Originally Published as: Metal Systems LLC: Built Local, Built to Last: How Indiana Shop Has Grown Into a Trusted Supplier
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Like many successful roll-forming operations, Metal Systems LLC began with a practical need, a local opportunity, and a willingness to learn. According to his son Kyle, Jesse Garber founded the company in 2013 as a family-owned-and-operated company. Prior to launching the business, Jesse had several years of experience in metal roofing and general construction. During that time, the family was sourcing metal from a supplier located several hours away, and it became clear there was an opportunity—and a need—for a local roll-forming shop that could provide better service to the area immediately surrounding Salem, Indiana.
That realization came at a critical time. Kyle explained that just before the company was founded, several tornadoes and major storms moved through the region. Reroofs and pole barns were going up everywhere, and demand for metal products surged. Recognizing both the immediate need and the long-term opportunity to support rebuilding efforts, Jesse decided to invest in equipment and bring roll forming closer to home.
The company started modestly. Early production was handled with just an ag panel roll former, a small slitter, and a 21-foot Bradbury folder. As business picked up, trim roll formers and additional time- and labor-saving machines were added incrementally, based on real demand rather than speculation. From the outset, the family chose to invest in new equipment to ensure consistent quality and avoid downtime that could impact service.
Their entry-level equipment included a Metal Rollforming Systems (MRS) Patriot ag panel roll former, an MRS slitter, and a 21-foot Bradbury folder—all purchased new. One of the deciding factors in choosing MRS was the level of service provided early on. Dan McDonald, founder of MRS, made a personal trip to sit down with Jesse and walk through how the shop should be set up. At the time, the family considered themselves greenhorns when it came to the manufacturing side of the business. That hands-on guidance made a lasting impression. Being treated with the same respect and attention as a much larger customer was a huge step in turning Metal Systems into a loyal MRS customer.
Today, Metal Systems produces three primary panel profiles: classic rib (ag panel), quad rib, and a 10-inch board-and-batten siding panel. Classic rib remains the leading profile, particularly for agricultural and post-frame projects. Quad rib—which Kyle refers to as the “poor man’s standing seam”—has become increasingly popular. While it is still an exposed-fastener panel, it imitates the look of standing seam from a distance. With 12-inch on-center ribs and 3-foot coverage, quad rib allows customers to use the same universal trims as ag panel. Although adoption was slow at first—the company was the first in the area to offer it—it has gained traction, especially in residential settings. Contractors appreciate that it installs at the same speed as ag panel while offering a different look at a lower cost than true standing seam.
Board-and-batten siding has also become a strong seller for the company, particularly in newer, higher-end residential homes and barndominiums. Demand is especially strong for woodgrain finishes, which are sourced from Little Harvey’s. Woodgrain metal has proven to be a key differentiator for customers seeking a premium appearance with the durability of steel.
The company’s customer base is largely agricultural and residential, with a strong focus on post-frame buildings, residential reroofs, and small detached garages. Over the past year, Metal Systems has produced a growing amount of metal for barndominiums, which tend to be larger projects requiring consistent quality and dependable turnaround times.
Service remains intentionally local. Most jobs are delivered within a 40-mile radius of the Metal Systems facility, and approximately 70% of orders are delivered by the company’s own drivers. The operation employs two delivery drivers and relies on several roll-off trailers from Pine Hill Trailers, which has become the company’s go-to trailer supplier due to quality construction and reliability.
Staffing has evolved naturally alongside the business. In the early days, Jesse handled office duties while his daughter ran the folder and Kyle operated the roll former. Between customers, Jesse would step into production wherever help was needed. As more sons finished school, they joined the business full-time. Today, the team includes Jesse, four sons, and two delivery drivers. “My sister went and got married and has a family of her own. She spent quite a few years working with us and did a good job,” Kyle said.
While there is competition in the region—including three lumberyards within 12 miles that sell metal—the nearest roll-forming operation is roughly 40 miles away. Metal Systems maintains good relationships with competitors and operates with the belief that there is room for everyone. Differentiation comes through service and consistent quality rather than price alone. While pricing matters, the company prioritizes loyal customers who value reliability and trust. Customers who switch suppliers over a few cents per foot are often not long-term partners, whereas those who trust the product and service tend to remain loyal.
Metal Systems sells strictly retail, with no wholesale business. Approximately 90% of sales go to roofing contractors and pole barn builders, while the remaining 10% serves farmers and do-it-yourself customers.
Equipment continues to be a cornerstone of the operation. Current production at Metal Systems includes an MRS Titan Series roll former for ag panels, an MRS Patriot roll former for quad rib with an extra raft capable of running ag panels, and several MRS trim roll formers, including an MRS board-and-batten roll former. The shop also operates a 21-foot double Variobend folder, a Marxman slitting line from SWI Machinery, a custom-designed garage door trim roll former from Acu-Form, a standalone Dyna Cut shear, and a shrink-wrap line from Ameripak. Service support from MRS has remained a standout, reinforcing the original decision to partner with the manufacturer.
Material sourcing is equally deliberate. United Steel Supply serves as the primary coil supplier, with additional sourcing from Liberty Steel Products. Woodgrain finishes are supplied by Little Harveys. Being located in southern Indiana allows Metal Systems to source coil quickly from Jeffersonville or Terre Haute, Indiana, which helps keep inventory levels low while maintaining a wide range of available colors.
Beyond metal panels, Metal Systems also supplies windows, doors, insulation, lumber, sliding door components, nails, and screws. Levi’s Building Components plays a key role in providing fasteners and smaller components, offering same-day shipping and a broad inventory that supports fast turnaround.
Looking back, one of the most important lessons learned has been the importance of shop layout and efficiency. The company began in a small pole barn on the home farm, which was added on to multiple times, and eventually relocated to a larger, purpose-built facility. The current layout has significantly improved workflow and productivity. Kyle notes that he has seen some shops that could reduce labor simply by improving machine placement and material flow—something they did not fully appreciate in the early years.
Kyle said business in 2025 was strong overall but unpredictable, with busy stretches followed by slower periods. Despite the variability, averages remained solid. Based on conversations with customers and contractors, expectations for 2026 are optimistic, with signs pointing toward a stronger and more stable year.
Looking ahead, Metal Systems LLC is in the process of adding an addition to its facility to increase storage capacity for lumber, insulation, and other supplies. Plans are also underway to expand the lumber lineup in 2026. While complete pole barn packages are not currently offered, that remains a long-term goal. The company already supplies trusses through H&S Truss Company of Irvington, Kentucky, which manufactures and delivers trusses directly to job sites. Adding lumber alongside trusses and metal is a natural next step.
Conclusion
“To sum up our company,” Kyle explained, “my dad was looking to the future and wanted something for everyone to work together as family. He wanted everyone to have ownership. Each of us has the opportunity to buy into the company as we get older. It’s been a great business for the family that we can work together and make a living for each of our families, and we’re very thankful that God has provided a way for us to do this. We’ve been really blessed with our business, and we like to help other people as much as we can in whatever area that may be.”
The team at Metal Systems LLC also enjoys visiting other metal shops and welcoming visitors into their own. Seeing how others approach the same work—and sharing ideas that might help someone improve—is part of what keeps the business grounded, connected, and continually moving forward.
