Bill Hewgley, president of Metalworking Solutions, beamed like a proud father as the forklift operator slowly pushed a new 13 1/2-ton $500,000 metal-cutting laser up the ramp into his building.
“I had $300 and a wrecked 1964 Ford when I married my childhood sweetheart,” said Mr. Hewgley. “This feels a lot like that.”
The laser, which can cut thicker metal than Mr. Hewgley’s existing laser, will help the company ramp up production to meet expected demand, and broaden the range of products the company will offer.
“Everybody’s held off on buying everything because of this recession, but when the economy starts up again we’re going to be ready to help, and we will be able to respond even more rapidly to demand,” said Mr. Hewgley.
He started Metalworking Solutions with his own money three years ago in an attempt to leverage 40 years of steel industry knowledge into a profitable enterprise. Operating by referrals and without a marketing or advertising budget, Mr. Hewgley said his company has increased revenue by $1 million each year. He projects another $1 million in growth for 2010.