Thomas Industries, which is headquartered in Mobile, actually began as Owen and Burnette Roofing in the early 1960’s. By 1971, the business name changed to include the name of part owner Larry Thomas. Burnette and Thomas Roofing Company, Inc. provided commercial roofing services to South Alabama.

In 1980, co-founder Larry P. Thomas decided to make the business his own and acquired the interests of his partners. He assumed the leadership role of what then became Thomas Roofing, Inc. Larry Thomas led the company and his wife Jan took on the titles of company accountant, comptroller and corporate secretary.

In the late 1980’s, Larry Thomas began proudly welcoming a second generation of Thomas entrepreneurs, sons Derek, Kyle and Cory. The Thomas sons aggressively embraced advances in technology in order to enhance the responsiveness, accuracy and quality of service that is expected of Thomas Industries. The company expanded its capabilities to include sheet metal and general contracting work. In April of 2005, the family changed the company’s name to Thomas Industries, Inc. to reflect the expansion of its construction services.

Today, the company’s scope of work ranges from modern office complexes to award-winning historical structures. Thomas Industries remains the leader in commercial roofing, sheet metal and construction in the region.