Worthington Industries

About

Born in 1923, John McConnell grew up the son of a steelworker in West Virginia. He served in World War II and then studied business at Michigan State University. After he graduated, McConnell got a job in the steel industry, but he soon saw a need for custom steel processing. He used his 1952 Oldsmobile as collateral for a $600 loan and started Worthington Industries in Columbus, Ohio. Under McConnell s guidance, Worthington Industries grew into a $3 billion global organization, often recognized for employee-based philosophy. Later, Worthington Industries would be named one of the Best Companies to Work for in America. The Worthington Industries Chilton, Wisconsin facility manufactures hand torches and small fuel tanks under the BernzOmatic®, Coleman® and Worthington! brand names.''