South Bend company is poised for growth

The bold, angular “G” tipped on its side, affixed to an odd collection of buildings along south Main Street in South Bend, is a positive sign.

It’s a sign that those buildings, bought one at a time as the local company has expanded, prove there’s still plenty of life ahead for the local business as it nears its 90th birthday.

General Sheet Metal Works, founded in 1922 originally as a supplier for the legendary Studebaker auto manufacturer, is alive and well.

And growing.

John Axelberg, president of General Sheet Metal Works

Leveraging talent and technology

“We currently operate from a campus of four buildings in South Bend,” says John Axelberg, the company’s candid and approachable president. “The big problem is that it was never designed as a campus. We just kept buying buildings next door when we needed more space.”

Axelberg articulates a clear vision for his business, a leading provider of metal parts and assemblies to numerous original equipment manufacturers.

“There came a point not that long ago when we stopped viewing ourselves as a company that cuts, forms and bends metal,” Axelberg says, “and instead started seeing a company that leverages talent and technology in the service of its customers.

“When that happened, the landscape suddenly became a whole lot more interesting,” he adds.

One feature of that landscape is the company’s inclusion on this year’s list of 43 Indiana Companies to Watch, an award presented by the Indiana Economic Development Corp. Companies on the list have created more than 550 new jobs throughout the state and project an increase of more than $100 million in revenues over 2010.

Making new technologies ‘sing’

Part of General Sheet Metal Works’ future growth will almost certainly be connected to the development of Ignition Park. One project involves working with Sweden-based Bergvik Flooring Group, a manufacturer of raised floor systems for data centers like Data Realty, LLC, which plans to break ground at Ignition Park.

“We’re pretty good at acquiring new technology and learning how to make it sing,” Axelberg says. “As Ignition Park starts filling up with other businesses, we hope our new neighbors will see us as ‘their shop.’”

Specifically, General Sheet Metal Works could provide future businesses at Ignition Park with prototyping and production support.

To accommodate its growth, General Sheet Metal Works is planning the construction of a new headquarters facility in South Bend.

“It’s been clear for more than a year now that we need to add capacity to continue our present growth trajectory,” Axelberg says. “The City of South Bend has been highly proactive in helping us address this challenge. I never expected to find the depth of talent I’ve encountered, nor the degree of collaboration between different departments. The prevailing spirit is one of ‘How can we make this happen?’ as opposed to ‘Here’s why it will never work.’”

Axelberg is especially appreciative of help from Phil D’Amico, director of business growth for The Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County, in collaboration with the City of South Bend. “When we have needed to look outside our company for a particular capability, he has often been able to connect us with partners right here in the community,” Axelberg says.

… and still more growth

Looking ahead, Axelberg anticipates that the company’s ability to acquire new skills and collaborate effectively will fuel even further success.

“We’ve been working with an extraordinary continuous-improvement consulting group,” he says. “The results to date have been amazing, and the best part for me is seeing how much fun people are having in the process!”

For more information about General Sheet Metal Works, go to: www.gsmwinc.com