Before founding Aluminum Specialties Manufacturing, Inc., Ray L. Smith worked in Houston helping open a patio cover manufacturing company. Through that experience, Smith knew he could bring the manufacturing technology and a similar model to the Baton Rouge area, thus Aluminum Specialties Manufacturing, Inc. was born in 1964. It was the first company of its kind in Baton Rouge.

Beginning as a truckbed operation selling patio covers and window awnings, Smith quickly grew the company and landed his first shop located on Plank Road. In 1968, the shop was moved to a small office and display room at Victoria and Airline Highway to account for the quick growth.

With capacity continuing to build, the business moved once again in 1970 to 8391 Paris Avenue, which offered a shop with over 2,000 square feet. This location has remained the home of Aluminum Specialties Manufacturing, Inc. since, but has seen exponential growth as new buildings have been added to the location and is now over 15,000 square feet.