Direct Metals (DM) plans to relocate distribution and fabrication from Waukegan, Ill., to Pleasant Prairie. The company will occupy an existing 72,324 square foot building in the LakeView Corporate Park at 7844 102nd Street.
Following a public hearing and Village staff presentation, on Monday, December 13, the Plan Commission approved a Conditional Use Permit, including Site and Operational Plans for the building DM will occupy. The approval allows DM to operate out of the building and construct an outside storage area, 30 feet by 60 feet, on the northwest corner of the facility. The storage area will utilize 13-foot-tall panel walls to enclose and screen a carbon scrap trailer and dumpsters for aluminum scrap, stainless steel scrap, broken pallets, and trash.
"I am pleased Direct Metals is joining the Pleasant Prairie business community; area businesses will appreciate the high-quality specialty metals and fiberglass products the company provides," said Jean Werbie-Harris, Community Development Director. "I look forward to seeing the company grow in the new location and the quality metalwork jobs the facility brings to Pleasant Prairie.”
DM will utilize the new space as a distribution and fabrication center. The company anticipates having 30 full-time employees working two shifts at the facility. Proposed operating hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., with potentially expanded hours in the future. Facility operations will include sawing, shearing, and welding carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum to meet customer needs. In addition, the location will warehouse bar grating, wire mesh, perforated metal, expanded metal, plank grating, and fiberglass grating.
DM is a metals service center founded in 1996 by Haynes Carswell, John Hoover, and Tom Hoover. The corporate headquarters for the company is in Kennesaw, Ga. DM distributes specialty metals and fiberglass products used in industrial and architectural applications. The company serves steel fabricators, architects, and equipment manufacturers. Some end uses for DM products include architectural screening, airflow control, noise reduction, walkways, docks, and infill panels for handrails.