American Makers: Celebrating Our Site Furniture Manufacturing Team

At Keystone Ridge Designs, our commitment to excellence is not just about creating high-quality, American-made site furnishings; it's about the people behind the products and the place we do it from. Our manufacturing team is the heart and soul of our operation, embodying the spirit of American craftsmanship and innovation. These American makers are essential to our company, transforming raw materials into the stunning site furnishings that grace communities across the nation. Today, we shine a spotlight on these dedicated individuals and the remarkable fabrication work they do every day in our beloved hometown of Butler, Pennsylvania.

The People Behind the Products

Behind every Keystone Ridge Designs product is a team of people who work hard and take immense pride in their work. These men and women are more than just workers; they are artists, designers, engineers, and problem solvers. They bring passion and creativity to their roles, continually seeking ways to improve processes and push the boundaries of what is possible in site furniture design.

From welders and fabricators to finishers and quality control experts, our team consists of a diverse range of talent and experience. Each person plays a crucial role in ensuring that every piece of site furniture meets our rigorous standards of durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.

The Place Behind the Products - Butler, PA

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Western Pennsylvania, Butler, PA is a charming town with a rich industrial history and strong roots in steel manufacturing. Butler is famously known as the birthplace of the Jeep, when during World War II, the Bantam Car Company produced the first Jeep prototype. Keystone Ridge Designs is proud to call Butler home for almost 30 years of operations. We are inspired by these American manufacturing roots, our local community, and the talented builders from the area who are a part of our family.

We believe strongly in what we do to support our local economies, create jobs in Butler, and offer high-quality products that align with Buy American initiatives. From sourcing regional materials to final inspection, our commitment to American manufacturing is reflected throughout the entire design and fabrication process.

The Fabrication Process

Fabrication is where the magic happens. It's the process where raw materials are transformed into beautifully crafted benches, trash cans, bike racks, tables, and more. Our builders meticulously cut, bend, weld, grind, and assemble each component with precision and care. The hands-on approach not only guarantees the structural integrity of our products but also allows for a level of customization that sets us apart from the competition.

Precision Cutting and Bending

Every piece of metal that goes into our site furnishings begins its journey in our cutting and bending department. Using state-of-the-art equipment, saws, and CNC machines, our skilled operators cut raw steel into precise shapes and sizes ensuring efficient usage of materials with minimal waste. They then bend these pieces to the exact specifications required for each unique design.

Expert Welding

Welding is both an art and a science, requiring a steady hand and an eye for detail. Our welders are masters of their craft, using advanced techniques to create strong, clean welds that not only provide structural support but also enhance the visual appeal of our products. Whether it's a sleek, modern trash can or an intricate, ornamental bench, our welders make sure that every joint is flawless with a complete weld seam that creates an impenetrable barrier to corrosion.

Surface Preparation

After welding, each product undergoes a surface cleaning and preparation process. This involves grinding down rough edges, shot blasting and sandblasting to remove any surface contaminants, applying protective coatings, and preparing products for the final powder coat application. Our grinders and finishers are essential to the overall quality of our products.

Finishing Touches

Our Keyshield® powder coat finish is what provides the glossy armor that colors and protects each piece of furniture. From the team members who ensure the correct hanging of products on the powder coating line to the sprayers who apply a thick, even, and consistent coat of powder before oven curing, attention to detail is important every step of the way.

Once coated, our packaging team handles the products with care to create the perfect combination of padding, palletizing, and boxing for safe and efficient transportation to our customers.

Celebrating Our Team

Our manufacturing team’s hard work, craftsmanship, and unwavering commitment to quality are evident in every product we ship. We celebrate their exceptional efforts and invaluable contributions to our company and the communities we serve. They are the true American makers, and we are grateful for all that they do.

Next time you see one of our benches, litter receptacles, bike racks, or table sets, take a moment to appreciate the people in Butler, PA, and the hands that made it possible.

*Photo credit for all images in this blog goes to Jason Paige Smith Photography.

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