About Richards Sheet Metal Works
Richards Sheet Metal Works Incorporated In 1928, the Richards Brothers, I.L., Harold, Bernie, Jo, and their father I.P. Richards, were all working for the Robert Smith Sheet Metal Company Business was good in 1928; most everyone was employed. The Richards Brothers began to discuss the possibility of going into business for themselves. In 1928 the Richards Brothers organized, Richards Sheet Metal Company, with I.L. Richards as President. They rented a building at 2412 Grant Ave. and started a business with $5000, a considerable amount of credit, a hand break, and a hand shear, which were only rated for 16GA materials. They didn’t have any power tools, and all of the employees had their own hand tools. The main part of the business was home heating systems. Nearly everyone back then had a coal furnace, some still had wood burning stoves, which was good business for Richards. The company also made watering troughs for the Forest Service and many bathtubs for the Japanese. They liked to sit in the tub and soak, and it took a special tub to accommodate them. Richards Sheet Metal struggled during the depression years, but made enough money to live on. In 1936, property at 237-24 th St. became available. The three brothers I.L., Bernie, and Harry, bought the property for $5000 and the shop was moved to that location. This property consisted of a small brick building, and a significant amount of vacant property to the east and rear of the building. In 1964 Joe sold his stock in the company and his ownership in the property to Ray L. Richards, son of I.L. Richards. In 1966 I.L. Richards retired as president of the company and Ray assumed that position. During the following years at least three major additions were made to the shop, and finally, the office section was built at 245-24 th St. The company was at this location until 1978, when it was moved to its present location in the West Ogden Industrial Park. In 1971 Stephen R. Richards, son of Ray L. Richards, graduated from Utah State University, and began working for the company. He became President of the company in 1985 and he holds that position at the present time. Over the years many changes have taken place. In this location we have grown and prospered, adding many new employees, more equipment, and prominent customers across the valley. Our business has changed from domestic and home heating, to mostly commercial and industrial work. Richards Sheet Metal Works Incorporated has been a long standing business in the Ogden area. We take pride in where our business started and the progress we have made. We are a Hi-Tech fabrication shop, which works with precision, great integrity, and outstanding quality.