About
Metaltech

I was always good at math. My dad used to quiz me with word problems featuring parts of our farm, like the cattle. He taught me to break a problem down into its smallest form and then put it back together. I believe this is still the best way to problem-solve today—to take big problems and break them down into smaller projects or processes.

Solving A Problem

I got into metal fabrication and machining in 1997, while working for Electrovert (now ITW EAE). During the 13 months I spent with the company, I led an outsourcing team focused on metal fabrication and machining. We had one particular problem. It was hard to find a supplier for large machine frames.

I had always dreamed of owning my own company. Here was my chance. I saw that I could fulfill at least one customer’s needs right out of the gate by supplying something they couldn’t get elsewhere. I had the knowledge to build these frames, and the experience of managing a large manufacturing workforce.

It was time to open up shop.

Metaltech’s Beginnings

My wife Dana and I opened the doors to Metaltech Products, Inc. (MPI) in 1998. With a $76,000 loan, we built a 4,000 square foot building and bought a hydraulic ironworker, band saw, MIG welder, TIG welder, drill press and some hand tools.

After the equipment, all we needed was an experienced metal fabricator. Thankfully, we found one. Tony Evans was known as the best metal fabricator in the area, and he exceeded this reputation. Tony was one of my heroes. He taught me so much, from how to MIG and TIG weld to the differences in metals and their characteristics.

In February of 1999, Tony was killed in a motorcycle accident. This was a severe blow for Dana and I. We had worked lots of long hours, almost all night and day on some occasions, and we had gotten to know Tony and his family very well. I was the one who had to tell his children he was not coming home, and it was the hardest thing I have ever done.

A Screeching Halt

The year 2001 was an uncertain one for our company and our country. We purchased Ozarks Sheetmetal in January, obtained 22,000 square feet of space, and moved the sheet metal company in with Metaltech by June.

Things seemed to be going well until the tech bubble burst and 9/11 happened. We were all scared about what was going to happen next. For Metaltech, everything came to a screeching halt.

By Thanksgiving, there were 17 of us still employed, down from 29 in January. At this point, we did a lot of praying. We rolled up our sleeves and went after anything we could get to generate sales.

Continued Growth

Since the early 2000s, Metaltech has continued to grow, expanding our services and capabilities to offer the best solutions for our customers.

Here are some of the highlights:

• We started Powder Paint, Inc. (PPI) in 2003.
• We brought home our first robotic welding cell in 2005.
• Metaltech grew by 38,000 square feet in 2008. With a new building, we had a total of 60,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space.
• In 2008, we bought our first laser cutting machine.
• We obtained our ISO 9001:2015 certification in 2009, and it continues to play a key part in our success.
• In response to our growing design and development capabilities, we added 8,000 square feet of office space in 2011.
• We purchased an additional 113,000 square foot facility in Lebanon, Missouri in February of 2015.
• On October 1, 2016, Powder Paint, Inc. (PPI) legally merged with Metaltech Products, Inc. (MPI).

Both our children, Blake and Brice, also work with us, making Metaltech a true family affair.

I don’t believe Metaltech could have lasted as long as it has without all of our dedicated employees, suppliers and customers. You’ve helped make Metaltech what it is today.

— Darrel Bishop, President