T. Bruce Sales, a West Middlesex-based fabricator, has recently joined the Lawrence Mercer Manufacturers Coalition (LMMC), strengthening the group’s efforts to build a more prepared and connected manufacturing workforce in the region.
Established in 1946, the second-generation, family-owned company specializes in custom steel fabrication, machining, blasting, painting, reverse engineering and welding inspections. With more than 75 years of experience helping local and national customers, the company brings not only technical expertise but a deep-rooted commitment to workforce development and community.
Collaboration for Workforce Solutions
That commitment makes T. Bruce Sales a natural fit for LMMC, whose mission is to unite manufacturers, educators and community partners to address shared workforce challenges. President Jeff Hogue said aligning with like-minded peers was part of the appeal.
“Chris and George (Becker) over at G.W. Becker encouraged us to get involved,” said Hogue. “It had been on my radar, and I realized it was time to take that step. It’s important.”
Like many manufacturers in the region, T. Bruce Sales faces challenges in filling skilled positions, particularly with younger generations who aren’t always aware of trade career opportunities.
“If someone’s willing to learn, we’ll teach them” Hogue said. That’s how I came up—working hard and learning on the job.”
Senior Project Manager Jeff O’Hara noted that LMMC’s focus on collaboration also opens doors for employers to share ideas and improve how they recruit and retain talent.
“I personally like to be able to get more networking out there, to be able to bring in talented people,” O’Hara said.
Family Values Shape the Company’s Legacy
Family values have always been a cornerstone at T. Bruce Sales. In a nod to its roots, the company renamed the road where its plant is located “Scotty Campbell Way,” paying tribute to the Campbell family, who were instrumental in the company’s growth and community presence over the decades.
Supporting Youth and Building the Future Workforce
The company maintains strong relationships with local training institutions and its union, offering in-house training and apprenticeships where possible. It is also an active supporter of youth career awareness programs like “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing,” recently partnering with West Middlesex Jr/Sr High School to help raise awareness about modern manufacturing careers.
With strong local roots, a passion for the skilled trades and a forward-thinking approach to education and workforce development, T. Bruce Sales is a welcome addition to the coalition of manufacturers working to reshape the future of industry in Lawrence and Mercer counties.
