Hopewell-Prince George Chamber of Commerce- May, 2005

Service Center Metals invest $28 million in PG expansion

BY JOSH THOMAS

Service Center Metals had this planned all along. “We had our sights set high from the beginning. This expansion was part of the original plan, and it’s moving right on schedule,” said Chip Dollins, vice president.

Thirty-two new jobs will be created initially, and more will be coming later, said SCM President and CEO Scott Kelley. There are several reasons behind the expansion. The total investment for both the original plan and expansions total $28 million in Prince George.

Things have gone as scheduled because the company hit its stride early on. “The market is a 600-million pound market and the industrial sector has been strong lately, so we had a good start.”

The current aluminum press is named Elvis, and the new press, which will triple the capacity of the plant, will be named The Boss, contrary to the traditional Press One and Press Two. A sign in the lobby says ‘Welcome to Graceland’ and there are rock-concert-like posters on the wall of the office introducing The Boss.

The company was started by three longtime friends and business partners, Kelley, Dollins and Randy Weis, and began operation in August of 2003. After years of working for Reynolds Metals Co., the three decided it was time to set out on their own, according to Kelley.

The company selected Prince George out of bids from several other states. “The Prince George area is a great place to be from a logistical standpoint,” said Kelley.

Experience was one of the major selling points of Prince George. The level of industrial expertise related to aluminum production is sizeable because of the other aluminum industries nearby.

SCM extrudes aluminum forms from 20 foot long ‘trees’ of aluminum using a simple process. “When you were a kid you played with Play-Doh. This is a lot like that, except the play doh is very shiny, heavy, and heated to 1000 degrees,” said Dollins, on a tour of the plant.

Technology is an element that makes the company stand out from other local companies according to Dollins. OMAV, and Presezzi, Italian industrial suppliers, played key roles in providing SCM with the very latest equipment, at the right price.

The extruded aluminum is delivered directly to service centers, who turn it into usable products, from aluminum doors to hinges, to the screws that hold the on. “That’s the beauty of these rods. They can be turned into thousands of things,” said Dollins.

The Hollingsworth Companies are developing the site at Southpoint Industrial Park for the expansion. They broke ground with the help of Harrell Excavating of Emporia last week. “Harrell Excavation was johnny on the spot for this project, and they’re doing a great job,” said Warren Green, Industrial Real Estate director for the Hollingsworth Companies.

“I am so very please that Service Center Metals chose to and continues to call Prince George County their homes, “said Joe Leming, chairman of the Prince George County Board of Supervisors. “Their success and presence is helping to fulfill the Prince George County’s vision – to be the best place to live, learn, and work and raise a family.”

President and CEO Kelley and VP Dollins stand in front of the groundbreaking for the expansion of their facility, which will triple their current production capabilities.