Metromont is a third-generation family company founded in South Carolina by Captain J. Roy Pennell in 1925. Over the years, the company that began as a construction engineering firm to build highways for the DOT grew and evolved to become one of the largest precast concrete manufacturers on the East Coast. As Metromont celebrates 100 years in business, we reflect on our roots and celebrate the three generations of Pennell family members who have shaped Metromont’s growth and success. This three-part blog series will explore the impact Capt. Pennell, Richard “Dick” Pennell, and Rick Pennell have each had on the company’s direction, focus, and products over the years.
Metromont’s story began when Captain J. Roy Pennell co-founded Pennell & Harley Construction Engineers in 1925. The company performed work along the east coast for the DOT, from Washington, D.C. to Miami, including many of South Carolina’s highways still in use today. In fact, during that time, Captain Pennell became known as the “father of SC highways.” During the Great Depression, the DOT work disappeared. In true entrepreneurial spirit, Captain Pennell shifted the company’s direction and formed the Spartanburg Concrete Company in 1934 with a one-yard ready mix truck and a hand-operated block machine. For the next ten years, the company’s success was driven by Capt. Pennell’s unwavering dedication to quality, a pioneering spirit, and a deep-rooted commitment to the values of faith, honor, and passion. His resilience and determination helped to position the company for future expansion and success. Beyond business, Capt. Pennell’s his influence extended into mentorship and community development, fostering growth and opportunity for countless individuals.
A visionary in business and a steadfast leader, Captain Pennell’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the construction and materials industries, along with his many other inspired endeavors, led to his well-deserved induction into the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame in 2005. As we honor the legacy of his leadership and celebrate the company he founded 100 years ago, we invite you to explore his story through the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame’s feature, J. Roy Pennell: Legacy of Leadership.
