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Trex Company, Inc.

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Trex Company, Inc.
TypePublic company
IndustryIndustrials
FoundedAugust 1996; 30 years ago (1996-08)
HeadquartersWinchester, Virginia, U.S.
Area served
United States, International
Key people
  • Bryan H. Fairbanks
    (president and CEO)[1]
  • James E. Cline
    (Chairman of the Board)[1]
Productsdecking, railing, fascia, cladding, fencing, fasteners, outdoor lighting
RevenueIncrease US$1.2 billion (2024)[2][3]
Increase US$305 million (2024)[2][3]
Increase US$226 million (2024)[2][3]
Total assetsIncrease US$1.3 million (2024)[4][3]
Number of employees
1,838 (December 31, 2024)[5][3]
Websitetrex.com

Trex Company, Inc. is a manufacturer of wood-alternative composite decking, residential railing, and other outdoor items made from recycled materials.[6] Its headquarters is in Winchester, Virginia.[7] The company distributes its products through a network of more than 6,700 retail outlets across six continents.[8]

Trex composite decking products are made of up to 95% recycled materials.[9] In redirecting more than 300 million pounds of plastic and scrap wood from landfills each year,[10] Trex is one of the largest plastic film recyclers in North America.[11][12] Since its founding in 1996, the company has diverted more than 5 billion pounds of polyethylene plastic from landfills and waterways.[13]

Company history

[edit]
Trex composite decking

In 1988, Roger Wittenberg combined sawdust and plastic bags to create a park bench.[7] In 1996, Mobil Chemical Co. acquired Wittenberg's technology and formed Trex, LLC.[7] Trex is widely considered to be one of the inventors of composite decking made from recyclable materials.[14] The idea for a process and product created to maximize the use of materials that would otherwise wind up in landfills is credited to inventors Kjell-Ake Gustafsson, of Binghamton, New York; John J. Muller, of Winchester, Virginia; and Roger A. Wittenberg of Newton, Pennsylvania.[15] The first patent for a "Method of Producing a Wood-Thermoplastic Composite Material" was filed as U.S. Patent number 5746958 in March 1995 and granted in May 1998.[15]

1988

[edit]
  • The concept of a wood-plastic composite material called Revenite is invented by Roger Wittenberg.[7]

1992

[edit]
  • Wittenberg’s technology is acquired by Mobil Chemical Company for $10 million to create Mobil’s Composite Products Division with Wittenberg at the helm.[16]
  • Rivenite is renamed Timbrex.[17]

1994

[edit]
  • Timbrex is renamed Trex.[18]

1996

[edit]
  • Four Mobil executives, including Wittenberg, complete a leveraged buyout of the decking assets to form Trex Company, LLC.[19]

1999

[edit]
  • Trex Company acquires Trex Company, LLC on April 7 and one week later completes its IPO trading under the symbol TWP on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).[20]

2004

[edit]

2009

[edit]

2012

[edit]
  • Trex begins shipping products internationally to distributors across Europe, Australia, Asia and the Middle East.[23]

2015

[edit]
  • Trex begins producing recycled polyethylene pellets for the commercial plastics market.[24]

2017

[edit]
  • Trex recycled pellets achieve ICC certification.[25]
  • Trex acquires Minneapolis-based SC Company, including Staging Concepts and SC Railing, to form Trex Commercial Products.[26][27]

2020

[edit]
  • Trex publishes first Sustainability Report.[28]

2021

[edit]
  • Trex revenue exceeds $1 billion.[29]

2022

[edit]
  • Trex sells Trex Commercial Products, Inc., to Minnesota-based Sightline Commercial Solutions, LLC.[30]

Leadership and employees

[edit]

Bryan H. Fairbanks was named president and CEO of Trex effective April 29, 2020. Former president and CEO (2015–2020), James E. Cline, has assumed the position of chairman of the board and Ronald W. Kaplan is now vice chairman effective April 29, 2020.[31]

Other key Trex Company executives include: Adam Zambanini, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; Prithvi Gandhi, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Kevin Brennan, Vice President, Professional Channel Sales; Amy Fernandez, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Secretary and Chief Sustainability Officer; Anand Kangala, Vice President and Chief Information Officer; Jacob Rudolph, Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resource Officer; Jodi Lee, Senior Vice President, Marketing.[32][33]

Trex Company employs more than 1,800 people worldwide.[5][34] In June 2023, the took occupancy of its new global headquarters in Winchester, Virginia that accommodates approximately 200 employees. The 64,000-square-foot (5,900 m2) office facility features Trex cladding, a large Trex outdoor living space and eco-friendly elements such as electric vehicle charging stations and rooftop solar panels.[35]

Manufacturing

[edit]

Trex is America's largest manufacturer of composite decking.[36] Its manufacturing process combines recycled plastic film, like grocery bags and dry cleaning wrap, with reclaimed wood, some of which is swept from the floors of furniture factories.[36] To procure the amount of plastic film necessary for production, Trex works with grocery store chains like Albertsons, which has contributed more than 200 million pounds of recycled plastic film to the NexTrex recycling program.[37] Trex uses approximately 300 million pounds of recycled plastic film annually to make its composite decking.[10]

Trex operates three manufacturing facilities in the United States in Winchester, Virginia, Fernley, Nevada, and Little Rock, Arkansas.[38] The Virginia facility opened in 1993,[39] followed by the Nevada plant in 1999.[40] In 2021, Trex announced plans to develop a multi-faceted production site in Little Rock.[38] A topping out ceremony was held in 2024.[41] In March 2025, lines began running at the polyethylene film recycling and pellet processing plant.[42] Decking production is expected to begin in 2027.[43]

International growth

[edit]

Trex products are sold in 40+ countries outside of the U.S. Key growth markets include Australia, Caribbean, France, Germany, South/Central America and the United Kingdom. In 2019, the company made significant capital allocations to existing facility in order to meet growing domestic and global demand[44] and leads the industry on a global scale.[45]

Notable international projects

[edit]
  • Australia: Curtin University, Perth[46]
  • Australia: Convoy Lookout at the National Anzac Centre, Albany[46]
  • Australia: Monkey Mia boardwalk along the West Australian coastline[46]
  • Cayman Islands: The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman
  • Costa Rica: Avenida Excazu office and mall development
  • Germany: Lisa Blumen & Pflanzen Mainau garden
  • United Arab Emirates: Dubai JW Marriott Marquis
  • United Arab Emirates: Jumeirah Corniche (boardwalk) in Dubai[47]
  • United Kingdom: BBC Gardener's World offices[48]

Products

[edit]

The company offers five tiers of composite decking products[49] and provides a variety of residential railing profiles, colors, and materials.[50] Through licensing agreements, Trex-branded complementary items are available for purchase.

Environmental considerations

[edit]

Trex promotes an environmental stance as part of its commercial appeal in the marketplace.[51]

Recycled components

[edit]

Trex composite decking contains up to 95% recycled and reclaimed content and offers verification by ICC-ES.[9] In July 2010 Trex received a Verification of Attributes Report (VAR-1011) from the International Code Council Evaluation Service under the Sustainable Attributes Verification and Evaluation Program.[52] The verification validates that Trex's wood-alternative decking products are manufactured with a minimum of 95.4% recycled content. Trex claims it is the first composite decking manufacturer to obtain this certification.[53] VAR-1011 was renewed and reissued by ICC-ES in June 2025.[9]

Recycled initiatives

[edit]

In 2024, Trex launched the NexTrex Plastic Recycling Drop-Off Directory, an online searchable platform dedicated to connecting eco-minded Americans with local recycling partners. The directory includes approximately 10,000 drop-off locations across all 50 states.[54]

Environmental recognition

[edit]
  • Barron's 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies 2025, Barron's.[55][56]
  • Winner, "Green Products: Decking," 2024, Green Builder Magazine.[57]
  • Eco Leader Award, 2019, Green Builder Magazine.[58]
  • Readers' Choice Award, 2015 & 2016, Green Builder Magazine.[59]
  • Winner, 2016 GAIA award.[60]

Industry recognition

[edit]
  • Best of Houzz Design Award, 2024, Houzz.[61]
  • America's Most Responsible Companies 2024, Newsweek.[62]
  • IBD's 100 Best ESG Companies for 2023, Investor's Business Daily.[63]
  • America's Most Trusted Outdoor Decking 2023, Lifestory Research.[64]
  • America's Best Mid-Sized Companies, 2021, Forbes.[65]
  • Top Brand, 2017 & 2019 Builder Brand Use Study.[66][67]
  • Top Brand: all four composite/PVC subcategories, 2016, Builder Brand Use Study.[68]
  • Gold Award, Social Media Communications, 2016, Publicity Club of Chicago.[69]
  • Platinum (×3), Gold (×3) Awards for Design Excellence, 2015, ADEX.[70]
  • Best Decking (Platinum List), 2015, Ocean Home Magazine.[71]
  • Eight awards, 2015, Remodeling Magazine's Brand Use Study.[72]

Product issues

[edit]

A manufacturing problem at the Trex manufacturing facility in Fernley, Nevada, from 2002 to 2007 led to production of decking boards that were prone to surface flaking. These boards were sold throughout 16 Western states in the U.S. and resulted in a class-action suit against the company.[73] In a settlement approved in 2010, Trex agreed to replace any decking boards, including some resulting labor costs, for decking affected by surface flaking.[73]

References

[edit]
  1. 1 2 "Trex Company Announces Succession Plan". Business Wire. February 24, 2020. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 "Trex Company Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results". Yahoo Finance. Retrieved March 30, 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "2024 Annual Report to Stockholders" (PDF). Trex Company. May 6, 2025. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  4. "Trex Company (TREX) Balance Sheet". Stock Analysis. Retrieved March 30, 2025.
  5. 1 2 "Trex Company (TREX) Number of Employees". Stock Analysis. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  6. Harrison, J.D. (August 4, 2014). "Not-real-wood company Trex posts a very real earnings bump". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 22, 2026.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "5 Russell 2000 Stocks That Have Crushed the Index in 2020". Yahoo Finance. December 23, 2020. Retrieved January 20, 2021.
  8. "What is Competitive Landscape of Trex Company". PESTEL-analysis.com. December 7, 2025. Retrieved February 22, 2026.
  9. 1 2 3 "VAR-1011 - ICC Evaluation Service, LLC (ICC-ES)". ICC Evaluation Service. June 2025. Retrieved September 7, 2025.
  10. 1 2 "Trex 2023 Sustainability Report" (PDF). ResponsibilityReports.com. June 27, 2024. pp. 12–13. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  11. "Trex - Member Spotlight". Northeast Recycling Council. March 2015. Archived from the original on March 20, 2022. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  12. Gaetjens, Bob (August 22, 2022). "Trex Co. expands polyethylene film collection efforts - Recycling Today". Recycling Today. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  13. Parker, Reece (January 30, 2024). "Thousands of plastic bags are being turned into park benches". Kansas City Magazine. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  14. "Product of the Month: Composite Decking". Natural Element Houses. August 2012. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  15. 1 2 "Method of producing a wood-thermoplastic composite material". United States Patent. USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database.
  16. Knight, Jerry (May 9, 1999). "On Deck: Trex, With Big Plans for a Recycled Product". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
  17. "Timbrex". BuildingGreen. March 1, 1993. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
  18. "Timbrex Renamed Trex". BuildingGreen. January 1, 1994. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
  19. Adler, Carlye (June 1, 2003). "Roger Wittenberg, Co-Founder, Trex Company, Winchester, Va. Reducing the plastic in landfills--and making money--one backyard deck at a time". CNN Business. Archived from the original on December 31, 2007. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
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  23. Gatlin, Allison (March 29, 2018). "How Trex Company Is Chipping Away At Wood With Composite Decking". Investor’s Business Daily. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
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  25. "Trex recycled pellets achieve ICC Certification". Recycling Today. January 25, 2017. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
  26. "Trex Acquires SC Company, Launches Trex Commercial Products". LBM Journal. August 2, 2017. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
  27. "Trex Co. Completes Acquisition of SC Railing Company". USGlass Magazine & USGNN News. August 3, 2017. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
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  37. Building Products Digest (15 November 2020). "Trex Teams up with Albertsons to Keep Plastic out of Landfill". 526 Media Group. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
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  40. "Trex Opens New Plant". BuildingGreen. 1 November 1999. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
  41. "Trex Celebrates Topping Out $400M Little Rock Facility". Arkansas Money and Politics. 28 August 2024. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
  42. Smith, Antoinette (30 October 2024). "Trex to start processing LDPE film despite plant delays". Resource Recycling. Retrieved 19 October 2025.
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  44. "Trex Company Announces New Multi-Year Capital Expenditure Program to Support Expanding Product Demand". Trex Company. 6 June 2019. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
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  46. 1 2 3 "Decking Displays" (PDF). Decking Perth. December 2021. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
  47. "High-performance Trex Decking Chosen for Premier Dubai Development Project". AEC Online. 12 August 2014. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
  48. "Trex Decking @ BBC Gardeners's World Live". Gaza Timber. 22 June 2017. Retrieved 12 October 2025.
  49. "What Are The Grades Of Trex Decking". Premium Decking Supply. 9 July 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  50. "Beyond Decking: Discover Trex's Railings for Every Style". LBM Journal. 28 October 2024. Retrieved 3 November 2025.
  51. Roach, John (September 2, 2003). "Are Plastic Grocery Bags Sacking the Environment?". National Geographic News. National Geographic. Archived from the original on October 8, 2003. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
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  53. "Trex Receives Verification for Recycled Content". Recycling Today. 20 July 2010. Retrieved 9 November 2025.
  54. McNees, Marissa (20 September 2024). "NexTrex launches plastic bag, film drop-off directory". Recycling Today. Retrieved 9 November 2025.
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  56. "Trex Ranked Among Barron's 100 Most Sustainable Companies for 2025". business.thepilotnews.com. The Pilot News. 2025-03-03. Retrieved 2025-03-30.
  57. Naditz, Alan. "Green Builder Sustainable Brand Index 2024". Green Builder Magazine. Green Builder Media. Retrieved 2024-12-29.
  58. "Green Builder Media's 2019 Eco-Leaders". Green Builder Magazine. Green Builder Media. 28 July 2019. Retrieved 2019-12-06.
  59. "2016 Reader Choice Awards". Green Builder Magazine. Green Builder Media. Retrieved 8 April 2016.
  60. "GAIA Awards 2014 Winners". GAIA. Retrieved 8 April 2016.
  61. "Best of Houzz Award Winners". Houzz. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
  62. "America's Most Responsible Companies 2024 - Newsweek Rankings". www.newsweek.com. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
  63. "ESG Stocks: List Of 100 Best ESG Companies". www.investors.com. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
  64. "Best Outdoor Decking Brands Ranked in America's Most Trusted Study". www.lifestoryresearch.com. Retrieved 29 December 2024.
  65. "America's Best Mid-Sized Companies 2021". Forbes. Retrieved 2021-02-23.
  66. 2017 BUILDER BRAND USE STUDY RESULTS
  67. "2019 BUILDER BRAND USE STUDY RESULTS". www.builderonline.com. Retrieved 2019-12-06.
  68. "2016 Builder Brand Use Study Results". Builder Magazine.
  69. "Four LCWA Campaigns Honored at Publicity Club of Chicago Golden Trumpet Awards". Retrieved 28 January 2019.
  70. "Trex Company". ADEX Awards. Retrieved 8 April 2016.
  71. "Golden Hammer Update: Decking honors". HBS Dealer. Retrieved 8 April 2016.
  72. "Brand Use Study" (PDF). Remodeling. Retrieved 8 April 2016.
  73. 1 2 Trex Company (9 July 2013). "Trex Company Reminds Consumers of Replacement Program for Defective Decking Manufactured between 2002 and 2007 for Sale in the Western United States". PR Newswire (Press release). Retrieved 17 November 2024.
[edit]
  • Official website Edit this at Wikidata
  • Business data for Trex: