History – FergusonME

Building Better since 1953

Our company, Ferguson, started as the dream of three entrepreneurs – Charles Ferguson, Ralph Lenz and Johnny Smither – to make our customers’ projects better. With a modest start, we quickly established ourselves as a trusted provider of plumbing, heating, and cooling solutions across North America. A commitment to innovation has been a cornerstone of our success and we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the construction industry.

Fergusons journey began in the U.S. in 1953, founded by three visionary entrepreneurs

Ferguson’s journey began in the U.S. in 1953, founded by three visionary entrepreneurs: Charles Ferguson, Ralph Lenz, and Johnny Smither. With a modest start, the company quickly established itself as a trusted provider of plumbing, heating, and cooling solutions across North America. A commitment to innovation has been a cornerstone of their success — from pioneering the use of PVC pipes to developing cutting-edge water filtration systems, they have consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible.

A Brief History of our
Growth and Expansion

Our success is testament to a diverse and distinguished history of making our customers’ complex projects simple, successful and sustainable. Together, we have been building better throughout the years.

1970

Opening of the first showroom in Newport News, Virginia.

1978

Establishment of the first distribution center in Richmond, Virginia.

1982

Acquisition by Wolseley-Hughes Limited, a global leader in building materials distribution.

1994

With the launch of the PROFLO™ brand, Ferguson begins to develop a portfolio of brands that it owns.

2002

Expansion to the West Coast with the integration of Familian Northwest.

2012

Establishment of the National Sales Center to serve a wider range of customers.

2017

Wolseley plc becomes Ferguson plc, aligning its name with its largest subsidiary in North America – Ferguson

2021

Focus on North America with the sale of European businesses.

2022

Listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

2024

Establishment of Ferguson Enterprises Inc. in the United States.

Together, we continue to build on our rich legacy.

Ferguson is the largest value-added distributor serving the specialized professional in the residential and non-residential North American construction market. We help make our customers’ complex projects simple, successful and sustainable by providing expertise and a wide range  of products and services from plumbing, HVAC, appliances, and lighting solutions to pipe, valves and fittings, water and wastewater solutions, and more. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, Ferguson has sales of $29.6 billion (fiscal year ’24) and approximately 35,000 associates in nearly 1,800 locations. Learn more about Ferguson.