Back in 1900, Faros Craft started a simple business as a blacksmith and table maker. As was the custom at the time, his son, James W. joined him in business. Time went on and another generation of the Craft family, James E. joined the business. Now, more than 119 years later, the great grandchildren of Faros Craft comprise the management team, and the 5th generation (Faros Craft’s great great grandchildren) are also involved in ownership.
James CRAFT & Son has changed over the last 100+ years, but is still owned and operated by members of the Craft family and dedicated to quality CRAFTsmanship and service. That dedication is reflected in the employees, both past and present, who have been instrumental in establishing James CRAFT & Son as one of the most reliable mechanical contractors in central Pennsylvania. We owe our longevity, our growth and our reputation to the hard work of our 150 employees, who exemplify the vision, mission & values that have enabled us to service customers with excellence for more than a century.
With its headquarters in a state-of-the-art, computerized and automated shop facility, the company continues to offer quality engineering, design and installation capabilities. It has expanded into new territories with a presence in Chambersburg, PA and northern Maryland and prides itself in operating as a merit shop.
James Craft & Son, Inc. is still family owned, and continues to expand its capabilities to grow right along with the technological advancements that have enhanced the industry. By incorporating its progressive thinking with employee education and training , the company is able to offer consistent quality and increased value.
Historical Timeline
Founded in 1900
Faros started in business as a blacksmith and table maker. Business named Faros CRAFT.
New Partnership
Faros and James W. formed partnership doing carpentry, tin- smithing, roofing and painting. Plumbing and heating work was later added. Business renamed Faros CRAFT & Son
York Haven Building
Designed and built York Haven State Bank Building. James E. born .
Purchased Ford Truck
Purchased first red Ford truck (1947); CRAFT trucks have been red Fords ever since. Faros died (1946). Business renamed James CRAFT.
First Office
James W. and James E. formed a partnership doing general construction, plumbing and heating work. The business was renamed James CRAFT & Son, and the company’s first office and warehouse facility was constructed at 127 South Front Street in York Haven, Pennsylvania.
Sheet Metal Department
Purchased sheet metal equipment to do sheet metal work for contracts. Business was incorporated. Discontinued residential work. James W. died (1966).
Sheet Metal Bldg, Service Dept, 4th Generation
Built sheet metal and maintenance shop building at 127 Falls View Street in York Haven. Started service department. James L. (1976), Vicki (1977) and Fred (1979) joined the company…the 4th generation of CRAFTs.
New Facility, Controls Department
Fire destroyed the company’s warehouse and prefab shop at 60 N. Front Street, paving the way for the company’s brand new, modernized office & shop facility at 2780 York Haven Road. Controls Department formed (1984) and became an authorized dealer of Novar Controls. Thomas joined the company (1987).
Major Achievement Awards
Received Project Excellence Awards (1990, 1995). First contractor of Keystone ABC to achieve Accredited Quality Contractor (AQC) status (1993/1994). Named Specialty Contractor of the Year (1995). Named Construction Company of the Year (1999) by Associated Builders & Contractors. William joined the company (1992).
100th Anniversary, Growth, 5th Generation
Company celebrates 100th anniversary. Substantial Service Department growth achieved. Company invests heavily in new BIM & CAD technology. The first members of the 5th Generation CRAFTs join the company…Jessica (2007), Steven (2008). James E. died (2008).
Sales Rebound, Technology Investment
Record sales and profits achieved following devastating world economic decline. Significant investments made in modern office and mobile field technologies. Nicole & James P. (2012) join the company in the Accounting and Project Management departments respectively. Four members of the 5th Generation CRAFTs fully on-board L to R: Steven, Nicole, Jessica & James.
1947 Ford Pickup
Why CRAFT trucks are red
Faros and James W. Craft had a blue 1930 Chevrolet truck. Immediately after World War II (Sept, 1945), Faros ordered a new pickup truck from the Chevrolet dealer in Mt. Wolf. He was promised the first Chevrolet pickup truck that came in. Later, James W. ordered a pickup truck from the Ford dealer Beshore & Koller in Manchester.
When the first Chevrolet truck arrived in Mt. Wolf, a blue 1946 pickup, the dealer succumbed to pressure from another customer and sold the truck to them. When the first Ford truck arrived in Manchester, a red 1947 pickup, James W. received it.
That is how “CRAFT” trucks came to be red Fords, instead of blue Chevrolets.
