ABOUT US
who we are
We focus on designing high quality standard and custom kilns for the ceramics, glass, porcelain, pottery, heat treating and metal art clay markets. We focus on quality and innovation to assure you that your Paragon kiln will produce reliable and consistent results. Paragon has invested for a long term commitment in the kiln market by developing a 52,000 square foot manufacturing facility staffed with over 70 full time employees, including two research and development engineers and five customer support agents.
Together with over 200 knowledgeable distribution partners operating in 17 countries, Paragon is able to deliver a more extensive product line than any competitor in our markets. Our post sales support includes long-term availability on replacement parts and educational seminars on kiln operation, maintenance, repair and advanced technical support. We also produce videos so you can learn at home.
Why Paragon?
We take the time to listen to our customers. We value your opinions on kilns. Your feedback often results in better Paragon designs and new features. Listening to you has resulted in developing 10 new product lines in the last 5 years. With over 4,000 kiln products to choose from, Paragon has the largest selection in the industry. Because we manufacture everything from small table top kilns for first-time buyers to large production kilns for commercial users, we have kilns that are perfectly suited just for you.
The drive for continual design improvement has made Paragon an industry standard for kiln design, as many of our ideas have been subsequently used by our competitors. We use high quality suppliers such as the legendary Orton Ceramics for all of our digital controllers. Our kilns are ergonomically designed with you in mind. We know your time and materials are valuable, so we continually improve our kilns to give you consistent and repeatable firings.
Company History
Paragon is a brand that began in 1948, when ceramic enthusiast Frances Darby and her husband built one of the first electric kilns in America. What started as a small garage workshop quickly grew as their kilns gained a reputation for quality and reliability.
In 1981, John Hohenshelt, Sr. purchased the company’s assets and formally established Paragon Industries, LP. Under his leadership, Paragon expanded into a modern, 70,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Mesquite, Texas, becoming one of the leading kiln manufacturers in the world.
Since then, Paragon kilns have become trusted companions in studios, classrooms, workshops, and factories across the globe. Known for their durability and performance, many continue to operate flawlessly decades after they were first built.
In 2013, industry veteran Todd Lokash joined Paragon as President, bringing more than 35 years of experience in manufacturing and leadership. On August 1, 2023, he became the owner of Paragon Industries, LP, opening a new chapter in the company’s history. Todd’s vision emphasizes modernization, product innovation, and strengthening customer care—all while staying true to the values that have defined Paragon for generations.
Today, Paragon continues to lead the industry with kilns designed for hobbyists, professional makers, and industrial clients. From ceramics and glass to pottery, heat treating, and metal art clay, our products empower creators and businesses worldwide. Built with pride in Mesquite, Texas, every Paragon kiln is made to last.
