Forging the Future of Industrial Sheet Metal

“If somebody calls, that project manager runs with it; we keep everybody in the loop,” Vidimos says. “Our dynamic is that we can adjust schedules on the fly to accommodate our customers.”

Technology’s true impact isn’t just lasers and scanners but also the software side. “We have three programmers who draw custom parts for us. Two-thirds of what we do is fabrication, so that in the process is vital,” he says. Customers often send samples and Vidimos reverse-engineers parts using modeling. “Based on precise measuring, we build pieces off the model. When you pull it apart, you know everything’s going to fit.”

Whether it’s rebuilding a drying oven or fabricating large structural steel pieces, Vidimos adapts quickly to its clients' emergent needs. “The customer has the concept of what they want but not the steps to get there. That’s where our design expertise comes in,” he explains.

Vidimos paints a vivid picture of the company’s quality ethos: “I always tell guys, ‘Pretend like you’re taking this home and putting it in your living room to show your family.’ We want to have quality work coming out of our shop.” This approach resonates through every project, large or small, as the company balances the demands of industrial clients with a commitment to craftsmanship.

our shop, but we’re at that point now,” he says, adding that team members tidying the shop is a sign of this slowdown. “When I’ve got people out cleaning up and things are getting tidy, that means we’re looking for a little bit of work.”

Vidimos sees the union partnership as vital, especially in adapting to labor fluctuations. “Our relationship with our labor partners is exactly that: a partnership. We both understand we have skin in the game, and we’re better together than apart. It’s a binding relationship for pension and contractual reasons,” he says, noting the importance of being ready for tough negotiations but focused on long-term success.

Talk of the future at Vidimos isn’t just about equipment upgrades but exploring new markets within architectural and service sheet metal work. Embracing emerging technologies and continuing to nurture skilled members remains a focus. “There’s some pretty interesting technologies out there that can assist our members in doing their jobs,” Vidimos says. “A lot of what we do is driven by the customer. If they’re looking for something, we find a way to do it,” capturing the company’s can-do spirit.

Also, next year is a milestone year for Vidimos as he’ll become president of SMACNA in October 2026. He hopes to be a champion for greater knowledge sharing. “My goal would be to be the cheerleader, to help familiarize people with all of the resources available. SMACNA is a volunteer organization, and those volunteers bring great experience to the table,” he says. “The programs and resources we have are contractor-driven, and it’s a matter of spreading the good word.