Lufkin Magnets
Description: Lufkin Foundry & Machine Company was founded in 1902 in Lufkin, Texas as a repair shop and parts supply house for regional sawmills. The company ventured into the petroleum industry and manufactured the first enclosed geared pumping unit, and a counterbalanced crank that improved the pumping unit and made a name for the company worldwide. In 1939, the company bought the Martin Wagon and Trailer Company, established the Lufkin Trailers to manufacture heavy-duty truck trailers. Leveraging their extensive design experience, Lufkin began building the lightest and toughest trailers in the industry, and could barely keep up with demand. In 1970, a new 400 acre trailer plant was built south of Lufkin, allowing production to meet demand.
Description: Red Ball Motor Freight Co. was founded in 1928 by Henry English in Lufkin, Texas and had an original service area encompassing Lufkin, Houston, and the towns along the route. Through a series of mergers and acquisitions over the years, Red Ball Motor Freight Co. expanded to become the sixth-largest common carrier trucking company in the nation. Like many of the great carriers of that era, Red Ball failed to meet the demands of a deregulated trucking industry after the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 was signed into law by President Carter, and filed for bankruptcy in April 1982.
