LITTLE ROCK, AR (November 1, 2024) — National Custom Hollow Metal (NCHM), a leading manufacturer of custom hollow metal doors and frames, celebrates its 50th anniversary this month, marking five decades of innovation, growth, and commitment to quality in the commercial door industry.

Founded on November 8, 1974, by Wayne H. Babbitt, the company began as part of Bush Caldwell Company in downtown Little Rock. Under Babbitt’s entrepreneurial vision, the business expanded from distribution into manufacturing, establishing itself as a custom door and frame manufacturer in the early 1980s.

“This milestone represents the dedication of generations of employees who have served as caretakers of this amazing company,” said Evan Mathews, Co-President of National Custom Hollow Metal. “From our humble beginnings to our current position as a North American industry leader, our success has been built on our commitment to building long-term trusting relationships.”

The company’s legacy spans three generations of family leadership:
– 1974-1992: Founder Wayne Babbitt established the company’s foundation
– 1992-2007: His son Mark Babbitt expanded operations under Laser Link Inc.
– 2007-Present: The Mathews Family purchased the business, which is now led by Co-Presidents Evan and Shea Mathews

Under the current Mathews family leadership, NCHM has expanded its product line to include stainless steel, hurricane doors, sound doors, ballistic doors, and thermal break products. The company’s manufacturing footprint has grown to include two facilities in Little Rock, with sales representatives serving customers across North America.

“Our success over these five decades is built on four simple but powerful principles,” said Chris Mathews, Chairman and Co-Owner of NCHM. “Be at work when scheduled, be on time, show respect for each other, our equipment, and our company, and always do your best. These fundamentals have created a culture of excellence that continues to drive our growth and success.”

“The magic behind our company’s success isn’t really magic at all,” adds Co-President Shea Mathews. “It’s the loyalty of our customers, built through the dedication of our compassionate, service-driven employees. We’ve always believed in creating our own luck through hard work and trusted relationships. That’s our secret sauce.”

Today, National Custom Hollow Metal stands as one of the leading manufacturers in the industry, providing quality employment opportunities in the Little Rock community while maintaining its commitment to custom manufacturing excellence.

For more information about National Custom Hollow Metal and its products, please visit https://nchmetal.com/ or contact Shea Mathews at (800) 334-3070 or [email protected].

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About National Custom Hollow Metal

Founded in 1974, National Custom Hollow Metal is a premier manufacturer of custom hollow metal doors and frames, serving clients across North America. Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, the company specializes in custom solutions including fire-rated, stainless steel, hurricane, sound-rated, ballistic, and thermal break doors and frames. Now in its third generation of family leadership, NCHM continues its tradition of excellence and innovation in the hollow metal industry.