Learn about the McLane Group, its subsidiaries, and the history of how the McLane name became one of the most recognizable in Central Texas and beyond.

If you’ve spent any time in Central Texas, the name McLane probably looks familiar. Founded by Texas business icon Drayton McLane Jr. and headquartered just outside of Temple, McLane Group is a holding company  for a variety of businesses and enterprises with worldwide reach and recognition. The McLane Group as we know it today has a rich history spanning over 100 years of entrepreneurship and innovation grown from a small family business.

The McLane Origin Story

In 1894 in Cameron, TX, Robert McLane founded a small retail grocery store serving the local community. Soon after, McLane transitioned the company to focus on grocery distribution and wholesale, establishing it as McLane Company, Inc. Robert’s son, Drayton Sr., joined the family business after graduating from college and helped his father steadily grow it over several decades. By the 1960s, the McLane Company had grown into a leading grocery wholesaler and distributor. 

During these crucial decades of growth, Drayton Sr.’s son, Drayton Jr., got an early start at nine years old helping out with odd jobs on the weekends. Drayton Jr. continued to help out and learn about other areas of the business throughout his teenage years, and he officially joined the family business after completing a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. 

Drayton Jr. took over as president and CEO of the company in 1964, and throughout his 30 year tenure grew the business exponentially. One of his key decisions was moving the company from Cameron to Temple to take advantage of the central location — ideal for a distribution company. 

The McLane Group is Born

Under the leadership of Drayton McLane, Jr. the McLane Company grew into a nationally recognized supply chain services leader in the 1990s, and in 1992, Drayton McLane Jr. founded McLane Group — a holding company for the wide array of businesses, enterprises, and other projects under McLane’s expertise. The company’s portfolio spans industries including  global logistics, technology, food production, and automotive sales. Currently, McLane Group’s subsidiaries are:

 

McLane’s Philanthropic Impact
In addition to being a heavy hitter in the business world, Drayton McLane Jr. has been involved with many philanthropic projects in his community. In honor of McLane’s devotion and generosity, the McLane name  can also be found on buildings and institutions including: 

  • The McLane School of Business at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
  • McLane Stadium at Baylor University
  • McLane Children’s Specialty Clinic — a part of the Baylor Scott & White Health System

McLane Group and its subsidiaries have been immensely important players in the economic development of Temple, Central Texas, and beyond.