Clearwater‑based Hammer Haag Steel Inc., a family‑owned steel fabrication business founded in 2011, is moving forward with a major expansion in Largo. The company plans to build an approximately 227,700‑square‑foot industrial complex at 2063 20th Avenue SE, slated to begin operations in the summer of 2027.
Local talent and community roots drive the decision
President Constantin Haag said the choice to reinvest locally was straightforward. “We started the company here,” Haag explained. “We’ve got an amazing talent pool of employees that work here. They live here in Pinellas County and I think moving anywhere else would just disrupt that.” The new site will keep the workforce close to home, preserving families and supporting the region’s economic stability.
Facility details and capacity boost
The planned complex will include roughly 176,000 square feet of manufacturing space, a 29,000‑square‑foot warehouse for machining operations, and about 22,000 square feet of office space for administrative, engineering, operations and support staff. Hammer Haag currently moves between 800 and 1,200 tons of steel each month; the expanded flow line will accommodate that volume and enable the company to pursue more complex projects in‑house.
Company leaders estimate the expansion will roughly triple current production capacity, allowing Hammer Haag to meet growing customer demand and to take on larger, heavier steel products.
Job creation and American manufacturing
Haag anticipates hiring “a couple hundred more people” at the new facility. “I think manufacturing in the U.S. is coming back pretty strong right now and I don’t think it’s going anywhere for a long time,” he said, emphasizing the company’s commitment to American industry for the long haul.
The project also promises to nurture the next generation of welders, fitters and other skilled tradespeople. “It’s going to be a great opportunity to not only have this manufacturing space, but also help generate the next generation of welders and fitters and American manufacturers,” Haag added.
County support and economic impact
Pinellas County Economic Development Director Dr. Cynthia Johnson praised the partnership, noting that matching Hammer Haag with the right property was critical to keeping a “fantastic employer” in the community. She highlighted the expansion’s potential to translate directly into good jobs and long‑term economic growth for Pinellas County.
The existing Clearwater facility will remain operational, though with a smaller crew, ensuring continuity of service while the new Largo site scales up production.
Looking ahead
Demolition of the former site is already underway, and a site plan is expected in the coming weeks. With construction slated to begin later this year, the community can look forward to a modern manufacturing hub that reinforces local employment, supports American industry, and strengthens Pinellas County’s economic future.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
