Who Owns Clayton Homes?

Clayton Homes was founded in 1956 by Jim Clayton in Knoxville, Tennessee. The company pioneered the manufactured housing industry, providing affordable housing solutions to middle and lower-income families. Clayton Homes developed innovative manufacturing processes and financing options to make homeownership accessible. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for affordable housing while establishing a distinctive housing approach that would define the manufactured housing industry for generations.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Clayton Homes expanded rapidly, becoming the largest manufactured housing company in the United States. The company went public in 1983 and continued to grow through acquisitions and organic expansion. By the 1990s and 2000s, Clayton Homes had established itself as a leader in affordable housing. This period of expansion demonstrated Clayton Homes' exceptional ability to scale operations while maintaining consistent quality standards and brand positioning that would define the company for decades.

In 2003, Berkshire Hathaway acquired Clayton Homes for approximately $1.7 billion. This strategic acquisition reflected Berkshire's interest in the housing market and Clayton's market leadership in manufactured homes. This acquisition demonstrated exceptional vision for creating a comprehensive housing company while providing the resources necessary for continued growth and innovation.

Under Berkshire Hathaway ownership, Clayton Homes has continued to expand its operations and product offerings. The company now operates manufacturing facilities across the United States and provides financing options through Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries, making homeownership more accessible. This continued evolution demonstrates Clayton Homes' exceptional ability to adapt to changing housing market conditions while maintaining its core brand values and commitment to affordable, quality housing solutions. The brand's continued success under Berkshire Hathaway ownership represents a significant milestone in its history of manufacturing excellence and affordable housing innovation.