Solar Group was established in 1957 as Solar Hardware Company. Its early products included door and window hardware and metal adjustable shelving. In 1976 the company began manufacturing home ventilation products under the AMPCOR name. Then in 1982 a new division called Southern Gemini was added to manufacture mailboxes. In 1988 EFI wood fasteners became part of the company's product offering. At that time all four divisions: SOLAR HARDWARE, AMPCOR, SOUTHERN GEMINI, and EFI were brought together under one name, THE SOLAR GROUP. Solar Group products are marketed throughout the Uited States, Canada, Japan and Germany. In 1998 the Solar Group was acquired by GIBRALTAR INDUSTRIES. GIBRALTAR is a leading manufacturer, processor, and distributor of metals and other engineered materials for the building products, vehicular, and other industrial markets. The company serves approximately 10,000 customers in a variety of industries in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, and Central and South America. It has approximately 3,500 employees and operates more than 74 facilities in 26 states, Canada, and Mexico. Solar Group has a location in Taylorsville, Miss., and is a subsidiary of Gibraltar Industries, Buffalo, N.Y.