May 4, 2016 2 min read

A Speers-based family business with more than four decades of commercial construction experience closed its doors.

A sign this week on the entrance to the headquarters of General Industries on Arentzen Boulevard in Speers Industrial Park stated the company was closed and did not indicate whether the closure was temporary or permanent.

The company, founded in 1973 by the Ivill family, had a major presence in the region’s business landscape, known for its focus on commercial and industrial projects.

Donald Ivill has been president and chief executive officer of the company since 1993.

According to its website, since it began business, General Industries built more than 300 projects for more than 130 different companies in the tri-state area, totaling 10 million square feet.

Among its business assets is the Willow Room, a popular conference and banquet facility in Rostraver Township.

Several calls by the Observer-Reporter left with the company regarding its status went unanswered. A search of federal court records Wednesday did not reveal bankruptcy filings by the company.

General Industries recently completed a 25,000 square-foot equipment showroom and offices for McCutcheon Enterprises Inc. in Houston, and its officials were on hand for MEI’s grand opening celebration April 13.

The company’s projects across the region ranged from office buildings to light industrial plants, hotels, car dealerships, churches and government buildings.

Projects of note include Southpointe Golf Club, 10 Levin Furniture showrooms and a corporate aviation center for Dick’s Sporting Goods.