This is Fred Ball, Zions Bank, speaking on business.

After being in the steel industry for more than 45 years, Jim Keech thought retirement was on the horizon, but he soon discovered just how mistaken he was. Instead, he is now successfully running a new company in partnership with his sons.

Jim's history in the steel industry includes many years spent working for other companies, during which he even worked with his sons a couple of times. Several years ago he was doing part-time steel fabrication with one of his sons. And four years ago they decided it would be easier to service customers if they were in control, so they started Keech Steel.

Salt Lake City-based Keech Steel is a job shop steel fabricator, which essentially means the company provides custom steel work for water treatment companies, engineering firms and mining companies, among others. Jim tells me this work sometimes includes unique items such as an impeller, the vaned rotating disc of a centrifugal pump or compressor, for a water treatment company. He learned the technique after visiting a steel fabricating plant in the Netherlands.

Most of Keech Steel's clientele is concentrated in the Intermountain West, particularly along the Wasatch Front, but its products are shipped all over the world. It wouldn't be unusual to find Keech products in Russia, South America, Canada, or Central America. The company's growth has been dramatic in the four years it has been in existence. When Jim started the company with his sons, Scott and Kevin, operations were concentrated in the back of someone else's shop. Two years ago, the Keeches purchased the entire complex where the shop is located and now boast 3.5 acres.

Jim tells me that although Keech Steel employs 20 people, it is still very much a family-owned and operated business. His wife and two daughters run the office while he, Scott and Kevin run the company. The recession hasn't had much of an effect on the business, and Jim does his best to treat employees right, which includes offering an extensive safety training so the company maintains its exemplary safety record.

For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.

Keech Steel Corporation
577 W. 3410 South #B
Salt Lake City, UT 84088
801-270-5415
www.keechsteel.com

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