transitioning to AutoCAD

2010s – Precision Investment

New industrial laser being delivered to Webb-Stiles Valley City facility with plant superintendent observing

2010

Webb-Stiles marked a milestone by acquiring their first laser machine in Valley City, initiating its journey in precision manufacturing with the inaugural steel cut on April 2nd.

2015

The acquisition of a second laser machine in Valley City further enhanced our cutting capabilities, with its first operation taking place on December 15th.

2016

Webb-Stiles of Alabama marked a major advancement by acquiring its first laser machine. This investment extended our precision cutting capabilities to the Southern Division.

2018

Expanding our technological arsenal, a waterjet machine was introduced in Valley City, executing its first precision cut on May 8th.

2020s – Digital Transformation

2022

Webb-Stiles begins transitioning to a new Enterprise Resource Planning system, bringing technology and processes up to date.

2023

Webb-Stiles broadened its operational capacity in Valley City by constructing a canvas-roofed, permanent storage facility, optimizing unused land on the premises for enhanced storage solutions.

2024

Webb-Stiles continued to invest in advanced technology with the addition of a new computer-controlled press brake, along with gantry robot systems installed at both the Valley City and Alabama facilities—further enhancing precision and automation company-wide.

Gantry-mounted robotic welder operating on a steel conveyor frame at Webb-Stiles

Follow us on social media for project highlights, behind-the-scenes builds, and milestones from the Webb-Stiles team.