MIW in Wholesaler May 2006, Vol. 61, No.5

Reformatted from MAY 2006, VOL. 61, NO. 5

News of Plumbing * Heating * Cooling * Industrial Piping Distribution

INDUSTRY NEWS

Mills Iron Works
celebrate 100 years

GARDENA, CALIF. — Mills Iron Works Inc., a manufacturer of carbon steel welding reducers, swage nipples and bull plugs, celebrated 100 years in continuous operation in 2005.

Mills Iron Works was established in 1905 at the edge of an oilfield near downtown Los Angeles by Edward Mills to manufacture cable drilling tools. It operated from its original location in a neighborhood near Dodger Stadium for more than 50 years. In the late 1950s, Mills’ heirs sold the company to several key employees headed by Eugene L. Berger, who served more than 40 years as president and was chairman of the Board of Directors until his death in 2003. Joseph A. Scroggs, vice president-marketing and sales from 1960 until his retirement in 1989, was the public face of Mills Iron Works, and is still fondly remembered by many people in the fittings industry. Eugene Berger was succeeded by his son, Kenneth E. Berger, who continues to own and operate the company.
In 1959, Mills Iron Works moved to its current location at 14834 Maple Ave. in Gardena, Calif. As the methods for producing and refining petroleum products evolved over the past century. Millls Iron Works’ product line changed in response. Today, the company is one of only a handful of domestic manufacturers of welding reducers or swage nipples remaining in the U.S.

In February 1959, Mills broke ground at its Gardena, Calif., location. Eugene Berger is second from left, Joe Scroggs is fourth from left, and founder Edward Mills' son-in-law is on the right.

Mills Iron Works attributes its longevity in business to its ability to fill and ship orders promptly, provide a high-quality product, the loyalty of its many long-time customers, and the dedication of its employees — 80% of whom have been with the company more than five years. All of the company’s managers and supervisors have been with Mills for more than 10 years, some almost 40 years. Barbara Shaffer, the company’s inside sales supervisor, celebrated her 29th year with Mills Iron Works in January 2006.
In addition to stocking the normal line of standard and extra-heavy wall concentric and eccentric fittings in diameters from 1/4" TO 24", Mills

Among Mills Iron Works personnel are ( from left): Ken Berger, president; Jeff Griffith, general manager; Barbara Shaffer, inside sales supervisor; Bob Beard, manufacturing manager; and J.C. Wang, production manager.

offers welding reducers and swage nipples in special schedules of carbon steel, as well as high-yield and low-temp fittings.   Mills has been certified to meet the ISO 9002 Standard since 1997. Mills’ welding reducers, swage nipples and bull plugs are manufactured to meet ASTM A-234 WPB specifications. Dimensional standards conform to ANSI B16.9 or MSS-SP95. All fittings are completely traceable. Certified Mill Test Reports are available for all fittings and may be faxed in advance of shipment to facilitate the customers’ receiving and inspection process.
    Mills also offers a Rapid Response Program, which will guarantee shipment of special orders of no-stock welding reducers to 24" diameter in any reduction of any wall size, including highyield and low-temp, in as few as one to three days, subject to raw material availability.
    Further information about Mills Iron Works’ products, including its current list price sheets and product specification, can be found at www.millsiron.com

The original plant of Mills Iron Works circa 1960.

The Mills Iron Works plant in Gardena, Calif., pictured in 1996.