Larsen Manufacturing, a Chicago-based metal parts manufacturer, has achieved what is more and more difficult in today’s domestic manufacturing environment: double digit growth on a year over year basis for the last five years. So how did they do it?

Larsen Manufacturing
How a Small Metal Company Grew Over 80 Percent in Five YearsLarsen Manufacturing, a Chicago-based metal parts manufacturer, has achieved what is more and more difficult in today’s domestic manufacturing environment: double digit growth on a year over year basis for the last five years. So how did they do it?
National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM)
A Stronger Voice through Education and AdvocacyThe National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM) has proactively supported its members for thirty years from its headquarters in Topeka, Kansas. Its growing membership is a testament to its ability to engage, cooperate, inform and advocate.
Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corporation
The Preferred Choice for Nearly a CenturyNot often do you find four generations working in the same corporation, but that is exactly how the Preferred Utilities Manufacturing Corporation in Danbury, Connecticut has operated since 1920. The company has come a long way since the early days and is proud to launch a number of new products this year.
Cincinnati Incorporated
Still Making Innovation HistoryCincinnati Incorporated, now branded as CI, boasts a legacy of innovation, strength and performance. After more than a century of success, it shows no signs of stopping or slowing down. This is one of a handful of US-based build-to-order machine tool manufacturers.
General Plastics, Inc.
30 Years of Thermoforming ExpertiseAs a manufacturing process, thermoforming boasts many cost, aesthetic and performance advantages over other manufacturing processes. Thermoforming consist of heating plastic sheet to a precise temperature point where it is pliable. Then it is quickly formed into the desired part shape using vacuum or pressure forming techniques. Once the part is vacuumed down on the mold, water running through the aluminum tool is used to cool the material down to permanently set the final part geometry.
Aparium Hotel Group
Making the Walls TalkIn today’s world, hotel guests expect more than a tidy room, a comfortable bed, and a place to sleep and shower – they want experiences, and few hotels are better equipped to meet and exceed the expectations of travelers and locals alike than Aparium.
Waxy's Modern Irish Bar
A New Twist on a Classic ConceptArguably, there are more Irish bars in North America than any other themed establishments. It is a staple of any town but particularly present in Massachusetts, where Waxy’s Modern Irish Bar is as authentic as it gets. The food, of course, includes Irish fare to go along with pub favorites, but there is so much more to Waxy’s. It is an Irish pub that strives to be a genuine representation of modern Ireland. Business in Focus spoke with Director of Marketing & Events Julie Doherty about this rapidly expanding concept.
The Matador
A Shared PassionThe Matador – a restaurant known for its Mexican cuisine and extensive tequila bar – has been offering its customers a unique experience and quality food ever since its inception. From its beautiful works of art to its décor and atmosphere, its owners have put their passion to work, and their hearts into creating this one-of-a-kind establishment.
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
A Rooftop Oasis in the Heart of the CityWhen Steven Greenberg set out to open 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, the concept was simple: create a space that allowed tourists and locals alike to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City’s streets. With that in mind, he selected the rooftop of an iconic building in the Flatiron district of Manhattan, and a new standard in nightlife was born.
The Pig ‘n’ Whistle Group
Old-World Charm Meets Fresh Pub TrendsThe Pig ‘n’ Whistle Group has been serving up good cheer, great food and drink and friendly service at a series of Irish-style pubs and restaurants for decades. The group operates thirteen locations in total, a dozen in Manhattan and one in Dublin. While these locations vary in décor, menus and ambiance, they aim to blend old-world Irish charm with contemporary food and drink trends.
Astro Machine Works
Built on PeopleAstro Machine Works is a comprehensive machining and fabrication facility that specializes in custom machine building, machined parts, and fabrication. With more than three decades of experience serving a diverse range of industries, and a team of highly qualified experts – some having been with the company since the very beginning – Astro has truly become a complete solutions provider.
Paragon Metals
Committed to InnovationParagon Metals is a global company that specializes in manufactured precision-engineered metal components and is devoted to meeting its customers’ needs while offering great service and competitive pricing.
Nationwide Boiler Incorporated
Not Just ‘Nationwide’Nationwide Boiler Incorporated has rented and sold boilers and related equipment to clients in six continents and provided essential equipment to restore steam services after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City. Now celebrating its fiftieth anniversary, the company attributes its longevity to a simple combination of excellent products and quality service. The Fremont, California-based firm has also developed an expertise in environmentally friendly boiler solutions.
Johnston Boiler Company
Steam Powering Industry across America and BeyondSince its founding in 1864 in Ferrysburg, Michigan, Johnston Boiler Company, a pioneer of the Scotch Marine boiler system has been the unsung hero of the industry, providing steam power to such diverse industries as Fortune 500 companies, hospitals, food processing plants, utilities and distilleries. Customers looking for reliability, efficiency, longevity, and low emissions, along with a customized approach, can find all this and more at Johnston.
Leader Tech
Leading the Way in its FieldLeader Tech is a U.S. manufacturer of EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) shielding products for various applications including enclosures for electronic devices, circuit boards, and interconnect cabling. Electromagnetic interference is what’s happening if you hear your car radio buzz when your cellphone rings, and it’s the reason you’re supposed to turn your cellphone off on an airplane. Electronic devices can interfere with each other, but by encasing them in EMI shielding material, you can reduce that interference to some degree.
Epic Polymer
A Unique Company with a Unique Approach to Customer SolutionsA Zen proverb simply states that the obstacle is the path. A confusing phrase for most but upon reflection, it carries a significant meaning. All obstacles can rightly be perceived as challenges. Most will shy away from a challenge, preferring to remain within the realm of the status quo, the secure and safe, carrying on business as usual.
GP:50 NY Ltd.
Unparalleled Performance Under PressureWhen it comes to precise and dependable pressure sensing instrumentation, GP:50 NY Ltd. is one of the world’s leading suppliers and a highly recognized and respected name. Each day, customers from many industries rely on its products, most of which are customized to address unique needs and requirements.
The Bumpy Road Ahead
Shifting from Fossil Fuels to Sustainable EnergySome call it green energy, while others refer to it as sustainable or renewable, but it all comes down to one thing: the ability to meet today’s energy requirements without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their power needs. Unlike the five fossil fuels formed over millions of years from decaying organic matter – coal, oil, petroleum, natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas – sources of sustainable energy such as solar, wind and water power are virtually endless.
Global Water Resources
Preserving Water Resources for the FutureGlobal Water Resources is a water resource management company that employs a concept called “Total Water Management” to offer water, wastewater, and recycled water utility services to customers in several areas within the state of Arizona.
The Marlin Company
Coming in Loud and ClearEffective communication with employees is paramount to safety, productivity, and morale in the workplace. The Marlin Company understands this well, and provides visual communication platforms that empower companies to communicate more effectively to their employees.
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At Look at Toronto’s Eglinton Crosstown Light Rapid Transit Line
On August 10 of this year, Phil Verster, CEO of Metrolinx, the regional transportation agency for the Ontario government, made a major announcement about Toronto’s long-delayed, multi-billion dollar Eglinton Crosstown Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system. Metrolinx, which is overseeing the troubled transit project along with another provincial agency, Infrastructure Ontario, could be in a position to announce an opening date in the near future, said Verster.
Bay Future, Inc.
“Our community is really embracing what the future could be.” – Trevor Keyes
City of Flagstaff, Arizona
With 266 sunny days per year, thousands of nature trails, a top research university, and a thriving job market, Flagstaff, Arizona is an ideal place for work and play. The city’s elevation—6,903 feet—leads to relatively mild weather, so residents can enjoy the outdoors whatever the season.
City of Westland, Michigan
Like the Middle River Rouge running through Hines Park in the City of Westland, prosperity and positive change are flowing into this lush, 22-square-mile town.
North Cape Coastal Drive
When Mi’kmaq people greet a visitor with “Pjila’si,” they’re not only saying “Welcome,” they’re saying, “Come in and sit down!”
Jeffery Homes
Over his years as one of Ontario’s premier home builders, Scott Jeffery has learned many things, particularly respect for customers and for the trades who work to ensure the Jeffery Homes brand maintains its sterling reputation. Jeffery and his team strive for better than the best—something the company has maintained for almost 60 years.