The Early Years of Butler Buildings

Butler Manufacturing’s Beginnings
Founded in 1901 in Kansas City, Missouri, by Emanuel Norquist and his partners, Butler Manufacturing initially focused on creating metal products for the agricultural sector. In the early 1900s, farmers and ranchers needed durable, affordable storage solutions for grain, livestock, and machinery, and Butler filled this gap with its steel structures. Among their earliest products were steel cattle water tanks, which were a revolutionary alternative to wooden water tanks that frequently rotted or leaked.
However, it wasn’t long before customers found other creative uses for Butler’s products, leading to some of the first metal building conversions in the industry.

The Conversion of Water Tanks into Garages and Buildings
In the early 1900s, Butler's steel cattle water tanks became popular among farmers and ranchers not just for storing water, but for their adaptability as multipurpose structures. The durable, pre-fabricated steel tanks could easily be converted into garages, workshops, or even small buildings. These conversions represented some of the earliest examples of Butler’s metal structures being repurposed for different uses, a precursor to the company’s future in pre-engineered metal buildings.
Farmers found that with some modifications, these round water tanks could serve as simple but effective shelters for vehicles or equipment, providing protection from the elements. This ingenuity highlighted the versatility of Butler’s products and showcased the potential for steel buildings in a variety of settings beyond agriculture.

The Development of Butler’s “Round Ruf” Buildings
In addition to the creative repurposing of water tanks, Butler Manufacturing began developing new designs that pushed the boundaries of early metal construction. One of the most distinctive early innovations was the “Round Ruf” style building, which featured a unique domed or arched roof design that set it apart from traditional barns or square buildings.
The Round Ruf structures were often used for agricultural purposes, such as grain storage or livestock shelters, and they were particularly valued for their durability and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. The rounded roof design allowed snow and rain to easily slide off, reducing the potential for leaks and structural damage.
These buildings were constructed using pre-engineered steel components, making them quick to assemble and relatively affordable compared to traditional wood-frame buildings. The “Round Ruf” became an early symbol of Butler’s innovative approach to metal building design, foreshadowing the company’s later success with more advanced pre-engineered structures in the mid-20th century.

Expanding Beyond Agriculture
While Butler’s early success was rooted in serving the agricultural community, the versatility of its products soon attracted the attention of industries beyond farming. By the 1920s and 1930s, Butler had begun expanding its product offerings to meet the needs of factories, warehouses, and commercial enterprises, further cementing its role as a pioneer in the metal building industry.
The company's ability to design adaptable, durable, and easy-to-assemble steel structures laid the foundation for its growth in the decades to come. Butler Manufacturing would go on to revolutionize the construction industry with its pre-engineered building systems, a natural evolution of the innovation that began with water tank conversions and Round Ruf buildings.

The Legacy of Early Butler Buildings
The early 1900s were a time of experimentation and innovation for Butler Manufacturing, and the company’s products during this period reflect the ingenuity and forward-thinking approach that would later define its success. The conversion of water tanks into garages and buildings, along with the creation of the unique Round Ruf style, demonstrate Butler’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its customers while pushing the boundaries of what metal structures could achieve.
As we look back on Butler’s early history, it’s clear that the company’s legacy of innovation started from the very beginning. The durable, adaptable steel buildings that farmers once relied on for storing water and equipment would later evolve into the sophisticated, pre-engineered structures that continue to shape the modern landscape of construction.


Butler Manufacturing’s early forays into steel construction with cattle water tanks and Round Ruf buildings showcase the company’s deep roots in American innovation. From humble beginnings serving farmers and ranchers, Butler quickly expanded its product line to meet the needs of a growing nation. The ingenuity of converting water tanks into buildings and the development of arched roof designs were the first steps in a journey that would make Butler a household name in the pre-engineered building industry. Today, Butler’s early structures serve as a testament to the company’s lasting impact on construction, agriculture, and industrial growth in the 20th century.