It is the end of an era in Katy – an era of family ownership of a local company that dates back generations to the time the city began.

With the retirement of company president Randy Peck, which became effective on February 29, 2024, K-T Bolt will no longer be owned by the Peck family – one of the founding families in Katy.

Surrounded by the Peck family matriarch Iris as well as siblings and the cousins who own sister company K-T Galvanizing, Peck was celebrated for his 35 years of service to the company by employees, customers and vendors at a retirement luncheon March 1st at Midway BBQ, 6025 Highway Blvd in Katy.

Peck was presented with a specially-made bolt commemorating his years with the family company; other family members received these special bolts as well. Many of the employees present had been with the company fifteen years or more, and several spoke to thank Randy for the role that he and the company had played in their lives.

Peck and his family have been active supporters of FFA projects as well as quietly supporting other community causes such as the Knights of Columbus, said company administrative assistant Carla Clark. Peck is also a partner with Mickie Blackmon in a local Red Wing Shoe store on Mason Road near I-10.

The K-T Bolt company at 1150 Katy Fort Bend Road now employs 61 workers and is a leading manufacturer and distributor of fasteners for structural steel fabrication, general and highway construction, mining, railroads, agriculture, and other industries, according to the company website.

But its origins are much more humble.

According to a Katy Times article written by Ruby Robinson in October 1987, the company began as a small blacksmith shop located at Avenue A and First Street in Katy, operated by Roy Peck. Roy Peck bought the original red building and equipment from his father, Roy Peck in 1921 and remained there until 1925, where his son Charlie assisted him until around 1945. After working in the Houston Shipyards during World War II, Charlie returned to Katy and ran the blacksmith shop for his father and in 1953 became the sole owner, following his father’s death. That year, Charlie erected a building at Katy Fort Bend and Highway 90.

In 1963 Charlie’s son Charles joined the company and the business relocated to 5103 Third Street. In 1979, Charles’ son Randy began working in the family-owned business. In 1973, the state of Texas incorporated K-T Bolt, with Charlie Peck and Charles Peck each owning 50%. Also that year, Charles and his brother Alfred formed a partnership to create the sister company, K-T Galvanizing. In 1989, the company bought an 8.78 tract of land on Katy Fort Bend Road where the first building was built in 1990. A second building for shipping and receiving was added in 1997, followed by a third building in 1999 and fourth and fifth buildings in 2009. In June 2009 the third building burned to the ground; the cause of the fire remains unknown. Buildings six and seven were built around 2011.

K-T Bolt merged with Birmingham Fasteners in 2022, with Randy Peck retaining 25% of the stock; that stock was just sold in February 2024 with 10% acquired by Birmingham Fasteners and 15% by FMW

Corporation. As Birmingham Fastener assumes greater control of K-T Bolt, the president’s role vacated by Peck will be filled by Baron Yarborough.

Peck said that he plans to spend time during retirement in Sealy near one of his children and at a property he recently acquired in Oklahoma. He is an avid hunter and outdoorsman.