Discover how Diamond Manufacturing Became America's Premier Perforator

1915

John Newton Thomas founded Diamond Manufacturing Company to create sizing screens for the coal mining industry. William Powell, his son-in-law, was next to lead the company and expanded into architectural grilles and other applications for industrial use.

1950 - 60s

First BRUCK perforating press was purchased. Began lighter gauge and sheet metal perforated production. Began serving Microwave oven door companies. As Diamond grew, so did the size of the presses.

Charles D. Flack, Jr. (Rusty), President

1979

Charles (Rusty) Flack Jr., becomes president. Working with his brother, Harold, Rusty continues to grow and expand the company into new markets, establishing Diamond as the technological leader in the perforating industry.

Remembering Rusty Flack

Late 80s-90s

Establishing growth by having knowledgeable and personable sales reps knock on doors — a culture that continues today.

1992

Perforated Metals Plus established: Diamond enters the low volume stock and release market for perforated sheet, wire mesh, expanded metal, and bar grate.

Early 2000s

The business grew exponentially and Diamond began to diversify its customer base.

2004

Begin value-add fabrication capabilities.

2010

Reliance, Inc. acquires Diamond from the Flack family. Diamond becomes the largest steel distributor in America and the only one with perforating capabilities within the Reliance family of companies.

2011

Diamond’s current president, David Simpson, continues to grow Diamond and lead the company into the next century. The secret to Diamond’s longevity, he says, is its “extremely talented people who have an expertise that can’t be matched. That’s how we became successful.”

2012

McKey Perforating with locations in New Berlin, Wisconsin, and Manchester, Tennessee, is acquired.

2018

Ferguson Perforating is acquired with locations in Providence, Rhode Island, and New Castle, Penn.

2023

Diamond’s headquarters expands with the addition of 30,000 square feet that will house dedicated inline perforating, leveling and post-perforating and fabricating processes for greater efficiency and speed-to-market applications.