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Metalworks Inc. is an award-winning manufacturing corporation that is recognized throughout the office furniture industry as a leader in LEAN manufacturing.
Established in 1966 by G. William Paine, Metalworks provides metal pedestal files, lateral files, and other filing and storage cabinets to the Contract Furniture Industry. Before entering the office furniture industry as an OEM supplier in 1981, Metalworks and Fab-Lite, (Metalworks Inc.) manufactured a variety of products including hospital beds, coin change machines, heavy steel buckets for front-end loaders, and truck cabs. Over the years, we’ve found that manufacturing flexibility and a keen awareness of our customers’ needs have been essential to our security and growth as a company. Our employees, each and every one, play a critical role in keeping us sharp in these areas. Metalworks Inc. consists of two facilities, Metalworks in Ludington and Fab-Lite in Manistee. Both plants work closely together, supplying one-another with components and combining orders for shipment to our customers.
Bill and Marty Paine purchase Savage Manufacturing in 1966.
Bill Paine receives a patent for the Super Spring hospital bed, beginning a lucrative contract with Joerns in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
The overbed table and side rails for hospital beds were manufactured for Joerns for many years.
Savage wins International Harvester contract for the 510 front end loader cab. This paves the way for future fabrication of cabs for three additional models.
Milestone of manufacturing the company’s 1,000th 510 model cab for International Harvester is celebrated.
New 55,000 square foot building is constructed in the industrial park. With no funds for offices, 2 portable buildings were purchased from West Shore College to use as office space.
American Seating awards Savage Manufacturing its pedestal business.
Savage Manufacturing lands major account with JCB.
Qantel is company’s first computer.
JCB product line gets transferred to Manistee, creating Heavy Metal Co.
Rowe International becomes a major customer in 1985.
The company name changes to Metalworks.
Expansion of Metalworks plant and offices.
Component Services facility is built.
Second major addition to Metalworks’ facilities.
Tom Paine becomes President.
Metalworks begins powder coating.
Michigan Governor John Engler visits. Metalworks during re-election tour.
Steve Paine becomes President of new Fab-Lite facility in Manistee.
Company receives ISO certification.
ADM Drawer machine arrives at Metalworks.
Company acquires Collegiate License contract to manufacture University of Michigan football cabinets.
Metalworks receives The Shingo Prize for Manufacturing Excellence.
Sales hit $57.6 million!
End of an era – Metalworks and Fab-Lite convert 100% to powdercoat.
Tom and Steve Paine take over full ownership of Metalworks.
Qantel computer gets replaced by Epicor ERP.
Cayenne product line is launched.
In-Line Lockers are introduced.
Metalworks celebrates 50 years!
Personal storage introduced.
Fab-Lite adds 40,000 sq. ft. to its Manistee facility.
Metalworks expands its locker line.
Metalworks adds laminate capabilities and assembly.
Metalworks strengthens product development services.
Epicor ERP moves to the Cloud.
Scott Lakari becomes president of Metalworks.
Tom Paine transitions to CEO of Metalworks.
