Pacific Architectural Metals Elevates Capabilities with HACO
Pacific Architectural Metals, a Seattle-based OMWBE/DMB-certified fabrication shop, has transformed from a straightforward sheet metal operation into a shop taking on complex architectural and structural projects — driven by a single investment in HACO press brake and shear technology.
We had a chat with them to learn more about their collaboration with HACO.
The company originally operated as Pacific Sheet Metal, running a 600-ton Cincinnati press brake that was powerful but imprecise — no digital interface, constant test bends, endless guesswork. When Owner James Reinhardt decided to change direction, the equipment had to change too. In June 2021 the shop installed a HACO SynchroMaster (36225/225 12 10) Press Brake with EASYBEND control and an HSLX Shear (HSLX 3006/10 by ¼) with SC100T control.
So much changed that the company renamed itself. Pacific Architectural Metals — a reflection of the architectural and structural work the new capabilities unlocked.
A New Kind of Work
The 8-person shop now runs 200–300 jobs per year across food service, architectural cladding, aerospace, marine, and infrastructure markets — including stainless steel countertops for Ben & Jerry's, along with work for SpaceX, the Space Needle, and bridge fabricators.
"We used to do flashing and coping — straightforward stuff," said James Reinhardt, Owner of Pacific Architectural Metals. "Now we're doing stainless steel countertops, wide flange beams, interior architectural cladding. That shift happened because this machine can do things our old equipment couldn't touch."
A Weekend That Only the HACO Could Save
That kind of capability was put to the test on a Friday when a hospital complex needed a single-piece stainless steel backsplash with double-return integrated front edges for a new treatment wing. It was 104°F that weekend. Patient care was scheduled to begin Monday morning.
The Cincinnati couldn't produce a seamless one-piece part — the HACO SynchroMaster could, and did.
"Only the HACO could have saved that deadline," Reinhardt said.
Precision That Beats the Rest
That kind of precision isn't limited to one hero job — Reinhardt credits EASYBEND with delivering accuracy that exceeds expectations even compared to their current CAD software.
"The HACO is more accurate than our CAD software — that's not an exaggeration," he added. "It's really accurate, and it just repeats perfectly. Parts come out identical every single time."
EASYBEND's intuitive control proved accessible to every operator on the floor, including team members who are not comfortable with computers. The HSLX shear, acquired alongside the press brake, has been equally dependable. "It just works. Every time. Can't ask for more than that."
Choosing HACO: Trusting the Right Advice
Selecting a press brake was unfamiliar territory for Reinhardt. A friend gave him a simple framework: "There's no Amazon review for a press brake — what really matters is how fast someone can fix it when you need them."
That advice led Reinhardt to ask his independent repair technician, Mike, who recommended Atlantic Machinery — now HACO USA.
"We nailed it," he said.
The decision held up past the purchase. Reinhardt points to the installation and ongoing support as proof the choice was right — a smooth, well-run rig job followed by responsive local service whenever a question comes up.
For Reinhardt, the machine did exactly what he needed it to do — and the shop has kept growing into more complex, higher-stakes work ever since.
About Pacific Architectural Metals: Pacific Architectural Metals is an OMWBE/DMB-certified fabrication shop based in Seattle, WA, specializing in architectural cladding, stainless steel fabrication, structural components, and custom metalwork for commercial, marine, and infrastructure projects.
About HACO: HACO is a global leader in sheet metal working machinery, providing innovative solutions and local support to manufacturers worldwide.