SHEET METAL CONNECTORS: 55 Years Of Innovation
Sheet Metal Connectors was founded as a yellow label union shop in Minneapolis in 1969 by Jerry Myers. Back then, it was just him and three employees making slips and drive connectors out of a 3,000 square-foot shop. The grassroots operation saw Myers chasing sales on the road and rushing back to help manufacture product to fill those orders.
From these humble beginnings, a Midwest HVAC juggernaut emerged, defined by innovation, quality, efficiency and excellent service.
Things really took off in the ’80s, when SMC made a name for itself as an innovator. Between 1984 and 1990, the company invented and patented the E-Z Rail — a specific process for dampers — quickly followed by the E-Z Rail 2. In 2006 the company released and trademarked its “PriceDuct” software, in 2007 they patented the E-Z Flange Jr., in 2008 they patented the “Super Heto” high-efficiency takeoff, and in 2021 they launched their new PriceDuct web-based estimating system.
All that innovation through the years led to immense growth. SMC built an additional manufacturing facility in Fridley, Minn. in ’93, expanded that location a decade later, opened another manufacturing facility in Rockford, Ill. in ’04 and added yet another facility for their sister company, Standard Metal Products. Today, the company employs some 140 sheet metal workers, office employees and shippers across their three locations.
SMC’s National Sales Manager Ryan Barnes attributes this meteoric growth to SMC’s relentless pursuit of efficiency.
“SMC is constantly working to make our products and processes better,” he said. “We are always looking to help our clients save time and money with more energy efficient products and even software to help them succeed.”
The web-based PriceDuct estimating system is a good example of what Barnes is talking about. It’s a bidding software developed exclusively for SMC customers, and it can be used anywhere there’s an internet connection.
“If you need to take off some negative 4” pressure 316 stainless steel duct at 3 a.m. on a Saturday, you can,” he said. “All of that data seamlessly flows into our ordering system and cutting systems, eliminating days from the fabrication process.”
“SMC is outstanding at all types of jobs from small client buildouts to stadiums. But where we really excel is specialty materials,” Barnes said. “We carry aluminum, stainless steel, paint grip, black iron, 1”-3” double wall, and the list goes on. Many of these materials and gauges are stocked at all times, and because of that we can turn specialty jobs in days instead of weeks.”
In addition to responding rapidly to customer requests, Barnes said the company prides itself in treating customers as partners.
“We are always looking to help our clients save time and money with more efficient products to install, more energy efficient products and even software to help them succeed.” - Ryan Barnes | National Sales Manager, Sheet Metal Connectors
“We are really not out to upsell materials or products that your job does not require,” Barnes said. “We often consult with our clients and engineers to find the most economical, high quality, energy efficient products that fit the application your project.”
Notably, SMC recently completed work on a 1.9 million square-foot expansion to the Ohio State Wexnar Medical Center, manufacturing and delivering thousands of feet of spiral pipe and fittings to the installation contractor.
SMC wouldn’t be where it is today without the support of the greater Minneapolis area, and donates to several charities every year. But founder Jerry Myers’ philanthropic passion is focused most heavily on “A Chance To Grow,” a Minnesota non-profit dedicated to supporting maximum development for children and adults with autism, learning disabilities and brain injuries. SMC supports their programs every year and has even donated a building to them in the past.
With four patented products that altered the landscape of the industry coupled with an obsessive pursuit of quality, efficiency and community, it’s easy to see why SMC is such an influential player in the HVAC industry.