Company History

Commercial Sheet Metal's (CSM) history began back in 1917 when Bill Gardener started a sheet metal shop in a small community in the west central San Joaquin Valley of California. Bill's father John worked along side him as they built storage tanks for Standard Oil. In addition, CSM built metal fabricated goods for the farm and dairy industry in their local area.

After World War I and business began to slow down, Bill made a decision to move the business to Western Avenue in central Los Angeles, California. During this period, Bill doubled as an instructor of sheet metal fabrication at Lincoln High School. In 1925 CSM moved to 1918 south San Pedro Street in what was then the industrial sector of Los Angeles. In 1932 CSM moved to its current address of 1800 South San Pedro Street.

Bill Gardener and his wife Georgia had two sons and a daughter, Jack, Lynn and Virginia. After World War II, Bill and Georgia's children took over the rains of CSM as the third generation. During the following years, Commercial Sheet Metal began to grow by investing in related real estate and larger equipment to meet the demands of the thriving Los Angeles area. CSM invested in larger shears and press brakes to handle heavier steel, which was being used to build the skyscrapers of Los Angeles.

CSM's expansion continued as they met the growing demands of the metal fabrication industry and their customers. CSM took on many new and diverse challenging projects in the food processing, military, aerospace, shipbuilding and petrochemical industries. Throughout the growth of CSM our motto was and is "Service with Quality."

In the mid 1970's Jim Gardener, Jack's son graduated from college and began to undertake all facets of Commercial Sheet Metal. In the 1980's, CSM changed its name to CSM Metal Fabricating and Engineering and developed many new features including an outside sales program. The growth of CSM has been steady throughout the 90 years of business. CSM's longevity is credited to its exceptional employee's professionalism, product knowledge and flexibility in the industry.

After nearly 90 years and the beginning of our fifth generation of family employees, CSM is poised for an active future. CSM realizes that the future will be a time of further change and the employees of CSM eagerly look forward to meeting the growing needs. CSM is pleased to remain in Southern California and believes our location is a key element to CSM's longevity. CSM Metal Fabricating and Engineering is proud of its history and strives to continue its excellence in the future.