LINCOLN — When the pandemic hit shortly after they had launched a decorative metalworking shop, Sheila and Paul Johnson of Bennet, Nebraska, were worried: “What’s going to happen now?”

As it turned out, home improvement projects boomed and so did requests for the couple’s FabriPlas Metal products that range from fun fence toppers to deck panels featuring trees, wildlife and other nature scenes.

“Demand really went up,” Sheila told the Nebraska Examiner, “Like, it’s not stopped.”

A new state manufacturing modernization grant, authorized under a 2025 Nebraska law, will add a plasma cutting machine and a painter/welder to the business’ seven-person staff, allowing quicker response to custom orders coming from across the country.

FabriPlas Metal is among five small manufacturers selected from more than 50 applicants that will share $250,000. Winners are to use the state funds to develop innovative approaches to building their operations and boosting productivity, according to a statement last week from the the Nebraska Department of Labor, which oversees the program.

“I am so impressed with the commitment from businesses across the state to utilizing technology in ways that will grow and sustain their companies while also providing new employment opportunities,” said Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber, who said her agency received over 50 applications.

Each recipient of a Nebraska Manufacturing Modernization and Workforce Development Pilot Investment Act grant, provided under last year’s Legislative Bill 265, is to receive $50,000 and provide matching funds to complete their project, the department said.

Katie Thurber,  Nebraska Labor Commissioner. (Courtesy of Governor’s Office)

The legislation, sponsored by State Sen. Tony Sorrentino of the Elkhorn area, was described as a one-time grant program to increase integration of smart technologies. Winners had to have at least three years of operation, at least three full-time employees and derive 51% of revenue from manufactured goods. 

At FabriPlas, Sheila Johnson said finding skilled workers is among the biggest challenges for the couple’s shop, whose registered name is PAJ Industries LLC. She also handles marketing and manages design work. Her husband has three decades of fabrication experience, cutting, sanding and finishing parts.

Their customer base is homeowners taking on do-it-yourself projects. But Sheila said more architects and developers are seeking their products. “We are so backed up,” she said.

Other recipients:

Distar Industries LLC of Columbus plans to purchase a robotic welding system to modernize efforts and upskill its workforce.  

Aurora Boardworks plans to install new 3D solder paste and automated optical machines and add two people to meet demand for custom circuit boards.

 Lincoln Tool and Design Co. plans to add a robotic welding cell and provide training to improve productivity.

Saro Cider of Lincoln is to purchase and install a tunnel pasteurizer for canned beverages to speed up packaging.

This story was published by Nebraska Examiner, an editorially independent newsroom providing a hard-hitting, daily flow of news. Read the original article: https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/nebraska-awards-250000-in-smart-technology-grants-husband-wife-metalworking-team-sees-growth/