Metals And Mining Review
The Rock Run journey began humbly in 2001 in a 2 ½ car garage, where founder Fritz Schlabach combined his passion for fabrication and his desire to serve the local community. Initially named Rock Run Repair, the company began as a small-scale operation with a bandsaw, drill press, and welder. Fritz’s vision to create something more substantial than a hobby shop materialized as the demand for high-quality, custom fabrication grew. Balancing a full-time job as a group leader in an RV factory with running Rock Run, Fritz’s operation grew until a pivotal moment came in 2007—Fritz decided to turn Rock Run into a full-time business.
By 2007, Rock Run Industries had moved into a newly constructed 60’ x 120’ building that began a new era, enabling them to expand their services and capabilities. With the addition of key equipment, such as a shear, press brake, and CNC plasma cutter, the company began its journey into RV part production—a sector that became the foundation of its business.
Through consistent investments in advanced equipment, such as a C02 laser in 2015, Rock Run continued to grow. Today, the company boasts six facility expansions and a team of over 100 employees. In 2021, the acquisition of Trailside Steel Solutions allowed Rock Run to secure a reliable steel source while supporting the local community.
From these beginnings, Rock Run Industries has grown into a leading contract manufacturer, with additional expansions into cabinetry and steel solutions, ensuring a stable future across multiple sectors.
Leadership Profile
Fritz Schlabach, founder and owner of Rock Run Industries, attributes the company’s success to hard work, responsibility, and a community-driven mindset. Raised on a hog farm, Fritz learned the value of dedication and perseverance at a young age. Those traits carry over to his leadership style that prioritizes his employees and customers in every decision.
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“Great things happen when you combine great people with great equipment,” says Schlabach, a testament to his leadership approach that centers on collaboration, trust, and investment in people.
This commitment to shared success between leadership and employees has allowed Rock Run to thrive and maintain an above-industry-standard retention rate. Nearly all new employees come through word-of-mouth referrals, a testament to the strong workplace culture they've built. When hiring, the Rock Run leadership team looks for individuals with ambition and strong mathematical aptitude. They carefully review candidates' previous work experience, focusing on why they left their last position and how they performed while there.
“Our employees know that ownership cares, from the generous Christmas gifts to the pay structure. No system is implemented without answering the question: ‘How will this affect the employees?’ Using this common sense thinking daily makes Rock Run an attractive workplace,” adds Brandon Esh, Marketing Manager.
This approach ensures that Rock Run's team is made up of hardworking, dedicated individuals who contribute to the company’s ongoing success.
At Rock Run Industries, the focus is on combining state-of-the-art equipment with skilled craftsmanship to deliver exceptional results. Their wide array of services and capabilities includes:
• Sheet Laser: 6’ x 12’ bed capacity with a loading/unloading tower for high-volume runs.
• Sheet Forming: 12’, 250-ton capacity with panel bender capabilities.
• Tube Laser: Large part capacity with an integrated tapping unit.
• Tube Bending: Equipped with both 3-roll and rotary draw bending machines.
• Welding: Experienced welders certified in both MIG and TIG processes; robot welding available.
• Powder Coating: Automated lines for both steel and aluminum; batch system for larger/heavier parts.
• Assembly: Full assembly and customer-branded packaging solutions.
• Engineering Support: SolidWorks for both production engineering and R&D.
Their most recent addition, the tube laser, allows for the use of structural shapes in assembly design, enhancing flexibility and efficiency. Automation is balanced with manual labor, enabling unmanned third-shift capabilities during periods of high demand.
“We use automation as a tool to process large or monotonous jobs, but we still rely on skilled labor to ensure quality and precision,” explains Schlabach. This blend of automation and craftsmanship gives Rock Run the flexibility to handle a wide variety of projects while maintaining high standards.
Customer Success Stories
One of Rock Run’s standout projects involved solving a complex challenge for an RV manufacturer seeking a cost-effective alternative to traditional cable railing for RV exteriors. Cable railing was expensive, fragile, and often non-compliant with strict vehicle regulations. Rock Run proposed a solution using stainless steel rods to achieve the desired look at a reduced cost. In a further improvement, Schlabach recommended using sheet metal to trap the rods into the railing, creating a sturdier, more cost-efficient product.
This project exemplifies Rock Run’s commitment to working closely with customers to identify solutions, reduce risk, and deliver exceptional results.
Future Goals and Investments
Rock Run’s future is bright, with several key investments and innovations on the horizon. The team is excited to explore the addition of laser welders, which will provide more cosmetic finishes on parts. They are also looking to upgrade their deburring and cleaning capabilities, add custom packaging machines, and expand their coating offerings to include anodizing, galvanizing, or e-coating options.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve,” says Schlabach. “Whether it’s adding new equipment or enhancing our processes, the goal is to keep providing our customers with personal service delivered with honesty and integrity.”
Mission and Vision
Rock Run Industries is built on the philosophy of combining great people with great equipment. Their mission is to provide reliable, results-driven manufacturing solutions while building relationships founded on trust and honesty. The leadership team consistently invests in their employees and the latest technology, ensuring they stay at the forefront of the fabrication industry.
“We try to treat our vendors as well or better than our customers,” says Schlabach, highlighting Rock Run’s dedication to building strong partnerships throughout the supply chain.
As part of their community involvement, Schlabach serves as president of the Rock Run Youth Park board, a community space where children can gather with friends and enjoy sports. This dedication to the local community is just one example of how Rock Run extends its values beyond the workplace.
Rock Run Industries is a testament to the power of hard work, innovation, and a people-first mindset. Its strong foundation in the RV industry and exciting growth in other sectors ensure that it remains a trusted partner for clients across multiple industries.
