Ornate architectural features that shine at high-profile locations from Beverly Hills to Las Vegas to Manhattan are being created right here in the Lehigh Valley. 
Custom Metal Fabricating in Emmaus designs, manufactures, and installs intricate works of metal and glass such as stairways, elevator enclosures, entrances, and signs. Clients have included the World Trade Center, NBC Studios, and the National Basketball Association in New York City; Wynn casino in Las Vegas; apparel icon Burberry in Chicago; and fashion designer Tom Ford on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
The company expanded to a new, larger location in Emmaus late last year with help from a $129,960 loan from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA). The financing was used to acquire two 5-ton overhead cranes and related runway tracking systems.
“That's something that was absolutely necessary. As metal fabricators, we’ve got to move heavy materials around the shop. So, that was a critical first step,” said Elisse Kasick, the company’s Office Manager and Controller and the wife of President Evan Kasick.
Custom Metal Fabricating was founded in 1997. It uses cutting-edge technology, unique finishing techniques, and artistic influences to create custom feature elements made of bronze, brass, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, wood, glass, specialty glass, acrylics, and polycarbonates, among other materials.
The company produces metal elements and works with partners to provide wood and glass.
“What we do is extremely specialized and unique. It seems like most people dismiss this type of work because it's a little bit more complicated. So, we discovered our niche,” Elisse Kasick said.
Custom Metal Fabricating’s PIDA loan application was submitted through the Lehigh Valley Economic Investment Corporation, which Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) provides administrative services to.
PIDA, one of several financing programs LVEDC administers, offers low-interest loans through certified economic development corporations to businesses for land and building acquisition, construction and renovations, and equipment purchases that result in the creation or preservation of jobs.
Custom Metal Fabricating learned about the financing opportunity through their banker, Josh Dodd of American Bank, Elisse Kasick said. They worked with Jennifer Weighknecht, LVEDC’s Director of Economic Development Finance, on the loan and said the process went smoothly.
“PIDA loans help businesses like Custom Metal Fabricating by providing funding for equipment that is essential for them to expand their operations,” Weighknecht said. “Custom Metal Fabricating’s work is spreading the Lehigh Valley brand from coast-to-coast, and the Lehigh Valley Economic Investment Corporation and LVEDC were pleased to be able to help them grow.”
(Photos courtesy of Custom Metal Fabricating)