Bridging the art world and metal fabrication

By Dani Sheehan. 

Whether it’s designing a custom facade or solving a unique fabrication challenge, American Metalcraft helps bring your vision to life. 

When Holly Gotfredson talks about her background in the art world and residential/commercial real estate, it may seem like an unlikely transition into the metal fabrication industry. The president and owner of American Metalcraft and Finishing Dynamics, Holly has spent years finding common threads between her diverse experiences, including attention to detail, an appreciation for design and a passion for creativity, that shape how both companies operate under her leadership.  

American Metalcraft offers a unique advantage compared to other fabricators: the ability to handle every step of the process in one building. “We do design assist, engineering, finishing and fabrication all in-house,” Holly explained in a recent interview. “Most fabricators don’t have that capacity, especially when it comes to extrusion coating or PVDF – also known as Kynar paint lines.” 

But at the heart of its operation is American Metalcraft’s ability to fill small to large quantities and custom orders. Holly shared, “We don’t sell widgets or anything off the shelf. Everything is custom-made for the projects it’s specified for.” This emphasis on tailored solutions gives them a competitive edge working with architects and designers. “[The design community] will call and say, ‘Hey, we know you are the solid aluminum plate experts, can you help us? We're looking at, you know, XY and Z for a facade and we need sunshades.’ And of course, we're more than happy to help.” 

They don’t fabricate coil, but Holly explains, “Coil typically requires a minimum order of 5,000 to 8,000 square feet to get one color, and that’s a lot of square footage, especially if you just need three replacement panels.” They’re able to color match the coils and provide a solution that’s post-fabrication finished. This approach not only addresses practical needs for their customers but also allows them to deliver superior quality. Offering post-fabrication finishes reduces the risk of exposed edges oxidizing and their materials are typically thicker than coil, reducing the need for additional stiffeners on larger panels. 

Every job also undergoes rigorous testing to ensure durability and compliance with industry standards. “We do AAMA [American Architectural Manufacturers Association] testing as part of quality control at the end of the paint line,” Holly noted. “For every job, we create lab panels that go through thermal tests, acid tests, mortar test, pencil hardness tests and more.” A spectrometer ensures uniform paint thickness. This attention to detail is another way they stand out in the industry. 

Holly’s artistic background really shines through her leadership. American Metalcraft is not only a metal fabrication shop, but a partner in creating innovative, high-quality solutions for its customers that blend form and function. From filling all size, custom orders to collaborating with the design community, the company continues to forge a path defined by creativity, precision and exceptional service.