Pioneer of Fastening Industry Fred B. Powers, Jr. Dies at Age 72
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Frederic Booth Powers Jr., a pioneer in the construction fastening industry and former Chairman and President of Powers Fasteners, Inc., New Rochelle, N.Y., died at his home in Larchmont, N.Y., on Dec. 20 at the age of 72.
The announcement was made by Jeffrey R. Powers, who succeeded his father as President in 1997, and now runs the company with his three brothers -- Christopher, who is CEO; Stephen, Vice President, MIS; and Frederic III, Vice President, Materials. He said his father felt his most notable achievement was the continued operation and expansion of the business by his four sons.
Mr. Powers, who was inducted into the "Fastener Hall of Fame" by the National Industrial Fastener Association in 1998, started in the industry in 1958 when he joined The Rawlplug Co., a small fastener company founded by his father. Under his direction, the company emerged as a leader and innovator in the fastening industry and broadened its product line into a complete offering of mechanical and adhesive anchors, roofing fasteners, gas-firing tools and powder actuated fastening systems serving professional construction and plant maintenance markets. He also had added manufacturing facilities in Michigan, Indianapolis and Chicago; acquired a Canadian firm, and established 28 regional sales locations throughout the United States.
In 1995 the business name was changed to Powers Fasteners, Inc. with the intended purpose of international expansion, and the company has since added locations around the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, Europe and South East Asia. Early in 2006 the firm will open its new World Headquarters in Brewster, N.Y.
A native of the Bronx, Mr. Powers attended Fordham University and graduated from Iona College in New Rochelle before serving as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corp. He was a philanthropist for many Westchester County charities, having served as Board member and former Chairman of the Sound Shore Medical Center in New Rochelle, and Board member and former President of the Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle. He was a former Board member of the National Board of Junior Achievement; a member of the Board of Directors of Westchester Federal Savings and Loan; Chairman of the Pinnacle Health Care Group, and Chairman of the Howard Foundation, whose contributions were almost entirely earmarked for Westchester Charities.
Mr. Powers also was awarded "Man of the Year" by the New Rochelle Boys and Girls Club; awarded Citizen of the Year by the Young Man's Christian Association and given the Civic Achievement Award by the Knights of Columbus and the "Community Service Award" by The Savings and Loan Association.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Virginia Van Deventer, sons Christopher, Jeffrey, Stephen, Frederic III, their wives and thirteen grandchildren.
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(December 2005)
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