In 1963, with 12 years experience in chrome plating and a strong desire to establish his own business, Richard McCarthy founded Youngstown Hard Chrome. He chose to build his plant in Youngstown, Ohio, perfectly positioned in the center of the steel making region which stretched from Cleveland to Pittsburgh. The original plant had only 4,800 square feet, but it boasted two deep plating tanks which was enough to get the modest business started.
As time passed, Youngstown Hard Chrome’s reputation for quality grew, and companies in need of large grinding and plating found a trusted, top quality source. Today, the plant spans over 35,000 square feet.
Seeking to expand the business and reach other markets in need of chrome plating and grinding, Youngstown Hard Chrome aggressively and successfully pursued business outside of the steel industry. Now over 70% of the company’s business comes from industries other than steel.
Today, a third generation of the McCarthy family operates Youngstown Hard Chrome. Sons Dan, vice president, and Richard Jr., plant manager, now guide the business founded by their father. Richard Sr. is still active in the company he founded and, as an expert in the area of chrome plating, consults regularly with his sons.