In a survey of industry fabricators taken the end of last year, most companies indicated that they plan to expand, one way or the other.

Eugene Negrin, owner The Galaxy Organization, a Fairfield, N.J., based specialty fabricator and supplier, reported that there is still "a strong market for the products that I've got, and we have a strong market plan."

Galaxy's Negrin explained that his company is expanding its fabrication capabilities and expanding the space to hold inventory for products it distributes. The owner describes the company as a single source supplier for glass, mirror, and stone products. Having weathered the last economic downturn, Negrin made the decision to diversify as much as possible. "We do laminating, shower doors, metal, and stone," he points out. A lot of the product from overseas that he stocks is used for is own fabrication purposes. With business being so good, the amount of material he stocks has grown, and because he also wants to add some additional fabrication equipment, the decision has been made to stay at his current location and find another spot for the inventory. It wasn't an easy decision. "There's a bull market for real estate in this area," he states.

Also citing a lack of qualified, skilled labor, Galaxy's Negrin says that his company will " invest in equipment, become more efficient in the use of equipment, and make storage and distribution more efficient." He also says that he will keep investing in the business to ensure future profitability, and "equipment is a large part of that." But Galaxy is not just counting on equipment either. It is upgrading its employees in terms of their skills, Negrin points out. "We're constantly reinvesting ourselves," he adds. Another point he makes is that because his operation is bulging at the seams there is no more room at present for additional people to work.