FabriPlas Metal’s Custom Designs are a Cut Above

Omaha, Nebraska – A family-owned custom metal fabrication and ornamental décor company in Bennet near Lincoln is looking to further awareness of its intricate and unique designs by expanding its presence in Nebraska.

Paul Johnson, who worked as a metal fabrication foreman for 25 years, and his wife, Sheila, a marketing and communications specialist, launched PAJ Industries, LLC in 2016. Three years later, they formed FabriPlas Metal to help fulfill a 20-year dream that Paul had of owning their own metal fabrication facility.

“With Paul’s skills in custom fabrication and my experience in marketing communications, we really complement each other,” Sheila Johnson says. “I have an eye for pretty things, and Paul is very good at bringing these concepts to life. Paul decided to set up his own fabrication shop and produce something really different.”

To gain professional assistance and insight into starting a business, the couple turned to the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) and Lincoln Consultant Umeda Islamova. “Umeda did research on other similar businesses and helped us put a business plan together,” Sheila Johnson says. “She was very knowledgeable.”

Most recently, the couple has been working with NBDC Consultant Craig Boesch to expand FabriPlas Metal’s market in Nebraska. “The vast majority of our sales are online,” Sheila Johnson says. “We get orders from all over, but right now about 90 percent of them are from out of state.”

FabriPlas Metal produces contemporary, one-of-a-kind designs and products that include metal panels, signs, privacy screens, doors, gates and porch and deck railing dividers. From intricate designs to wildlife themes, the metal panels are useful, elegant and easy to install. The railing dividers, for example, are custom fitted and come ready to be bolted into place.

To expand their sales locally and regionally, the Johnsons are looking to partner with area home builders to expand awareness of their products and develop a pool of potential installers.

Sheila Johnson is knowledgeable about e-commerce platforms and graphic designs, and manages all the social media channels for the company in an effort to raise awareness and develop client relations.

Paul Johnson is a self-described perfectionist when it comes to cutting parts, sanding and finishing them. He uses state-of-the-art equipment including a 6-foot-by-12-foot Computer Numerical Control (CNC) plasma cutter that is highly precise, efficient and versatile to take on large production jobs.

“We are able to cut sheet steel, pipes and tubes and cater to many custom requests we receive regularly,” Sheila Johnson says. “We do not compromise on quality and only ship products that meet our high standards.”

She says FabriPlas Metal is eager to work with customers who have something truly distinctive in mind. “Many people have the misconception that custom metal products are too expensive to consider,” she says. “We want people to know that our metal porch and deck railing panels, for example, are comparable in price to standard railings.”