Hickey Metal Fab Adding 6th Plant in Salem

SALEM, Ohio – Hickey Metal Fabrication Inc., Salem, is on track to complete a 45,000-square-foot expansion to its operations in Salem Industrial Park.

“This facility, our sixth location in Salem, will be home to three new state-of-the-art machines already ordered, with delivery expected in June and July,” says Leo P. Hickey, president.

The company purchased the land in 2016, construction of the new office and manufacturing complex is underway and it should be finished in late June, he says.

Hickey reports business increased by 10% in 2017 compared to the previous year.

The company fabricates components for original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, and has remained a family-owned business since 1942. Its diversified customer base, along with new investments in technology, has helped it to maintain a strong market presence, Hickey says.

“It’s all about technology,” he observes, noting the company has invested “multi-millions of dollars” in new equipment and machinery across its five locations that stand to improve Hickey Metal’s competitiveness. “Our technological advances in the last several years have opened up new opportunities,” he continues, allowing the company’s processes to become more efficient and to manufacture more products in less time.

These investments in technology have also helped the company to improve the quality of its product, which Hickey says sets it apart from the competition. The company manufactures its products using fundamental processes such as bending, burning, welding and machining.

“It’s always been our parents and our grandparents’ philosophy to invest money back into the company, to continue to update technology,” Hickey says.

The key challenge for the company and other manufacturers is finding skilled workers with a clean record, he says.

“As we look to add employees in 2018, we are looking at a broad range of positions and experience levels,” Hickey says. “We have positions open from general laborer to management.” In 2017, Hickey hired 10 employees and expects to add 20 or more this year.

Hickey Metal Fabrication is committed to giving back to the community, Hickey says. The owners and employees are involved with organizations such as Salem Rotary, Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, 4-H, Salem Area Safety Council and the Salem High School Alumni Association.

Editor’s Note: This story was published in The Business Journal’s Growth Report 2018. The 144-page edition features growth reports from more than 200 local businesses and organizations. It was published this week. If you are not a subscriber, CLICK HERE to purchase a copy or call Eileen Lovell at 330 744 5023 Ext. 1008.

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