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Located in Tomball since 2014, Grimes Industrial is a strong model of success. The structural steel and industrial sheet metal fabricator has encountered growth and opportunity with expansions to add capacity and diversify offerings. Set for another round of build out, Grimes Industrial is preparing to capitalize on its stout industry reputation and making moves to deliver more essential products.
Specializing in stairways, hand railings, platforms, and catwalks for upstream, midstream and downstream oil and gas companies, Grimes Industrial operates at 929 E Main Street, minutes from Old Town Tomball. Jody Grimes, President of Grimes Industrial, says the company has nearly doubled since moving to Tomball, growing from 26 employees in 2014 to close to 50 today.
A steady demand for Grimes Industrial’s products has necessitated physical and personnel growth. The company has a backlog through 2023 even into 2024 at this point and is serving customers from Texas to Montana to Pennsylvania and beyond. To keep up with demand, Grimes is expanding operations on its five-acre Tomball property.
A new 11,000 square-foot shop will contain space for two 20-ton overhead cranes, alongside powder coating, laser cutting, and press brake operations. These additions, which should be fully operational by summer 2022, will help Grimes offer customers a larger, more diversified scope of product.
We have to expand our facility in order to grow the company, said Grimes. Until now, we haven’t been able to diversify the way we want to because of a lack of space. This expansion changes that and diversifying is going to be huge for our business.
A previous expansion in 2019 included 10,000 square feet of fabrication shop, a laydown yard, production offices, expanded parking, and an on-site retention pond. That expansion provided immediate returns with revenues doubling. The increased space also allowed the company to bring its night crew to days, saving on overhead. Those savings permitted the purchase of additional equipment, leading to six new fabrication stations and record production times.
The current expansion has the potential to result in even bigger success. One thing is certain, Grimes Industrial is happy to keep that success in Tomball. Grimes believes that location is a strength of their business, due to Tomball’s business-friendly environment. He credits the Tomball Economic Development Corporation’s resources and staff for the ability to collaborate and assist in promoting the importance of business in Tomball.
Tomball is our home because it’s such a good place to do business. Everyone is looking out for community and local business’s best interest, added Grimes.
Along with pro-business principles, Grimes has also found a dedicated and capable workforce. This has been essential through expansion, as has keeping a positive atmosphere where employees want to work. By filling key jobs and retaining staff, Grimes Industrial is able to maintain the level of quality and efficiency that customers have come to expect.
“Our goal is to build an environment where people want to come to work. There is a great atmosphere in the shop. Everyone looks after and helps one another,” said Grimes. “Quality and responsiveness are huge. Customers keep coming back to us because it’s a trusted partnership. They know what they’re getting when they work with Grimes.”
Grimes Industrial’s high standard will help propel its future. The expanded operations will allow the company to seek new opportunities, while maintaining its premier quality and service. This standard stands firmly as Grimes Industrial’s model for success.