Rock Run Industries
Innovators of the Metal-Forming World

Innovations have always driven the metal-forming space, shaping the industry with cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing for crafting advanced manufacturing tools and robotic components.

However, the linchpin of these innovations lies not only in technology but also in the proficiency of its users. This has brought to light a significant challenge that looms over the industry—the scarcity of skilled labor. The shortage has become a bottleneck, impeding the efficiency of metal-forming companies in effectively catering to their clients’ demands.

Rock Run Industries, a growth-oriented premier metal-forming expert, is committed to constantly integrating state-of-the-art technology with a skilled workforce, offering premier contract manufacturing services. The company employs 100-plus top-of-the-line employees and equips them with tools like sheet and tube lasers, computer numeric controlled (CNC) press brakes, panel benders, CNC tube benders, robotic welders, and automated powder coating lines sourced from globally acclaimed machine manufacturers. It also houses an in-house engineering and prototyping team of experts capable of 3D CAD. All these capabilities combined position it to fulfill clients’ every need consistently, focusing on ground-breaking product designs that epitomize quality and cost-efficiency.

The company’s spirit of constant innovation, combining metal-forming skills with technologies, is evident from its client engagements since its inception. Fritz Schlabach, its founder, encountered an issue in the recreational vehicle (RV) industry regarding malfunctioning outdoor wooden cooking setups, which swelled in cold storage. This was a major problem for RV owners at the time.

To devise a solution, he used the wooden cooking setup designs to create a similar outdoor setup using steel, retaining the functionalities without succumbing to cold storage-induced swelling. This addressed the issue and introduced a modern and aesthetic appeal, signaling the initiation of using steel cooking setups in RVs, a prevailing practice in contemporary vehicles. The success also marked the inception of Rock Run Industries' ascent as a reliable fabricator for the RV industry.

In another case, Rock Run Industries assisted an RV manufacturer in achieving a cost-effective cable railing look for their RV's exterior. Given the expensive and fragile nature of cable railings, coupled with potential non-compliance with stringent vehicle regulations, the team proposed an alternative— the use of stainless steel rods to create the desired appearance. Despite the project's successful advancement, Schlabach intervened, envisioning ways to enhance cost-efficiency. Instead of using standard fasteners, he recommended using sheet metal to trap these rods into the railing. This resulted in a more sturdy structure and substantially reduced the client's expenses.

“We are nimble enough to mold our services and solutions to meet client's needs, exceeding their expectations. We have a small shop atmosphere with large shop skills, granting us customer’s trust and an average of 35 percent revenue growth each year,” says Brandon Esh, marketing manager of Rock Run Industries.

Fritz has instilled this spirit of customer support in the company's ethos. On January 1, 2024, he included his son John in leadership responsibilities, and the company received another metal-forming expert with equal passion and dedication, coupled with modern-day ideas to propel the company to new heights.

“I look forward to taking a greater leadership role, and continuing our legacy while modernizing some of our processes,” says John.

Currently, the company is poised for geographical expansion across America. John is diligently exploring avenues to establish Rock Run Industries facilities nationwide, maintaining a commitment to its core values and ensuring consistent quality in contract manufacturing and customer support. Together with its experts and use of the latest technological developments, the company is set to redefine the metal forming industry.