MI Metals:
An Overview
MI Metals is a leading aluminum extrusion provider in high-volume, high-quality extrusions. In business since 1983, our decades of success have been framed by key business principles: to operate lean, involve management in factory operations, and to treat each other like family. This family-focused concept means we put safety as our number one priority—with no exceptions.
We extrude 6000 series aluminum and perform many secondary operations, including heat treating, anodizing, painting, and CNC machining. We also operate an aluminum recycling foundry to both keep our costs competitive and deliver an environmental benefit to our communities and customers. We compete nationwide and have strategically located factories in Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and Arizona.
Our History
The roots of MI Metals trace back to Metal Industries, founded in 1947 by James T. (“Tokey”) Walker and Robert Word. They began by converting an airstrip hangar in Florida into a metal window screen manufacturing facility to serve the growing housing market. Over time, Metal Industries expanded its product lines to include windows and doors, air vents, corrugated packaging, and aluminum extrusions, reflecting a vision of becoming a fully vertically integrated company.
1983
The extrusion business was founded to support Metal Industries, launching with two 6” presses, a 30’ anodizing line, and a cast house in Oldsmar, Florida. This marked the first standalone aluminum extrusion operation for the company.
1990
With production exceeding internal needs, the company began selling extrusions to outside customers while continuing to supply Metal Industries. This shift diversified the customer base and accelerated business growth.
1996
Two 6” presses in Florida were decommissioned and replaced with a modern 8” press. This investment increased our capacity while improving the overall efficiency.
1997
Metal Industries evolved into J.T. Walker Industries, creating separate business units for each of their products: MI Windows and Doors, Micon (packaging), MI Metals (extrusions), RiteScreen (residential window screens) and Metal Industries (air distribution). This restructuring aligned each product line with focused leadership.
1998
MI Metals opened a plant in Milen, Georgia, to support nearby MI Window and Door operations. The facility began with a 7” press and a 20’ wet paint line.
1999
The Georgia plant expanded with the addition of a second 7” press. That same year, J.T. Walker Industries acquired BetterBilt, adding facilities in Tennessee and Arizona with 7” extrusion presses and electrostatic paint lines (20’ in TN and 18’ in AZ).
2001
Extrusion operations acquired with BetterBilt came under MI Metals’ management. BY integrating all extrusion operations, MI metals established a unified structure across all extrusion facilities, strengthening consistency, quality, and operational control.
2003
Brook Massey joined MI Metals as company controller after several years as an auditor for J. T. Walker Industries. His financial expertise and familiarity with the business positioned him to play a key role in shaping the company's future direction.
2009
An additional 8” press was installed in Tennessee, increasing output and expanding the current capabilities. Later that year, Brook Massey was named president of MI Metals.
2010
One of the Georgia presses was decommissioned as part of a plant-wide optimization effort. This allowed the company to streamline operations and focus on more efficient equipment.
2013
Brook Massey acquired majority ownership of MI Metals, Inc. This milestone marked a new era of family-led leadership.
2019
Brook Massey became sole owner of MI Metals, overseeing plants in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Arizona. Ownership consolidation positioned the company for long-term growth.
2023
A new 8” press came online at the Georgia facility, while Tennessee expanded with a paint line upgrade, CNC machining, and a fabrication department. The Oldsmar, Florida location also modernized its cast house, marking a period of significant investment across operations.
2025
MI Metals continued its modernization efforts with a significant investment in upgrading the press at the Oldsmar, Florida facility. This update builds on prior enhancements across all plants, ensuring capacity, efficiency, and quality keep pace with customer and market demands.
Our Mission
Deliver quality extrusions and service that exceed customer expectations.