From a barn in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania to a 72,000-square-foot modern facility, Metalum’s loan story reflects the strength of family entrepreneurship and the promise of local manufacturing.
It all came to fruition this fall when Seedcopa + SeedcoDE attended the grand opening of Metalum’s new 72,000-square-foot facility that brings all operations under one roof for the first time. The additional space allows the company to take on larger fabrication jobs with higher profit margins, while improving safety and efficiency.
The PIDA Loan That Made It Happen
With help from a PIDA loan facilitated by Seedcopa + SeedcoDE, the Chester County Economic Development Council and lending partner Mid Penn Bank, Metalum was able to finance construction of the new building and move out of its previous facility, which was 38,000 square feet spread across three separate sites. That included shared space with sister company Chester County Coatings LLC, which proved to be a burden as Metalum was consistently transporting materials by forklift across the road and working on top of CCC employees. The expansion allows both King family-owned companies to grow: Metalum through consolidation, and Chester County Coatings through additional capacity.
40+ Years of Shaping Metal & Building Opportunity
For more than four decades, the King family has been shaping metal — and building opportunity. Aaron King started a welding shop in 1982 out of his own barn in Honey Brook as a sole proprietorship. From those humble beginnings, the business steadily grew into the thriving steel fabrication and welding company known today as Metalum LLC.
Originally operating as Pleasant View Welding, Aaron’s business expanded with demand and the help of his six sons, who each began learning the trade when they were old enough to work. As projects became larger and more complex, the business evolved into Pleasant View Industries, and in 2021, rebranded as Metalum LLC to reflect its broader customer base and advanced capabilities. Today, the company provides precision fabrication services for clients in the trucking and transportation, construction, recreational vehicle, and furniture industries.
Today’s Metalum
Ownership of Metalum is shared by Aaron King and his sons Jacob (who has worked alongside his father for the past 23 years) and Amos (who has worked alongside his father for the past 16 years). Together, they’ve cultivated a culture that values craftsmanship, accountability, and community.
Seedcopa Managing Director Sherwood Robbins says the Kings’ project demonstrates the long-term community impact of a PIDA loan, which is a state loan and line of credit program that combines six different, traditionally low interest loans.
“This family has continually reinvested in their business, their people, and their town. Their new facility ensures that tradition continues,” Robbins said.
