Sheet Metal Supply, a national metal fabricator for the construction industry, was the unanimous winner of the 2025 Economic Development award at the Grayslake (Ill.) Area Chamber of Commerce Installation & Awards Ceremony.

The award is in recognition of the company’s “reinvestment in an unused facility representing a substantial investment in the Grayslake economy and the creation of new local job opportunities.” This award is given annually by the Grayslake Economic Development Commission to someone whose contributions promote economic development in Grayslake.

“When we found our new industrial home in Grayslake, we realized we had come across not just a hidden gem of a property, but a hidden gem of a community as well,” says Ben Kweton, president of Sheet Metal Supply. “Not only were we able to partner with the village to incentivize our move in exchange for a geometric increase in sales tax revenues, but we’ve made a commitment to utilize local vendors and restaurants, help support the local community.

“Sheet Metal Supply has had the good fortune to add over 20 new, highly skilled, employees and several million dollars’ worth of state-of-the-art fabrication equipment since our move in 2020. We are honored to be recognized for our small part in the overall economic success of Grayslake, appreciate the opportunity to call this village our home, and continue our mutually beneficial partnership.”

Sheet Metal Supply and the village worked cooperatively on an economic incentive agreement for a sales tax rebate that helped pave the way for SMS to locate in Grayslake. The commission noted the cooperation as well as the fact that Sheet Metal Supply provided a significant investment in the community by purchasing a vacant space and investing in the rehabilitation of the building to support its business.

“By establishing their business in Grayslake, Sheet Metal Supply also provided additional jobs to the local economy,” says Chase Muscato, Grayslake deputy village manager. “Sheet Metal Supply has experienced great success since locating in the village and is a perfect example of the mutual benefit that can come from economic incentive agreements that bring businesses into towns.”