Derek Pierce inspects finished building components
Bulk roll steel for metal forming
44 Business MATTERS | 2020 Spring Edition
cabins. When the recession hit in 2009, we started
making the cabins, and they were a hit. We built
40 plus the first year and we’ve built 80 to 100 a
year since then.”
“Something new coming soon is our online
design module on the website,” said Derek.
“Customers can go online and design their own
carport, RV cover, barn or shop online, and get a
price that includes installation.”
Recalling memorable moments through the
years, David said, “Hitting the milestones we set as
goals to reach 80,000 buildings in 2018 is one thing
that comes to mind.” Then he adds, “And, that’s
just the Center plant. We started out with other
manufacturing plants in Texas located in Beeville
and Kenedy southeast of San Antonio, and
Munday southwest of Wichita Falls. If production
of those plants were added, the number would be
well over 100,000.”
After a moment’s thought, David said, “And
General Shelters being featured in a Ford F-150
commercial on national television a few years ago.
That was pretty special, too.
Retha added that former President George W.
Bush touring the plant when he was running for
governor was a good memory, too.
“Being recognized by the state with the
SHARP Award for our safety program is another
highlight,” said Derek. According to the SHARP
website, the Safety and Health Achievement
Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes small
business employers who have used OSHA’s On-
Site Consultation Program services to operate
an exemplary safety and health programs.
Acceptance of a worksite into SHARP from OSHA
is an achievement of status that singles out a
business among their peers as a model for worksite
safety and health.