Neon signs were the height of popularity in 1931, when Thomas R. Allen of Greensboro, North Carolina opened Allen Neon Display with four employees. The business prospered, growing into a family affair with the addition of Allens three sons, James, Bob, and Tom, Jr. In the ensuing years, the brothers paths diverged. In the early 60s, James assumed control of the original business, and brothers Bob and Tom Jr. spun off with a separate branch, Andco. Under James Allens leadership, the companys focus evolved from custom sign building to large-scale sign program manufacturing. The business grew rapidly, building on longstanding partnerships with the burgeoning fast food industry and numerous other business sectors. James three sons, Tom, John and David, began working in the business as teenagers. Beginning at the bottom as shop floor sweepers, they progressed through estimating, accounting and sales, gaining a thorough knowledge and understanding of the family business. In 1988, Tom, John and David took the helm and have continued to transform the business to meet the changing times. Included in their strategic plans were the purchase of Peninsular Sign Company in Clearwater, Florida, and the reincorporation of Andco under the Allen Industries umbrella. In 2010, Allen Industries opened a West Coast division in Phoenix, Arizona. Today, Allen Industries is the nations fifth largest sign manufacturer, with the capacity, equipment and expertise to design, build, and maintain every type of signage and re-imaging program.