Michael Lively, Author at Metal Trades, Inc. Heavy Steel Fabricators, Marine Construction, Ship Repair

South Carolina Shipbuilding: The Tradition Continues with Metal Trades!

Posted on October 13, 2023October 25, 2023 by Michael Lively

South Carolina shipbuilding is a tradition that goes back nearly 300 years and, for roughly one-fifth of that time, Metal Trades, Inc. has been a part of it!

The Palmetto State has a long and storied history in shipbuilding that began long before she ever became a State. The Carolina Colony’s first shipyard was established in 1732, and by the early 1900s, South Carolina was one of the leading shipbuilding centers in the United States. However, the industry declined in the second half of the 20th century, as foreign shipyards began to offer lower prices.

One young entrepreneur bucked that trend, however: the late Ted Corbin, founder of Metal Trades, Inc. (MTI). With a single welding truck, Ted began traveling site to site, fabricating steel solutions for his clients. Later, after ultimately putting down roots in Yonges Island, SC., Ted’s son Rusty diversified MTI into a Marine Repair Facility overhauling minesweepers, Landing Craft Units, and Landing Craft Mechanisms for the U.S. Army.

21^st Century South Carolina Shipbuilding Renaissance

In recent years, the South Carolina shipbuilding industry has made a comeback. This is due in part to the state’s strategic location on the Atlantic coast, as well as its strong workforce and infrastructure. In addition, the state has offered generous incentives to attract shipbuilding companies. South Carolina Shipbuilding employs thousands of workers and generates billions of dollars of revenue.

Metal Trades dug in and continued to serve its longtime clients during the industry’s lean years and has been rewarded as one of the success stories of this modern renaissance. Today, at its 48-acre complex situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, MTI continues to serve the marine industry, specializing in steel and sheet metal fabrication for commercial and government markets. The company’s broad portfolio includes steel processing, fabrication, welding, piping, machining, electrical installation, blasting, and painting.

The Future of South Carolina Shipbuilding

The future of South Carolina shipbuilding – and Metal Trades – is bright. The state boasts several factors that make it an attractive location for shipbuilding companies, including its strategic location, strong workforce, and infrastructure. In addition, the state government is committed to supporting the shipbuilding industry.

As a result, South Carolina is expected to remain a major shipbuilding center in the years to come. The state is well-positioned to attract new shipbuilding companies and to expand the operations of existing companies. This will create new jobs and boost the state’s economy.

Metal Trades, Inc., will continue to be a part of the South Carolina shipbuilding story. In fact, the company recently announced a $14.4 million expansion that will create dozens of well-paying jobs. This expansion will allow MTI to build fixtures and components in-house for the US Navy. The new structure will be located near the company’s 1,000-ton marine railway, which will allow Metal Trades to fabricate and transfer large steel structures directly to the Intracoastal Waterway. This expansion will fuel further improvements in MTI’s capabilities in manufacturing expertise, heavy lift capability, and direct barge access.

A Shipbuilding Tradition Endures

There are few industries that have survived for three hundred years or more, but South Carolina shipbuilding is one of them. Metal Trades, Inc. is proud to carry on that tradition, delivering high-quality products and impeccable service to cement longstanding relationships. That is a recipe for success – past, present, and future! To learn more about Metal Trades or to join our team, visit us on the web at MetalTrades.com or telephone us at 843.889.6441.

Metal Trades Expanding Operations in Charleston County

Posted on December 4, 2022December 5, 2022 by Michael Lively

For Immediate Release

Dec. 2, 2022

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Metal Trades, Inc., a family-owned steel and metal manufacturer, today announced plans to expand its operations in Charleston County. The company’s $14.4 million investment will create 64 new jobs.

Founded in 1962, Metal Trades, Inc. is a heavy steel fabricator that serves the marine industry, specializing in steel and sheet metal fabrication for commercial and government markets. The company’s broad portfolio includes steel processing, fabrication, welding, piping, machining, electrical installation, blasting, and painting.

Located at 4194 Highway 165 in Meggett, Metal Trades, Inc.’s expansion includes the construction of a new facility on its existing campus. The expansion will allow the company to build components and fixtures in-house for the United States Navy. The new building will be located near the company’s 1,000-ton marine railway, accommodating the fabrication and transfer of large steel structures directly to the Intracoastal Waterway. This project will also allow the company to expand its capabilities in manufacturing expertise, heavy lift capability, and direct barge access.

The expansion is expected to be complete by the second half of 2023. Individuals interested in joining the Metal Trades, Inc. team should visit the company’s careers page.

QUOTES

“Metal Trades, Inc. is excited for the positive impact this expansion will have on rural Charleston County as we continue to increase our capacity to support the defense industry, as well as our private sector customers. As one of the few major fabricators located on deep water in the state, this expansion will allow us to expand our tradition of delivering quality-built, heavy-steel products from the Lowcountry to the rest of the world.”-Metal Trades, Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer R.B. Corbin

“With the expansion of Metal Trades, Inc., South Carolina’s manufacturing industry continues to lead the charge in bringing new jobs and investment to our state. Congratulations, and we look forward to celebrating your success for many years to come.”-Gov. Henry McMaster

“South Carolina’s strategic location and infrastructure assets are ideal for companies like Metal Trades, Inc. to find continued success. We appreciate Metal Trades, Inc.’s ongoing commitment and look forward to the positive impact this expansion will have throughout the state.”-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

Charleston County Council Chair Teddie Pryor

“It’s always gratifying to see family-owned businesses continue to expand and create opportunities in their community. We congratulate Metal Trades, Inc. on expanding and creating new jobs in the southern part of Charleston County.”-Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie Pryor

FIVE FAST FACTS

Metal Trades, Inc. is expanding operations in Charleston County.
The company’s $14.4 million investment will create 64 new jobs.
Metal Trades, Inc. is a family-owned steel and metal manufacturer.
Located at 4194 Highway 165 in Meggett, S.C.
Individuals interested in joining the Metal Trades, Inc. team should visit the company’s careers page.

*Banner image Live 5 News Charleston

MTI SLEP Program Keeps the Army Afloat!

Posted on November 15, 2022November 16, 2022 by Michael Lively

Metal Trades, Inc. has successfully completed the first US Army Modular Warping Tug (MWT) Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) at our Yonge’s Island, SC facility.

The US Army has a large family of vessels that serve our military, sometimes called the “brown water navy.” Metal Trades, Inc. has been fortunate enough to serve as a Contractor repairing and performing maintenance for the Army’s fleet of vessels for over 35 years!

MWT: Workhorse of the Waterways

Modular Warping Tugs (MWT) are part of the ship-to-shore enablers included under the Modular Causeway Systems (MCS). Modular Causeway Systems is owned and operated by the US Army, and they enable the discharge of strategic sealift ships when suitable ports are unavailable. Currently, Metal Trades, Inc. is working on a contract to overhaul over ninety of these causeway systems at our facility!

The MCS is comprised of a family of vessels including the Causeway Ferry (CF), Floating Causeway (FC), and Roll-on/Roll-off Discharge Facility (RRDF). Specifically, the purpose of the MWT that Metal Trades is about to deliver is to assist in the assembly, movement, and positioning of non-powered modules.

SLEP: A Complete Overhaul

As part of the SLEP, this vessel underwent a complete transformation to include new engines, new electrical components, Operator Cab updates, and much more. This contract included over twenty-six modifications, as well as standard cycled maintenance items completed under OCCM (on conditioned cycle maintenance).

This Crew has Their Sea Legs!

The crew pictured here, in our not-so-humble opinion, is among the best in the World! These gentlemen have over one hundred years of combined experience in marine overhaul and repair. This is not the entire crew that made this project a success, and we wish to recognize each member of our staff that supported this contract. Thank you for supporting our warfighters and for continuing to be the heart and soul of Metal Trades’ success!

Get to Know Metal Trades

Large-scale marine maintenance is just part of the Metal Trades story. We invite you to learn about our other governmental and commercial capabilities, including heavy steel fabrication, vessel construction, power generation, and more!

Metal Trades: 60 Years of Community Involvement!

Posted on September 30, 2022November 16, 2022 by Michael Lively

Metal Trades, Inc. was founded by the late Ted Corbin in 1962. Sixty years later, MTI is still owned and operated by second-generation members of the Corbin Family, and it continues to thrive.

A Positive Community Impact

All their lives, the Corbin Family has lived in the Meggett/Yonges Island Community. From the inception of Metal Trades, the company has continually sought to make a positive impact in the community. We have long supported local businesses, from the subcontractor to the corner store. We have fostered local talent in the surrounding areas as we built our workforce and apprenticeships, helping to generate jobs in FIVE surrounding counties.

MTI Supports Our Schools

Metal Trades Inc. has regularly found ways to support our area schools. Recent efforts include sponsoring student athletics at Lowcountry Leadership Charter School. We have also made donations to support the Sunshine Committee at Baptist Hill Middle High School. This is a program that strives to create a positive working environment for teachers and staff that, in turn, positively impacts the students.

mti community involvement — Metal Trades supports enrichment programs at Baptist Hill Middle High School

MTI supports athletic programs at Lowcountry Leadership Charter School

Community Beautification

Over the last couple of years, Metal Trades has organized trash pickups on Highway 165 and participated in Meggett Town Hall Clean Up events as well. MTI owners and staff share a very real commitment to our surrounding community. After all, we not only work here, but we also call it Home.

Individual Opportunity

Metal Trades, Inc. wants to be recognized as a leader in the surrounding community, as well as a great place to work. We continually encourage local talent to apply for open positions with our company and join the generations of welders, fitters, machinists, and electricians who have enjoyed long and fulfilling careers as part of the Metal Trades family.

MTI’s Ongoing Community Commitment

Over the many decades, Metal Trades has maintained a commitment to helping our people, our communities, and our schools to grow and thrive. It is a commitment we reaffirm, now and in the future! We invite you to learn more about Metal Trades, Inc at our website.

Happy Birthday Metal Trades!

Posted on September 12, 2022September 12, 2022 by Michael Lively

It was ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game’ when Metal Trades, Inc. celebrated our staff and their families with the Charleston Riverdogs last week. Hot dogs, birthday cake, and good times were on the roster as we honored our teammates for all they do for us and acknowledged a major league milestone: Metal Trades’ 60 Years in business! That’s a LOT of extra innings!

Everybody had a great time rooting for the home team. And, while we gave it 110% effort, we didn’t quite manage to get everyone onto the highlight reel. But we are so grateful for each and every one of you, including those not pictured.

Thanks to one and all for each grand slam, RBI, and sacrifice fly over the years. And Happy Birthday Metal Trades!

Sustainability Watch: MTI Aids Artificial Reef Project

Posted on June 29, 2022June 29, 2022 by Michael Lively

A new artificial reef off the coast of South Carolina is boosting ocean wildlife sustainability, and Metal Trades is proud to have played its part!

Artificial Reef projects are a major component of ocean sustainability efforts worldwide. In “dead spots” where a natural reef is not present or is not vibrant enough to support plant and animal life, artificial reefs are employed. It so happens that the South Carolina coast, in its natural state, is one of those dead spots.

“Avid offshore fishing enthusiasts know that the state of SC suffers from a lack of natural habitat to attract and hold fish. Thanks to the South Carolina Memorial Reef projects, what was a desert is now one of the most productive areas off our coast…” SCMemorialReef.com

Decommissioned Ships Become Wildlife Reef Habitats

The SC Memorial Reef Project has been working to bolster ocean wildlife, as well as provide improved opportunities for sport fishing. Often these efforts involve sinking decommissioned sea vessels.

“Large, complex structures…create ideal habitats for a diversity of species. For example, the numerous internal compartments will provide refuge for smaller juvenile fish, while the extensive cargo holds will be useful to larger fish. The vast amount of surface area will allow for expansive invertebrate settlement and growth, which can serve as sanctuaries for larval fish, provide food for juvenile and adult fish, and improve overall water quality.”

M/V Coastal Venture Gets a New Lease on Life

Such a “large, complex structure” is the M/V Coastal Venture, a 250-foot, recently decommissioned cargo vessel. Coastal Venture was something of a Metal Trades alum, having graced our railway in the recent past. In fact, at one time she was one of the heaviest vessels we had docked. As we have grown, however, we have hosted vessels her size or larger in our drydock, including Rail Car Barges, Crane Barges, and multiple dredge vessels.

Promoting Life, and Memorializing It

In addition to its new function as wildlife habitation, the M/V Coastal Venture also furthers the mission of the SC Memorial Reef: to “forever honor the men and women we’ve loved and lost in South Carolina’s sport fishing community.” To that end, memorial plaques were affixed to the hull, as well as a steel cross on the stern of the vessel built by the Metal Trades team.

With holes strategically cut in the hull and the aid of water cannons, it still required ten hours to sink the M/V Coastal Venture. Take a look at the following photos of the process!

The South Carolina Memorial Reef is an ongoing project. Metal Trades encourages you to learn more about their sustainability efforts by visiting https://www.scmemorialreef.com/.

MTI Blast and Paint: Adding Value in the Home Stretch

Posted on November 16, 2021December 29, 2021 by Michael Lively

What makes the Blast and Paint operation such a vital part of MTI’s production capability? Well, without paint, a manufacturing process is simply incomplete. If contractors want their plants to be known as “turnkey” operations – a highly coveted label – they must be able to consistently deliver according to customers’ paint requirements. Painting is often the final item of successful delivery (not including testing, of course). The topcoat not only “finishes” the end-product, but multi-part paint systems also ensure the quality of the application protects the customers’ investment for years to come. So it is critical to ensure metrics are in place to meet compliance with our customers’ technical specifications. Metal Trades, Inc. promises quality and compliance to meet the customers’ requirements from delivery of raw steel to final testing and delivery.

MTI: Investing in Blast and Paint Talent…

Metal Trades, Inc. recognizes the importance of coatings, establishing relationships with multiple paint vendors, creating relationships with subcontractors to assist on time-critical projects if needed, and we invest in Blast and Paint Infrastructure to support this critical aspect of the job’s life cycle. MTI offers exceptional in-house Quality Assurance oversight on every project. We have on-staff certified NACE Inspectors and an expert team that repeatedly accomplishes painting quickly, efficiently, and in compliance with specified requirements. When required, our crew works day and night to meet critical deadlines.

…And Blast and Paint Technology!

Metal Trades, Inc. boasts one of the largest indoor blast and paint booths on the East Coast—in total our main blast and paint building is 200 feet x 40 feet wide. This capacity is due to the width of the door opening, which will accommodate structures 35 feet wide. Each booth (blast and paint) is 100 feet long with accordion doors that allow products to easily move from one bay to the next. The doors open in a way that allows the flexibility for overhang when necessary. Our heavy lift equipment can easily drive through the building to transit large structures and modules in and out of our booths.

Accordion, Roll doors between Large Booths- Blast and Paint

“Small” Booth, Big Production Flexibility!

MTI also has a “small” blast and paint booth that is 20 feet x 40 feet (each booth). This smaller booth is great for jobs such as hoppers and platforms. This booth also helps MTI accommodate various product lines that are in high-volume production. Our “small” blast and paint booth connect to our main fabrication building, which also allows our heavy lift equipment and MTI’s own tractor trailer access for easy loading. MTI can accommodate delivery by land or deep-water from our heavy lift loading pier and/or our marine railway. Our “small booth” stays busy supporting our Power Generation Division but is ready to support additional capacity and our “big booth” is ready for more work too!

The Final Step of a Turnkey Operation

After all the assemblers, welders, fitters, and crane operators have done their job, your MTI structure has been transformed from raw iron and steel into something that closely resembles the vessel you ordered. But it’s not done yet. The talent and technology of MTI’s Blast and Paint operation provide the finishing touch that brings it all to life. Now THAT’S turnkey skill, convenience, and quality!

MTI specializes in new construction and maintenance and repair. Think of Metal Trades when you have a large blast and paint job! We would love to support your next project.

Visit the MTI website or call 843-889-6441 and ask for Business Development or Estimating Department.

Processing: Where MTI Quality Begins!

Posted on August 18, 2021August 18, 2021 by Michael Lively

The Metal Trades processing center is the critical first step of a journey that turns raw materials into high value-added products for our commercial and governmental customers. Today, we take an in-depth look at the Metal Trades Processing Center.

Metal Trades, Inc. is a Heavy Steel Fabricator, Government/Commercial Ship Repair, and New Vessel Construction Facility. As a build-to-print, job-shop-type manufacturer, it is easy to focus on our end-product without adequately highlighting all the critical aspects of production which contribute to the successful delivery of our products.

Turnkey Processing: Convenience and Accountability

Ours is a turnkey facility that offers onsite processing, machining services, indoor blast and paint facilities, a 650-foot marine railway with deep water access, and a 200-foot loading pier that offers dockage. We have extensive in-house heavy lift capabilities. Our unique, expansive facility and our expert staff help simplify complex logistics when customers need to build and move large fabrications over land or water.

The heart of our fabrication process, after estimating and award, starts in our AutoCAD Department and Processing center. Metal Trades has four Drafters on staff with extensive experience working with industry-known programs that support project detailing and nesting such as, but not limited to, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ProNest, PrimecutNE, JT2Go, Navisworks, Romac, 3D Modelling software.

Superior Capacity and Capability

When raw material is received to our facility and formally processed through Shipping and Receiving, MTI offers over 25 acres of dedicated, secured, lay-down area to store customer product. We have the capability to bend, form, cut, shape, and machine raw plate. Metal Trades, Inc. has proven processes and quality procedures in place which we follow in accordance with customer specifications, regulatory agency requirements, and we boast a Quality Assurance Department that is ISO 9001:2015(E) compliant.

In our Processing Center, we utilize a Heavy Duty Plasma Cutting and Drilling Machine, Model K5000XMC. MTI purchased this machine under a successful application for MARAD’s Small Shipyard Grant Program in 2018. This machine has a 10’ x 40’ effective cutting/processing area for both machining and burning. It offers plasma and oxy-fuel cutting, plasma and oxy-fuel beveling, plasma etching, and machining to include drilling, tapping, milling, interpolation, counterboring and part marking.

We also have two 260 Volt Titan Messer Plasma Burn tables. These two tables utilize a 10’ x 40’ effective cutting/processing area. Even though we are in with the new, we stand by our tried and true. These two Messer machines are workhorses, and both tables have plasma cutting and etching as well as each has ALFA oxyfuel torches capable of cutting up to 8”.

In addition to this equipment, we have a Marvel Touch Tech 60 Vertical Band Saw with a 50-foot rail system and a 25” H x 20” W vice opening at 0 degrees. This saw is capable of cutting a 60-degree miter. We over a Cosen horizontal band saw with a 20’ rail and a 10’H x 10” W vice opening. We offer a Geka 110A Iron Worker capable of punching, sheering, and notching angle, flat, square, or round bar. We have a Faccin Plate Roller with a 10’ plate capacity. We also offer a 750-ton CNC Press Brake with a 20 ft wide capacity. In our processing center, we have two 10- ton overhead cranes and our two-door openings are 20 ft wide x 30 ft tall.

Investing in New Technologies

Recently our staff was featured in Arku, Inc.’s InfoMAX publication highlighting a recent purchase of an EdgeBreaker 4000. This machine assists with breaking mill scale, removing sharp edges, and prepping material for fit-up. This equipment reduces the necessity for manual grinding and therefore, in turn, more efficiently distributes manpower. We use our EdgeBreaker 4000 primarily for our Power Generation Customers, which is also a core business area for Metal Trades. Due to the nature of the work we perform for our Power Generation Customers this equipment supports our systematic, high-volume production capacity for this specific product line.

Processing: MTI’s Firm Foundation

As we say, the processing center is where MTI lays the groundwork for successful projects time after time. From start to finish, MTI’s governmental and commercial clients are assured of superior processes and technology and unmatched customer service, backed by six decades of experience. To learn more, please contact Metal Trades today.

July 4th at MTI: Celebrating and Looking Back

Posted on June 29, 2021August 18, 2021 by Michael Lively

As we approach July 4th, a time to honor our pride in being American and a time to celebrate our independence, we cannot forget our roots. Metal Trades, Inc. was founded by Ted Corbin in 1962. He had a welding truck and a dream and the grit and determination of his children (5 sons and 2 daughters) who supported the growth of his vision.

Ted founded Metal Trades during the onset of the Vietnam War. He wanted to find a way to support our military. He took a government overhaul contract, and he made a promise to deliver. He was determined to honor his word and hired a crew of men he housed and fed around the clock to accomplish the work scope. In the end, Ted and his crew exceeded the terms of the contract, and from there, the foundation of Metal Trades was set.

Ted Corbin’s Original Welding Truck

From that foundation, Metal Trades, Inc. has grown into a state-of-the art facility that far surpasses what could have been imagined at the time of our humble beginning. It’s a facility that proudly honors Ted’s legacy and the Corbin name.

MTI: Adding Value in Government Contracts…

On this July 4^th, 2021, Metal Trades, Inc. is a world-renowned Government Repair and New Build Facility. We have built over 150 barges for the US Navy. We have also overhauled over 130 Landing Craft Units and multiple other brown water boats. We support MARAD, USCG, DOT, US Army, and many other Federal, State, and local governments. Over the course of the last decade, as the government continues to place a strong emphasis on the importance of “Buy American” and sourcing materials through qualifying countries, Metal Trades is no stranger to the terms and conditions governing these regulations. As a United States manufacturer, we recognize the importance of domestic sourcing and creating jobs for our local and surrounding communities.

…and Commercial Contracts, too!

While we are well versed in the inner workings of government contracts, Metal Trades, Inc. continues to maintain a stronghold in the commercial industry, as well. Our modern facility offers a turnkey experience for our customers, including:

Onsite Processing
Machining
Indoor Blasting and Painting
Indoor Fabrication Facilities
650’ Marine Railway
200’ Loading and Off-loading Pier (which also provides dockage, and extensive heavy lift capabilities)

Metal Trades, Inc. works with multiple small businesses including women- and veteran-owned along with other 8a companies. MTI continues to invest and contribute to the prosperity of America in every way we can, whether it is through supporting our government, other small businesses, creating jobs, or sourcing our steel domestically. We are proud to be American and fortunate to continue the vision of our Founder by offering American-made products and services.

July 4th: Cause for Celebration!

Every year, Metal Trades hosts a July 4th picnic for our men and women to celebrate the holiday. We will be hosting this year’s luncheon on Thursday, July 1^st. Since, we realize the South Carolina heat is sweltering at this time of year, we always work to do our best to provide our men and women time off during the July 4th holiday. This way our men and women – who work tirelessly to support our production – enjoy a long weekend to celebrate with their family and friends! Monday, July 5th is a paid holiday. We wish each of you a wonderful, safe and happy Fourth of July.

Team Up to Clean Up with MTI!

Posted on May 11, 2021 by Michael Lively

Metal Trades, Inc. (MTI) gave a preview of our Team Up to Clean Up efforts back in March of this year. That’s when a team of internal volunteers joined together for our Highway 165 clean-up day. Based on that success of that project…

“Metal Trades is committed to making community clean-up a regularly scheduled event. The Town of Meggett is planning the next event for Saturday, April 17th. We are planning to attend to show our support and commitment to keeping our community beautiful.”

That was the sign-off for our previous blog post, “MTI Community Clean-Up: Picking Up, Giving Back.” And sure enough, we were back at it several weeks later as part of the Town of Meggett 2021 Annual Big Spring Clean Event.

MTI and Local Students Team Up to Clean Up

On April 17, 2021, despite a misty rain, a Metal Trades team consisting of Rusty Corbin, Patsy Corbin, and Kristi Rowe joined forces with several Lowcountry Leadership Charter School students to become MTI’s “Team Up to Clean Up” crew. The Town also provided the students with community service hours for volunteering their time.

Of course, as everyone fanned out to fill their trash bags, a little friendly competition developed to see who could find the oddest item by the side of the road. Some interesting items found by our team members included extension cords, safety glasses, gloves, a trash can lid, medicine bottles, and a whole bunch of other bottles! Other volunteers found a snake in a jar and a circular saw which proves anything can be found on the side of the road!

Team Up to Clean Up: MTI Gives Back to the Community!

That concludes this most recent example of MTI giving back. There will definitely be more to come, as Metal Trades takes community service and involvement very seriously. So stay tuned!

Author: Michael Lively