Harry E. Branson, founder and chairman of the Threaded Rod Co., passed away on May 17, 2006, at the age of 79.

Branson began the Threaded Rod Co., a manufacturer of threaded rod, couplers, flats, angles, keystock, and foundation anchor bolts headquartered in Indianapolis, in his garage in 1958 in Irvington, Ind. Before that, he worked with W.J. Holliday Steel Co., including the Jones and Laughlin Steel Division. Branson also is an inductee into the National Industrial Fastener Hall of Fame; served as a liaison committee member for the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Assn.; and participated for many years in the National Fastener Distributors Assn.

Branson's daughter, Rebecca Branson, serves as CEO of the company.