When Discovery Channel calls to ask if they can come to your place of business and film an episode of “How It’s Made”, you can be certain you have an innovative business concept! That’s exactly what happened to Jim Czerwinski, owner of Magnum Steel Works, Inc. The company drew national attention when they expanded their cutting-edge metal fabrication and machine business in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Jim Czerwinski opened Magnum Steel Works, Inc. in 2005 when he saw renewed development of coal mining in the local area and wanted to fulfill the need for a mining equipment facility that could repair and rebuild equipment locally. Starting with modest equipment and just three employees, Magnum Steel Works, Inc. has experienced rapid growth in the years since its inception, and with growth comes the need for additional employees, a larger facility and state-of-the-art equipment.

Steve Lindsey of Growth Corp and Chris Howton of People’s National Bank worked together in providing 504 financing for the purchase of the company’s new equipment. “Our expansion has provided us with the ability to bring in a new line of mining equipment for repair and rebuild. We are one of the only facilities in the country that can house this equipment”, Czerwinski said. In June, Discovery Science Channel was on-site to film the process one piece of machinery takes as it goes through their facility. The episode is expected to air this winter.

With recent accolades such as the 2012 Progress Award recipient and the 2012 Small Business Man of the Year, Czerwinski is definitely leading his company in the right direction. And with an increase in the number of employees to 65 and growing, Magnum Steel Works, Inc. is a great example of the investment and job creation potential of the 504 Loan Program.