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Metal fabrication company expands Arizona operations with new facility

Freeberg Industrial Fabrication marks major growth milestone with 160,000-square-foot manufacturing site opening in Eloy, Arizona for expanded metal assembly capabilities.

Arizona manufacturing expansion

A Major Bet on Arizona’s Manufacturing Future

When a sheet metal and structural steel fabricator decides to more than double its physical footprint, it signals confidence in both the market and the region. That’s exactly what Freeberg Industrial Fabrication just did by opening a 160,000-square-foot facility in Eloy, Arizona—a facility that represents a significant capital investment of up to $12 million through 2026 and 2027.

For teams working in metalworking and fabrication, this kind of expansion matters. It reflects demand for precision manufacturing services that existing capacity simply couldn’t meet.

What Freeberg Does and Why It Matters

Freeberg specializes in certified manufacturing of sheet metal and structural steel components. The company handles the full range of metalworking operations: metal cutting, forming, welding, painting, and electro-mechanical assembly. They also maintain an in-house engineering team that provides build-to-print planning and original engineering design services.

The materials they work with span carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and other metals—including the capacity to handle large, heavy parts that require specialized equipment and expertise.

At the new Eloy facility, located at 5610 N. Sunland Gin Rd., Freeberg will assemble reciprocating engine power generation packages and other large-scale electro-mechanical systems. This mirrors the company’s existing Escondido, California operations but with enhanced capacity for handling oversized components.

Why Location Matters in Modern Manufacturing

Eloy sits along the Interstate 10 corridor between Greater Phoenix and Tucson. That geography isn’t accidental—it’s central to why Freeberg chose the location. Positioned between two major metro areas, the facility gains access to expanded labor markets, major transportation routes, and direct pathways to serve customers across the southwestern United States.

The strategic value here is straightforward: reduced delivery times and faster regional service. For industries relying on engine power generation systems or large fabricated assemblies, proximity matters when lead times and logistics determine project timelines.

Staffing Plans Show Serious Commitment

Freeberg has already hired 40 employees at the Eloy location since opening. The company expects to reach approximately 75 employees by the end of 2026 and 200 by the end of 2027. Those hiring targets aren’t guesswork—they reflect actual production ramp projections and customer demand forecasts.

For the Eloy community and Pinal County residents, this represents meaningful, high-quality career opportunities in precision manufacturing. The company actively recruits for available positions through its website.

How This Expansion Strengthens Arizona’s Manufacturing Ecosystem

Arizona has positioned itself as a national center for advanced manufacturing. This expansion reinforces that position. According to officials at the Arizona Commerce Authority, the facility strengthens Arizona’s reputation and brings skilled jobs to the region. The Greater Phoenix Economic Council notes that Eloy has emerged as a key connector in the regional supply chain, linking businesses across Greater Phoenix, Tucson, and out-of-state markets.

For businesses needing precision metal fabrication services, this expansion increases regional capacity and creates more competitive options for quote requests and delivery timelines.

Understanding the Company’s Parent Structure

Freeberg operates as part of Hill & Smith PLC, a larger parent organization. This backing provides stability and access to capital—evident in the $12 million investment supporting the Eloy facility build-out and equipment installation.

Marc F. Brown, CEO of Freeberg Industrial Fabrication, characterized the new facility as the company’s largest site to date and emphasized the role of partnerships with the City of Eloy, the Arizona Commerce Authority, and GPEC, along with construction partners Newport Commercial Partners and FCL.

What Types of Projects Benefit From This Expanded Capacity

The focus on reciprocating engine power generation packages suggests the fabrication work involves complex assemblies requiring precision welding, heavy component handling, and integration of mechanical and electrical systems. These aren’t simple flat-stock projects—they demand expertise in managing tight tolerances, material compatibility, and assembly sequencing.

Industries that rely on portable or backup power generation, industrial equipment, or specialized engines represent the likely customer base. Any application requiring custom-fabricated structural steel frames, welded subassemblies, or precision-engineered power systems fits this profile.

The Role of Engineering Services in Modern Fabrication

Freeberg’s in-house engineering team provides both build-to-print services (executing a customer’s existing design) and original engineering design services (developing solutions from scratch). This dual capability matters because not every customer arrives with fully detailed drawings.

For organizations considering outsourcing fabrication work, the availability of engineering support means fewer iterations between design and production, faster prototyping cycles, and reduced risk of production delays caused by design conflicts or material specification problems.

Community Impact and Economic Development

The ribbon cutting ceremony on September 16 brought together Freeberg leadership, Eloy City Council, the Chamber of Commerce, the Arizona Commerce Authority, and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. That turnout signals how seriously regional economic development organizations view this investment.

Eloy Mayor Andrew Sutton emphasized that the facility represents more than equipment and square footage—it represents career pathways and community confidence in future growth.

Practical Considerations When Selecting a Fabrication Partner

If you’re evaluating fabrication vendors for large-scale assembly work, several factors emerge from this expansion story. First, check whether the vendor has capacity for your project timeline and volume requirements. A fabricator with headcount plans suggests they’re prepared for growth but also that lead times may shift as they ramp production.

Second, verify their materials expertise. Freeberg’s range—carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and others—isn’t universal. Some shops specialize narrowly. Understanding what materials your project requires and confirming the vendor actively works with those materials prevents costly delays.

Third, assess their engineering support. If your project requires design input or optimization, in-house engineering capacity creates faster feedback loops than vendors who outsource design work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials can Freeberg handle? The company works with carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and other metals, including capacity for large, heavy parts that many general fabricators cannot accommodate.

How does geographic location affect fabrication costs and timelines? Freeberg’s Eloy location on the I-10 corridor reduces shipping times and transportation costs for customers across the Southwest. This proximity advantage translates to faster delivery and potentially lower logistics expenses.

What should I ask a fabricator about their hiring and growth plans? Growth plans signal capacity expansion. If a vendor is hiring aggressively, they’re preparing for increased demand—which means they believe they can meet your timeline. Conversely, a fabricator at capacity may have extended lead times.

What This Expansion Means Going Forward

The opening of this facility represents more than one company’s growth story. It signals ongoing investment in regional manufacturing capacity, particularly for complex assembly work that requires precision, engineering expertise, and the ability to handle large components. For businesses in the Southwest needing custom metal fabrication services—whether for power generation, industrial equipment, or specialized machinery—expanded regional capacity means more options, potentially faster turnaround, and increased competitive pressure that benefits customers through better pricing and service.