114 Years Old and Still Going Strong

Mellish & Murray is located in a 100,000 sq. ft. facility located in Chicago, Illinois - the heart of midwest manufacturing. Its proximity to major manufacturing markets in four states, and its investments in lean manufacturing processes and modern sheet metal fabricating systems, have contributed to Mellish & Murray's long track record of stability and growth.

The company was the subject of a story in the Chicago Tribune on Sept. 15, 2008 titled, "Small Manufacturers Find Bright Spots in Tough Economy". The article describes Mellish & Murray's winning strategies.

The company is comprised of four divisions:

• Mellish & Murray - Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication
• Aeroflash Signal - Strobe Lights and Warning Systems for Aircraft, Equipment and Vehicles
• Alpine Air - Industrial and Commercial Ventilators and Fans
• Randolph Industries - Industrial Material Handling and Storage Systems

Each division serves both domestic and international customers, including some of the world's most respected OEM's and brands.

A History of Leadership
and Community Involvement

Mellish and Murray has long worked to promote Chicago as home to progressive manufacturers embracing new technology and a diverse, skilled work force.

A stalwart of Chicago's near west side, Mellish and Murray's management has worked to protect industrial and business interests, and promote economic development, through involvement in organizations such as Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC) and the State of Illinois' Northeast Economic Development Region (NORBIC).

Company Timeline

1894

Frank Mellish starts a small storefront metal shop in Chicago in 1894.  One of his products:  the "growler," a pail used to carry beer home from the tavern.

1923

Frank Mellish passes, and Charles E. Murray, who joined the firm upon his graduation, buys the Mellish family stock.  Under Murray, the company develops into one of the first ventilation contractors in the the U.S.

The Great Depression

Mellish & Murray weathers the depression through construction work: some of its major jobs were to intall lead-lined walls in hospital X-ray rooms.

Cari Murray, CEO

Cari Murray is the fourth-generation owner and CEO of Mellish & Murray. She became the company's first female CEO in 1999.

A founding member of the University of Chicago Family Business Council (UIC-FBC), her involvement in other leadership positions includes:

• Senior PdEl Leadership Moderator at UIC Liataud Graduate School of Business
• FBC Dean's Committee Chair
• FBC Quantum Forum member and Past Chair
• Past LaFemme Force PdEl Moderator.
• Past Board Member for State of Illinois' Northeast Development Region (NORBIC).
• Past Board Member for Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago.

She has been profiled in articles in the Chicago Tribune (Feb. 12, 2003 and Sept. 15, 2008) and Utility Products magazine (December, 2005).