Hammer Concepts and Designs, a manufacturer of drag racing suspension components and chassis builder tooling, is expanding into local metal fabrication and finishing services.
Through a new operating division, Hammer Metalworks and Coatings, Hammer Concepts and Designs is supporting the expansion with an investment in a Titan Abrasive Systems blast room that will bring surface preparation in-house and provide capacity for outside customer projects.
The expansion follows Hammer’s relocation to a larger commercial facility, where the company is bringing previously outsourced production processes under one roof. For owner and CEO Brian Hamm, the move addresses two priorities: gaining greater control over production and building a more diversified business.
Hammer’s racing business will remain central to the operation. The Titan blast room, which measures 15' W x 10' H x 25' L and features a mechanical recovery system, will prepare the company’s own racing components and chassis builder tooling for powder coating, while also supporting work accepted through Hammer Metalworks and Coatings.
Bringing those capabilities in-house addresses challenges Hammer experienced with outside blasting and coating providers, including quality issues and scheduling delays. Some providers performed blasting outdoors or in partially sheltered areas, making production dependent on the weather. An enclosed blast room will allow Hammer to prepare parts indoors and coordinate that work with its other manufacturing and finishing operations.
“We wanted to bring these processes under our own roof,” said Hamm. “The advantages we were looking for were profitability, controlling production timelines, and quality -- all things we had experienced issues with in the past.”
Incorporating the blast room into the facility initially presented a space challenge. Working with Titan’s team on engineering drawings and equipment placement, Hammer developed a layout that accommodates the room while maintaining production flow. Installation is pending, and the concrete pit is complete in preparation for the assembly crew.
Beyond meeting its immediate production requirements, Hammer wanted a system that could support the new division’s growth. The company selected a blast room larger than its current needs, along with compressor and air storage capacity intended to accommodate a broader range of projects.
“The room we chose far exceeds what we currently need,” Hamm said. “Being a new job shop, I don’t know what’s going to come through our doors. What I didn’t want to do was immediately take us out of the running for future jobs.”
Founded in 2020 and based in Clarksville, Tennessee, Hammer Concepts and Designs manufactures drag racing suspension components and chassis builder tooling for customers worldwide. Its Hammer Metalworks and Coatings division is being developed to provide metal fabrication and finishing services for the parent business and outside customers. Visit https://hammerconceptsanddesigns.com/ and https://www.hammermetalworksandcoatings.com.
Founded in 1953, Titan Abrasive Systems designs and manufactures surface preparation, surface finishing, and abrasive blasting equipment at an affordable price. Titan sells directly to customers, helping reduce equipment purchasing costs. Its customer base includes GE Aviation, the United States Army, and Lockheed Martin, as well as small businesses nationwide across a wide range of industries. Visit https://www.titanabrasive.com/.
