Celebrating 60 Years of Brentwood

60th Anniversary

Taking on Challenges Since 1965

Brentwood has grown from a small family business into a global leader, driven by a spirit of innovation, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a difference. Over the past six decades, we’ve expanded our reach across industries and continents, continuously evolving to meet the changing needs of our customers and communities. Our journey has been shaped by the dedication of our employees, the trust of our partners, and the support of the communities we serve.

As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we’re not just reflecting on the milestones we’ve achieved—we’re honoring the people and values that got us here. This anniversary is more than a marker of time; it’s a testament to our growth, our global impact, and our unwavering focus on creating a better future. Join us as we commemorate this special year with gratitude, pride, and a renewed commitment to innovation, sustainability, and giving back to the communities that have been part of our story.

Explore Brentwood

Highlights From Our History

1965 – 2025

A black-and-white photo of a long, rectangular, single-story building with a slanted roof. Utility poles, wires, and equipment surround the structure.

The Founding

1965

Brentwood Plastics, Inc., now Brentwood Industries, Inc., was founded in Reading, Pennsylvania, on August 25, 1965.

A man with short hair and a tie sits at a wooden table, leaning slightly forward as he looks at the camera with a neutral expression. The office setting in the background features chairs and partitions, evoking an aura of timeless history. The image is in black and white.

Palle Rye Joins Brentwood

1971

Palle Rye joins Brentwood as Plant Manager and doubles sales within his first four months.

A black-and-white photo of a family standing in front of a decorated Christmas tree. The family consists of a man, woman, young boy, and a girl holding a small dog. Everyone is dressed in formal attire suitable for the holiday.

The Rye Family Purchases Brentwood

1975

When Brentwood went up for sale, Palle and Rita Rye knew they couldn't allow the company to be broken apart. They saw Brentwood's potential and purchased the company with the help of American Bank and Trust on December 11, 1975.

A document from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of State certifies an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation for Brentwood Plastics. It outlines the history, legal articles of amendment, and compliance under the Business Corporation Law, detailing approvals and changes.

Brentwood Gets A New Name

1981

Brentwood Plastics, Inc. officially becomes Brentwood Industries, Inc. on July 2, 1981.

A woman with short brown hair, wearing a dark top and pants, smiles and gestures with both hands in an industrial setting. She stands beside a tall, narrow, rectangular object.

Rita Rye Joins Brentwood

1981

Rita Rye, Palle’s wife, joins Brentwood to oversee the finance department. She personally wrote each check that was sent over the next few years and ensured Brentwood was in top financial standing.

A beige office building with multiple windows and a glass door entrance. In the foreground, a sign reads "Brentwood Industries." The landscaped area features shrubs and small trees, with a few cars parked in front of the building.

Plastics Recycling & Vertical Integration

1989

We open a facility in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, aimed at making Brentwood a vertically integrated business. Millions of pounds of material are now recycled here annually.

A black-and-white photo captures a moment in history: a family of four standing in front of a brick house. The mother cradles a baby, while the father stands beside them, hand in pocket. A young girl grins next to them.

Peter Rye Joins Brentwood

1993

Peter Rye, Palle’s son, joins Brentwood with a background in mechanical and electrical engineering. He moves to Reading with his wife, Leigh, and daughter, Caitlin (his son, Oliver, was born the following year).

A large industrial building with beige walls and a white roof stands about surrounded by a gated fence, with a blue sign displaying "Brentwood Asia Limited" near the entrance.

Brentwood Goes Global

2001

We open a manufacturing and distribution facility in Thailand, following the success of several large projects completed in Southeast Asia.

A handwritten note on a napkin, dated Aug 9 '05, outlines historical financial projections. The text reads: "We will be at an annual rate of 100,000.000 within 2-3 years or sale of about 8,000.000+ per month." It is signed at the bottom.

Palle Sets Milestone Sales Goal

2005

Palle sets a milestone sales goal to hit $100 million. He penned this goal on a napkin while out to lunch, which is now framed and displayed in a boardroom at our headquarters.

Black and white photo of a man and a young boy. The man, wearing a short-sleeved shirt, tie, and trousers, has his arm around the boy, who is dressed in a zip-up jacket. They both stand in front of a door.

Peter Becomes President & CEO

2010

Palle decides to retire and is succeeded as President of the company by Peter.

A red-brick office building with a green metal roof labeled "Brentwood." In front of the building, there is a white and blue sign reading "Brentwood" and "500 Spring Ridge Drive."

Brentwood Moves Its Headquarters

2014

Brentwood makes the difficult decision to shift its headquarters by purchasing new office and warehousing space. The Rye family remained true to the company’s roots and made sure to stay in Reading.

A group of eight individuals wearing masks stands outside a building with large windows. Two people in the center hold boxes labeled "PPE" and "Brentwood."

Brentwood Gives Back During COVID

2020

Brentwood uses its plastics manufacturing expertise during the COVID-19 pandemic to develop a face shield product. Many face shields were donated to local hospitals in the areas we operate.

A bearded older man with grey hair and a light-colored button-up shirt stands next to Caitlin, a younger woman with long brown hair, smiling and wearing a patterned blue blouse.

Caitlin Becomes President & CEO

2024

Caitlin Banta succeeds her father, Peter Rye, as President & CEO. Peter remains engaged in the business as Chief Strategy Officer.

Join The Celebration!

We’re looking forward to collecting your stories and memories about Brentwood over the years. This is open to all employees, customers, and partners—past and present!

We want to know: What makes Brentwood special? Why do you do business with Brentwood? How has Brentwood impacted you?

Please share your story with our Marketing team, either as a video message or written text, by clicking the button below.

Share Your Brentwood Story

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