Eastern Metal Works Inc.

6748 Market St., Unit 4, Wilmington​

No. of employees: Not disclosed for competitive reasons
 
Year founded:1983
 
Top local official: Thomas C. Meyers Sr., CEO
 
Company description: Eastern Metal Works Inc. is a locally owned and operated business. The company is a wholesale manufacturer that designs, develops and makes marine tools and equipment for recreational and commercial fishermen.
 
Products made locally: Handcrafted marine tools and equipment, including rod anchors, fishing gigs, clam rakes and aluminum handles
 
Product distribution: Eastern Metal Works’ primary customers are retail tackle and hardware stores in the United States with a focus on small-to mid-sized businesses. The company also sells its products online at easternmetalworksinc.com.
 
What made the company decide to make goods locally? Michael Sanderson Jr., administrative assistant: “Eastern Metal Works Inc. values hard work and quality products made in the USA. Since the beginning, our products were manufactured in North Carolina. The company started with making clam rakes in Harkers Island and moved to Wilmington in 1994.The move to Wilmington was motivated by the growth of the area and offered the room the company needed to expand. One surprise the company encountered after coming to Wilmington was the need for ornamental iron and aluminum gates, hand rails, artwork and metal designs.”
 
What’s your target market? Sanderson: “We primarily sell to small businesses on the East and Gulf coasts. Starting in 2020 we opened our e-commerce site to sell to consumers anywhere in North America.”
 
What’s planned next? Sanderson: “As we continue to grow the company, our CEO Thomas C.  Meyers Sr. continues to lead the charge in many aspects here at Eastern Metal Works Inc. We do have a few new products in production with three scheduled for release this spring. One of those products is an extremely durable stainless-steel dip net with six variations. “In addition, the company is also making efforts to produce sea turtle-and fish-saving products for as many commercial and recreational fishers as possible. Working with representatives from NOAA and state marine fisheries, we hope to offset the effects of overfishing and aid in the recovery efforts of the ecosystem by developing new products to change the way catch and release affects sea life.

Correction: This version of the MADE feature has been updated to reflect the correct address for Eastern Metal Works Inc. in Wilmington.