PITTSFORD, Mich. - eTradeWire -- 2026 is Alumi-Span's 70^th anniversary!

It's not every day a company gets to celebrate 70 years in business—we couldn't be more excited to mark this milestone. Since 1956, we've been building boat docks that boaters can trust. As we head into 2026, we're taking a moment to reflect on how it all started, how far we've come, and where we're headed next.

Where the Alumi-Span Story Begins

Our story starts in 1956 inside Metalloy Foundry, run by mechanical engineer and boating enthusiast Dick Berlin. Back then, docks were heavy, rusty, and made of steel or iron. Dick saw a better way. He created an all-aluminum dock system — lighter, cleaner, and stronger than anything on the market. In fact, some of those very first docks are still out on the water today.

The Breakthrough That Changed Everything

Just a few years later, in 1961, Dick introduced what would become a defining moment for the dock industry: the F-stringer aluminum dock section. By combining F-shaped side beams with interlocking aluminum boards, he created a dock that wasn't just lighter — it was smarter, safer, and more affordable.

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People took notice:

• Alcoa recognized it as one of the best new aluminum products of the year
• It appeared in over 20 industry publications
• And soon, over 200 marinas across the northern states were carrying it

Competitors tried to copy the idea, but the original Alumi-Span system set the bar.

Read the full article on Alumi-Span's website: https://www.alumi-span.com/Cheers-to-70-Years-of-Top-Notch-Docks_b_123.html

Learn How to Build a Boat Dock!

Ready to start building?

If you have questions or you're ready to place an order, don't hesitate to reach out to us at 855-523-2444 or through our online contact form: https://www.alumi-span.com/Contact-Us_ep_55-1.html

About Alumi-Span Docks: Since 1956, Alumi-Span has been a name that people trust. Whether it's a complete boat dock system or the individual components, we manufacture our products using quality methods and materials. Interested in a new dock or replacement parts that last? Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 855-523-2444 to find out more.