At Global Metal Finishing, we’ve built our reputation on quality, grit, and the unwavering belief that every challenge is an opportunity. But this attention to detail and level of expertise didn’t happen overnight. In fact, it’s been nearly four decades in the making. 

Allow us to walk you through the evolution of GMF, from our humble beginnings in founder and CEO Tamea Franco’s basement (yes, really!) to the thriving three-building operation we are today.

The Birth of GMF: From Watchmaking to Metal Finishing

Global Metal Finishing started with an idea.

Tamea began her career in watchmaking, attending the Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking in Queens, New York. Her precision and eye for detail prompted a career shift, and she transitioned from repairing watches to crafting luxury goods for jewelry manufacturers. This change brought her to Roanoke, Virginia, the birthplace and home of GMF!

It wasn’t long before she discovered a different passion within the world of metals—the electrochemical process known as anodizing. Tamea became fascinated with the techniques involved with anodized aluminum, and soon, this passion sparked the creation of her own business. 

Early Days: A Small Basement Startup with Big Aspirations

Like many successful business ventures, GMF started small and (quite literally) underground, in the basement of Tamea’s home. Armed with little more than pre-anodized aluminum sheets and a deep understanding of the anodizing process, Tamea traveled the country teaching others how to work with metal. She trekked from one city to the next, running insightful lectures for only $25 before selling thousands of dollars worth of aluminum products following each workshop. Tamea looks back on this time fondly; it was challenging, but it gave her the opportunity to connect with individuals and businesses seeking metal finishing services. 

As Tamea’s business gained momentum, it became evident that working out of her home wasn’t sustainable. Business was increasing faster than her square footage could allow for, and the round-the-clock schedule she maintained could have led to burnout if left unchecked. She took the leap and moved into a small facility, where she could separate her workplace from her home life and allow her business to reach new heights. 

A New Direction: Industrial and Defense Metal Finishing

Tamea’s first major step into the industrial side of anodizing came when a large customer took a chance on her. At the time, her business focused on artistic anodizing, but she didn’t back down from the challenge, as she quickly adapted to meet this customer’s highly technical requirements. Somewhat to her surprise, Tamea found this industrial work to be exhilarating, and that project unlocked a new world of opportunity! This experience was pivotal in GMF’s eventual evolution into a full-fledged commercial metal finisher. 

Another defining moment in GMF’s growth was our involvement in a government-backed defense project during the Iraq War. A company developing ground-penetrating radar systems turned to GMF for anodizing and other critical finishing services. That project not only served a critical function in detecting improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and saving lives, but it also solidified GMF’s role as a trusted partner to defense contractors. 

Growth Fueled by Innovation—and a Rototiller!

As GMF’s capabilities grew, so did the need for space. We eventually outgrew our original location and expanded over time into the three buildings we operate from today.

But, as the entire GMF team knows, growth doesn’t come without sacrifice. In a moment that has since become part of our company’s lore, Tamea sold her beloved Troy-Bilt rototiller to fund the purchase of essential equipment for the business. It was a meaningful sacrifice, and one she still brings up nostalgically. 

Expanding Capabilities and Adding Certifications

As our company grew, so did our list of certifications and capabilities. Over the years, GMF has earned several industry-recognized accreditations, including:

• ISO certification
• AS9100 certification
• ITAR registration
• Nadcap accreditation 
• FFL licensed

Alongside these milestones, we expanded our offerings beyond anodizing to include a wider range of services since our inception. These include passivation of stainless steel, chromate conversion coating for aluminum, and a variety of custom services. Every new service we’ve added is driven by customer demand and our never-ending commitment to continuous improvement. We are at the final stages of now being able to offer our customers:

• Paint/primer services
• Electroless Nickel Plating
• Dry Film Lubrication
• Laser Engraving
• Cerakote

Today’s GMF: Modern and Cutting-Edge, but Constantly Evolving

While our roots are humble, today we serve as a leading metal finisher trusted across industries, from aerospace and defense to medical and commercial manufacturing. Operating out of a state-of-the-art facility, our team provides best-in-class metal finishing services that meet the most demanding specifications. We’ve invested heavily in our in-house lab capabilities and added new testing equipment, all while continuing to train our staff to ensure every part that leaves our facility meets the highest standards. 

Even after these decades of growth, Global Metal Finishing is always looking ahead. We’re constantly evaluating new technologies and expanding our certifications. As a top-notch metal finisher, it’s our responsibility not just to deliver superior finishes, but to anticipate the evolving needs of manufacturers in this ever-changing industry. 

Ready to work with a metal finisher who understands where you’re coming from and where you’re going next? Contact us today to get started!