February 1, 2019.
Next Level Metal announced today that new investors have infused fresh capital to continue sparking its fast-paced growth as a dominant artisanal metal fabricator in the Midwest and Texas. This move represents the most significant transaction in the company’s 13-year history.
Next Level Metal (formerly Griggs Metal Art and Fabrication) focuses on designing and manufacturing custom metalwork in a wide range of forms that are both functional and stunning. Favorite projects include entry gates, fencing, helical staircases, and custom furniture. The company’s dramatic growth is driven by increased demand among architects, designers, and developers seeking to differentiate themselves by using artisans to create custom pieces for their clients. Customers also include landscapers, custom homebuilders, and high-end property owners like Billy G’s in St. Louis, Missouri, for whom distinctive design and customer experience are top priority.
Over the last six months, Next Level Metal has added talented fabricators with deep experience in design and mixed materials and has acquired substantial assets in the form of state-of-the art equipment and technology. Building on this momentum, Next Level Metal will accelerate growth and innovation, invest in additional sales and marketing resources, and evaluate strategic acquisition opportunities. Next Level Metal is now capable of working on projects throughout the continental United States and has the technology to work seamlessly with designers everywhere.
“Our work has always had that ‘wow’ factor,” says Kurt Stellhorn, majority owner of Next Level Metal. “This fresh capital and entrepreneurial expertise give us additional resources to expand quickly and strategically into new markets, innovate rapidly, and deliver on our vision to customers all over the country.”
“I am thrilled at the opportunity to invest in a business true to my roots,” says Shawn Crow, member of Next Level Strategy, LLC, formerly of Chester, Illinois. “We invested in Next Level Metal because we believe in the creative genius behind its work product. Next Level Metal not only turns vision into reality, but also elevates that vision beyond its initial conception. We are committed to helping the Next Level Metal team become the dominant player in this market.”
Next Level Metal’s operational roots are located in Baldwin, Illinois, and it remains a family-owned company. The company is proud to source 100% of its labor and substantially all of its materials in the United States.
With this investment, Jahna Bower, Matt Bower, Sarah J. Crow, Shawn Crow, and Judge A. Platt have joined Next Level Strategy, LLC, as equity holders in Next Level Metal.