1948

Jim Feeney opened the doors of Feeney Wire Rope & Rigging in an old soap factory building located on the edge of the San Francisco Bay in Berkeley, California. The post-War, San Francisco Bay Area was booming with military, maritime and construction business, and Feeney quickly gained a solid reputation as a company that provided quality rigging products and superior service. With hard work, a dedicated staff, and an expanding list of satisfied customers, Feeney soon grew to become one of the leading suppliers of custom rigging and hardware in the region. And this position still holds true today.

1979

Ernest S. Ralston purchased Feeney. With an eye toward the future and an enthusiastic, open-minded approach to business, he, along with other family members and staff, were able to incorporate new ideas and new products into the mix allowing them to expand into new markets beyond traditional industrial rigging.

1988

Feeney first introduced the CableRail line of architectural cables and fittings in response to a new and growing interest by architects and builders for modern and unobtrusive railing infill products. The line was extremely well received, but some customers seemed a bit confused by the wide array of cable and fitting options; simplification was needed.

1989

Feeney alleviated any customer confusion by unveiling CableRail Standard Assemblies (now called CableRail Kits). These were prefabricated cable assemblies sold in standardized lengths that could be trimmed to exact size in the field, and they incorporated Feeney's patented, automatic jaw-locking QuickConnect® fitting. These assemblies were simple to understand, easy to use, economical and beautifully unobtrusive: perfect for projects with a view. Sales took off, and a new railing infill market was born in the U.S.

1998

Feeney expanded its operations and opened a Northwest facility, in Eugene, Oregon, to develop its garden product collection and architectural line: aluminum railing frame systems. Feeney was now able to offer its customers not only CableRail cables but also a complete railing system with cable, glass panel, or picket infill options. The railings were first introduced under the CableRail brand but are now marketed under their own brand, DesignRail®. This product addition solidified Feeney's position as a significant and influential voice in the rapidly expanding railing market.

2007

Due to the unexpected passing of Mr. Ralston, the business was left to family members to continue his vision and commitment to delivering high quality products and superior service.

And Today

The company, which simply goes by the name Feeney, Inc., is owned and operated by his daughter, Katrina M. Ralston, and his wife, Grissell M. Ralston. Feeney remains focused on the development of new and innovative product offerings, as well as, traditional industrial rigging services, fabrication and hardware. The company has locations in California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Oregon.