Rock Run Industries proudly partners with industry leaders such as Thor Motor Coach, Forest River, Grand Design RV, and Brinkley RV. Rock Run has established strong, lasting relationships with these renowned brands by delivering top-quality components and custom fabrication.
The Rock Run journey began humbly in 2001 in a 2 ½ car garage, where founder Fritz Schlabach combined his passion for fabrication and his desire to serve the local community. Initially named Rock Run Repair, the company began as a small-scale operation with a bandsaw, drill press, and welder. Fritz’s vision to create something more substantial than a hobby shop materialized as the demand for high-quality, custom fabrication grew. Balancing a full-time job as a group leader in an RV factory with running Rock Run, Fritz’s operation grew until a pivotal moment came in 2007—Fritz decided to turn Rock Run into a full-time business.
By 2007, Rock Run Industries had moved into a newly constructed 60’ x 120’ building that began a new era, enabling them to expand their services and capabilities. With the addition of key equipment, such as a shear, press brake, and CNC plasma cutter, the company began its journey into RV part production—a sector that became the foundation of its business.
Through consistent investments in advanced equipment, such as a C02 laser in 2015, Rock Run continued to grow. Today, the company boasts six facility expansions and a team of over 100 employees. In 2021, the acquisition of Trailside Steel Solutions allowed Rock Run to secure a reliable steel source while supporting the local community.
From these beginnings, Rock Run Industries has grown into a leading contract manufacturer, with additional expansions into cabinetry and steel solutions, ensuring a stable future across multiple sectors.
Leadership Profile
Fritz Schlabach, founder and owner of Rock Run Industries, attributes the company’s success to hard work, responsibility, and a community-driven mindset. Raised on a hog farm, Fritz learned the value of dedication and perseverance at a young age. Those traits carry over to his leadership style that prioritizes his employees and customers in every decision.
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“Great things happen when you combine great people with great equipment,” says Schlabach, a testament to his leadership approach that centers on collaboration, trust, and investment in people.
This commitment to shared success between leadership and employees has allowed Rock Run to thrive and maintain an above-industry-standard retention rate. Nearly all new employees come through word-of-mouth referrals, a testament to the strong workplace culture they've built. When hiring, the Rock Run leadership team looks for individuals with ambition and strong mathematical aptitude. They carefully review candidates' previous work experience, focusing on why they left their last position and how they performed while there.
“Our employees know that ownership cares, from the generous Christmas gifts to the pay structure. No system is implemented without answering the question: ‘How will this affect the employees?’ Using this common sense thinking daily makes Rock Run an attractive workplace,” adds Brandon Esh, Marketing Manager.
This approach ensures that Rock Run's team is made up of hardworking, dedicated individuals who contribute to the company’s ongoing success.
