Astro Sheet Metal
 |
| Figure 1 Three Generations of Leadership at Astro Sheet Metal Co.: John, Allan, and Steve Paxton |
Astro Sheet Metal Co. Inc.
205 Sharon St.
Irving, TX 75061
Phone: 972-438-1110
Fax: 972-721-0177
http://www.astrosheetmetal.com
sales@astrosheetmetal.com
By Steve Paxton
OPENED: 1967
WHY: After working for other metal fabrication companies for 17 years, my grandfather, John W. Paxton, and his partner decided to go into business together, because they believed that they could be successful. After a couple of years, my grandfather bought out his partner, and the company has been owned by the Paxton family ever since (Figure 1).
CAPABILITIES:
We are a custom metal fabrication company, so we see a little bit of everything. Our focus is on architectural metals, such as prefinished brake metal, column covers, and handrails, but we were founded as an industrial shop, and we maintain those capabilities as well, producing custom chutes, hoppers, platforms, guards, etc. We provide shearing, forming, CNC plasma cutting, punching, rolling, welding, and polishing (up to mirror finish) on metals of all types.
SHOP WORKHORSE(S): (Most-used/indispensable equipment)
Our two shears and six press brakes—with 16-foot shearing and forming capability—are definitely our most used pieces. We believe in buying good equipment, and our CNC machinery ensures consistency and topnotch quality.
 |
| Figure 2 Flag Stand at Texas Motor Speedway Photo courtesy of Astro Sheet Metal Co. |
MOST UNUSUAL OR MEMORABLE PROJECT:
You see a lot over 43+ years, but a few projects come to mind: 1. Fabricating mirror-polish flag stands for three NASCAR® venues (Figure 2); 2. Producing tapered roofing panels for a minor-league baseball park; and 3. Creating tapered rectangular stainless steel columns 11 feet tall with square corners and no exposed fasteners or seams.
GREATEST CHALLENGE:
Finding talented employees that possess either the proper skills or the drive to acquire the skills needed for high-end, custom metal fabrication. The perception of a metal shop is very different from our reality. There is a great deal of artistry and craftsmanship in what we do.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The Dallas-Fort Worth area has made it through the recession in decent shape, and we look for things to improve as the economy rebounds. We also are testing other regions for expansion possibilities and progressing through management transition from our second generation to our third generation.
ADVICE FOR WOULD-BE SHOP OWNERS:
Our company has been successful by adhering to three core principles: quality, proficiency, and outstanding customer service. With these principles in place, I think any company will be in good shape.
CONTACT:
Steve Paxton
Astro Sheet Metal Co. Inc.
