Mestek: Expert Solutions for Metal Forming

Mestek Machinery has long been an industry leading provider of the most complete, innovative metal forming solutions, specializing in machinery manufacturing for HVAC ductwork.

Their story started in 1964, when Mestek acquired Peterson Roll Feed Company. It was later merged into Cooper-Weymouth during a 1974 purchase. In the 1990s, the company made plans to better serve metal forming companies, and that plan became the foundation for Formtek and a period of rapid growth. Today’s solutions allow HVAC duct and fittings fabricators streamline the processes that drive their operations.

The Mestek Machinery family of metal forming manufacturing brands includes Lockformer, Iowa Precision, Engel and Roto-Die, bringing together well over 100 years of experience addressing every facet of the duct industry.

“Contractors can expect solutions-based consultations from Mestek Machinery, including hardware and software, along with shop layout and industry trends,” said Michael Bailey, Senior Vice President of Sales. “Workflow and pre-fabrication have been hot topics in the industry for the last several years. We continue to educate ourselves on these topics to make sure we’re staying ahead of the curve. Workflow, which also contains the most important characteristic of safety, is a growing demand for solutions.”

In response to recruitment issues and labor shortages within the construction industry, automation solutions have become the answer for many customers. According to Bailey, they continue to look for ways to invest in technology that will help them make better products while making them more profitable in their operations. Mestek is able to offer the most complete, productive and state-of-the-art equipment for most applications, along with the industry’s newest technology.

Some featured machinery is Lockformer’s Vulcan Laser Max 1.5 Fiber Laser, with cutting speeds up to three times faster than a conventional plasma cutter. This machine also introduces exclusive patent-pending technology that allows the operator to access parts directly from the table, eliminating the need for a pallet shuttle system.

Bailey also highlighted the Pro-Fabriduct Full Coil Line by Iowa Precision. The line leverages footprint, speed and production rates along with tolerances that no other HVAC coil line in the industry today can match.

“When it comes to buzzwords, leakage is a huge issue within SMACNA and duct construction,” Bailey said. “The technology used by this machinery minimizes leakage by eliminating the human element. We’re always continuing to develop new products.”

Not only does Mestek Machinery deliver cutting-edge solutions for metal formers and fabricators, the company is also dedicated to keeping operations running smoothly with troubleshooting, repairs, inspections and analysis. The team has also developed a number of valuable resources, like white papers and catalogs, to help HVAC industry professionals learn more about their technologies and processes.

In 2014, Mestek Machinery became SMACNA National’s first Premier Partner program member to join the elite group. Bailey is excited to continue developing relationships with the members of SMACNA Greater Chicago.