Ozark awning manufacturer buys Springfield firm

Ozark-based Welhener Awning & Shade closed yesterday on the purchase of Springfield’s H.B. Wall & Sons.

Via Lake Country Investments Inc., the father-and-son investment team behind Welhener - Ron and Scott Neville, who bought the 1902-founded firm in 2008 - bring on board approximately four employees from the Springfield firm that got its start in 1919, Ron Neville said.

Welhener bought the company from Greg Casey, who has owned the 1744 E. Trafficway St. awning manufacturer and installer since early 2006, according to Springfield Business Journal archives. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Scott Neville, who serves as president of Welhener, said Casey has closed the East Trafficway store and plans to sell the property under the Glenstone Avenue viaduct. A handful of H.B. Wall’s employees relocated to Welhener’s Ozark headquarters at 1580 W. Skyline Ave., he said.

Ron Neville said Casey will work through the end of the year to close out H.B. Wall’s business.

Welhener manufactures and installs awnings from its 12,000-square-foot headquarters, as well as canopies, patio covers and shade structures, according to the company’s website. The business was known as Welhener & Saville Inc. before the Nevilles purchased it from Jim Conley. At the time of the purchase, the company was on Commercial Street in north Springfield, according to SBJ archives.

SBJ Editor Eric Olson contributed to this story.[[In-content Ad]]