Building a Legacy: The Story of Simplex Homes
Happenings Magazine, August 2026
In 1971, a vision took shape in Scranton, Pennsylvania — a vision built on craftsmanship, innovation, and the belief that better homes could be built more efficiently without compromising quality. That vision became Simplex Industries, Inc., the parent company of Simplex Homes, and over the next five plus decades, it would grow into one of the Northeast’s most respected names in modular construction.
From the very beginning, Simplex was driven by determination and resilience. Just three years after opening its original manufacturing facility, tragedy struck when the plant was destroyed by fire. For many companies, such a devastating loss could have marked the end. For Simplex, it became the beginning of a new chapter.
The company rebuilt stronger than ever in Scranton, where its headquarters and manufacturing operations continue to thrive today. That moment defined the spirit of Simplex Homes — a company that refuses to stand still, refuses to back down, and continually rises to meet every challenge with innovation and grit.
As modular construction began transforming the housing industry during the 1970s and 1980s, Simplex quickly earned a reputation for building homes of exceptional quality, durability, and value. Strategically located in Northeastern Pennsylvania with access to major interstate highways, the company was perfectly positioned to serve customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions.
Growth followed naturally.
In 1986, Simplex expanded its operations by acquiring the former Doubletier Tennis Club property adjacent to its existing facilities. The expansion allowed the company to significantly increase manufacturing capacity and office space, supporting the growing demand for its homes and services.
But expansion at Simplex was never simply about becoming bigger — it was about becoming better.
Throughout the years, the company continually invested in advanced manufacturing technology, engineering, and production systems that elevated both efficiency and craftsmanship. While the construction industry evolved, Simplex stayed ahead of the curve, embracing innovation while remaining grounded in the values that built the company: integrity, quality, and customer commitment.
During the 1990s and early 2000s, under the leadership of the second generation of family ownership, Simplex entered a new era of innovation and customization. Homebuyers increasingly wanted homes tailored to their lifestyles, and Simplex responded by expanding its portfolio of floor plans, architectural styles, and design options.
At the same time, the company recognized the growing importance of sustainability and energy efficiency. By integrating modern building science and environmentally conscious construction practices, Simplex positioned itself as a leader in the future of residential construction.
As the company continued to evolve, so did its capabilities.
No longer focused solely on single-family homes, Simplex expanded into multifamily housing, commercial projects, dormitories, workforce housing, and specialized structures. Advances in design software, precision engineering, and manufacturing technology enabled the company to deliver increasingly sophisticated buildings with remarkable speed and consistency.
In 2005, recognizing the increasing demand for comprehensive design-build solutions, Simplex established Cornerstone Building Solutions, Inc. Combining the efficiency of modular manufacturing with the flexibility of traditional site-built construction, Cornerstone expanded the company’s ability to deliver fully customized residential and commercial projects throughout the region.
Today, more than fifty years after its founding, Simplex Homes stands as a symbol of innovation, resilience, and American craftsmanship.
What began as a small manufacturing operation in Pennsylvania has grown into one of the Northeast’s premier modular home builders — serving homeowners, builders, developers, and communities across multiple states. Yet despite its growth, Simplex remains proudly family-owned and committed to the same principles that guided the company from day one.
Every home built by Simplex represents more than walls and roofing. It represents generations of experience, thousands of skilled hands, and a relentless commitment to building homes that families can trust for decades to come.
The story of Simplex Homes is not just about construction. It is a story of perseverance through adversity, continuous innovation, and an unwavering dedication to excellence.
And after more than five decades, the company’s greatest achievements may still lie ahead.