GETTYSBURG—Chris Thompson has spent his career putting things together and now the welder is crafting a business built on creativity, talent and iron and steel.
His growing company, Thompson Welding and Fabrication LLC, is his latest project.
“I’ve been a welder for over 22 years,” Thompson said. “I’ve traveled all over the country learning different styles of the industry, including chemical, gas, power plants and food production.
Recently, Thompson began a side hustle that allows him to bring creativity to his craft, going beyond commercial and industrial welding to custom metal fabrication, including signage, fire pits, racks, stair railings and more.
“I really like doing custom stuff because it makes you use your brain,” he explained. “You put so much thought into it. You may not get it on the first shot, so you may have to go back to the drawing board and put more thought into it.”
He toils away on weld repair, handrail fabrication, industrial piping and more.
Thompson said right now, he works from home while he builds his shop.
“My vision has continued to grow into an evolving business which now includes a CNC plasma machine and powder coating set up,” he said. “I continue to improve my skill and bring in new equipment in an effort to grow my business.”
He said he accepts commercial and industrial work, as well as the special custom items people see on home and garden design shows.
“I get a lot of custom work where I make a one-of-a-kind thing that nobody else has,” he said.
Thompson is based in Mt. Joy Township, Adams County, where he lives with his wife, Brianna, and their three children, but serves the Waynesboro area and will deliver completed items within a 50-mile radius.
When he’s not working his full-time job or focused on his business, Thompson can be found coaching youth sports.
His work can be found online or on Facebook or contact him at thompsonweldnfab@gmail.com.
Thompson said the benefit of starting his own business isn’t just in the projects he completes, but the new friends he meets.
“When you have your own business, you do customer service,” he said. “I like making those connections with people.”
