On July 15, 1920, back when milk only cost 60 cents a gallon, Langdon S. Barron Sr. co-founded the Barron & Richter Pattern Company in St. Louis, MO. Three years later, he became the sole owner and expanded the business to include machine finishing of bronze and aluminum castings. Fast forward 18 years to January 1941, Barron partnered with Charles Elmendorf to form Alpha Brass Foundry Company. After Barron’s death in April 1958, his widow, Clara A. Barron, took ownership, and their son, Robert H. Barron, assumed management. The company incorporated as Alpha Foundry Company on August 1, 1960. Robert patented the “Alpha Process” for shell face molds, enhancing casting quality and efficiency. In 1972, Robert’s son, Emerson S. Barron, joined the company, eventually transitioning it to focus on aluminum casting using the Alpha Process. Emerson’s son, Ryan Barron, joined in 1999, and became president in 2006, being the fourth generation Barron to oversee operations at Alpha Foundry. Ryan continues to maintain the family legacy of innovation and quality in the foundry industry today.
Alpha Foundry continues to forge ahead with their patented Alpha Process and utilizes the latest in 3D printed sand technology supporting the automotive, aerospace and defense, construction, agriculture, mining, medical and electrical industries to name a few – with the fifth generation Barron family represented in the business.
In February 2025, Langdon S. Barron Sr. was inducted into the Missouri Association of Manufacturers Hall of Fame. The award was accepted on his behalf by Emerson Barron, Lagdon’s grandson and third-generation Barron Alpha owner.
The Missouri Manufacturers Hall of Fame’s mission is to honor and celebrate the deep and rich history of Manufacturing in Missouri – recognizing individuals and companies for innovations, inspirations, and contributions to the industry while embodying the pride, passion, and spirit of manufacturing.
The class of 2025 includes Johnny Morris, Founder, White River Marine Group – Tracker and Bass Pro Shops, revolutionized the marine industry when he introduced the world’s first “fish ready” professionally rigged and nationally marketed boat, motor, and trailer packages.
Jack Gentry, Founder, Positronic – a global leader in the design and manufacturing of high-performance electrical connectors.
Gerard “Jerry” Klapp, Founder, Missouri Equipment Company in St. Louis, Missouri, is a seasoned entrepreneur and leader in the manufacturing and industrial equipment sector.
Langdon Barron, Sr., Founder, Alpha Foundry Company
Paul Mueller Company, a prominent feature in manufacturing in Springfield, MO. The concentration of manufacturers of stainless-steel processing equipment in Springfield is due to the presence of Paul Mueller Company in Springfield.
