Simpson Strong-Tie

A Global Leader Built on Strong Foundations

Connecting to a Great Future Anchored on Innovation and Expertise

For nearly seven decades, Simpson Strong-Tie has been synonymous with structural integrity and innovation in the construction industry. Founded in 1956 by Barclay Simpson in California, the company initially manufactured structural connectors for residential and commercial buildings. Today, it stands as a global leader in structural systems—offering not only the connectors that hold buildings together but also the anchoring systems that secure them to their foundations, as well as a host of complementary building solutions.

“We’ve kind of grown into a global leader in structural systems,” says Tim Waite, Senior Territory Manager at Simpson Strong-Tie. “Our emphasis has always been on engineering, innovation, and relationships. I think that’s probably been the secret to Simpson’s success over the years.”

From its beginnings in North America, Simpson Strong-Tie has expanded its reach across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, establishing itself as a trusted name in construction and engineering circles worldwide.

Engineering Progress Through Practical Design

Innovation is more than a buzzword at Simpson Strong-Tie; it’s a living, breathing part of the company’s DNA. Over the decades, the company has continually improved its products through customer feedback and staying ahead of construction trends.

Waite explains that the company’s evolution of hold-downs—devices that anchor structures to foundations—perfectly illustrates this commitment. “This year, we came out with a new hold-down that’s probably like the fifth generation. Over those 70 years, we’ve gone from bolted designs to nailed, then screwed, and now automated designs that are easier to make, use less steel, and require fewer fasteners.”

Simpson Strong-Tie’s approach to innovation is both practical and collaborative. The sales team spends considerable time in the field, engaging directly with builders and contractors who often provide ideas for product improvements or entirely new solutions. This ongoing dialogue ensures that every innovation is grounded in real-world needs and requirements.

The company has also made significant strides in digital and software-based innovation. “We’re working with software where customers can go on our website, input dimensions for a certain product—like a column cap—and get a drawing right in front of them,” Waite says. “They can visualize it before the product is made and prevent mistakes. We’re putting those tools directly in the hands of our customers.”

Beyond structural connectors, Simpson Strong-Tie continues to expand its range of fasteners and other construction essentials. Waite notes with pride the introduction of new screws that can replace traditional hurricane ties. “They’re much easier to install and provide higher load values,” he adds. “It’s constant learning for us because there’s always something new.”

Simpson Strong-Tie Fully Stocked Warehouse

Carrying Forward the Founding Vision

Behind the strength of Simpson Strong-Tie’s products remains an equally strong company culture—one deeply influenced by its founder. Barclay Simpson not only built a successful business but also established enduring principles that continue to shape the company’s identity.

“We really live by the values that Barclay Simpson put forth,” Waite says. “On our website are his nine principles of doing business, and we feel those every day. Even though he’s no longer with us, those principles guide everything we do.”

Among those principles are risk-taking, innovation, equality, and respect for all employees. Waite describes Simpson as a leader who treated everyone—from factory workers bending metal to engineers designing new systems—with the same level of respect. “He realized early on that if you take care of your employees, they have a tendency to stay with you,” Waite says. “His famous saying was, ‘When you come to work for Simpson Strong-Tie, it’s not a bus stop.’ He wanted it to be a career.”

Steel Coils Being Slit to Size to Feed into Automatic Press Making Machinery to Fabricate Simpson
Strong-Tie Connectors at one of Simpson Strong-Tie’s Manufacturing Branches

That philosophy has proven remarkably successful. Many employees stay with the company for decades, a rarity in today’s job market. Waite himself has been with Simpson Strong-Tie for nearly 23 years. “Before I joined Simpson, I was at places for three years here, three years there,” he recalls. “Ever since I landed with Simpson Strong-Tie, I’ve been in the same place.”

From comprehensive health benefits to profit-sharing and generous time-off policies, Simpson Strong-Tie continues to invest in its people, ensuring that the company’s culture remains as strong as its products.

Giving Back: A Core Principal

Corporate social responsibility is not a recent initiative at Simpson Strong-Tie—it has been embedded in the company’s DNA since its founding. One of Barclay Simpson’s core business principles was giving back to the community, and that philosophy continues to thrive across all levels of the organization.

“Habitat for Humanity was a natural partnership for us because so many of our products go into those homes,” Waite says. “We’ve donated both products and volunteer manpower to the construction of thousands of Habitat homes.”

The company’s community efforts extend far beyond one partnership. In Oakland, California, where the company was initially based, Barclay and his wife were major supporters of Girls Inc., an organization dedicated to empowering young women through education and mentorship. “He saw that if young women could get a good education and the resources to succeed, their chances in life were much higher,” Waite shares.

Simpson Strong-Tie also continues to organize its own global volunteer initiative known as Do What You Can Day, during which employees around the world dedicate time to community service. “Everybody in the company takes time that day to support some needy cause,” Waite says. “It could be building bicycles for the less fortunate, building beds for children, or supporting food banks. Helping others is just part of our business.”

Partnering Across the Construction Ecosystem

Collaboration has always been a key factor in Simpson Strong-Tie’s success. The company’s partnerships span the entire construction ecosystem—from engineers and architects to contractors, building inspectors, and insurance companies.

“Our customers touch many different facets of construction,” Waite explains. “We’re involved with the associations that connect all of them—from engineers and architects to contractors and code officials.”

This collaborative approach not only helps Simpson Strong-Tie develop better products but also ensures that its innovations meet evolving regulatory and safety standards. The company regularly participates in building code conferences and supports engineering associations to help professionals accurately interpret and apply codes.

Simpson Strong-Tie Reach Forklift Pulling Product to Fill Order at Warehouse

In Hawaii, where Waite is based, Simpson Strong-Tie partners closely with Zephyr Insurance, a company that specializes in selling hurricane insurance. “They have an annual event to educate people on how to retrofit their homes and make them more resilient,” Waite says. “It’s in their best interest that everybody’s home survives, and we’re proud to be part of that effort.”

Testing the Limits of Strength and Design

Innovation at Simpson Strong-Tie extends beyond product design—it’s deeply tied to advanced testing and technology. Every new product undergoes extensive research, simulation, and stress testing to ensure it meets the company’s high standards.

“If you develop a new product, you can calculate it, but the real proof is in testing,” Waite explains. “We invest heavily in research facilities and testing equipment. Finite element analysis, for example, allows us to analyze material strength and identify potential failure points.”

The company’s internal technology drives product innovation, while its customer-facing software empowers clients with intuitive digital tools. Engineers, builders, and architects can now access web apps and design software that simplify complex calculations and product selection.

“If you go on our website, you’ll see probably 20 or 30 different web apps,” Waite says. “The whole industry is being driven by technology. It used to be a 19-page catalog—now we have online tools, digital design support, and even artificial intelligence integration on the horizon.”

AI, Waite explains, will play an increasingly important role in customer service and design. “We’re looking at how we can use AI to help our customers even more—offering around-the-clock assistance, wherever they are in the world.”

Adapting Innovation to Every Environment

Simpson Strong-Tie’s commitment to innovation also extends to sustainability and regional adaptability. Waite highlights how the company invests in developing corrosion-resistant materials and specialized products to meet local environmental needs.

“In Hawaii, corrosion resistance is a big deal,” he says. “We’re constantly innovating with stainless steel and different coating options to help our markets. Across the world, every region has unique needs—whether it’s hurricanes in the southeast, earthquakes in the west, or moisture challenges in tropical climates.”

The company’s regional teams are empowered to develop products that meet specific local needs—even when the market for them is small. Waite proudly recounts an example from Hawaii, where Simpson Strong-Tie developed a specialized retrofit product for plantation-style homes. “It probably wouldn’t sell anywhere else,” he says, “but it was a worthwhile cause for the people of Hawaii. We developed it to make their homes more resilient.”

That level of flexibility and empathy—rare in global corporations—reflects the company’s deep commitment to people over pure profit. “You might think that working on a small island chain in the Pacific, you’d feel isolated,” Waite says. “But I’ve never felt that. If I have a need, it gets attention. It’s still a human company. We haven’t gotten to the point where we’re so big that we dismiss things that don’t make immediate profit.”

Seventy Years Strong

As Simpson Strong-Tie approaches its 70th anniversary, its mission remains as relevant as ever: to create safer, stronger structures that protect lives and communities. The company continues to pursue both internal innovation and strategic acquisitions to expand its reach and capabilities.

“We’re always looking to innovate—it’s in our DNA,” Waite says. “We have teams constantly looking for new opportunities. That’s what keeps us leaders in our field.”

AT A GLANCE

Who: Simpson Strong-Tie

What: A global leader in structural building solutions, specializing in high-quality connectors, fasteners, anchors, and software that strengthen, support, and secure construction projects

Where: Headquartered in Pleasanton, California, USA

Website: www.strongtie.com