Clark County at Work: Hi-Tech Metal Fabrication Inc.

Published June 25, 2012 | By admin

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Steven Lane/The Columbian

Fabricators work on hand rails.

Steven Lane/The Columbian

Shawn Mickelson welds hand rails.

Business name: Hi-Tech Metal Fabrication, Inc.

Owners: Timo and Cristy Toristoja.

Address: 2301 S.E. Hidden Way, No. 100.

What the business does: Hi-Tech Metal Fabrication Inc. is a full-service structural steel fabrication and erection shop. The shop fabricates miscellaneous structural steel packages including on-site erection of the finished product, said Cristy Toristoja. It offers on-site structural revisions and tenant improvements for buildings and structures. Hi-Tech also provides occasional marine vessel repair.

Steps to build the business as the economy recovers: The company has adapted by diversifying and moving toward other types of structural packages, Cristy Toristoja said. It has worked on several mixed-use projects and is seeing an upturn in that kind of work. Hi-Tech is also pursuing more industrial construction.

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Greatest challenge: Toristoja said it is difficult to find qualified, long-term employees. She also said she struggles to get quality affordable health care for her employees.

What is your favorite part of the job: Because of the multiple types of projects Hi-Tech does, Toristoja said she is constantly learning something new every day. She said it is an honor to have grown so much from the small shop the couple started in Battle Ground 12 years ago. She enjoys watching the projects from bid process to the finished product.

How did she get in the business: She and her husband, Timo, who has a marine industry background, wanted a business of their own. After acquiring equipment from someone who was retiring, they rented his shop in Battle Ground and opened the doors. While running the business has been challenging, she is pleased that they have managed to grow.

What’s ahead: The Toristojas look forward to continuing their place in the community while steadily obtaining new projects. They want to help stimulate growth and continue to provide employment.

Year established in Clark County: July 2001.

Employees: 25.

Telephone: 360-750-1200.

Fax: 360-750-1203.

Website: http://www.htmfi.com.

Hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.