May 15, 2023 Building Dreams in Metal

Volume 26 | Issue 1

Family-owned Summertown Metals constructs metal builds for commercial, residential and agricultural properties.

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In considering the mettle of a building, a key consideration is whether it is made out of metal.

“Metal buildings don’t rot the way tra­ditional wood construction does,” says Luke Bolling, General Manager of Summertown Metals. “After 40 years, a metal building looks as good as when it first was built. In addition, there’s not only a lot less material involved in construction, but metal is also a quicker build than conventional stick building. It also requires less maintenance and is sturdier.”

Summertown Metals manufactures a range of commercial and residential buildings, includ­ing:

• Farm and Agricultural: multipurpose struc­tures for storage and livestock;
• Residential Garages: for workshops, equipment storage and vehicles, many designs include overhangs and finished soffits;
• Barndominiums (stud frame structures on concrete) and Homes; Summertown provides the exterior shell only and rough interior fram­ing only—no interior doors, trim or floor coverings.

Just one example of a stock barndominium is the company’s latest model, the Rocky Top. Available with either a three- or two-bedroom floorplan with two baths, this barndominium features over 2300 square feet and a breezeway to a spacious (840 square feet) two car garage. The barndominium is made with 29 gauge painted metals walls, roof and trim. A 360 square foot port is timber framed with a tongue and groove wood ceiling.

“We manufacture metal components as well as stock metal panels and roofing for on-site assembly by one of our building contractor partners,” Bolling explains. “After all the per­mits are approved and site preparation com­pleted, a prefabricated metal building can be erected and completed in anywhere from one to three days. It’s a quality product for a good price.”

Summertown Metals is family-owned; John Stoll founded the company in 2006, eventually selling the company to his sons. While it started as a single materials supply company, it grew to become a manufacturing and materials distribution company. Along with stock blue­prints and buildings, Summertown Metals also does custom work.”

Named after the Tennessee town where it is located, Summertown Metals employs about 210. The company serves more than 10,000 customers in Tennessee and surrounding states, including Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky and Georgia, with expansion plans further into the contiguous states, as well as into the Carolinas and Virginia.

Bolling attributes this growth to both the advantages of metal buildings as well as the advantages of working with Summertown Metals. “Barndominiums are growing in pop­ularity due to the speed of construction com­pared to traditional stick built homes,” Bolling notes. “And particularly in our area where there is a lot of farming, building kits for agricultural use are in high demand. On top of that, metal buildings offer a distinctive look that is both aesthetically appealing as well as highly durable and long lasting.”

He adds, “Our 29-gauge residential metal panel is our most popular metal panel. It is cost effective, virtually indestructible and easy to install. Our residential panels carry a 40 year manufacturer’s warranty on the paint and we stock more than 20 colors. These panels are ideal for residential roofing and siding on almost any structure including hay barns, garages, and even homes.”

Company Built Reputation

While Summertown Metals does some adver­tising, Bolling notes that the majority of sales are the result of word of mouth, as well as the company’s reputation for providing a superior product. Which is why it continues to enjoy steady sales growth.

“Our sales department works with customers to develop detailed blueprints; we provide a free estimate based on these plans. Through our partners we can also provide full con­tracting services to take a project from con­ception to completion, including CAD design, engineering drawings and complete project management. If the customer decides to go forward, we sign contracts and coordinate with a general contractor for construction. Typically, we can schedule building anywhere from four to eight weeks out. Once the founda­tion is set and basic plumbing roughed, we ship all the materials for assembly, which typically doesn’t take more than a few days.”

Summertown Metals contracts with a lumber supplier for Cypress used for framing post and beam porches. In-house, Summertown Metals manufactures the steel trusses and metal form­ing rolls, completing components with stock metal roofing and siding panels, doors and windows.

While many manufacturers are struggling with supply chain issues, good working relation­ships with a range of local vendors and suppli­ers has made this a non-issue for Summertown Metals. Similarly, Bolling says the company has little trouble attracting labor. “We’re a good employer and there are a lot of people here that are willing to work and have the skill sets we require.”

Part of what make Summertown Metals a great company to work for is its commitment to the community. “We realize that along with our continued success comes increased respon­sibility. Summertown Metals is committed to giving back to the community and to helping those less fortunate both here and abroad,” Bolling says.

He adds, “Whether you’re looking to expand your facilities, need a custom designed industrial building or metal roofing, Summertown Metals’ experienced staff takes the worry out of your project. We make sure every customer is totally satisfied.”

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