B&B Sheet Metal Expands American Manufacturing Through an SBA MARC Loan
Fifth-generation manufacturer utilizes an SBA-backed MARC loan to launch new product lines, expand operations, and position the business for future growth.
Founded in 1901, B&B Sheet Metal has spent more than a century fabricating everything from landmark copper cornices to custom architectural metal systems throughout New York City. Today, the company employs approximately 50 workers and is using an SBA-backed MARC loan to expand its product offerings, invest in American-made materials, and prepare for future growth.
Start with a Mission
For more than 125 years, B&B Sheet Metal has built its reputation on solving difficult fabrication challenges and producing work that many competitors will not take on. The company's roots trace back to owner Robert Baschnagel's great-grandfather, who founded the business in New York after immigrating from Germany. Over the decades, generations of the family passed down specialized trade knowledge that helped establish B&B as a leader in architectural sheet metal fabrication.
As customer demand evolved, Baschnagel began exploring opportunities to introduce a specialty wood grain metal product that offers the appearance of natural wood while maintaining the durability of metal. He saw strong potential in the product, but sourcing it through traditional suppliers often required large minimum orders, lengthy lead times, and significant upfront costs.
At the same time, he recognized an opportunity to enter new markets and expand the company's manufacturing capabilities.
How SBA Helped
To bring that vision to life, B&B Sheet Metal turned to an SBA-backed MARC loan.
"I'm very appreciative of the SBA's support. It came at the perfect time as we were eyeing opportunities to penetrate additional markets with a new product line we developed. The SBA's MARC loan is providing the capital we need to leverage unique competitive advantages while keeping production solely in the U.S." - Robert Baschnagel
The financing allowed the company to purchase specialty materials directly from the mill and maintain inventory that could support both small and large customer orders.
The investment gave B&B access to U.S.-made galvanized steel coils that are transformed into specialty architectural products at the company's New York facilities. By purchasing directly from the mill, the company can now keep inventory on hand, respond more quickly to customer demand, and offer greater flexibility for both small and large orders. The SBA-backed financing also allowed B&B to bring specialty materials to market that were previously difficult to source.
"The SBA loan helped me move up a level." - Robert Baschnagel
The financing also supported the company's long-term growth plans and gave B&B the ability to invest in an opportunity built around future demand.
Results of SBA Support
Having inventory on hand has allowed B&B to move faster when opportunities arise. Instead of waiting on suppliers, the company can showcase materials to architects and contractors, develop samples, and bring new products to market more efficiently. The ability to stock inventory has also helped B&B establish new relationships and begin expanding beyond its traditional customer base.
The investment has supported continued innovation inside the shop as well. Baschnagel developed custom equipment that significantly improved production efficiency while maintaining the flexibility needed for custom fabrication.
"If I used just the long folding machine, I could probably make 50 panels a day. The way that I'm making them, I can make 300 plus." - Robert Baschnagel
The company's ability to combine advanced equipment with skilled craftsmanship has helped it remain competitive while expanding into new product lines and markets. Those efforts are already creating new opportunities as B&B prepares to grow distribution of its products beyond New York and serve customers across the country while continuing to manufacture its products in the United States.
Looking Ahead
B&B Sheet Metal is now preparing to expand part of its operations into a new Long Island facility. The additional space will support manufacturing growth, provide room for new equipment, and help the company continue developing its expanding line of architectural products. The new facility in Hauppauge will be dedicated to the company's growing sheet metal panel manufacturing operations and position B&B for continued expansion.
The move represents the next chapter for the family business. Today, a fifth generation of the Baschnagel family is helping lead that future, bringing expertise in finance and supply chain management while supporting the company's continued growth.
With additional manufacturing capacity and a growing line of specialty products, Baschnagel is focused on expanding beyond New York and reaching customers across the country.
“I want to get these products marketed the right way, where we're boxing and shipping and sending them all over the country.” - Robert Baschnagel
More than a century after its founding, B&B remains committed to finding new ways to grow while preserving the values that built the business.