It’s no secret that Ennis, Texas has become a hotspot for new and expanding businesses including Freshpet, Benoit and many others. As our Economic Development Director, Jim Wehmeier, continues to meet with new and existing business owners, he often gets a glimpse into how their companies were started and why they chose the community of Ennis.
Today we are sharing the entrepreneurial story of 38-year-old Cole Morgan, the President of Americase Fabrication and Construction LLC (AFC).
AFC is a custom manufacturer of precision laser cut and formed parts that also specializes in miscellaneous metal fabrication, railings, platforms, awnings, catwalks, structural steel, and equipment skids. AFC Solar is a tier one subcontractor concentrating in solar carport, parking garage and <5MW commercial jobs nationwide. They are standing out among competitors as the only turn-key company that handles everything from production to installation.
Cole, an Ellis County native, graduated from Waxahachie High School in 2001 and went on to pursue his BS in Industrial Engineering from Texas Tech University and later his Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas in Arlington. He started his career as the owner/founder of a galvanizing company in West Texas.
In 2017, AFC had its humble beginning in a 3,000 sqft shop with 3 employees in Ennis partnering with Americase, LLC a specialty aluminum container manufacturer based in Waxahachie. After a short 15 months the business expanded to a 10,000 sqft shop in Waxahachie, Texas. Only two years later Cole contacted Jim, the Ennis Economic Development Director, to discuss the need for further expansion. Working closely together, they were able to quickly locate the perfect location with room for growth in Ennis at 1804 Jack McKay Blvd. The current facility is 75,000 sqft and 10 acres of property with 40 production employees and 35 employees in the field doing installations. During a tour of the facility, Cole shared with us projects in the works for local Texas hospitals and schools along with a large project for Chewy, Verizon and Google Inc, all being produced right here in Ennis, Texas.
Since 2017 sales have doubled year over year and the company is looking to hire welders, machine operators and erectors to keep up with continued growth. The company pays competitive wages and stands out from competitors by implementing a four-day 10-hour shift schedule to allow all employees to have a three-day weekend.
“I've thoroughly enjoyed working with Cole to bring AFC back home to Ennis where they belong. AFC has experienced fantastic growth under his leadership and I have absolutely no doubt that their growth will continue. AFC under Cole is a great example of “entrepreneurial spirit” making a true community impact.” – Jim Wehmeier, Economic Development Director
“Without the assistance of Jim, AFC would not have found and purchased the property at 1804 Jack McKay. We owe him a debt of gratitude for doing his part in assisting us as we continue to grow the two companies.”—Cole Morgan, President of AFC
For more information on Ennis Economic Development visit https://ennistx.com or contact the Director of Economic Development, Jim Wehmeier at 972-878-4748 Ext. 2806.
For more information about Americase Fabrication and Construction, LLC including career opportunities, visit afc-llc.com.