Nearly 55 years ago, a longtime steel worker started a business in the backside of a machine shed in a Sioux Falls industrial park.
Today, the business founded by Louis Profilet in 1970 has grown into P&M Steel, a custom steel fabrication company that serves the Sioux Falls region with an experienced team of engineers, estimators, detailers, project managers and fabricators.
It has expanded into a 50,000-square-foot office and warehouse that’s satisfying the demands of the region’s booming building industry.
“The growth of the Sioux Falls area has been supported by and also led by the success of businesses like P&M Steel,” said Bob Mundt, president and CEO of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.
“This is a service-driven company that understands talent attraction, development and retention, and we’re excited to be a resource as they continue to grow.”
Here’s a closer look at the business, courtesy of director of estimating Nick Underberg.
Year founded and when operations began in Sioux Falls: 1970
Total employees in the Sioux Falls area: 40
CEO/lead executive in Sioux Falls: Mike DeJong, president; Katrin Profilet, vice president
How would you describe your organization to someone not familiar with it?
P&M Steel is a custom steel fabrication company. We work with general contractors, as well as individuals, to provide steel for commercial and residential projects. Our specialty is producing load-bearing structural steel such as beams and columns. We also pride ourselves on the more intricate work such as stairs, handrails and ladders.
Most of the time, structural steel is covered up, but we love to see projects that highlight exposed steel as an architectural element! Our machine operators cut the steel to specifications, and our skilled fabricators weld the steel components together.
What are the top three reasons you continue to locate in the Sioux Falls area?
There are three primary reasons. The first is location. Many of P&M Steel’s primary customers are located in or within a 200-mile radius of Sioux Falls, making it a strategic location for serving them efficiently.
We also value our community roots. Sioux Falls is where P&M Steel was established. The company has strong ties to the local community, which supports its operations and business relationships.
And finally, there are important family connections and ties in the area for us that contribute to the decision to remain in Sioux Falls, providing personal and professional stability.
These factors contribute to P&M Steel’s commitment to staying in Sioux Falls and supporting both its business and community relationships.
What are you most proud of within your business in the past year?
- Community engagement: Working with local schools and their welding programs to develop the next generation of our workforce through internships and steel donations.
- Impactful projects: Fabricating steel for new schools around the area, including the Boys and Girls Clubs expansion at McGovern Middle School, Marcella LeBeau Elementary and the West Lyon school addition. All of those will house future leaders, making a significant contribution to the infrastructure that supports the next generation.
- Company growth: The growth of the company, particularly through the addition of new management staff, enhancing the business’s capabilities and leadership.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your business?
Our challenges include workforce availability and material competition. Finding and filling open positions is a significant challenge impacting the company’s ability to meet its operational needs. Also, we’re facing the increasing popularity and use of precast concrete and wood in building construction. While these materials can offer cheaper and quicker build times, they do not hold the longevity of a steel structure.
How would you describe the culture of your business in three words?
I’ll actually give you five — the P&M core values:
- Community
- Team oriented
- Integrity
- Commitment
- Reliability
Why does your business choose to invest in Forward Sioux Falls?
We appreciate the focus on community growth and development, and support contributing to enhancing the Sioux Falls area’s economic and social infrastructure. We also value community involvement and want to be an active part of the community, fostering strong local relationships and supporting community initiatives. And finally, Sioux Falls is considered home for P&M Steel, making our investment deeply personal and meaningful.
What specific advantages or values have you found to partnering with Forward Sioux Falls and its programs?
- Collaboration with the Sioux Falls Development Foundation: This partnership helps P&M Steel leverage resources and opportunities provided by the foundation to support local economic development.
- Increased local opportunities: Being involved in more local opportunities, allowing the company to expand its network, engage in community projects and access new business prospects.
- Continuous growth: The partnership supports the company’s ongoing growth, fostering development and expansion within the local market.
What are your expectations for your business in the year ahead?
We anticipate strong business operations, maintaining a full schedule and ensuring robust business activities. We also expect to expand our team and increase our involvement in the community.
Forward Sioux Falls is a joint venture between the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and is widely respected as the premier economic driver for the Sioux Falls region. To learn more and connect, click here.